Guest Post with Christina Phillips & Giveaway!

CAPTIVE by Christina Phillips

Forbidden Series Book Two

She is a prisoner of her sworn enemy - and her own desire...

Having lost her faith when Roman invaders destroyed life as she knew it, Morwyn took a vow of celibacy to spite her goddess. But before she can join up with the rebels, she's captured by a Gaul mercenary whose animal charms and chiseled body will test her conviction... and make it harder to kill him.


Bren, pledged to the true Briton king, has spent three years undercover in the Roman Legion. So when his own unit attacks and brutalizes a fiery Celtic beauty, he saves her the only way he can - by claiming her as his prisoner. But unlike his men, Bren would never take the woman by force, no matter how obviously she burns for his touch.


As they near Roman headquarters, Morwyn resolves to honor her vow of celibacy - but if the Gaul were to ravage her, could she be blamed for enjoying his body? With just a hint of seduction, sooner or later the Gaul will succumb to his exquisite captive...

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Guest Post:

Hi everyone! Please join me in welcoming Erotic Historical Romance Author, Christina Phillips, to Lovin' Me Some Romance!

About the Author: From Christina's website:

Christina Phillips has always loved writing, and while her efforts in eighth grade usually involved space ships, time travel and unfortunate endings, as soon as she discovered romance novels a whole new world opened up. She now writes ancient historical romances about strong heroines and gorgeous warrior heroes who, no matter how torturous the journey, are guaranteed a happy-ever-after. Christina was born in the United Kingdom, but now lives in sunny Western Australia with her real-life hero and their three children.

Cover Lover

Thank you, VampFanGirl for having me back at Lovin Me Some Romance today! I’m so happy to be here.

Never judge a book by its cover – that’s the old saying but I must admit I for one will definitely take notice of a gorgeous cover, whereas one that doesn’t appeal to me I might well not even pick up. Covers are so important, and authors on the whole don’t usually have a lot of input although I have to say Berkley were absolutely fabulous in taking my suggestions into consideration.

So let’s chat about book covers today or more specifically my book covers :)

The image I had in my mind for Forbidden was deeply romantic, with the hero holding onto his heroine and with them both looking away from the “camera”. I had visions of them in a forest glade with a waterfall in the background. One thing I really wanted was for the hero to be dressed in his Roman regalia so it gave an instant visual of when the book was set and what it was about.

When I saw the cover the art department came up with I just about fell off my chair. It was perfect. Just as I had imagined, but even better! I’m still in lust with Maximus’s biceps and Carys even has bi-colored eyes.

When we were discussing the cover for Captive, I assumed it would be similar in design as the first book in the series. But Marketing wanted to go for a darker look and I must admit when I saw the cover for the first time I was completely blown away. Without even reading the book they had managed to convey Bren’s deeply ingrained sense of protectiveness and the overall feel was one of danger looming.

I showed a few writer friends and was amazed at the reaction. Several who write dark paranormal/fantasy said they would definitely pick Captive off the shelf – based entirely on the cover – whereas the Forbidden cover didn’t appeal to them in the same way.

This really intrigued me because when I look at the Forbidden cover I see the mist swirling around the forest and to me that gives a mysterious, mystical atmosphere. But the Captive cover does give a much stronger indication of the light fantasy element threaded throughout the book.

Both Forbidden and Captive are erotic romances, but when I was day dreaming about their covers that aspect never really crossed my mind. So my questions today are (no need to answer them all!!! They’re just suggestions for discussion :) – what is it about a cover that really grabs your attention? What elements about either of the covers of Forbidden or Captive appeals (or doesn’t appeal) and finally do you prefer seeing a half naked hero on the cover of erotic romances?

I’d love to give away a copy of either Forbidden or Captive to one lucky commenter – open worldwide wherever The Book Depository delivers.

Between a warrior and a princess comes an erotic passion as all-consuming as the hatred between their warring worlds…

Read Chapter One of Forbidden (Over 18s only, please!)
http://www.christinaphillips.com/Forbidden%20Chapter%20One.htm

Trained in sensuality, a Druid priestess finds herself falling for the wrong man—the warrior who’s taken her prisoner…

Read Chapter One of Captive (Over 18s only, please!)
http://www.christinaphillips.com/Captive%20Excerpt.htm

Christina’s Website: http://www.christinaphillips.com/





Giveaway Details:

Christina Phillips is offering one lucky commenter their choice of either FORBIDDEN or CAPTIVE to everywhere in the world the Book Depository delivers. Here's how to enter:

*Comment with a Valid Email Address (Entrants that do not leave an email address will be disqualified)*

**Contest Open Worldwide Wherever The Book Depository Delivers**

***Must be 18 or Older to Enter***

****Contest Closes Thursday, March 3rd at Midnight U.S. Pacific Standard Time and the Winner will be Chosen Randomly and Announced Friday, March 4th****

Review: THE DEVIL'S TEMPTRESS by Laura Navarre

Review: THE DEVIL'S TEMPTRESS by Laura Navarre

THE BEAUTY

In the glittering, sumptuous court of Eleanor of Aquitaine, betrayal lurks around every corner. The queen is at odds with her king, and to obey one could mean treason against the other. Even Alienore, considered the most virtuous lady at court, holds secrets: whether masquerading as a knight on the tourney field to defend those without a champion or desperately trying to keep her lands—and her maidenhead—from the Duke of Ormonde.

THE BLACK KNIGHT

He is called the Raven—his face scarred by a Saracen blade, his voice raspy with the effects of Greek fire. His parentage is unknown, his prowess legendary. And he’ll sell his sword to the highest bidder. As his piercing eyes track her every move, Alienore wonders who he’s working for now: finding a spy for King Henry? sent by the duke to fetch her home? Or is each heated touch, each whispered promise of pleasure part of a much more personal mission?

Publisher: Dorchester Publishing

Genre: Medieval Historical Romance

Single Title/Series: THE DEVIL'S TEMPTRESS is a single title novel.

Cover Thoughts: I like it. I think its very beautiful. The title text is especially gorgeous and I'm lovin' the coral red color. However, the female cover model doesn't resonate with my mental image of Alienore. Her dark coloring doesn't coincide at all with Alienore's wheat gold hair or pale freckled skin. I am feelin' the male model though. Its Nathan, right Barbara? :)

Why I Read It: I received a Review Galley from the Publisher.

My Review:

The Plot:

Set in twelfth century England, Lady Alienore of Lyonstone teeters on the edge of treason while serving the gilded caged Queen of England, Eleanor of Aquitaine. As the queen's privy chancellor, Alienore manages all of Eleanor's personal and royal correspondence while also acting as the queen's connection to the outside world. Loyal to her marrow, Alienore strives to emulate her queen and godmother, doing her best to shackle her unruly and passionate nature beneath a cloak of pride and virtuosity.

A dangerous time to be at court, Alienore serves her queen honorably and diligently hoping that her loyalty will reward her. Having fled to the queen after her crusader brother returned to Lyonstone proclaiming she's to wed the aged drunkard Duc d'Ormande, Alienore now beseeches her beloved godmother and sovereign to reinstate the lands bequeathed to her by her dead father, severe the offensive marriage proposal, and allow Alienore her rightful freedom. Eleanor champions her cause, that is until a dark knight charges into Alienore's life setting her on course to ruination and an uphill battle toward redemption.

The Raven, a knight of disreputable origins, descends upon Eleanor's court at the most pivotal point in the queen's game. Known as the Devil of Damascus, the Raven is a mystery. Is he King Henry's man sent to spy on his treacherous wife or is the devil there to collect the rogue daughter of Lyonstone and deliver her to her wedding? Whatever his orders, Alienore strives to maintain distance against the vocally scarred knight whose raspy voice sends heated darts of passion piercing through her cold armor, igniting a flame of desire that threatens to become an inferno.

