Wild Card

Wild Card by Lora Leigh

It was supposed to be simple. All Navy SEAL Nathan Malone had to do was rescue three young girls from a Colombia drug cartel, then allow himself to be captured just long enough to draw out a government spy. That was before his mission went disastrously wrong…and before his wife, Bella, was told that Nathan was never coming home.

Bella’s mourned her husband’s death for three long years. But she has no idea he’s still alive. Forced to assume a new identity, the man Nathan was is now dead. If he can get back to his wife, can he keep the secret of who he really is…even as desire threatens to consume them? And as danger threatens to tear Bella from Nathan’s arms once more?

I simply loved this story. Guy finds love of his live, is forced to be dead, lives his life on automatic pilot. He is finally forced to reenter her life when she's in danger and they fall for each other again.

If you don't like slightly weepy stories, this might not be for you, but its hot and emotional. A good read.

I rate this one a 4.5/5

Death Angel

Death Angel by Linda Howard

A striking beauty with a taste for diamonds and dangerous men, Drea Rousseau is more than content to be arm candy for Rafael Salinas, a notorious crime lord who deals with betrayal through quick and treacherous means: a bullet to the back of the head, a blade across the neck, an incendiary device beneath a car. Eager to break with Rafael, Drea makes a fateful decision and a desperate move, stealing a mountain of cash from the malicious killer. After all, an escape needs to be financed.

Though Drea runs, Salinas knows she can’t hide–and he dispatches a cold-blooded assassin in hot pursuit, resulting in a tragic turn of events. Or does it?

Left for dead, Drea miraculously returns to the realm of the living a changed woman. She’s no longer shallow and selfish, no longer steals or cheats or sells herself short. Both humbled and thrilled with this unexpected second chance, Drea embraces her new life. But in order to feel safe and sound–and stop nervously looking over her shoulder–she will need to take down those who marked her for death.

Joining forces with the FBI, supplying vital inside information that only she can provide, Drea finds herself working with the most dangerous man she’s ever known. Yet the closer they get to danger, the more intense their feelings for each other become, and the more Drea realizes that the cost of her new life may be her life itself–as well as her heart.

This was actually a fun read and with a unique perspective. Its not often than the main hero/heroine are not on the up and up character wise. If you enjoy Linda Howard's writing style and don't have an aversion to morally ambiguous main characters, this is the book for you.

I rate this Book a 4.5/5.

Shattered by the CEO

Shattered by the CEO by Emilie Rose

CEO Rand Kincaid had never been coerced—until his entire future was at stake. Under the stipulations of his father's will, Rand had to rehire Tara Anthony as his assistant. It was either get along with the one woman who'd dared to leave him first, or lose his family empire.

But before Tara would accept, she gave Rand her own demands. She wanted a second chance, with Rand back in her home and bed as her lover. And nothing prepared him for where this arrangement would lead.

An enjoyable read, the plot's a little thin (but then this is a "red book"). Overall I like the author's writing style and her characters are likable. I'll definitely be watching out for the 2 siblings in "The Payback Affairs" series.

Overall Rating : 3/5

Not Another Bad Date

Not Another Bad Date by Rachel Gibson

What does a gal have to do to get a good date in this town?

Adele Harris can't even begin to answer that question. She's had so many lousy dates that she's sure she's cursed. Why else would every man she goes out with suddenly act like he's lost his mind—and his manners? Adele thought life couldn't get any more confusing . . . until she learns the marriage of her seemingly Miss Perfect sister is on the rocks. So she goes back to their hometown to give her a shoulder to cry on, only to run smack into Zach Zemaitis . . . the one who got away.

Texans love God, family, and football, though not always in that order

Zach, a former pro star, knows all about football. As for the other two, well, he's doing his best. But when Adele comes charging back into his life—still all lush curves and beautiful, big blue eyes—he wonders if his best is good enough. After all, he did her wrong. Can a woman with her track record ever really believe that he's serious this time . . . or is he destined to be another bad date?

