She wants it…he’s got it…and the chase is on…

Bull rider Chase McKay has finally landed in a pile too big to charm his way out of. Caught with his pants down, he finds himself bucked right off the PBR tour until he can get his act together.

Hollywood actress Ava Cooper became the tabloids’ favorite target when her longtime boyfriend was outed as gay. She needs a place to lay low and a chance to prove to herself that she can satisfy a red-blooded man between the sheets. The sexy, rugged cowboy she finds holed up in her Wyoming hideaway seems like the answer to her every fantasy.

But Chase has sworn off women. Forever. Or at least a month. Whichever comes first.

When they take to the road to get Chase more hands-on bull riding experience, they have every intention of keeping their hands off each other. But the two headstrong stars quickly end up riding a hot and heady rodeo circuit all their own—until the press gets wind of their affair. When the dust clears and the lights of the paparazzi fade, are they ready to give up chasing the dream for a chance of finding forever?

Warning: Strap in, another hot McKay is about to bust out of the gate and this bull rider knows a thing or two about riding hard…

Title: CHASIN’ EIGHT
Author: Lorelei James
Series: Rough Riders, book 11
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance, Erotic Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, June 28
Format: eBook
Source: Bought via Samhain eBookstore

First line:
There was nothing like live porn.

Memorable Scenes:
- Chase and Ava's very first encounter > funny as hell
- the fried Twinkie scene > talk about sexual tension and teasing


CHASIN’ EIGHT is the 11th book in this series. 11th!! I still remember discovering the first in this series a few years ago and falling in love with the McKays, Lorelei James’ writing and contemporary western romance. And now I have read 11 books in this amazing series and I’m still hooked, still enjoying every installment I read and looking forward to every new addition to the series.

The main characters of this book are Ava Drummond aka famous actress Ava Cooper and famous bull rider Chase McKay. Ava is vivacious, funny and adapting. She’s looking for her place in life, a purpose. She’s also a little insecure despite her famous actress status. Chase is stubborn, gruff resilient and sweet. Despite his reputation as a womanizer he’s also a loner. Though he gives off this bold, rough bad boy vibe he’s also a easy-going and a little complacent.

I loved Ava and Chase together. Their banter added to the chemistry between them and they were both characters I loved because of their sharp wit. They are characters that at first sight you would never pair together but their pairing worked splendidly.

I had a bit of trouble getting into this book. First off I didn’t really like the opening page, it was too porn-y for my taste. Also, the first half, before Chase gave into the physical pull Ava had on him, kinda felt a bit uneventful and slow-going. However, despite the slow start I absolutely enjoyed this book. I still miss the magic of the earlier Rough Riders books but CHASIN' EIGHT definitely kept me entertained.

One of the things I loved about this book was seeing some characters from the earlier books come back to the forefront: Colby, Gemma, and Cash for instance. But also loved seeing Kane and Ginger. Though their book isn’t one of my favorites in this series, I really liked them and their role in CHASIN’ EIGHT. Another thing I liked was an in-depth look into the bull riding and rodeo-circuit. As a total ignorant about rodeos I took it all in and was fascinated by it all. This was also what brought the characters I mentioned above in play.

I always mention this in my reviews of books in this series but I really adore the family feel of this series and how Lorelei James shows us the expansion with every next book and gives the readers who follow this series an in-depth look into all the branches of this very large family with their problems, their happy moments, their loves and their losses. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the Rough Riders series is a family saga, not merely a string of connected books.

Lorelei James' writing is satisfying as always. It’s the perfect combination of scorching heat, intense emotions, in-depth back-stories and a great collection of supporting characters. Lorelei James always manages to pull on my heartstrings with the emotions she infuses into her stories and to get me all hot and bothered with the heat that radiates from the love scenes. No matter if I adore, love or just like the book, her writing is an addiction I can’t quit!

And with the enticing blurb I’ve read of the next book, Ben McKay’s (Chase’s middle brother) story, I can’t wait until COWBOY CASANOVA comes out next week!

Favorite Quotes:
“Fine. I get it. Hands off. No hugs, no kisses, no holding hands, no hot looks, no copping a feel. No chance for a hard, fast, sweaty, screaming, raunchy f#ckfest against the wall, or on the floor, or in the shower, and definitely not on the bed.” (Ava to Chase)

Ava released a long, deep moan. A moan that sounded like a woman about to come undone by pure pleasure.
Chase shot her a sideways glance. Her beautiful face had a dreamy look best described as post-orgasmic. From sucking on a hot dog?
“That’s the best chili dog I’ve ever eaten.” Ava kept making throaty groans.
His brain overloaded. He imagined dragging her across the console and giving her another reason to moan.

Ava expected he’d keep the kiss slow and easy. So when Chase kissed the living shit out of her, she understood she didn’t know this Chase at all. The Chase who trapped her face in his big hands. The Chase who ably slipped his tongue past her teeth and fried her circuits with a kiss that stirred something inside her she’d never felt with any man.
Lust with an edge of danger. Lust that had no boundaries.

[Taz]“I seen how he’s been lookin’ at you.”
“And how’s that?”
“Like you’re a hot, sweet fried Twinkie and he’d like to lick you up one side and down the other before devouring you completely.”
“Except the man seems to be on a sugar-free diet,” she said wryly.
Taz chuckled. “Maybe. But I reckon he’s just trying to keep from gorging himself.”

Ava immersed herself in him. The scent of his skin. The tangy taste of his sweat. The way his muscles strained beneath her tongue. She kissed, licked and nibbled her way down the center of his throat, from his square jaw to his breastbone. And could she get a halleluiah that he had chest hair? Talk about manly, masculine goodness. She rubbed her face over the dark patch of hair, breathing him in, listening to the pounding of his heart, warmed by the heat from his skin, and knowing his body’s response to her was echoed in her body.

Ava had no control. Chase held her head, keeping her in place. “Ava. Look at me. See what you do to me.”
Her gaze connected with his. Such lust. Such hunger in his eyes. Such need. She felt it all flowing between them, felt her body responding to the call of his.

With pure male heat and hunger, he undressed her, then himself. This wasn’t a sensual exploration resulting in an achingly sweet union of bodies. No. This was raw mating. He demanded. Took. Teased. And ultimately gave all of himself with such unending passion, he left her knowing no other man would ever reach inside her like he did.

Let the games begin…

Talent agent Frankie Winchester is a hellion. Her motto is all a girl needs is a fun time, a fast car and an awesome masseur on speed dial. There’s only one person who could beat her at anything. Alec. Bane of her high-school existence, a kid whose parents were as working class and loving as hers were rich and distant.

When celebrity landscape architect Alec Harris spots Frankie at an exclusive Sydney house party, everything comes rushing back. The memory of being the “cheap-money” kid, trying and failing to prove himself—and impress his dream girl, Frankie Winchester.

Unexpectedly partnered in a wildly sexy game, the delicious friction ignites a scorching sexual tension. But there’s more than a playing card trapped between them. Frankie refuses to admit that kiss shook her to the core. Alec wants nothing less than her full surrender.

Warning: C’mon, the book’s called Suck and Blow. What more warning do you need?

Title: SUCK AND BLOW
Author: Lexxie Couper
Series: Party Games, book 1
Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, November 22
Format: eBook
Source: Received an e-ARC from author for review

First line:
Francesca-Maree—Frankie—Winchester, had to admit the party was a success.

Memorable Scenes:
- the scene in the powder room during the party > dirty sexy!
- Alec telling Frankie his back-story > the emotional sauce I was waiting for


Francesca-Maree 'Frankie' Winchester aka The Gun is an agent to Australian celebrities. I loved Frankie! Beneath her tough girl attitude there's a woman who's not as self-assured as she appears. Her upbringing by famous parents put her on a sure course to shallowness and entitlement but she turned out pretty okay. Not in the least because of the hero of this story.

