Review: Darkest Highlander

Darkest Highlander (Dark Sword #6)

by Donna Grant

 Blurb:

In the acclaimed Dark Sword series, the darkest, fiercest warriors of Scottish legend finally meet their match—in the brave, fiery hearts of the women they cherish…

For years, Broc has watched over her, protected her—and hidden his love for her. But when his beautiful Sonya, finds herself in a hopeless situation, the Highlander flies to her side to save her. Unfortunately, before the Druidess can thank him, Broc is captured by his enemy and destined for eternal pain…

Sonya vows to help her noble warrior, though he is imprisoned in a mountain of pure evil—bound in chains of the darkest magic. With Sonya’s own magic fading, she must summon the greatest power of all to save the man she loves. But even if these two hearts are united, will they be strong enough to defeat the heart of darkness? Or will their undying love doom them for all eternity…?

Review:

The finale of the fabulous Dark Sword Series was a long awaited story here at the Romance Witch Reviews.  Following this story since the beginning has emotionally invested me in the HEA awaiting Broc and Sonya for all these years.  The evil has been coming for them from the beginning, but with their skills and the love they are ready to share there can be no question of good prevailing and love blossoming between these two great people.

Our story picks right up with Broc chasing after Sonya, who’s run from Castle MacLeod in her grief over her sisters death and the fear that she’s lost her magic.  With Deidre amassing her forces to attack again Broc knows he doesn't have much time to find Sonya and return her to where she belongs.  Riddled with guilt over the harsh words he tossed at her in his own grief, Broc is moving against the clock tracing her signature to the end.  When he finds her he fears she won’t make it.

Hurt and delirious with fever, Sonya is unable to believe that Broc has come for her.  She feels her magic has left her leaving her unable to heal herself and making her weak with exhaustion and unable to go any farther.  Knowing she is hunted by natural and supernatural predators leaves her running recklessly right into even more danger.   When she suddenly awakens from her fevered sleep to find herself warm, safe and healing, she is both thrilled and terrified to find that Broc has come to take her back to the castle and the friends she fears she has left down.

Dealing with the attraction they have both felt for years, continuing to try to deny their feelings, Broc and Sonya find themselves hunted by wyrran, sent by Deidre to capture them.  She is obviously determined to catch her prey, leaving Broc and Sonya forced to separate in order to find a way to safety.  But when Broc is captured, Sonya refuses to leave him to Deidre’s diabolical and deranged devices for long.

On a quest now to find the artifact to defeat Deidre once and for all, Sonya and Broc are no longer able to deny their passion and the sensual connection that’s been there since the beginning.  Making love to Sonya is all Broc knew it could be, but knowing he’ll eventually have to give her up is tearing him apart.  Sonya is dealing with her own fears as her magic slowly begins to return and she fears when they return to the castle, Broc will once again deny them the love they both need to survive.

Full of angst, sweetness and magick, the romance between Broc and Sonya is long overdue and fills you with happiness as they finally come together.  Broc is once again showed as a dangerous opponent and fighter, but the courage Sonya shows in the face of danger is surprising and very well shown.  The fears that have always run their lives are shucked like an old cloak leaving them with immense new possibilities and the chance to finally become who they were always meant to be, both as a couple and as their own people.

There was an interesting twist to the overall plot at the end of this book, leading to the spin off series called the Dark Warrior series.  The world of the Warriors is changed forever and now it is time to find out what new opponent they will have to face and the challenges that will lead the bachelor Warriors into a strange new world.  Look for the first novel Midnight’s Master and enjoy the show.

Rating:  4.25 stars

Rose Rating:  

Review: Barefoot in the Rain

Barefoot in the Rain (Barefoot Bay #2)

by Roxanne St. Claire

Blurb:

They say you can never go home again . . .

When "Life Coach to the Stars" Jocelyn Bloom is embroiled in scandal, the only place she can hide is the one place she wishes she could forget. She left Barefoot Bay-and the boy next door who knew all her secrets-years ago. Now nothing about the tiny island off the coast of Florida is quite how she remembers it, especially Will Palmer. He's even more gorgeous and tempting . . . and still capable of turning her world inside out.

But what if someone is waiting for you?

To Will Palmer, Guy Bloom is more than the elderly, senile neighbor he looks after-he's the last connection to Jocelyn, the woman Will loved and lost. But the reunion with Jocelyn doesn't go smoothly. Shocked by the change in her father's personality, Jocelyn struggles to reconcile her dark childhood with the sweet, confused man who has grown close to Will. Jocelyn has guided countless clients to happiness-but can she escape the rainy days of her past for a new sunny future with Will?

Review:

Another crazy and emotional addition to the Barefoot bay series, Barefoot in the Rain, shows us the healing power of love and forgiveness. Roxanne St. Claire’s second installment in this new series is exciting and full of turmoil for both Will and Jocelyn.  Our story picks up almost a year after the ending of the first story. 

Jocelyn is running from a bit of a scandal and runs to the only safe haven she knows, her college friends, who unfortunately are living in the one place she never wanted to have to return to.  Faced with no other option, she heads to Casa Blanca, settling into one of the private villas until the smoke can blow over.  What she doesn't expect to find is the only man she’s ever loved and the one she’s scarified her happiness for since the fateful night 10 years before that left both their lives irrevocably changed.

Will is surprised to see Jocelyn hiding in the villa, almost as surprised as he was to find out that she has changed so much. Becoming an adulterer is not something he’d ever imagined her capable of.  Is her returning now a sign that it’s time for him to come clean with her? 

