Amethyst Moon (Prides of the Moon, 5) by Ann Mayburn

Title: Amethyst Moon

Author: Ann Mayburn

Sub-Genre(s): Erotic, Gay, Interracial

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Publication Date: December 24, 2011

ISBN #: B006Q3GUW2

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 3.5 Cups

Blurb:*

Noah Braxton's world has been turned inside out and upside down ever since the fateful moment six months ago when he was turned into a shifter by a dying college girl. She made him promise to look after her sister, Giselle, and in an effort to sooth her he promised her that he would, not realizing the sacrifices he would have to make to keep that promise. Bound by his oath, Noah struggles to fulfill his role of beta to Giselle, an Alpha female, but he can't be everything she needs. He's gay and in order to bond properly with his Alpha female they would have to have sex. Without that bond with an Alpha he is slowly going crazy but he can't force himself to be attracted to a woman. His last hope at saving his mind and his soul lies with Madame Eve of the 1 Night Stand matchmaking service being able to find him a male Alpha that can bridge the gap between himself and Giselle.

Marcus and Vashan have come to Morgantown, WV in the hopes of finding an Alpha female to complete their Pride. Instead they find Noah, a man on the edge of insanity who is also a natural dominant. Despite this both men are instantly drawn to Noah and decide to help him. Marcus will have to use all his strength as an Alpha to dominate Noah and show him that submission to his Alpha doesn't make him weak.

Review:
As the Prides of Moon and the 1 Night Stand series continue, we seem to be concluding Marcus and Vashan’s story with Amethyst Moon.  In this story we meet Noah.  He is a troubled man, thrust into the world of shifters.  Not only does he have to learn how to be a shifter and act properly, he must take care and be submissive to his Alpha, Giselle.  Which is very hard for him, considering he had a very dominate personality as a human.  He also can’t bond with her properly because he is gay, so he sets out to find an Alpha and Beta who can.
 
Marcus and Vashan need a female Alpha to complete them.  Their need to procreate is inbred into them and they wish to complete that bond.  They are contacted by Madame Eve to meet with a beta.  All she asks is to hear him out.
 
I do believe I have found a 1NS that has left me wanting.  While I enjoyed the dominance play between Marcus and Noah (Yo Howdy!!), this story seems unfinished to me.  I believe it is because we were not introduced to Giselle, so their mating bond as a foursome was never completed.  I can actually see why it wasn’t able to be completed due to this being a short story, but I was still not satisfied.  I really can’t see how I could have been satisfied because of the time constraints.  I think the other problem is that I can’t see a short story being written about Giselle.  My fingers are crossed though.
 
I do have to say though their bonding was sizzling hot and ummm just WOW!  I do hope to hear more from Ms. Mayburn.  I have come to truly enjoy her Prides of the Moon series.


Available at:
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*Blurb Courtesy of Amazon

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes 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.

Turquoise Moon by Ann Mayburn

Title:      

Author: Ann Mayburn

Sub-Genre(s): Erotic, Interracial

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Publication Date: September 18, 2011

ISBN #: B005O1ASSY

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

Werepuma and sheltered virgin Kara Vinsenz has no idea how to entice men, furry or otherwise. She contacts Madame Eve of the 1Night Stand matchmaking service in a desperate attempt to avoid a terrible arranged marriage to a psychopathic shifter. In a daring move that goes against her confined upbringing, she poses as her twin sister to escape her family compound in the hopes of meeting an Alpha and a Beta strong enough to be her mates. She waits to meet them until she goes into heat and is totally unprepared for the consequences of her actions.

Ben Harkil and Jude Carson are on the hunt for the perfect Alpha female to complete their Pride and when they meet Kara, they believe their prayers have been answered. What starts out as a 1Night Stand ends up being so much more when Kara realizes that her lies may have doomed from the start the only love that can save her and her Pride from a madman.

Review:
A while back I read Emerald Moon and I fell in love with Ben and Jude.  Their story was very touching.  I never imagined that Ms. Mayburn would continue their journey to find a female for their bond.  Thank goodness she did.
 
What I love about the 1 Night Stand series is that they are quick, hot and yet filling.  You go into reading them knowing they are short stories, but the way they are written they fill a need and fill it to overflowing.  I have yet to be left wanting with any of the stories.
 
Kara Vinsenz has a problem.  She is engaged to a psychotic man who has tormented her, her whole life.  She is coming upon her last chance to escape him and the only thing she can do is ask for help.  Her sister Tanisha once used the services of 1 Night Stand and found a wonderful mate.  She decides to take the chance and fills out the application.
 
Ben and Jude need a woman to complete them.  While they love each other they know that to be completely whole they need a female alpha to form their own pride.  So after having no luck on their own, they ask Madame Eve to help them find her.  She didn’t let them down the first time.
 
Even though Kara is in heat, their attraction is instant and both Kara and Ben know that this is right.  Before Jude can complete their mating things get ugly, but together they will try to get past it.
 
I enjoyed this story.  Even though the book takes place in one night, this story involved a bit more action with the addition of Kara’s fiancé.  Kara is fierce and I enjoyed the dominance play between her and Ben.  I can see they are going to have a great bond. 
 
