Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi

With her best friend Zeb’s Titanic-themed wedding looming ahead, new vampire Jane Jameson struggles to develop her budding relationship with her enigmatic sire, Gabriel. It seems unfair that she’s expected to master undead dating while dealing with a groom heading for a nuptial nervous breakdown, his hostile werewolf in-laws, and the ugliest bridesmaid dress in the history of marriage.

Meanwhile, the passing of Jane’s future step-grandpa puts Grandma Ruthie back on the market. Her new fiancee, Wilbur, has his own history of suspiciously dead spouses, and he may or may not have died ten years ago. Half-Moon Hollow’s own Black Widow has finally met her match.

Should Jane warn her grandmother of Wilbur’s marital habits or let things run their course? Will Jane always be an undead bridesmaid, never the undead bride?

Combining Mary Janice Davidson’s sass and the charm of Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse novels, this is an incredibly satisfying read for fans of paranormal romantic comedy.

***********

Audio Book Review

Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men, the second book in Molly Harper's Jane Jameson series, is another fun, witty, quirky romp through Half Moon Hollow.

The Story:

With Zeb and Jolene's wedding day quickly approaching and more and more obstacles being thrown in their path to wedded bliss, Jane seems to have become their couples counselor - much to her chagrin. But with Gabe and Jane's relationship feeling no small amount of strain, can Jane help her best friend make it to the altar while dealing with her own less than supportive relatives and a boyfriend who might be cheating on her?

My Review:

As I said in My Review of Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs, the writer/narrator team of Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi makes these stories shine in a way that reading from a book just can't match. The story itself is funny, quirky, unique, sexy and poignant, but with Ms. Ronconi narrating - it comes to life.

I'm not usually a fan of stories where there's not a happily ever after for the hero and heroine at the end of their book, but Gabriel and Jane's relationship dynamic works for me. I do have to admit, though, I'm starting to wonder what Gabriel's secret is, and I hope we find out soon. Too much dragging out of the main character's happily ever after makes me lose interest, but I'm looking forward to the next book and hoping those nagging questions are answered.




Shelves:

2013-reads, 4-stars, amazing-narration, author-molly-harper, chick-lit, contemporary-romance, format-audio-book, funny-witty-dialog, great-secondary-storylines, great-supporting-cast, hypnosis, interfering-future-mother-in-law, is-he-cheating-or-not, marriage, narrated-by-amanda-ronconi, own-have-read, paranormal-romance, sassy-heroine, sexy-mysterious-hero, shifters-werewolves, steam-3-of-5, vampires, wedding-plans  

Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare

At last, Diana gets a romance of her own! But with the last man anyone in Spindle Cove expects...

Beautiful and elegant, Miss Diana Highwood is destined to marry a wealthy, well-placed nobleman. At least, that's what her mother has loudly declared to everyone in Spindle Cove.

But Diana's not excited by dukes and lords. The only man who makes her heart pound is the village blacksmith, Aaron Dawes. By birth and fortune, they couldn't be more wrong for each other...but during stolen, steamy moments in his forge, his strong hands feel so right.

Is their love forged strong enough to last, or are they just playing with fire?

*****

4 delightfully sexy stars!

Charming, funny, romantic and sexy, Beauty and the Blacksmith is another wonderful addition to the Spindle Cove series! If you're a fan of feel good, meaningful, passionate historical romances with intelligent heroines and swoon-worthy heroes, you simply must read these books!

My thanks to Avon Books and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

My Favorite Avon Romance - Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

A lady does not smoke cheroot. She does not ride astride. She does not fence or attend duels. She does not fire a pistol, and she never gambles at a gentlemen's club.

Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried—and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she's vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she's been missing.

But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss—to do those things, Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston—charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his sinful smile.

If she's not careful, she'll break the most important rule of all—the one that says that pleasure-seekers should never fall hopelessly, desperately in love.

*************

Why am I posting this review again?

I've been asked by the lovely Jessie Edwards, one of the fabulous ladies in charge of the Avon Addicts program, to choose my favorite Avon romance. Is she kidding?? She must be joking! Just one???

*sigh*

Anyway, to refresh my memory, I reread a few of my old Avon reviews and I've decided to repost this review in hopes that anyone not familiar with the Love by Numbers series will give it a go. Yes, it's that good.

So, my favorite Avon romance...

Well, there are a few books that instantly came to mind - Again the Magic with the physically and emotionally scarred Aline, and John, the man who loved her, by Lisa Kleypas; Whisper Falls starring good girl Tessa who falls for the bad, bad boy, Lucky Romo, by Toni Blake; Flowers from the Storm with Christian, one of the most tormented heroes I've read, and Maddy, the woman who saves him - and he saves her right back, by Laura Kinsale (review links can be found below); and this one... Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean. Well... I've picked Nine Rules, and here's why...

It's because if I could choose to be any heroine from a historical romance, I'd want to be Lady Calpurnia Hartwell, and here's why...

I find I’m at a loss for words when trying to describe the wide range of emotions this book evoked in me, except to say that it made me laugh, cry, sigh, gasp, and hope for a happily ever after for the hero and heroine more than I have in any other book I’ve read in a very long time. And, this is the first book in which I’ve found myself more invested in the heroine’s happiness than the hero’s.

The prologue had my heart breaking for a young woman’s shattered – albeit it brief – fairytale fantasy, and her so very low self esteem. But that said, this is one of those books that made me wish that I were the heroine. Not just so I could live happily ever after, but for the kind of person she was. I loved her for her goodness, her kindness and compassion. I adored her for her sense of humor, her generosity and her selflessness, but most of all; it was her strength, her courage to live, rather than sit on-the-shelf collecting dust as society dictated that all "self respecting" spinsters should. It’s for all of these reasons that I wish I were Callie.

