Dangerous Love by EB Walters

Dangerous Love
By:  EB Walters
Publisher:  Firetrail Publishing
Published:  February 1, 2012
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Length:  Novel
Heat Level:  Spicy
Reviewer:  Toni
Date:  February 10, 2013

She has her emotions on a tight leash... Born to a Las Vegas showgirl, fashion designer Faith Fitzgerald's childhood was not easy, until her father found her and whisked her off to L.A. to join his wealthy family. The rejection by some of her family members hurt, but Faith has moved on. Or so she thinks. She works hard and never lets her guard down, until the day she discovers that someone stole and sold her designs to her competitor and former mentor. To catch the thief and salvage her collection for Fall Fashion Week, Faith turns to her ex-lover, a man who works under the radar and gets results fast. The problem is she has not seen him since she dumped him so unceremoniously. He's laid-back and spontaneous...

When former-FBI-agent-turned-security-consultant Kenneth 'Ken' Lambert receives a call from Faith asking for his services, he sees a chance to payback the gorgeous designer for the way she used him then walked out on him. But then he learns that she is being victimized by a man whose idea of love is both dangerous and toxic, Ken pushes aside his personal agenda and agrees to help her. 

As their investigation progresses, Ken discovers that Faith's calm exterior hides a woman of character and strength, a woman on the verge of falling apart. Can he help her find the answers she seeks or will she accept his offer instead-acceptance, unconditional love and support?

Fool me once…Shame on you…Fool me twice…well you better watch your back because I’m coming after you with guns blazing and the ability to take you down.

Faith has had it. She about to have one of her most amazing shows of her career and an unscrupulous ex is out to rip it away from her…AGAIN. Well she will not have it. He has been a thorn in her side for years and she knows just who to call to make sure she has the proof to ruin him and his stealing ways. She calls another ex. Well he really isn’t an ex; he is more of a one night stand that has never left her mind or her body alone. Cue in sinfully sexy security consultant and all around hottie – Ken Lambert.

Ken has never forgotten how Faith burned him. Never quite knowing what to expect from their night of passion, he was blindsided when Faith loved him and left him. They scorched the sheets, and her rejection of him has left a bad taste in his mouth and his body wanting much more. Faith is drop dead gorgeous, witty, and the most maddening woman he has ever met. He may have had reservations taking on this case, but he is not going to waste this opportunity for another chance with Faith. He is going to pull out all the stops and she won’t know what hit her.

Now they are working together to get the proof they need to bring down her ex. With the help of his employees, her family and her aunt’s feisty friends, they get what they need and entertain us along the way. Old pains are healed, laughter is shared, face fanning is invoked and love blossoms, and in my book that is a great combination.

Once again we get to visit the fascinating Fitzgerald family. Dangerous Love is book four in this ever growing contemporary series. Ms. Walters has written a delightful story with strong willed and fascinating characters, and the love of a great family. While the mystery is light, it is still a fun ride along the way. We know “who” the bad guy is, but finding out the what, where and why is all the fun. Along the way we get to be witness to Faith and Ken’s reluctant affair. As readers, we know they are the perfect combination to ignite the pages and keep us clamoring for more, and boy, they do not disappoint.

Ms. Walters sure does satisfy with Dangerous Love. The story is engaging and packed with goodness. A sexy couple, revisits from past characters, spicy interludes and some action to top it off. The combination is perfect and I have yet to be disappointed with The Fitzgerald Family series and Dangerous Love is another keeper for me. Can’t wait for more from this author or about this family!

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To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield by Bronwen Evans

To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield
By:  Bronwen Evans
Publisher:  Self Published
Published:  February 1, 2012
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length:  Novel
Heat Level:  Sensual
Reviewer:  Toni
Date:  August 27, 2012

Let the Wicked Wagers Begin...

Lady Caitlin Southall’s temper has finally got the better of her. She’s challenged Harlow Telford, the Duke of Dangerfield, the most notorious rake in all of England, to a wager. She wants her house back. The one her destitute father lost to Dangerfield in a card game. But if she doesn’t win their bet, she not only loses her home, she loses her dignity and pride and damn it all, maybe her heart... For the handsome Duke has decreed, when he wins, she must spend the night in his bed.