Another Rachel Gibson book, and this one is pretty good. Not memorable but good. worth a read, but nowhere near her best.

Overall Rating : 4/5

A Game of Chance

A Game of Chance by Linda Howard

On the trail of a vicious criminal, agent Chance Mackenzie found the perfect bait for his trap: Sunny Miller. So Chance made himself the only man she could trust—and then arranged for her long-missing father to find out about them.

What Chance hadn't foreseen was that Sunny had reasons of her own for hiding from her father—and now Chance's deception had brought them both one step closer to the end of everything they held dear.…

I loved this book when I first read it years ago, so I had to get it again when it was reissued. I'm glad to say that this is a Linda Howard keeper.

Overall Rating : 4.5/5

The Fortune Hunter

The Fortune Hunter by Jasmine Haynes

It appears that insecure heiress Faith Castle's dreams of having a baby are close to coming true. She's finally been proposed to! But Connor Kingston happens to be as honest as he is handsome, making plain that his offer is purely a career move. A marriage of convenience is far from romantic, but Faith agrees- after all, she's getting what she wants as well. She has only one caveat: she requires his absolute fidelity. But her randy fiancŽ wants to be free to come and go. What transpires is the sexiest and most unpredictable love story of the season.

I was hesitant about the premise, a male gold digger after a plain rich woman. Hmmm.... but the plot is not quite so cut and dried. He's upfront about everything, she's not really plain, just not super skinny as dictated by our fashion magazines. and the chemistry between the 2 of them is very very hot.

I highly recommend this book and will definitely read more books from Jasmine Haynes.

Overall Rating : 4.5/5
Sizzle Factor: 5/5

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich

One autumn day Megan Murphy meets Pat Hunter, the handsome owner of a rabbit--who eats dresses. Hunter, the new pediatrician, is given an infant to care for, and Megan falls for both of them. Their attraction grows in leaps and bounds, especially when everyone they meet thinks they're married. C.J. Critt keeps the action moving and the laughter flowing as Megan and Pat care for the baby, the rabbit, and each other's hearts. Critt's warm performance recounts a joint Thanksgiving, including an especially warm kitchen, and a romp through the town's historic village.

A short novel from Janet Evanovich. Its chock with her usual brand of humor and wit. Not very deep or memorable but a fun and enjoyable read. Perfect for lifting your spirits for a few hours.

Overall Rating : 4/5

Deal With This (The Goddard Project, Book 2)

Alan Hyatt could do his job in his sleep, and when the Goddard Project sends him to investigate a case of high-tech espionage in the Vancouver film industry, he finds a perfect reason to work in bed. But sizzling actress Jillian Carlyle also happens to be his landlady, and she's got a hard-and-fast (so to speak) rule that keeps her from dating her renters. While Alan's cover as a reporter gets him close to all the suspects on the set of Jillian's sci-fi show, playing a background actor at her suggestion to get his story? Well, that's something else--but he's not about to turn down a red-hot redhead, even if she keeps throwing him curves...

Jillian just can't understand it. Sure, Alan is six-feet-something of chiseled ruggedness with gray eyes and an irresistible growl in his voice. But hello? She doesn't do relationships--even of the casual kind--with men who impact more than her senses. No one is getting a chance at her heart. Especially not one of her renters. Still, there's nothing wrong with enjoying Alan from afar--but not too far, or she wouldn't be able to fully appreciate his rock-hard abs when he's working out in the home gym. If only he didn't make her feel safe and oh so right when they touched...

Deal With This - Lucy Monroe

If you've read Lucy Monroe's books before then you know what's in store for you, especially with the very hot cover for this book. I'll admit that the cover and the author made this book a must buy but I was a little leary about the plot. However Ms. Monroe drew me into her web and made me care about Alan and Jillian, both very likable characters and very easy to fall in love with.