The Raven knows that his heart's in jeopardy the moment he lays eyes on Alienore. Unfashionably tall with rippling wheat gold hair and piercing gray eyes, the woman is a warrior proven by her sheathed sword and wolf companion trotting protectively at her heels. Her intelligence radiates as does her sense of honor and pride. Loath to break Alienore's spirit, the Raven does what he can to gently manipulate her toward his own goals, informing her that the queen and therefore she is on a treasonous path. But he underestimates Alienore's loyalty and must resort to ruination to protect Alienore from the hangman's noose. Having yet to reveal his true identity, the Raven hates the betrayal he's made against Alienore but there are those who will starve if he doesn't reach his aims and secure the Lyonstone heiress as his bride. But there are others in the bid for Alienore's fortune including Alienore herself and the Raven soon finds himself in fear of becoming an honorable man.

The Heroine:

A bit high strung, Alienore of Lyonstone is a force to be reckoned with. Unsuitable for court life with her direct tongue and lithe warrior body that matches her deadly skill, one would be fool hardy to attack those she loves. But her beauty and her vastly known virtuosity makes her a luscious challenge that many a man can't refuse. However, Alienore wants no man or passion for both ruined her mother. Instead she shields herself with her virginity and piousness, dousing the flames of those men foolish enough to proposition her. But the Raven is one man that Alienore can't ignore or discourage. His battle scarred body and voice brings to height a sensual awareness she never knew she possessed. But betrayal doges the heels of her wounded knight and Alienore puts forth the strength of her pride and her determination to win back her rightful inheritance and shun her heart from the Raven's skillful seduction. Yet it's Alienore's very pride that puts her in jeopardy of losing the one man that could set her free within the bonds of love.

The Hero:

Scarred both physically and mentally, the Raven, his goals, and his desperation are slow to be revealed. Much like Alienore and her virtuous shield, the Raven hides his true self allowing the character damaging rumors of his past to shield him from having to face his own inner pain. He's a devil through and through, at least that's what he's bound and determined to convince Alienore of while also striving to win her trust and her hand. The Raven needs Alienore but it's not known how much until he's faced with his warrior woman's unguarded heart and her determination to heal his own heart which is dying beneath the weight of his guilt and his past.

My Final Thoughts:

THE DEVIL'S TEMPTRESS boasts a twisted maze of a plot featuring cunning royals for road blocks and two vivacious lead characters as the scrambling mice racing betwixt the dangerous switchbacks toward an intertwined fate. Alienore reminded me much of a warrior goddess, intelligent, virtuous and strong. She's also gifted with the loyalty and friendship of a powerfully protective wolf and the strength of a sword hand deftly trained for combat. However, she's thankfully brought down to the level of us mortals with her faltering naivete and blistering pride both of which serve to hinder and protect her. And while Alienore's leashed passion is skillfully contained, it takes one wounded but no less determined knight to crash through the barriers of her control. In complete opposition to Alienore's open book emotions, the Raven is every bit the dark and devilish mystery his reputation herald's him to be. He's tortured for sure but his motives are cloaked in masterful darkness eluding the reader time and again. He's a delightful surprise, one that will have you guessing right up until the very end.

Navarre has proven herself a masterful storyteller with THE DEVIL'S TEMPTRESS. This is no easy plot to navigate as its thickly layered with the opposing forces of deceitful betrayal and virtuous loyalty. Lush with historical fact, Navarre will and does successfully journey the reader to another time and place where no aspect of life is left veiled or beautified. Undoubtedly, you will feel the ebb and flow of this tide of time. In addition, not a single plot arc is left unresolved much to the praising astonishment of this skilled reader's eye. This is an author that will have you guessing endlessly and gasping with surprise at each cleverly unveiled truth. Because of this, I've done my best to keep this review as vague as possible though I've seen other, far more revealing reviews which is unfortunate because the twists are so to be savored.

For historical romance readers looking to venture beyond the time of the silver-tongued Regency and Victorian ton, get ready to embark on a whirlwind ride through the Medieval times and the lush political intrigue soaking its heart. A spellbinding romance, THE DEVIL'S TEMPTRESS will have you breathlessly clinging to the edge of your seat as the combustible plot races to the finish line where the ultimate betrayal may or may not come to fruition. Enjoy!

4 Stars

More Reviews:

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Laura Navarre's THE DEVIL'S TEMPRESS Winner!

And the winner is...

crystletellerday

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Thank you to all the participants for entering and a big thanks to Laura Navarre for guesting posting and providing the giveaway!

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THE DEVIL'S TEMPTRESS by Laura Navarre

THE BEAUTY

In the glittering, sumptuous court of Eleanor of Aquitaine, betrayal lurks around every corner. The queen is at odds with her king, and to obey one could mean treason against the other. Even Alienore, considered the most virtuous lady at court, holds secrets: whether masquerading as a knight on the tourney field to defend those without a champion or desperately trying to keep her lands—and her maidenhead—from the Duke of Ormonde.

THE BLACK KNIGHT

He is called the Raven—his face scarred by a Saracen blade, his voice raspy with the effects of Greek fire. His parentage is unknown, his prowess legendary. And he’ll sell his sword to the highest bidder. As his piercing eyes track her every move, Alienore wonders who he’s working for now: finding a spy for King Henry? sent by the duke to fetch her home? Or is each heated touch, each whispered promise of pleasure part of a much more personal mission?

What's Up Wednesday! (4)

What's Up Wednesday is a new little weekly post that I'm hosting. Just something short and sweet about what's new with me, the romance realm and what ever else strikes my fancy.

So, what's up with me? Allergies, that's what's up with me. Ugh, I feel like my head is in a bubble! The thing is, this isn't normal for me, I don't get repeated allergy attacks. And these are attacks! Generally, I have one maybe two allergy attacks a year. Three days of misery and I'm done. But, since November, I've suffered nine allergy attacks (yes, I'm counting). 24 hour bursts of misery and then brief normalcy before BAM! I'm righteously pissed by this new bodily development. Either I'm getting old or the unusual amount of fall rain we received has allowed plants to bloom in abundance that don't normally bloom. Hmm...I'm sticking with the later explanation.

Weekend Movie Review! Presidents' Day weekend yielded a lot of movie watching in the VFG household. First up, "Unstoppable" featuring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine. Alright, so the whole runaway train bit sounds and is stupid but the stellar actors and the fact that the movie is based on true events gave Mr. VFG and me hope. It turns out that the movie ain't half bad! Quite enjoyable actually. Sure a lot of the plot was contrived, i.e. so the throttle lever just happens to just move of its own volition?, yeah right, but this really is an edge of your seat movie. I recommend it to those that like watching a pretty face (I'm talking about the luscious Chris Pine here) and some plain old edge-of-your seat action. In all, a pleasurable hour and forty-five minutes.

Next up, the romantic comedy "Life As We Know It" featuring Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel. The classic set up of the hero and heroine hating each other yet its this very hatred and witty repartee that them leads to love. Predictable at every turn, Heigl and Duhamel are god parents that become guardians of their beloved but dead friends' one-year-old daughter Sophie. Uprooting their lives to live together and take care of Sophie leads to a lot of angst but also a lot of laughable moments. I've got to say though, I'm not a fan of the baby. She doesn't laugh or smile. She only cries. The movie is good when compared to other romantic comedies. I fear though that Heigl will and always will be type-cast as the single hot chic whose controlling nature is seemingly the only thing that keeps her from landing a man. Ridiculous. Josh Duhamel is damned hot though and for nothing else, watch it for him.

Then "Never Let Me Go" with Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield. I'm surprised Mr. VFG went for this movie. I think he was just being sweet since he knew I really wanted to watch what I call a romantic tragedy. There's no happy ending to be had here but the romance and the tragedy are all beautifully romantic. Set in an alternate reality, never confirmed but believed to be clones, are bred and reared to live until their thirties and to die as donors. They can make anywhere from one to four donations before they "complete" or die. In addition to donors are carers, donors that dedicate a portion of their lives to comforting donors before becoming donors themselves. There's a turbulent love triangle between Mulligan, Knightly and Garfield that defines these characters and their actions. Not much is told about this alternate reality with the focus being more so on the emotions of these three characters and the short lives they lead. Caution, there is some very adult content in this rated R movie that is rather disturbing. I enjoyed it, the hubs not so much. He said it was boring while I was glued to the screen. But I like romantic tragedies and I recommend it to those who do as well.

