Twin Flames by Cassandra L. Shaw

Title: Twin Flames
Author: Cassandra L. Shaw
Series: Katoom – #1
Genre: Sci Fi Romance
Release date: July 25, 2015
Pages: 330
Synopsis:

She’s in grave danger, but she doesn’t want his protection…

After a long and bitter world-war for pure human supremacy, humans and two sub-species the Eli and Crea reside on Earth in an uneasy harmony. One morning on a jog, Bliss Jacobs finds a murdered fellow Eli. She scents the killer on the body, but other evidence is washed away by a savage storm, leaving Bliss as the sole witness and the target of an assassin—and forcing her back into the world of the man who shattered her heart.

He believes she is his destined mate, but he knows there are no second chances…

Kaid Sinclair is chasing more than his best friend’s murderer. He wants Bliss in his bed and in his life, but after their relationship went south several years ago, he knows he has to tread carefully. So how can he keep her safe, while still proving to her that they are destined to be mates, and he doesn’t just want to control her? All he wants is for her to be safe—but with a killer who sees her as Kaid bait, Kaid may have to choose… his life or hers?

Rating: 
Reviewer: Rachel

Twin Flames is a unique romance read. Ms. Shaw has created an unquestionably Sci-Fi world, but within it are the shifter/were-type pack dynamics that would be familiar to any PNR fan. While my actual rating is three and a half stars, this review has been rounded up to four stars on Goodreads and Amazon since neither offers half-star options.

Our heroine, Bliss, is an Eli. She possesses preternatural strength, the ability to shift to the form of her Eli beast, and liquid silver runs through her veins–displaying every heightened emotion despite her best efforts to conceal them. Along with the Crea, Eli are one of the two sub-species living uneasily among humans on an alternate history future earth. Subs typically live with others of their kind on Clan land, but many years ago Bliss chose to leave the Clan and live on her own. Away from Clan rules and the dominant leader of the Eli whom she loved and left as a young adult.

Kaid is our hero and the uber-alpha leader of the Eli. Bliss wants to distance herself from her former love instead of working with him to solve a murder, and I can understand why. Kaid is a self-proclaimed womanizer and is unnecessarily crass to Bliss. Though he provides an explanation for his actions later on, it wasn’t enough to move me to Team Kaid. Throughout the book, even after he and Bliss are together, he comes off as somewhat misogynistic. Early on he describes Bliss as having “a body belonging in porn magazines” and toward the end he refers to a woman who came on to him with a low-cut blouse as a “whore”. Admittedly, I don’t go for the most alpha-y of heroes anyway, and this is just my personal opinion.

The copy I received for review was an ARC, so hopefully the copy editing errors I noticed will be corrected for future editions. I gave this around a four star rating because despite my negative opinion of the hero, it was a well-woven story and I’ve never read a Science Fiction Romance which managed to blend the pack elements of Paranormal Romance to create something brand new.

This copy was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

About this author

Shaw writes Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense, & Contemporary Romance. She lives in a small farm on the Sunshine Coast of Australia with her family and a mix bag of much loved animals. Her eclectic past includes fashion design, environmental science and years of drudgery as an office worker where she dreamed of NOT being an office worker.  She discovered writing a few years ago and has decided that with its mix of art, writing craft, and study she’s at last found the ultimate career.

cassandralshaw.com

  

Claiming the Boss by Vickie Valentine

Title: Claiming the Boss
Author: Vickie Valentine 
Series: Billionaire Obsession – #3
Genre: Erotic Romance 
Release date: December 10, 2015
Pages: 56
Synopsis:

I’ve never tasted anything like Samantha Rayne. Gorgeous, flirty and a dream in bed, she’s become my own personal brand of heroin, and I’m obsessed.

But I couldn’t impress her with my wealth, and she didn’t give a shit about my status. Me. Damon Baxter. Billionaire. Unable to keep the attentions of a bartender outside of the bedroom. It’s about time my life had a little change.

One way or the other, I’ll make her mine.

Rating: 
Reviewer: Rachel

Claiming the Boss is the final installment in Vickie Valentine’s Billionaire Obsession Series, and it does a great job of wrapping things up.

This short story/novelette is a bit of a whirlwind, starting off in the bedroom with Damon, Samantha, and some kinky times before the happy couple finds themselves torn apart. I won’t get into what happened and how or if it was resolved, but I will say I really felt the for each party involved. The emotions were very well written and I had my fingers crossed for an HEA despite how bleak it looked for them.