It took me awhile to fall in love with Gabriel St. John, Marquess of Ralston, but it did happen. I mean, how could it not? Take a gander at that step back… again, I ask... How could I not fall for him?? The look on his face speaks volumes as to his passionate nature, his need… his hunger for this unusual woman who was nothing like society expected her to be. She was daring, witty, refined, and intelligent and she’d managed to work her way under his skin, and before he knew what happened, into his heart. His reputation was no secret - he was known by all as a rake and a libertine, so when he became aware of her plan to experience the same kinds of things that gentlemen are allowed to experience, I wasn’t terribly surprised when he offered to facilitate her in her quest to check each item off of her list, whilst risking utter ruination!

I’m always impressed by other readers who include quotes in their reviews. Me? I’m too engrossed in the book to make myself stop long enough to make notes, but this book demanded that I do exactly that — twice. This first quote I’ll share is from the prologue and had me sobbing. My ever faithful Goodreads friends, Catherine and Rane, were there to help me through this tear-jerking scene as I posted it on my status update:

She pushed aside a devastating pang of sorrow as the truth coursed through her. She would never have the magnificent Marquess of Ralston, nor anyone like him. She felt an acute certainty that the things he had said to her earlier were not the truth but instead the lies of an inveterate seducer carefully chosen to appease her and send her blithely off, easing his dark tryst with his ravishing beauty. He hadn't believed a word of it. No, she was not Calpurnia, Empress of Rome. She was plain old Callie. And she always would be.

Seriously, when read in context, with the entire prologue, that was one of those most heartbreaking moments from any book I can recall.

Now, the second quote/snippet I have for you is the moment in which I finally became invested in seeing Callie and Gabriel’s happily ever after come to pass, and knowing I could believe in it.

Poignant Spoiler Alert!

This is yet another gut wrenching scene and takes place when Callie finds out about a wager that had been placed between Gabriel, and Oxford as to whether or not Oxford would be able to convince Callie to marry him Of course, this is a romance novel so we, the readers,  already know who’s going to end up the winner, but when Callie gets wind of it, she’s humiliated and thinks she’s nothing more than something for men to wager over. Gabriel had proposed to her and she’d accepted, but now, even though the bet was for 2,000£, she suddenly felt so very worthless. So she has demanded that Gabriel stay away from her, and she’s fled the ball where this scene takes place. Oxford, well into his cups, has some unflattering things to say about Callie in front of Gabriel and Benedick, Callie’s brother:

“Certainly, the best thing about spinsters is that they’re eager for a toss, but you can’t really mean to tell me you need to resort to one as plain and uninspiring as that one. Although, it did appear she was more than willing to lift her skirts for you…and I suppose that is something.”

Benedick stiffened, and fury, hot and quick, coursed through Ralston at the words, so demeaning and unpleasant, directed at the woman he planned to make his wife. Because there was absolutely no question that Callie was going to be his wife.

Drunk or no, Oxford would pay for his words. 

Reaching out, Ralston grabbed Oxford by the lapels of his topcoat and slammed him against the stone wall that marked one edge of the balcony. The force of the blow took the breath out of the baron, and, gasping for air, he slumped to the ground, clutching his chest.

Ralston looked down his long, elegant nose at the vile creature at his feet and said, “You just impugned the honor of my future marchioness. Choose your seconds. I will see you at dawn.”

Leaving Oxford sputtering on the ground, Ralston spun on one elegant heel to face Benedick. “When I am done with him, I am coming for your sister. And, if you intend to keep me from her, you had better have an army at your side.”

End Poignant Spoiler Alert!

So, Gabriel had been slowly working his way into my heart, but it was his actions and his words in defense of Callie that sealed the deal for me.

The bottom line – this was my first Sarah MacLean read and it most assuredly will not be my last. I’m anxiously awaiting the October 26th release of the second book in this series, Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord. It’s Gabriel’s brother, Nicholas St. John’s story, and will undoubtedly be every bit as wonderful as this book was.

So tell me, what's YOUR favorite AVON romance?  Have you read any of my top 4??

If you're interested in finding out why I loved the other books so much, here are my reviews:

My Review of Again the Magic

My Review of Whisper Falls

My Review of Flowers from the Storm

Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale

The Duke of Jervaulx was brilliant - and dangerous. Considered dissolute, reckless, and extravagant, he was transparently referred to as the "D of J" in scandal sheets. But sometimes the most womanizing rakehell can be irresistible, and even his most causal attentions fascinated the sheltered Maddy Timms.

Then one fateful day she receives the shocking news - the duke is lost to the world. And Maddy knows it is her destiny to help him and her only chance to find the true man behind the wicked facade.

But she never dreamed her gentle, healing touch would alter his life and her own so completely - and bind them together in need, desire...and love.

*****

I'm going to start with a warning - this is probably the worse review I've ever written because of how deeply, how emotionally I connected with the hero. My review is a cheesy, rambling, hot mess, so read at your own risk.

With any book I read, I hope to connect with the hero and heroine, to feel what it is the author is trying to convey. Well, I didn’t have to try hard at all with this story, and no matter how many times I’ve attempted to write this review, I find myself in tears. And, as odd as it might sound, I find that I’m very protective of Christian, worried about revealing too much of his story. And wow, when I say that out loud, I realize how strange it sounds. 

So how does one review a book like this, one that hits so close to home that it literally could be your own story? The words I’d use to describe Flowers from the Storm are amazing, incredible, and heartwarming, compelling, complex, gut wrenching, joyous, painful, comforting… such contrasting words and emotions that it would take pages and pages to explain why it all means so much to me and frankly, I just don’t have that in me when it comes to this story. Part of what makes this story so hard for me to write about is that I’m married to a Maddy, the heroine of this book, my husband being a man who uses God as the ruler by which everyone is measured, and no one, especially not me, measures up. In this way I have a connection to Christian unlike any other fictional hero I can think of and found myself often in tears, not only for him, but for myself. 

