AFTERTIME by Sophie Littlefield

AFTERTIME
SOPHIE LITTLEFIELD
Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic
Luna Books, a division of Harlequin Enterprises
Sensuality Rating: Sexy
ISBN #978-0-373-80336-1
384 Pages
$14.95
Paperback: February 15, 2011

Rating 5 Enchantments

In post-apocalyptic California, people are struggling with day to day survival. Bio-warfare decimated the landscape, killing off plants and animals, only the hardiest survived. Then came the blue-leaf fever, it didn't kill every one affected, yet those who survived became flesh-eaters, zombies, or more commonly referred to as Beaters.

Cass Dollar can't remember the last 2 months of her life, but that is not a terrible thing, the last she does remember is being taken away by a group of Beaters. The scars on her body tell a story that even she finds hard to believe. She has recovered from the disease, fortunately with no recollection of what she did or became. Now she has one focus, to find her daughter Ruthie.

With the help of the mysterious man everyone calls Smoke, Cass hopes to find Ruthie. Knowing it would be a difficult road, she never envisions the obstacles thrown in the way of their quest. Nor is she prepared for the feelings Smoke has awakened in her .

*****

When I flipped to the last page of AFTERTIME my initial reaction was: WHAT?!? THIS is the END?!? Noooooo, I wanted MORE! I wasn't ready to let Cass, Smoke and Ruthie go yet. I felt as if I was just getting to know them. Lord knows, we barely scratched the surface of Smoke. He is so mysterious, alpha, heroic, kind and SUPER hot! This was a gripping and emotional tale of survival that will keep any reader on their toes, because you just never know what is going to happen when you turn the page.

Cass had lead a pretty lousy life in the Before, one that she strongly regrets. You can feel her yearning to be a better person. Her daughter Ruthie is the reason she keeps going on, yet as the story moved on, I understood that she was starting to care for Smoke, and wanted to be a better person for him also.

Ahh, Smoke is still a delicious mystery. I'm not really sure why he was so eager to leave with Cass and why he never wavered in his faith of her. Of course I'm happy he made the decisions he did. There were a few brief explanations, but he really stuck his neck out for a complete stranger.

AFTERTIME is the first book of a new series I canNOT wait to continue. There were a few spots in the beginning of the book that seemed a bit discombobulated, but that didn't last long, and in all honesty, it worked with the story because Cass was just coming out of her illness and was trying to work things out in her confused brain.

Aemelia
Enchanting Reviewer
January 2011

NIGHT BETRAYED by Joss Ware

NIGHT BETRAYED

Envy Chronicles #4

JOSS WARE

Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Post Apocalyptic

Avon
Sexy
ISBN #978-0062018632
384 Pages

$7.99

Paperback/eBook: Available

Rating 4.5 Enchantments

Theo Waxnicki has lived thru the end of the world, literally. During the Change, somehow his physical chemistry was altered. While his twin brother Leo has aged naturally these last fifty years, Theo doesn't look much over 30. He also gained some super-human powers, which has helped him and his brother in their efforts to discover what really happened fifty years ago. Apparently Theo has exhausted his lifetimes, when his last injury becomes fatal. But a jolt brings him back to life.

Selena is known as the “Angel of Death” as people flock to her, believing that she can guide souls to Heaven. When her latest patient is brought to her, she expects he will soon be crossing over, but is shocked when he comes back to life.

****

Wow, I was not prepared for the emotional roller coaster Joss Ware took me on in her latest installment of the Envy Chronicles. *Please be warned that tissues should be kept nearby.* I've been waiting for Theo's story since first being introduced to him four books ago, thankfully I was not disappointed. Selena was a perfect character for him, having witnesses and lived through much of the same things he did, though she had a very different vision of things. I did find Selena a bit irritating at first, but as I got to know and understand her, her actions made sense. I was devastated by the turn of events, which became a turning point in the story. I liked how Ms. Ware convinced me to find compassion in the most horrific of things.