Aleczander 'Alec' Harris aka Alley Cat is big and upcoming in the landscaping business. He’s confident, competitive and fought his way up from wrong side of the tracks. Alec is a down-to-earth and what-you-see-is-what-you-get kinda guy. His constant challenging Frankie when they were in high school made her into the woman she is now.

SUCK AND BLOW is my second encounter with Lexxie Couper's work and it was as much, if not more, a pleasure as the first. Her writing is pure, raw and unapologetic and her characters are a joy to read and get to know.

I loved the setup of the romance and the verbal sparring between Alec and Frankie. And boy, the sex scenes were off the charts hot. Frankie and Alec are perfectly matched and challenge each other constantly, bringing out the best in one another.

The collection of secondary characters is very, very interesting and they made me wish for this series to go on for a long while after this first installment as there are quite some fascinating pairings to make. (Fortunately for me a little birdie told me there are going to be at least 2 more books after the 2nd one, by the fabulous Rhian Cahill, in this series. This made me a very, very happy reader.)

SUCK AND BLOW is another winner for Lexxie Couper. It's sexy, scorching and fast-paced. It gave me a few very pleasurable reading hours as I couldn't stop reading. I loved the characters, I loved the romance, I almost drooled at the sexiness of Alec and I'm yearning for the next Party Games book like an addict for her next fix.

Favorite Quotes:
As if he felt her stare, Alec swung his head in her direction, his brilliant blue eyes—still the colour of a cloudless summer day—finding her with ease.
Her heart just didn’t thump harder in her throat, it damn near tried to slam its way out of her body through her mouth.

She sucked in her breath, the sudden gasp fixing the playing card to her lips. His fingers scalded her through the supple leather of her pants, his grip loose and relaxed and far from suggestive. So why was her heart thumping so hard? Why was her p#ssy fluttering like a psychotic horde of ADHD butterflies?

He kissed her, not even remotely interested in reigning in his hunger. […] He reckoned if he were lucky, he’d get one good thrust into Frankie’s heat before he’d erupt. The best thing he could do now was show her just how bloody much he wanted her, show her just how goddamn wild she made him before he embarrassed himself beyond all salvation.

She opened her eyes and turned to him, doing her damnedest to not notice that he was dressed again and so goddamn sexy to look at it was like visual Viagra, or whatever the hell the chick’s version of Viagra was.
Oh, Francesca, you are in so much trouble.

She did as he told her, laying her arms flat on the bed above her head, her hands loosely open, palms to the ceiling.
She did as he told her, laying her arms flat on the bed above her head, her hands loosely open, palms to the ceiling.
“Very good. Now, this is the way it’s going to go, Ms Winchester. I am going to explore every inch of this sexy, f#ckable body of yours from head to toe. I’m going to put my tongue wherever I want to. I’m going to bite whatever I want to. I’m going to suck whatever I want to, and you’re not going to move.”
[...] “And if I do move?”
A wicked gleam filled Alec’s eyes, the sides of his mouth curling into a slow smile. Devilish, that was the only word Frankie could think of to describe it. Devilish.
No, there was another. Untamed.
“If you move, I will flip you onto your stomach, lift your butt into the air and smack its tight, firm perfection until you beg me to f#ck you.”

He’s the one who taught her to ride. Now all he wants is to ride her.

Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble’s a western-hat-wearing blonde with slim legs that go on forever, what’s a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.

Jaxi has other plans for Blake’s hands, and his heart. She may have once considered him a big brother, but that was a long time ago. She’s all grown up now and ready to convince him that she’s perfect for him. Except he can’t seem to see past the big “don’t touch” sign that’s apparently still hanging around her neck.

When Jaxi ends up living right under Blake's nose, the undeniable heat between them slides off simmer and leaps up to barn-burning levels. However, a few of the younger six-pack Colemans have decided Jaxi’s brand of trouble is worth risking a few busted bones.
That is, if Blake’s finally ready to let go the reins and fight for what he wants…

Warning: Sexy cowboys seducing and being seduced in trucks, pool halls and barns. Droolworthy country charm, a little double-teaming, a few secrets and a whole lot of brothers to look forward to. Anyone wanna go for a ride?

Title: ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEAT
Author: Vivian Arend
Series: Six Pack Ranch, book 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance,
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, November 15
Format: eBook
Source: Received an e-ARC from author for review

First line:
“Are you sure you can’t last a bit longer?”

Memorable Scenes:
- Blake playing Peeping Tom while Jaxi is in the shower > awesome clash of conflicting feelings warring within Blake
- the pool game > the triple play challenge took the scene beyond fun and into sizzling hot
- the hot scene in the Coleman kitchen > No when I see or hear the mention canned peaches I will not only think of Inez Kelley's TURN IT UP but of Vivian Arend too!
- Jaxi's exotic dance for Blake > HOT!


The hero and heroine of ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEAT have known each other for quite some time. Ever since Jaxi was a little girl and only child she’d come and hang with the rambunctious Colemans on their ranch and from the moment she knew what it meant to desire, she desired Blake Coleman, the oldest son of the bunch.

Jaxi has been in love with Blake forever and when she is asked to stay on the ranch for a while, taking care of his mom after a fall from an apple tree, she seizes the opportunity to show Blake exactly how much she wants him and hopes she can convince him to want her back.
Little does she know that Blake hardly needs any convincing as Jaxi has been his forbidden fantasy for quite some time and it's getting more and more difficult to keep seeing her as a little sister. He tries to hold on to their age-difference, seeing it as a reason for them not to be together but the feelings and attraction are too strong to deny.

Jaxi is giving, selfless and outspoken. She’s also a goal-getter. She sets her mind on something she wants, she’s bound to get it. In this case she has set her mind on Blake and will not rest until he’s where she wants him.

Blake is the oldest son. The one who thinks he needs to set a responsible example for his younger brothers. He’s honorable, stubborn (oh my God is that man stubborn!) and commanding. He resists Jaxi for a long time but when he eventually gives in to the feelings he can no longer deny, he gives his all

Vivian Arend definitely turned up the heat in this one...it took a little while for the chemistry between Blake and Jaxi to combust but when it did it was full steam ahead all the way to the last page. Scorching, sizzling, steamy heat made for some awesome love scenes. I also loved the romance even though there were moments where I would think they should just come out and express their feelings towards each other since it was so plain to everyone else.

I fell in love with the Colemans the first time I read about them and fell even harder this second time! I'm still fascinated by the twins, I still swoon for Blake, down-to-earth Daniel and considerate Matt and I still think Travis can be a major, major jerk whom I just want to smack upside the head sometimes.

An extra treat was a secondary romance involving Matt. Though I definitely don’t want them to end up together because the woman is annoying and selfish as heck, their story was intriguing and I loved getting to know Matt a bit more and see an interesting side of him. Still I don’t think Helen is worthy of sweet, caring Matt. There has to be a better woman out there for him.
One thing about this secondary romance storyline was that I didn’t like that this storyline (even if it covered one of my favorite tropes) almost overtook Blake and Jaxi's story. Although I'm sure Vivian Arend incorporated so much of their story in ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEAT for a good reason. So I trust it will all be revealed in Matt’s book.

I don't know what to say about Vivian's writing anymore without gushing about it. I like it so much and it fits me because though she broaches serious subjects she still manages to keep it light, fast-paced, humorous and emotional yet free of melodrama. Vivian Arend is my go-to author for feel-good romance, the kind of books you pick up knowing when you’ve finished it you have a smile on your face and a happy sigh leaving your mouth.