As with all books, anyone reading Flowers from the Storm will bring to it, and take from it, different things. In addition to living with a religious… enthusiast, for lack of a better word, I have this fear of something happening to me that will leave me unable to communicate with those around me. I fear being mentally whole, being able to think and understand the things going on, but unable to express myself, to let people know that I’m… here.

We learn early on in the story that Christian suffers a stroke of sorts and becomes unable to communicate. His mother believes that this was a punishment from God in judgment of Christian’s immoral behavior. I’ve also dealt with judgments against myself of a similar nature and so, for me, as I read this paragraph, and understanding Christian’s state of being, both physical and mental at the time he thought these words, this quote truly hit home.

He didn’t reckon that God owed him anything. He reckoned that he’d had it all, and wasted it. Burning lakes and howling fiends had just never seemed that convincing, perils hardly fit to frighten naughty children.

He turned over, staring up at the darkness.

Damned… having found out now what hell was really like.

Well, as you can see, I can’t seem to write a coherent review of Flowers from the Storm, and trust me, I’ve spent months trying. And as silly as it might sound, I’ve been afraid to write this review, because if you’ve read the book and didn’t like it, or if you believe as Christian’s mother and Maddy did, that he was deserving of the “punishment” God set upon him, then you believe those things about me, too, because this book is my life. But, fortunately for Christian and Maddy, they got their happily ever after. So, rather than write anymore and try to explain it all, I’ll just continue to watch over Christian and keep him close to my heart.

A Lady by Midnight by Tessa Dare

The third book in Tessa Dare's Spindle Cove series...

A temporary engagement, a lifetime in the making . . .

After years of fending for herself, Kate Taylor found friendship and acceptance in Spindle Cove—but she never stopped yearning for love. The very last place she'd look for it is in the arms of Corporal Thorne. The militia commander is as stone cold as he is brutally handsome. But when mysterious strangers come searching for Kate, Thorne steps forward as her fiancé. He claims to have only Kate's safety in mind. So why is there smoldering passion in his kiss?

Long ago, Samuel Thorne devoted his life to guarding Kate's happiness. He wants what's best for her, and he knows it's not marriage to a man like him. To outlast their temporary engagement, he must keep his hands off her tempting body and lock her warm smiles out of his withered heart. It's the toughest battle of this hardened warrior's life . . . and the first he seems destined to lose.

************

A Lady by Midnight is such a wonderful story. Tessa Dare is so talented, so creative... the Spindle Cove stories are every bit as funny as they are poignant, and every bit as sexy as they are romantic! 

I may write a longer review one day, but trust me on this - just read the series. If you're a fan of historical romance, if you love quirky but compelling characters... just get the books and read the series. It's quickly become a favorite, and I am looking forward to more!!   

     

The Counterfeit Mistress by Madeline Hunter

THE BEAUTY. THE SPY. AND THE BEHOLDER. From the beloved New York Times bestselling Madeline Hunter comes this riveting historical romance, in which a darkly handsome nobleman is determined to unmask a delicate and mysterious young beauty... A refugee from the war in France, Marielle Lyon has established herself at the fringes of London society. Claiming to be the niece of an executed aristocrat, Marielle welcomes the gossip that she is a spy. The more eyes she has watching her, the better protected she is—and the better chance she has of saving her father’s life. A warrior at heart, Alban Norwood, Viscount Kendale, would still be in uniform if not for his older brother’s untimely death. After all he’s seen, Kendale doesn’t trust the French—or their femmes fatales. He has set up a surveillance network to ferret out undercover agents, and he believes he’s found one in the delicate, mysterious Marielle. Ready to pounce on his tempting prey, Kendale arranges a meeting with Marielle, who is more beautiful and more cunning than he anticipated. But the Viscount is ready to do whatever it takes to unmask her—even if it means playing a game of seduction… *********** Madeline Hunter is a name I see popping up all over the Historical Romance genre, and always in a favorable light. I hadn’t taken the time to really look into her books – “so many books, so little time” and all that rot – but when I was given this book for review, I really had no choice but to dive in. And oh, how very happy I am that I did!! The Story: With nothing in mind but saving her father's life, Marielle Lyon doesn't just welcome her reputation as a spy for her French homeland, she relies on the gossip to keep her safe. After all, the more people watching her and waiting for her to make a mistake, the better protected she is from those who want her captured, or worse, dead. Alban Norwood, Viscount Kendale, no longer serves his country fighting the in war, but that doesn't mean he can't serve in another way. To keep the beautiful cunning spy, Marielle, from passing secrets to the French, he'll use every tool in his arsenal to draw her out and make her slip up, even seduction…especially seduction! My Review: All of my reading buddies know that when it comes to reading series books in order, I put the "O" in OCD. That said, even though this is the third book in the Fairbourne Quartet series and I haven't yet read the others, it works quite well on its own. I never got the feeling I was missing out on something important, and never felt the story lacking. The characters and the plot are so well written, so fleshed out, the only thing I find I need more of is more of Ms. Hunter's writing. The Bottom Line: Intrigue and espionage, humor and romance…this story has it all and kept me turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning. I really wasn’t sure what to expect, but Ms. Hunter has written a captivating tale ending in a heartfelt, passionate, happily ever after. Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine =========== The Counterfeit Mistress Madeline Hunter Jove Mass Market Paperback 336 pages ISBN: 978-0515151381

Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi

Maybe it was the Shenanigans gift certificate that put her over the edge. When children's librarian and self-professed nice girl Jane Jameson is fired by her beastly boss and handed $25 in potato skins instead of a severance check, she goes on a bender that's sure to become Half Moon Hollow legend. On her way home, she's mistaken for a deer, shot, and left for dead. And thanks to the mysterious stranger she met while chugging neon-colored cocktails, she wakes up with a decidedly unladylike thirst for blood.

