Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category

Review: Puppy Dog Eyes

Sunday, January 25th, 2009

puppydogeyes

Puppy Dog Eyes
by Lesli Richardson
Amira Press
October 2008
Amira Press Halloween Spooktacular Shapeshifter
A Free Read

Tessa had it rough. She’s been through a lot, mostly at the hands of a terribly abusive boyfriend. Finally free of the horrible man, she’s trying to put her life back together. It’s so hard to get out there and do it, especially when the one guy you really want is your partner at work. He has it all, if only he’d ask her out. With the big Halloween Party coming up, she hopes he’ll say yes and accompany her. Scudder can’t make the party, but he finally makes his feelings known to Tessa. The man of her dreams takes her out for a wonderful night and promises her there will be many more to come.

Scudder knows Tessa has been through a lot at the hands of an abusive former lover. He’s heard the stories and so he waited in order to give Tessa time to heal, because he knows it’s just a matter of time. He will claim his mate, and they will have a long and happy life together. He refuses to ruin it by scaring her off or getting involved too quickly before she’s totally healed. However, he’s never going to let anyone touch his mate again. He wants nothing more than to attend the party with his sexy mate but there are some things shapeshifters can’t avoid; a full moon for one. That doesn’t mean he won’t stay by her side, because some dangers refuse to leave poor Tessa alone, and he never will. Not his mate, not ever.

This was such a terrific story and a great love affair set around the magic of Halloween. I love this fantastic world created by Lesli Richardson. The snarky humor, a trademark for Ms. Richardson, hot sex scenes and action packed excitement will give you a great deal of entertainment, in a short period of time; talk about fun. Do yourself a favor and take a break, kick up your feet and enter Ms. Richardson’s fun world. You’ll have a blast, I guarantee it.

Stephanie McGrath
ParaNormal Romance Reviews
January 25, 2009

Review: Dog Walk

Sunday, January 25th, 2009

dogwalk

Dog Walk
by Lesli Richardson
Amira Press
January 2009
Amira Press Shorts Shapeshifter
Heat Level: Hot
Buy Now

Lindsey couldn’t be happier, well, maybe she could. But she’d worry about putting her life back together later. She was finally in Florida again. It’s been a long haul, and it should be safe to be home now. All she wanted was a jog in the park, is that so much for a girl to ask? It soon becomes apparent that a group of thugs have other plans for Lindsey. When they attack her in the park the largest dog Lindsey has ever seen comes to her rescue. Unable to explain the instant devotion and love she feels for the animal, and it goes beyond the simple fact that he saved her life, she decides to take the dog home with her. Little does Lindsey know, but her life is about to change forever. And it’s going to be for the better.

Ivan just needed a run, he wanted nothing more than to get out and feel the change take him over, blow off some steam. He had no idea something was about to hit him when suddenly he came upon a young woman in the park, catching her intoxicating scent Ivan knows he’s found his mate. Too bad the poor jerks that attacked her chose his mate to go after. Once Ivan gets a look at her, he vows he’s never letting her go, because he’s found the one, finally. He’s been searching for her his whole life. Ivan senses there’s something else in her life that’s wrong, he just can’t figure it out. Soon, what’s wrong is revealed to him, and now it’s up to him to save her and keep her safe from harm. He will have lots of walks in the park with his mate if he has anything to say about it.

Ms. Richardson has written a fun romp, what a walk in the park… a Dog Walk that is. It makes a girl want to run out to the Dog Park! I thoroughly enjoyed this short story set in Lesli Richardson’s world of shapeshifters. Seriously, if you’ve got an hour to kill, a little time on your hands, you will love it too. It was a great story, a fun romance, with lots of heat; sorry, pun intended, I couldn’t resist! This is the second short I’ve read that Lesli has set in this world of shapeshifters and I can honestly say, I look forward to many more shorts in this series. I highly recommend Dog Walk.