And finally "Takers", a cops and robbers film hosting an abundance of familiar male actors. A flop at the theaters, the film features Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen, Matt Dillon, Paul Walker, and more plus Hollywood IT girl, Zoe Saldana. A creative mixture of "The Italian Job", "Four Brothers" and "The Town", "Takers" smacks of boys just wanting to be bad-asses. You know, the kind where the timing slows down while the camera zooms in on a strutting group of arrogant men that can't be fazed or bothered by the explosions popping off behind them. Yeah, those idiots. It simply reeked of male ego but nonetheless, I liked it. I enjoy a good heist story where the bad guys are rich and the cops are haggard. You root for both sides of course and the question it all comes down to is who's gonna to die. Its predictable and I called out every next scene but a fun movie that makes up in thrills where it lacks in substance. This is definitely a guy's film but us ladies can surely appreciate the view. :)

What's new in romance?  The wonderful and awesomely talented Lila DiPasqua released her gorgeous new book trailer for the now available, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED. Check it out!




So, what's new with you?

Guest Post with Laura Navarre & Giveaway!

THE DEVIL'S TEMPTRESS by Laura Navarre

THE BEAUTY

In the glittering, sumptuous court of Eleanor of Aquitaine, betrayal lurks around every corner. The queen is at odds with her king, and to obey one could mean treason against the other. Even Alienore, considered the most virtuous lady at court, holds secrets: whether masquerading as a knight on the tourney field to defend those without a champion or desperately trying to keep her lands—and her maidenhead—from the Duke of Ormonde.

THE BLACK KNIGHT

He is called the Raven—his face scarred by a Saracen blade, his voice raspy with the effects of Greek fire. His parentage is unknown, his prowess legendary. And he’ll sell his sword to the highest bidder. As his piercing eyes track her every move, Alienore wonders who he’s working for now: finding a spy for King Henry? sent by the duke to fetch her home? Or is each heated touch, each whispered promise of pleasure part of a much more personal mission?

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Guest Post:

Hi guys! Please join me in welcoming Historical Romance author, Laura Navarre, to Lovin’ Me Some Romance!!

About the Author: Laura Navarre, writer of dark medieval and Renaissance romances, is a former diplomat once based in Russia and often accused of espionage. Inspired by her "spy" days, Laura's romances are steeped in political intrigue. A multi-award winning author, Laura still works in government while owning a small vineyard in the North Pacific where she's ruled by two Siberian cats, Delilah and Pandora.

Ye Olde Sex Scenes

I have to admit, I’m one of those readers who loves steamy sex scenes. (And really, who doesn’t?) I savor all aspects of the romance novel—the entire journey from the cute meet to the first kiss to happily ever after. Undeniably, there’s something special about that first heated encounter, whether it’s languid seduction or heated coupling. As much as I relish reading those scenes, however, they’re hell to write. Although expectations vary widely by genre (and some genres, like inspirational romance, don’t show us sex as all), sex scenes in historical romance pose some fairly unique challenges to the writer. The farther back in time one ventures, the greater the risk that the author will screw something up, and thus throw the reader out of the story. Whether your historical romance is sweet or spicy, those torrid sexual encounters must always be true to the period.

One obvious challenge is language. I could write an entire blog on the lexicon used through the ages to describe the female anatomy. Obviously, the terms I’d use as a twenty-first century American woman will be utterly foreign to an adolescent girl from a fervently Catholic upbringing at Eleanor of Aquitaine’s court. My heroine Lady Alienore of Lyonstone—called the most virtuous lady at court in The Devil’s Temptress—would have flinched from even the customary historical slang (quim or cunny to describe the female organs, etc.). So the challenge for me was to write passionately and explicitly from a twelfth-century virgin’s perspective about her turbulent seduction by the mysterious Raven, an embittered Crusader known at court as the Devil of Damascus.

For the scenes written from the Raven’s point of view, I had the freedom to write from a sexually-experienced hero’s perspective. The male anatomy didn’t pose such a challenge; the word “cock” worked as well then as it does now. And God knows the Raven doesn’t flinch from using it.

Beyond the challenge of language, immersing oneself in the mores of a distant time and place—the spirit of the age—is critical if you’re going to write a sex scene (or any other scene) that feels genuine and unique to that historical hero and heroine and the world they inhabit. An illicit sexual encounter in Puritan England (think Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter) is going to be viewed by the participants in an entirely different light than a liaison at the debauched French court of Louis the Sun King (see Karleen Koen’s Through a Glass Darkly). When you have a hero and heroine thrown together from two different cultures—even two different eras in time travel romance, as in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series—the difficulties are compounded!

Similarly, the consequences of the sexual act will vary dramatically, depending on the period. For most pre-twentieth century cultures, your heroine would normally be concerned—wouldn’t she?—with getting pregnant or other health risks. I can never really embrace a historical sex scene in which the unmarried heroine throws caution to the wind and never considers, even briefly, the possible life-shattering consequences of her action. In the medieval court of Aquitaine in The Devil’s Temptress, a highborn lady who loses her virginity outside the marriage bed faces not only possible pregnancy, but disgrace and ruination. Since the queen has ordered Alienore to marry the Raven and the lady is opposed, her eventual decision to surrender physically becomes highly symbolic. In essence, she is also surrendering her inheritance, identity, and welfare to his keeping. Pretty serious consequences for a night of passion!

In historical romance, an awareness of this sort of consequence can heighten external conflict between hero and heroine, or create inner conflict within one or both characters. They may choose to forge ahead anyway, and damn the consequences. But the consequences, in most circumstances, ought to cross their minds at least.

To improve my skill at crafting historically-accurate and genuine sex scenes, I read widely within the historical romance genre. Sherry Thomas and Meredith Duran are two relatively new authors who really succeed, in my view. Classic historical romance authors like Bertrice Small and Virginia Henley have something to teach as well. Amanda Quick crafts exquisite Regency and Victorian sex scenes. And I’m always on the lookout for others! If you’re interested in sharing your favorites, please friend me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LauraNavarreAuthor or send me a tweet at www.twitter.com/LauraNavarre. You can find out more about The Devil’s Temptress and my other projects with steamy sex scenes at http://www.lauranavarre.com/ . Happy reading!

Giveaway Details:

Laura Navarre is offering one ebook copy in your preferred format of THE DEVIL'S TEMPTRESS. Here's how to enter:


*Comment with a Valid Email Address (Entrants that do not leave an email address will be disqualified)*

**Contest Open to ALL**

***Must be 18 or Older to Enter***

****Contest Closes Thursday, February 24th at Midnight U.S. Pacific Standard Time and the Winner will be Chosen Randomly and Announced Friday, February 25th****

Review: ARCHANGEL'S CONSORT by Nalini Singh

ARCHANGEL'S CONSORT by Nalini Singh

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…


A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.


The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.


An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…

Publisher: Berkley, January 2011

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Single Title/Series: ARCHANGEL'S CONSORT is Book Three in The Guild Hunter Series and should be read in installment order.

Cover Thoughts: My cover love is boundless. I love that a scene from the book is used as the backdrop. I love that Elena's wings are in an action pose, as though she's just landed. I love the considerable and precise detail of her clothes, most especially of her weapons. I love that her physical features, the white blond hair and golden skin, are highlighted to perfection. This is Elena.

Why I Read It: I purchased this book solely for my own reading enjoyment.

My Review:

*Spoiler Alert: ARCHANGEL'S CONSORT is book THREE in the Guild Hunter Series and it would be impossible to review this novel without spoiling its predecessors, ANGELS' BLOOD & ARCHANGEL'S KISS. If you haven't read these previous two installments yet and you're planning to, DO NOT read any farther.*

The Plot:

The Archangel Raphael and his consort, the newly angel-Made Elena Deveraux, return to Raphael's North American territory, The Tower and New York City after the globe-trotting events of ARCHANGEL'S KISS. Having thus far been shielded from the general population, Elena is prepared and yet dreading the awe struck attention she'll undoubtedly receive from the city's citizens but her anxiousness to get back to her Guild Hunter duties far outranks the inevitable hassle her midnight dawn wings will create. But no sooner do the two arrive home when a new deadly threat looms menacingly once again on the horizon.