Jane is now the latest recipient of a gift basket from the Newly Undead Welcoming Committee, and her life-after-lifestyle is taking some getting used to. Her recently deceased favorite aunt is now her ghostly roommate. She has to fake breathing and endure daytime hours to avoid coming out of the coffin to her family. She's forced to forgo her favorite down-home Southern cooking for bags of O negative. Her relationship with her sexy, mercurial vampire sire keeps running hot and cold. And if all that wasn't enough, it looks like someone in Half Moon Hollow is trying to frame her for a series of vampire murders. What's a nice undead girl to do?

**********

Audio Book Review

Regarding the Story:

Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs is the first book in Molly Harper’s Jane Jameson series, a cross between Contemporary and Paranormal Romance, with just a tiny hint of Chick-Lit. 

Jane Jameson is an unemployed librarian and newly turned vampire, living in the quirky small town of Half Moon Hollow. Vampires have been ‘out of the closet’ for a while now, and in this first book of the series, we follow Jane as she acclimates to her life as an undead. 

There are plenty of great things about this book, including the cast of secondary characters, many who have stories of their own just screaming to be told. It's a unique world Ms. Harper has created, a refreshing twist on the done-to-death (no pun intended) vampire genre.

Molly Harper is one of the best authors I’ve read when it comes to humorous stories. There’s just something about the way she writes dialog, her dry wit and easy banter, that makes her books a pleasure to read.

My only complaint is a minor one, and it’s in the world building, which can often be a problem in the first book of a series. There were a few times I felt things dragged a bit, but once that foundation was laid, it was smooth listening right through the end.

Regarding the Audio Book:

Amanda Ronconi narrates this book and she is fabulous! Her voice is so comfortable to listen to and she can go from a slight southern drawl to a heavy twang flawlessly. Her reading of the story, her pacing and inflection, brings the story to life in a way that simply reading it from a book just can’t match. 

If you’re new to audio books, as I am, and not sure where to start, I can highly recommend this author/narrator team!

Note:

Though there is some relationship development between the two main characters, this book does not have a happily ever after and I'd rank the 'steam' at about 3 of 5.

Audiobook, Unabridged, 355 pages

Published February 19th 2010 by Audible, Inc

Once Upon a Winter's Eve by Tessa Dare

Some wallflowers bloom at night...

Violet Winterbottom is a quiet girl. She speaks six languages, but seldom raises her voice. She endured bitter heartbreak in perfect silence. The gentlemen aren't beating down her door.

Until the night of the Spindle Cove Christmas ball, when a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at Violet's feet. His coarse attire and near-criminal good looks would put any sensible young lady on her guard. He's wet, chilled, bleeding, and speaking in an unfamiliar tongue.

Only Violet understands him. And she knows he's not what he seems.

She has one night to draw forth the secrets of this dangerously handsome rogue. Is he a smuggler? A fugitive? An enemy spy? She needs answers by sunrise, but her captive would rather seduce than confess. To learn his secrets, Violet must reveal hers and open herself to adventure, passion, and the unthinkable... Love.

Warning: The heroine packs a pistol, the hero curses in multiple languages, and together they steam up a cold winter s night.

***********

I'm keeping this review short and sweet, just like the book - Spindle Cove is a wonderful series, and this book is an absolute delight! Romantic, steamy, exciting and witty, a truly entertaining story!

A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare

Minerva Highwood, one of Spindle Cove's confirmed spinsters, needs to be in Scotland.

Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne, a rake of the first order, needs to be...anywhere but Spindle Cove.

These unlikely partners have one week to

• fake an elopement
• convince family and friends they're in "love"
• outrun armed robbers
• survive their worst nightmares
• travel four hundred miles without killing each other

All while sharing a very small carriage by day and an even smaller bed by night.

What they don't have time for is their growing attraction. Much less wild passion. And heaven forbid they spend precious hours baring their hearts and souls.

Suddenly one week seems like exactly enough time to find a world of trouble. And maybe...just maybe...love.

*****

5 Wickedly Feel Good Stars!

A Week to be Wicked is the second book in Tessa Dare’s thoroughly entertaining, completely brilliant Spindle Cove series. It’s funny, romantic, poignant, passionate, sexy, inspiring, clever, delightful… in a word – it’s wonderful!

The Series:

Not all young ladies are looking forward to seasons, balls, comings out, love matches - or any match at all, for that matter! But what’s a lady to do when her whole life will be defined by how well she marries? How do young misses cope when Marriage Minded Mamas won’t pass up any opportunity to introduce their daughters – in some cases, kicking and screaming – into polite society?

Welcome to Spindle Cove! On the surface Spindle Cove seems to be the kind of place Mothers can bring their daughters to prepare for their debuts. It’s a place to relax, recuperate, to gird up their loins and plan their attack. Again, this is on the surface. But what Spindle Cove really is, is a place where these young ladies can be themselves. Where they’re not just accepted for their eccentricities, they’re encouraged to nourish them! But don’t let their mamas find out!


My Review:

I have to say, I’m absolutely in love with Colin and ‘Millicent ... Madeira ... Michaela ... Marilyn ... Minerva! They’re such amazing people! Colin is so vulnerable, and he hides that vulnerability behind his sense of humor. Joking his way through any situation, never even considering the possibility he might fail at something...but not really. Inside Colin there's a nightmare so deep, so tragic, that I couldn't help but feel that he was just one short step away from a breakdown. He's strong, don't get me wrong, and maybe I'm totally off in how I'm reading him, but regardless... he's one tormented man. Thankfully, he has Minerva, an amazing heroine who cares little for what society thinks of her. She's accepted her "spinster" title, and has nothing to lose. So why not live her dream? Fortunate for her, she has Colin to help her do precisely that!

Apart they're wonderful, together they're perfect!