Stephanie McGrath
ParaNormal Romance Reviews
January 25, 2009

Review: Vampire Kristmas

Thursday, December 25th, 2008


Vampire Kristmas
Donna Michaels
The Wild Rose Press
Dec 3, 2008
ISBN# not assigned
Paranormal Black rosette
Theme: Christmas
eBook ~ 32 pages
Buy Now

We meet Jeremy Kristmas who gets rudely awoken by his brother after being in stasis for two centuries. Groggy and not really understanding why he was awakened, he comes to terms that he is to ‘clean up’ his brother’s mess, again! He also does not want to fall in love with another human because he had lost Cordelia.

Then he sees her…a spitting image of Cordelia, but her name is Lynette. And his brother has made a mess of everything. Now it is he that has to try to convince her that he is a good man, er, vampire.

After she lashes out at him, he tells her that he is Jeremy and that the one that hurt her was his twin brother, Jared. But there is someone else that could possibly be his long lost love. But in the end, will someone indeed have a Merry Vampire Kristmas?

Ms. Michaels created a touching story with the back story being short and sweet, just enough to let you know about Jeremy’s past with Cordelia. She created a world where the vampires live on an island and seem to have accumulated wealth. But they are down to earth and real. I felt for both Jeremy and Lynette. I know everyone hopes that loves soul will find them one day.

Ruth Schaller
ParaNormal Romance Reviews
December 25, 2008

Review: Thief of Hearts

Sunday, December 21st, 2008


Thief of Hearts

New Concepts Publishing
Copyright 2003
ISBN: not assigned
E-book: Short Story
Price: $2.50
Genre: Erotica

“A dark exploration of sensual desires”
First installment of three short stories
From the first person perspective, experience a night of erotic seduction as told in this “Dear Diary” entry.
Imagine waking up to find yourself in the dark…aroused, frightened…and not alone. Imagine endless hours of teasing torment and mindless pleasure. Imagine having no choice in the matter. Every emotion is intensified as the mind and body struggle for control that is methodically stripped away. At the end of your ordeal, you are relieved only to discover that a dark erotic desire has been awakened inside of you – and now your sensual fulfillment is forever at the mercy of the Thief of Hearts.
Kimberly Zant’s THIEF OF HEARTS is an erotic short story that explores the dark desires and psychological conflicts of the capture fantasy. The narrator’s confusion and helplessness is evident as she succumbs to the seduction of her intruder. The “thief” never reveals himself, yet leaves little doubt that he will likely return. Is he real…or is he a dream? I’m still not sure, but I plan to find out. In the meantime, if you’re looking for an erotic short story with an air of quiet mystery, you may want to check out THIEF OF HEARTS.
Reviewer’s note: This book contains elements that some readers may find objectionable: Explicit sexual content, bondage, spanking, and forced seduction.
Reviewed by Sonya Harrison
December 2008

Review: Thief of Hearts: Stolen

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

Thief of Hearts 3: Stolen
New Concepts Publishing
December 2003
ISBN: not assigned
E-book: Short Story
Price: $2.50
Genre: Paranormal Erotica
“Refreshingly Original and Shamelessly Sexy”
Final installment of three short stories
The THIEF OF HEARTS has one more trick up his sleeve in the final “Dear Diary” entry of this erotic short story series. Kate struggles to comprehend his meaning when her “thief” announces that she isn’t real and their game is over. Desperate to find her dream lover, she decides to take matters into her own hands by easing her way into the local BDSM scene. If her mysterious intruder is real, then perhaps she will find him and convince him that she is real too.
By invitation, Kate visits a bondage club with a scene “regular.” Nervous and excited, she scans the club looking for her thief, but by the end of the night she gives up hope of finding her dream lover. She has failed to find her “thief”, though he has indeed found her and before the night is over she will find herself once again tied, teased, and completely at his mercy.
THIEF OF HEARTS: STOLEN concludes the darkly erotic series with a unique psychic twist. The “thief” uses astral projection to visit and pleasure his dream woman. His out of body ability results in explosive sexual fulfillment for both him and Kate. At the end of the game they are both left to wonder…what is real and what is illusion? At times this reader wondered as well, and although the ending felt a little rushed and awkward, I found this series to be refreshingly original and shamelessly sexy.
Reviewer’s note: This book contains elements that some readers may find objectionable: Explicit sexual content, capture, bondage, dubious consent, anal play, and forced seduction.
Reviewed by Sonya Harrison
December 2008

Review: S.E.T.H.