When Will enlightens Joss about her father’s situation, she is determined to fulfill her obligations to the evil father she hoped never to have to see again.  Determined to ease the burden for Will, Joss decides it’s time for her father to go into a home, despite Will’s persistent denial of the necessity.   Working together, reluctantly, the two of them begin to find some of the closeness and connection they once shared and soon the feelings that never really died for either of them come to the fore. 

As passion leads them down a long awaited road, becoming lovers only seems to complicate things for both of them.  Jocelyn is dealing with the hard truths of her past while trying to find some semblance of happiness for her future.  A future she can’t imagine having with Will, no matter how much she still loves him.   When a secret revealed pushes them further apart and deeper into the unacceptable truth of their past, Will and Joss have to decide just how much pain can be forgiven and forgotten to allow them to move on.

This was a very intensely emotional story, even more so than usual for Roxanne.  Jocelyn is dealing with the very profound issues of abuse, fear, and betrayal that have shaped her life.  Will is trying to come to terms with his protective instincts and his love for Jocelyn, as well as the fact that sometimes changes are needed whether we realize it or not to find our happiness. Both Will and Jocelyn have obviously never stopped loving each other and the youthful passion they felt as kids has grown into something real and lasting. 

I loved reading this story.  It was rich and full of the real life issues that so many deal with instead of just skimming them.  The romance was both sweet and sensual, while allowing the H/H to come together without their past fears drowning them.  Working through their issues together they are able to build something we know will last forever and will keep them from floundering when those fears rise.  I loved the little glimpses of Lacey and Clay and the new lives they were building, as well as the future plots for Zoe and Tessa.  I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series.  If you haven’t started this series yet, I suggest you get started before all the books are snapped up.  A Great read, no matter the season or setting, bringing you to the warm beaches of the gulf coast in a hot summer oasis where love can happen at any time if you just let it in.

Rating:    3.75 star

Rose Rating:  

Review: About That Night

About That Night (FBI / US Attorney #3)

by Julie James

 Blurb:

He's Playing Games

Though Rylann Pierce tried to fight the sparks she felt for billionaire heir Kyle Rhodes the night they met, their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. But after being stood up on their first date, Rylann never expected to see him again. So when she finds herself face-to-face with Kyle in a courthouse nine years later, she's stunned. More troubling to the beautiful assistant U.S. attorney is that she's still wildly attracted to him.

But She's Making The Rules

Just released from prison, Kyle Rhodes isn't thrilled to be the star witness in a high-profile criminal case—but when Rylann comes knocking at his door, he finds she may be the one lawyer he can't say no to. Still as gorgeous and sharp-tongued as ever, she lays down the law: she doesn't mix business with pleasure. But Kyle won't give up on something he wants—and what he wants is the one woman he's never forgotten.

Review:

Previously when I needed a hit of law and order (pun intended) I had to turn to the television for my fix, but not anymore.  Julie James's new series about gorgeous FBI agents and daring and sexy US attorneys fills any void that might have existed for this genre.  Each book is linked, but it’s not necessary to have been with the series from the beginning you enjoy the story.  We have a glimpse of the past to set up the story for Kyle and Rylann before we move into the current timeline and the story of their love.

Kyle is finally coming to terms with his mistakes.  After his conviction and jail time, now known as the “twitter Terrorist”, he's come to some serious conclusions about his life and knows it’s time to grow up and move on.  It’s time for him to meet with the US attorney to close the deal and handle the details of the agreement made by his sister to grant him freedom.  Then his world is thrown completely off balance when the girl he’d lusted after years before turns out to be the new US attorney on his case.  Seeing Rylann again after so long pulls out emotions he hasn't felt in ages and reminds him that some women are worth the effort instead of just having easy liaisons with random women that are meaningless.

Rylann is surprised when her first case in her new position is the boy who left her hanging so many years ago.  Even more surprising is the attraction and connection they still feel for each other.  Rylann isn't comfortable with this new development, being attracted to an ex-con, especially one that her office so diligently prosecuted.  When they are forced together on another case, it soon becomes evident that there is no fighting the desire.  Once they are no longer working together, they both decide to stop fighting the need anymore and have their long awaited night together.

But is one night really enough for them?

After their one night together Rylann begins to pull away trying to keep distance from Kyle and all the complications he represents in her life.  Kyle on the other hand is even more sure than ever that Rylann is more important than just a one night stand, she’s the woman he’s wanted for almost 10 years and it’s time to get her.  

Kyle is so sweet and thoughtful, planning dates that will allow Rylann to keep their relationship from becoming public, like she requests, and working through all her demands.  He shows her how great of a guy he really his, showing her his vulnerable underbelly and all the holes he has in his life and his heart, holes he thinks she might be able to fill.  But Rylann isn't really brave enough to give them both what they need.  She’s too concerned with her career and the ramifications to see that Kyle is just as in love with her as she is with him.

When her past comes back to haunt her, Kyle understands that she just isn't ready to risk it all for him, for them.  Leaving her is hard for him, but knowing he can’t be a hidden part of her life, a dirty little secret, he decides to let her go.  But finding the courage she needs is the only thing that Rylann can do to bring him back and allow them both to have a happy life. Will she find that courage or is it too much for her handle?