The Bottom Line:

I absolutely love the idea behind this series! What a fun, unique place to be, Spindle Cove. It’s the perfect setting for mischief, mayhem – intentional or otherwise – and romance, and I can't wait to move on to the next book, A Lady by Midnight.

This snippet had me giggling:

“Jesus,” he finally managed, pushing water off his face. “Jesus Christ and John the Baptist. For that matter, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.” Still not enough. He needed to reach back to the Old Testament for this. “Obadiah. Nebuchadnezzar. Methuselah and Job.”

“Be calm,” she said, taking him by the shoulders. “Be calm. And there are women in the Bible, you know.”

“Yes. As I recall it, they were trouble, every last one..."

Excerpt From: Dare, Tessa. “A Week to Be Wicked.”      

Striking Distance (I-Team #6) by Pamela Clare

Her past is a secret—even to her.

Discovering it will be the most dangerous move of her life.

TV reporter Laura Nilsson, known as the "Baghdad Babe," spent eighteen months in an Al Qaeda compound after being kidnapped live on the air. Two years later, she's still wondering why.

No rescue mission in Javier Corbray's fourteen years as a Navy SEAL affected him the way Laura's rescue did. No woman has stirred his protective instincts the way she has. And he wants her more than he's ever wanted anyone.

As Laura and Javier's passion ignites, so does Laura's need to discover the mystery of her past. Especially when she learns that her abduction was not random—and that she's still a target for a killer with an impenetrable motive. Now Javier will have to rely on his skills to keep the woman he loves from being struck down before she dares uncover the truth.

*************

Note: This review is based on the story I read as a WIP (Work in Progress), and as brilliant authors often do, there may have been changes made to the final copy.

Striking Distance is the sixth book in Pamela Clare’s I-Team series, and just like the five books before it, it’s amazing! It’s fast paced, exciting, heartbreaking, inspiring, romantic, sensuous… it’s everything we’ve come to expect from this amazing author!

This story deals with some difficult subject matters, including the heartbreaking aftermath of rape. The cover blurb alone tells us that this will be an emotional ride, but let me tell you… what Laura endured in captivity was hell. Even after being freed she continues to live that hell, and trying to put the pieces of her life back together and move on... well, I can imagine many women would just curl up and give up, but not Laura. She’s strong, she’s intelligent, she’s compassionate… she's truly a wonderful woman.

Javier Corbray is an amazing man. Of course he's sexy as all get out, but he's also protective, compassionate, honorable, devoted... he's all kinds of awesome! He understands all that Laura has been through and does whatever he can to make her life easier and to keep her safe. Laura has much to overcome, but with Javier on her side, anything and everything is possible.

One of the most compelling things about Pamela's stories is how she uses events or practices that really do happen, educating us to the world around us and doing it in a way that's entertaining. Don't misunderstand - I'm not saying there's anything enjoyable about drug rings, human trafficking, heinous acts in prisons, or setting women on fire... I mean that these are things we all should know about, but probably don't. Pamela gives this to us, making us aware of what's happening, but doing so in a 'first hand' way, through her characters' eyes, and giving us hope in the knowledge that there are people out there who are working to make a difference. To make things better. And who knows? Maybe we can find a way to help, too.

In case you aren’t already aware, Pamela Clare has given us a prequel novella, First Strike, which is Javi and Laura’s first meeting in Dubai, and the super sexy weekend they spent together. If you’re interested, you can read all about why this scene was cut, and how it came to be a novella, in My Spoiler Free Review of First Strike. As always, Pamela makes sure that, one way or another, her readers get her stories, told the way she wants them told - in their entirety!

Well, I best stop now before I start rambling - more than I already am. There's so much to say but all you need to know is that Striking Distance is a riveting, poignant story. Javi and Laura are a worthy addition to the other I-Team happily ever afters, and I can't ask for more than that!

The I-Team reading order, so far:

1. Extreme Exposure
1.5 Heaven Can't Wait - a novella found in the out of print anthology Catch of the Day and on ebook
2. Hard Evidence
3. Unlawful Contact
4. Naked Edge
5. Breaking Point
5.5. Skin Deep
5.9. First Strike
6. Striking Distance
6.5. Soul Deep
7. Seduction Game
7.5 Dead by Midnight

First Strike (I-Team 5.9, I-Team After Hours) by Pamela Clare

5 Super Sexy Stars!

Dubai City, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
July 14, 2009

First Strike is the novella prequel to Pamela Clare’s soon to be released Striking Distance, the sixth book in her incredibly popular I-Team series. Originally this was part of the Striking Distance prologue, but Javier and Laura’s first encounter was so passionate and so intense, in the interest of page count and mainstream publishing, it either had to be watered down, or it had to be cut.

Thankfully Ms. Clare is an author who, one way or another, tells her stories the way she wants them told. Because watering it down wasn't an option for her, she cut it from Striking Distance and has given us First Strike, the self published, no holds barred story of Javi and Laura’s lust-at-first-sight meeting in Dubai, and their wild, no strings attached, sex-filled weekend that follows. But rest assured – this is Pamela Clare we’re talking about, so the whole 'no strings' thing? Yeah… that doesn’t work out quite the way Javi and Laura had planned.

If you’ve read Pamela’s books, you know she can write some very hot scenes, but trust me on this – until you’ve read First Strike, you ain’t read nothin’ yet! Just sayin'... for those of us who enjoy our stories on the steamier side, this is another benefit of her self publishing it! But I can’t stress this enough – yes, this is an erotic short story, but it’s not smut. It’s romantic, poignant, sweet, and definitely sexy, and I’m so happy to get this up close and very, very personal look at Javi and Laura's first meeting.