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

S.E.T.H.
Jaden Sinclair
Midnight Showcase Fiction
November 30, 2008
ISBN: not assigned
E-book:
Price: $5.99
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Buy Now

S.E.T.H was designed for the military in the hopes that the computer program would become a super military power, he would be the ultimate in military high tech design. Only Seth was learning, he was designed to learn what is true, but he wasn’t designed to learn emotions. Seth learned that all on his own. As Seth begins to develop emotions he finds that his strange attraction for Alyna Satara go much further than mere curiosity at this human woman, he finds he has fallen in love with Alyna. Soon, Seth will be free of the machine, free to take a body developed for him. He will then take the woman he knows is destined for him as well. The only problem? Getting her to understand the depth of the love that he feels for her is real. That, and keeping her alive once the military discovers that Seth does have one weakness. Alyna. The military is not about to let their property walk out the door to go live a normal life as a man with the woman he loves. No. They want their property back. At all costs. Even if it means using Seth’s twin program against him.

Alyna Satara doesn’t have much in life, but she has a life. She also has a friend, albeit a computer chat buddy, it’s a friend none the less. Too bad she has no clue who he is in the real world. If she did, Alyna doubts he’d be interested in her, not in the way she is in him anyway. Determined to stay out of her grandmother’s home for good, Alyna is working herself to the bone. Until one day she discovers that Seth, her chat buddy, has decided it is time for them to meet in real life. She never expects that Seth is not human, not until she sees the great lengths he will go to in order to escape the military, escape with her. Seth will do whatever is needed to keep Alyna safe, but most important, he will do whatever he needs to in order to keep Alyna. Period. Can a machine love? Once it does, is it possible to have a life? The couple may never find out if the military has anything to say about it, they will use anything they can get their hands on to control Seth, including Alyna.

I really enjoy military action books with a hint of the extraordinary added to the mix. S.E.T.H. won’t disappoint you if you do too. It’s a departure for Ms. Sinclair, but one that she is able to make. This will be a great new genre and series her. I will look forward to the next book in this series! Not only is S.E.T.H. action packed, it’s got a hot love affair that will keep your heart pumping right along with the action.

Reviewed by Stephanie McGrath
ParaNormal Romance Reviews
December 2008

Review: Mary’s Christmas Wish

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

Mary’s Christmas Wish
Wild Rose Press
December 2, 2008
ISBN: not assigned
E-book: 12 pages
Price: $1.50
Genre: Paranormal (Fantasy/Futuristic)
Rating: Sweet

Everyone deserves to live long and happy lives. Although for Mary, who is dying, her life wasn’t as happy as it could have been. After having a visit from a family member, a stranger dressed as Santa comes to her room and asks if she could go back in time what part of her life would she try to change?

After some thinking that maybe this fella was strange, she decided that before she died she would get her big secret off her shoulders to him. Then maybe she would die peacefully.

So she tells him. Then things start to get a little weird as she learns to forgive herself. And before she knows it her wish has come true.

Ms. Coumans’ wrote this story with a lot of feeling. It isn’t very overwhelming, it’s quite sweet. I think we’ve all had moments where we wish we could back and try to change something in our pasts. Although we know that it won’t happen, maybe whatever was done, would help us learn to forgive ourselves and move forward. At least that’s what this book has taught me.

Reviewed by Ruth Schaller
December 2008

Review: Blood Martyr : Book 5 – Blood Poison

Sunday, December 21st, 2008


Blood Martyr: Book 5 - Blood Prison
Fionn Jameson
Freya’s Bower
November 25, 2008
ISBN: not assigned
E-book: Chapter Book
Price: $1.75
Genre: Vampire/Paranormal/Contemporary
Rating: Sweet
Buy Now
Tanith is just where the story left her last time. In her club surrounded by werewolves who are about to shift and attack each other. Kieran’s pack is going up against Phoenix’s pack and the odds don’t look good for Kieran from where she is standing. With only an aluminum bat as a weapon she jumps in and fights alongside Kieran.
Jamison is still nowhere to be seen but Mitch has found out something about his disappearance. Of course Jamison is in trouble but what kind this time? A quick phone call that doesn’t give her any information leaves Tanith waiting for Mitch to turn up in person to give her the news. What will he tell her when he arrives? Is Jamison dead?
There were only 2 chapters in this new installment and slowly I am beginning to tire of this short book concept. The idea of a few chapters of one story being released now and again was new and interesting at the start but the cliffhanger ending this time annoyed me because yet again I have to wait for the next part to find out what happens next.
On the other hand my annoyance shows how good this story is turning out to be. It has a great main character and an exciting amount of paranormal content. I am hooked. However, not enough of the story is shared in each installment. It makes keeping track of what has happened almost impossible. As soon as you get back into the world that the author has created and remember what happened last time the newest addition is already over.
All in all another great section of the story but please give the reader more. The suspense is keeping me reading but at some point I know I will bore of the shortness of the book sections.

Reviewed by Amber Chalmers
ParaNormal Romance Reviews
December 2008

Review: The Sword and the Slave

Friday, December 12th, 2008


The Sword and the Slave: Damsels of Distress Book 2
Michelle L. Levigne
New Concepts Publishing
October 2007
ISBN: not assigned
E-book: Long Novella
Price: $3.99
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Buy Now

Adon, Chief Physician and son of Prime Minister Naqueron and Adieri, a strong magical healer, are taken by General Istrak, leader of the Parsadi Empire’s army, as a peace hostage. A peace hostage is essentially a slave who is fitted with a collar which controls his behavior. Adon is surprised to learn that General Istrak is a beautiful woman and the princess of the empire. General Istrak is L’istra’s ceremonial title, and she has fought hard to obtain her status
and feel in control. L’istra and Adon are drawn to each other, but how can a princess and a slave have an equal relationship?

THE SWORD AND THE SLAVE is a wonderful fantasy romance with a very different sort of hero, and a strong but wounded heroine. Adon is a beta hero, but don’t think that makes him weak, because he has great inner strength. It is in Adon’s nature to seek to heal, and L’istra’s
wounded spirit calls to him. L’istra had a traumatic and shattering experience as a young child and has covered her fears well, but the nightmares continue. Slowly, Adon gains L’istra’s trust and helps her to heal. Adon is a great hero– a pleasant change from the usual alpha.

I highly recommend THE SWORD AND THE SLAVE.

Reviewed by Marlene Breakfield
ParaNormal Romance Reviews
December 2008

Review: Inherently Sexual: The Runaway

Friday, December 12th, 2008

Inherently Sexual: The Runaway
Jaime Samms
Freya’s Bower
Available Now
ISBN#: Not Available
Rating: Sweet
Ebook: 23 pages
Price: $1.49
Genre: M/M Romance
After ten years and his father’s death, Miles is finally coming back home. His home and past still haunt him, but he knows that he must face them. In facing his past, he may be able to find his future.

Jaime Samms did an excellent job with such a short story. Each page is filled with deep emotions and vivid descriptions. Miles has been filled with pain for years because of his drunken father, and his uncle who beat him. He still carries the scars from his past, inside and out. All the pain and anger he has carried with him has affected who he is and how he has lived his life. Ms. Samms gave me an in-depth look at Miles and all of his emotional pain. Dillon’s character is not quite as developed, but I could still feel his deep pain and abiding love for Miles.

This story brings to life a very real pain, not over the top, but just as it would be in reality for anyone in this same situation. The reader gets just enough of the past and present, colored with the emotions of each character in each situation, to imagine the rest of the story, including all those years of the past. I highly recommend this very real, very touching story.
Reviewed by Melissa Conatser
December 2008