As someone who doesn’t typically go for contemporary romance, I’ve found that short, sexy stories really work for me. The Billionaire Obsession Series is perfect for my preferences in this genre.

About this author

My short stories range from silly, humorous and a bit slutty (Naughty Natalie Serial) to downright sexy and hot (Billionaire Obsession Serial). Please don’t always take them seriously…but I hope you’ll thoroughly enjoy them. After a long day at work it’s nice to sit back, relax and enjoy a short story that can be finished in one night. Grab a beer or glass of wine and fantasize with me!

Breakout by Trish Arcangelo

Title: Breakout
Author: Trish Archangelo
Series: –
Genre: Post Apocalyptic/Sci Fi Romance
Release date: November 18, 2015
Pages: 137
Synopsis:

A global pandemic has killed most of the world’s population. Alone, Monarch Winslow struggles to survive. An empty house, gas station food and the hope of reaching a refugee camp in Austin, Texas keep her alive. Then one night an injured man breaks into her house. A dangerously sexy man.

Monarch is wary but intrigued. Corbin claims he’s a mechanic and she can’t reach the camp without a working car. She needs his help. But he needs hers, too. As the days pass, they work together and a tenuous relationship turns to turbulent desire. But Corbin refuses to discuss his past and his secrets lie between them. Falling for a man she knows nothing about could endanger her life, as well as her heart.

Meantime, a hundred miles away, is safety, perhaps even surviving family. She hopes. But Monarch is no more sure of that than she is of Corbin…​

Rating: 
Reviewer: Rachel

This post-apocalyptic romance is the first novella I’ve read of Ms. Arcangelo’s, and I was very impressed.

Our heroine, Monarch, has survived for months out on her own after a pandemic sweeps the earth, causing mass casualties and global chaos. When we meet her she’s eking out a living in an abandoned mobile home, stocking up on supplies and trying to get to a refugee camp where there may be family members to reunite with. That in itself is super admirable. I’d be lying if I said Breakout didn’t make me reflect on how poorly I’d fare in the event of an apocalypse…

The manner in which our main characters meet adds mystery to Corbin’s character and serves as the beginning of a continuing theme to their relationship: trust. I was as curious about his past as Monarch was, and I enjoyed their progression from wary strangers to passionate lovers.

The beginning and the last 20% of the book were my favorite parts; not that the middle wasn’t solid, I just prefer more life-threatening danger kind of plot points as opposed to couples drama. But, that’s clearly just a personal preference. (I’m fully aware I have a tendency to be hard on main characters in this regard.) Speaking more neutrally there really is a good balance between internal and external conflict in this story.

This is an engrossing and sexy read, and you absolutely want Monarch and Corbin to beat the odds despite their situation seeming so bleak on the surface. It also makes you stop to think about what’s really important in life–something I know I don’t pause to do as much as I should.

This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

About this author

Trish read her first romance novel as a teenager (it was Hearts Aflame by Johanna Lindsey) and was immediately hooked. She’s been an avid reader of all genres of romance ever since. It has been a long time dream to try her hand at writing it as well and one day she decided to try to turn that dream into reality. She’s been having fun ever since! Her first release, DARKNESS EMBRACED, was released in February of 2015 and her next release, BREAKOUT, is due out later this year.

Trish lives outside of Austin, Texas with her incredibly supportive husband and two incredibly spoiled dogs. Besides writing & reading romance, some of her other loves include warm weather, trivia, red wine, dogs, and Halloween.

trisharcangelo.com

 

Rebound by Marie Johnston

Title: Rebound
Author: Marie Johnston
Series: –
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release date: June 25, 2015
Pages: 50
Synopsis:

Navy Lieutenant Kane Swenson wasn’t heading into Fleet Week looking for a hookup, definitely not lasting love. This Fleet Week he was tasked with fulfilling best man obligations for his brother, but their dinner out led him to a beautiful, fuming Olivia Penguilly. He makes it his mission during Fleet Week to convince the sharp beauty that he’s worth more than a few days, he’s worth a lifetime.

Olivia was done with men, especially ones who constantly put their career before their relationships. When Kane hits on her, right after she breaks up with her longtime boyfriend, she’s willing to indulge herself in a little flirtation with a handsome Sailor. Then she finds out he’s not only career military, but lives in another state and is being deployed for several months. Olivia quickly realizes a quick fling with Kane is not enough, but how can she commit to a man she just met, who is contractually obligated to put his career before his personal life?