Favorite Quotes:
A bright red mark on his neck caught his eye, and he groaned in frustration. Like he was going to be able to explain that one easily. He shook his head and aimed the truck for home. In his lap, Jaxi’s feverish cheek burned a hole into his thigh while his unanswerable lust burned a hole in his conscience.

“She’s too young for me. Be my guest and go for it, I don’t think of her that way.” Sweet mercy, what a bunch of bull . He thought of little but Jaxi. It was no use though. She was too young. She still looked up to him as a big brother, and he wasn’t going to step over that boundary like some hormone-crazed animal.

Blake bit back the urge to lay his mouth on hers and lick over the wetness, tasting her skin and her sweet flavor. He needed to retreat, needed to stand and flee from temptation and the heavenly smell of her warm breath on his skin before he did something they would both regret. But heaven help him if he could budge.

Blake watched, motionless and noiseless for so long he felt like a statue, every bit of his body gone as hard and rigid as his aching shaft. Indecision held him, immobilized him. The rush of blood through his veins drowned out the part of his common sense saying he needed to leave. The pounding faded everything logical and rational away in him and stripped him bare to need and desire.

Damn, he wanted her so bad he had to restrain himself from tossing her over his shoulder like a caveman and hightailing out to his truck for a little action in the back. Or forget even making it to the truck, he’d slip them into the back room and fuck her against the wall, hard and fast, until they both made more of those noises of pleasure she was so good at producing.

“Damn it, stop with the questions and give me what I need.” Jaxi arched hard, thrusting her hips against his hand. She was on fire, and he was keeping her at such a steady burn she was liable to pass out from need.

He grinned at her with his new cocky smile that made her heart melt and her panties wet all at the same time.

Every girl’s fantasy…one woman’s dream

Sophie Butler is sure she’s about to lose her much-needed cleaning job. She’s not only walked in on a guest—a violation of her employer’s cardinal rule—but she can’t seem to tear her gaze away from his gorgeous, naked-as-the-day-he-was-born body.

If all that isn’t bad enough, her usually sensible judgment and behavior are clouded by a nagging sense of familiarity. She knows the man from somewhere, she just can’t quite place him.

Nathan Pace is certain he’s just lost his jealously guarded anonymity. But hold on…if she’s just another fan looking for a piece of his alter ego, rock star Jamie Speed, why is she blushing six shades of scarlet? And why is he instantly aroused? When he catches a glimpse of her eyes, he knows. She’s the woman who for ten years has haunted his dreams.

The attraction that flares between them is undeniable—and unstoppable. But getting close means risking Nathan’s secret identity. Just this once, he’d like a woman to fall for the real man, not the press’s version of a celebrity superstar.

Warning: This may be an erotic contemporary romance, but it does contain a hint of fantasy. And when that fantasy involves erotic dreams about a gorgeous rock star, you know you’re gonna want the fantasy to become reality…

Title: SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
Author: Jess Dee
Series: Speed, book 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, November 1
Format: eBook
Source: Received an e-ARC from the author for review

First line:
Shocked all the way down to her toes, Sophie Butler gawked at the man.

Memorable Scenes:
- the second time Sophie walks into Nathan in his appartment > awesome scene and 'Holy moly' indeed!
- the scene in Nathan's spa/hottub > OMFG!! HOT x 10000
- the concert and Nathan singing for Sophie > moved me to my core

Sophie Rose Butler is working as a cleaner to pay off the student loan she took to pay for her psych degree. On the job she walks in on one of the guests and this changes her life in ways she couldn’t have dreamed of. Sophie is outspoken, she blurts out anything that comes to her mind. She’s also spontaneous and down-to-earth.

Nathan James Pace is wary of stalking groupies who are after his rock star alter ego, Jamie Speed (lead singer of the band Speed) so when Sophie appears in his bedroom at first he’s suspicious but soon the suspicion turns into something entirely different. He’s commanding and a hero after my own heart as he’s talkative (and we all know how much I love my dirty talking heroes…

The banter between Sophie and Nathan was as enjoyable as the chemistry between them was hot. The sex scenes set my e-reader on fire as they were beyond scorching! Jess Dee writes sex scenes like nobody's business. They are explicit, evocative and luscious. Though this is only the second book I’ve read by Jess Dee, I have quite taken a liking to her writing style.

There weren’t many secondary characters but it suffices to say that I am intrigued beyond measures by Nathan’s brothers and fellow band members Zachary and Seth and their band manager Luke. As SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS is the first book in the series I am thrilled to know there will be books about the brothers and hopefully Luke too.

I loved the premise of this book and the execution of said promise. The rock star spiel and the fact that Sophie and Nathan have been seeing each other in their dreams for ten years without ever meeting one another, was an interesting concept and gave this book a fabulous edge that makes it stand out from other contemporary romances.

From the first word, page and chapter I was drawn into this story and Jess Dee's writing. It's clean, crisp, unapologetic and fast-paced. Just the way I like my contemporary romances. I love how her writing is pure and unembellished and very down to earth while still being hot, emotionally gripping and erotic. The way she combines red-hot heat with the beautiful build up of deeper feelings and love and the depth of her characters is simply mesmerizing.

I couldn't stop reading and read SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS in one sitting. More accurately, I gobbled this second book I've ever read by Jess Dee up, like a starved pauper at an all-you-can-eat buffet. And I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

Favorite Quotes:
Her body burned. Lust seeped from the point of contact with his mouth, through her arm, into her stomach and lower. It curled in a tight ball between her legs, stirring up an insistent hum of need.

“I wanted you yesterday at the pastry shop too.” Nathan’s voice drizzled over her like melted chocolate. Sweet, creamy and so damn smooth.

Look, Sophie, we can’t kid ourselves. I live a million miles away, and I’ll only be in Sydney another two days. But we’re here now, and whatever forces have thrown us together, this feels good now. It feels right.”
If by right he meant tingly all over, shaky with anticipation and desperate to touch, then yes, now did feel right.

She had no idea whose groan filled the air, but it was low and infused with a desperate cry of hunger.

“You’re the first guest I’ve walked in on.”
“And your last, I hope.” Jesus. Where did that come from? He had no right to demand anything from a woman he’d met just the day before. Even if she did seem to soothe his soul and fill the emptiness in his heart.

Nathan’s heart wrenched. His chest ached as he watched her erotic dance. He could fall in love with this woman. He could fall hard and fast and never know what hit him.
That tingle in his spine, that seemed to have been present since he yanked the front door open, multiplied. Electricity chased its way over every nerve ending.

Lights exploded behind his eyelids, the tingles spread, fingers of electricity snaking up his spine.
He fought it off. Damn, he fought.
Didn’t help. Those lips. That tongue. Her mouth…

No matter that he’d made love to her in the dressing room a little over an hour ago, he was ready again. He groaned softly. “I’ve got an erection from hell.”
“Yeah? Well, at least it’ll ease in a few minutes,” Sophie grumbled in his ear. “I have to walk around in wet panties for the rest of the night.”

Accept no substitute…for love.

THE LADY DOTH PROTEST TOO MUCH
Jessica Martin is determined to earn a permanent teaching position at Summit High School. That means hard work, dedication, and even volunteering extra time to direct the school’s Shakespeare play. Which leaves no room for romance—especially with a co-worker. She didn’t factor in the school’s sexy security officer and the delicious fantasies he inspires.

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD
Former cop Tom Cameron likes his job. Or he did, until the new substitute busted his orderly life right open. Now, he can’t seem to avoid her—deserted hallways, empty theaters, classrooms after dark—but he’s got too many skeletons in his closet to risk his heart again. Asking her out to distract her from the play’s, well, drama is a friendly gesture. Nothing more.

THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE NEVER DID RUN SMOOTH
Their chemistry could melt down the science lab, and before long they’re burning up the sheets off-campus. And uncovering raw emotions—a stark reminder that love isn’t in their curricula. When a troubled student goes over the edge, though, the need to stop a tragedy brings them right back where they started—face to face with fate.

Warning: This book contains sexy encounters in classrooms, inappropriate use of school facilities, backstage shenanigans, and illicit activities on a ferryboat.

Title: TAKE A CHANCE ON ME
Author: Kate Davies
Series: standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, February 22
Format: eBook
Source: Bought via Samhain eBookstore

First line:
Jessica was late.

Memorable Scenes:
- the scene at the pizza place > Very funny and cute, Jessica's friend Ana is a hoot!
- the school dance scene > the beginning of this scene reminded me of the movie GREASE complete with it's own Cha Cha DiGregorio (the annoying Gabrielle) LOL and the end was a great HEA + conclusion to the plot


QuickScore-Verdict:
This is a contemporary romance with a capital R! I loved the romance between Jessica and Tom. The built-up was very well done, going from small sparks of attraction, to smoldering sexual tension and sizzling chemistry to a sweet and lovely HEA.

The plot was good though a bit predictable but I really liked the high school setting and co-workers to lovers trope of this cute novella. Lately I've been reading books heavy on either the eroticism or the emotional intensity and to me the sweetness and normal guy/girl-next-door vibe of TAKE A CHANCE ON ME felt like a breath of fresh air!

TAKE A CHANCE ON ME is a perfectly balanced, well-paced and sweet contemporary that I really enjoyed a lot and loved it for bringing me back to my high school days...

Favorite Quotes:
He hadn’t consciously decided to live a solitary lifestyle, but that’s what had happened. It wasn’t a bad life, he supposed. He had a nice apartment in a quiet part of town. He could eat cold canned spaghetti over the sink and not worry about getting hell for it. He never had to share the remote control. He could sprawl across the bed without someone complaining how he was on her side.
Of course, there was also the silence. The half-empty closets. The embarrassing moments when he turned to comment on an article in the morning paper and no one was there. The times he woke in a cold sweat in the middle of the night and reached blindly across the king-size bed, only to find empty space.

It had only been for the briefest of moments, but he had a feeling that the inadvertent glimpse of creamy smooth skin and lace-trimmed bra would be on a playback loop in his mind for the rest of the evening. Perfect.

All she’d done was place her hand on his. A brief physical contact. Nothing more. So why was his hand still—tingly, for want of a better word? And he didn’t even want to think about the tingles still echoing in other more personal parts of his body.

“ Some discontent? She would have ripped my toenails out if given the chance.”
“So don’t wear open-toed shoes.”

Not that he was willing to concede that he was in love. It was too soon, too new, too overwhelming to consider that possibility. But the fact remained that Jessica had pulled him out of his self-imposed shell, and he was no longer interested in crawling back inside.

Ensnaring the ultimate bad boy has its risks…and its rewards.

It’s not easy being Hades. Constantly guarding his world against other meddling and ambitious deities is stressful work. So when a naked goddess falls directly into his lap, along with the news that he has to shelter her for the indefinite future, he is less than thrilled. Particularly since he can’t help but lust after the beautiful female.

The Underworld isn’t the first place Persephone would pick for a vacation—who in their right mind would choose a dark palace over sunshine and flowers? Yet from Hades’s first touch, the dark, sexy ruler fascinates her and has her thinking a fling might be just the thing to while away her confinement.

But trust each other? Not a chance. Until the day comes that Persephone must leave…and they realize that trusting each other is the only way they’ll ever meet again.

Warning: Contains an arrogant god, a stubborn goddess, horny deity nookie and enough supernatural friction to set the Underworld on fire.

Title: HOT AS HADES
Author: Alisha Rai
Series: standalone (for now)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, October 11
Format: eBook
Source: Received an e-ARC from author for review

First line:
Hades, also known as the extremely badass Lord of the Underworld, was accustomed to souls dropping into his kingdom.

Memorable Scenes:
- Persephone's talk with Cerberus (the tawny and middle heads) > I laughed out loud
- Persephone’s return after her time back on Earth > moving and hot!

Persephone is the Goddess of vegetation. She has little to no control over her powers and is sent to the Underworld through a scheming deity. She’s spunky, defiant and tenacious. Though she knows Hades is sexually attracted to her but not happy with her presence, she gets in his face all the time. I liked that about her.

Hades is the ruler of the Underworld. He’s ornery, sarcastic, gruff and contrary. In any other hero these traits would be annoying as hell (he he he) but Hades pulls them off because you just know that deep down he has a heart and cares. He’s also talented in the dirty talk so he was a hero who fits my favorite list perfectly.

I loved Persephone's feistiness and Hades’ dry sarcasm. The sex scenes were not only explicit and scorching but also well balanced with the romance and plot. The romance was build up more gradually than the sexual attraction but I liked this build-up a lot.

An honorable mention has to go to Cerberus, Hades’ companion hellhound and then especially Bob…I seriously still crack up when I think of the dialogues with Bob. He stole the show and I hope that if Alisha Rai writes more in this world and we catch another glimpse of Hades and Persephone, Cerberus will make another appearance too. If I had a favorites list for secondary characters he would definitely be on it.

As always I love Alisha Rai’s fluent and fast-paced writing as the humorous undertone is invariably incorporated in it. Though my preference goes out to her contemporary work I also enjoyed this second paranormal romance of hers I’ve read. It's short and sweet and I loved how she interpreted the myth of Hades and Persephone. She took some creative liberty and I really liked how she adapted the myth!

HOT AS HADES is everything the title promises: a quick and hot read that is a must-read for readers who love the mythology and romance combination.

Favorite Quotes:
Her little stubborn chin lifted in an annoyingly regal manner, as if she was the one in the throne and not naked and subdued in his arms. “Release me, or suffer.”
“Suffer what?”
“Suffer…my wrath.”
“Aren’t you cute.”

Pretty and stupid, she tsked. They always went hand in hand, it seemed. Though Hades didn’t seem quite as idiotic as Narcissus. That moron regularly had to be rescued from lakes when he tried to make out with his own reflection.

He was going to die of blue balls before Zeus got this female out of here. He should have materialized some nuns’ habits for her.

“You talk to my lady in that tone again, I’ll rip into your cloud and shove your lightning bolt up your ass. Do you understand?”
Persephone bit her lip to keep from laughing, particularly when Zeus cleared his throat and muttered a very indistinct, “Fine.”

The best way to heal a broken heart is to jump right back on the horse. So to speak-

After watching the girl he-s crushed on for years fall for his best friend, the last thing special operative Jack Gordon wants is a vacation. If cooling his heels doesn't drive him crazy, doing it under his family's scrutiny will.
But once he's back home things get more than a little interesting. The new farm hand is cute, sexy-and his instincts tell him she's got something to hide. Luckily, he's got the skills and the backup to find out what.

Gordon Equine is the perfect place for Niccolina Campolini. The Gordons pay in room, board and cash. And they don't ask questions. Perfect for a girl on the run-until Jack shows up. Sexy as hell and far too inquisitive, Jack strikes sparks and suspicions that put both her body and her heart in danger.
Jack knows better than to trust a woman with as many shadows as Nicki, but the heat waves of their attraction are messing with his focus. And when her secrets catch up with her, he's not sure if he's protecting her from something, or protecting his family from her.