Harlow Telford is amused by his hellion neighbor, Caitlin, or Cate to her friends, who seem to encompass everyone on earth except him. When she bursts into one of his private gatherings, he mistakes her for the entertainment. Her slap across his face sets him straight and raises the absurd desire to seduce the unconventional beauty into his bed. When she issues her daft challenge to win back her father’s pile of rubble, the terms are set. And he’ll do anything to win—except fall in love...

To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield is a fast and furious read. I was captivated from start to finish, and couldn’t wait to see what was up next for these two stubborn people.

Lady Caitlin Southall’s lost her home and she knows if she can race her prize horse Ace against the Duke, she can win it back. What she doesn’t count on is him making a counter bet. Even though his bet has a steep price, she can’t back down. Her home is the only thing she has left from her mother and this rake will not deter her.

Harlow Telford, Duke of Dangerfield, was instantly fascinated by the beauty bent over her horse’s hoof. His passion ignited and desire flared. What he didn’t count on, was that she was the brat that dared laugh at him years ago. Even though he now knows her identity, he is more determined to bed her. But what surprises him the most is that his desire to bed her turns into a need to wed her.

What was once to be one bet turns into the best two out of three; wits, skills and tenacity are used to win at all costs. Down to the last trial, things are neck to neck; one wrong move and everything changes. Can they heal from this new disaster?

To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield is the first in the Wicked Wagers trilogy. They are a collection of novellas involving three friends. To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield is a wonderful start to the series.

Sometimes you can’t get a clear picture from a shorter story. Ms. Evans does a fine job telling the story, detailing the characters and engaging us in the plot. As I sit here, I don’t even wish To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield was longer, which is frequently the case. I’m very pleased with this little gem and I can’t wait to read the next in the trilogy, To Wager the Marquis of Wolverstone.

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To Wager the Marquis of Wolverstone by Bronwen Evans

To Wager the Marquis of Wolverstone
By:  Bronwen Evans
Publisher:  Self Published
Published:  April 28, 2012
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length:  Novel
Heat Level:  Sensual
Reviewer:  Toni
Date:  August 29, 2012

They Say Revenge is Sweet…

Marcus Danvers, the Marquis of Wolverstone, is renowned for his cynical demeanor. It's rumored that long ago, a beautiful woman broke his heart. Now he lives life for pleasure. He’s the consummate, handsome rake. If anyone tries to get too close—let’s just say his bark is as bad as his bite. That is, until the beautiful, as she is deceitful, Contessa Orsini re-enters his life with a wager he cannot resist. When he wins, he’ll have Sabine exactly where he wants her—in his bed and at his mercy.

Forced to return to England and avenge her father’s death, Sabine knows the one person who can help her is the only man she has ever loved—Marcus. The man who hates her with as much passion as he once loved her. But Marcus doesn’t know that by winning the wager he’ll also be getting his revenge. For there are some secrets best left buried…

To Wager the Marquis of Wolverstone is book two in the Wicked Wagers trilogy and it is a dark delightful addition.

Marcus Danvers, the Marquis of Wolverstone, is a man who takes what he wants and doesn’t care who is left wanting. A past hurt has changed him forever and if his cold demeanor doesn’t suit you, well just walk away. He will make no apologies and will not ask for forgiveness. His tough exterior begins to crack when the reason for his cold heart reenters his life…Sabine.

Sabine Fournier has returned to London with revenge, secrets and unrequited love in her heart. Unfortunately they are all connected to one rake, Marcus Danvers. She must beg the former love of her life to help her get revenge on the man who ruined her future and along the way keep all her life altering secrets to herself to save the people she loves. But first she must convince the Marquis of Wolverstone to help her.

Revenge is never sweet and these two learn that the hard way. While they work together, Sabine keeps her secrets close to her heart and Marcus must just try to protect his. Family and friends are forward with their opinions and help, but in the end they must do it alone. Unforeseen problems arise that endanger both Marcus and Sabine. Will it be too late to save themselves and their love?

To Wager the Marquis of Wolverstone is a bit darker than the first in the series, To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield. While I think the first could be categorized as playful competition, this one could be hurtful vengeance. I think the extreme shift has turned many people off from the second in the trilogy, but if you have read the first one, you would remember that Marcus was rather forbearing and morose. I have no problem enjoying this story because of it. I think if Ms. Evans had done a complete reversal with his character, I would have faulted her for it. She did Marcus justice by sticking with his character and following through.

While To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield seemed like a complete package to me, To Wager the Marquis of Wolverstone left me a little wanting. Their past was too hurtful and secretive to be solved in a novella. The story was still well written, but sudden changes of heart and forgiveness seemed too fast and forced. Ms. Evans still did a nice job with the word count she was allowed, but I think the story would have been more fulfilling as a full novel. Am I disappointed in the book? Not really and I would still recommend it, but I just wanted more depth to go with so much pain.

I am looking forward to the last in the series, To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood. It tells the story of the last of the bachelors, Henry St. Giles, the Earl of Cravenswood. On that note I have something to mention, Ms. Evans has released the complete trilogy in one novel – Wicked Wagers. It’s available now, so if you are interested I would recommend that you get the complete series in one great collection.

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Siren’s Serenade by Dominique Eastwick

Siren’s Serenade
By:  Dominique Eastwick
Publisher:  Musa Publishing
Published:  July 13, 2012
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal
Length:  Novella
Heat Level:  Spicy
Reviewer:  Toni
Date:  July 13, 2012

Loving her might just be the death of him.

When Coast Guard rescue swimmer Kaleb Theldon sees what he's sure is a mermaid pulling his partner into the murky depths of the Bering Sea, they call it PTSD. In order to save his career, Kaleb agrees to a week at an island spa off the coast of Maine. But the spa is nothing like he expected, and he isn't prepared for the sexy siren that crosses his path. But will her passion be more than one mere human can take?

Serena has a problem, and after four previous visits to the Wiccan Haus, she'd expected things to get easier. But on the mermaid’s fifth visit, Kaleb walks in and everything in her life becomes complicated. Never has she wanted to mate with a human man before. But can she love a man who has a chip on his shoulder a league long when it comes to mermaids? Can she deal with her own issues all while keeping her true self secret from the man she loves?

And will loving him prove deadly?

This time, the staff have more than healing on their agenda. Can the siblings, Myron, and Rekkus prove to these two lovers that things aren't always how they appear on the surface? Or will Kaleb's demise be found in his Siren's Serenade?

Welcome back to the Wiccan Haus.

Was this a short story? It sure didn’t feel like a short story. Are you sure?

The mermaids are living under a curse. To procreate they must steal the soul of a man at the time of conception. Serena has no desire to follow in her sister’s steps and refuses to kill innocent men. Unfortunately her mother is the queen and has given her a year to secure the line of succession or she will be forced to mate. Time is running out and she turns to the Rowan siblings and The Wiccan Haus Resort and Spa for help.

Kaleb knows he is not crazy. Yes, he may have PTSD, but he knows what he saw; a mermaid drag his diving partner down into the depths, never to be seen again. He just made the mistake to telling the truth and now is taking forced R&R at the resort. The required classes and instruction are driving him nuts, but when he meets a beautiful woman that sets him on fire, his little trip just got a lot more interesting. What will happen when he discovers that she is the same type of creature that killed his best friend and has possibly ruined his career? Can he look past the hurt of the past and forge ahead to the future?

Siren’s Serenade is such a smooth read. The plot is solid and exciting, the sex is hot and the characters are to die for. In regards to the characters, I know personally that I want to get to know them and call them friends. The contributing authors are doing a spectacular job transporting me into the Wiccan Haus universe and Ms. Eastwick has written my favorite addition to date.

I enjoyed this story from the very first page. Even though it was about Serena and Kaleb, I also got to revisit the siblings and other wonderful characters from previous books. That aspect made this story all the more special. They blended well with the main couple and didn’t intrude on their story. They only enhanced it.

I’m still shocked that this was a short story. While I enjoy short stories to fill in the little windows of time I may have that won’t warrant a full novel, I can’t recall a short story being more fulfilling than Siren’s Serenade. I was left giddy and the epilogue was the icing on the cake!

Don’t miss this beautiful sea glass gem. Siren’s Serenade is richly colored and spellbinding. I hope you will be as drawn in as I was. I would suggest that you read the prior books in the series first though. Without them you will not understand why I enjoyed this book so much. While it is not completely necessary, you minus well dive right in and get caught up in the storm. The Wiccan Haus series is a treasure that needs to be enjoyed to its fullest!

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