Thursday, March 31, 2011

Review: Deep in the Heat of Texas

Publisher submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
Deep in the Heat of Texas
Author: 
Alta Hensley, Melissa Ecker, Amy LeBlanc
Release Date:
February 11, 2011
Publisher:
Lazy Day Publishing
Word Count:
approx. 56,000
Purchase Links:  




Description:  

Los Angeles Times reporter, Maggie Wright, is assigned to do a story on the dying dude ranch industry in the south. When the newspaper offers to foot the bill for Maggie and her two friends, Payton Evans and Sophia Foster, to stay at the legendary Weston Ranch in Valentine, Texas, they jump at the opportunity. While it’s not the Caribbean cruise they wanted, how bad could it be?

Expecting a tired farm with dusty old cowpokes, the three big city friends are taken by surprise when they’re each assigned to a dashing cowboy or two for some good, old fashioned ranch training and a whole lot of rough riding. Their limits are tested in ways they never imagined, both in the bedroom and out on the range. After two weeks, will the women run back to the bright lights of Los Angeles without so much as a backward glance? Or will these skilled cowboys have them longing to stay for just a little bit more of their Texas-style heat?

Babs’ Review:

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Review: Shifters & Demons

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
Shifters & Demons
Author: 
H.C. Brown
Release Date:
January 3, 2011
Publisher:
Noble Romance
Word Count:
approx. 51,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:



Description:

When bad boy alpha, Prince Dallin and his lover, Stryker, go 2000 years into the past to rescue Lailii, a Spellweaver, they didn't plan on being captivated by the petite, delicate female.


Strong willed and determined to survive, Lailii has no option but to go with the two stunningly handsome men. Within hours, she finds herself in a world of big cat shifters and sizzling, uninhibited sex. Betrayed by a king to whom she owes no loyalty, she struggles to survive and acclimate herself in a strange, new land. And when a demon follows Lailii into the future, Dallin and Stryker must work together to keep their new lover safe.

Laura’s Review:

Monday, March 28, 2011

Featured Author: J.A. Pak

Monday's Featured Author is J.A. Pak. Read on to find out more about her and the unique way she's presenting her work....


Sunday, March 27, 2011

Review: Beyond Friends

Publisher submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
Beyond Friends
Author: 
Xondra Day
Release Date:
March 4, 2011
Publisher:
Evernight Publishing
Word Count:
approx. 15,000
Purchase Links:  



Description:  

Long time friends and one time lovers, Jack and Rain, are now at a crisis in their relationship.  Polar opposites, each harbour romantic feelings for the other, but are afraid to own up to them.

When a tragic event happens in Rain's life, he looks to Jack to help him pick up the pieces, realizing there has only ever been one man in his life that he has truly loved-Jack.  But will Jack return his love? Can they ever be more than just friends?

Laura’s Review:

Friday, March 25, 2011

Review: Timeless

Publisher submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
Timeless
Author: 
Kelly Yeakle
Release Date:
February 25, 2011
Publisher:
Evernight Publishing
Word Count:
approx. 58,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:



Description:  
   
Gabriela Swanson wanted one thing, to be a well known writer at Graven, the most prestigious Goth magazine in the country. When an inside source gives her the opportunity of a lifetime, she finds herself in a hostage situation with a man who claims to be her soul mate. 

Kane Barringer is a vampire who's lived for centuries. Every century is spent waiting for his soul mate, but this time he's vowed to live the rest of his existence without her. A strange twist of fate gives them the opportunity to be together forever, but will Gabriela embrace it? 


Brandi’s Review:

Featured Author: Shannan Albright

It was utter coincidence that I scheduled Friday's Featured Author, Shannan Albright for today's post, which just so happens to coincide with the release of her novel, Dark Passion Rising: A Dark Breed Novel. So let's give a warm welcome to Shannan, on what is sure to be a hectic, exciting day!



Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Call For Reviewer

I'm considering adding a reviewer to the lovely group I've been lucky to assemble so far. We love to read but hey, even us avid readers need to come up for air, sometimes.

Our needs are simple: Someone willing to give honest, but constructive (and well-worded) opinions. We're not here to rip authors' works to shreds. If something problematic must be addressed, we prefer to find a diplomatic way of discussing it.

Our focus is, of course, small-press and indie romances that are e-Published, so you will need to have an eReader, or the necessary apps for your iPhone, iPad, iPod or desktop. The majority of stories are submitted in PDF format, with the occasional Kindle or Nook format.