I loved how Ms. Ware kept the storyline moving as we learned more and more about the Strangers (or the Elite). I also liked learning more about the creation of the gangas, as it brought more of an understanding to what has been going on. I thought she really brought her characters to life. Not just her main characters, but the secondary characters were also very easy to connect with. Sam, Remy, Ian, and Wyatt all had intricate parts that kept me engaged in the story.

I'm really torn. I can't wait for Remy's story...but I can't decided if I want her more with Wyatt or if I want her to be with Ian Marck (I refuse to believe we've seen the last of him). Wyatt is a savior to her, though they seem to butt heads, but there was a connection with Ian. I've always been a sucker for a villain turned hero, but I don't think he's as bad as he's been portrayed. Sure he's no saint, but there's hero potential there, yeah I'm totally crushing on him. :o) Well, I figure Remy will be paired with Wyatt, and I know they will work. I'm also confident that she will find the perfect match for Ian.

Aemelia

Enchanting Reviewer

January 2011

SINS OF THE HEART by Eve Silver

SINS OF THE HEART
EVE SILVER
Paranormal
Harlequin
Sexy
ISBN #978-0-373-77482-1
384 Pages
$7.99
Paperback: Available August 1, 2010

Rating 4.5 Enchantments

As the eldest son of Sutekh, Lord of Chaos(just one of a string of glorious titles), Dagan Krayl is the most feared soul reaper, gathering the wickedest souls for his father to consume. When his brother is brutally murdered, Dagan is determined to find and destroy those responsible.

Roxy Tam is an Asetian Guard of the Daughters of Aset, set on protecting the innocent. She finds herself drawn to Dagan as she joins him on the quest to seek answers to his brothers death, uncovering a plot destine to cause war in the Underworld.

*****

Roxy and Dagan have a bond that pulls them together, neither is sure why, though Roxy has a pretty good idea. I love the passion and determination each of them show, for each other, and for what they believe in. Dagan is a delicious being that I would love to be able to take a bite out of. The heat of desire between him and Roxy keeps the pages smoldering, that and the action-packed adventure they embark on to find the truth keeps the pages turning. Roxy is a bit more reluctant to let go of herself than Dagan, she has her secrets and fears, but Dagan is able to draw her out, whether she likes if or not.

As the first book of a new dark paranormal series Eve Silver did an excellent job creating a world inhabited by gods, demons, humans and everything in between. She masterfully blended both Earthly and Underworld characters and scenes. I was drawn into a whole new world that I cannot wait to further explore. Especially as there are answers I still need. I can't wait to see who and what is in store for Dagan's brothers or how everything will be resolved.

Eve Silver is the author of Gothic historical and gritty paranormal romance novels. She also rights speculative romance under the pseudonym Eve Kenin.

Aemelia
Enchanting Reviews
2010

SINFUL by Charlotte Featherstone

Historical Romance
Harlequin Spice
Sensuality Rating: Sizzling
ISBN #978-0-373-60543-9
$13.95
336 pages
eBook & Trade Paperback—Available Now

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Jane Rankin's only goal in life is to be respectable. Her past has shown her what happens to those without such a goal, and she refuses to put herself into that position. She's a paid companion by day, and a nurse by night. Her job as a companion has placed her on the edge of the aristocracy. She began nursing to fulfill a debt, but in it she has found respectable work that she enjoys and can envision herself to continue on into the future.


Matthew, Earl of Wallingford, is a disreputable rake. He would rather debase himself with scandal than become a respectable hypocrite. He suffers from a secret that he can never divulge. Something so shameful that he could not it bear to be known. He cannot open himself up to the vulnerability of emotion.


When Matthew is beaten and left for dead, he awakens to the touch and sound of an Angel. Jane makes him yearn for her in a way he's never felt about anybody. Jane is drawn to Matthew's forbidden touch. Can either of these lost souls learn to trust and love one another?