You probably already get this, but just to make sure there are no surprises, I'll spell it out - since this is the prequel to their story, there's no HEA, yet. Also, if you've read the cover blurb for Striking Distance, you've probably figured out that things didn't go well for Laura after she and Javi parted ways in Dubai. What I'm telling you is that this novella ends in a cliffhanger, but not an unexpected one, and you won't have to wait long to find out what happens because Striking Distance is due out November 5th, 2013.

I can't tell you how happy I am that Pamela gave us this novella because we couldn't have gotten this part of the story any other way, and that would have been a huge loss for us readers. Not only is First Strike off the charts sexy, it’s still every bit Ms. Clare's brilliant style of storytelling, introducing us to characters who capture our hearts and stories that keep us coming back for more.

Many thanks to Pamela Clare for providing me with a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.

=====
The I-Team reading order, so far:

1. Extreme Exposure
1.5 Heaven Can't Wait - a novella found in the out of print anthology Catch of the Day and on ebook
2. Hard Evidence
3. Unlawful Contact
4. Naked Edge
5. Breaking Point
5.5. Skin Deep
5.9. First Strike
6. Striking Distance
6.5. Soul Deep
7. Seduction Game
7.5 Dead by Midnight

A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare

Welcome to Spindle Cove, where the ladies with delicate constitutions come for the sea air, and men in their prime are... nowhere to be found. 

Or are they?

Spindle Cove is the destination of choice for certain types of well-bred young ladies: the painfully shy, young wives disenchanted with matrimony, and young girls too enchanted with the wrong men; it is a haven for those who live there.

Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Rycliff, knows he doesn't belong here. So far as he can tell, there's nothing in this place but spinsters... and sheep. But he has no choice, he has orders to gather a militia. It's a simple mission, made complicated by the spirited, exquisite Susanna Finch—a woman who is determined to save her personal utopia from the invasion of Bram's makeshift army.

Susanna has no use for aggravating men; Bram has sworn off interfering women. The scene is set for an epic battle... but who can be named the winner when both have so much to lose?

*****

A Night to Surrender is the first book in Tessa Dare's Spindle Cove series, and a funny, sexy, poignant story!  And when I say funny, I mean laugh-out-loud funny! Bram and Susanna are wonderful people who captivated my heart, and I couldn't get enough of them. But truth be told, the entire cast of characters is so intriguing, so compelling, so in need of happily ever afters that I absolutely must read their stories, too.

Honestly, stories like this is why historical romance is my go-to genre of choice when looking for a feel good, entertaining read! Funny, romantic, poignant, sexy... What a wonderful story!!

         

Jagged by Kristen Ashley - Cover Reveal and Pre-Order

JAGGED

by Kristen Ashley

Publication Date: November 5, 2013

Genre: Contemporary

ISBN: 9781455599141

Summary:

An old flame rekindled . . .

Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn't interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara's lost her business, her marriage, and she's barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears about Zara's plight, he's on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.

Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time than absolutely necessary. But Ham's faced his own demons, and he's learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he's meant to live. So when he hears that Zara's having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he's a changed man.

Author’s Social Networking links:

Visit Kristen Ashley's Blog

Connect with Kristen on Twitter

Visit Kristen's Facebook Page  (check out her post about the reveal!)

Kristen's Author Page on Goodreads

Kristen Ashley Addict Support Group on Goodreads

Buy Links:

Available for Pre-Order

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

Click here to Buy at B&N

Author Bio:

Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake.

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Mirror, Mirror Anthology by J.D. Robb

Once upon a time…

…in a world far removed from the days when fairy tales were new, five bestselling authors spin versions that take the classic stories into a new dimension. You’ll recognize Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and other enduring characters, but they’ll exist in realms beyond your imagination, where the familiar is transformed into the extraordinary and otherworldly. 

*****

4.5 intriguing, lively, romantic, sinister, and enchanting stars!

This anthology offers something for everyone, and should not be missed!

#1 - Taken in Death by J.D. Robb - 5 stars -

For whatever reason, I haven't yet ventured into J.D. Robb's In Death series, even though my daughter is wild about these stories and owns every book. But I received the Mirror, Mirror anthology for review, so figured, why not give it a go. Holy cow! From the very first paragraph this story grabbed hold. It's a riveting retelling of the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale, and leaves absolutely no doubt in my mind why this series is so popular - Intense, intriguing, masterfully told... Ms. Robb is a brilliant author!

#2 - If Wishes Were Horses by Mary Blayney - 4 stars -

Told in shades of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, this is a delightful historical romance. It's a story about finding your perfect fit - be it in chairs, beds, or that once in a lifetime love. It's also a story about being careful what you wish for, because when your wish comes true, it might not happen in the way you had hoped.

#3 - Beauty, Sleeping by Elaine Fox - 5 stars -

This is a wonderfully imaginative and thoroughly entertaining retelling of Sleeping Beauty. It's unique, romantic, thoughtful, and I enjoyed every moment I spent reading. I also appreciated the 'moral of the story' which Ms. Fox wove neatly into this modern day twist on a beloved fairy tale.

#4- The Christmas Comet by Mary Kay McComas - 4 stars -

There was something special about this story...a feeling of hope, faith, love, and sweet but not sappy. Drawing from by Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Matchstick Girl, and the Brothers Grimm's The Star Money, theres just so much heart to this tale!

#5 - Stroke of Midnight by R. C. Ryan - 4 stars -

A modern day Cinderella tale, this story is entertaining and enchanting! I loved the strength of our heroine, Sydney, and her sense of adventure that led her to Cullen and their Happily Ever After!

The Bottom Line - I thoroughly enjoyed these stories. Each author has a distinctive, creative, and very entertaining voice and I'm looking forward to reading more of their writing!

Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine


Mirror, Mirror
J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, and R.C. Ryan
Jove
Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 978-0515154078
****1/2  

Days of Rakes and Roses by Anna Campbell

4 romantic, sexy, lovely stars!

With her amazing story, Claiming the Courtesan, Anna Campbell instantly became one of my favorite historical romance authors! The way she tells a tale, I become part of the story; living the life, the hopes, the dreams, the passion, and getting caught up in a world I never want to leave. And she’s doing it again with her Sons of Sin series.

The Story -

Days of Rakes and Roses is book 1.5 in the series, and a truly lovely second-chance-romance, the second chance coming 10 years after Lady Lydia Rothermere’s father catches she and Simon Metcalf in a nigh unto compromising position. Lydia’s moment of indiscretion cost her dearly in her father’s cruelty towards his daughter, the slut, and Simon disappearing from her life. Now, just weeks before her marriage to an ambitious politician several years her senior, who should make his way back into her life but the man she never stopped loving, Simon.

Simon never forgot the stolen kisses shared with Lydia, and the passion that burned between them. In some ways it was a blessing that her father came upon them when he did – before he’d ruined her – because as a second son, Simon couldn’t give Lydia the kind of life she deserved. But after all these years, receiving a letter from Lydia’s brother, Cameron, the Duke of Sedgemoor, telling him that she’s about to marry and urging him to come home and stake his claim, Simon’s back, intending to do just that.

My Review -

Any novel you pick up by Anna Campbell is sure to be wonderful, so I expected nothing less than that with this one. But what makes Days of Rakes and Roses truly brilliant is the way Ms. Campbell has taken characters we’ve not been introduced to before and given them a story that doesn’t feel or read like a novella. Despite the shorter page count, Lydia and Simon are fully developed people I can’t help but care about, whose story I couldn’t put down, and whose happily ever after I was cheering for.

It’s stories like this that make Anna Campbell’s books irresistible!

My thanks to Forever Yours and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

  

Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed by Anna Campbell

Will a week of seduction...

Desperate to save her sister's life, Sidonie Forsythe has agreed to submit herself to a terrible fate: Beyond the foreboding walls of Castle Craven, a notorious, hideously scarred scoundrel will take her virtue over the course of seven sinful nights. Yet instead of a monster, she encounters a man like no other. And during this week, she comes to care for Jonas Merrick in ways that defy all logic—even as a dark secret she carries threatens them both.

...Spark a lifetime of passionate surrender?

Ruthless loner Jonas knows exactly who he is. Should he forget, even for a moment, the curse he bears, a mere glance in the mirror serves as an agonizing reminder. So when the lovely Sidonie turns up on his doorstep, her seduction is an even more delicious prospect than he originally planned. But the hardened outcast is soon moved by her innocent beauty, sharp wit, and surprising courage. Now as dangerous enemies gather at the gate to destroy them, can their new, fragile love survive?

*********

Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed is the first book in Anna Campbell's Sons of Sin series. It's a gothic-esque romance with a Beauty and the Beast feel, and is a very passionate, very sexy story.

Anna Campbell is one of my favorite Historical Romance authors. She writes compelling characters living in complex worlds. They're tortured souls with tragic pasts, people in need of the kind of redemption and salvation that can only be found in the arms of their one true love.

But for some minor issues I had with pacing and flow, there's so much to love about this story! Jonas and Sidonie are wonderful characters and from the start I couldn't help but care for them and want them to be together. And while I do like Sidonie, I fell especially hard for Jonas, the scarred, bitter man. His life, his loss, his seemingly empty future... he's the kind of hero who captures my heart in a big way.

I'm looking forward to reading more in this series!  

Always on My Mind by Jill Shalvis

After dropping out of pastry school and messing up her big break on a reality cooking show, Leah Sullivan needs to accomplish something in her life. But when she returns home to Lucky Harbor, she finds herself distracted by her best friend, Jack Harper. In an effort to cheer up Jack's ailing mother, Dee, Leah tells a little fib - that she and Jack are more than just friends. Soon pretending to be hot-and-heavy with this hunky firefighter feels too real to handle . . .

No-strings attachments suit Jack just fine - perfect for keeping the risk of heartbreak away. But as Jack and Leah break every one of their "just friends" rules, he longs to turn their pretend relationship into something permanent. Do best friends know too much about each other to risk falling in love? Or will Jack and Leah discover something new about each other in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

*****

4 passionate, romantic, poignant, sexy, laugh out loud funny stars!

Always on My Mind is the 8th book in Jill Shalvis’ brilliant Lucky Harbor series. It’s all the things I mentioned above – passionate, romantic, poignant, sexy, laugh out loud funny – and then some.

I’ve truly enjoyed all the books in the series, but this one hits home in a very personal way, and I can totally relate to Leah’s demons because I share the same ones. But I just love the way Ms. Shalvis can take a character’s heartbreaking situations and turn the trials into triumphs, and the things that can tear you down into things that build you up.

And, as always, the entire cast of characters are people we can connect to. From young adults just trying to find their way in life, to the more “mature” adults who are “old enough to know better but too young (at heart) to care…” each and every person in Lucky Harbor is a person I want to know better. A person I’d love to have as a friend or neighbor, or significant other.

The Bottom Line:

Jill Shalvis is one of the few truly amazing voices in Contemporary Romance, and with Always on My Mind, she’s delivered a beautifully told story about letting go of yesterday’s pain so you can live and love like there’s no tomorrow.

My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. Again, it’s been a pleasure.

    

Rock Chick Revolution by Kristen Ashley

CONTEST NOW CLOSED

Ally Nightingale has secrets. Secrets she doesn't even share with the Rock Chicks. But two men know what she's up to. One has her back. The other has her heart, but he doesn't know it.

As Ally rewinds the last year of her life, she knows two things. One, she’s never going to get what every Rock Chick should have—her own Hot Bunch guy. And two, she’s a Nightingale through and through. She just isn’t sure what to do about that.

But as her secrets are revealed, the men in her life react. Darius Tucker, a lifelong friend, as usual takes her back. Ren Zano, the man she loves, isn’t quite so sure. The Rock Chicks, Hot Bunch and the entire gang at Fortnum’s weigh in, and a Rock Chick Revolution starts brewing.

It’s up to Ally to control it and prove what she knows down to her bones.

She’s a Rock Chick, she deserves her hot guy and she’s going to keep the one she wants…

Because she’s a Nightingale

*****

Re-read Review, September 4-5, 2013.

Yes, I've already done a re-read of this story as part of my Rock Chick Series Re-read Review Celebration and Giveaway on my blog! See, I loved Revolution so much that I decided to re-read the first 7, then when I finished them I just kept on reading through 8 again! What does that tell you about how much I love this book?

Just sayin'... 'nuf said.

Original Review - 

Exciting, funny, sexy, quirky... 5 Rock Chick RIGHTEOUS stars!!

"Because, no matter how old we get, we always need to believe in fairytales."

I adore Kristen Ashley’s stories. They’re fun, sexy, heartfelt, thought provoking, and you can tell that they come from a place of truth. Each and every one has become a favorite, for different reasons. Some grab my heart because they’re poignant, others because they’re romantic. Some set my imagination free, while others ground me and make me feel solid. I love that regardless of the tale she’s telling, she can pull me in, have me connect with the characters – who never feel like characters, by the way – and keep me turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning. And such is the case with this story.

Rock Chick Revolution is the eighth and final book in Kristen Ashley’s totally awesome Rock Chick series, and the story most of us hard-core fans have been waiting for. From their first encounter in Rock Chick Revenge when Ally gets in Ren’s face to make him step back from the fight between he and Luke – over Ava, no less – you just know these two will end up together and that they’ll push at each other, pull at each other, drive each other insane and burn up the sheets together. And man, oh, man, do they ever!

“Revolution” in the title is very apt, for a couple of reasons. One being that the story of the Rock Chicks and the Hot Bunch has come full circle. But while reading this story I couldn’t help but connect that word to what was happening in the Rock Chick world – a revolution of sorts. I’ve always seen Ally as a wild card. The one you could never totally read. Like the rest of the Rock Chicks, she’s a girl who knows what she wants and will stop at nothing to get it. That said, what Ally wants is HUGE and is going to upset the Hot Bunch apple cart in a big way, and cause a revolution of epic proportions. And that’s all I’ll say about that.

There are some very cool twists. Some totally awesome turns. Things you may have never seen coming, but when they come, you can’t help but smile, and I mean smile in a way that comes from deep inside. "Because, no matter how old we get, we always need to believe in fairytales."

Oh, and one last thing - you know that saying, when one door closes, another opens, so an ending is just a beginning?

Yeah. That.

Just sayin'...

ARC provided to Blithely Bookish Reviews in exchange for an honest review.

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Rock Chick Reading Order:

1. Rock Chick
2. Rock Chick Rescue
3. Rock Chick Redemption
4. Rock Chick Renegade
5. Rock Chick Revenge
6. Rock Chick Reckoning
7. Rock Chick Regret
8. Rock Chick Revolution

Rock Chick Regret by Kristen Ashley

CONTEST NOW CLOSED

And counting it down, we're at day 7, book 7 of my 

ROCK CHICK SERIES RE-READ REVIEW CELEBRATION 

with Hector and Sadie's incredible story. What an emotional ride this was!

Remember!

At the end of this 8 day CELEBRATION, I'll be giving away 1 ebook copy of any ROCK CHICK book, to 3 winners. Be sure and stop by every day and post a comment to be entered for a chance to win 1 of the 3 copies, your choice, of Kristen Ashley's ROCK CHICK books from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords.

Open to US residents only.

You must comment on each book review to win!

Sadie Townsend is known by all as The Ice Princess and she’s worked hard to earn her reputation. Her father, a now-incarcerated Drug Lord, has kept her under his thumb her whole life and she’s learned enough from living in his world to give everyone the cold shoulder. But one inebriated night, she shows the Real Sadie to the undercover agent she knows is investigating her father, the handsome Hector Chavez, and he knows he’ll stop at nothing to have her.

Hector makes one (huge) mistake; he waits for Sadie to come to him. Tragedy strikes and Sadie’s got a choice, she can retreat behind her Ice Fortress or she can embrace the Rock Chick/Hot Bunch World. Guided by Hector, the Rock Chicks, the Hot Bunch and her new gay roommates, Buddy and Ralphie, Sadie negotiates a life out from under her father’s thumb, a life that includes poison, arson and learning how to make s’mores.

*****

Re-read Review - September 1-2, 2013

You know, I have loved each re-read so far, but this is my favorite. Sadie's story is so heartbreaking, so beautiful, I just couldn't put it down. Such a great story.

My only problem with the story is that I can't decide which Hispanic Hottie I love more, Hector or Eddie. I might have to re-read their stories a few more times to decide.

It's a dirty job...

Original Review-

Rock Chick Regret is the seventh book in the Rock Chick series and one of my favorites! The story is truly awesome… heartbreaking, inspiring, romantic and very sexy… a delicious tale served up in true Kristen Ashley form.

I’m in love with Hector Chavez. What an amazing, incredible, all kinds of awesome man. Hector alone made this book worth reading, but then throw in the beautiful, loving, compassionate Sadie and the rest of the Rock Chick cast and this story could be nothing less than 5 stars.

I might do a longer review someday… or maybe not. But if you’re not sure this is a book for you, read the kjillion totally awesome reviews that have been written, then waste no more time. Buy it. You won’t regret it!!!

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Rock Chick Reading Order:

1. Rock Chick
2. Rock Chick Rescue
3. Rock Chick Redemption
4. Rock Chick Renegade
5. Rock Chick Revenge
6. Rock Chick Reckoning
7. Rock Chick Regret
8. Rock Chick Revolution