This book is easily deserves a solid 4. But with the cover and steamy scenes, I'll give it a 4.5

Overall: 4.5/5
Sizzle: 4/5

Hard to Handle (SBC Fighters, Book 3)

Hard to Handle by Lori Foster

After Fate deals Supreme Battle Challenge (SBC) fighter Harley Handleman a sucker punch, his uncle secretly hires a pretty lifecoach to get Harley back in the ring of life. Anastasia Kelley has actually known Harley for years, but never as well as she's going to now. Hot for his fighter's form, she has trouble keeping it professional, especially since Harley doesn't know she was hired. And when Anastasia turns the tables on him, it's as if he's been hit below the belt. But that's also where is uncontrollable lust for her burns.

Book 3 of Lori's SBC Fighters series and this series is running strong! Harley introduced in the 2nd book is definately a character to fall in love with. As with all the SBC Fighters, he's strong, protective and sexy. Anastasia was also a delightful character, smart and sassy. Along with strong secondary characters, most definately including (music guy), this is almost the perfect book.

I can't wait for the next SBC Fighters novel.

Overall Rating : 5/5
Sizzle Factor 4.5/5

Simon Says

Simon Says by Lori Foster

Dakota Dream has been hired by her stepfather, Barnaby, to find Simon Evans, an extreme fighter preparing for a comeback fight with Dean Havoc Conor (introduced in Causing Havoc, 2007), and arrange a meeting. Barnaby claims to be Simon's long-missing birth father. When Dakota shows up at the gym, Simon is instantly attracted to her but rejects her request to see Barnaby. Dakota is desperate because Barnaby is threatening to burn her mother's last letters to her unless she produces Simon. As things heat up between Dakota and Simon, she keeps secrets and he feels betrayed. Foster shapes a fun sequel, thanks to Dakota, an interesting character with a big heart, good head, and checkered past. The second in the series reads reasonably well as a stand-alone, although this sort of plot about lying has been done to death in romances, and there are some flaws. Foster fans, however, will deem all glitches irrelevant. Chelton, Mary K.

Lori Foster's books are light, funny and HOT, those are her trademark signatures. Simon Says is the 2nd book in her SBC fighters series. The first book was Causing Havoc. I loved the character of Simon, he's strong, sexy and so very alpha and meets his match with Dakota Dream, a gal who has spunk written all over her.

Very enjoyable and HOT read. I highly recommend this to all Lori Foster fans and I can't wait for more in the SBC fighters series.

Overall rating : 5/5
Sizzle Factor 4/5

Sizzle and Burn

Sizzle and Burn by Jayne Ann Krentz

When Raine Tallentyre made the mistake of revealing her paranormal abilities, her most recent romantic relationship came to a hasty end. Her Aunt Vella, a gifted but troubled soul, had told her years ago to keep her talents a secret. And now that poor Aunt Vella-her last blood relative-has died, Raine has resigned herself to a lonely life.

But when she journeys to Shelbyville, Washington, to clear out Aunt Vella's house, Raine's highly developed sensitivity leads her to a horrifying discovery: a young woman bound and terrified in a basement storage locker. The victim has survived, but the culprit is still on the loose. Without warning, a new man enters Raine's life-investigator Zack Jones. Surprisingly, Zack isn't repelled by her powers: in fact, he has them himself. While Raine hears voices, Zack sees visions and within hours of their meeting, Raine experiences an intense, thrilling intimacy-mental, emotional, and physical-she never dared to expect.

There's one complication, however: Zack Jones is working for the Arcane Society. This secret organization, dedicated to the study of paranormal phenomena, shattered Raine's family with an act of betrayal long ago, and she's not about to trust them now. But as a killer makes her his target, and a cabal of psychic criminals known as Nightshade operates in the shadows surrounding them, Raine and Zack must rely not only on their powerful abilities but on each other . . .

From the author who also hits bestseller lists under the names Jayne Castle and Amanda Quick, this is a delightful new caper filled with suspense and wit-and the steamy Victorian passion her devoted readers love.