An ancient archangel is awakening and the entire Earth can feel the shattering effects of her wilting slumber. Raging natural destruction wrecks havoc upon and around the globe while more precise, stabbing incidents are directed at Elena specifically such as a violently strong gust of wind or an earthquake rumbling only under Elena's feet. In addition, Raphael and the Cadre - the ruling council of archangels - themselves are feeling acute and dire backlashes from the power leakage of the awakening ancient. A red haze of rage clouds their morale, robbing them of the ability to control their own powerful and inhuman urges. While the latter effect is merely what it is, a backlash of power, the deadly incidences involving Elena are the result of a jealous mother who desires her son to rule the world without an incumbent consort to steal her own glorious limelight. Thus the Archangel Caliane is awaking from her millennium long slumber. Her intentions are not entirely known but one thing is for certain: Elena is a weakness Caliane will not tolerate in her son.

Yet daily life marches on whilst the angels await Caliane's full awakening. Elena's wings are now a fully formed and ingrained part of her psyche as well as the reader's mind eye. But being immortal isn't simply an easy gift bestowing power and flight fully formed, instead power and strength are accumulated over time. The angels of this world are a species whereby muscle memory and stamina required to fly is built much as one first learning to walk or run would experience. This isn't something easily handed to Elena, instead it's taking time for her to learn and build muscle for flight sustainability and the maneuvers necessary to handle both man made threats and natural ones. However, Elena's inability to as of yet perform important life saving maneuvers forces her to rely on the help of Raphael and his Seven - the group of angels and vampires sworn to protect Raphael. Being babysat, however, grates harshly upon Elena's warrior soul. Not accustomed to relying on others or suffering her every move under their watchful gaze, Elena feels much like a bird trapped in a gilded cage. But as she grapples with the boundaries of her new world, she learns to not only appreciate help, but to request help which is a new idea for our warrior huntress.

In addition, a whole new level of complexity is unraveled regarding Elena's relationship with her father and the blood soaked past they share. Elena's Hunter-born genes arouse new suspicions regarding her inheritance casting a deeper shadow of betrayal upon her soul. These revelations also force Elena closer to her father, the closest that she's been in ten years proving once again that blood is and will always be the tie that binds. The past will never be forgotten as it continually seeps into the present haunting Elena even within the light of day.

And finally, Raphael's and Elena's relationship is still as passionate and explosive as ever with the pages igniting every time these two come within the vicinity of each other. However, there is a new balance to their ardor, a more tug and pull verses a violent wrenching. Their roles have become more supportive as they grow closer and come to rely on each other for strength and support. Elena, a woman who let down her guard in front of no man, has given Raphael the gift of holding her vulnerabilities, of allowing him to catch her when she falls both emotionally and physically. It's telling, the strength of her love, and she's finally entrusted Raphael with her whole heart and soul. Likewise, Raphael has come to trust his own fierce emotions with the newly angel-Made Elena. His greatest fear is hurting Elena as she's still so incredibly vulnerable, immortal or not. But Elena fights hard to bear the entire array of Raphael's emotions, to tangle with him at his most volatile moments whether that be sexually or emotionally and Raphael has finally learned to trust that she can handle everything he as an archangel can throw her way.

The Heroine:

Almost a dichotomy in the romance realm, Elena possesses the kick ass abilities of an Urban Fantasy Heroine combined with the vulnerabilities, heady emotions and the soul deep need for her hero as a straight Romance Heroine. There's something richly absorbing and inspiring about a woman that can fully take care and defend herself. A woman who needs no man. Elena is raw, earthy and unattainable to all but a select few who have proven their loyalty. Like a moth to a flame, she's a force all unto herself as she draws intense notice from those around her, and so much more now that she has wings. She's a shining star, a warrior who is the perfect match for a lethal and all consuming archangel who will likewise demand all of her as she of him.

The Hero:

Raphael is a potent radiating mix of power, intrigue, and beauty. He's unmistakable even in the midst of a thousand angels. To be the recipient of such awe, of such sheer force of being, would be an experience and it puts Elena's strength of will in tangible perspective. And like the unique heroine that is Elena, Raphael stands out amongst an endless parade of Romance Heroes. If anything, he is their leader. And yet while the sharp cutting points of his persona can be felt by all, Raphael has softened where Elena's concerned. He acknowledges that he could capture and hold her within the palm of his hand, constricting her to the boundaries he composes, but he won't. Raphael recognizes the warrior spirit within his consort, knows that its the reason he loves her and he'll never ever cage the wildness that drew his focus and held it since their first meeting. In essence, Elena humanizes Raphael and while others would see that as a weakness, this pair of lovers recognizes it as the endless source of strength that is.

My Final Thoughts:

ARCHANGEL'S CONSORT is a must read addition to this stellar and unstoppable series. I've read countless good paranormals and a single handful of great ones. Nalini Singh and her Guild Hunter Series is a member of a very small club of favorites. Where Singh eclipses the vast majority of Paranormal and Urban Fantasy novels alike, is in the creation of her world and the sheer tangibility of her characters. Angels and their wings are tantamount to what makes this series work. Countless pages, moments and words; each and every scene, it all is dedicated - revolves - around wings, immersing the reader so fully into the world and its inhabitants that one feels the wings as if they've sprouted from their own very backs!

In addition, the character evolution of these two memorable and forceful beings is like watching the most rare and beautiful flower bloom. Its slow and shy to show itself but once on that blooming path, the petals pop swiftly open and into their destined place. The greatest character growth within Elena is mirrored in Raphael as they both shed their final barriers and trust one another fully with body, heart and soul. The significance is not lost on either of them nor the reader. They've transcended to a whole new level: Archangel and Consort. A deeply emotional read, Singh allows this character progression to take center stage with the suspense rounding out the background, guiding this final exposure of their souls with gentle nudges. While other, more action orientated readers felt this to be a lacking quality in the novel, I myself loved the incredible amount of page to time dedicated specifically to the romance.

ARCHANGEL'S CONSORT is not just a Paranormal Romance that's a cut above the rest, the entire Guild Hunter series is a shining ray of light surrounded by the muted glow of all others. I will not simply recommend ARCHANGEL'S CONSORT, I recommend that you dive head first into the series as a whole. You haven't a moment to loose. Read. This. Series. NOW!

5 Stars

More Reviews: (There are a TON of reviews for this book, so much so that I didn't go to great lengths to post more reviews. If you have a review of ARCHANGEL'S CONSORT and would like me to add your link, email me because I'd be more than happy to.)

Errant Dreams Reviews
Yummy Men and Kick Ass Chics
Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
Book Binge
Hanging with Bells!
Realms on Our Bookshelves
Smexy Books
Lynette's Two Cents

The Series:

ANGELS' BLOOD
ANGELS' JUDGEMENT - Novella
ARCHANGEL'S KISS
ARCHANGEL'S CONSORT
ARCHANGEL'S BLADE (Dimitri's Book) - Releases September 2011

Victoria Roder's THE DREAMHOUSE VISIONS AND NIGHTMARES Winner!

And the winner is...

Ing

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Thanks as always to all the contest entrants and a big thanks to Victoria Roder for coming on the blog and providing the giveaway!

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THE DREAM HOUSE VISIONS AND NIGHTMARES by Victoria Roder

Dreams ... visions ... nightmares ...

Recurring dreams of a house Hope Graham’s family rented when she was a child, taunt her nights with nightmares of a woman in a bloody nightgown pleading for help. Dream sequences of children metamorphosing into rats, blood spewing out of windows, and walking across decaying bones, foretell of sins of the past and forewarn of danger in the present. In an attempt to end the agony of her sleep depriving dreams, Hope travels to her hometown...only to discover that the truth can be more frightening than a nightmare.