****

SINFUL by no means follows any standard formula for historical romance. I was enthralled by Jane and Matthew's actions and emotions in reaction to their painful life experiences. While the last ¼ of the book ticked me off, I could still appreciate the unconventional Happily Ever After. I really liked this story, I just didn't care for how some of the predicaments where handled.

I hated the situations Jane and Matthew were forced into, as their choices were abysmal, but that is also what made this book so good, as it forced the characters to move on into directions that I wouldn't have foreseen. I'll be honest, part of my reason for reading romance is that awful situations can be easily solved by the authors stroke of a pen. I commend Ms. Featherstone for NOT doing that. In her writing she brought forth so many emotions. The sizzling heat of passion between Jane and Matthew kept the pages fairly smoldering, and I could feel the pain and hate that Matthew and Jane faced.

This was my first experience with Charlotte Featherstone, but it will not be the last, as she has shown me that she can write a HOT romance with some very enticing characters and interesting plot twists, that I don't see coming.

Aemelia
Enchanting Reviews
July 2010

CRAZY FOR LOVE by Victoira Dahl

CRAZY FOR LOVE

VICTORIA DAHL
Contemporary Romance
Harlequin
Sexy
ISBN #9780373774623
384 Pages
$7.99
Paperback Available July 2010

Rating 5 Enchantments

After her finance fakes his death to avoid marrying her, Chloe Turner is branded the worlds most heinous Bridezilla. For a bit of relief from the paparazzi, Chloe and her best friend Jenn escape to a quiet island get away.


World renowned treasure hunter Max Sullivan seeks to stay out of the limelight. Hoping for a peaceful vacation on a tranquil island, he agrees to go with his brother, Elliot, to help him learn how to sail.


When the two friends catch a glimpse of their hot island neighbors, they decide that an island fling is just what Chloe needs to regroup and relax. Max thinks that Chloe is an uncomplicated sweet girl, just right for an island affair. But can Max handle the media frenzy when Chloe's identity is discovered?

****

This book CRUSHES everything I have read so far this year, actually, it's the best book I've read in a very long time. I could NOT put it down once I started, I stayed up until 2am finishing CRAZY FOR LOVE. Victoria Dahl did a phenomenal job, creating intelligent, entertaining, passionate characters that I absolutely fell in love with. I laughed, I cried and I ended the book with a sigh of happiness.

Chloe was handed such a crappy hand by her ex-fiance and the media, but she was determined to ride it out. I loved the strength she showed to overcome her problems. Though her little break down, while not much for helping her cause, was funny, and a well-deserved stress reliever, it also made her very realistic...who wouldn't want to throw Chinese food at the paparazzi?!

Max was a manipulative control-freak, I know that sounds bad, but he did it because he had a major phobia of people getting hurt or ruining their lives, when he could have done something to prevent it, because of that, it was an endearing characteristic. Chloe saw right through him and wasn't afraid to call him out on it. I loved their sexy banter, their red hot passion and the emotional journey they took us on, as they both had things to resolve before their Happily Ever After. But, Max really ticked me off when he finally decided to stop being the savior of all, as he had terrible timing.

I liked Max's brother, Elliot, he was so sweet and deserved to find happiness. But I did not like Chloe's friend Jenn, I just couldn't agree with her actions. But then again, I happen to be a very blunt and upfront person, and in my opinion, secrets from you friends do nothing but hurt them, if you can't tell your best friend ANYthing, then you aren't being a good friend.

I can't wait until CRAZY FOR LOVE comes out in print, so that I can buy a copy for my keeper shelf and a couple copies for my friends, it was so good that I can't wait to share it! Also, I can't wait until August, when A LITTLE BIT WILD, Victoria Dahl's new historical series will be released.