Warning: This book contains extremely stupid gangsters bearing guns, a bored team of special operatives looking for some action, and one Southern gentleman guaranteed to charm your panties off.

This book has been previously published and has been revised from its original release.

Title: JACK
Author: Cat Johnson
Series: Red, Hot & Blue, book 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2010, August 31
Format: eBook
Source: Bought via Samhain eBookstore

First line:
Jack Gordon leaned in, about to close the deal on what he hoped would be a mind-erasing kiss, because he could really stand to erase some memories right about now.

Memorable Scenes:
No notes on any memorable scenes, so again I use the disclaimer that either there were none or I just forgot to write them down


QuickScore-Verdict:
After the promising start with TREY my expectations for JACK were high. And I was sorry to find out they just were too high, because they unfortunately weren’t completely met. I loved Jack as a character. He was just so adorably cute and charming and though he’s a straight shooter and speaks his mind he remains polite and courteous. And he blushes, how cute is that ;)

However, I'm sad to say JACK fell a bit short. Literally, as the page-count was considerably less than TREY’s but also plot and romance-wise it didn't reach the level of the first installment of this series.

Favorite Quotes:
"(...)The only thing you can do is try to live the life God gives you to the fullest with no regrets.” (Jack to Carly)

The accents from the five boroughs of New York City and Long Island made her cringe. But a southern man could practically make a girl’s panties fall right off just by talking to her.

Jack. His sexy, low voice washing over her body. His thick southern drawl that almost seemed to cling to her like molasses.

They can't deny the heat-it's the only thing keeping them alive.

A distracted soldier is a dead solder. That's special operative Trey Williams' motto. The last thing he needs in his life is a girlfriend. Problem is, the woman who's been recruited to pose as his wife on a special assignment is proving to be exactly the kind of distraction he can't afford.

Years ago, Carly McAfee turned her back not only on her military career, but the men who come with it. So why did she say yes to a mission that puts her in intimate contact with Trey, under 24/7 surveillance by both bad guys and good? One slip, and they're both dead. It's not long, though, before her body betrays her, followed closely by her heart.

With a terrorist arms deal going down and missing teammate's life on the line, Carly and Trey must throw caution to the wind in the scorching-hot performance of their lives-and try not to lose their hearts and minds in the process.

Warning: Contains bad men with big guns and video cameras, and an unmarried couple who need to get naked and get busy acting very married to save both their country and their lives.

This book has been previously published and has been revised and expanded from its original release.

Title: TREY
Author: Cat Johnson
Series: Red, Hot & Blue, book 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2010, April 20
Format: eBook
Source: Bought via Samhain eBookstore

First line:
He waited, crouching in the reeds.

Memorable Scenes:
- scene where Trey picks up drunk Jack at Carly's bar > Trey is adorably cute in his jealousy
- scene where Jack realizes the deal between Trey & Carly > even though Jack was cute and charming at some point he needed a reality-check where Carly was concerned and this is where he got it



QuickScore-Verdict:
I really like Cat Johnson's writing. It reads very easily, has subtle humor and is steamy. She also has the military stuff down really well. However, I felt the plot was brushed over a little bit. I was expecting more suspense and plot-wise and it was a bit of a cold shower how the suspense was resolved. The pace was good as in it kept moving forward without unnecessary information dumps yet outlining the plot clearly and thoroughly. But the balance in the pace is a bit off as it starts slow and has a rushed ending

TREY was a great way to get familiar with Cat Johnson's writing and I liked it a lot. I'm definitely going to read more of her books, starting with Jack's story because the guy deserves a HEA of his own and a woman to unleash all that southern charm on.

Favorite Quotes:
She was a strange cocktail of simplicity mixed with attitude, shaken with killer good looks.

"We were pretending I’m not in the military. Trey, she’s a really good kisser.” That little gem of a revelation caused Trey to trip over his own feet. This ridiculously surreal situation would have been laughable if Trey weren’t so miserable. “That’s great, Jack. Thanks for telling me." Perhaps Jack would vomit in his truck next, then Trey’s evening would really be complete.

Jack. The joking, colorful Southern sidekick to the quiet but observant Trey Williams.

So they knew about her time in the service. She hoped they also knew she spent the entire duration of it behind a desk stateside. Sure, she went through basic training and yeah, she could fire a weapon. If she had one, which she didn’t so she wasn’t at all convinced that skill was going to help in this situation. She could file papers for Trey if the need arose though.

“Well, if you ask me, it’s a damn shame to throw out the whole pie just because the crust got a little burnt.” (Jack)

This pen-ultimate post starts the wrap-up of my Bandicoot Cove Experience (a feature on the Blog beween August 19th and and September 21st with Previews, ARC-reviews and Guestposts from the authors Vivian Arend, Lexxie Couper and Jess Dee). I am sad to see this experience coming to an end (for now). I had a blast reading the books and hosting the authors with their posts. Three awesome authors, each in their own way, with their own writing styles and personalities. I feel honored to have been given this opportunity!

Today marks the day of the last ARC-Review and boy did this book blow me away. Completely and unexpectedly Jess Dee gave me one of my all-time favorite ménage-reads so far and one of my favorite reads this year!

Coming up next:

• Jess Dee’s Guestpost – Wednesday September 21st

Adolescent fantasies can grow into very adult realities.

Sienna James has come to Bandicoot Cove to mourn the end of her eight-year relationship with Ben Cowley. The last person she expects to meet is the star of every one of her high school fantasies.

Joshua Lye is not only as appealing as he was in high school, he reveals she was the main feature in his adolescent wet dreams. As kids they never got it together. But they’re adults now, and there’s nothing keeping them apart.

When Ben arrives at the resort determined to win Sienna back, finding another man in her bed kind of throws a spanner in the works. But he isn’t deterred. Rather than admit defeat, he comes up with an alternative plan: Let Sienna sleep with both men—at the same time. Then she can make an informed decision as to which man she wants.

Sienna shouldn’t want to go through with this shockingly sexy plan, but she does. Desperately. Except after the sexual storm passes, she could have it all…or be left holding an empty heart.

Warning: Contains a suggestion beyond risqué, a solution beyond orgasmic, and two men who know how to play dirty. Really, really dirty.

Title: ISLAND IDYLL
Author: Jess Dee
Series: Bandicoot Cove, book 4
Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, September 20
Format: eBook
Source: received an e-ARC from the author for review

First line:
Sienna James drew her arm back, took aim and flung a flattish oyster-colored shell forward with as much gusto as she could manage.

Memorable Scenes:
- Josh and Sienna meeting for the first time after 12 years > sparks flew in that short delicious scene
- Ben's entrance scene > Wow! That was some first impression
- the scene that followed Ben's entrance > heart-wrenching


A relationship of eight years gone wrong, a high school crush and adolescent fantasies left unfulfilled and a romantic luxurious resort with one man happy to finally discover if the real thing is as good as the fantasy and another man desperate enough to save his relationship by suggesting something risky. The woman looking for a hot holiday fling is in for some good and dirty times. The main characters in this smokin’ hot 4th installment of the Bandicoot Cove series are Sienna James, Joshua Lye and Ben Cowley.

Sienna is friends with Kylie, the resort’s manager and has accepted the invitation to the soft opening without hesitation. Sienna is a determined, bold and sexually inhibited woman who is just coming out of a long-term relationship and ready to dive into the dating-pool again.

Her first encounter with a man after leaving her ex is Joshua, who happens to be the resort’s IT-guy. But Joshua is no stranger. They went to high school together and they had mutual crushes on which they never acted. Joshua has a great sense of humor, he’s direct, a fighter and he’s gentle and considerate but absolutely no pushover.