And naturally, a love of reading a wide variety of romance genres helps. We get quite the variety of romance sub-genres, from romantic suspense to paranormal and romantic fantasy.

Interested? Email Joey at onehundred romance (at) gmail (dot) com for more information!

Review: Duty Calls

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
Duty Calls
Author: 
Sherry Gloag
Release Date:
February 11, 2011
Publisher:
Black Opal Books
Word Count:
approx. 62,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:

  

Description:  

She’d saved his life… 

Rafe Hawk refuses to accept the inheritance, of a large English estate, and the title that goes with it, after his birth father’s death because the man chose duty over the woman he loved and their son.

So when he finds himself temporarily living at Kinsale Hall, he’s not prepared to trust anyone associated with the place, including Trudi Delaney and her daughter.

So why, when he looks into their eyes, does he suddenly remember a woman who vanished without a trace after saving his life one stormy night ten years earlier?  

Now he could destroy hers.  

Instinct warns Trudi Delaney the arrival of the contemptuous American architect at Kinsale Hall will change her life forever. Especially when she discovers he spends so much of his time in areas of Kinsale Hall off-limits to visitors.

Eleven years after escaping from her psychotic husband with a stranger, she’s still plagued by nightmares of events she can’t remember. Events such as, who fathered her beautiful daughter?

Now, more than a decade later, she is confronted by another stranger. Will this one destroy everything she holds dear?

Laura’s Review:

Monday, March 21, 2011

Featured Author: Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

Please welcome Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy to the blog as Monday's Featured Author. Aside from being an enthusiastic author and reading addict, she also is a patient person who refrained from smacking a particular blog overlord when said overlord kind of forgot it was a Monday. So without even further delay, please read on to find out more about Lee Ann's work!



Review: Indecent Encounters

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
Indecent Encounters
Author: 
Amarinda Jones, Delilah Hunt, Erin O'Riordan, Pepper Anthony, Ashlynn Monroe, Tessa Morelock, Melissa Hosack, Angelina Rain
Release Date:
February 9, 2011
Publisher:
Evernight Publishing
Word Count:
approx.  67,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:



Description:  


Sometimes a woman needs more than a lover…
Independent, lustful ladies find pleasure and intrigue with more than one man, from a scandalous vacation in Australia, to a forced seduction at a cabin in the woods. A witch needs to break a shameful spell, and an older woman slakes her sexual needs with two younger men. Cougars purr with unrequited desire and werewolves compete for the love of their mate. Satisfaction is just a sigh away as a surgeon bends the rules for her patient, and an over-stressed boss finds more than a little peace with secret admirers.

Find out what wicked delights await you with Indecent Encounters.


Joey’s Review:

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Review: The Wrong Target

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
The Wrong Target
Author: 
Sherry Gloag
Release Date:
January 2011
Publisher:
eTreasures Publishing
Word Count:
approx. 15,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:



Description:  

Headmistress, Tina Blackberry and businessman, Ryan Thomas can't control events after Ryan's daughter steals his coveted golden arrow and takes it to school. But put Cupid on the job and nothing can go wrong—or can it?

Deniz's Review:

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Review: Byzantine Provocateur

Purchased by Deniz, honest review provided.


Title: 
Byzantine Provocateur
Author: 
Melissa Bradley
Release Date:
March 6, 2011
Publisher:
Amber Quill Press
Word Count:
approx. 33,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:



Description:  

An ancient city sparks forbidden desire...

Thalia Burton arrives in Istanbul to relax and enjoy the company of her old friend Fadi. Hoping to forget the boring rut her life has become, she never imagines one encounter with Fadi's brother, Murat, re-igniting the dim flame of passion inside her. Captivated by the heat in Murat's golden eyes, Thalia finds herself tempted beyond reason.

Murat Bahar intended only to meet Thalia as a courtesy to his family. One look at the lovely American, however, incinerates his intentions. She is an exquisite morsel he longs to taste, a taboo treat enthralling him like a siren of myth. Perhaps just one night...

But once is not enough. Thalia and Murat embark on a fiery, secret affair that could burn them both, costing them friends and family.  

Deniz’s Review:

Friday, March 18, 2011

Featured Author: Alexandra O'Hurley

The weekend is almost upon us, so you know what that means. Time for another interview with an awesome romance author! Friday's Featured Author is Alexandra O'Hurley. Please welcome Alexandra to the blog, and check out the fabulous giveaway at the end of our interview!




