Yuletide Enchantment by Cindy Spencer Pape

Yuletide Enchantment: 1 (Holiday Hearts)
By: Cindy Spencer Pape
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Published: December 9, 2009
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Erotic Romance, Fantasy, Holiday, Inspirational, Mystery
Content: M/F, Oral Sex, Toys
Length: Short Story
Heat Level: Scorching
Reviewer: Suki
Date: June 20, 2015

 

The company Christmas party goes awry in an erotic way when quiet accountant Shelby Carter is magically whisked into a miniature Victorian village with the boss's gorgeous son, Noel Holiday.

Noel has always honored the policy against fraternization, but when he's trapped for several days with sweet, sexy Shelby, he decides it's time to start breaking the rules. While exploring the enchanted surroundings, they delve into their deepest fantasies, even acting out scenes from a collection of erotic Victorian postcards. After all, what's Christmas without a little magic and a whole lot of sexy fun?

Though Shelby's crazy about Noel, she's sure he'll forget all about her once their interlude is over. But Noel has fallen head over snow boots in love with Shelby. Now he just has to convince her that holiday wishes can come true, and his devotion will last beyond their Yuletide Enchantment.

Yes I am reading a Christmas book in June.  Perhaps I am hoping for some of that snow we got this winter to cool things off a bit. This book is not going to cool anything off. In fact I think it rose the temperature a degree or two. 

Noel Holiday (HERO) works for the family greeting card company as a designer and is asked to check out the new Christmas display to see what is missing from it. When he gets there what he finds is Shelby Carter from accounting who is intent on the village. When they touch hands and the village at the same time they find themselves transported to the Victorian village or at least the house.  Complete with Victorian clothing and condoms. 

Once they discover there is no real way to escape they decide to make the best of it and let their attraction for each other takeover. But will it last when they are returned to reality?

I really enjoyed this book. And when you read any Ellora’s Cave book you know you are going to get sex scenes that are hot and detailed. I personally would have liked more about when they got back to reality, it seemed rushed. A couple more pages might have done the trick. But the book was very well written and edited and I fell in love with the Characters.

If you are looking for something to heat things up, this will do it.

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Tara of the Fey by Misha Tagliaferro

Tara of the Fey
By: Misha Tagliaferro
Publisher: Sweet Craving Publishing
Published: March 29, 2013
Genre: Historical, Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction
Length: Short Story
Heat Level: Sigh
Reviewer: Suki
Date: April 21, 2015

 

Sailing through the Minch, fey princess Tara enjoys her last taste freedom before facing her betrothal to an Irish prince—a man she doesn’t love and has no interest in marrying. The smooth voyage takes an abrupt turn for the worse when a group of ornery Blue Men of the Minch appear and brew up a storm. Tara has no choice but to give into their whims when she is swept overboard.

Caeden, a fey cursed to live as a Blue Man, can't believe he is seeing the grown version of his childhood best friend. He hopes she’ll be the one to break his curse and allow him to return to life on land. Tara sees the fey man trapped inside the blue exterior, but is she his one true love and the key to breaking the curse? Or will Caeden live as a Blue Man of the Minch forever?

Short story writing can be difficult and when dealing with the complicated work it can be made more complicated when a writer is delving into mythos. This story from the beginning had me confused I was unfamiliar with the what Minch were and eventually had to stop reading to look it up on line. Some descriptions of the other men or even a brief paragraph telling up about these creatures would have gone a long way for me.

The rest of the book seemed rushed as if the author had only 20 pages to tell a story that could have taken chapters. I love a good short story but this one just wasn’t given the time it needs. I wanted more information. What kind of serpent did she turn into when she went underwater? What did she look like? What were the punishments of the Chieftain?

In the end the book left me feeling like part of the story hadn’t been told. I would definitely give this author another read as she had passion for what she wrote.

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Box of 1Night Stands by 21 Various Authors

Box of 1Night Stands
By: 21 Various Authors
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Published: August 7, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Futuristic, Anthology, Erotic Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction
Length: Short Stories
Heat Level: Spicy, Scorching
Reviewer: Toni
Date: August 14, 2014

 

Decadent Publishing presents some of the very best of the 1Night Stand series featuring NYT and USA Today Bestselling authors Jennifer Probst, Jen McLaughlin (writing as Diane Alberts) and J.M. Madden, along with 18 other trendsetting authors such as HOLT Medallion winner Desiree Holt. When Madame Eve arranges a date, you are guaranteed more than you'll ever expect. More heat, more heart, more SIZZLE...

Catch Me - Jennifer Probst
Can a woman with an abused past surrender her heart and body to one night with a stranger?

Broken - Jen McLaughlin (writing as Diane Alberts)
Is one night enough for Tiffany to convince Matt that she doesn’t see a crippled man when she looks at him…but a war hero instead?

Wet Dream - J.M. Madden
Ginger Hampton isn't surprised when her Madame Eve date is a no-show, but maybe Chief of Security Cameron Jones can salvage her night, and her heart.

Night Mission - Desiree Holt
For Navy SEAL Gabe Walker his one night stand with Maggie Fitzpatrick might turn out to be his hottest mission yet.

Panties Optional - Stephanie Beck
Forever isn’t on Sam or Maggie's minds, but maybe it doesn’t have to be.

Caught Offside - Liz Crowe
A love of soccer may unite former international star Ramon Castillo and casino catering manager Gillian Winter, but their deep personal wounds won't allow for a real connection until Madame Eve works her magic.

Erotic Healing - Becca Dale
“Together we will convert your discomfort to pleasure...before the sun rises, you will know exquisite satisfaction."

One Night With the Bride - Sara Daniel
Can a 1Night Stand reunite Caroline with her first love, Javier, or will he see only her deception, leading one night with the bride to sever their ties forever?

Strawberry Kisses - Dominique Eastwick
Can two introverts gamble on love and win...with the help of Madame Eve and a bowl of Strawberries anything is possible.

Dead or Alive – L.J. Garland
She’s a bounty hunter on a mission...but when she captures her man, will she shoot him or kiss him?

My Boogie Woogie Bugle Guy - D.L. Jackson
Can Frank, an Army trumpet player, win the heart of Grace Daniels and convince her to give love with a soldier a chance, or will he be playing Taps before the date even gets started?

In From the Cold - Taryn Kincaid
When Geneviève Mortimer encounters a burned-out spy unaware of his true identity—everything the demon-hunting will-o’-the-wisp most despises—can Madame Eve work her special romantic magic on the star-crossed pair?

Trading Up - Mahalia Levey
A lonely woman and soldier get a bit of help in finding each other.

Her Marine - Heather Long
The last thing Shannon and Brody expected was a soul deep connection that brings them both wonder, but is the spark of lust enough to bring these two loners in from the cold?

To Feel Again - Valerie Mann
The story that started it all: Jackson Castillo doesn't have time for dating, Leah doesn't have time to wait.

Dom of the Dead - Virginia Nelson
Love transcends the grave when Carson submits to the Dom of the Dead.

The Virgin and the Playboy - Kate Richards
Can love blossom between a man who has too many dates and a woman who hasn't even found time for sex once?

Paging Dr. Wolf - Rebecca Royce
When a fateful night turns Dr. Dallas Olson into a werewolf, only Cara can help heal his heart and teach him how to howl at the moon.

Familiar Desires - Olivia Starke
Something deeper lies in Ashley and Justin's magical connection, something Ashley isn't prepared for....

Satin Sheets in Space - Jessica E. Subject
Danyka expects to meet her Prince Charming during her 1Night Stand, but how will she react when she's abducted by two sexy aliens?

Dragon Temptation - Kali Willows
A twin dragon and a maid of honor hook up at an exotic destination wedding for steamy romance and melted chocolate!

This review is going to be a departure from the norm.

I will say that I have NOT read all twenty-one 1NS stories, but I have read eight of them. Two have been reviewed here on Got Romance! Reviews and the others I have either just read and rated or reviewed for other review sites, so I cannot share the reviews officially. But what I can tell you, of the eight stories I have read I have yet to be disappointed and I'm looking very forward to reading the rest.

So check out my two official reviews of Strawberry Kisses and In From the Cold. They were both great stories. I have also noted my ratings of the other books. Again great stories. 

So don't just sit there. Go and get this great deal right now. The box set is only 99 cents. It is practically free!  But don't wait...it's only for a limited time!

Catch Me - Jennifer Probst

Night Mission - Desiree Holt

One Night With the Bride - Sara Daniel

Her Marine - Heather Long

To Feel Again - Valerie Mann

The Virgin and the Playboy - Kate Richards

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The Chosen by Theresa Meyers

The Chosen
By: Theresa Meyers 
Publisher:  Zebra
Published:  March 5, 2013
Genre: Historical, Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance 
Length: Novel 
Heat Level:  Spicy
Reviewer:  Toni
Date:  April 26, 2014

 

The Chosen: a prophecy older than dirt and more dangerous than death. Even as they perfected steam-powered gadgetry and rounded up varmints from Hell, the Jackson brothers didn’t believe in it. But when the chips are down, three brothers named for weapons aren’t going out without a fight…

A Walk On The Wild Side

Attorney by day, demon-hunter by night, Remington Jackson is used to being on the sunny side of the law, even in the Wild West. But it’s showdown time, and Remy and his brothers are getting desperate. They don’t have the relic they need to slam the door shut on evil—so Remy is going to have to find and steal part of it.

Enter China McGee, shapeshifter, thief, beauty, and current prisoner. When Remy offers her freedom in exchange for a little light-fingered help, she’s pretty sure she’s going to end the association with a good old-fashioned seductive double cross. But there’s something about fighting through a jungle full of Mayan ruins that makes you want to settle down together. China could change. Remy might be special. But none of that matters if the devil takes them all…

First things first…The cover totally represents the characters and a scene in a book. It’s so nice to have a cover that actually depicts the characters right down to what they wear and the color of their hair.