This book had me crying and laughing many times.  The growth of both characters into mature and world-weary was interesting to watch as their love blooms.   The passion between them is intense and their love is obvious from the very beginning.  Seeing their shared past as the foundation for their HEA was cute and a great way to show their differences as they've grown up. Individually they are wonderful characters but it is obvious that together they are even greater.  This has some seriously funny moments and of course the sensuality was off the charts. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this US Attorney’s office and the FBI agents they interact with day to day.  Chicago law enforcement is a hotbed of sex, intrigue, and romance apparently!

Rating:   4.75 stars

Rose Rating: 

Mini-Review: Offside

Offside (The Barker Triplets #1)

by Juliana Stone 

Blurb:

When hockey phenom Billie-Jo Barker returns home and decides to play in the local Friday night hockey league, all hell breaks loose. Not because Billie's talent is in question, but because Billie is a woman. And though these are modern times, some of the local guys still have a problem letting a girl into their 'men's club.'

Soon, Billie is at the center of a small town battle of the sexes, with everyone choosing sides. Her sisters. The townsfolk. Her friends. And yet, the only person whose opinion she cares about doesn't seem to care much at all. Logan Forest, the man who broke her heart when she was eighteen and the man she now shares the bench with every Friday night.

She's got a lot to prove and though Billie Jo Barker scores on the ice, will this girl ever score with the man of her dreams?

Review:

I have long been a fan of the paranormal romances by Juliana Stone, but I was pleasantly surprised when I came across this new series about a relatively normal family living in small-town USA. There was a lot to love about the story individually and also as the beginning to an all new series.

Billie is back in town after a heartbreaking ending to her career in professional hockey in Europe, dealing with the loss of the one part of her life that has always completed her.  When an opportunity to play hockey—even in a small town local league—presents itself, she refuses to ignore it.  But the local boys don’t really want any female in their league, even if she’s a pro.  Enter Logan Forest.   He’s always been the one guy who broke her heart, even though he never knew it.  But now he’s determined to make sure that her stubbornness doesn't lead to more trouble than she can handle.  But being so close to her ignites a whole different kind of desire, one more powerful than anything he’s felt since a long ago summer and is becoming more and more just the thing he needs in his life.

I really enjoyed this story much more than I thought I would.  I loved the strong female lead and the sexy Logan was just what was needed to round her out.  Billie and Logan burn up the pages with passion and the sweetness factor cannot be ignored.  I loved being able to experience the changes that Billie goes through as she grows up a little bit and accepts the changes that were thrust on her. Logan is a very sexy, alpha male for sure, but he has a heart of gold and his love for Billie is heartwarming and fun to see. 

There is of course always the point in these stories when the past catches up with Billie and Logan and the truth must come out.  Without spoiling the surprise I will say that the big secret between them was very well written.  Billie and Logan are left to work through the discovery and their feelings about it, but thankfully they are both strong enough to overcome. 

The hints we get about Billie’s sister and her old boyfriend are great, setting us up well for the next story and making us unwilling to resist purchasing the next book right away.  Sneaky, sneaky author, teasing us like this! 

Overall I’m really enjoying this series, though I didn’t care much for the youngest Barker sister or her selfishness, hopefully when it comes time for her story she’ll be a better human being.  Billie and Logan were great characters, both stubbornly clinging to their supposed rules and then finally facing the fact that life is made to be lived and experienced not forced into little boxes.  The passion between Logan and Billie is sensual and exciting to read, I even recommend having a nice ice bath ready for after a few of the scenes.   If you’re a hockey fan, or even just enjoy winter scenery, you’ll love reading about their small town setting and seeing how being from that environment has shaped them.   Definitely a great start to a new series and I can’t wait for more.  

Rating:   3.5 stars

Rose Rating: 

Review: Deliver Me from Temptation

Deliver Me from Temptation (Paladin Warriors #2)

by Tes Hilaire

Blurb:

Logan Calhoun is the last full-blooded Paladin, the future leader of a race of immortal warrior angels. The heavy responsibility of continuing the Paladin line falls to him, and the last thing he should do is get involved with a human. Then fate throws Jessica Waters, a homicide detective who doesn't believe in fate or divine intervention, into his path. Her devotion lies in her Glock and a good set of handcuffs. Like Logan, she's a warrior for her people, and she awakens within him something he'd never thought he'd feel. But she's also as human as they come...

Review:

Tes Hilaire strikes again with another great story about her Paladin warriors, Immortal warrior angels living in our world, fighting the demons and other evil supernatural beings that are roaming our earth and preying on humans. The series continues with the next leader of the Paladin council, Logan, finally coming in to his own and finding the woman of his dreams.

Logan is dealing with the consequences of the small rebellion he was part of in the last book, working with former paladin Roland to save his woman.  Logan is feeling bored with his duties and the sudden lack of action on the evil front, when suddenly a gorgeous woman crosses his path on his hunt for a succubus. When the sexy woman pulls a gun on him and his partner, things become a bit complicated.  She’s not just a sexy woman; she’s a homicide detective on the hunt herself.  Putting her in a trance he delivers her back to her bed, no matter how fascinated with her he is.  Sadly, fate has decided to play tricks on him. 

When Roland is taken in for questioning about a crime, Logan runs into his sexy detective at the local police station, where, of course, she’s been assigned to investigate Roland and solve the murder he’s suspected of. 