Though the 1NS series are standalones, I think Ann’s submissions are enhanced being read them as a series in order.  They are called Prides of the Moon.  As with any short story, you have to go in knowing that is exactly what you are going to get, a short story.  I am looking forward to the next installment in Prides of the Moon, Onyx Moon.


Available at:
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*Blurb Courtesy of Amazon

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes 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.

Onyx Moon (1Night Stand GLBT series) by Ann Mayburn

Title: Onyx Moon

Author: Ann Mayburn

Sub-Genre(s): Gay, GLBT, Romance, Paranormal, Erotic

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Publication Date: November 19, 2011

ISBN #: B006AWHIA2

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

Marcus Galin has searched the world for a very special kind of werepuma—a beta who has also been blessed by the Goddess as a shaman. His prayers are finally answered when Madame Eve of the 1Night Stand matchmaking service arranges for him to meet a man in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica that fits his requirements. Only problem: Marcus is terrified of magic and doesn't know if he can overcome his fear enough to open his heart to a stranger that his Pride and his heart desperately need.

Vashan Dulphin has spent all of his life as an outcast among his people. By a twist of fate and genetics at puberty, he became a werejaguar instead of a werepuma, much to his family and Pride's disgust. Since then he has lived in solitude among his people, tolerated only because of his power as both a beta and a shaman. Desperate for a chance to find a home where he will be loved, he calls on the aid of Madame Eve, who sends him Marcus.

Together the men will have to overcome their fear and self-doubt for a one-in-a-million chance at love.

Review:
I am so enjoying Ann Mayburn’s stories in the 1 Night Stand series.  They can also be found as a sub series she calls Prides of the Moon.  I enjoy that she continues to expand on the storyline, yet the all the stories can be read alone.
 
I met Marcus in the prior 1NS story, Turquoise Moon.  I never dreamed that he would be next in line for a story.  He is to be the next Alpha of the Onyx Moon Pride.  His pride is in need of a shaman, and Marcus is in need of a beta.  Since he has a deep distrust for magic, his only option is to find a beta shaman that he can bond with and know his mates heart and soul. 
 
For several years all Vashan has known is pain and loneliness.  Since the moment of his first shift he has been a pariah among his people.  All their love and trust was ripped away from on that day.  Now all he wants is to belong.  He signs up with Madame Eve’s service.  He hopes to meet a mate and become part of a pride.
 
Their meeting is electrified, but quickly turns ugly.  As Marcus tries to earn back Vashan’s trust, they open up and find what each other was missing.
 
I enjoyed their story.  Ms. Mayburn did a great job conveying their past pain in such a short time.  The one bummer about short stories is the inability to continue a great storyline.  My only hope is soon Ms. Mayburn will continue their journey to find their next Alpha.
 
Onyx Moon is a sexy hot read about two men who overcome their pasts to be able to start their futures.  You can’t help but cheer them on and fan yourself after their hot and steamy 1 Night Stand.


Available at:
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Barnes & Noble (Nook book)


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*Blurb Courtesy of Amazon

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes 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.

Engraved by Jayne Fresina

Title: Engraved

Author: Jayne Fresina

Sub-Genre(s): Historical, Mystery, Romance

Publisher: Evernight Publishing 

Publication Date: March 21, 2011

ISBN #: B004TBD6NE

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

When Adam Blackwood first lays eyes on the woman of his lusty fantasies, he’s a young man with too much arrogance and not enough self-control. She rejects his clumsy advances and deeply wounds his pride. Six years later the wound remains, but other things have changed. He’s grown up. She’s widowed and alone. And this time, she wants something from him.

Evangeline always knew Adam was dangerous. He aroused emotions and desires she’d learned to suppress. But now he’s back with a proposition and a secret from her past. A little blackmail is hardly a gentlemanly method of getting her into bed, but what else can she expect from a Blackwood?

Perhaps, for just one night, she’ll give him what he wants and indulge her own secret passion. Providing they never see one another again, what harm can it do?

Review:
MORE – MORE – MORE

That is what I want. Engraved is an amazing story and I can’t wait to get the rest of the series and read them all (likely in one sitting).

I have a feeling this is how it really was in the past. Not the illusion of propriety and manners, but raw sensuality and passion. Well at least I can dream.

Evangeline is a beauty and caught Adam Blackwood’s eye as a young man. He always got what he wanted and he wanted her. He didn’t care that she was married and older than him. Evangeline didn’t waste any time turning this young arrogant man down.

Evangeline is an American that has been married twice, both horribly boring and unfulfilling marriages. Now widowed yet again, she has a problem. She is clairvoyant and has just seen the death of her old employer, Randolph Blackwood. The same employer that painted a nude of her ten years ago and the same employer whose son has always been in the back of her mind.

Adam Blackwood is livid. The prim and proper woman, who turned down his advances years ago, posed nude for his father. His father made it clear in his will that Adam had to return the portrait to the woman and he plans to. He also he plans to extract payment, in the form of sex.

Evangeline and Adam’s one night together is scorching and raw. I loved their chemistry together. Their experience allowed them to see a glimpse of the other person and it wasn’t what they perceived. Each went into their agreement having rigid notions of the other and they were blown away by the truth and their feelings. Their road to eventual bliss was well written and I enjoyed their journey. What a fun trip this has been!

I highly recommend Engraved. It is perfectly steamy and well paced. Ms. Fresina had me captivated right from the beginning and the only reason I didn’t finish it in one sitting is because it was 3am and I wanted to enjoy the last half of the book with a clear head. She has made me a fan and I am truly looking forward to reading the remaining Blackwood brother’s eventual downfalls. *Evil Grin*


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


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*Blurb Courtesy of Amazon

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes 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.

My Blood Runs Blue by Stacy Eaton

Title: My Blood Runs Blue

Author: Stacy Eaton

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary, Vampire

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Publication Date: April 11, 2011

ISBN #: 978-1432769284

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Officer Kristin Greene has always felt that something was missing from her life. Although her job with the Fawn Hollow Township Police Department keeps her busy, she still feels like there is something else out there for her. 

She soon finds herself investigating a homicide where a young woman has had her throat ripped out. When she has to give the death notification to the family, her investigative nature comes out fast and strong when the parents seem too accepting of their daughter's death and make comments that just don't fit. 

When the family requests the assistance of the VMF Securities, Kristin is confused that they would think a security company could assist with the murder investigation. When Julian and Alexander arrive she quickly finds herself being pulled into a love triangle that has been going on longer then she has been alive. Why do they look at here as if they know her? And why do they keep talking about Calista? 

Join Kirstin as she fights to learn the truth about the recent murder, the seductive and blood drinking men that have entered into her life and the rear truth about herself.

Review:
My Blood Runs Blue is a fascinating take on the old lover’s triangle tale.

Kristin Greene didn’t feel quite whole. Moving through life as a cop and just existing day to day. She never felt fulfilled, like something was missing. Things change fast and drastically when she meets Julian and Alexander. Drawn to them fiercely, with a hunger she has never experienced before. Her life is now turned upside down with startling new revelations and a reality she never knew existed.

Julian and Alexander used to be best friends until one night everything changed. Thirty-five years ago their lives were destroyed and they have been on a quest to revenge the death of a loved one ever since. The killer has started to kill again with a vengeance and they are bound and determined to end his killing rampage. Once each of them set their eyes upon Kristin their desire to protect and possess is multiplied, but this time they are going to protect the person she resembles. They are also going to let her chose between them. Can either of them survive her choice?

I really loved this take on the vampire lore. It was a mix between born vampires and made vampires. I hope in future books she delves more into the history of their existence. I also enjoyed that her male protagonists were not overly alpha. They were strong yet weak. I really felt like Kristin had a hard choice to make between the two men. I could see amazing values in both of them. I did not envy the choice she had to make.

My Blood Runs Blue is a very distinctive and remarkable story. I was captured by the narrative, the characters were engaging and entertaining, and the outcome was shocking. I couldn’t put the book down. I was enchanted from the very first page.

I want to point out that Ms. Eaton’s writing style is very unique. The point of view of the story changed each chapter, sometimes repeating a prior scene describing the new character’s outlook on the prior chapter. So there is a lot of repetitive monolog. It did take some getting used to for me.

My Blood Runs Blue has a great plot and intriguing characters. Ms. Eaton has a wonderful story to tell and I’m looking forward to reading about Kristin and her adventures into her whole new world.


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


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*Blurb Courtesy of Amazon

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes 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.

Fear of Darkness by Honoria Ravena

Title: Fear of Darkness

Author: Honoria Ravena

Sub-Genre(s): Erotic contemporary romance, Vampires

Publisher: Breathless Press

Publication Date: July 15, 2011

ISBN #: B005D1HR2A

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Running from an abusive husband, Natalya encounters more than she can handle…especially when she becomes a vampire’s target.

As a Watcher of the King’s Guard, Vahe Patten hunts rogue vampires, ones who break their vampire laws. When dead bodies are left for the human authorities to find, their secret is out, and Vahe takes on the mission by seeking the next victim before the killer does—only to find her blood tasted sweeter than any he’s ever had. 

Natalya Woods just wants to avoid her abusive husband and live a normal life, but the small town of Haven has been anything but safe. When she’s attacked in the streets, literally, by the man of her dreams, she finds herself kidnapped and putting her weapon skills to use—surprisingly not on her husband. Attraction and desire throws Natalya and Vahe in a bind as they work together to fight the killer, but will Natalya overcome her distrust of men and allow herself to take the risk to love?

Review:
What an exhilarating ride. Page after page you are drawn into the world of the hunter and the hunted. Hold on tight and don’t let go!!

Natalya has been living in fear since she escaped the clutches of her abusive husband. Her house is wired for security and she is amply supplied with guns and other weapons. Now all she just needs to do is protect her heart and soul.

Strong, powerful and feared Vahe is a force to be reckoned with. He is a Watcher, an enforcer of vampire laws. He eliminates any paranormal beings that are a threat to their secret society. Never been one to protect a human, he is unexplainably drawn to Natalya. She is a wounded woman in need of a gentle touch, but Vahe has no concept of the word gentle.

