Blessed (Chosen by the Gods, Book 1), by Ann Mayburn

Title: Blessed (Chosen by the Gods, Book 1)

Author: Ann Mayburn

Sub-Genre(s): Paranormal

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Publication Date: May 2, 2011

ISBN #: 9781595788238

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Sherri

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

Eliana Shay is an ordinary college girl with an extraordinary birthright. Handsome professor, Aiden Klemenson, singles her out as a potential Chosen of the benevolent gods of Creation. He tries to convince Eliana that she is born to do the work of the gods, but her upbringing hasn’t given her much trust in religion or having a magical destiny. The daughter of atheists, she has been raised to believe that faith in gods is for the foolish and weak.

Aiden must employ all of his considerable charm to break through her defenses, while trying to keep their relationship strictly platonic. A difficult task when the lush and curvy co-ed's obvious desire and seductive aura shreds his self-control. Despite his best efforts, desire burns between them with an enchantment all its own.

The gods of Destruction will stop at nothing to keep Eliana from becoming a powerful force against evil. Cunning and deceitful, they send demons and magical serial killers to exterminate her before she can become a Creation god's Chosen hand on earth. In order to survive, Eliana will have to learn to have faith in her own strength and Aiden's love.

Review:
Welcome to the wonderful world after the Religious movement in which all magic (and Gods) are possible. This book begins with Eiliana starting her junior year of college. Being raised by atheists didn't really prepare her for the outside world, so she takes an entry level class to brush up on her knowledge of the other entities in this new world. She spends her first day catching up with friends and trying not to be late to her classes. As she’s about to enter in her only freshman level class she bumps into a girl she had met last semester and is heartened that she has a familiar face to talk to. Then the professor walks in and gives a whole other meaning to the phrase hot for teacher. Wow! Eiliana can barely keep her eyes off of him and it gets worse when his eyes come to rest on her. She feels in slowly soaking all the way to her. You get the picture! Not good. First day back and already developing a monster size crush on her teacher!

Aiden is blown away at the first look at Eliana and senses at once that there is something special about her. He is a high priest of Odin and after that class contacts his God on what would be the best course of action. Odin tells him to mentor the girl even though it will prove difficult because of the attraction he senses is already there. So Aiden begins to seek out Eliana and bring her into the world of the Chosen. But keep his hands to himself? Not looking likely.

This is a delightfully creative tale that involves interactions with various Gods and their familiars. It keeps you asking through the whole book...Who does Eilana belong to? Just when you think you may have narrowed it down, you get thrown for a loop and it ends up a complete surprise. Eilana is a delightful character with a wickedly sarcastic sense of humor to which she falls back on when she’s nervous or unsure. The passion between her and Aiden is hot and gently develops into love. But I can't wait to see what Devon is going to mold into. There certainly is a lot of chemistry between those two even though Aiden has her heart. This book was enjoyable from start to finish and hooks you in right off the bat! Mayburn has my vote!

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to C&R Romance eBook Reviews free of charge by the author. No money has been exchanged for the review of this eBook. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the other C&R reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Beasts of Desire (Beasts, Book 2), by Leanore Elliott

Title: Beasts of Desire (Beasts, Book 2)

Author: Leanore Elliott

Sub-Genre(s): Erotic, Paranormal

Publisher: Wild Horse Press

Publication Date: February 2, 2011

ISBN #: 9781458162052

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Sherri

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

Alex knew who she was, but she never knew her family. Until she met the stranger and he opened up a world she never knew existed. She did feel like she knew him, somehow. But his tale of Mesmers and Beasts was just too fantastic to believe.

Damon chased Alex for five long years and he would never let go. He'd loved her for forever. Could he save her from the spiraling vortex, which had become her world? The relentless seduction he'd planned to get her to remember him, may earn him her hatred instead of the love they once shared.

There are beings out there that know not what they really are. Are you one of those lost souls? Do you have a secret life?

The beast may reside within you and all the while, you are living a dull, cold miserable life. It could rise up just when you turn around that corner, a secret life just waiting for you at the right time in the wrong place.

Desire could bring it to life, that wonderful, sudden fleeting pang you feel when you see him or her. You may begin to live a different life and come face to face with your own Beasts of Desire.

Review:
Breaking the rules usually costs...but sometimes you wonder if in the end you might have paid too high a price? Nah. Alex is a Mesmer, an ancient race of immortals that can wipe away all your memories and create a new reality for you. The Mesmers work closely with the chimeras or gargoyles as they are known to us. Sounds great right? Unless you take into account the fact that Alex cannot feel any emotions, at least until she meets Damon. Damon makes her feel alive with a fire that in all her 500 hundred years of exsistence she has never felt. But a beast cannot mate with a Mesmer. It is forbidden. A Mesmer can then become lost in her different realities..maybe forever. Will they chance it? Is it worth the risk? Can love truly conquer all?

The book is a little confusing at first, the subtitles really help, but it is totally fascinating. Your on the edge of you seat the entire time just trying to figure out where they will end up next. Just when you think they are finally going to find each other and remember each other, one of them disappears. It’s a roller coaster ride of hope, frustration, despair, and joy. A ride that is totally addicting! The sex scenes are steaming hot! Especially if you like dominant alpha men and floating fantasies. Because baby, this beast is all man! I enjoyed this book tremendously and now must go back and read book one!

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to C&R Romance eBook Reviews free of charge by the author. No money has been exchanged for the review of this eBook. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the other C&R reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

The Wet Reunion of Two Souls, by S.E. Holden

Title: The Wet Reunion of Two Souls

Author: S.E. Holden

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary, Erotic

Publisher: Breathless Press

Publication Date: April 29, 2011

ISBN #: 9781926930459

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Bethany

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

Eager to share her pregnancy news with her husband, May's dream night turns into a nightmare. Can their relationship survive when the very foundation of their marriage is questioned?

On a glorious Thursday afternoon, May's dream of having a baby is finally coming true. Bursting with excitement, she's eager to share the news. But her best laid plans disintegrate when Jim returns home from work with a different idea...one that didn't include her.

Doubting whether they still share the same dream of a family, May contemplates her future with Jim until the rain washes in an unexpected tryst. Can their relationship weather the storm of emotions unleashed.

Review:
May is happy and yet terrified at telling her husband the news, she’s pregnant. How do you find the right way? Do you tell him over dinner or blurt it out in general conversation. Will he be happy or find the news daunting? That’s what May tries to figure out as she stops by her local grocery store to find the right items for dinner -- just to make the event as special as it should be.

I was honestly excited to read my first taste of S.E. Holden who states very clearly that he enjoys bringing stories of committed couples dealing with every day life obstacles and he doesn’t disappoint. Through May’s angst and Jim’s reactions to the news, the moment of shared passion that draws the couple even closer is a touch breathtaking. I can only hope that all pregnant women share such blissful joy in telling their husbands such dazzling news. His writing style is poignant and very contemporary and I found every sensual passage a pleasure to read. Watch out for future treats from Mr. Holden, you won’t be disappointed.

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to C&R Romance eBook Reviews free of charge by the author. No money has been exchanged for the review of this eBook. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the other C&R reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

A Wicked Encounter, by Sammy Jo Hunt

Title: A Wicked Encounter

Author: Sammy Jo Hunt

Sub-Genre(s): M/M, Historical

Publisher: Silver Publishing

Publication Date: April 2, 2011

ISBN #: 9781920484378

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Dawne

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

Christopher Allwyne, Duke of Bellwood, stood to inherit a vast fortune. Still reeling from the loss of his parents and most recently, his Aunt Polly, the Duchess of Bellwood, the young noble found himself traveling in the dark of night to oversee Her Grace's funeral proceedings and to attend the reading of his aunt's will. Along the way, his carriage suffers a devastating accident, and a dark stranger comes to his aid and rescue. The Marquis Evan de Lombard, rich French nobleman, takes an instant interest in the handsome Christopher. Sharing a wicked encounter shortly after meeting, things look promising as love blooms between them. That is, until the Marquis reveals his true identity and purpose.

Once Christopher knows the truth, will he ever be able to forgive Evan and love him, despite the man's indiscretions? Torn apart by dishonesty, can love win out over betrayal and rise to the occasion, reuniting them for a lifetime of happiness? The cost for true love could be a price neither one is willing to pay.

Review:
Duke of Bellwood, Christopher Allwyne, will be a rich man soon. On his way to a funeral for his aunt, the Duchess of Bellwood, he encounter a mysterious stranger, the rich Marquis Evan de Lombard. During the travel, the men encounter a very seductive moment, leaving Allwyne bracing for love. The attraction between the men is obvious but it isn't until de Lombard reveals his true reasons for friending Allwyne that trouble ensues.

Hunt weaves a beautiful storyline with A Wicked Encounter. The dialogue, character connection and her writing style are perfectly crafted. Hunt draws in the reader with this M/M love story to a point that I couldn't stop reading once I started. The delectable characters made me want more and Hunt gave more. I recommend A Wicked Encounter and can honestly say, Hunt is a writer to watch in the future. Her refreshing style is a much needed voice in the M/M genre.

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to C&R Romance eBook Reviews free of charge by the author. No money has been exchanged for the review of this eBook. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the other C&R reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.