Jessica knows immediately there is something strange about Logan, but she is seriously drawn to him.   When she discovers he’s friends with Roland, she becomes suspicious of him and his motives.  Following up on her leads on the case keeps her running across the same path as Logan and as they spend more time together it gets harder and harder for them to resist the heat that draws them together.  Giving into the passion between them slowly leads to trust and they decide to work together to reach their combined goals.   Logan is forced to explain what he really his and the truth about their world to Jessica and sadly she decides that he's crazy. 

The passionate natures of both Jessica and Logan lead to some heated moments both in the bedroom and in their partnership.  The sharp wit and sexy emotional turmoil leads to some crazy fights and great makeup sex. When Jessica accepts the truth and embraces the new weirdness of her world, things move forward by leaps and bounds until they finally uncover the evil that is after her and uncover the betrayer in her midst.

You will laugh and cry through this story and the end will leave you wondering what the heck happened.  I cried so hard for a few chapters that my family thought something serious was wrong with me.  But in the end Tes pulls everything together for a fantastic HEA.  Logan and Jessica are awesome and when they come together the combination is explosive to the extreme.  Making you wish you could have been there to see all the sparks in person.  I’m looking forward to the next novels because there was some great build up in this book with details from other characters.  I have one main question… who is the mysterious red-headed woman? :)

Rating:   3.75 stars

Rose Rating: 

Review: Black Moon

Black Moon (Alpha Pack #3)

by J.D. Tyler

Blurb:

A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. But sometimes those dangers are more intimate than they bargained for…

Ever since he saved Dr. Mackenzie Grant’s life, panther shifter and sorcerer Kalen Black has had trouble keeping the beautiful doctor out of his thoughts, and his heart. The brush with death awakened an intense passion between them—one that for the first time had the notorious loner letting down his guard.

With the Alpha Pack battling an evil Fae who is slowly gaining control over Kalen’s mind, Kalen can no longer trust his own actions, and he breaks off his affair with Mackenzie in order to keep her safe. But when Mackenzie learns that she is carrying Kalen’s child, no amount of danger will keep her away from the man she loves. To protect his mate and unborn child, Kalen will have to battle a terrible evil, unleash the full fury of his power, and risk destroying them all…

Review:

Alpha Pack story #3 picks up shortly after the end of book 2, Savage Awakening, ends.  The love story though picks up from the novella that came before, a short story that first gets Mac and Kalen together.  If you haven’t read the novella, I recommend you definitely do so, or you will be a little lost.  That being said this story is wonderful in itself and the continuing overall storyline about the Unseelie king’s grand plan is fleshed out considerably.   The Alpha pack series has become one of my favorite series about sexy shifters and military guys, who could resist that combo!?

Kalen is dealing with the new hold the Unseelie King has on his psyche and trying his best to keep Mackenzie safe from himself and the consequences of their desire.  Fighting the influence is become more difficult and working with his magic is making it even more troublesome as the King prays on his insecurities.  When he can no longer resist Mac’s pull and takes her back to bed, his desires and needs become overwhelming to him.   Running becomes easier than dealing with the truth of what he wants and needs.  Unfortunately this allows the evil to find a deeper hold in him, leading him directly to the King and forcing him into a bond that is perilous to both him, his pack,  and his lover.

Mackenzie has always felt a connection to Kalen.  Even though he obviously regrets the one night they spent together, she still feels connected to him and wants him to be hers.  She has tried to accept his indifference, his desire to keep her at a distance, even though she’s hurt by it. But when things become considerably more complicated, both with the pack and with their relationship, Mac is left feeling adrift.  She is pregnant with a child whose father doesn't want her anymore, a friend in serious need of assistance fighting the darkness in him, and a pack that’s being infiltrated by a evil she can’t fight. When their desire becomes too much to fight Mac, is even more confused with Kalen’s hot and cold mood swings.

While Kane and Mac were a great couple, there was such a lack of communication in their relationship that it was ridiculous.  Over and over Kalen and Mac were forced apart by their own unnecessary mistakes.  Kalen would make an assumption about something Mac said or did which fired his insecurities, and would lead him back into the arms of the King, making the hold of evil deeper and more profound.  Several times I wished I could just tell Kalen to make a decision and stick with it already.  He was portrayed as a very indecisive and immature character more often than not, upsetting to see since it was obviously not the intention of the writer, more a side effect of his wishy-washy ways. I understand trust is difficult for him, but at some point he needed to just decide who he believed and stick with it.

Overall the story was good, with lots of action, some really interesting back story building, and a passionate and sensual romance.  Kalen and Mackenzie were obviously meant to be together, even though so many forces are trying to pull them apart.  The fight between the pack and the Unseelie king is interesting and certainly offers a great foil to the love story for Kalen and Mac.  Malik is an evil bastard and Kalen is just the one to defeat him, if he can dig deep and get past his profound inner issues and accept that Mac and his Pack are the only ones he can truly trust.  It was a little rough to read at some points because Kalen’s insecurities got a little annoying in their frequency and depth, but worth the tedious moments in the end.

Rating:  3.75 stars

Rose Rating: 

Review: Sweet Release

Sweet Release (Blakewell/Kenleigh Family Trilogy #1)

by Pamela Clare 

Blurb:

For five pounds in cash, the convict was hers. Though Cassie hated the slave trade, her Virginia plantation demanded the labor, and she knew this fevered man would surely die if she left him. But as his wounds healed and his muscled chest bronzed in the sun, Cassie realized Cole Braden was far more dangerous than his papers had indicated—for he could steal her breath with a glance and lay siege to her senses with a touch.

