Tag Archives: romance

Unknown's avatar

Bear Naked Valentine’s

by

I was completely drawn into this story right from the beginning and I thoroughly enjoyed it till the very end. I loved the characters and the way they interacted with one another. It felt like I knew them since the start, even though I was just meeting them. The story has a light tone with a touch of fun, a little bit of angst, and a whole lot of romance. This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and since I started near the end, I plan to read the other books in this series.

Lucy is a police officer, but she finds it hard to meet men due to her profession. Men are either intimidated by her or have a creepy interest in her handcuffs. During her latest blind date, things go worse than usual when her date realizes she is a cop. He turns out to be a bad guy, and he takes off running, forcing Lucy to chase and arrest him. After this disastrous date, Lucy almost gives up on dating altogether. However, her best friend has other plans and introduces her to a new dating app.

Chris is the owner of a bar in a town that is being developed to accommodate shifters from all over the country who are interested in relocating there. Although he tells himself that he is not interested in finding a mate, he feels envious of his friends who have found love. When they ask him to beta test a dating app, he is initially hesitant, but he decides to give it a try. Chris thinks that if the app doesn’t work out, he can always go back to his mundane life. However, the app works better than he ever could have imagined.

This was a wonderful story with a few dark moments to provide balance. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

My rating: ✧✧✧✧✧

Unknown's avatar

Beneath a Waning Moon

by

These two authors have collaborated on collections in the past, and they have always been good. I must confess that I am already a fan of Elizabeth Hunter’s Elemental series, and I always welcome any opportunity to revisit that world. I enjoyed the first piece I read from Grace Draven, and I was excited to see what she would bring to this collection. When I averaged my rating for each story, the overall rating came out to be 3.7 stars.

“A Very Proper Monster” received a rating of 4.5 stars. At first, it took me a while to realize whose story was being told. However, once it picked up, it almost rushed through their early life together. Despite this, I enjoyed everything about the book. It was a nice turn since we hadn’t seen many of these characters before.

Josephine Shaw is a spinster who spends her nights filling the pages of her Gothic stories with fantastical creatures for the enjoyment of others. She is unaware that her father is looking for a husband to care for her when he is gone. Tom Dargin agrees to court the ailing spinster to secure a deal between Mr. Shaw and his boss Patrick Murphy. But when he finally meets the woman in question he is drawn to her and no longer sees this as just a duty.

This was a sweet love story with bite. Tom and Josephine were destined even if neither could see it at first.

“Gaslight Hades” I gave 3.2 stars mainly because it was confusing for me. I had difficulty getting into the story and did not really warm up to the characters until almost the end. While it was supposed to be a Gothic romance I got more of a steampunk feel from it, not that I don’t like steampunk. The story somewhat reminds me of Lovecraft because of the monsters.

Nathaniel Gordon was a man once upon a time but now he is barely human and walks among both the living and the dead. Nathaniel is a Bonekeeper, a guardian against grave robbers who has a well-earned reputation for protecting his charges. He has resigned himself to the fact that his old life is over until he spots the woman he once loved in his graveyard.

Lenore Kenward has lost her father, a man she both loved and admired after losing her almost fiancé years before. While at the graveside she senses something and finds a guardian watching her, instead of being frightened like so many she asks him to keep her father’s grave safe. She also feels there is something familiar about him.

This was a really slow burn but delivered a decent love story in the end. Not my favorite but I came to like them both.

My rating: 💫💫💫💫

Unknown's avatar

A Stone Kissed Sea

by

I enjoyed getting a chance to really get to know Doctor Lucien Thrax after having met him in earlier novels. This revealed a great deal about him as an individual while also giving us the chance to meet his Sire, Saba, and the other ancients who have made cursory appearances since the original Elemental Mystery novels. The characters have all become more textured and nuanced as the series has progressed giving more depth and life to the world they inhabit. Knowing that this is the last novel set in this particular world made it bittersweet.

Lucien has been working on a cure for Elixir for the past three years without any luck, though he has had a few breakthroughs in detecting usage. The elimination of Elixir is very personal to him due to a loss he suffered because of it, it has also caused him to build a wall around his heart. Dr. Makeda Abel is a human under the aegis of Katya who has been funding the work of Lucien into the Elixir problem. Katya has also been funding the research of Makeda into human blood diseases and their possible cures.

Katya decides that even though Lucien has been working very hard and is making her money he could use some help. Makeda is sent to collaborate with Lucien, even though he would prefer to work alone. Lucien for his part does not take it well and does everything he can to make things difficult for Makeda, and because she would prefer not to be there she does not immediately fall in line. Though both of them are brilliant they cannot see what is right in front of them.

Power, Passion, and Politics. These are three things which drive the vampires as well as the humans in all our stories. You get a healthy dose of all three here as things go from good to bad to worse and back to good again. There is some good action along with a few steamy scenes that are fairly tame, though still hot enough for most. I believe fans will be more than happy with how things play out here.