With the close of The Chosen, The Legend Chronicles, is a wrap. From the first page to the last, there was action, suspense and romance. I do have to say that I’m glad it is complete.

I liked The Chosen. The story as a whole finished the trilogy nicely. Closure is very good. There were some issues for me, but they were likely personal. I am just not sure of the whole steampunk genre. It doesn’t do anything for me. I thought it would, but nope - nadda.

This story takes us on the journey of the final brother, Remington. He is the middle son. He is studious and a thinker. He is also on the fence about fighting the Darkin. He has found a nice balance between his law practice and his occasional hunting. He is teamed up with an old flame of his younger brother, Colt. Their first encounter is of him posing as her lawyer to get her out of jail. From then on, the action is pretty much nonstop.

China is hell in pants and boots. She has held a torch for the youngest Jackson son for a very long time. Yet, he abandoned her to rot in a jail cell. She begins to question her choices in life from the very moment she meets Remington. Torn between two worlds, she is uncertain who to trust and what truths to tell. She has her own personal journey; one that will take her to hell and back again.

The three stories ran concurrent to each other; for that alone, I would recommend reading the trilogy all at once. Yes, you will have areas that will be repeated from a separate point of view, but I think I would have appreciated the adventure more than I did. I would have had “aha” moments that would have clarified the scene, rather than, dang that seems a bit familiar, and it bugs me.

During the final chapters of The Chosen, the brothers (The Chosen) are reunited to take on the final evil. Can they fulfill the prophesy and save the world? You know what you will have to do to find out. One thing I really enjoyed about the book was that Ms. Meyers does a fine job writing in real life events and it really shows she did her research. At the end, she states the events and how they related to the book.

I also appreciated that she included a short story about a fun character in the book. While I was excited about the short, it fell short for me. We know the ultimate ending, so the huge gap from the ending of the short to the actual outcome of events was missing. It was the main reason I was excited to read it; to find out how the end really happened. Opportunity lost in my opinion.

So all in all, The Legend Chronicles was a decent series. I think fans of steampunk will appreciate the stories more than I did and I would happily recommend them to them.

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Where the Rain is Made by Keta Diablo

Where the Rain is Made
By:  Keta Diablo
Publisher:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Published:  August 20, 2010
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Length:  Novel 
Heat Level:  Spicy
Reviewer:  Toni
Date:  December 28, 2011

A decadent-looking savage has captured Francesca DuVall and her brother, Marsh. Now she must spend every waking moment planning an escape. She didn’t count on the powerful draw of desire interfering with her scheme in the camp of the brutal Cheyenne dog soldiers.

Ethan Gray is a curator at a national museum...most of the time, but when he travels through time to help his beloved People he becomes Meko, leader of the most revered and feared tribe of the plains. Although their worlds are decades apart Meko can’t resist the dark beauty he kidnapped during a raid. He has many battles to fight but none he wants to win more than the one that will capture Cesca’s heart forever.

From the windswept plains of Colorado and the harsh life of a Dog Soldier to the placid life of a curator their love was fueled by passion and kindled by destiny.

Welcome to the world of time travel. Hold on tight because we are going to soar into the clouds and delve into the amazing world of the People, the Cheyenne’s.

Francesca Duvall had a quiet life taking care of her father and her younger brother, Marshall. All that changed in an instant the dog soldiers descended onto her home and killed her father. Now she and her brother are prisoners of savages and her only goal is to save them both or at least her brother no matter what she must do.

Ethan Gray is a man with a mission to save his People. He is devoted to their existence and to protect their way of life. He is a Wanderer, a man destined to travel through time to protect the Cheyenne. He is a modern man living in the past, sacrificing his own happiness for the good of the People. His current mission is to save his tribe from being massacred. He never anticipated finding his heart and soul in the eyes of a frightened woman.

Their love is forged on blood, pain and honor. Two people who are from different times and different worlds. Together they must protect their hearts, each other and the People. These were violent and turbulent times and this is their story.

I think this story can be considered a “lite” paranormal. He is a shapeshifter, but only when he travels thru time. He seems to be semi-immortal. I got the impression that he gets to decide when he wants to die, beyond that this is a time travel historical. While Ethan is a contemporary man, most of the story takes place in the past.

Due to Ms. Diablo’s storytelling I wanted to learn more of the Cheyenne and dog soldiers. She pulled me in with vivid descriptions and intense scenes. She made my heart break reading about their history and their devotion to family. I felt like I was transported back into time and was living on the plains with these great people.

Where the Rain is Made is rich in detail. You can almost see and taste the scenery with Ms. Diablo’s descriptive and well written words. You are immersed into the dog soldier’s world and transported into the exciting and frightening life of the People. While this is a lite paranormal read, I still considered it time well spent; time that was enjoyed and will hold a place in my heart. The People are now a part of me and I thank Ms. Diablo for sharing their rich but tragic existence with me.

Don’t miss Where the Rain is Made. Action, passion and history merge together in this gripping tale. I hope that there are more stories of the Gray’s adventures. I plan to be first in line to get the next installment.

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