Abducted, beaten, and given a new name, Alec went from master of an English shipbuilding empire to fourteen years of indentured servitude in the American colonies. There, he was known as Cole Braden, a convicted ravisher and defiler of women. And while he longed to ravish the auburn-haired beauty who owned him, he knew his one hope of earning her love—and his freedom—was to prove his true identity. Only then could he turn the tables and attain his ... Sweet Release.

Review:

I have long been a fan of Pamela Clare’s writing, starting with her contemporary I-team series, but recently I have found that her historical novels are excellent as well. Sweet Release is the first in this trilogy and a fantastic beginning to be sure.  Set in pre-revolutionary war Virginia, the history of this novel is enthralling and rich. Though this time period has never been a favorite for me, Ms. Clare has changed my mind with this new story.

Alec has been dropped into an unknown world, without anyone to believe the truth of his identity.  Beaten and kidnapped from his coach in London, Alec was forced into a new identity as Nicholas Braden, a rapist and convict.  Now he is trapped in Virginia on a plantation, forced to work beside slaves and bondsmen until he can prove his name.  But the owner of the plantation, his owner now, is no less than a beautiful, troublesome woman.  One who gets under his skin in every way and turns him on beyond belief.   Dealing with his new life and trying to resist Cassie is proving to be difficult and he begins to question whether he actually needs to resist at all.  Will giving in to their attraction bring him and Cassie the chance to find happiness, or will it destroy them both?

Cassie has secrets to keep and is determined not to allow Cole/Alec dig her secrets up.  Working beside her workers, Cassie tries to keep her family’s plantation alive, even though her father is sinking into dementia and there is competition around every corner wanting to shut them down and take over the business. Taking care of her younger brother, the heir to their plantation, and all of the people whose very lives depend on her, has left Cassie reluctant to deal with suitors.   She knows that as a woman she will never be able to run her family’s business and that as a single woman she is in danger of being taken advantage of. So when Cole/Alec pursues her, Cassie becomes suspicious even as she begins to fall in love with him.  The passion Alec inspires in Cassie is new and exciting, but acting on it could mean the death of her dreams and the man she loves. 

Alec and Cassie are a passionate couple, even for their time period.  Even though they try to resist the chemistry between them, circumstances keep forcing them into close encounters and make it impossible.  As Cassie is around Alec more and more, she sees the true man he is and starts to trust him.  As that trust grows, she accepts that being with Alec might be worth any cost.  Making love with him brings her the happiness she’s always yearned for and having him at her side will make her life complete. Alec knows that being with Cassie could have repercussions, but being without her is unacceptable to him.   Taking her to his bed shows him that he needs to work harder to prove his identity so that he can take her as his wife. 

When tragedy hits, placing both Cassie and Alec in danger, time is limited for them to prove their innocence and allow them to be together and have a future.  Working against the clock Cassie and Alec, with the help of a few friends and loved ones, try to find any ways to keep Alec from being executed.  Action, outlandish schemes, and a glimpse into an eighteenth century governor’s trial keep the plot streaming and the reader unable to put the book down.  In the end it takes a bit of good timing, a good but dangerous plan, and the love of two people destined against all odds to be together, to bring the story to its HEA.

Sweet Release was a great historical romance novel, based around a not so common issue, with lovers coming together against all odds. Cassie and Alec are obviously a case of opposites attract and are perfect for each other.  Their love story, combined with the plot of their secrets and the uncovering of those secrets, combine to make a groundbreaking novel into a fabulous read for any time and place. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series, Jamie’s story, and learning how the family came together crossing the ocean into two continents.  Awesome! If you've never read anything by Pamela Clare run, don’t walk, to buy this novel.

Rating:   4.75 stars

Rose Rating:  

Review: Cover Me

Cover Me (Elite Force #1)

by Catherine Mann

Blurb:

It should have been a simple mission... 

Pararescueman Wade Rocha fast ropes from the back of a helicopter into a blizzard to save a climber stranded on an Aleutian Island, but Sunny Foster insists she can take care of herself just fine... 

But when it comes to passion, nothing is ever simple... 

With the snowstorm kicking into overdrive, Sunny and Wade hunker down in a cave and barely resist the urge to keep each other warm... until they discover the frozen remains of a horrific crime... Unable to trust the local police force, Sunny and Wade investigate, while their irresistible passion for each other gets them more and more dangerously entangled... 

Review:

Book one in the Elite Force series was a brilliant beginning to what I imagine will be an awesome series, full of sexy men and adventuresome women. Though I understand this isn't the first series by Catherine Mann, it is the first novel I've read by her. Cover Me was a great introduction to a new series and a division of the military even I wasn't familiar with.  I loved the setting of the story as well, getting to be in the ice-filled mountains of Alaska as the hero and heroine work together to overcome the elements as well as the dangerous men plotting to kill them.

Wade is a sweetheart, a true hero, working as a Pararescueman determined to never fail on a mission, since his own mother was hurt in an explosion trying to save others. Even though he’s never been in to deep or profound relationships in the past, instead having fun and enjoying the opposite sex with no strings attached. But the minute he meets kick ass Sunny, he’s faced with the choice of embracing a chance at a real relationship.   Even though Sunny is obviously hiding some major secrets from him, Wade is unwilling to turn his back on her.

Sunny is caught in between the two sides of her heart, between protecting her family and friends and embracing the new adventures of the heart she could find with Wade. The chemistry between Wade and Sunny is off the charts, but she is determined to resist the pull between them, until finally, far away from her home, she decides it’s time to give in to their desires and be with him. 

But when their stalkers find them, Sunny and Wade must work together against all odds to get back to her community and find the dangers hidden within the small town. As the plot thickens and the terrorists’ attack comes to light, Wade and his military team work to thwart the attack and Sunny demands to be included, even though she’ll be put right into the middle of the battle.  Wade is reluctant to allow Sunny to join them, but finally concedes to her demands in fear she’ll just work on her own and put herself in danger.  But Sunny always finds trouble no matter where she is.

I loved Wade and Sunny’s story and was thrilled I was able to give the series a chance.  I’m looking forward to the next book and hoping the setting of it is just as great.  Ms. Mann’s writing style is vivid and the setting and action leap off the pages into your mind like seeing the sights for yourself.  Wade and Sunny were both interesting characters,  Wade with his fears and Sunny with her insecurities, and when they finally find their footing you know that their relationship will last lifetimes.  I may even have to research where I can find one of those sexy PJs for myself.

Rating:  4.5 stars

Rose Rating: 

Mini-Review: Bayou Heat #1

Raphael/Parish (Bayou Heat #1-2)

by Alexandra Ivy, Laura Wright

Blurb:

RAPHAEL

The brilliant and dangerous diplomat of the Pant era shape shifters, Raphael has devoted his life to discovering the key to the infertility that is threatening the extinction of his puma race. Creating a vast network of spies worldwide, he never expected to discover that the answer might be beneath his very nose. But when Ashe, a beautiful human female, crosses his path, his most primitive instincts are stirred. Unable to resist, he takes her to his bed, and is shocked when she becomes pregnant with his child. It’s a miracle that might prove to be the salvation of his people, but only if he can keep her safe from the mercenaries determined to kill her.

PARISH

Untamed and undeniably sexy, Parish, leader of the Pantera hunters, rarely leaves the magic of the Wildlands to deal with the humans he despises. But with the prized and risky Pantera birth on the way, puma shifter, Parish must travel to New Orleans to find and bring back a human doctor. The moment he sees the lovely, talented and all too human Dr. Julia Cabot he cannot resist the wild, potent drive to make her his. Betrayed and destroyed by love, Julia will not let her heart choose her path again. But as she and Parish fight to save the life of an unborn child, a fierce and overwhelming bond develops between them, threatening her frozen heart with the secret hope and ultimate temptation of love and family.

Review:

The newest series by two of my favorite authors kicked off with a bang.  Just the concept of a joint series by two authors was thrilling for me. As I understand it, the series will work something like this: each “book” will include two stories, one by each author, each based around one of the sexy Pantera shifters in this new world. Cool right? The first two Bayou Heat stories were both extremely well written, with lots of fun and the sexiest alpha cats around.

Raphael is dealing with the fact that he has discovered his mate, the one woman apparently that he can get pregnant, even though no one thought it was possible. But when an old enemy threatens the life of his mate and child, nothing can keep him from protecting them with all he is.  Ashe is determined to make a better life for herself than the one she’s lived while under her mother’s thumb.  But is being a single mother really what she wants? Nope.  And finding out about a whole different species, one that she now will be helping to repopulate, has left her feeling even more lost.  And handling the passion the sexy Raphael stirs with his very presence keeps her logic from kicking in to keep her from going off the deep end.

Parish’s story closely follows Raphael’s.  Parish is sent to a hospital to find the best OB in Louisiana to make sure that Ashe and Raphael’s baby is well cared for.  But his job is complicated immensely when he finds his own mate in Doc Julia.  Never having imagined he’d feel this way about a female, much less a human woman, Parish is still determined to make her his.  Kidnapped and introduced to a new world full of magic and wonder, Julia is at a loss as to how to handle a man like Parish.  Though her body cries out for his at every turn, trusting him is another story.  But in the end all anyone can do is trust their instincts, and hers are telling her that Parish is the man for her.

Both Raphael and Parish were full of passion.  Though overall a little short, they were both great reads and the entire premise is too intriguing to miss.  I love me some sexy alpha shifters, cats especially, and having them be bayou loving southern boys just about did me in.  Both heroines were great as well and I look forward to learning more about this world in future stories.  Kinda hoping the next one is a bit longer though.  Keep ‘em coming Laura and Alexandra!

Rating:   3.75 stars

Rose Rating: 

Review: Shadow Highlander

Shadow Highlander (Dark Sword #5)

by Donna Grant 

Blurb:

The Dark Sword series captures all the power, passion, and magic of Scotland’s legendary warriors—sworn to fight for victory, in battle and in love…

HE CAN FEEL HER MAGIC

Sent on a dangerous mission into the shadowy world of the Druids, Galen must find a powerful ancient relic to defeat the enemies of MacLeod Castle. But what he discovers is far more powerful—and far more dangerous. A Druid lass whose beauty is as spellbinding as any magic…

CAN HE FREE HER SOUL?

Reaghan is the most enchanting woman Galen has even met—and the most enigmatic. She alone is immune to his mind-reading gifts. He alone makes her feel safe and secure. But Reaghan holds a secret power deep inside her that could destroy them both. And if Galen hopes to hold this captivating woman in his arms every night, he must defeat the darkness that draws closer around her every day…

Review:

Our story picks up about halfway through the time of the last story, Untamed Highlander, with Galen and Logan sent on a quest for the key to defeating their mortal enemy, Deidre.  The series continues to amaze me with the wonderful stories and the amazing men and women of this magical world.  I have followed this series since the beginning and I was once again thrilled with this installment of the Dark Sword Series.  The passion and beauty of their world is full of sensual delights and allows the reader to sink into the past as well as the magicks that have surrounded us since the beginning of time.