Thursday, March 17, 2011

Review: The Genie of the Portrait

Publisher submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
The Genie of the Portrait
Author: 
Misty Burke
Release Date:
February 16, 2011
Publisher:
Evernight Publishing
Word Count:
approx. 10,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:



Description:  

Three nights of pleasure…will it be enough?

Amanda had always been forgiving, until the night of her engagement. It was at that moment, when she found her fiancé banging the waitress in the bathroom, that she changed. Never again. Men were not going to use her ever again.

So when she found William’s portrait and learned that his sole purpose for existing was to please her, an electrifying relationship resulted. Her genie offered her three nights of pleasure. And Amanda quickly realized she wanted more.

Joey’s Review:

Review: Fallen Star

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
Fallen Star
Author: 
Ian Barker
Release Date:
November 2010
Publisher:
Rebel ePublishers
Word Count:
approx. 20,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:


Description:  

From the age of sixteen, Karl Weston has only ever known how to be a pop star. When that world is turned on its head by the death of another band member he has to learn to cope with a new set of challenges. He begins to discover that in a society obsessed by celebrity, the one thing worse than remaining in obscurity is having your fame whisked away.

Fallen Star is the story of Karl’s struggle to return to the limelight, encountering corrupt management, auditions for sleazy movies and the world of reality TV along the way. As if his career wasn’t complicated enough, for the first time in his life Karl finds true love with Lizzie. But she’s the daughter of an IRA martyr and that makes her someone his ex-soldier father is bound to hate.

Fallen Star is about the price of fame, the shallowness of celebrity culture, the blindness of prejudice and the redeeming power of love. It should appeal to fans of Nick Hornby and Tony Parsons or to anyone who has allowed themselves the guilty pleasure of being sucked into watching a reality TV show.

Brandi's Review:

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Regarding Review Request Submissions

Just a heads up to let everyone know we've updated our submission guidelines, in terms of publication date.

From this point on, in keeping with our goal to find the best reads of 2011, we will only consider submissions published on or after January 1, 2011.

Thanks, and looking forward to more great reads!

Joey

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Review: Hunter

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
Hunter
Author: 
Melissa Hosack
Release Date:
December 2010
Publisher:
Whimsical Publications
Word Count:
approx. 31,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:



Description:  

Real Elves Don’t Make Cookies

If there is one thing Gwendolyn Fox hates more than sunlight and stakes, it’s elves. There’s a good reason why vampires and elves avoid one another, and it’s because they don’t mix well.

Gwen is a vampire who knows how to take care of herself. She’s fought werewolves, witches, and other supernatural creatures all for the sake of protecting those weaker than her. She has nothing in common with the stereotypical blond, fragile, and earth loving elves. That is until an innocent child gets kidnapped, and the only man who can help Gwen save her is none other than Hunter Price.

Hunter is an elf, but like none she’s ever met. Rugged and mischievous, Hunter sparks an immediate reaction in Gwen that she struggles to resist. Try as she might to keep her concentration on the missing girl, Gwen falls victim to Hunter’s devilish charm and seductive nature. He’s tall, dark, and dangerous. He’s everything she never expected of an elf and everything she’s attracted to in a man. 

An expert on breaking and entering, Hunter has the means to get Gwen into the facility where the child is being held. During their encounters with otherworldly villains, the magnetism between them becomes too much to be ignored.

Despite her instant attraction, Gwen is determined to keep things between herself and Hunter completely professional. Hunter, on the other hand, is determined to seduce his stubborn and guarded vampire partner. Together, they’ll strive to rescue the imprisoned girl and save the local supernatural community from a vicious werewolf pack.

To rescue the little girl, Gwen needs to stop Hunter from distracting her. She must cool her sizzling partner or let herself be consumed by the flames.

Joey’s Review:

Monday, March 14, 2011

Featured Author: Emma Shortt

 Today's Featured Author is Emma Shortt, an author with her head in the clouds. Literally. Read on to found out how a woman with a degree in planetary sciences ended up writing romance. And don't forget to check out Emma's giveaway at the end of the interview!


Sunday, March 13, 2011

Review: The Brat

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
The Brat
Author: 
Sherry Gloag
Release Date:
October 1, 2010
Publisher:
The Wild Rose Press
Word Count:
approx. 72,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:



Description:  

Gina Williams has a secret and prays it is buried with her childhood persecutor, Anna Kouvaris, as discovery will ruin her reputation as a famous children’s author. She soon discovers the son, Ben Kouvaris, new owner of her publishing company, has uncovered her past and is making demands. Will he ruin her career if she doesn’t comply?