But if Sienna thought Ben was going stand back and accept her leaving him without a fight, she has another think coming because Ben decided to follow her to the resort and is willing to go to extremes to get her back. Even allowing another man in their bedroom. Ben is mercurial to say the least. He’s a bit forceful yet not domineering. He is commanding, raw and a strategist.

At some point I was hoping Sienna would make Ben grovel more than the little effort he was making before she considered taking him back. It was as if she'd forgotten he was more committed to his career than to their relationship of 8 years. And the minute I was thinking that about Sienna she did me proud and reminded Ben exactly why she'd left him in the first place. Love it when an author does that!

The sexual chemistry between Sienna and the two men was off the charts. And the dynamics between the two men "fighting" over Sienna's affection, challenging each other, egging each other on, was the icing on the cake. It was intense and super-hot. And a very different kind of ménage compared to the themes in the other books of the series. This is what made this book stand out in the series and made it the best one! I will elaborate later in this review why without spoiling, which is very hard

Jess Dee's writing is just mesmerizing. It flows so smoothly and paints vivid images in your mind. It oozes wit and heat with a very down-to-earth vibe to it. The sex scenes are carnal, explicit and dirty in the best sense of the word. They are exquisitely written and I may have found another author trying to kill me with overheating while reading her sex scenes. Thanks, Jess!

I spent a great part of the book wondering if Sienna was going to have to choose between Ben and Josh and if so, who would she choose? In the end an emotional twist that I was expecting and yet dreading made it seem Sienna didn't have to choose at all and I thought that was that. But no, Jess Dee threw a final but major twist at me (one I was secretly hoping for) and she totally gave me what I wanted, taking that uniqueness of her ménage story to an even higher level. Not to mention making me cry my eyes out at the same time.

On top of that Jess also gave me the ending I wanted though I wasn't expecting it because it was not the safe, PC (romance-wise) path to take. So I applaud her for taking it anyway and giving me this awesome reading experience.

ISLAND IDYLLE is a more than worthy addition to the Bandicoot Cove series. With its own unique approach to the ménage theme it was definitely my favorite of the 4 books so far. It’s a perfect combination of explicit, luscious eroticism, heartbreaking emotions and awesome writing skills. It was an awesome, almost perfect, story that just checked all the right boxes with me. It moved me to tears, it aroused me to combustion and it resonated deeply, even after having finished reading it!

I hope the wait for the next Bandicoot Cove book won't take very long as I'm already in withdrawal.

Favorite Quotes:
“Josh?” she asked tentatively.
He nodded. “In the flesh.”
And, oh, dear Lord, what flesh it was. If the teenage Josh had made her blush like a fool, the very adult version made every nerve ending stand to attention. At sixteen, he’d been cute. At thirty, he was full-blown sex on a stick.

He looked downright lickable. Sienna could only thank her lucky stars the waitress arrived with her daiquiri at that moment. Otherwise, she would, without a doubt, have licked him.
Not all over. Just a little sample of his neck. And maybe his lips. And, if she could just get that T-shirt out of the way, then maybe a nipple as well.

Holy f#ck! She’d parted her lips for him, inviting his tongue in, leaving the hot, sweet cavern of her mouth open to his exploration.
Her taste hit him with the force of a cannonball, smashing into his chest, winding him. Sweet and tangy, like strawberries and rum. And salty, like the sea air. Innocence, mischief and…sadness, all rolled into one.

Did he want her sympathy? Tough! He wasn’t about to find it here. “Whose fault is that?” She didn’t wait for his reply. “How the hell do you think I felt all those times you had to work? All those times I pleaded with you to spend a little time together, and you said no? You think the loneliness wasn’t unbearable? You think it didn’t break my heart?” Uh-uh. Too subtle. “You think you didn’t break my heart?” Her hand shook as she pointed at him, jabbing his chest with her finger. “ You broke us. You broke you and me. If you’re feeling a little lonely now, there’s only one person to blame.”
Ben’s groan was guttural. “You’re right. About everything. I fucked up. I broke us. And I was too damn blind to understand it at the time.” He rapped his chest. “It was my fault.”

“Walk away, princess,” he whispered. “If you can.”
She shook her head, but before words could form in her mouth, telling him she couldn’t and she didn’t want to, hands fastened around her shoulders and twirled her around, out of Josh’s grasp.
“She doesn’t have to walk,” Ben snapped at Josh. “I’ll take her.”
And take her he did, straight into another kiss, just as forceful and just as exquisite as Josh’s.

“Kiss him,” Josh said in her ear. “Enjoy his mouth. But when you come, know who gave you this orgasm, because this time it won’t be your fiancé.”
O-orgasm? This time? What the—?
Before the thought could solidify, Ben tore his mouth from Sienna’s. “Touch her—and die!”

Watching Sienna kiss Ben had been a huge, freaking turn-on.
It shouldn’t have been. It should have made his c#ck shrivel up and die. It should have made him want her less. It hadn’t.

“That’s assuming I want to have a threesome with you,” Josh said, just as dangerously as before.
Screw the gentleman act. “Mate, you had your dick buried against my fiancée’s naked #ss, while she kissed me . You and I both know that had Sienna given you the okay, you would have buried it inside her #ss without a second thought. So don’t feed me your crap about me and threesomes.”

“Tell us what you want. You’re in control, baby. Lead us.”
Josh nodded, murmuring in her ear. “I’ll follow wherever you take us.”
The only trouble with their request was that it meant Sienna had to talk, and since she was a raging mass of hormones, a multi-pleasured sack of bones, speech was not all that easy.

“You created the magic, [SPOILER]. Not him. It sparked the second I saw you by the pool and exploded into something undeniable when we made love yesterday afternoon. [SPOILER] got caught up in our magic. Yours and mine. That’s why the sex was so good. It wasn’t about him, it was about us.”

Her heart belonged to him completely. Him, and no one else. And his mouth told her his heart belonged to her—and no one else. Which was a damn good thing, because Sienna was just as selfish as [SPOILER]. She too refused to share.

Buy links: Samhain | Amazon |Barnes & Noble

Vivian Arend | Lexxie Couper | Jess Dee | Bandicoot Cove
Paradise Found | Tropical Sin | Island Idyll | Exotic Indulgence

Good girls can play rough too…

Jessie McKay has accepted her marriage to Luke McKay wasn’t perfect. After two years of widowhood, she’s ready to kick up her bootheels—until Luke’s younger brother shows up to spoil her fun. But if Brandt thinks she’ll ever take orders from another McKay male, he’s got manure for brains.

Brandt McKay has avoided his sweet, sexy sister-in-law ever since the night he confessed his feelings for her weren’t the brotherly type. Unexpectedly faced with proof of Luke’s infidelity, Brandt is forced to ask for Jessie’s help in taking care of Luke’s young son. Jessie agrees on one condition—she wants Brandt’s boots exclusively under her bed for the duration.

The sexual heat that’s always simmered between them ignites. Brandt is determined to make the temporary situation permanent, proving to Jessie he’s a one-woman man. And Jessie is shaken by feelings she’s sworn never to have again for any man…especially not a McKay.

Warning: Contains branding-iron-hot sex , the one McKay on earth who wants to be tamed, and a woman who’s decided tame is for nice girls who finish last.

Title: COWGIRLS DON’T CRY
Author: Lorelei James
Series: Rough Riders, book 10
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2010, November 9
Format: eBook
Source: Bought via Samhain eBookstore

First line:
“Who’s up for a threesome?”