Galen is cursed to never feel the touch of another without being subjected to their memories and inner thoughts. Ever since his god was awakened there has never been a single person he could touch, in anger or affection, without his mind filling with emotions and thoughts not his own.  He is determined to work with the other Warriors to defeat Deidre and find a way to rebind his god, to be free from his curse.  Though he has kept his curse to himself, his friends and fellow Warriors have begun to sense the darkness building inside him, his usually laidback and playful persona no longer able to hide his true darkness.

Reaghan similarly has never been able to experience the joys found with the touch of another. At least she doesn’t think she has. Therein lays her biggest problem.  She has no memory of her life before the last ten years.  She lives in the small enclave of druids, unsure of her future or her past and wishing for a grand adventure away from the limited world she knows. When she first sees Galen she knows that he’s the key to her grand adventure, but forces are working against them, determined to keep them from working together or loving.  But when it becomes clear that she is no longer safe in her sheltered world, Reaghan and Galen must work together to keep her—and the key she carries inside her—safe from Deidre and her dark forces.

The beautiful match of Galen and Reaghan is perfectly done and the two of them are obviously a perfect fit with all their jagged edges matching up to form one cohesive soul connection. Galen is one of those characters that dig into your heart and mind, refusing to leave even after the book is over.  His strength of character and heart are enough to pull Reaghan out of the mire her life has become and show her the light awaiting her in her forgotten past.  Reaghan is seemingly a naive young woman, living her sheltered life, not knowing what her past hides in the dark recesses of her mind. 

When her memories begin to return, putting her in danger and threatening to break her mind, Galen is determined to do whatever is takes to save Reagan’s mind and her life.  He and the other Warriors, as well as their mates, work against time and Deidre’s dark magic to try to cure Reaghan and discover the secret she holds within, which will allow them to defeat Deidre once and for all.  When Deidre comes after her with all her magicks, Reaghan gives her all to make sure that she protects her new friends and frees her memories, no matter the personal cost.

Shadow Highlander was an awesome addition to the overall series and a great story in itself. Galen and Reaghan were obviously made for each other and they come together in an explosive combination of lust, need, and emotional exploration.  Galen finally finds the one woman in the world he can touch and take as his own without his curse coming between them. Reaghan finds a man to offer her comfort, safety, adventure and passion, all while letting her become the woman she was always meant to be. It was wonderful to see the couples from previous stories and the way they have come together as one big family.  I will say that I was saddened when Sonya left the castle behind in her hurt and anger over her loss.  I can’t wait to read Sonya’s story and have great hope that Broc will save her, from the danger stalking her and from herself. 

Rating:  4.75 stars

Rose Rating:  

Review: Barefoot in the Sand

Barefoot in the Sand (Barefoot Bay #1)

by Roxanne St. Claire

Blurb:

When all you hold dear is taken away . . .

When a hurricane roars through Lacey Armstrong's home on the coast of Barefoot Bay, she decides all that remains in the rubble is opportunity. A new hotel is just what Mimosa Key needs, and Lacey and her teenage daughter are due for a fresh start. And nothing, especially not a hot, younger architect, is going to distract Lacey from finally making her dreams a reality.

A second chance is the only thing you have left.

Love has already cost Clay Walker everything. And if he's going to have any chance of picking up the pieces of his life, he needs the job as Lacey Armstrong's architect. What's not in the plans is falling for the headstrong beauty. Her vision of the future is more appealing than anything he could have ever drafted for himself. Will Clay's designs on Lacey's heart be more than she can handle, or will she trust him to build something that will last forever?

Review:

Barefoot in the Sand is the beginning to a beautiful new contemporary romance series by a favorite author of mine, Roxanne St Claire.  As a first story there is a lot of introducing of characters of course, along with intros to the new setting of the fictional Mimosa Key, a small island in the Gulf of Mexico that has just survived a surprisingly strong hurricane which wiped out the homes on one end of the island, commonly known as Barefoot Bay. This is a great novel for sure and I’m looking forward to continuing the series.

Lacy and her daughter, Ashley, survived the storm by the capricious hand of fate, riding the storm out in a mattress topped tub while the world around them went to hell.  Once all the rubble settles, Lacey is left with only a foundation for a new life and a dream to build on it.  She decides that the best use of her land is to fulfill her and her grandmother’s lifelong dream of opening a small bed and breakfast. With a vision for her future already in her mind, she contacts the prestigious architecture firm of Clayton Walker.  But sometimes a small mistake can bring your fate to you in an unexpected way.

Clay Walker the younger son of the Clayton Walker appears instead.  Determined to land this new project, Clay has traveled to Barefoot Bay, ready to show Lacey that taking a chance on him as her architect is just what she needs.  Dealing with both professional and personal disaster has left Clay a bit cynical.  He wants in on this project and will put himself out there, even offering to work pro-bono just to make sure that Lacey doesn't pass him over.