I love almost all of Jayne Ann Krentz's books. And her Arcane Society novels are so far a huge hit. The Arcane Society is a secret society that comprises of people with psychic powers. All kinds of different powers abound and they even have a ranking system for how powerful a person is. Naturally the main characters are usually level 10's (the most powerful). Added to that there is some cloak and dagger action from a rival psychic society. In fact there's a lot of similarities between her Arcane Society novels and Harmony novels. What's also fun is that the Arcane Society series could be sent in the time period from 1800's till the present.

This book is set in present times, It tells of Raine, who is a strong psychic but cut off from the Arcane Society because of the actions of her father and Zack Jones who is an agent of the Arcane Society. Zack and Raine are very likable characters and play off each other very well.

If you've never read an Arcane Society novel, I recommend starting there with Second Sight (the first Arcane Society Novel).

I give Sizze and Burn a 5/5

The Trouble with Paradise

The Trouble with Paradise by Jill Shalvis

A South Pacific dreamboat cruise turns nightmarish for cute L.A. retail clerk Dorie Anderson, whose winning ticket to paradise proves less than providential in the latest romantic suspense entry from Shavis (Smart and Sexy, etc.). Dorie boards the Sun Song, a small luxury yacht, with three other winning passengers: Vegas dancer Brandy Bradelyne; free-lance artist Cadence Powers and Astros baseball star Andy Hutchinson. After falling on the plank when boarding, Dorie gets a splinter in her shapely posterior that Dr. Christian Montague, the ship's "Grumpy Gorgeous Doctor," guesses at, but Dorie, already Andy-smitten, won't let him near it. Murder, storms and intrigue lead to rough seas indeed, but eventual sunshine is never in doubt.

When Dorie Anderson meets a cute guy, she becomes a huge klutz. But one phone call has turned her dead-end dating life into an adventure: she's won a trip on a singles' cruise to Fiji. On board, she soon meets pro baseball player Andy, and the ship's hunky French doctor. She's sure she'll fall head-over-heels in no time. Unfortunately, she's right: soon, she trips over her luggage right in front of them. Mortifying. But a bigger disaster is just on the horizon. Dorie finds a man murdered in his bunk the same night a storm wrecks the ship, stranding everyone on a deserted shore. It'd be a perfect setting for romance-if it weren't for the fact that there's a killer among them.

I love this book, the plot is actually quite original. A shipwreck and a little murder thrown into the mix, and a heroine (Dorie) who is cute and funny. Its almost like reading a really good episode of the Love Boat, of course this Love Boat holds only 8 persons.


Overall: 4.5/5

Too Much Temptation

Too Much Temptation by Lori Foster

Virginal and voluptuous, Grace Jenkins has secretly loved and lusted after handsome Noah Harper for three years but he was engaged and, therefore, off-limits. Then Noah walks in on his bride-to-be with another man and abruptly breaks off the engagement, refusing to explain the reason for the canceled wedding to his family. His grandmother and his fiancée's family are outraged. Grace rushes to defend him and is stunned when Noah responds by taking her straight to bed. She thinks this is only mutual lust and decides to enjoy the excitement for as long as it lasts while Noah quickly discovers that what he feels for Grace is much more complicated than simple lust. But convincing Grace is another matter entirely--she refuses to see herself as a permanent part of his life. Meanwhile, Noah's ex-fiancée is stirring up trouble with his autocratic grandmother and before she's done, Noah will have to reevaluate his relationship with his grandmother, Grace will have a whole new self-image, and both will face major upheaval in their careers and personal lives.

Author Lori Foster has a reputation for warm, engaging characters combined with sizzling sexual tension and Too Much Temptation has plenty of both. The dominant theme in this novel, however, is that of a woman's sexual awakening and Foster traverses this tricky ground with deft skill.

I love Lori Foster's books, she's on my confirmed buy list. The cover above is actually a reprint, the book was originally released in 2002 (see the original cover below). I hate it when publishers do that, but I did enjoy rereading this book.

I loved this book from start to finish and the sensuality factor was amazing like most Lori Foster books are. I highly recommend this book.

Overall: 5/5