Aemelia
Enchanting Reviewer
April 2010

THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER, Book #1 by Leanna Renee Hieber

THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER, Book #1

LEANNA RENEE HIEBER
Gothic Victorian Fantasy Romance
Dorchester Publishing
Sensuality Rating: Sexy
ISBN #978-0-8439-6296-3
320 Pages
$6.99
Paperback: Available Now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Enchanting and shy, Percy Parker plans to try and blend in as much as possible as a student in Victorian London's Athens Academy. Well, to blend in as much an albino that can see and talk to ghosts possibly can.

Professor Alexi Rychman is focused on his studies at the Academy, deciphering the prophecy that he has been anticipating since childhood, and fighting the demons that threaten to consume the earth. He doesn't know quite what to think of Percy, while he pities her for her odd appearance, he is captivated by her personality and her unusual gift.

A sadistic killer know as The Ripper is terrorizing the streets of London. Is he naught but a madman or is he a demon? Is Percy entering Alexi's life just a coincidence or does she somehow fit into the prophecy? Can their feelings expand beyond teacher/student?

I absolutely loved this book. It was nothing like I expected, though in all honesty, when I first opened THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER, I really didn't know what to expect. The depth of emotion and the complexity of the characters drew me in completely. I can't remember the last time I read a tear-jerker, but I definitely will have a few tissues handy when I pick this up to reread, and reread it I will. This book has definitely earned a spot on my Keeper Shelf. There is also an element of humor that balances the book out, keeping it from being depressing.

Percy is someone that is easy to feel sympathy for, she's had a difficult time, being so different from everyone else, and I'm not talking about the fact that she can see and talk to dead people. Her experiences have given her an inner-strength that is easy to admire, but it has also given her a complex of inferiority, which is fascinating watching her emerge from. Alexi, while being a strong, yummy, Alpha-male did exhibit a few moments of idiocy, where I wanted to slap him, but I could understand his reluctance to be with Percy, mostly the whole student/teacher relationship taboo, if he'd not fought to cross that line, I wouldn't have been able to respect him quite so much.

I can't wait until April 27, 2010, when Book #2 THE DARKLY LUMINOUS FIGHT FOR PERSEPHONE PARKER is release, as I will be right there to scoop it up and devour it!

Leanna Renee Hieber is a bestselling author, actress and playwright. Originally from rural Ohio, she is now a resident of New York City. She is also the co-founder of Lady Jane's Salon a Romance Reading series held at Madam X's in Manhattan, where on the first Monday of every month, authors read from their latest writings. All proceeds from Lady Jane's go to Share the Love a non-profit organization focused on helping women transition into independent lives, to find out more you can visit: http://www.leannareneehieber.com, http://www.share-the-love.org and http://www.ladyjanesalon.com.


Aemelia
Enchanting Reviewer
January 2010

GHOSTLAND by Jory Strong

GHOSTLAND
JORY STRONG
Urban Fantasy Romance
Berkley Sensation
Sensuality Rating: Spicy
352 pages
ISBN# 978-0-425-22606-3
$15.00
Trade paperback – Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

In a post-apocalyptic world Aisling McConaughey is ripped away from her simple life to use her gift as a powerful shamaness guide into the Ghostlands. When she unwittingly calls upon Djinn prince Zureal en Caym to help her discover the whereabouts of a high-powered politician's mistress, Aisling's not prepared for the price he will demand.

Zureal has never before been called upon, but the experience of being torn away from his world and thrust into the power of another is not one he will tolerate without retribution. He will make the child of mud pay for taking control out of his hands.

When Aisling and Zureal learn someone is trying to enslave a demon through the drug “Ghost”, them must work together to discover who is behind the evil that threatens both of their worlds.