Working together becomes a bit of a problem though as Lacey is insanely attracted to Clay and scared of that attraction.  She hasn't felt such an intense desire for a man for fourteen years, ever since her boyfriend, Ashley’s father, broke her heart.  Clay isn't looking for a relationship, just some fun and no-strings sex while he works to rebuild his reputation and convince Lacey that her modest B&B could be something so much more.  But the town gossips decide to throw a wrench into all their planning, challenging the building of their new resort and requiring some quick thinking and planning. Working together and sharing their bodies turns out to not be as simple as they planned and soon both Lacey and Clay are in deeper than either of them planned. When tragedy strikes, Clay pulls away and runs from his growing feelings, deciding that maybe it’s time for him to cut out for good, no matter how much he has come to love Lacey and enjoy the time they are sharing.

The passion between Lacey and Clay is there from the very beginning and just burns brighter and brighter until the inferno leaps right off the pages to singe the reader.  Clay is a sexy beast to be sure, even if he is a bit of a coward when it comes to his feelings and Lacey’s.  He’s been badly hurt and doesn't want to risk his heart again, but Lacey pulls out the emotions he most fears with very little effort.  Lacey similarly has fears and issues with trusting men.  After her ex David burned her so badly, she’s never really been able to trust a man.  With low self-esteem and uncertainty keeping her from embracing her dreams, Clay’s love and belief in Lacey shows her that she can do anything if she just gives it her all.

I enjoyed reading Clay and Lacey’s story very much.  The love between them was easy to see, even if both of them were hiding their feelings and trying to keep everything on a superficial level.  Working and playing together the two of them realize that they make great partners and they maybe a lifelong partnership is just what they both need to complete their lives.  The addition of David’s return to their lives gives a little extra boost to the story, making Clay’s challenges and Lacey’s insecurity more pronounced.  Ashley was a bit of a brat through most of the story, scheming to get Clay out of the picture and reunite her parents, even though its obvious Clay is the one Lacey wants. It was also fun to meet Lacey’s college friends, who will be the heroine’s in the novels for the rest of the series.

Seriously looking forward to the rest of the series and learning more about Barefoot Bay’s new resort.  Lacey and Clay were great characters and I’m hoping that the men Lacey’s friends hook up with are deserving of the greatness of these women.   Another great series from a wonderful writer seems to be unfolding and I can’t wait for more.  Roxanne creates beautiful characters for certain and can take even the most mundane of circumstances and turn them into wonderful and conspiracy-filled plots to keep any reader's interest, turning tragedy into opportunity and making the daily disasters of life into perfect foils for the lasting love story.

Rating:  4 stars

Rose Rating: 

Review: Daughter of the Spellcaster

Daughter of the Spellcaster (The Portal #2)

by Maggie Shayne

Blurb:

Has a spell been cast?

Lena Dunkirk is a practicing witch, Ryan McNally a wealthy playboy. Logic says mismatch, yet from the first they share a passion that defies reason, as if they know each other from another place, another time. Then Lena gets pregnant and runs for the safety of home.

Months later, when Ryan appears at her door looking to help raise their child, Lena doesn’t know whom to trust–particularly now that “guru to the stars” Bahru has taken an interest in her baby, offering gifts forged of magic.

Soon she and Ryan are sharing eerie dreams of ancient lands, while a vengeful demon plots to take possession of their child. As the moment of birth approaches, the demon’s power rises, forcing the hand of love to wield the blade that will decide the fate of a child’s soul–and the future of the world.

Review:

Daughter of the Spellcaster is an interesting story that focuses a lot on the overall plot of the magic and less than I’d have liked on the romance between the H/H.   But as a continuing story in the trilogy it was great.   There was a lot of moving back and forth through time that might have left readers confused if you weren’t paying close attention, but overall it was a great read.

Lena and Ryan have a history, one full of heartache and secrets.   When they are thrown together again and those secrets begin to be uncovered they have to decided if the passion and feelings they share are enough to overcome their trust issues and insecurities.  The darkness moving them around like pawns is not something that Ryan is easily able to understand or accept, but Lena is determined to make sure that her baby and her heart are protected.

Ryan and Lena were both decent characters, though there was very little passion in the current time scale.  Most of the relationship info we receive was from their time together months before.  The fact that Lena is nine months pregnant obviously precludes a lot of the passion that would normally exist in a romance novel, but I think the relationship and growth of love could have been developed a little more.  Obviously both Lena and Ryan have been in love for a while, though neither of them has put in the time and effort to take their relationship to the next level.

The continuing story of the portal and the three sisters from ancient Babylon is definitely the main part of this story.  The magic that Lena and Ryan become entangled in is dangerous to both them and their child.  It is interesting to see how a modern Witch handles dealing with her past life when it comes back to haunt her…literally.  Lilia makes a return appearance, leading Lena on her path to fulfill her promise.  The ritual scenes and the magic were richly portrayed and very well researched. As the story unfolds Lena realizes that her magic may not be strong enough to defeat the evil after them and keep her baby safe, but trusting the man she loves and believing in their love is the one way they can win.

This is an interesting trilogy for sure, with magic, mystery, and layers of mysticism.  The relationships in the novels are sometimes secondary to the grand scheme of the plot, but they are beautiful to see unfold. I am looking forward to the final story when Lilia and her man will finally be reunited.   Although I am unsure how that will all come about since neither of them are corporeal and both aren't so much reincarnated as released from the spirit world they have been trapped in over the millennia. I am invested in this series and have enjoyed it, but I’m not sure I’ll jump on any future series by Ms. Shayne.  A Good read and well researched, but a little lacking on the relationship and passion I look for in a romance novel.

Rating:  3.25 stars

Rose Rating: