January 9th, 2010 — 4 Stars, ARC, Dukes and Earls, Erotica, Guest Reviews, Historic America, Love Triangle, Magic Users, Mystery, P-R, Paranormal, Revenge, United States of America, Widow or Widower
by Susan S., guest reviewer
Sex and Subterfuge is a compelling novella with likeable characters, palpable emotions, and a great plot.
This is book two in Roman’s- The Dark Desires of the Druids series.
Does it stand alone? Yes. Although, if you read its predecessor Murder and Magick, you’ll learn the events which cause Lucien to flee England. Sex and Subterfuge has brief references to characters from book one: Isadore, Raven, Mac, Corwin, Gareth and Beckett. But, the author does a nice job of explaining their character roles.
Note: The hero Lucien Harrington (Earl of Granville) was also in book one.
Recommendations: Do you like jealous heroes and love triangles? How about sizzling sexual encounters atop of dining room furniture? If you answered yes to either question, you’re going to love this novella. I’m also recommending it, if you enjoy reading paranormal romance, historical, or erotica.
If you’ll remember in Murder and Magick the setting was in England. Well welcome to America! The setting in Sex and Subterfuge takes place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
It’s been more than 130 years since the magickers from Europe and the American magickers have been in contact. So why the devil is Lucien in America! That’s precisely what the heroine (Morgana Blackthorne) intends to find out. When Lucien tells Morgana there are rogue magickers in “her” American community, she is adamant that there isn’t. Until her visions indicate danger of a murderous kind.
Should she trust this new Englishman and give in to her lustful emotions? Or, will she face the danger alone and send this hot Earl packing?
When reading a story, I can usually pick out “one” main character that appeals to me. Usually. In Roman’s novella though, I loved not one, but “three” equally.
Morgana: Is a strong powerful Master with a responsibility to protect her people. Yet, she has moments of weakness and vulnerability.
Lucien: He’s a tall, blond- haired, blue-eyed Englishman; with one “wicked” magickal affinity. Loved him!
James Blackthorne: Gosh, I loved him too! He’s Morgana’s cousin. I found it touching how he protects and looks after her.
The novella didn’t garner five stars for one reason only. I felt the novella should’ve been fleshed out more. Book one gave us blood magick oaths and ancient words of healing. I wanted more of the same in Sex and Subterfuge, and was disappointed when a New Moon Ritual was mentioned, but not described.
The Dark Desires of the Druids is a wonderful series. It’s my intent to read “all” of the remaining books within this series.
Books three and four are currently available for your reading pleasure. Desert and Destiny is the third; Temptations and Treachery is the fourth.
4 Star Rating
Buy: The Dark Desires of the Druids II: Sex and Subterfuge
Erotic Romance, Historical, Paranormal, Ravenous Romance, Fantastica Publication, Copyright 2009, eBook Novella, pages 160.
ISBN# 978-1-60777-107-4.
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October 1st, 2009 — News
Happy October everyone! Let’s take a glance at the whirlwind that was last month! LRP saw 8 guest bloggers share 11 articles. I went on a mini blog tour for my birthday stopping off at talking with everyone at Babbling About Books and More, Desert Island Keepers, Smexy Books, and Medieval Bookworm. I also guest blogged with Isabel Roman and Book Thingo. Thank you for having me! I had so much fun!
September also saw many contests and I would like to take a moment to thank Danielle Jackson and Sourcebooks for putting it all together for the readers of my blog. Also, Susan who put together a second guess the author contest. It’s much appreciated!
September's 11 Most Commented Posts:
Guest Bloggers:
Author Interviews:
Guest Book Reviews:
Between the Sheets:
Movie Reviews:
Polls:
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September 20th, 2009 — About, Between the Sheets, Guest Blogger
by Susan Sigler, guest blogger
I’d like to take a moment to applaud the following publishers. Not only do they publish the greatest books ever, but they offer wonderful discounts, sponsor contests, most keep up blogs, and many have Yahoo groups. It goes without saying, authors work extremely hard to bring us beautiful stories with their imaginative plots, but credit should be given to those behind the scenes to publish the author’s vision. So without further ado, here are ten publishing sites I visit regularly. I hope many of you will visit, and it’s my wish you will win their contests or find new authors that peak your interest.
Publisher #1 St. Martin’s Press
http://us.macmillan.com/SMP.aspx
2 of their authors- Sherrilyn Kenyon and Cherry Adair.
Publisher #2 Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
http://samhainpublishing.com/index.php
Samhain has monthly ebook and print contests.
Publisher #3 Sourcebooks, Inc.
http://www.sourcebooks.com/
Sourcebooks has special offers and great discounts, beautiful Jane Austen E-cards to send to friends and family. They also have authors Amelia Grey, Carolyn Brown, and others.
Publisher #4 Ravenous Romance has a free short story, discounted books and audio books. Two of their many authors- Isabel Roman and Cecilia Tan.
http://www.ravenousromance.com/
Publisher #5 Harlequin has publishers like Mills & Boon, Harlequin, Silhouette, MIRA, and Steeple Hill. Harlequin offers Free Book Fridays and gave us 16 free books to celebrate Harlequin’s 60th anniversary, aren’t they divine?
http://www.eharlequin.com/
Publisher #6 Loose-Id is an erotic romance e-publisher With authors like Cheryl Dragon, Marie Harte, Ann Lory and Moira Rogers, is it any wonder we love them.
http://www.loose-id.com/
Publisher #7 Kensington Publishing Corp. they have contests. Listen to these authors: Delta Dupree, Heather Graham, Devyn Quinn, Lynsay Sands, and Sasha White.
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/
Publisher #8 Ellora’s Cave has free short story reads and authors like Jaci Burton, Tracy Cooper-Posey, and Marie Treanor.
http://www.ellorascave.com/
Publisher #9 The Wild Rose Press has free reads and the author J.L. Wilson.
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/
Publisher #10 Hachette Book Group (HBG) has approximately 9 publishing groups with links to contests you can enter. One of the authors they publish for is Jennifer Haymore, remember A Hint of Wicked? If you enjoyed it, thank HBG.
http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/
This is not a comprehensive list it’s a summary, there are many other publishers I’m not familiar with and therefore didn’t mention. Please note, due to limited space and time constraints, I did not name the many hundreds upon hundreds of authors they publish. I simply made reference to my favorites, and the ones I believe you’d recognize upon reading.
If you can enlighten me with other publishers, by all means tell me. I’d love to hear about them.
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September 6th, 2009 — News, Poll
Today I'm over at Isabel Roman's blog talking about the The Perfect Romance Hero. In the post I listed 10 items that I think make up a fabulous hero. Be sure to drop by and leave a comment!
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Thanks for having me Isabel!
Photo Credits: neiljs
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August 12th, 2009 — Contests
Thanks to all those who commented and emailed. Susan did such a great job pulling this contest together. The questions were really tough! But now it’s time to reveal the winners and the answers! Hold your breath… the winners are:
- Lady Vampire with 10 right.
- Rigoberto Sanchez with 7 right.
Congratulations! Be on the lookout for an email from me. Lady Vampire you get first pick of the books and the remaining book will go to Rigoberto Sanchez.
Author #1: Julie Garwood
Author #2: Tracy Cooper-Posey
Author #3: Jennifer Haymore
Author #4: Isabel Roman
Author #5: Kerrelyn Sparks
Author #6: Rebecca Hagan Lee “A Hint of Heather”
Author #7: Marie Harte “In Plain Sight”
Author #8: Sherrilyn Kenyon (Dream Hunter /Dark Hunter)
Author #9: Jenna Mills “The Perfect Target”
Author #10: Judi Fennell “In Over Her Head”
Author #11: Diane Gaston
Author #12: Janice Jay Johnson “SnowBound”
Author #13: Nora Roberts
Author #14: P.C. Cast “Goddess of Spring”
Author #15: Lynsay Sands
Author #16: Devyn Quinn
Author #17: Kimber Chin “Selling Forever”
Author #18: Nina Bruhns “Ghost of a Chance”
Author #19: Donna Lea Simpson
Author #20: Gena Showalter “Playing with Fire”
There you have it! How well did you do? Which ones did you get right and which ones were a complete surprise?
Are you ready for a round two yet? lol 
Many thanks go out to Susan S. for sponsoring this contest! It's been such a blast!
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August 3rd, 2009 — A-C, G-I, Guest Blogger, Historic America, M-O, P-R, Time Travel, V-Z, Wartime
by Susan Macatee, guest blogger
Thanks Keira and Love Romance Passion for having me (and the rest of the Victorians) here today! Why did I join this anthology? I guess you could say, since I already write Civil War romance and love the period, I couldn't resist an invite to be part of a Civil War anthology with my Victorian writer friends. 
Reenactment plays a big part in your time travel story.
What inspired that?
Susan Macatee: My love of the Civil War period was inspired by my ten + years spent as a Civil War reenactor for the 28th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment based in Philadelphia. I use a lot that I learned about history as a reenactor to craft all my stories.
But Angel of My Dreams, in particular, grew from my actual experiences at reenactments. Since I reenact as a civilian, I had to pick my husband’s brain for most of the military reenactor’s details, but I also learned a lot from just watching the men on the field and in camp and listening to their stories.
For instance, I had scene where my reenactor hero steps into a hole in the field and twists his ankle. Well, the idea for this came from when my husband was warning my son that if a man ahead of you yells, “Hole,” watch where you step. It’s a warning that a literal hole in the ground is coming up. An unaware man could not only twist his ankle, but break it. Of course, my hero is a bit distracted and doesn’t heed the warning in time.
Other details in this story came from my actual experiences at reenactments; the atmosphere, dealing with spectators, and other little things that outsiders wouldn’t know.
In truth, Angel of My Dreams, was one of the easiest stories I’ve ever written. I felt like I’d been given a gift. And surprisingly, it required no revision and minimal editing, unlike my other stories. LOL.
The writer’s advice to ‘write what you know’ surely did apply with this story.
Excerpt from Angel of My Dreams:
“Where am I?”
“Shh.” She placed a finger on his lips. The scent of lavender invaded his senses.
He frowned when he realized he was lying on a cot wearing his reenactor clothing. Had he dreamed he’d come home?
“The doctor says you’ll be fine. He dug out the bullet and stitched up your leg.”
“My leg?” Kyle reached down. His pant’s leg had been cut apart at the seam. Heavy bandages wrapped around his thigh.
“This doesn’t make any sense. I twisted my ankle. It’s fine now.”
She took his hand and stroked his forehead. Her touch sent warmth and desire through his body.
“I have to know...” He swallowed. “...your name.”
She smiled. “You haven’t forgotten me already?”
“I...you never told me.”
“Of course I did.”
She leaned away.
He held tightly to her hand, fearing she’d leave again.
“Don’t go.” Her hand dissolved. He couldn’t hold her.
Buy: Northern Roses and Southern Belles
Susan Macatee’s fascination with the Civil War period began when her husband decided to become a reenactor and pulled the whole family into the hobby. We became members of the 28th Pennsylvania Regiment, based in Philadelphia. She’s been writing ever since she can remember and started writing for publication after her youngest started kindergarten. You can find her at: www.susanmacatee.com
Caroline Clemmons: There are many reenactment groups in our area. In Hillsboro, TX the college has an outstanding Civil War Museum as part of the library. In Fort Worth, there is also a Civil War Museum. One funny thing is that when my daughter taught a fourth grader whose father was a reenactor, the kid thought the South won the Civil War because his dad took part in one of the battles the South did win.
Mary Ann Webber: Susan Macatee is our resident reenactor. She and her husband have done this for years. Some of their sons occasionally join them. Susan is a fount of knowledge for the rest of us. She sews her costumes, including corsets and underpinnings. Her complaints about the uncomfortable – even tortuous attire - have opened our eyes to what life for women was really like.
And, of course, her experiences give her own writing real depth.
Jennifer Ross I have a question, Susan Macatee. Here in Canada, we were going to have a reenactment of the battle of the Plains of Abraham (the English vs. French thing) but the very idea caused such controversy it was eventually scrapped. The French (they knew they lost that battle, that wasn’t the problem) were concerned it would either be a love-in, where our forefathers shot and killed each other, in between clasping hands and singing songs together, or it would be an “English version” where the only ‘good guys’ were the English. They distrusted the organizers of the event in telling the whole story, in other words. So my question is, how do you guys get around that problem?
Isabel Roman: I’ve been to Gettysburg a few times, and marvel at the accuracy of the reenactors! They really get into it. Makes me wonder how the Civil War caught the imagination of so many. I mean you never hear about those crazy Spanish-American War reenactors. Or the crazy folks from the Barbary Wars or Mexican War, or um…the War of 1812 even!
Jeanmarie Hamilton: I've never heard of a reenactment group in New Mexico, but I imagine reenacting the Civil War Battle of Glorieta Pass near Santa Fe, New Mexico, would be amazing.
Susan will give away to 1 lucky commenter: A reproduction Victorian brooch, a scented hand fan and lavender bath bead. Remember, everyone who leaves a comment on the day of the post for each of the six days will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Northern Roses and Southern Belles signed by all six authors.
Calendar:
Buy: Northern Roses and Southern Belles
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July 31st, 2009 — P-R, Reader Highlights
I wanted to highlight Isabel Roman because she's always around commenting and emailing me with insightful observations. If you haven't read my review of her erotic romance novel The Dark Desires of the Druids 1: Murder and Magick you should check it out.
Keira: What is your secret guilty plot or character trope that you love beyond reason?
Isabel R: Not the thumb screws! Not that rack! Not the water! I confess! Several, if you insist on threatening me with tongue pliers or whatever it is you call them. And quit with the evil laugh!
In no particular order:
- Alpha men
- Kick-ass Heroines
- Falling gracefully to the floor as the couple kisses
- Hot mate marking—you know, werewolves/vampires marking their mates
- The wall flower at the ball with a secret
Keira: Hehe. Yes give me hot vampire/werewolf mating! Where were you when you got your first kiss?
Isabel R: My first kiss was when I was 11 under a slide I had in my backyard. He was a neighbor kid, also 11, and we'd been friends since we were in kindergarten. He moved away when he was 13 and I never saw him again.
Keira: What do you look for in a heroine? Do you like her to be similar to you, or do you want someone completely different?
Isabel R: I like both. I like someone who can make up her mind without being wishy-washy. Oh, but…gee, I don’t know…well, hmm. On the other hand, weighing pros and cons is important, too. Over all, I think I like my heroines to be strong and know what they want, but the weaknesses, that’s important.
Maybe not weaknesses, but their inner selves. Are they responsible for family members, old or young? Did they lose family and closed themselves off? Do they stop to help turtles cross the road on a major highway? Donate time and money to worthy causes? Cry at the end of The Way We Were
? Want to save the world? Change the world? Get through the next day, minute, hour in one piece and hope tomorrow is better/ Stop and stare whenever a young Marlon Brando is on, or Brendan Frasier, or Orlando Bloom? (back off, he’s mine. *G*)
Keira: Holds hands up in the air... backs away slowly. What makes up your idea of the perfect hero?
Isabel R: Can make me laugh without being an idiot jokester. Can give space when needed and stay close no matter how often the heroine pushes him away. He is there when you need him.
Keira: What is your favorite romance novel right now?
Isabel R: I try not to read romance novels when I'm working on a story. But right now, Victoria Alexander’s A Little Bit Wicked. I just read it, and it’s completely character driven (which I can’t write) and very good. Man, she’s funny! I heard her speak once at a New Jersey Romance Writer’s Conference and she’s just as funny in person. Funnier, since in her historicals, she doesn’t have to worry about contemporary language.
Keira: What romance novel are you reading now?
Isabel R: I don't read when I'm writing and at the moment I am writing all the time. But I just bought and downloaded Blood & Sex Volume 1
, Volume II
, and III by Angela Cameron. Vampires Mafia style. I’m intrigued! I just don’t know when I’ll have the chance to read them, lol.
Keira: Which book do you plan to read next?
Isabel R: I like books with action and romance when I do read for pleasure. I’d love to have a moment to read John le Carre’s back list, he’s a good writer, but his ideas are utterly fascinating. Or The Girl Who Played with Fire
by Stieg Larrson who’s debut was excellent. Hmm, I’m behind in my David Baldacci, but on the romance side, the rest of Abigail Reynolds’s P&P stories, Linda Howard’s Burn
(haven’t read her in a while). There are so many new ones, OH! Diana Gabaldon’s newest out in September I can’t remember the title. I’ve been a fan since Outlander
in what, 1991 or so. I prefer the first 3 in the series, but have to continue reading. 
Keira: How big is your TBR pile?
Isabel R: Huge. Seriously, don’t even ask. I’m a “Ooh, this looks good” reader and will buy it, or buy it for the library, and then time slips away and “Ooh, this looks good”. On the other hand, I have reference books I go through all the time and am always looking for new ones. Also, historical non-fiction is of interest.
Keira: Don't worry, you're not the only one with a big TBR pile! How do you define love?
Isabel R: Steadfast and forgiving. Accepting of all life’s quirks even if it drive you bonkers and you want to strangle the other person. Not a push over but not stubborn for stubborn sake.
Keira: What’s your favorite feature at Love Romance Passion? What do you wish was here or that there was more of on the blog?
Isabel R: Love Romance Passion is a great site! I wouldn't change a thing! I like the author interviews and the reviews of romantic movies. I’d like more book reviews of recent books, only because (see above) I’m always looking for new reads!
Keira: Thanks Isabel for sharing about yourself. I hope your day is a great one and that you continue to contribute as much as you do to Love Romance Passion!
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April 2nd, 2009 — 5 Stars, Book Review, Counts, Marquis, Viscounts, Dukes and Earls, Erotica, Great Britain, Magic Users, P-R, Paranormal, Scarred Hero, Survival, Victorian
Mmm-mmm delicious. I love the plot to this novel, which looks like it will drive the second in the series. I also love the romantic conflict- it’s simply too yummy. Roman certainly has a way with storytelling, twisting and weaving different threads into one cohesive whole. I listened to the audio version of this book and was tempted more than once to click double speed just so I could devour this novel faster. Of course, I didn’t, that would take out half of the fun. Medea Carter Beckett is truly the best narrator Ravenous could have found for the job.
Magickers are being hunted. In the age of the English witch hunts, known as the Great Purification, one man rises above the rest to the head of the assault. Nobody is safe while Corwin continues to breathe. He is clever and charismatic, wooing people to his viewpoint. A bill is in parliament and if the Magickers are to have any hope at all for survival it must pass.
Malcolm Wargrave, earl of Preston, is on the fence. He is neutral and has not taken a stance, either agreement or disagreement to Corwin’s speeches. He is Lady Raven Drake’s lover. They started their affair almost immediately after their mutual friend’s house party began. She was a virgin when they met, and while she gave him her virginity she could never be his as she belonged to another. That and because she kept a secret from Malcolm.
Gareth, Viscount Moore, is Raven’s intended. They are engaged for several purposes. Not only were they well matched as both were Master Magickers, but they also stood as the only defense for their people. As the heirs to two of the very last powerful lines of Magickers, their alliance would create a new line of Masters. Their children would be powerful. United in marriage, their union would be a beacon of hope to their people.
Raven will face the toughest decision of her young life – will she give into her heart or into duty?
Rating: 5 Stars
Buy the audio version here.
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