Rating: 
Reviewer: Rachel

Kane is a Naval lieutenant at Fleet Week, and Olivia is an always-does-the-right-thing kinda gal coming off a dead end relationship.

I don’t read the contemporary romance genre too much, as I gravitate toward stories that rely more on external conflict than internal. But this short of 50 or so pages was a good fit for my preferences. It gives you the story of their relationship from the time they meet to their HEA in a nice compact package. Some aspects were somewhat glossed over, but even so this is a well written tale of two people who seem meant to be.

A great mix of sweet and sexy, this novelette really worked for me. Ms. Johnston just may get me hooked on military romances yet…

About this author

Marie Johnston grew up in the upper Midwest and planned to go to college for English. Didn’t happen. She started college in accounting and was awful! Grabbing her inner science geek by the pocket protector, she changed to microbiology and medical technology where her only writing involved scientific articles and procedures.

Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, “one day, I’d like to write a book.” Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it! Her favorites genres to tell stories in are paranormal and contemporary romance.

mariejohnstonwriter.com

Through His Eyes by Deborah Camp

Title: Through His Eyes 
Author: Deborah Camp
Series: Mind’s Eye – #1
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance
Release date: April 4, 2015
Pages: 302
Synopsis:

Two psychics – one serial killer.

Someone is stalking women and murdering them in Key West.

Levi Wolfe and Trudy Tucker join forces to help identify the murderer and stop him. Levi can channel the deceased victims and Trudy can tap into the mind of the killer. As a psychic detective team, they’re formidable. As lovers, they discover that they’re insatiable.

But if Trudy can see through the killer’s eyes, can the killer see her?

Rating: 
Reviewer: Rachel

3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.

Through His Eyes follows Trudy Tucker, a talented psychic who’s learning to fully accept and tap into her gift as she works a Key West serial murder case with the sexy showboat medium, Levi Wolfe.

Levi is rich, good at what he does, and pretty dang arrogant. I enjoyed Tru’s reluctance to give in to him, and wish she’d held out even longer. Set in southern Florida, the sunny, beachy descriptions put me in the mood for a vacation and some key lime pie! Sex scenes were plentiful–you can’t deny Levi and Tru have chemistry in the bedroom. The mystery was well done and Ms. Camp didn’t hold back on some of the more gruesome aspects of the murders. Seeing the murderer’s horrific actions through the heroine’s mind makes for suspenseful, anxious reading. Makes me wonder just how tuned in Trudy can get with the people she tracks.

I’d classify this as a Romantic Suspense with heavy paranormal themes. Though at times abundant internal conflicts between the main characters occasionally gave it a Contemporary Romance feel.

This copy was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

About this author

Hello Kind Readers!

What shall I tell about myself that isn’t X rated? Hmmm. Okay. I love dogs and I volunteer for an animal rescue group. I also love men and I have one I’m fairly fond of — we aren’t married but we’ve been in a relationship for most of my adult life! My heart still skips a beat when he walks into the room. Sappy, but true.

I cut my teeth reading romances and writing has always been part of my life ever since I learned the alphabet. I worked as a journalist before I quit to be a full-time novelist. I’ve always made my living writing. More than 40 of my novels have been published.

deborah-camp.com

 

Sinsual Torture (Part I) by Cinnamon Sin

Title: Sinsual Torture
Author: Cinnamon Sin
Serial: #1
Genre: Erotica
Release date: July 26, 2015
Pages: 17
Synopsis:

Kate doesn’t allow personal feelings to sway her from her job. A target is either acquired or eliminated depending on the client’s wishes. That is, until she meets Slate.

Rating:
Reviewer: Rachel

This was a quick, but very smexy read. Part 1 of a short story serial, Sinsual Torture follows the seriously lethal lady Kate as she trails a target at an upscale party. It just happens her target is smokin’ hot.

Slate won’t be an easy get for her, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t get lucky. *wink*

This short story is rather hot and both the hero and heroine are quite likable and more than a little dangerous. A perfect diversion for my commute home from work.

Pleasing The Boss by Vickie Valentine

Title: Pleasing The Boss 
Author: Vickie Valentine
Series: Billionaire Obsession – #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Release date: July 21, 2015
Pages: 88
Synopsis:

Hell in the company of Damon Baxter was blissfully hot.