Whew! Right from the beginning the suspense kicks in. Something is in the air, but Natalya just can’t decipher it. She is already a woman on edge, but when she feels someone is watching her, she needs to follow her instincts. This woman does have a problem and it isn’t her deranged husband. She is about to be forced into the unknown world of vampires.

There were times that I loved and hated Vahe. He was an arrogant man, but I guess if you have been alive for centuries and you are a Watcher, you could afford to have an attitude. I still wanted to smack him right upside the head, just like Natalya did. While she is a scared scarred woman, she held her own with this brute and I applauded her. They had a combustible relationship that was a pleasure to read. She kept him on his toes and you could just see him losing his hard veneer.

Fear of Darkness is not a deep fulfilling emotional story, but it does grab you and doesn’t let go. It is a great short read if you want some hot vampire hero/villains, a spunky woman and non-stop action. Got an hour or so, pick up this book! It is a quick fix in your time of need.


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


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*Blurb Courtesy of Amazon

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes 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.

Road To Recovery by Alyssa Fox

Title: Road To Recovery

Author: Alyssa Fox

Sub-Genre(s): Erotic Romance

Publisher: Pink Petal Books

Publication Date: May 5, 2011

ISBN #: B0051HF0LG

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

Dr. Erin Miller’s life was going great; for the most part, anyway. She was single, had a career she loved, and a cherished circle of friends, but something was missing. When a mentorship with the Chief Pediatric Surgeon becomes available, she couldn’t be more thrilled. Maybe this is just what the doctor ordered! That is, until the handsome and charismatic Dr. Kyle Reynolds decides he wants the mentorship as well.

Kyle Reynolds has lost everything including his wife and daughter. With nothing left in his life except for his job, he sets his sights on the new mentorship position with single-minded determination. The only obstacle he faces is the sexy Dr. Erin Miller

Review:
Two brilliant doctors vying for the same coveted position. Problem is…they are going to be not only fighting for the position, but also their hearts.

Dr. Erin Miller is smart, determined, goal oriented and one of the most brilliant surgical residents on staff. Her dream has always been to work with children and now she has a chance to achieve that goal. Her only obstacle is Dr. Kyle Reynolds. Our first description of him is priceless, “God, could his scrubs hug his body any tighter?”

Kyle lives every day for his job. With nothing else in his life, he only wants to be the best he can be. After losing his daughter, he is bound and determined to never allow another parent feel what he felt when he lost his little girl. He is an arrogant, but amazing surgeon. He is a perfect candidate for the job.

Erin and Kyle have been at the same hospital from the beginning, starting their internship at the same time. They had chemistry right from the start, but circumstances got in the way and now they have the position for mentorship with a predominate surgeon as an barrier too. Ms. Fox didn’t play that obvious angle in the plot; it was more of a starting point for them. As their attraction grew the job actually took a whole different angle all together. I enjoyed how she tackled their troubles and made Erin and Kyle seem like real people with real problems. I fell in love with them right from the beginning.

I really should mark my rating down to say 4.5 cups, but I can’t. I have two reasons; one problem is there is something that happened between the lovers that was never resolved. Normally that wouldn’t be a concern for me if it wasn’t continually brought up. It was addressed right at the end of the book and a then a few pages later the story was done. Poof – that was it no answers or closure! It would have been better not to blatantly shine a light on it and then just drop it. My second problem is obvious editing errors. They were not major, just correctly spelled words that were not right for their context. One example is the use of trusted instead of thrusted. Believe me “trusted” wasn’t the proper word. But according to Word, thrusted is a misspelled word, so that could have been the problem.

I enjoyed the novel too much to even allow those two points to deter me from giving it a rating of 5 Cups. I totally enjoyed every sentence. There was realism, tenderness and believability. Road to Recovery is an exceptionally well written contemporary romance novel.


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


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*Blurb Courtesy of Amazon

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes 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 Kandy Shoppe by Debra Dennis

Title: The Kandy Shoppe

Author: Debra Dennis

Sub-Genre(s): erotic romance, contemporary

Publisher: Breathless Press

Publication Date: April 29, 2011

ISBN #: B004YQROIM

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

One sexy repairman, a little melting ice cream, and a lot of red-hot desire just might give dessert a whole new meaning.

Kandace Parker wants nothing more than to have a thriving ice cream parlor, but her run down equipment isn’t cooperating. Watching her profits melt away each time her freezer breaks is only half her problem – the other half is her sexy repairman, Jason Chapman.

Jason is man enough to admit he’s made some mistakes in his personal life; the biggest one was pushing Kandy away years ago. He knows the Ice Cream Queen won’t willingly give him a second chance, so he devises a plan to keep him front and center in her life with the hopes of wearing her down.

How far will Jason go to get his second chance? How far will Kandy go to keep her freezer running? When desires collide in The Kandy Shoppe, they'll have to decide if decadent sex is enough or if love can be the best dessert.

Review:
This sweet little delight is fast and fantastic.

Kandace “Kandy” Parker has wanted Jason Chapman for years. One horrible evening, back in college and he broke her heart. For several months Jason has been trying to get Kandy to give him a second chance. She is holding strong but after her freezer continues to breaking down, she is starting to falter. One indecent deal later and she caves to years of unfulfilled passion.

If you are looking for something earth shattering and deep, you will not find it here. This is just a wonderful quick read that is ooohhhh so sweet. There are no character outlines and barely a back story, just an enjoyable romp with a smokin’ hot repair man and a tantalizing business woman.

In the mood for a little sugar – check out this book. You will walk away satisfied!

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)



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*Blurb Courtesy of Amazon

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes 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.

Retribution: Journey of the Damned 1 by Robin Badillo

Title: Retribution: Journey of the Damned !

Author: Robin Badillo

Sub-Genre(s): Romance, vampire, paranormal

Publisher: eXtasy Books

Publication Date: October 1, 2010

ISBN #: B0046LV8RI

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Waking up in a strange place with no memory is hard enough, but when you unknowingly wake as a vampire with an insatiable desire to drain a stray cat of its life's blood--then you can bet that you're about to take a journey down a very bumpy road.

Sydney Chance finds herself a stranger to her new life as well as the one she left behind. On a reluctant mission to uncover her past, Sydney's struggle with bloodlust is magnified when all of her senses draw her to a brooding and intriguing vampire named Demetri Bastian, who seems more intent on fighting her at every turn as he keeps her at arm's length while trying to protect and control.

To make matters worse, a sadistic ancient vampire, who makes it his hobby to collect beautiful young women and keep them as pets, has his fangs set on Sydney. 

Not knowing her own name takes a back seat to the drama that unfolds all around her as she seeks revenge on the vampire who created her, sending her on a suspenseful trail of love, lies, betrayals, twists and turns that could quite possibly destroy her, immortal or not. 

Who says what you don't know can't hurt you?

Review:
Amnesia is a scary thing, but to also wake up with a nerve burning need to feed and not know who you are has got to be rough. Retribution is an enlightening take on the sorrows and joys of becoming a vampire.

When she woke up in a strange place she felt horrible. Everything seemed wrong and she hurt like hell. In and out of consciousness, surrounded by sights and sounds foreign to her, she was scared - no terrified. She knows she isn’t herself, but she doesn’t know who she is. Her hearing is amplified, her body is not her own and the person who is taking care of her is vague yet helpful.

That is how Sydney Chance felt when she woke up. With her new friend and new existence, Sydney must move forward. It doesn’t take long for her to understand what she is. With perseverance and anger towards her creator she has a new outlook on life or rather her undead life.

Now she must learn how to cope and how to survive in her strange new world. She must outmaneuver and outsmart the sadistic ancient Quinton and understand her unusual attraction to the standoffish gloomy vampire Demetri Bastian. With the help of her new friends, Sydney might just make it.

I enjoyed this different take on the turning of a vampire. To me it encompassed a more realistic view of a change. The body doesn’t just wake up and say “yummmm blood”. Ms. Badillo’s rendition of Sydney’s first 48 hours was a great opening with her strong emotions and turmoil of dealing with the change.

The vampires in Retribution have unique abilities that help them blend in with humans. It was a nice change all around; their abilities, weaknesses and strengths all blended well and didn’t seem outlandish.

Demetri is your typical vampire. He has a troubled past and he tries to ignore his feeling towards Sydney, all while being broody, grumpy and sexy. While reading Ms. Badillo’s comment from Sydney in regards to Demetri’s protectiveness of her, really gave me a chuckle and made me think of all the other alpha vampires out there in books: “Now, why did I still need to get permission from Demetri to go anywhere or do anything? Oh yeah, I remember, because he was a two-hundred-year-old vampire with a daddy complex.”

I am intrigued and fascinated by this vampire series. I have been drawn in and I plan on continuing to read about Sydney’s adventures as a vampire. Retribution is an absorbing and engaging read, not to be missed. I hope her journey is as good as her turning. Great job Ms. Badillo for writing a great introduction into this series, I’m hooked!


Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)



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*Blurb Courtesy of Amazon

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes 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 Proper Charlie by Louise Wise

Title: A Proper Charlie

Author: Louise Wise

Sub-Genre(s): Romantic Comedy

Publisher: You Write On

Publication Date: January 13, 2011

ISBN #: 978-1908147714

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 5 Cups

Blurb:*

Charlie Wallis has everything a girl could wish for. A loving boyfriend, a nice flat and a fantastic job as a journalist for London Core. Trouble is, Charlie's boyfriend's a waster, her job title really reads 'clerk' and her flat, at the top of a high-rise, isn't that nice after all. Her new boss, Ben, is a huge bear of a man. A gentle giant, with chocolate brown eyes that hold a secret.While London Core investigates the murders of local prostitutes, Charlie wants in on the action, deciding that dressing as a hooker and walking the streets is good research.Bumping into Ben was the last thing she expected.A story of opposites not only attract, but ignite!

Review:
I don’t think I have had this much fun in a long time!! This book had suspense, sexual tension and wonderful British humor all wrapped in a perfectly packaged PG rated novel. A Proper Charlie is a delightful story of two mismatched ordinary people, finding love in a most peculiar way.

Charlie is an average woman, with an average job and with a very below average love life. She gets through her daily grind with wit and her gay best friend, Melvin. I LOVE MELVIN!! Charlie has had a hard life growing up parentless in the system. All she ever wanted was to belong. She has no family and is starving for love and attention. I would have to say that is her biggest hurdle in life. She gloms onto someone and then lives in a fantasy world, totally clueless to the pitfalls and follies of loving losers.

Ben Middleton is not your normal alpha romance hero. He is a beta all the way. Living in the shadow of his controlling dominating father, Ben is coasting through life. His father even picks out his girlfriends. He knows he needs to change things, but is reluctant to do so. After the tragic loss of his mother, Ben’s life is thrown into upheaval. It’s time to make a change. He has a task to accomplish and he will do anything to achieve it.

This book is filled with misunderstandings and misconceptions. Normally I am not fond of that kind of storyline, but Ms. Wise does a wonderful job balancing it in the plot without sacrificing the romance. I really enjoyed watching these two come together and all the problems they had to overcome. I busted out laughing several times. The supporting cast members are absolutely fabulous! Every one of them enhanced the story. I felt like one of the gang and I’m going to miss them.

So to wrap things up, you got your ho-hum woman and your run of the mill wealthy man, mix in a serial killer, a half dozen prostitutes and a gaggle of quirky co-workers and you have this engaging, fun, fabulous read. I couldn’t put it down. A Proper Charlie is a delightful change of pace. I whole heartedly recommend this book!!


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


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*Blurb Courtesy of Amazon

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes 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 Heart of War by Lisa Beth Darling

Title: The Heart of War

Author: Lisa Beth Darling

Sub-Genre(s): Erotic, GLBT

Publisher: Moon Mistress Publishing

Publication Date: November 21, 2010

ISBN #: B004DCB3CA

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Inside the heart of every warrior breathes the soul of a hero--even within The Heart of War. 

Meet Ares God of War is the greatest Warrior the world has ever known, he's also moody, grumpy, dominant, ravenously sexual,and above all, built like a Greek God. 

Suspected of killing his Daughter in-Law, Psyche, and long in exile from Olympus, the solitude of Ares' island is interrupted when Magdalena MacLeod a brash and sometimes manipulative Fey washes up on Ares' island after believing she's been shipwrecked. There is no wreck and her memory of events is sketchy at best. Branded with a golden chastity belt bearing the mark of Cernunnos, Celtic God of the Forest and Death, Alena has been on the run from the Great Horned God for 200 years. As Ares and Alena grow closer discord erupts on the island as his head woman, Kat, plots to get rid of Alena and the Olympians plot to use her in their endeavor to discover who killed Artemis. Ares will have to choose between his Divinely Dysfunctional Family, his pride, and Alena before dueling to the death with the God of the Forest. 
Come along for an epic adventure of erotica, steamy romance, and drama in this Modern Day Greek Tragedy. Battle Ancient Gods and Fall in Love along side Ares God of War and Alena MacLeod. Theirs is a love that will rock the world from the heights of Olympus to the Celtic moors

Review:
I can honestly say this is the most adult book I have read in a long time. This is a phenomenal epic tale of war, revenge, hatred and love.

Ares the God of War is in exile for a crime he didn’t commit. Isolated on his private isle, he is surprised one night by an unconscious woman who has washed ashore. Ares is a striking God with long wavy raven hair and standing at seven feet tall. He has dark olive skin and onyx eyes. His ego is beyond measure. Arrogant, demanding and sexually dominant he is a force to be reckoned with and initially a tough character to love.

Magdalena MacLeod is confused. How did she get from off a ship sailing from Africa to an island off the coast of Greece? Things just seem to get worse from there. Now she is also a virtual prisoner of Ares. Alena is a tiny woman, with fragile features, long gray hair and silver eyes with alabaster skin. She is powerhouse though when it matters most. Strong-willed and adaptable, she takes on the egotistical God and holds her own.

I think I enjoyed this book so much because it was so unique. Lately most books I have read are simple, A and B do C and they live happily ever after. The Heart of War had so many amazing facets that as one scenario was resolved another was one waiting. I was never bored and I was completely immersed in the story. Ms. Darling covered the alphabet from A to Z.

The supporting cast was phenomenal, from the other inhabitants of the island all the way to the top of Mount Olympus. Ms. Darling wrote engaging and believable characters. We always knew the Olympian Gods were an incestuously devious group, but WOW this interpretation was spectacular and honestly plausible. I do have to say, I think I hated them more than loved them, but it all made for an emotional ride.

This book could have easily been a 5 Cup book for me. Unfortunately, there were way too many typographical and grammatical errors for me to ignore. Most errors would have likely been missed by a spell checker, but a thorough read through would have caught the obvious problems. I do have to say though, the continuity was solid and the story flowed well.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written novel with adventure, emotional turmoil, sizzling sex and an intricate plot. The Heart of War is a mature read due to the content of the story. The violence is vividly written and highly detailed. This book includes: incest, rape and torture scenes. I am looking forward to the next installment of this exceptional series.


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


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*Blurb Courtesy of Amazon

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes 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.

My Fierce Highlander (Part 1), by Vonda Sinclair

Title: My Fierce Highlander (Part 1)

Author: Vonda Sinclair

Sub-Genre(s): Historical, Scottish/Highlander

Publisher: Self

Publication Date: July 15, 2011

ISBN #: N/A

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Gwyneth Carswell, an English lady banished by her father to the harsh Scottish Highlands, wants nothing more than to take her young son away from the violence of two fighting clans--her own distant kin, the MacIrwins, and their enemies, the MacGraths. She risks everything to rescue the fierce MacGrath warrior from the battlefield where he’s left for dead by her clan. She only knows she is inexplicably drawn to him and he wants peace as she does. When her clan learns of her betrayal, they seek vengeance. Dare she trust the enemy more than her own family?

Laird Alasdair MacGrath is driven to end two-hundred years of feuding with the MacIrwins. But by taking in and protecting Lady Gwyneth and her son, he provokes more attacks from his mortal enemy. As the danger and conflict surrounding them escalate, Alasdair and Gwyneth discover an explosive passion neither of them expected. With the arrival of a powerful man from her past, a horrible decision confronts her--give up her son or the man she loves.

Review:
What a refreshing change from the norm!

Gwyneth Carswell is one of the most independent historical women I have ever read about. She was fierce in her own right. Due to an unfortunate scandal, she is sent to the Scotland Highlands by her father. She was born and breed as a lady, but she blossomed into an amazing strong, protective and productive woman. Gwyneth takes her responsibility as a mother seriously and refuses to become a dithering love struck lass. She is a modern woman in 1618, a true gem.

Laird Alasdair MacGrath is pure heaven. When I sit back and fantasize what MY highlander looks like, I see Alasdair. Dark haired, tall and a body built from battle. That’s not all though, he is confident, smart, witty, charming, protective, kind and extremely passionate. He is a dream come true, but an unrealistic dream that Gwyneth believes she can never have.

My Fierce Highlander is a story that grabs you and won’t let go. It draws you in, pulling you up a hill of sexual tension and building suspense, then cresting the peak for a beautiful descent into the world of love and passion.

Gwyneth and Alasdair is a perfectly matched couple. The couple’s troubles, obstacles and victories all seemed real and ideal. Ms. Sinclair did a fabulous job writing a well balanced and enjoyable book. The story had just enough descriptions of the land and its people to enhance the story without bogging down the storyline. The action was intense and the love scenes were sultry.

The other characters truly enhanced the enjoyment of the story. Rory, Gwyneth’s son, was adorable and such a wonderful addition to the story. He kept the plot grounded and real. I absolutely adored Alasdair’s brother, Lachlan. He kept me chuckling and shaking my head at him throughout the book. He is a perfect scoundrel. He will be a great story to read about in the next book. I can’t wait.

This is superb historical romance that will keep you up late and engaged. My Fierce Highlander will be a keeper on my shelf.

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 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.

Secret Love, by Fiona McGier

Title: Secret Love

Author: Fiona McGier

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

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press

Publication Date: January 1, 2011

ISBN #: 9781603139724

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Sheena has spent the last twelve years working for a government agency so secret that she didn't even learn what it was called for a year. She enjoys the work, but is getting bored. She tries her usual cure: a new man. But something about this one is different...and she develops feelings. In her world, even having feelings is dangerous. Indulging them by falling in love can be deadly.

Review:
My rating for Secret Love is more of a 3.5 Cups.

Destiny has a way of bringing two people together. Sheena Nelsen and Hickory Woods couldn’t be from more different worlds. Hers is a world of darkness, lies and secrets. His is flashy, public and surrounded by paparazzi.

No one really knows Sheena. Most don’t even know her real name or face. She is a spy. Her agency is so secret, the government barely knows about it. On a bit of a break between assignments, Sheena is in Berlin. Settling down for a little R&R, she is looking for one thing; a man to entertain her during her break. In walks tall, dark and handsome. A challenge she is ready to tackle. She has been bored for a while and he is just the diversion that she needs.

Hickory’s life changed dramatically two years ago by the loss of his wife and child. He was living the high life full of women and fame when his pregnant wife was killed in an auto accident. An accident he very well could have saved her from. With his Native American good looks he has taken the world of Hollywood by storm. A highly sought after action movie star. The world is at his feet, but he is a lonely man. Now after two years, he is beginning to live life again and his body is telling him that he needs to get a lot closer to a certain redhead.

Secret Love is a universal romance. I don’t mean that in a bad way either. The underbelly of this book is that the heroine is a deadly international spy, but the mystery, suspense and action doesn’t play a factor in this book. It is 100% pure romance. There was a touch of action in the book, but it was pretty standard and I felt downplayed. Yes, there is a villain but you know who he is and what he has planned, no surprises. I was on the edge of my seat as to when and where he would strike though.

While the story was fun and sweet, I kept hoping Ms. McGier would step out of her comfort zone and delve into the gripping world of intrigue. She can write a great love story, but I kept waiting for her to mix it up a bit. This series does have great promise. I am not a lover of the suspense/mystery genre per se, but I can see with Ms. McGier’s skill as a romance author and the prospect of a superlative secret spy agency, she could really spice things up and have an exceptional series. With her aptitude for sultry love scenes and character interaction she is a must read for me. I’m looking forward to her next novel in the series, Undercover Lover.

Available at:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)

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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.

Love Therapy (Reyes Romance, Book 6), by Fiona McGier

Title: Love Therapy (Reyes Romane, Book 6)

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary

Publisher: Wings ePress

Publication Date: June 1, 2010

ISBN #: 9781597055

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Miguel’s first love, his high school sweetheart, was the woman he wanted to marry…because they belonged together. But she had a different kind of future in mind and left for college, leaving him and his broken heart behind. 20 years later he saw her at their high school reunion. Will he walk away this time? Or is it still meant to be? And what will his family think?

Review:
This installment of the Reyes Family Romance was a sweet endearing love story.

The Reyes family has a history of falling in love and staying in love. This story really proved that theory. Love Therapy is a testament to true everlasting love.

Miguel Reyes is a man looking for his true love. Unfortunately he’s looking for her in feisty independent women who have no interest of settling down. As his twentieth class reunion looms he reflects on his lack of love life and family. He had it once, but lost it twenty years ago.

Alicia Torres stole and broke Miguel’s heart, not once but twice. She moved on and started a career in nursing miles away from her home town. She runs from him because of her past. She has no desire to relive the life of her mother. Fear makes her run, but regret makes her return. She attends her class reunion with one hope in mind…reconnecting with her one and only true love, Miguel.

What can I say about this story? It was a romance through and through. No real evil plots or dastardly deeds. Love Therapy was just heartfelt romance and the proof that love can endure all, even time and separation.

You can’t help but fall in love with Miguel and Alicia. It is actually heartbreaking that they lost so many years and opportunities because of misconceptions and untruths. If I had a complaint about the book it would be all the sugar sweet talking. I may have to go to the dentist after reading this story. Boy, those two were the most enamored, kissy-kissy characters I have ever come across. Though in all fairness, Miguel has loved her most his life and he finally has her and Alicia has past pain and a terrible childhood to overcome. They truly both deserve their happiness.

While reading Love Therapy I was fascinated by Alicia’s sister, Gabriela, and Miguel’s brother, Pablo. They knew each other when they were younger and their possible future could be an exciting addition. Gabriela, the ugly duckling turned beautiful swan and Pablo, the forever bachelor. My fingers are crossed that I get to enjoy their story. I have a feeling it will be spectacular.

Love Therapy is a fantastic addition to the series. Ms. McGier has continuously written enjoyable and well developed story lines. I have been captivated by them all and I plan to devour any and all of her future books.

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.

Analysis of Love (Reyes Romance, Book 5), by Fiona McGier

Title: Analysis of Love (Reyes Romance, Book 5)

Author: Fiona McGier

Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary

Publisher: Wings ePress

Publication Date: April 8, 2010

ISBN #: 9781597055871

Format: eBook from Author

Reviewer: Toni

Rating: 4 Cups

Blurb:*

Catalina is the one Reyes sister who has always resisted her Hispanic roots. She refused to learn Spanish...she refuses to fall in love. She is always in control; no man can resist her sexy appearance that promises to fulfill their every dream. What happens when she is assigned to interview a blind man who cant see her reliable attributes?

Review:
Sometimes in the world of investigative journalism you are required to do things you don’t agree with. That is the position Catalina Reyes has been put in and she is not a happy woman at all.

Catalina has always been in control of her life. Never wanting the white picket fence and the 2.5 children, she is happy being single. A consummate lover of men, she is a woman who knows what she wants and knows exactly how to get it. Unfortunately, she works for a devious tyrant of a man. Her boss has a score to settle and has no problems using Catalina’s looks and womanly wiles to achieve them. She is put in a no win situation. Take down the doctor or lose her job.

Dr. Evan Thompson is the one of the best looking men Catalina has ever set her eyes on. Tall, blond and a well sculpted body; he may just be the man for her. Problem is she has to discredit and destroy him, all while she can’t keep her mind off wanting to have him. She also respects him and believes in how he is helping people. He captivates her like no other man has ever done before.

Evan has a big problem and being blind is the least of his troubles. He is infatuated with his patient. Since the moment she walked into his office he knew there was something special about Catalina Reyes. His senses are well tuned instruments and they all screamed, "Sexy Trouble". He may not be able to see her, but he can feel the heat coming off her body, smell her alluring scent, and hear the lust in her voice. He is headed for a train wreck with no way to stop it.

The story had wonderful surprises and steamy love scenes. The situation was handled well and after a slight bump in the road, they handled themselves professionally. I enjoyed revisiting the family and was pleasantly surprised that so much time had passed since the last book. While the time span was quite large, I found it more believable then some series where the siblings / friends all fall in love, one right after the other. It was a very nice change of pace.

I have to admit I was a little weary about the subject matter of this book. It was sneaky, underhanded and deceitful. I was delightfully surprised on how Ms. McGier pulled off the storyline. Catalina had a very unsavory task ahead of her and was totally dismayed that she must complete the job, especially since she is immensely attracted to Evan. The surprises were well written and the heartbreak was poignant. Analysis of Love is another must read in the Reyes Family Romance 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.

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.

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.