Ben Kouvaris is blown away by the unknown beauty at his estranged mother's funeral, and when his father demands he marry immediately to secure the family business, he knows just who he wants as his temporary bride. But can Ben persuade Gina to trust him?


Laura’s Review:

Friday, March 11, 2011

Review: A Slower Lower Love

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
A Slower Lower Love
Author: 
Lila Munro
Release Date:
January 18, 2011
Publisher:
Rebel Ink Press
Word Count:
approx. 59,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:


Description:  

When running isn’t the answer,

Cait O’Kelley loved Bryce Delaney with all her heart. But loving him scared the hell out of her. She didn’t want to settle for being married to a cop and having his children. She wanted more. Unfortunately, more came with a price. After leaving her small home town for more glamorous life and working her way up the corporate ladder, a whirlwind affair with the boss’s son tears her world apart. On the brink of losing everything she’s worked for, she had to make a decision.

and going back seems impossible,

After eight years of living without her, Bryce finds himself tasked with the job of watching over Cait during her week long stay at her parent’s beach house in Bethany. She’s come there to sort her life out and while she’s contemplating her future, they discover the fireworks are still there. But can they ever go back to where they once were? As his secrets begin to surface, he sees only one way to save her. He disappears without a trace leaving Cait behind to pick up the pieces and deal with a whole host of new problems. One of which she can’t explain away or hide.

can you find middle ground?

With Bryce out of the picture, his brother, Kurt, finds what he’s wanted a lifetime handed to him on a silver platter. After watching Cait and Bryce toy with each other for fifteen years, he steps up to the plate. He’s always wanted her and now is his chance. But is he strong enough to ground Cait and keep her from making yet another mistake? Which brother will win her heart and show her that a slower lower love is enough?

Brandi’s Review:

Featured Author: Melissa Hosack

It's Friday, and you know what that means: time for Friday's Featured Author! This week, we're featuring paranormal romance author Melissa Hosack. Please welcome Melissa to the blog, and be sure to comment to be entered in Melissa's giveaway at the end of the interview!




Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Review: Fatal Embrace

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
Fatal Embrace
Author: 
Aris Whittier
Release Date:
October 2010
Publisher:
Five Star Expression
Word Count:
approx. 76,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:



Description:  

High-spirited horse trainer Jessica Stanson stumbles into the perfect job on one of the most elite ranches in Montana. Or at least it would be if her boss, ex-detective Michael Carven, stopped acting like he didn't want her there. Jessica has to prove herself to him on the ranch, and also try to penetrate his armor to get to the man inside. Michael Carven is a man who has left a difficult past behind him, and now works at his dream job raising horses under the Montana sky. But he knows that the past has a way of coming back to him, and soon enough, it does. 

A wave of violence hits the nearby small town of Riverside, nestled deep in the mountains, as a cunning serial killer preys on the population. Against his will, Michael finds himself both drawn into the case and coming to care for his independent new trainer. And if having a killer on the loose wasn't enough, his two worlds collide when Jessica becomes the only material witness in the case. 

Before it is over, Michael and Jessica will put everything they know and hold dear on the line to catch a vicious, cunning killer - and to protect each other as well.
 
Babs' Review:

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Review: How To Breathe Fire

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
How To Breathe Fire
Author: 
Shona Husk
Release Date:
January 18, 2011
Publisher:
Samhain Publishing
Word Count:
approx. 23,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:


Description:  

Freedom comes with a blistering price…

For as long as she can remember, Camea has longed to explore the world beyond the island kingdom of Adar. It is an impossible dream, especially if she follows tradition and marries the farmer her parents have selected for her. But then, Camea has never been one to follow expectations.

When the village witch announces she has been selected to be the Fire God’s next bride, Camea has no intention of sacrificing her life to appease the volcano. She plans to escape and follow the Stars to her dream.

Matai, once a prince of Adar, now pays a fiery penance for seducing one of the Fire God’s witches. He must take a new bride each year, then kill her—or condemn Adar to the lava. Unlike his past brides Camea doesn’t shed one tear for her fate, nor does she beg for her life.

In the face of death she sees the remnants of the man he used to be—and a way to save them both from the Fire God’s never-ending cycle of wrath. If Matai has the courage to trust his heart.

Babs' Review:

Monday, March 7, 2011

Featured Author: Mahalia Levey

 Today's Featured Author is Mahalia Levey, a versatile author with many genres under her writing belt. Join us as we pick the mind of this talented author. Welcome, Mahalia!



Sunday, March 6, 2011

Review: Eat Me Up


Publisher submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
Eat Me Up
Author:
Amarinda Jones
Release Date:
February 11, 2011
Publisher:
Evernight Publishing
Word Count:
approx. 14,000
Purchase Links:
Evernight Publishing
Description:

When Victoria O’Connell travels to meet her long time pen pal, the last thing she expects is to find herself as the star of a porn movie. Yes, the sex was amazing but a girl likes to know when she’s being filmed.

Shane and Lucas need Victoria for their own movie. She’s appalled yet intrigued at their proposition. Good girls don’t screw strangers. But then Victoria never said she was good.  




Joey’s Review:

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Review: Written In Stone

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
Written in Stone
Author: 
Viviane Brentanos
Release Date:
February 1, 2011
Publisher:
MuseItHot Publishing
Word Count:
approx. 80,000
Purchase Links: 
Author's Website:


Description:  

Dumped five days before her wedding, Cassandra Hall decides not to waste the honeymoon.  She sets off to London. What was supposed to be her dream week turns into a nightmare time of introspect, self-doubt. Then she meets James, literally falling at his feet in an attempt to save his Afghan hound from colliding head on with the traffic.

James is witty, charming, too good-looking and also--not available. Despite this, Cassie is captivated by him. What follows is a week of fun, companionship and a bonding that Cassie has never experienced.

James, sensing Cassie’s unhappiness, goes out of his way to make up for her jerk of a fiancé’s rejection.  He is drawn to her vulnerability--something he finds disturbing, threatening to shatter all he thought he knew about himself.  Cassie, he senses, is falling in love with him. He ought to back away but cannot. Cassie bravely makes her true feelings known and when he rejects her, he knows he has broken her heart. He is left confused, guilty because....James has a secret.

Joey’s Review:

Friday, March 4, 2011

Review: Thief of Hearts: Tempted in Thailand

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
Thief of Hearts: Tempted in Thailand
Author: 
E.M. Lynley
Release Date:
January 2011
Publisher:
Ravenous Romance
Word Count:
approx. 68,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:


Description:  

What do Thai mobsters, a map, and an ancient Ruby Buddha have in common? They're all major headaches for Trent Copeland!
Trent knows men like the handsome, hunky ones in the gay romances he writes don't really exist, but that doesn't stop him from wishing. When he travels to Thailand in search of inspiration for his next novel, he gets far more than he bargained for in the form of seemingly perfect Reed Acton.
Reed's mission is simple: get the treasure map by tomorrow or risk seriously pissing off the local thugs. Only problem is, it's wound up in the backpack of a hapless romance writer by mistake! A sexy, oh-so-irresistible romance writer.
One misadventure after another, and soon ruthless Thai mobsters are on their trail. Is Reed watching out for Trent, or are his motives darker than they seem? But they'll have to work together if they want to stay alive.
From the neon-lit streets of Bangkok's seedier side, to ancient caves deep in Thailand's sacred Northeast, Trent and Reed discover the most priceless treasure of all: each other.

Laura’s Review:

Featured Author: Nico Rosso

 Today, our Featured Author is Nico Rosso. His ebook, Taken To The Limit, was our first review of 2011, and one of the first round of reads we were lucky enough to acquire when starting this new blog project. Please give Nico a warm welcome, and don't forget to leave a comment to have a chance at the wonderful giveaway Nico has kindly offered!



Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Review: Badlands

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.


Title: 
Badlands
Author: 
Seleste DeLaney
Release Date:
February 28, 2011
Publisher:
Carina Press
Word Count:
approx. 33,000
Purchase Links:  
Author's Website:


Description:  

After a brutal Civil War, America is a land divided. As commander of her nation's border guards, Ever is a warrior sworn to protect her country and her queen. When an airship attacks and kills the monarch, Ever must infiltrate enemy territory to bring home the heir to the throne, and the dirigible Dark Hawk is her fastest way to the Union.

Captain Spencer Pierce just wants to pay off the debt he owes on the Dark Hawk and make a life for himself trading across the border. When the queen's assassination puts the shipping routes at risk, he finds himself Ever's reluctant ally.

As they fly into danger, Ever and Spencer must battle not only the enemy but also their growing attraction. She refuses to place her heart before duty, and he has always put the needs of his ship and crew above his own desires. Once the princess is rescued, perhaps they can find love in the Badlands— if death doesn't find them first...

 
Joey’s Review: