Prescription for Love (Reyes Romance, Book 4), by Fiona McGier

Title: Prescription for Love (Reyes Romance, Book 4)

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary

Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.

Publication Date: July 6, 2010

ISBN #: 0011087285

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Enrique Reyes was named after his grandfather, and together they visited his hometown in Mexico, where Enrique is now happy being the doctor. The only thing he is missing is a wife. When Tanora Doyle, a bi-racial research biologist arrives in town, he is intrigued. But will the baggage she carries keep them apart? Or can Enrique cure whatever ails her and solve his problem as well?

Review:
What a great installment to the Reyes family series and to think it is also free eBook!! Fiona McGier has done it again with another great story.

At thirty years old, Enrique Reyes is living in Mexico, miles away from his friends and family. He is the general practitioner for the town where his grandfather grew up. After visiting the area with his grandfather several years ago, Enrique decided to practice in the quiet quaint town. While he enjoys the people and the town, he is unhappy with the selection of woman. He wants an equal in his marriage. He wants a woman that is strong, intelligent, engaging and independent, one who will challenge him, a partner. Enrique may have just found his perfect match.

Tanora Doyle is a botanical research biologist in the area looking for new plants to study for viable medicines. Before even stepping foot in the town, she falls face first out of the bus and breaks her wrist. What a way to start a research project. Tanora has always been a single minded motivated person and this set back is not going to be taken lightly. Nor will she be derailed by a handsome doctor who is basically blackmailing her into going out with him. She does find him attractive, but she has a job to do and doesn’t have time for a man.

While Enrique’s attraction is instantaneous, Tanora’s took a bit longer. She is fascinated with him, but was apprehensive and rightfully so. Her past traumas will always haunt her and will be very difficult to get past. With Enrique’s kindness and love, she is able to persevere and heal. His love and affection for her jumped off the pages. I enjoyed his seduction of Tanora. Enrique is a dream come true.

I enjoyed the different location and atmosphere of Prescription for Love. It was refreshing to get out of Chicago. While I’m not completely sure, it seems this story has a small link to other books by Fiona McGier involving an “agency”. For a free book, this story was appealing and satisfying. Don’t bypass this story to get to the next book. Enrique and Tanora’s novella shouldn’t be missed and is a welcome addition to the series.

Available at:
Barnes & Noble (Nook Book)
Smashwords

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Love by Design (Reyes Romance, Book 3), by Fiona McGier

Title: Love by Design (Reyes Romance, Book 3)

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary

Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.

Publication Date: February 1, 2010

ISBN #: 9781597050661

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Can you do all of that for me, Rosa?

His voice was lower and more persuasive now.

Can you make my house into a home for me, Rosa? Make all of my dreams come true?

She felt her pulse race, and licked her lips unconsciously.

Thats why Im here, Greg. To bring your dreams to life.

Suddenly aware that he was leaning forward without intending to, as if his body was going to make him kiss her whether he planned to or not, Gregor froze, then cleared his throat as he sat back in his chair.

Review:
Once a Reyes man finds their intended wife they just know it and their love lasts forever. Now we know that the same can be said about the Reyes women too.

Seven years ago, Rosa Reyes broke up with her long time fiancé. She never forgot him and definitely never stopped loving him. Now she must work closely with him while renovating his new home. This job is a chance to possibly get national recognition for her work as an interior designer. She can’t pass up the opportunity, but working day in and day out with her ex will be very difficult, especially when all she can think about is how much she still wants him.

Gregor Lubovich is a Russian immigrant, transplanted into a country that he never wanted to come to. After a rocky start in the U.S., he worked harder to prove himself; becoming ambitious and very driven to succeed in the cut throat world of sales and in his personal life. At thirty-five, he is top in his field, but alone after a failed marriage. Never forgetting his only love, he is now determined to make her remember what they had and to bring her back into his life.

Rosa and Gregor’s journey back to love is sweet and enduring. It’s a testament of their strength that they were able to work together and complete the job before falling into each other’s arms. I also enjoyed the show of family support. They really proved that they back one another through good times and bad. The family also showed they were able to forgive and move on.

Love by Design was a fun engaging read. I rather enjoyed the way Ms. McGier incorporated the past with the present. Her use of flashbacks was not annoying and cumbersome. They conveyed all the necessary information that I needed to thoroughly understand the characters and how their relationship progressed and eventually failed. The editing was solid and the continuity was spot on. The story was well written and flowed quite nicely. Ms. McGier entices you to continue her series with excellent character interaction and development. I am looking forward to continuing the series just see who next falls in love and how.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Recipe for Love (Reyes Romance, Book 2), by Fiona McGier

Title: Recipe for Love (Reyes Romance, Book 2)

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary

Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.

Publication Date: January 22, 2010

ISBN #: 9781597050661

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

When Patti’s best friend is planning her wedding, of course she is asked to be the maid of honor. But since they are partners in an event planning company, and Patti is in the process of opening a small café and catering service, they decide that she will do both functions for the wedding. As the day gets closer, more people are invited, and Patti begins to worry about how she will be able to cook for that many guests, as well as calm down her very pregnant and irritable best friend for her important day. It is the groom who suggests that she hire an assistant cook.

None of the women who apply for the job are suitable, but Patti is surprised when a tall, muscular, tattooed biker rides up on a Harley and applies for the job. He tells her he is a Roma, which is the term his people prefer to “gypsy”. He offers to shave his beard, and tells her he has cooked all over the southwestern U.S., as well as everywhere he has traveled in Mexico. Since the groom and his family are Hispanic, so are the foods that Patti will need to prepare. She is still not sure, but when he offers to “audition” for her, she helps him cook some of his specialties, and they both enjoy the time spent together in her kitchen. They discover they are compatible in the kitchen, and they enjoy the same foods.

Patti, who has been divorced for years, wonders what else they might enjoy doing together. But she has two children and a meddling ex-husband…not exactly the best ingredients for a successful relationship. Will she be able to convince this wandering man, to stay for a while?

Review:
Patti Johnson is a very busy woman. She is preparing to open her own restaurant, has two growing kids, is catering her best friend’s wedding and she is also to be the maid of honor. The guest list is growing, not to mention her maid of honor duties are mounting too. She will also need help with the restaurant. There is no way she can do it all so she agrees to hire an assistant. With only one applicant left to interview, she stops to think, can she work with a man?

Patti’s prayers have just been answered. While unsure about working with a man, J.T. is a godsend. He has experience with preparing Hispanic foods, serving large numbers of people and has no problems taking orders from a woman. Now the only thing she needs to worry about is her growing attraction to the man. Tall, bald and built, J.T. has become a star in her ongoing fantasies.

Jules Marks Tremenczyk, J.T., didn’t know what hit him. He just needs a temporary job to get him a little cash so he can get back on the road. Unfortunately, Patti is just his type of woman; petite with curves in all the right places. J.T. has never stayed long in one place. He has always been a roamer, never wanting to settle down, and Patti is making him rethink his way of life.

Recipe for Love is a great love story. Both characters are older and wiser and have been down the road of love before. J.T. has a great zest for life and Patti is a total hoot. Their chemistry is explosive which shows in their relationship and love scenes. It was also a nice change of pace to have Patti’s children adore J.T. Ms. Grier didn’t follow the usual, “I hate my mother’s boyfriend” pattern, which was very refreshing. The children were welcoming and quite surprising at times with their acceptance of J.T. Their roadblocks are handled nicely and there are no cliché misunderstandings.

Recipe for Love is a straight forward romance with a touch of excitement and an annoying ex-husband that gets put in his place so classically that I will always remember that scene with a giggle, a smile and a big “Hell YES!!”

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Her Heart's Desire (Highcroft Saga #1), by Lauren Wilder

Title: Her Heart's Desire (Highcroft Saga 1)

Author: Lauren Wilder

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary, Erotic, Suspense

Publisher: Siren Publishing

Publication Date: July 19, 2010

ISBN #: 9781610343992

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Babs

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

When Marisa applies for a PA job to an English aristocrat, she expects a stuffy, older gentleman, but James St John is anything but. He is an extremely good-looking thirtysomething English charmer. Sparks fly, and the attraction is intense.

Marisa, recently heartbroken, fights her desire, cautious about becoming involved with her boss. But James St John is unable to resist the sexual allure between them, and he will not rest until she is in his bed. Marisa soon discovers that the Highcroft house hides a hotbed of sin and dark longings. Will its secrets destroy her happiness when love starts to bloom?

Review:
Marisa’s day is going great and she is all excited to see her boyfriend Mike as it is his birthday. Little does she know she is about to have a bad day. She walks in on her best friend and Mike in bed together. Marisa goes back to her sisters place and stays there to try and mend her broken heart.

Marisa’s sisters comes home one afternoon with a newspaper article about a new PA job that has opened. Marisa applies and feels good about it. She starts getting her life together and moves on. Marisa is called for an interview and is shocked by what she sees. The English man is not old and stuffy like she thought. He is in fact in his mid thirties and very handsome.

Marisa takes the job and moves to England, but she really likes her boss James St John can she work with him and keep her feelings in check?

I adored this story. The writing style was so well you actually thought you were in England with Marisa. When she is walking in the gardens on the estate you can picture the roses and maze she was walking through. The characters in the story were great I took a liking to the villain of the story as the character was really conniving. There are some heated scenes that will make you pretty hot, but add to the story well. This is one book I can re-read again.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)
Barnes & Noble (Nook Book)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Love and Protect, by Naima Simone

Title: Love and Protect

Author: Naima Simone

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary, Erotic, Interracial/African American, Suspense

Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing

Publication Date: April 13, 2011

ISBN #: 9781419930058

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Ex-DEA agent Erin Montgomery is reluctantly back on the job, posing as the sex-kitten groupie girlfriend of rock star Sean Ledger. She'll be joining his band's tour to try to catch an obsessed, dangerous fan. Tormented by nightmares of her failed last assignment, Erin's not exactly eager to be drawn back into the fray. But once she meets Sean, all rocker, all man and dripping with raw sex appeal, she knows she's right where she belongs.

Sean is reluctant to have someone investigating his crew, but when he meets Erin, his objections fly out the window. The beautiful, hard-bitten agent turns him on like no other woman ever has. Sean's caught glimpses of the fiery passion lurking under Erin's cool front and he's determined to break through her hard exterior and make her his.

But Sean's stalker is still at large and she's made it clear she's willing to stop at nothing-even murder-to get him.

Review:
Love and Protect is all romance. This book was not what I expected. When I read the blurb I read; a bodyguard, a rock star and a killer stalker, I assumed action, action, action and oh yeah, suspense. This book has very little actual suspense and action, unless you count the bedroom scenes and then it is VERY action packed. Whew - steamy!!

Erin Montgomery is battling to move on with her life after a traumatic incident during her job. She has been on leave from her DEA job for a year and is still plagued by gut wrenching nightmares. She has no desire to return to work. Her ex-partner calls her regarding a mission only she can help him with and she cannot refuse him. A sense of responsibility and duty draws her back into undercover work. Erin must protect the man that as a boy, laid down his life for her.

Hard rocker Sean Ledger has a major problem. He has a stalker that is getting more and more dangerous. After trying to ignore the situation for the last year, he turns to his adoptive brother to help him with his problem. He has always been a love them and leave them kind of guy. He believes that is what got him into this predicament in the first place. He is ready to give up his hedonistic ways, only if his body would listen to him. In walks trouble in skin tight leather and revealing top. Sean is instantly attracted to Erin; problem is he has a policy of not “dipping where he works”.

These two characters have a past together. Erin knows who Sean is, but he doesn’t remember her. She has changed a lot over the years, becoming a strong independent woman with a new name and identity. She is completely opposite from the child he once protected. Sean is confused over his protective feelings for Erin. He is drawn to her in a way he has only experienced once in his life. To a frightened little girl who had no one but him to defend her.

Love and Protect is a hot romantic tale of two people in love. I can’t really say falling in love, because they have loved each other since the moment they met so many years ago, they just didn’t know it. This is a sweet discovery of soul mates. Meant to be together from the start, their bittersweet separation and the enchanting discovery of love found again.

Pick up a copy of Love and Protect for a different take on romance. This is a sizzling book of a couple struggling to heal from their pasts and to find love in the world of rock and roll; where they play hard, but love even harder.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)
Barnes & Noble (Nook Book)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Never Too Old for the Game of Love (Reyes Romance, Book 1), by Fiona McGier

Title: Never Too Old for the Game of Love (Reyes Romance, Book 1)

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary

Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.

Publication Date: March 18, 2010

ISBN #: 9781597054072

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

Alexander tried calling Tegan a couple of times over the weekend, but each time when a child answered the phone, he hung up without saying anything.

He sighed with frustration, saying out loud to his phone, Okay, thats the way you want to play it, huh? Now let me think, how can I get you to come to me, so I can see you again, and ask you out? Without interference from anyone else?

Suddenly an idea popped into his head, and he got a wicked grin on his face.

Review:
“Tell me, just what you want me to be… one kiss, and ‘boom’ you’re the only one for me…” That one line from the Santana song, “Game of Love”, sums up this book beautifully.

Been there done that, is Alexander’s view on marriage. He loves being a bachelor and rightfully so. He’s a forty-two year old Hispanic male who knows he is hot at six feet tall and with an alpha attitude that can get him any woman he desires. Now he has to put all his seductive experience to good use. He has met his match in a fiery Irish woman. She is a strong beautiful woman who is not going to take his masculine ways and just bow down to him and he likes it.

Tegan O’Neill is a very busy divorced mother of two. Tegan and her best friend Patti have started new party planning business, Parties by Pat-Teg. On top of everything else going on in her life, she now needs to find a stripper for a birthday party. They both knew that agreeing to plan an all male party would be a tough one to pull off. But when Alexander Reyes agreed to their proposal price, they couldn’t refuse. With not a stripper in sight, she does the only thing she can do….strip.

Tegan is still gorgeous even at almost forty. She worked hard after the birth of her second child to entice her husband back into their bed. Even though it ultimately didn’t work, all her hard work is now going to pay off. She needs this money and it’s not like she will ever see these men again. Who knew dancing half naked in front of a dozen horny men can get a woman so excited?

Alex cannot take his eyes off the amazingly sensual woman in front of him, gyrating and dancing to the sultry music. Once he looks up and discovers it is Tegan, the only thing he can do is follow his desire right into her arms.

Their passion is primal and sizzling. Now they both want more, but Tegan can’t allow this to continue. She has two children to think about and they have already been hurt by one man. She agrees to a secret affair with Alex. They are only allowed to see each other once a month, while her children are with their father. It is too bad that after his one taste of her he can’t get enough. Now all he has to do is convince her they could be so much more.

I absolutely adored this story. The whole journey of their affair was exciting and very well written. I believed their story 100%. The sex scenes were deliciously hot and the pacing the story was perfect, with never a dull moment. Never Too Old for the Game of Love was touchingly sweet but also extremely spicy. The supporting cast was just as engaging as Tegan and Alex. I can see some wonderful stories waiting this amazing bunch.

Don’t stop me now!! I’m rushing out to get the next titillating story in this series.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Wolfe's Lady, by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

Title: Wolfe's Lady

Author: Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

Sub-Genre(s): Paranormal

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Publication Date: December 27, 2010

ISBN #: 9781926950150

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 3 Cups

Blurb:*

Stella Raines was looking for a change. She moved to the small town of Riverville to begin her first year of teaching history. She quickly learns that teaching in such a rural high school is no picnic, but the math teacher in the class down the hall makes her first week all the more intriguing…

Darien Wolfe is a staple of Riverville High School, with his rule-breaking hair and attire. He seems to have taught there since, well, forever. However, Darien never knew how much his long life might change until he notices the new history teacher down the hall.

Their attraction is instant and for eternity, like the stars under the full moon. But can Stella survive Darien’s secret?

Review:
What a refreshingly different take on the werewolf phenomenon!

Stella Raines is drawn to the quaint town of Riverville, Missouri. The old town has classic architecture and a small town feel. Fresh out of college, she accepts a position at the local high school as the European history teacher. On Stella’s first day at the school, she is startled by the sudden appearance of Darien Wolfe, the mathematics teacher. Darien is captivating with his tall body and long brown hair. He has a slight British accent and an old world feel about him.

Their attraction is primal and they are instantly attracted to one another; neither have the desire to fight it. As time passes, a secret begins to invade their lives and threatens to destroy all they share.

Wolfe’s Lady is written by the heroine’s point of view. The story was well paced and engaging. For some reason though, it took me a bit to get into the story. I also had a hard time connecting with the hero. I know I’m contradicting myself. I found that as the story progressed I was pulled into it. My prior reservations were gone and an understanding began.

Maybe I picked up the book expecting something else. I am pleased that I continued reading. It’s not often that you read a book and then have to sit back and think about it. As I sit here and consider, I can see the process and I have more of an appreciation for it.

Wolfe’s Lady is a sweet loving story. The hero is strong but he takes a backseat in the story. His overall presence is there, but this short story revolves around Stella’s journey; her background, feelings and her resolve to love of Darien. Wolfe’s Lady is a sensual delight filled with heart and the true meaning of love and sacrifice.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)
Barnes & Noble (Nook Book)
Smashwords

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Fight for Love (Hot Latin Men #2), by Delaney Diamond

Title: Fight for Love (Hot Latin Men #2)

Author: Delaney Diamond

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary, Interracial/African American

Publisher: Amira Press

Publication Date: May 25, 2011

ISBN #: 9781936279869

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Science teacher Rebekah Jamison lives a quiet life in the suburbs of Atlanta. Devastated by a tabloid scandal nine years ago, she ended her marriage to the man her parents never approved of.

Rafael Lopez, former professional wrestler and “Sexiest Athlete Alive,” regrets the lapse in judgment that caused him to lose his wife. He shows up unannounced one day with some startling news, but he gets a surprise of his own. He finds out he’s a father. To get to know his son, he whisks him and Rebekah off to his home in the Hollywood Hills for the summer.

Review:
When I think of Latin men, I think of men that are tall, dark haired, stunning facial features and delectable bodies. That is the type of men Delaney Diamond writes about in her Hot Latin Men series, and she does it very well. Fight for Love is number two in the series. This is a story about love lost, not forgotten and found again.

Rebekah Jamison had to grow up fast. She fell in love at seventeen to an amazing man, Rafael Lopez. After her father refused to allow them to get married, they ran off to Las Vegas and did it anyway. Rafael earned money fighting in the underground fight arena. Things were rocky, but it wasn’t until he was accepted into the wrestling amateur league that things got bad. Too much time apart, lack of communication, loneliness and betrayal tore them apart. Leaving Las Vegas and Rafael behind, she moved on because she has to. Rebekah is pregnant. Nine years later they are thrown back into each other lives. She has never gotten over her first love, but how can she ever get over the pain of Rafael’s infidelity?

Rafael is a retired professional wrestler. He made a name for himself quickly and retired early. When he showed up on Rebekah’s doorstep to tell her some unfortunate news, he got the shock of his life. He has a son. Instantly Rafael’s priorities change and he is bound and determined to make things right. He will earn Rebekah’s love and respect back. He has never been a loser and he is not about to start now.

Fight for Love is a steamy read. The passion is apparent right from the start. I think my one disappointment was how fast they fell back into each other’s arms. It is really hard to fault the story though, because Ms. Diamond made it clear that they both still loved each other. I really liked this book and I could have easily seen this story written as a full sized novel. I was captivated by the characters and enjoyed their journey to find love again.

If you like your heroes tall, dark and handsome, and let’s not forget spicy, then you need to pick up this book or even this series. You won’t be disappointed!

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)
Barnes & Noble (Nook Book)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Keeping House (Truth or Dare, Book 1), by Lee Brazil

Title: Keeping House (Truth or Dare, Book 1)

Author: Lee Brazil

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary, Erotic, M/M

Publisher: Breathless Press

Publication Date: May 5, 2011

ISBN #: 9781926930466

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Bethany

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Mischa knew his brothers were up to something. He didn't know it would lead him to Donovan Holloway and change his carefree lifestyle forever.

Donovan Holloway, advertising executive, newly made vice president of the company where he's worked for twenty years, grew up in a free love hippie commune, taking care of the parents who should have been taking care of him. He's worked hard to put himself through school and achieve the American dream. All he's ever wanted was a normal family life—house in the suburbs, two cars, two kids, a shaggy dog. A family to come home to—to care for, and to care for him.

Mischa Blake is the green eyed, liberally-pierced, black-haired, Mohawk-wearing spoiled youngest son of a Hollywood producer and his actress wife. Mischa has made a terrible mistake. In a fit of childish pique, he's accepted a dare from his older brothers. The dare? Live on his own, supporting himself completely for a year without accessing his trust fund. No problem. Except Mischa has never worked a day in his life, hasn't finished college, and has absolutely no skills that he can bring to the table.

So when he sees Donovan's ad for a housekeeper/gardener, he has nothing to lose by applying, because really...how hard can it be?

Review:
Misha Blake is rich, young and from a well-to-do to family of close-knit brothers who consider him spoiled. On their regular poker night, the brothers decide it’s time for their baby brother to grow up and instigate a little “game” of their own. Losing the hand, Misha was forced to play their version of Truth or Dare. Either enter into the family business or get a job and keep it for a full year without access to his hefty monthly allowance or his beloved Porshe. What did Misha decide? To find a job. The only trouble was that, as with all of us, finding one proved to be difficult. When a wealthy man advertised for not only a personal assistant but also a housekeeper/cook, Misha was determined to get hired.

I’m a huge fan of m/m pieces and enjoyed the combative nature of the brothers who initially seemed to be a bit arrogant but had the best interests of their wayward brother in their hearts. The passages where Misha tried to figure out about pots and pans and learned to cook were priceless and I could easily envision his angst. Donovan, the employer/love interest was engaging and sexy in his mannerisms. Where the piece lost some of its glow was in the fast paced aspect of the story. I wasn’t able to learn enough about our heroes and therefore unable to love them. I also thought the fact the two were a couple so quickly wasn’t as believable as it could have been. I believe Keeping House would have benefited from being a longer piece where the characters could grow along with the story. Still, I think Mr. Brazil’s writing style is fresh, well-written and engaging and I will read his works with pleasure again.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

In the Cards, by Cynthia Selwyn

Title: In the Cards

Author: Cynthia Selwyn

Sub-Genre(s): BDSM, Contemporary, Erotic

Publisher: Breathless Press

Publication Date: May 5, 2011

ISBN #: 9781926930411

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Laurielu

Rating: 3 Cups

Blurb:*

One desperate writer, one hot cowboy, silk scarves, and sexy scenarios; it's all In the Cards.

Alexandrea Taylor writes historical fiction, not erotica. She can't even think the word…um…p-e-n-i-s. But she wishes she could. When her editor wants her to write a story about a cowboy and a bordello using a pack of sex-aid cards, she fantasizes about buying her dream home. Except she's sure she's too boring in bed to imagine erotic scenarios. She can't even keep her fiancé satisfied—she caught him in their bed with another woman. If it wasn't for her friend Zach, she doubts she'd feel attractive at all.

Zach O'Connor would do anything for his friend, Alex. She's the only woman he's ever met who doesn't treat him like a piece of meat. And now that they're sharing a hotel room at a conference, it's his opportunity to show her what she means to him. When she asks for his help with a sexy role-playing assignment, he knows this is his chance to show Alex she's not only the woman of his fantasies, but the woman of his heart as well.

With some silk scarves, massage oil and imagination, it's all in the cards.

Review:
In the Cards by Cynthia Selwyn is a charming erotic tale. Alexandrea Taylor is attending a romance author’s convention and has been asked by her editor to write a historical erotic novel. This endeavor should be easy enough for Alex to accomplish, but she has a hard enough time writing the “p”-word that describes a man’s bits and pieces. How is she supposed to write lurid sex scenes? Another concern that puts a damper on her creativity is the fact that she caught her live-in boyfriend (Ted) bopping his secretary in their bed.

No matter how inadequate Alex feels about her ability to write this historical erotic tale, she must go through with it because she has accepted the advance on the book. Plus, the proceeds from this venture will subsidize purchasing her dream home. Thank goodness Alex has her best friend, Zach, to rely upon when she needs him the most (literally and figuratively). He has been the one constant throughout most of her life.

Zach is sharing Alex’s hotel room for the duration of the convention. He is teaching one of the seminars on horses so the authors can write their western romances with more realism since they will have the opportunity to observe the intricacies of horsemanship. Alex’s editor and friend has supplied Alex with all the imaginative contrivances one would need for an erotic adventure and research. Thank goodness Zach is there to help her.

As the story unfolds, the reader comes to understand the depth of feeling and respect Alex and Zach have for each other. And even though they may have been “forced” into a compromising situation, their true feelings for each other are realized. Because of the intensity of feeling they share, the love scenes in the story are imbued with physicality and heartfelt emotion. Cynthia Selwyn has crafted a fetching short erotic romance.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

My Novel Affair, by Autumn Rosen

Title: My Novel Affair

Author: Autumn Rosen

Sub-Genre(s): Comedy, Contemporary

Publisher: A.R.B.

Publication Date: June 19, 2011

ISBN #: 9781463556532

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Sharon

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

I ask three questions when looking over a romance novel. Are there sharks? Is there revenge done deviously by a dwarf? And finally, is there ice cream to mix with all of that love?

If you have ever asked these questions without the proper responses, I promise, at long last you have found it.

"Sometimes what you need to fulfill your life can come from your own imagination, and maybe that can be just enough to make reality okay." This is the motto bestselling author Sinnie Ellis has always lived by anyway.

If it didn't have to be real, wouldn't you feel better if a shark bit the head off of your uncaring, self-absorbed spouse when he was being insensitive, or maybe a dwarf packing a bazooka blew up his car? In her imagination Sinnie has such options, but what about improving her life? She decides why not take things up a notch and see what happens when pen hits paper.

Tired and jealous of her main character's perfect life of adventure and over-the-top orgasms, she lack in her own life; Sinnie decides to write her own perfect romance into the pages of a new novel complete with a designer man and a bustier version of herself. Being a great author, she challenges these two fictional people to find each other and fall in love.

When a book tour later leads Sinnie to a small New York bookstore where the owner has the same name and looks as the man from her tale, she will have to decide if things are best left to ink and paper.

Review:
Sinara Ellis has written a clever book within a book starring a character with her name. The two plots work well with each other and move the story along. I loved Sinara, the main character, and her active imagination. The many ways she fantasizes disposing of people who bug her, mostly her boring husband, cracked me up. Her writing career has stalled and she has a book due. Struggling with writing about a character that has lost its allure seems to me to be a realistic problem for a writer. Poor Sinara, her life is a mess on all levels. I liked the fact that she decided to do something to pull herself out of the doldrums and make a change in her life.

A hysterical retelling of a typical clichéd romance featuring Bare Chested Stoneloins and Lusty, the virgin he loves, gives way to her writing a nice contemporary romance. This romance has all of the elements that are missing in Sinara's marriage. The disparaging by her husband about her writing a romance novel mirrors the way many people feel about romance as literature. His lack of support is offset by her friends, who keep giving her a push when she needs it.

Alexis, Sinara's alter ego in her romance novel, has the courage to go for what she wants in life even though the outcome might not be the desired one. The lesson Sinara learns from Alexis is that you have to make things happen for yourself. The ending of the book has a nice little twist that puts the finishing touch on an enjoyable story. This was a fun book to read and one that when finished I wished had gone a little longer.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)
Barnes & Noble (Nook Book)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Women on the Edge of Space, featuring Elizabeth Black, Shanna Germain, Kaysee Renee Robichaud and Laurel Waterford

Title: Women on the Edge of Space

Author: Elizabeth Black, Shanna Germain, Kaysee Renee Robichaud and Laurel Waterford

Sub-Genre(s): Erotic, F/F, Sci-fi/Fantasy

Publisher: Circlet Press, Inc.

Publication Date: April 12, 2011

ISBN #: Unknown

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Dawne

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

In these four stories, women explore the uncharted trails of human desire as they rocket through space and transcend time and place. They inspire fear and hope in the face of danger and uncertainty, and the thrills of satiating a hunger for intimacy in a strange new world. Women on the Edge of Space features stories by Elizabeth Black, Shanna Germain, Kaysee Renee Robichaud, and Laurel Waterford.

Space is a place that is full of mystery. Traveling through outer space is a journey unlike any other, letting go of the usual sense of place and time and opening up to new possibilities. Just as one may never find the edge of the universe, one can never truly know why she falls in love with certain people; she can only embrace her feelings, or deny them. To map out the course of a human’s sexuality, as making a complete chart of the universe, is futile, for like space, the capacity for love and desire is infinite.

Space is also a place of escape, where one can let go of all her earthly worries and inhibitions and just drift away, allowing the forces of a more mysterious nature overcome. The space opera combines the improbability of science fiction and the impossibility of fantasy, and when the erotic is added to the mix, our desires can find a place even within the farthest reaches of nothingness. Outside of the earthly limitations of prejudice and discrimination, women can claim space for their own, living how they want and loving whomever they choose, exploring their sexuality in ways they never thought possible.

Review:
The book is an anthology with eclectic authors like Elizabeth Black, Laurel Waterford, Shanna Germain, Cecilia Tan and Danielle Bodnar. These five women lose themselves in this collection of short novels. The dialogue of Black and Tan are priceless as well as their writing styles. While sci-fi isn't my normal genre, I thought I would try it as I am an erotic author myself and love the genre. The romances that all five women have are on the lighter side (vanilla) of erotic but very well written and the endings to every story had me craving more. Aside from not being able to understand the space lingo and circumstances, I was impressed and MUST commend these women for going where no woman has gone before. (Sorry for the bad pun there, couldn't help myself.)

If the reader is not a fan of sci-fi and can set aside the outer space and sci-fi lingo, I recommend these shorts for ALL lovers of romance.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Wicked Wager Among Friends (Tales from Lucifers Lair), by Cassandre Dayne

Title: Wicked Wager Among Friends (Tales from Lucifers Lair)

Author: Cassandre Dayne

Sub-Genre(s): BDSM, Contemporary, Erotic, M/M/F

Publisher: Rebel Ink Press

Publication Date: April 19, 2011

ISBN #: RIP0001022

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Dawne

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Veronica Spelling was used to getting what she wanted with everything in her life except when it pertained to men. While she'd desired her best friend, Travis Hunter, for years, he was decidedly gay, had only been with a woman once and was in a casual relationship with their mutual friend, Jonathan. Masculine and perfect in every sense, Veronica's mouth watered for Travis. And while they'd admitted their kinky proclivities over long night chats and margaritas, neither Veronica or Travis had ever indulged their fantasies. Deciding to take matters into her own hands and kick up the heat, Veronica suggested a wicked wager on a game of pool one night. The prize? If she ended up winning, she would receive her wish and get to sleep with Travis. But if he won, she had to become his slave for twenty-four hours. As three kindred souls begin experimenting and enjoying a new life together, it's certain everyone is set to learn a thing or two about the art of submission and true love in the process. But the question remains, in the end, can they each go back to being just friends?

Review:
Friends Veronica Spelling and Travis Hunter's moment of hot sex starts in a semi-crowded barroom over a pool table and a bet. The first few pages of the book had me really following along closely as it was a tad bit confusing. The moments of daydreams, visuals and reality were not clearly defined at first. As the story went on, it did hook me in. The believable moments of having a menage and adding Johnathan was a nice addition to the story.

In the final chapter, I was again lost within the first page, as nothing was defined in the prior chapter about the three of them moving into a home together and starting life. The previous chapter had had the trio in bed, slamming each other, then the next thing you know, you're in a mysterious home wondering what was going on. The flow of this final chapter made me have to re-read it a couple of times.

Dayne's explicit sex scenes are well written, the dialogue is great and the characters are a perfect fit for each other. I just wish the flow of the storyline had been better planned and the early-on fantasies were more distinct.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)
Barnes & Noble (Nook Book)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Blind Love (Tilling Passions, Book 1), by Nina Pierce

Title: Blind Love (Tilling Passions, Book 1)

Author: Nina Pierce

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary, Erotic, Suspense

Publisher: Self

Publication Date: April 11, 2011

ISBN #: Unknown

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Vanessa

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Uptight CPA, Julie Tilling is tired of doing the right thing. When her friend from high school dies and Julie is the only one who believes he didn’t commit suicide, she takes it upon herself to explore the circumstances surrounding his death. When the investigation takes her into a world of sexy nightclubs and a one night stand that has her heart melting, Julie finds a naughty side of herself she didn’t know existed.

Damon Corey didn’t come to Maine to become a shock jock. But when his dream of becoming a concert pianist seems unobtainable, the radio station’s offer is too good to pass up. Unfortunately, the one night stands and empty relationships are getting old—that is until a mysterious brunette falls into his arms and wraps around his heart making him believe in love.

With their passion overheating and their sexual encounters exploding, Damon and Julie work to see beyond the masks that have protected them from the world. But will Damon’s enigmatic shock jock persona become Julie’s sexual undoing and reveal Damon as the missing piece that solves the puzzling questions surrounding her friend’s death?

Review:
What can I say about Julie Tilling? The middle child in a family of all girls, she is held responsible for everything. Being a sounding board for her sisters, a doormat for them to walk all over, the backbone of her family. This is who she is…at least that is what everyone sees. When her best friend, Jason, commits suicide she can’t believe it and is determined to find out the truth…no matter the cost. In a dank nightclub, she discovers more about herself than I think she ever could have imagined.

Damon, or Demon as he is known in the night scene, is your typical bad boy. Insulting, chauvinistic, and sexy as hell. This is his life…and he hates it. With dreams bigger than his small time radio and DJ gig, he longs for simple comforts in a job where he doesn’t have to leave himself at the door to step into the personality that the world loves to hate.

I loved Julie’s innocence and the fact that she grew so much in a short period of time. Completely coming out of her comfort zone with a few Long Island Iced Teas, a mystery needing to be solved, and a gorgeous man that she just can’t seem to resist was just the boost she needed to shed her doormat lifestyle and come into her own. She is the perfect example of what can happen when you just put yourself out there and let life take you over. She and Damon are a terrific match. Each able to teach each other about what they are missing in their lives.

This sweet story was a quick read. I loved it! The relationship between Julie and Damon was a perfect mix of heartwarming and steamy. Both had something new to offer the other. The fact that Damon had his secrets and still wanted to aid in helping Julie find out the truth of Jason’s death, even though he knew those secrets could come out…awesome. It says a lot about the type of man he really was. Oh…and did I mention steamy? Not your every day steamy either. A hot man who wants to do whatever to please you…all tied up and helpless? Oh yes.

I will definitely be looking for more from Nina Pierce in the future. Good things to come from her for sure!

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)
Barnes & Noble (Nook Book)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

The Thrice Princess, by Drea Becraft

Title: The Thrice Princess

Author: Drea Becraft

Sub-Genre(s): Erotic, Paranormal

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing

Publication Date: April 20, 2011

ISBN #: 9781936653508

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Sherri

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

While her fate was set during the previous great wars of immortals, Anastasia Gruff is nothing but mortal until the night she stumbles upon a scene that turns her world upside down. Now, she struggles to adjust to a world where nothing is what it seems, and feels more at home than ever before.

Devlin Miconis, heir to the vampire throne, is facing certain death. When a mortal woman saves his life, and gives him back his soul, he must figure out how to repay her. Now that she has given him something to live for, can he protect her from those who mean her harm?

Review:
Imagine for a split second living your whole life surrounded by other beings and never realizing what they were? Just another day for Stasia, until she stumbles upon a vampire being killed by a…was that a demon? She takes it surprising well considering she only has known about humans her whole life. So, she reacts, decapitates the demon and saves a very, very sexy vampire. Another one shows up a few seconds later and helps to pull the arrow out of his heart. She can’t help but think of what a shame it would be to lose him. It was almost as if for a split second she had found something really important. So she offers him her blood to help him heal and covers their tracks as the other vampire carries him away. She didn’t even know his name, she muses rather sadly as she leads the demons away from the site that they had just inhabited.

She rushes through the well known streets to get to a rooftop which she used as a hiding spot quite often. She feels a terrible pain climbing up her arm and feels like she is ready to pass out. As she races towards her hideout she notices it has been turned into a magical moonlit garden. She laughs inside her head as she loses consciousness thinking that this day can’t get any weirder.

At least until she wakes up.

This was a really cute and inventive story filled with vampires, demons, Gods, and a cute fairy. I really liked the spin off of the title and how Becraft has created a world in which all the beings exist…maybe not peacefully, but what fun is that? Just wait until you find out about Stasia’s parents. Her brother and father are my favorite characters. They aren’t the main stars but have a great potential to take the lead role if Beacraft decides to make this a series, which I certainly hope she does!

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)
Barnes & Noble (Nook Book)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.

Jaclyn's Ghost, by Dorlana Vann

Title: Jaclyn's Ghost

Author: Dorlana Vann

Sub-Genre(s): Comedy, Paranormal, Suspense

Publisher: Pixie Punk Press

Publication Date: January 20, 2011

ISBN #: Unknown

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Sherri

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

Ghosts, Mystery, and Fashion. Can this diva solve her own murder, or will she be stuck in limbo forever?

After recovering from the shock of seeing her own dead body, (still dressed to kill from last night's party) fashion model, Jaclyn Jade, discovers she's a ghost with a choice. She can either immediately go back to Hell, do nothing and stay in limbo, or find the reason she fell short of grace and advance to Heaven.

Because she was murdered, Jaclyn hopes that finding her killer will unravel this mystery. With the help of a timid closet-psychic who can speak to the dead, and a handsome, yet arrogant, ghost of a man from the roaring 20s, her search for answers initiates a quirky journey of self-discovery. Personalities, eras, and worlds collide as this mismatched trio race against time to solve the mystery of Jaclyn's Ghost.

Review:
Have you ever sat a wondered what happens to you after you die? I can guarantee that the thought never crossed Jaclyn’s mind. Spoiled and self centered, Jaclyn’s world revolved around...well Jaclyn, of course, and she gave special consideration to her hot clothing designer boyfriend.

So waking up dead after she had just left a fabulous party was just not in this supermodel’s plans. Even more disturbing was the fact that a large and very beautiful man who was also dead, and evidently living in her apartment, was her sole source of information. How long had he been there and OMG what had he seen? And seriously, Earth is really Hell? It’s too bad that Logan seriously needed to work on his people skills. She really could use a friend right about now!

Jaclyn has 48 hours to figure out why she wasn’t elevated to Heaven in order to get into Heaven or its back to Hell for her, literally. But since Earth is Hell, is that really a bad thing?

Vann takes you on Jaclyn’s growth with the help of some delightful ghosts, breathers, and as well as some other beings that kept it interesting. This story had me laughing out loud through out most of it with just a hint of romance, mystery, and despair thrown into the mix. It had a great pace and the ending really throws you. It was totally unpredictable! I really enjoyed this book!

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)
Barnes & Noble (Nook Book)

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*Blurb Courtesy of Goodreads.

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to CBLS 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 CBLS reviewers or this blog’s administrator/editor.