He named the poshest nightclub in town after the color of his eyes. A conceited and narcissistic gesture, to be sure. But after one night in his bed, I didn’t care about his arrogance or his money. I only cared about his chiseled body, and the masterful way he used it to please mine.

I offered him a single night of pleasure, but when he demanded another in that deep and sexy whisper, what could I say?

He was my boss, and I always aimed to please… when it pleased me.

He didn’t care that I broke his rules. But was I ready to break my own?

Rating:
Reviewer: Rachel

Pleasing the Boss is the second in a three part book serial, and it’s delightful. This installment explores Damon and Samantha’s budding relationship, though I don’t think either one of them is ready to call it that yet. And that’s ok! Right now they’re both having fun. Sweaty. Sexy. Fun.

This time around we learn more about Samantha’s family and backstory and are introduced to a character who could prove to be a problem for these young lovers.

I enjoyed this short story/novelette, though I like the first one more. Admittedly this isn’t my typical genre. The fact that I had such a good time with it is reflective of the author’s talent. When I finished, it had me thinking I might even explore the billionaire genre further(!)

Looking forward to Part 3!

This copy as provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

About this author

My short stories range from silly, humorous and a bit slutty (Naughty Natalie Serial) to downright sexy and hot (Billionaire Obsession Serial). Please don’t always take them seriously…but I hope you’ll thoroughly enjoy them. After a long day at work it’s nice to sit back, relax and enjoy a short story that can be finished in one night. Grab a beer or glass of wine and fantasize with me!

Meeting The Boss by Vickie Valentine

Title: Meeting The Boss
Author: Vickie Valentine
Series: Billionaire Obsession – #1
Genre: Erotic Romance
Release date: May 10, 2015
Pages: 54
Synopsis:

When I landed the best bartending job in downtown Chicago, the rules were clear as the Grey Goose martini I mixed for him. Don’t sleep with the patrons. I had no problem with that. Money didn’t impress me.

But Damon Baxter’s eyes did. Midnight blue, just like the name of his nightclub. The way they undressed me made me consider risking the most sought after job in the service industry. Nailing the position had been hard.

Obeying the rules? Even harder.

Good thing I like it hard.

I was never one for following orders. For one night with him, I would have sold my soul to the devil.

And that’s exactly what I did.

Rating:
Reviewer: Rachel

The first in a three part book serial, Meeting the Boss introduces us to Samantha, a stunning, sassy bartender who works hard and plays even harder. She’s not afraid of her sexuality which is actually pretty refreshing. And she wants nothing to do with Damon Baxter, the billionaire with runway-model looks who owns the super exclusive nightclub where she works. Well, her libido wants something from him but her heart tells her to stay away. He’s bad news and she’s been down that road before.

I won’t get into plot specifics, but I’ll say this is a great first installment that teaches us there’s more to Samantha and Damon than what’s apparent on the surface. Oh, and the heat factor was way up there. My A/C has been down, and this steamy read didn’t help matters much. *fans self*

I don’t read contemporary romance/billionaire storylines too often, but this was a great quick read–well paced and well done. I’m looking forward to what else Ms. Valentine has in store for us.

This copy was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

About this author
My short stories range from silly, humorous and a bit slutty (Naughty Natalie Serial) to downright sexy and hot (Billionaire Obsession Serial). Please don’t always take them seriously…but I hope you’ll thoroughly enjoy them. After a long day at work it’s nice to sit back, relax and enjoy a short story that can be finished in one night. Grab a beer or glass of wine and fantasize with me!

The Oracle’s Secret by Amber Darke

Title: The Oracle’s Secret 
Author: Amber Darke
Series: The Oracle Saga – #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Release date: May 20, 2015
Pages: 143
Synopsis:

Livya didn’t ask to be the Oracle.

The only one of her generation with the power to see the future, she’s spent her life being exploited for her abilities by those more powerful than her.

After a failed attempt to escape to London, Livya finds herself on a desperate quest to prevent a magical war.

With their enemies hard on their heels, Livya and her two companions – Steele, a powerful magic user with a bad attitude, and Tarian, an enigmatic stranger – are forced to work together to navigate the treacherous magical terrain of Sherwood Forest.

But Livya has a secret – a vision of a man from her future.

Who is he, and will he be her destiny… or her downfall?

Rating:
Reviewer: Rachel

We’re first introduced to the Oracle Livya as she’s trying to make a new life for herself in London, away from her Prince’s court. She had been kept at court against her will since she was a child and forced to provide the Prince with any prophecies she sees, even though most of her visions involve various breakfast foods she’ll be consuming in the near future. Our heroine is none too pleased with those tasked to return her, including this story’s hero, Tarian. The two soon find themselves on a quest for the plot’s magical MacGuffin, the Lightstone.

Livya, Tarian, and the Prince’s chief guard are ordered to fetch the Lightstone from Sherwood Forest before it falls into enemy hands. I enjoyed how this was handled–an enchanted Sherwood accessible only to those who know the spell to gain entrance. Their journey was fraught with otherworldly danger, and reminded me (in a good way) of Alice’s trip through Wonderland, with the added bonus of Livya having some magic of her own up her sleeve.

Livya had some amusing lines and thoughts, “…running a magical kingdom is actually 90% admin and only 10% phenomenal cosmic power,” but I found I had a hard time connecting with her and Tarian. It could be that the first person, present tense point of view gave me a young adult vibe (but don’t get me wrong, this has its share of steamy scenes) or perhaps Livya seemed immature due to the fact she led a very sheltered life. I’d be interested to see the character grow and learn to make even better use of her abilities as this series continues.

This was very well edited, with the exception of the use of apostrophes instead of quotation marks for dialog. Maybe it’s a regional thing? The ending was somewhat of a cliffhanger, in that things weren’t quite resolved. Or is this the first in a serial? Anyway, bottom line: Three stars mean I liked this book. And Livya and Tarian have the potential to become even more captivating as Ms. Darke’s Oracle Saga series continues.

This copy was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Sylvia’s Torment by Veronica Del Rosa

Title: Sylvia’s Torment
Author: Veronica Del Rosa
Series: Enforcers and Coterie – #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Release date: February 24, 2015
Pages: 339
Synopsis:

Second in the Enforcers and Coterie series, each one is a standalone book delving deeper into a world where magic co-exists peacefully with the ordinary, for the most part…

He waited to claim her…
Has time run out?

Derek wants Sylvia back – now. His Beta. His second-in-command. His lifemate. As a Top Alpha, few obstacles stand in his way. But even with nearly infinite resources at his fingertips, he’s spent months searching for his missing unclaimed mate, her agony slowing driving him feral. If he doesn’t find her soon, he’ll destroy everyone in his way.

Abducted.
Tortured.
But not broken.

Three months since her abduction, Sylvia keeps a mental tally as day passes into night. Torture and endless rounds of experimentation push her to the brink. Silver in the walls burns her, drugs keep her complacent. Freedom is a dream. Rescue is impossible.

If she escapes, will she be sane?
If she comes home a damaged werewolf, will her pack accept her…
Or kill her?

Bonus novella included: Unexpected Werewolf

Lori hadn’t expected her world to change. Go to work, avoid her asshole boss Ed, and spend time with friends. Then he came into her life. With a few simple words, he altered everything. Can she accept the new and the unknown?

Rating:
Reviewer: Rachel

Sylvia’s Torment is a roller coaster of a Paranormal Romance, and damn, it was a great ride. This is my second read by author Veronica Del Rosa, with the first in the Enforcers and Coterie Series being my introduction to her, and she just keeps getting better. This action-packed story follows sexy Top Alpha Derek Quinlan as he searches for his abducted pack mate and loyal Beta, Sylvie.

He’s a tough, unrelenting, shrewd leader who hunts down his missing lifemate with the same fierce tenacity that won him his position as the head of Toronto’s packs. But as you read on you discover Derek is a study in contrasts. Despite his icy facade and all that power, the tenderness and adoration he shows for his woman as she recovers from a horrific ordeal is a refreshing character trait for an uber-alpha male in the PNR genre.

“Broken can be fixed.”

And Sylvie is no doormat heroine. Her strength and fortitude gained my respect immediately and had me not only hoping Derek would finally reveal to her that they’re meant to be, but that these two would catch a break for once! Enemies attacked our MC’s from every angle from start to finish and I had my fingers crossed tightly for an HEA.

This is a well written, sensual tale featuring a couple who truly care for one another, and I highly recommend it.

This copy was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

About this author

A self-professed computer geek, Veronica loves fixing computers, watching sci-fi and comedy shows and occasionally gaming.  Writing has always been a constant in her life, whether in a journal or stories to amuse. Keeping the imagination alive, she tells bedtime stories to her young son. Reading is more than a passion, it’s almost an obsession. PNR, UF and fantasy are the mainstay with occasional forays into horror and mystery.