Memorable Scenes:
- The football game with Dalton and Tell > great scene in light of the bond between the McKay brothers and accepting Jessie in their midst
- the massage > trademark Lorelei James hotness
- the scenes with Landon > sweet, funny and frustrating (for Jessie and Brandt) moments
- the phone sex scene > scorching!
- chapter 23 > made me bawl like a baby


Jessie McKay runs the daycare at Sky Blue and the widow of Luke McKay. Jessie is quiet, shy-ish, sweet, big-hearted and wholesome. Her life hasn’t been easy. From her youth to her shot-gun, unhappy marriage that ends with the loss of her husband, to say she’s had it tough would be an understatement and this life had led to her having abandonment issues. She’s now desperate to prove to the world she's not the mousy widow everyone takes her for. Every one, except Brandt McKay, her late husband’s brother who has always been in her corner, offering support and help.

Brandt McKay is noble, steadfast and considerate. But make no mistake, beneath that all-around good guy veneer there’s a short-fused Brandt that comes out when he’s pushed too far. He has loved Jessie forever, even before she became his brother's wife and widow. But being the gentleman that he is, he never interfered in their marriage. A year after his brother’s death however, in a weak moment, he confesses he’d like to be more than friends but Jessie turns him down flat so he backs off and leaves her alone. Until a consequence of his brother’s meandering ways brings him back to Jessie.

I must honestly admit that as much as the sex scenes enthralled me, and they were with out-of-this-world-HOT, at first I wasn't entirely comfortable with Brandt being Jessie's dead husband's brother. It’s not a trope that will appeal to all contemporary erotic romance readers. I was also wondering what would make Jessie come around to accept and even reciprocate Brandt's feelings for her.

My worries were so not necessary because Lorelei James made it work and made me forget about my initial hesitation where the romance was concerned. I liked the premise of this book and loved the execution even more. It's an emotionally heavy subject and Lorelei James let her characters handle it in a realistic, believable manner. COWGIRLS DON’T CRY fits right in with the rest of the series and as I’ve said before in reviews of this series: an amazingly written family saga is the only way to describe the Rough Riders series.

Lorelei James writes books that are smokin' hot and highly emotional like few others can. The way this book was set up just blew me away. There were so many elements (the prologue, Brandt's almost obsession with Jessie, the situation with Landon) that should've made me go: What? Hell no! But Ms. James made them all work splendidly. The flaws and imperfection in the characters made this a great book and a lovely addition to the series!

Secret love child, hot sex, complicated family dynamics on several levels, all my emotions raging and on high alert...COWGIRLS DON'T CRY had it all and was just like the rest of Lorelei James' Rough Riders series: never failing to satisfy my romance reader's needs.

Favorite Quotes:
“Why am I an idiot?”
“For not snapping that man up. I swear I’ve never seen any man look so ready to lick a woman up one side and down the other as he was when he was eating you up with his eyes.” (Jessie & Simone about Brandt)

Okay. Brandt had to keep his groin from touching her backside because then she’d know he had a hard-on, which had popped up the instant it’d gotten wind he’d be putting his hands all over her.

“I think your best option is just to walk up to him, stark naked and say, Ride me, cowboy hottie .” (Simone)

His tongue darted out and slid along the plump inside curve of her bottom lip. A leisurely, sensuous glide across the sensitive flesh that caused her mouth to tremble even as her lips parted in invitation. But he didn’t dive in for a greedy, openmouthed kiss. He lightly swept his damp lips over hers. Repeatedly. Male hunger and hot breath, tempered with softness that was unlike anything she’d ever experienced.

Holy mother of God did the man lay a kiss on her. His hands framed her face with utmost gentleness as his mouth conquered hers. Dominated. Destroyed. Ignited.

He nuzzled her hair, breathing her in. Filling his lungs, his heart, his soul with everything this woman freely gave him, no matter how much he asked of her.

Oh, it was breathtaking, watching his ferocious man master her. Teach her. Pleasure her. Mesmerized by the fire in his eyes, Jessie had just held on, as her body became his playground.

But Landon didn’t race away. He heaved a contented sigh against her neck. Then he moved back and placed a sticky hand on each of her cheeks. He locked his serious gaze to hers and gave her a kiss, square on the mouth. He emitted a noise deep in his throat, then he raced back to his mother.
It took about ten seconds to sink in.
Landon had acted exactly like Brandt. Holding her face. Kissing her. Making that possessive growl.
Her heart absolutely turned over. Landon had just told her, in his little boy way, that he loved her.

“Us being together won’t be an easy road. There will be people like Lydia, like your father, who will want us to fail. So you should know I fell in love with you not because you’re Luke’s brother, but in spite of it.
“You’ve become everything to me in ways Luke never was. I never imagined I’d find a man like you, who’s sweet, sexy, funny, thoughtful, kind. A man who makes me feel like I’m enough for him. A man I can trust without question. A man I will fight anyone for.” Her eyes filled with tears and she whispered, “God. I feel like such an idiot because you’ve been here the whole time.”

Jessie realized Joan was exactly right. No more of this giving him time, waiting around for him to come his senses bullshit. The old Jessie would stand around and wring her hands and wait for him to come to her. The new Jessie, the Jessie who’d found the man of her heart and soul, needed to go to him first.

Their wolves are howling at the moon. Their human halves are on different planets.

Lone wolf Shaun Steven’s automatic response to the words “happily ever after”? Kill me now. Yet with all his friends settling down he’s begun to think there may actually be something to this love-and-roses crap.

One thing’s for sure: his dream mate will have to out-cuss, out-spit and out-hike him. So he never expected the one to push his forever button would be a blue-blooded Southern debutante with a voice as dark and velvety as her skin.

When Gemmita Jacobs steps off the plane in Whitehorse, Yukon, it’s about more than her research project. It’s her declaration of independence from an overprotected upbringing. Except there’s something in the air she can’t quite define—something that unexpectedly rouses her mating instincts.

Moments after their eyes lock, the deed is done—and done thoroughly. When the pheromone dust settles, though, all the reasons they don’t belong together become painfully clear.

It’s enough to make a wolf learn a whole new set of cuss words…

Warning: Two strong wolves getting exactly what they deserve. Includes wilderness nookie, shifters being naughty in public places, the Midnight Sun as a canopy for seduction and grizzly shifters on the loose. Oh, and don’t forget the sarcasm.

Title: BLACK GOLD
Author: Vivian Arend
Series: Takhini Wolves, book 1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, September 13
Format: eBook
Source: Received an e-ARC from author for review

First line:
“Excuse me, ladies.”

Memorable Scenes:
- drunk Shaun > hilarious!
- lunch scene with Evan and Caroline > there had better be yummy stuff coming for Caroline and Evan!
- Caroline's dominance fight > awesome fight scene


Gemmita 'Gem' Jacobs is on a quest for adventure and independence in the form of a field excursion to the Yukon area. She’s stubborn and determined. I loved Gem and her genuine enthusiasm and zest for life. Her attitude of not wanting to be controlled and wanting to taken serious by the men in her life was what I loved most about her.

Shaun Stevens is a helicopter pilot. The pilot charged with flying Gem to her research location. He’s rebellious, blunt and unpretentious. He’s also a little restless and listless and sort of going through the motions of life without a goal or mission. Seeing his friends find their mates he realizes he’s longing for a mate of is own too. I liked Shaun more when he was being his whatever and rough round the edges self. When he was trying too much to be a gentleman to Gem he didn't wow me that much and I'd want him going back to his swearing –forgetting to hold the door for her or pull her chair– self.

I loved the romance in this book, loved Shaun, Gem and how they matched together! Their chemistry is explosive, intense and scorching. At first I thought things were going very smooth for them, a bit too smooth. Then Shaun put his foot in his mouth, Gem was insulted by his lack of trust in her abilities and the fireworks started. I loved the battles of will and wit between them. They were one of the things that made this a great book next to the nice balance between action, romance and characterization.