What's Up Wednesday! (3)

What's Up Wednesday is a new little weekly post that I'm hosting. Just something short and sweet about what's new with me, the romance realm and what ever else strikes my fancy.

So, what's up with me? I recently got my hair cut and I'm lovin' it. Its short, sassy and fiery red. Back in September 2010, I chopped and donated my long locks to Locks of Love charity. Since then I've been playing it up with color and style. This current style that I'm rockin' is a smash hit with the ladies at my office. So much so that I fear one of my co-worker's has become a tad obsessive where my hair's concerned. She's the sweetest thing and I don't fear for my hair's life or any such nonsense but I must admit to becoming warily surprised by her ever growing enthusiasm. The woman has offered me styling tips, brought me a magazine cut out of Keira Knightly and the similar bob she's rockin'. She's even ran into my office after a trip to Starbucks to explain the counter person's hair and how similar it was to mine and how I should try ringlets too. But then come to find out, she's getting ready to cut her hair. How many of you ladies out there research before a drastic cut? I do, like crazy. So, I'm chalking it up to fan girl love and how can I be terrified of that?

On another note, this weekend I was Mrs. Big Spender. I don't know what got into me. First, I was assuring my husband that all I had was a small need for some retail therapy. All I wanted was to scratch a long suffering itch but apparently I was more in the mood for an all over body massage. I blame it on my mother. She's my stylist and she can get me to swipe my debit card as if the money were growing on trees! Me: "Do I really need this?". My mom: "Yes, you'll find yourself wearing that with everything. Everyone needs a basic white cardigan". And there's a tell for when I've reached my limit and in this case, where I have gone well over my limit: I sweat. Seriously, I get hot, my skin flushes and I start sweating as if I've ran a three mile marathon in under ten minutes.

Oh and this is funny. Last night I was catching my daily dose of E! News. I'm addicted to the E! channel but that's a whole other post. Anyway, my husband walks into the house and the first thing he hears is me loudly voicing from the family room "what the F**k?!!". I had just witnessed the egg-cellent entrance made by Lady Gaga at the Grammys. I missed the show as I was hosting a Valentine's Day feast for my hubby so this was all news to me. The woman showed up in an egg which was hoisted into the air on two horizontal poles and carried by half naked men clad in golden tightie whities! Is this chic for real? I've never, ever seen anything so ridiculous in my life. But I suppose that's what Gaga is going for...

Weekend Movie Review! The hubs and I rented STONE, the Robert De Niro and Edward Norton thriller. Ha, thriller my ass! My recommendation: do not even bother with this film. Even if it falls from the sky and into your lap, don't watch it! I was and still am so disappointed. I mean its De Niro! Its Norton! These guys are some of my favorites and the best in the business, plus, I loved their pairing in THE SCORE. This film was murder to sit through but we both felt compelled to finish it just in case there was a really good twist at the end. Again, its De Niro! Its Norton! There has to be a twist!!! Nope. No twist. Just a two hour waste of time.

What's new in romance? Truth be told, I haven't done much scavenging for new and note worthy romance info. However, I did find some interesting new-to-me-but-maybe-not-so-new-to-you authors while browsing Amazon. If you have some extra time, check out Marissa Day, Alexis Grant, Thea Harrison, and Gabi Stevens.

So, what's new with you?

Cover Alert! PRIDE AND PASSION by Charlotte Featherstone

PRIDE AND PASSION by Charlotte Featherstone

The Brethren Guardians Book Two

HQN Mass Market Paperback Releases December 2011

They each have their secrets but what they share is passion.

Lucy Ashton had long ago given up her quest for true love. In the rarified society of Victorian England, Lucy plays the game - flirting, dancing and dabbling in the newly fashionable spiritualism. Even marrying when - and who - she's supposed to. If the stuffy Duke of Sussex cannot spark the passion she craves, he can as least give her a family, a home of her own, and a place to belong. When her polite marriage reveals a caring and sensual man, Lucy begins to wonder if she can indeed have it all.

But Lord Sussex is not the man the London ton has come to admire. And Lucy has some ghosts of her own, as well. Thus, when a blackmail scheme turns to threats of danger, the newfound pease of the Sussex marriage is cast upon the rocks. Passion has a price, Lucy learns. And not all ghosts stay buried.

First, let's talk cover. Are you not lovin' this burnished gold hue?! I'm thinkin' that its the perfect color for this gorgeous fall release. Look at the detail. Isn't it amazing? I can practically feel the texture of the gown's fabric. And the pose is wonderfully sensual, serving to highlight the romantic background to perfection. I must admit, historical romance covers are an addiction of mine and Charlotte has fed my need with this delectable new series addition. Goodness has she ever!

And now, time to taunt you with a little hint from Charlotte. I'm told that this plot features a hero who is in love and lust with his heroine from afar and has been for a very, very long time, unbeknownst to her of course. *Squee* That's one of my all time favorite plots!! And so rarely is it done. *Throws back of hand to forehead in classic symbol of feminine distress* For a heroine to love from afar has been done a hundred times over, but a hero in love from afar, a rare and glorious moment to be sure. I can't wait!

Click HERE for a cover peek and exclusive excerpt of SEDUCTION AND SCANDAL, book one of Charlotte Featherstone's Brethren Guardians Series.

*Promo & Giveaway* with Victoria Roder

THE DREAM HOUSE VISIONS AND NIGHTMARES by Victoria Roder

Dreams ... visions ... nightmares ...

Recurring dreams of a house Hope Graham’s family rented when she was a child, taunt her nights with nightmares of a woman in a bloody nightgown pleading for help. Dream sequences of children metamorphosing into rats, blood spewing out of windows, and walking across decaying bones, foretell of sins of the past and forewarn of danger in the present. In an attempt to end the agony of her sleep depriving dreams, Hope travels to her hometown...only to discover that the truth can be more frightening than a nightmare.

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Author Promo:

Happy Valentines Day. Today I’d like to share with you my sweet paranormal romance, The Dream House Visions and Nightmares, from Ayslett Press. The story is a once in a lifetime and forever romance. The romance develops against the odds of murder, mystery, ghosts, and age-old revenge.

Recurring dreams of a house Hope Graham's family rented when she was a child, taunt her nights with images of a woman in a bloody nightgown pleading for help. Dream sequences of children metamorphosing into rats, blood spewing out of windows, and walking across decaying bones, foretell of sins of the past and forewarn of danger in the present. In an attempt to end the agony of her sleep deprivation, Hope travels to her hometown...only to discover that the truth can be more frightening than a nightmare.

The romance comes in the form of a very sexy bakery owner named Brock Cooper. Brock offers Hope all the things her ex-husband didn't, friendship, support, encouragement, romance, understanding and love. I will be giving away a pdf copy of The Dream House Visions and Nightmares to one lucky person that leaves a comment. The paperback is available at: Asylett Press http://www.asylett.com/ and Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Dream-House-Visions-Nightmares/dp/1934337641/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2

The Dream House Visions And Nightmares just received the highest rating of BEST BOOK on The Long and Short of it Reviews

Excerpt: The Dream House Visions And Nightmares

I looked up and down the dimly lit street. There was no evidence of life. Nor were there any sounds. No dogs barking. No horns honking. No children playing. Nothing. I focused on the house-on its paneless windows, weathered boards and dilapidated porch sinking into a sea of overgrown grass and weeds-and nausea overcame me as an overwhelming moldy odor permeated the air. The look of the house didn’t make my skin crawl; it was the essence of it.
I watched the dilapidated house-it moved closer. Perhaps it lured me to it. I began to shiver. I looked down at the white cotton nightgown that I wore. Silk embossed flowers decorated the bodice. I was still straining to hear a sound when I realized, blood had saturated my gown until it had become a second skin.
I felt a tug on my gown. I looked down-Rae’s hair cascaded over her face as she clasped my hem through the fence. She pleaded, “Please, help me, please. Can’t you hear my children screaming?”
I struggled to get away…

Please visit me at http://www.victoriaroder.com/ for another excerpt from The Dream House Visions and Nightmares. The truth can be more frightening than a nightmare...

Giveaway Details:

Victoria Roder is giving away one PDF copy of THE DREAM HOUSE VISIONS AND NIGHTMARES to one lucky commenter. Here's how to enter:


*Comment with a Valid Email Address (Entrants that do not leave an email address will be disqualified)*

**Contest Open to ALL**

***Must be 18 or Older to Enter***

****Contest Closes Thursday, February 17th at Midnight U.S. Pacific Standard Time and the Winner will be Chosen Randomly and Announced Friday, February 18th****

Review: ONCE UPON A SCANDAL by Delilah Marvelle

Review: ONCE UPON A SCANDAL by Delilah Marvelle

Lady Victoria Jane Emerson left behind her girlish notions of romance when Jonathan deserted her without a backward glance. Now the time has come when she must finally choose a husband, and she has vowed to marry someone who will never break her heart.


Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington, has returned home, free of all his family's debts. Only to discover that by some miracle he has been chosen to vie for the hand of his beloved Victoria. To convince his only love to once again believe in the magic of love and the promise of desire will be his greatest challenge yet. And one he cannot fail!

Publisher: HQN, February 2011

Genre: Historical Romance

Single Title/Series: ONCE UPON A SCANDAL is Book Two in The Scandal Series but can be completely and easily read as a stand alone novel.

Cover Thoughts: Love it! I think this historical series features some of the most sensual covers. The HQN Art Department took excellent consideration portraying the physical characteristics of the hero and heroine. It's so important to me as a reader to have a cover that represents the book's inner contents well and this one nails it.

Why I Read It: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

My Review:

The Plot:

At nineteen, Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington, was led by his heart having waited for the day to fall head first into love from the very moment he was capable of understanding its meaning. And when Jonathan found his heart's reciprocating beat in the young, green-eyed Lady Victoria, he was desperate not to bed her but to wed her! Having little to offer Victoria, Jonathan strove to win her heart and win it he did just in time to secure her hand before a trip to Venice, Italy would take him from her side for ten months. But when a foolish venture leaves him penniless and indentured to a powerful Venetian family, Jonathan was forced to cut off all communication and abandon his love and his happiness.

Five years later...

Having already buried her mother, her twin brother and her once future happiness with the now estranged Jonathan, Victoria fortifies herself for her father's imminent death. The ever present man in her life, Victoria is in agony over her father's rapid demise. Even more unbearable, she can't even be Victoria around him as the delusions brought upon by his advanced stage of syphilis has turned her into the mythical Camille and to deny her father's claim only frightens him beyond control. Wanting to keep her father calm and in some sort of relative peace, Victoria will be whomever she has to be to remain by his side. But the nightmare apparently knows no bounds when Victoria's cousin informs her that she must marry one of three men chosen for her by her once lucid father before he dies or risk losing her inheritance.

For the last five years, Victoria has stubbornly remained unmarried despite the copious amount of offers she'd received much to her father's baffled dismay. Reluctant to admit that she's been waiting for Jonathan, a man who cut his correspondence and ended their romance for some nefarious reason no doubt, Victoria chose instead to remain by her father's side as they are both so alone in the world without the other half of their family. Now, desperate to protect herself from any further heartache, Victoria is dumbfounded and determined to decline his insulting proposal when Jonathan arrives to vie for her hand with the other two marriageable men selected by her father. Outraged, hurt and terrified at Jonathan's re-entry into her life after his betrayal, Victoria is lowered to cruelty in the face of his declarations of love and marriage but when circumstances leave Jonathan as the last man standing, Victoria will do her duty by her beloved dying father and marry the imbecile.

After five agonizing years of separation, Jonathan is in painful shock when finally faced with the newly cruel-hearted Victoria. Harboring vague doubts about whether his haunting years of indentured servitude and recent pilgrimage to London have all been for naught, Jonathan clings to the flaring hope that love still burns somewhere in Victoria's soul. Surely she can't be completely hardened against the world after the suffering losses she's sustained but he's underestimated Victoria's pride and her desperation to guard her heart from the future pain that she's certain he'll inflict. The trust has been tarnished, Jonathan admits that but he's willing to throw down the gauntlet for one last shot at happiness with the woman he's loved and still loves. One month. One month in Venice with Victoria acting the dutiful wife and if he can't convince her of his deeply honorable intentions, if she still can't find it within her heart to love him once again, Jonathan will set her free.

The Heroine:

Victoria has been dealt numerous and heartbreaking injustices, all of which have trained her that to abstain from love is the only way to survive it and to defend herself from its inevitable loss. To love is dangerous and Victoria says and does whatever it takes to guard herself from the wrecking ball of an emotion that has effectively destroyed her life, depriving her of any stability or comfort. Jonathan once revived her heart when she was seventeen with the deaths of her mother and brother still fresh in her mind but when he left, their promises of forever broken without explanation, he effectively broke her fragile and newly glued heart. And now with her father's looming death, Victoria's soul risks annihilation and no one, not even Jonathan would be able to save her if not for the fortuitous opportunity to vie for her hand and fight for her happiness.

Wielding cutting remarks and biting disdain, Victoria slashes her anger with pain tipped claws across Jonathan's willing heart. However there is remorse, she does inwardly cringe and outwardly apologize for her behavior but one can't really blame her for her radical defense. She's been disappointed so many times and than backed into a corner and having to choose a man to marry when it's the last thing in the world she'd ever want. When looking at Victoria's forced situation, one can whole-heartily empathize.

The Hero:

The polar opposite of the classic historical romance hero - a rake jaded to his worldly core - Jonathan is a man who actually believes in love and revels in the chance of finding it. His is a love born from the purity of childhood and holds true despite the atrocities committed to him while in servitude. There's something to be said for a tortured hero, for a tortured man, who can still believe in the power of love. Opening the book with Jonathan's POV is genius and while he tends to spout impassioned metaphors, his brawny physique, piercing blue eyes, and lusty libido never let you doubt the fact that he is very much all male.

When facing Victoria's pride and wrath, Jonathan feels a measure of guilt for being another person dear to her who has let her down. Yet, it's Jonathan's constant drive to look out for others that leaves himself vulnerable to attack. He's always the one fighting the battles, the man on the white horse forever willing to save the day. But it's Victoria that needs to be his white horse now.

My Final Thoughts:

Based very loosely on Cinderella, what ONCE UPON A SCANDAL lacks in Fairy God Mothers, it sings with a magic all its own. Chalk full of some of the most emotional and page gripping dialogue, this is a book that speaks to you of betrayal, of family and most importantly, of love. Jonathan is a unique hero, perhaps the most unique I've ever read given his passionate emotions and love sick heart. I hesitate to call him a hopeless romantic because Jonathan is anything but hopeless but he does embody a dreamers antics as a man with his heart on his sleeve. While guided entirely by his strong emotions, Jonathan doesn't stupidly rush into things but rather he knows his heart and he knows his soul and he'll fight for both. Victoria is instead the jaded half of the pair. She's been hurt repeatedly. Not by mean individuals but by death and the fact that its stolen her family and her will to love. When Jonathan re-enters her life after five years, he may as well be dead to her for she treats him as such and while a part of you is hurt by her behavior just as much as Jonathan, never once did I feel she was overtly cruel. Her actions were justified.

However, there was one character aspect that I encountered with this read that kept it from reaching a five star rating. I didn't like the scene where the final vestiges of Victoria's guard is stripped from her heart once and for all. It was a frightening scene told exceedingly well but it's simply not how I wanted things to happen for Victoria. Without giving too much away, suffice it to say that I wanted it to be Jonathan.

Still, ONCE UPON A SCANDAL is a decadent and masterful storytelling of two very unique characters. The plot does justice to this one of a kind pair by being just as complex and unique as the two individuals it hosts. The history is lush, the settings are rich in detail and the secondary characters are multi-dimensional and forces all their very own. If Delilah Marvelle hasn't already secured your fanship, ONCE UPON A SCANDAL will surely conquer and dispel any previous misgivings.

Read this author. Buy her books and enjoy some very refreshing and beautifully told romances.

4.5 Stars

More Reviews:

The Romanorum
Book Reviews by Deanna
Tracy's Place
My Book Addiction
Lady and The Books
Bookworm1858
Livre de Amour

The Series:

PRELUDE TO A SCANDAL
ONCE UPON A SCANDAL
THE PERFECT SCANDAL - Releases February 15th

Brenda Jackson's A SILKEN THREAD Winners!

And the winners are...

Stephanie

Nickolay

crystalf

CONGRATULATIONS!

Thank you as always to all the entrants and thanks to Entertainment Marketing Group for providing the giveaway!

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A SILKEN THREAD by Brenda Jackson

Releases February 15, 2011

Genre: Contemporary Romance

For Erica Sanders, finding a soul mate was the easy part. Brian Lawson is the man she wants, and everyone agrees they're the ideal couple. Almost everyone. The one exception is Erica's mother, Karen, who prefers her daughter marry another man. Karen even hires a private detective to investigate Brian, but the truth he uncovers is the last things she expected--devastating betrayal that rips both families apart.


Convinced that her relationship can't be salvaged, Erica ends her engagement. Yet she has lingering doubts over her decision, especially once Brian's attractive single neighbor starts pursuing him. A chance meeting proves that the passion between Brian and Erica hasn't dimmed--but neither has the determination of others to keep them apart, or the shocking lengths Karen will go in order to undermine her daughter's relationship.


As secrets old and new are revealed, Erica and Brian find themselves caught between the bonds of the past and an uncertain future, each making painful discoveries about who to believe and who to trust. Masterfully told and laced with sensuality and drama that Brenda Jackson does best, this is an unforgettable story of relationships at their most complex, and how hard it can be to choose between living separate lives--or holding fast when love hangs by a silken thread...

What's Up Wednesday!

What's Up Wednesday is a new little weekly post that I'm hosting. Just something short and sweet about what's new with me and the romance realm.

So, what's up with me? Have you ever hurt someone simply because they were available to be hurt? Generally, when the world's got us down, we take it out on those closest to us and for me, that's Mr. VFG. All last week I was looking forward to the weekend. Finally, a whole two days were I wasn't obligated to anyone but myself and what I wanted to do which generally consisted of sitting on my ass, reading and watching TV. Honestly, I was bouncing up and down over the potential of an all me weekend. But then I got some bad news, actually both the hubs and I got the bad news, my good lookin' upcoming weekend wasn't feelin' too good.

I'm not the kind of person who handles stress well. I'd rather languish away in my own little fantasy land with rainbows and unicorns and let someone else do the stressing. This works a lot for me. A flaw in my character I'm afraid. In any event, this particular news is a threat, one I'm not anxious to unravel nor am I in any way prepared to accept its outcome. Instead, I'll just be mean. Now, obviously I didn't make a conscience effort to be mean, it just turned out that every little thing Mr. VFG did irritated me and I felt compelled to point that out every opportunity I received. Finally it dawned on my that my behavior was cruel and completely not like me. What amazes me is not that I have the ability to be unnecessarily cruel, but the fact that my husband took it at every turn by being kind and understanding. Granted, I do have a feeling his own bubble was going to pop and I'm so glad it didn't. I ended up both apologizing and confessing the reasons for my behavior and what did I get in return, a whole night of endless spooning. Thank you God for granting me a patient husband!

By the way, what I'm calling The Couch Saga, continues. Last night, I woke up inexplicably sometime after midnight with the distinct feeling that my dog is on my newly upholstered couch. I'm so convinced that I go downstairs and sure enough there she is! On my damned new cushions!! I've got a 6th sense people and its nothing cool like seeing dead people. Nope, I can simply sense when my dog is on my couch. That or I'm horribly paranoid....Please don't judge me. ;)

Weekend Movie Review! Mr. VFG and I watched The Social Network over the weekend and it left me absolutely drop-jawed. Now, I'm not a regular Facebook member as Barbara knows. *wink* But there are people out there who are utterly addicted. I even heard on the radio yesterday that 1 in 4 people are on Facebook while in the bathroom. Yuck, that's just wrong on so many levels. To get back to the movie though, so I've heard of Mark Zuckerberg and the fact that he may have swindled some co-founders out of money but I never knew how Facebook came to be and that interested me. The movie simply is amazing. Zuckerberg is a total genius. There's no denying that despite the fact that the movie is only 40% true. No sooner had the movie ended before I was on Wiki looking up all the key players. What stuck me beyond comprehension is the incredibly short period of time it took for Facebook to become a household name. We're talking mere months during 2004. Months! I'm still in shock. In any event, The Social Network is an incredible film that I highly recommend. Despite its two hour length, trust me, the time will fly.

What's new in romance?

Nalini Singh has a totally revamped, reorganized website. I myself am still getting used to it (daily stalker here) but overall, I'm likin' the new layout.

Charlotted Featherstone, historical romance author, has a gorgeous new home away from home - a blog where she's promised to post often. *wink* You better girl! ;)

Lisa Valdez - oh God how I love this historical romance author - just posted the new excerpt for her yet to have a release date historical, PRIMROSE. Have a cool cloth or fan on standby because DAYUM. I must confess that immediately after reading the excerpt, I emailed Lisa to express my complete and utter awe of her ability to write sex not only from the male and female perspective, but being able to expose its raw and natural form while maintaining profound intimacy. She amazes me. You have to read it.

Happily Forever After Blog - Barbara, my LMSR Historical Guest Reviewer, launched an awesome post today featuring Avon cover artist, James Griffin. Check out the evolution of a cover HERE!

Erin Kellison released her new beautiful cover for the upcoming September 6th release of SHAWDOWMAN:


Releases September 6, 2011
Shadow Series Book 4


So, what's new with you?

Review: KISMET'S KISS by Cate Rowan

Review: KISMET'S KISS by Cate Rowan

In the desert realm of Kad, a deadly epidemic strikes the palace of Sultan Kuramos. Only a magical healer from an enemy land has the skill to save his royal household, but Kuramos never imagined the healer would be a woman.


Healer Varene finds her own surprises in Kad. She expects the sultan’s arrogance, but not his courage or his selfless care of the ill—or the possibility that the epidemic is the curse of a vengeful goddess.

Kuramos’s culture condemns Varene’s mystical talents. Her presence triggers an insurrection, yet as he and the healer toil for a cure, he loses his heart to her. She falls for him as well, but how can she relinquish her homeland and her principles—especially when he already has a harem and his family may be cursed?

Publisher: Author is Self Published

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Single Title/Series: KISMET'S KISS is Book One in the Women of Kismet Series and can be easily read as stand alone novel.

Cover Thoughts: I think the cover is quite lovely with the cover models resembling the hero and heroine beautifully. I also love that the setting and tone of the novel is set with the featured architecture.

Why I Read It: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

My Review:

The Plot:

Kuramos, the Great Sultan of Kad, is in the midst of a nightmare when a deadly illness strikes his palace killing his trusted mentor and threatening the lives of his wives and children. After a freak accident takes the life of his Royal Physician, robbing Kuramos of a cure, the sultan's desperate need forces him to seek help from the rival realm of Teganne. A culture steeped in vile magic, the Tegannese people are scorned by Kaddites but when left with no other options Kuramos will subject himself to the scourge magic users if it'll save his precious family.

Wanting to distract herself from the recent and painful loss of the man she loved, a man who tragically never knew that he held her heart, Varene na Seryn grudging accepts Kuramos's demand the she attend to his family. Amplifying Varene's phycisians' knowledge is her kyrra, a soul magic that allows her the power to heal her patients. Given only a handful of details from the Kad messenger, Varene warily knows that she's facing an illness completely unknown to her and while the Kaddites themselves culturally disturb her, Varene is a healer and she'll not let anything prevent her from saving lives if it's in her power to do so.

Two radically opposing cultures clash violently as a battle of wills erupts the very moment Kuramos and Varene meet yet a grudging respect blooms early between them both as well despite their attempts to remain guarded. Disturbed by the renowned culture of Kad, a culture that venomously hates Teganne, Varene begins her journey already on the defense. Like a fantasy romance feminist, Varene is deeply disgusted by the disrespect shown to women, most importantly she's deeply disturbed by the fact that Kuramos has six wives. Knowing that each woman claims only one-sixth of their husband while he gets them all grates heavily on her morals and strong belief that a marriage exists between two souls not seven.

In contrast, Kuramos's people have gripped the boundaries of their realm through sheer human force. Shunning magic out of a deeply revered respect for their gods, the true and rightful users of magic, Kad rejects the Tegannese empowered mages and sorcerers. And while their matrimonial arrangements may disgust neighboring realms, harems are a long standing cultural aspect of Kad. Kuramos's wives have secured much needed alliances and peace amongst the powerful families of Kad. 

With their cultural differences blazing between them, Kuramos and Varene pull and push at each other, peeling back layers of their souls with each turbulent encounter. With his family near death, Kuramos grants Varene all the power she needs within his palace to cure his beloved. Watching her work with mesmerizing intensity, Kuramos begins to admit a lust filled longing within himself for the unconventional Tegannese healer. Varene's wits and sharp intellect engages his mind and his body. Likewise, Varene begins to feel a deep seeded but unwanted yearning for the man that already has six wives. Berating herself for her vile lust, she does what she can to maintain distance but when a skillful hunter such as Kuramos senses prey in its sights, he'll not give up until he's claimed every piece of her soul.

The Heroine:

A wounded soul who reminds herself constantly with a worn ring upon her finger that to dally with love can only lead to heartache and death, Varene staunchly clings to the past and the lessons it wrought upon her life. For decades she loved a man from afar because to stick her neck out and declare her affections would have meant that she learned nothing. So Varene allows herself the safety of a crush only to feel acute despair with the fact that he dies never knowing she loved him. Fresh from that heartache, Varene encounters the magnetic force that is Kuramos and for the first time in her life she feels passion and a boundless love. Sadly, she falls once again for a man that she can't have. He's married, to six women no less and the last thing that Varene would ever do is destroy the lives of the women the way she had once been destroyed so long ago.

Shielding her heart and locking her true self beneath the mask of the Tegannese Royal Healer, Varene gifts only herself to her patients and her active feminist views. Rash and impetuous, Varene rushes headlong into many a disaster in Kad because of her strong belief that she should be treated as an equal. This same heedless behavior overflows into her dealings with Kuramos but lucky for her, he's in love with her and her spunk.

The Hero:

Charismatic and fierce as his sultanate demands, Kuramos is a force that's felt throughout the realm of Kad. Strong and muscular with piercing green eyes, he's both angered and enamored with Varene's constant rebellion that he as Sultan of Kad demands as his very right. The woman won't even bow to him! She infuriates him but instead of igniting his ire she only serves to fan the flames of his desire.

Yet like Varene, Kuramas masks his true self from the world. He's a family man full of compassion. He takes excellent care of his wives whom he respects and cherishes. At his core is a man of spartan needs but yet he holds court in the lavish appointments his sultanate dictates. The only true blight on his soul is the guilt and despair for the children he's lost. He's a good man, a caring man and while he wants Varene, never once does he force her to submit to his needs or his sultanate.

My Final Thoughts:

KISMIT'S KISS, while an enjoyable read, I must admit to having a difficult time staying engaged with the characters and their plight. The book never grabbed me, it never took me along for the ride within its clutches. Funnily enough, I like Varene and I like Kuramos. They're well told, multi-dimensional characters. The setting is lavish and richly detailed painting a clear picture of Kad's colorful vegetation, clothing and architecture. Even the sand of the deserts surrounding Kad glittered in my mind's eye as it did for its inhabitants. In addition, the author wrapped up every single plot arc with no stone left unturned. So why didn't this book work for me?  I'm narrowing it down to Varene's feminist attitude and Kuramos's six wives.

Contrary to what most modern day women of today represent - equal rights, equal pay, equal respect, in a romance novel it's the last type of attitude I want to read about in a heroine. Hypocritical for sure but while I desire a strong and self assured heroine, I don't enjoy one that flings ingrained customs and culture out the window to make a point that she is above that. Varene's antics get old and while I enjoyed the bi-play between her and Kuramos as a result of her actions, at times I just found her to be downright childish.

However, I did agree fully with Varene's disgust over Kuramos and his harem no matter that it is the custom of Kad but the outcome of Varene's disgust and the result of Kuramos's love simply felt wrong. It's a known fact that romance readers don't always receive a cheating husband well and while Kuramos's situation is rather unconventional, I'm of the feeling that the rule still applies to him. He has six wives, children with each of them. Having a harem is the Sultan's right as well an ingrained aspect of Kad culture yet he'll throw it all away simply because Varene won't share? What if he falls in love with someone later? It's safe to reason that he could for he's a man used to getting everything he wants. I just don't find him trustworthy and likewise I'm somewhat sickened that Varene would demand what she does of Kad's Sultan and its culture. It seemed selfish and unfair that she would want him to give up his family as the requirement to claim her heart.

And finally, I don't necessarily understand the whole point of the fantasy elements used in this novel. For one, they take a complete backseat to the romance. And to get right down to my whole dilemma, I honestly don't see the point in having these characters live centuries-long lives. Fine, let them be magic users, at least that aspect had a role in the plot, but the immortal lives just felt like an additive for genre sake.

Despite my own misgivings with this read, I can easily understand why others will and do receive it in a better, more favorable light. A powerful and charismatic ruler bends to the will of a foreign woman, a woman who defies and overturns centuries long customs, all in the name of love. Its romantic for sure. I just can't let go of my own hang ups....

3.5 Stars

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*Promo & Giveaway* A SILKEN THREAD by Brenda Jackson

A SILKEN THREAD by Brenda Jackson

Releases February 15, 2011

Genre: Contemporary Romance

For Erica Sanders, finding a soul mate was the easy part. Brian Lawson is the man she wants, and everyone agrees they're the ideal couple. Almost everyone. The one exception is Erica's mother, Karen, who prefers her daughter marry another man. Karen even hires a private detective to investigate Brian, but the truth he uncovers is the last things she expected--devastating betrayal that rips both families apart.


Convinced that her relationship can't be salvaged, Erica ends her engagement. Yet she has lingering doubts over her decision, especially once Brian's attractive single neighbor starts pursuing him. A chance meeting proves that the passion between Brian and Erica hasn't dimmed--but neither has the determination of others to keep them apart, or the shocking lengths Karen will go in order to undermine her daughter's relationship.


As secrets old and new are revealed, Erica and Brian find themselves caught between the bonds of the past and an uncertain future, each making painful discoveries about who to believe and who to trust. Masterfully told and laced with sensuality and drama that Brenda Jackson does best, this is an unforgettable story of relationships at their most complex, and how hard it can be to choose between living separate lives--or holding fast when love hangs by a silken thread...

Read an EXCERPT

About the Author:

Brenda Jackson has been a trailblazer in African-American romance as the first African-American romance writer to make USA Today’s and the New York Times’ bestseller lists for the series romance genre. The author of more than eighty books, she is the recipient of countless awards, including numerous Romance in Color Reviewers’ Choice Awards, Emma Awards, and eHarlequin Reader’s Choice Awards. She has lived her entire life in Jacksonville, Florida, and has been married to her childhood sweetheart, Gerald, for thirty-nine years. Visit her at http://www.brendajackson.net/.

Purchase Links:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/15166377
http://www.amazon.com/Silken-Thread-Brenda-Jackson/dp/0373534264

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Giveaway Details:

Thanks to Enterainment Marketing Group, I have 3 copies of A SILKEN THREAD to giveaway. Here's how to enter:

*Comment with a Valid Email Address (Entrants that do not leave an email address will be disqualified)*

**Contest Open to USA Only (No P.O. Boxes Please)**

***Must be 18 or Older to Enter***

****Contest Closes Thursday, February 10th at Midnight U.S. Pacific Standard Time and the Winner will be Chosen Randomly and Announced Friday, February 11th****