** I listened to this for my second go with this as I have for the previous books in the series. It is just as compelling when listened to as when you read it. The narrator is fantastic and gives voice and life to all the characters. Enjoy this both ways.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Unknown's avatar

Ravaged

by

I enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed reading each book in this series. I love meeting new characters and also getting updates on the characters from earlier novels, but unfortunately, rarely any of the mates. Every time I start reading a book, I get pulled into the story and find it hard to put down until I finish, but I have to stop often because sleep and work get in the way. The world they inhabit is like ours but with a subtle twist.

Ever since Aiden stopped aging, he has been struggling with his dark impulses. Unlike his brothers who only had to deal with one dark impulse, Aiden is fighting against multiple ones such as bloodlust, sex, violence, and death. His work with Ronan has helped him to keep the darkness at bay, but he’s starting to lose the battle. He hopes someone will take him out before he gives in.

Maggie Doe had a difficult upbringing and always dreamed of having things she never had especially her own home. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when Aiden is rushed into her ambulance. Aiden has lost all hope for his future, but Maggie’s arrival brings a glimmer of hope back into his life.

This book has a good balance of mature themes, including sex, violence, and gore. It can be enjoyed as a standalone or as part of the larger series. I am excited for more young readers to experience it.

I found this book just as engaging as the others in the series. Tavia Gilbert’s narration is excellent and she brings each character to life, regardless of gender. I highly recommend it.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Unknown's avatar

Fractured

by

I just finished reading a book that continued the story from the previous one. Although it was short, it felt just right for the established and new characters involved. The characters were all well-developed, even the ones who only appeared briefly. The stories were engaging and helped to advance the plot lines.

Mia was freed when Abby and her family came to find Vicky and found her and other purebred vampires being held captive. While the other captives have all moved on she and Vicky remain at the training center for similar reasons, both feeling that they cannot move forward just yet. David wants nothing more than to help Mia get past her anxiety over being held captive. He has feelings for her that could be more than she can handle.

Just as Mia starts to think things can really be better a past she does not remember comes back to tear her newfound happiness apart.

I was so happy to see one of the Stooges finally in a position to get a little real romance. They have been a part of the family and got to see it happen so often it is only fair one of them gets a chance. This was a wonderful story that was a little heartbreaking. You could not help but feel for Mia and all that she had gone through but she proved to be a fighter. This is definitely for a mature audience with some seriously hot sex scenes. Enjoy!

My rating: ✩✩✩✩✩

Unknown's avatar

Savage Possession

by

I really enjoy this book series, but it has become too predictable for me. The characters are still fantastic, and I love how they are depicted, but the plot is becoming a bit repetitive. The main couple always has to struggle to stay together due to some external force trying to keep them apart. This theme has been consistent since the first book, and while it was enjoyable initially, it has become tedious. It would be nice to see the characters dealing with different situations, or perhaps even have another couple in the pack face romantic challenges.

Darcy always knew that her life wouldn’t be easy. She expected to face various challenges and make hard decisions. Therefore, when she is faced with death, she makes an almost immediate decision that she will do anything to stay with her love, Mason. Zane suggests that she takes on vampire nature to replace her witch nature, and Darcy agrees without considering the consequences. However, after surviving the conversion, everyone is pleased, but they sense something different and dark about Darcy.

I already have the next book in the series but I’m unsure if I want to read it right now. I already know what’s going to happen since we’ve already had a showdown with the same villain before. Do I really need to waste my time? I do like the series, but it’s time for things to move forward. It feels like we’re always in the same place.

My rating: ✭✭✭✭

https://www.amazon.com/Savage-Possession-5-Mystic-Wolves-ebook/

Unknown's avatar

My Christmas Fiancé

by

This totally caught me by surprise and roped me in from the very beginning with a story that I found to be fun and sexy with just a hint of malice. The story is told from the point of view of each of the main characters by each getting a chapter one after the other that keeps the narrative flowing. The characters are all very nicely realized as far as their individuality with personalities that define each of them. That goes for both the main and peripheral characters so that you can see what their motivations are for the most part.

Meg
Maggie Brown had to reinvent herself after her relationship became violent. She and her 13-year-old son move to Auckland where she can become a new and improved version of herself without all the mistakes of her past to hold her back. When she lands her dream job as PA to three rich gaming executives she feels reborn with the change. Then when I think I am sending an email to a friend telling her about the wickedly sexy things I want to do to one of my bosses I accidentally send it to All Staff. I am so embarrassed I want to run and hide, but Stratton catches me before I can get away and makes a proposal I want to accept.

Stratton
He has wanted Meg from the first day she walked into the office, but she is wearing a wedding ring so he stays clear. But since I recently broke up with my ex, Natalie I have been preoccupied. Natalie wants him back and won’t take no for an answer, so I had to come up with a plan, hire a fake fiancé for Christmas to prove it’s over. After reading the hot email Meg sent out, she finally confesses the truth about her past. She can pretend to be my fiancé and I can protect her from the guy she’s running from.

I loved the buildup with this couple because it was just the right pace for who they were. There was a lot of talk that gave visuals that could make you melt, with no touching involved which made it that much hotter. They also drank some really good whisky. Recommended highly!

My rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Unknown's avatar

All the Stars Look Down

by

I really liked this duo and found myself lost in both of the stories, one with characters new to me and another with friends that I have missed. Because there are two stories I averaged the stars out to 4.25 for the book. I have never read Grace Draven before but definitely liked the tale that she has included in this book with characters who felt enough like people I found myself liking and would like to see more of in the future. Then there is Elizabeth Hunter who I have been reading and enjoying for a while with my favorite couple making a surprise appearance that made my holiday season.

‘Sunday’s Child’, 4 stars.
The story is based on Norse mythology and has an elf named Andor Hjalmarson who has been exiled for 1000 years for seducing one of the King’s favorite concubines. He is sent away to serve his exile as a helper to Saint Nicholas and in so doing finds someone that makes him feel far more than he ever expected.
Claire Summerland is special even though she may not know it. When she was a child she got to see something that all children wish for on Christmas Eve plus someone she never expected to see but which fades as she gets older. When Claire grows up she no longer sees the magic but does find a bit of magic that was lost to her.
This is a sweet story of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Enjoyable for all!

‘Lost Letters and Christmas Lights’, 4.5 stars.
Giovanni and Beatrice travel to Rome when a new mystery comes along and interrupts their Christmas. Bea is on the hunt for a journal written by a priest in the California missions to another priest in the Vatican. The journals hold the secret to growing grapes. But there is something even more about the letters than what meets the eye.
Fina Rossi was in charge of the library when Lorenzo first established it and Giovanni decided to keep her on after Lorenzo was no more. Fina and her son live there alone but she has been corresponding with a friend of Gio’s and wonders what he is really like. Zeno Ferrara works at the Vatican deep in the archives and has never considered leaving. Then he meets Fina and Gio’s offer of employment seems a little more tempting.
There is a little sweetness and a little heat in this matchmaking story that just happens to involve vampires. A great addition to the Elemental Mysteries series.

I think this is a nice holiday-themed book that will bring a smile to the face.

Unknown's avatar

Cougar Christmas

by

I love this author and she never fails to entertain me with whatever genre she happens to be writing in. I liked the two main characters from the beginning and the story got my attention and did not let go until the very end, even if it had to be over a few days. Sometimes I wish I did not have to sleep or work so I could just read right through.

Genevieve Wells is a cold-as-ice boss about to lose her job if she cannot produce a mate for the Intensely Intimate Couples’ retreat that she won at the office Christmas party. She signed a contract stating she would go to the boss if there was any trouble in her marriage and she did not do it. Now she may have to face the consequences of not thinking before signing.

Drew Jamison is Genevieve’s long-suffering employee who has been angling for a promotion for quite a while. He dislikes Genevieve while at the same time being very attracted to her, even though she is ten years his senior. When he gets Genevieve to tell him what is bothering her he makes her a proposal that can help them both. He will go with her if she will give him his promotion.

While Genevieve fights to keep things professional because of her age and position, Drew wants to move things along in a more personal direction.

This is a hot and kind sweet story of an older woman who finds herself attracted to a younger man whom she feels she cannot have. I think anyone will enjoy this holiday treat.

My rating: ✬✬✬✬

Unknown's avatar

Blind Date With a Vampire

by

I have read quite a few novels by this author and always enjoy the story she weaves. This was no exception as I was drawn into the story from the very beginning and was reluctant to stop before the end. The main characters are well-fleshed and established in a short time so that you can decide how you feel about them for better or worse. The peripheral characters come clearer as the story progresses though some remain a little murky until the end. The setting is contemporary so there is no particular world-building other than to establish the quirks of these vampires.

Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Glover was an investment banker who came home from the Korean War with a case of PTSD, though they did not call it that then. In 1955 he was coping the best way he could without medication or a doctor with the help of his best friend who took him out for the evening. He gets much more than he wanted when he and his friend are turned by two women they meet. Because he cannot cope with his new life he decides to take a fifty-five-year nap and wakes in 2010 where he likes the technology but finds the women a bit forward.

Samantha Blythe was in an abusive relationship for a number of years, but she is now finally done with it. She just wants to meet a nice guy and her best friend, Pinky gets her on a dating site where she meets who she thinks maybe that nice guy. The only hitch is that he turns out to be a vampire but still a nice guy.

Sam and Nate hit it off but her ex is not done with her and he finds that he has some unfinished business with his maker that could mean the end of any relationship with Sam. Then there is the fact that his friend has kept him so in the dark that he does not even know how to be a vampire.

This was a little more than just a blind date, so the title does not seem accurate, but it was definitely a couple of good ones. There is some good action, with a sweet romance and steamy sex scenes. I would say it is a good recommendation.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