I welcomed all the newly introduced characters and I suspect there's lots of yummy to come in this series. Evan and Caroline were interesting to say the least. But I was also very happy to have a small reunion with TJ, my very favorite Granite Lake wolfie, when he made an appearance. I’ll always have a soft spot for TJ ;)

BLACK GOLD is a great start of this new shifter series by Vivian Arend. Her trademark humorous and lighthearted writing style remains strong even when she ups the ante and takes the characters to a more complicated emotional level. BLACK GOLD was longer than the books in the Granite Lake Wolves series and this left room for more depth and complications in the characterization and story lines. Since that was the one thing I was missing in Vivian Arend’s previous books, I really liked this and look forward to future longer stories by her.

And yes, the ever-present humorous wit and banter wasn't missing in BLACK GOLD either. All the characters, main and secondary, contributed to the fun vibe and great dynamics of the book.

Again Vivian Arend's wonderful writing made this book another great reading experience. The ease with which the world building is done and the paranormal elements are meshed with characterization and romance made for a fast-paced fluently flowing book. The writing shines in its simplicity and clarity. No elaborate plots or intricate world building. Just straightforward and enjoyable storytelling that's spiced up with a sweet and sizzling romance.

Favorite Quotes:
There was no doubt Evan was the strongest wolf in the area, but the dude was nuttier than a fruitcake at times.

There was a pause—only a second—as they stared into each other’s eyes. Then the world exploded as they both moved.
He hadn’t kissed her before. Now he consumed her, feasting at her mouth as if he was starving. She returned as good as he gave, nipping and licking, her tongue tangling with his. The exhilarating flavour of her mate burst onto her taste buds, adding to the richness of her pleasure.

He tasted wild. There was raw energy in his kiss, the hint of a sweet aftertaste that made her smile against his lips.

Any pain she’d experienced was gone, replaced with the urgent desire to use him like a pogo stick.

His grin was mesmerizing. “I would love to be your guide. Put yourself entirely into my hands.”
Into his hands. The coals in her belly fanned to high heat, and she forced herself to ignore them. Not now. They had already established they could have sex. Hot sex. Melt-the-sheets sex.

Then she lifted her chin and calmly stepped away from the table, leaving a stunned Shaun in her wake. He watched her walk a few paces before leaping to his feet.
“Shaun,” Evan warned. “You might want to give her a little space to cool off.”
His friend turned back in the middle of the room, the most pleased expression on his face. “Are you kidding? She’s got a freaking backbone. I love it!”

Then she snorted, and his ego got a little bruised. “Oh yes, the legendary wolfish sex drive. It’s okay, Evan, I think I can handle anything you want to dish out. Only I’m not doing kinky things with you when you’re in your wolf form. I draw the line at that.” (Caroline & Evan)

He was going to lose his ever-loving mind at this rate.
A dozen measured strokes later he was praying for a miracle. If he didn’t do something now—stop, recite the times table— something, he was about to go up in smoke.

Evan chuckled. “I know everything, man. It’s politics. Every so many years—and no one seems to know exactly how many—the bears meet to redistribute territory and such. Their hierarchy is way more formal than the way we wolves do things. They vote and shit.”
No way. “Like, no beating each other up or ripping out throats for leadership? They vote on bits of paper and that decides the leaders?”
“Barbaric, isn’t it?”

GIVEAWAY========GIVEAWAY========GIVEAWAY

Vivian has gracefully offered another full set of the Granite Lake Wolves ebooks (Wolf Signs, Wolf Flight, Wolf Games and Wolf Tracks) and I'm giving this set away to one of the commenters on this ARC-Review.

My reviews of:
WOLF SIGNS
WOLF FLIGH
WOLF GAMES
WOLF TRACKS

Besides the Granite Lake Wolves ebook set (offered by Vivian) I'm also personally giving away an e-copy of BLACK GOLD because I really think it has a lot of appeal for paranormal romance readers.

Giveaway Rules:
- This giveaway is open internationally.
- I will draw and announce the two winners on Sunday September 25st
- If you have a preference for either just the Granite Lake Wolves set or just the BLACK GOLD ebook, make this clear in your entry
- Make sure you leave a way to contact you if it is not included in your profile. Please note that if your are picked as a winner and I have no way of contacting you, I will draw another winner
- To enter: Do you prefer novellas or full length stories? And why?

A Rough Riders free read.

Keely McKay Donohue is enduring the longest wedding reception of her life: her own. The only saving grace is that Jack Donohue is finally hers. Usually her hunky man gives her everything she wants, so why is her groom denying her the one thing she wants right now?

Jack thought his secretive wait-for-the-honeymoon plan was romantic, until he realizes he’s only put Keely in a fighting mood. If he wants to get back on his temperamental bride’s good side, he’d better find a way to sweep his cowgirl off her boots…fast.

Author's Note:
This short story takes place between the epilogue of Rough Riders book 8, All Jacked Up , and the second chapter of Rough Riders book 10, Cowgirls Don't Cry.

Title: SLOW RIDE
Author: Lorelei James
Series: Rough Riders, book 9.5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2010, November 9
Format: eBook
Source: Free read via Samhain eBookstore

First line:
This was the longest wedding reception in the history of the world. She wished it were over—which truly was saying something, since it was her wedding reception.

Memorable Scenes:
- Carson's speech > so sweet
- Jack refusing to let Keely's brothers and cousins dance the slow dances with her > Jack's a brave man :)
- Jack and Keely in the dressing room > So damn hot and they didn't even really do anything thanks to Jack's iron self-control





QuickScore-Verdict:
In the typical Lorelei James raw and sexy writing style she delivered an awesome epilogue-like short story that continued & wrapped up Jack and Keely's story in a sizzling way. I loved the challenge thrown in and the battle of wills between the two of them. With all the sizzling hot foreplay throughout the story I missed the steamy consummation at the end and I felt cheated out of the culminating smexing scene.

Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this short story because even without that scene it really hot and there was even some emotional turmoil thrown in. I do highly recommend having something nearby to cool you off while reading and enjoy this sneak peek of Jack and Keely firmly on the road to their happily ever after…

Favorite Quotes:
Knowing what the crowd of family and friends wanted, Keely twined her arms around Jack’s neck and gave him a long, wet, tongue-tangling kiss that probably caused some guests to squirm in their seats. She didn’t give a damn. It was her wedding day. If she wanted to make out with her husband, she damn well would.

Would she sound like a horny ho-bag if she admitted all she could think about was jumping her husband? Wait. Could she even be a ho-bag if she was obsessed about having nonstop, shake-the-barn-rafters sex with the man she’d just pledged the rest of her life to?

Keely shrieked and clapped her hand over her eyes before she faced the door again. “Omigod. I did not just see you two boinking like bunnies during my wedding reception!” (She caught Cord and AJ having a quickie in the dressingroom LOL)

“What? Were you expecting we’d go at it right here, right now?”
“Throwing me a bone?” she repeated. “Are you tryin’ to piss me off, Jack?”
His eyebrows rose. “On our wedding day? Not likely.”
“Then why won’t you—”
“Pin you down on the table or on the tile floor or against the wall and screw you blind?”
“That’d work for me.”
“Too bad, because it doesn’t work for me.”
She frowned. “You’re goin’ all puritan on me now that we’re married?”
“Hell no, but I don’t want fast and dirty the first time we make love as husband and wife, okay? I want to take my time with you. I want it slow.”

“Did you really think I’d love you more if you gave me silk sheets, flowers and candlelight?”
He honestly didn’t know what to say.
“Jack. You already gave me your heart. That’s all I ever wanted. That’s all I need.”