GHOSTLAND is a powerful story of the struggle between right, wrong, revenge, passion, and forgiveness. Jory Strong wrote a complex, emotionally charged tale, successfully creating a world and characters that captivated me. Aisling first appears as a fragile woman who has never really had much in her life, but she quickly shows deep strength and while her confidence waivers, she always does what she MUST do, even when she is scared. Zureal was pissed. He did not like losing control, and he was determined to make Aisling pay. What he wasn't prepared for was the scorching heat of desire that he felt when he tracked her. I could feel the sizzle of passion as I turned the smoldering pages. Not only was their passion hot, but the action was riveting as they struggled to locate the fiend responsible for “Ghost” and in the process came to realize the feelings they held for each other.

When I finished reading GHOSTLAND, I so looked forward to revisiting the post-apocalyptic world Ms. Strong had created that ran out to buy SPIDER-TOUCHED, book 2 in the Ghostland series, which I also loved...now I just have to wait patiently until September 2010 for the next installment, HEALER'S CHOICE.

When author Ms. Strong is not writing, you might find her reading or working with her horses on her ranch out in the boondocks.


Aemelia
Enchanting Reviews
October 2009

MISS LONELY HEARTS by Charlene Teglia

MISS LONELY HEARTS

CHARLENE TEGLIA
Romantic Comedy
Samhain Publishing
Sensuality Rating: Spicy
ISBN# 1-59998-031-2
167 Pages
$4.50
eBook – Available Now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

After two failed engagements, Cassandra Adams is sick of looking for love first, hoping it would eventually lead to marriage. Her first fiancé left her the day of the wedding. Her second fiancé broke up with her at work, a month before their planned wedding. The one common denominator in both break-ups was Cassandra's cousin, Riley the Bastard. If Cassandra weds by her 28th birthday, she stood to inherit 3 million dollars, if she was not wed by then, it would revert to her cousin's side of the family. Cassandra decided it was time to look for marriage first, and to hope that love follows. Her first step was to peruse the online dating sites, where she came across a promising candidate in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Someone is pulling a “Miss Lonely Hearts” con on the good male patrons of the Last Chance Saloon, and Jason Alexander is determined to find out who it is, and to trap her at her own game. Jason posted a profile on an online dating site, knowing that he would get the woman, and make her pay back what she had conned his customers out of. Sam, Dwight and Duke- the victims, described her profile as blonde and beautiful, from Seattle.

When Jason and Cassandra start communicating, Cassandra thought she found a man she could spend the rest of her life with in happiness. Jason knows he had found Miss Lonely Hearts. He set the trap, and figured to spring it. Much to his surprise, though not the surprise of Sam, Dwight and Duke, Cassandra is the genuine article, and he cannot wait to get married to her.

This is a very sweet story, I fell in love with the characters - Cassandra, who just wants to find someone who will love her and cynical Jason who was just out to catch a con artist, but finds love instead. I also liked the quirky side characters, as Ms. Teglia made them realistic and funny. I could picture Reverend Moonshine, Rex and Mona as she described them.

I do believe my favorite line in the book was “...that she'd had a stripper jump out of her wedding cake.” Now if that doesn't set the tone for a comedy, I don't know what will. Cassandra and Jason's wedding was definitely not your ordinary wedding, but it would be a memorable one. There was a steam and chemistry between them that made you want this marriage to work. The sex scenes were very hot, and, I thought, very well written.

This is the first book I've read by Charlene Teglia, but it will not be the last. She spun a tale full of romance and humor, which I loved. To find out more about her and her books you visit her on the web at: www.charleneteglia.com or join her Yahoo!group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wicked_writers/.

Aemelia
Enchanting Reviews
February 2008

DANGER'S KISS by Sarah McKerrigan

DANGER'S KISS
SARAH McKERRIGAN
Historical Romance – Medieval
Grand Central Publishing
Sensuality Rating: Sexy
ISBN# 0-446-61887-X
$6.99
359 pages
Paperback - Available Now

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Desiree of Canterbury is an accomplished thief who meets her match in the most fearsome lawman Nicholas Grimshaw. Desiree wants retaliation for the unfair execution of her elderly mentor, and Nicholas is the only person who can help her. Nicholas takes Desiree into his household, hoping for an amiable housekeeper, but instead gets a lush, intelligent woman, keen on upsetting his orderly life. An enemy lurks near, endangering their lives, can they overcome the ruthless killer and seek a future together?

The one thing that I absolutely loved about this book, is that it took place in Medieval England, and neither of the main characters were aristocrats! I loved the change of pace, a chance to look into the lesser classes. I loved how nobody inherited a great sum nor a title throughout the whole book. That probably sounds really silly, but in an industry over-saturated with Dukes, Earls, and anybody else in between, it's refreshing to not have any of that. To look into the lives of the common class.

Nicholas was gruff and prickly, but really opened up to Desiree, a woman who'd grown up on the streets, but was protected from the basest acts. Desiree was a criminal who had a difficult time breaking old habits, but Nicholas was patient in his ability to handle her. It was funny watching Nicholas get used to having a woman in his household. He was a bachelor and a loner that never even contemplated being with someone else, so Desiree really spun his world around. They had a unique and complicated bond, but they were able to overcome their differences to create and intriguing couple. I found them fascinating. Neither of them were accepted by society, but they weren't worried about that either. They made a life and relationship work for them. I look forward to finding more books by Ms. McKerrigan.

Under the nom de plume of Sarah McKerrigan, Glynnis Campbell has written three medieval romance novels for Warner Books featuring kick-ass warrior wenches: LADY DANGER, CAPTIVE HEART, and KNIGHT’S PRIZE. When she isn’t writing historical romance, she’s the voice of several cartoon characters, the wife of a rock star, and the mother of two nerds.

If you’re intrigued by Sarah, check out her or her evil twin:
www.sarahmckerrigan.com, www.glynnis.net and www.glynniscampbell.com.


Aemelia
Enchanting Reviewer
July 2009

LONE STAR SURRENDER by Lisa Renee Jones

LONE STAR SURRENDER
LISA RENEE JONES
Contemporary
Harlequin Blaze
Sensuality Rating: Spicy
ISBN #978-0-373-79446-1
$4.99
211 Pages
Paperback—Available Now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Constantine Vega has been in deep undercover for three long years, infiltrating the drug world to bring down the top drug lord. The time has come to bring him down, putting him away for good. Constantine is set to be the star witness, if he can make it to the stand alive.

Nicole Ward has been burned badly, and not just by love. She began her career as an attorney for her father's firm, one of the best, but when she gets a convicted killer off, only to have him murder another victim, she does what she can to salve her guilt, by quitting her high-paying job to work for the U.S. Attorney. She is determined to put Alvarez away for life. When she agrees to meet her witness, Constantine, she knows it's dangerous, but she never expects to be on the run with him.

LONE STAR SURRENDER was a fast-paced, action packed story, that kept me on my toes while I followed Constantine and Nicole through Texas, as they stayed one-step ahead of their pursuers. The heat that flared between them kept my pages smoking, they allowed their passions to reign over them, though not forgetting the reason they were brought together. I felt a connection to them each right from the start, they were both well thought out characters, each with their own flaws, but able to come together as a perfect pair. I loved how while they ran, they let themselves enjoy the moment, not knowing where it would lead them. It gave them a bit of relief. I liked seeing Constantine and Nicole overcome their fears and grow together as a couple.

Ms. Jones writes both contemporary and paranormal romance with Harlequin, Kensington, Berkley and Pocket. She has also published scorching hot romances with Ellora's Cave. Soon she will be writing for Grand Central Publishing under the pseudonym, Faith Winter.

You can find out more at: www.lisareneejones.com.


Aemelia
Enchanting Reviews
January 2009

SEVEN NIGHTS OF SIN by Lacey Alexander

SEVEN NIGHTS OF SIN
LACEY ALEXANDER
Contemporary - Erotica
Heat
Sensuality Rating: Sizzling
ISBN #978-0-451-22314-2
$14.00
281 pages
Paperback—Available Now

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Brenna Cayton has no desire to have a man in her life, having been burned by her ex, she is just fine flying solo, or so she keeps telling herself. When her boss offers her a promotion to replace the current talent scout, she all but jumps at the chance to move up. Traveling to Vegas to learn the ropes of the music industry from the best, Damon Andros, who ignites a fire she cannot resist, hoping not to get burned by her own guilt.

Damon Andros is the hottest man in the music industry, he is known for his knack signing the hottest new acts in music, while enjoying life to the fullest. Such a lifestyle is making him more of a liability for the company than what his boss is willing to put up with. When he is asked to train Brenna, he agrees to take her under his wing.

Soon both Brenna and Damon cave to the undeniably hot passion which has flared between them. They are determined to fulfill their wildest fantasies in their seven sensual nights together. What will happen once Damon learns of her deception?

----

SEVEN NIGHTS OF SIN is a combustible tale of searing passion. The chemistry between Brenna and Damon scorches the pages; this tale is so hot that you will need a fan to cool you down. I loved Brenna's vulnerability, and watching her struggle to be open with her desires with Damon. And you can't help but fall in love with Damon, as you see him for the man he is. He is such a sweetheart! I loved following them along as they explored and indulged in their fantasies. More than the sexual chemistry between Brenna and Damon, I loved the emotional journey they traveled, I just wanted to cry when Damon discovered Brenna's betrayal, but was well satisfied how everything was worked out.

To learn more about Lacey Alexander and her entertaining books, please visit her on the web at: http://www.laceyalexander.net/

Aemelia
Enchanting Reviews
December 2008

BEAST OF DESIRE by Lisa Renee Jones

BEAST OF DESIRE, KNIGHTS OF WHITE BOOK 2
LISA RENEE JONES
Paranormal Romance
Harlequin Books S.A., Silhouette Nocturne
Sensuality Rating: Spicy
ISBN # 978-0-373-61783-6
eBook $4.75/ Print $5.25
eBook/Print - Available March 2008

Rating: 5 Enchantments

The Knights of White are back. This time they are looking to save the legendary journal of Solomon, which is said to hold a map to the location of a list of bloodlines of the descents of angels. The Darkland Beasts are after the journal, wanting to destroy all that may be connected to it.

Jessica Montgomery's mother died trying to find Solomon's journals, ignoring her health because of her obsession to locate them. When they are found, the museum Jessica works for plans to hold a reception to reveal the journals to the public, unwittingly revealing them to the beasts who want to steal them and use them for their own evil design.

Des is the leader of the team of knights on the reconnaissance mission for the recently discovered journals. They know that the Darkland Beasts are planning a heist, which they plan to thwart, by getting it first. Des meets Jessica under the guise wanting to gift the museum with a generous donation. The chemistry between them is immediately obvious to both, the only question is whether to fight it, or enjoy it.

Des is walking a thin line between darkness and light. He has control of his beast, though is not willing to depend on the goodness of his soul, fearing the evil is to close to the surface and may be unexpectedly released. Jessica has an innocent soul, willing to see Des for all that he is. Jessica is the only thing that can save him. As they search for the map of the bloodlines, they grow closer and closer.

OMG! Ms. Jones has done it again! Des and Jessica's story is another outstanding show of her incredible talent at penning a story I will want to read again and again! Des is struggling not to let the beast inside him control his life, yet also unwilling to let the man come through either. He believes that his flaws as a human may come to corrupt him into losing his battle and letting the beast out for good. I love that Jessica is a woman who knows what she wants, and is not afraid to go after it. She knew that Des was her destiny and did not fight it, though she did have to fight to make Des realize that she is his destiny, also.

The Knights of White are my favorite kind of heroes, alpha males, with insecurities that make you love them as they try to overcome their flaws, both real and imagined. They are also men who treat the woman in their lives with love and respect, even when they are denying they feel any emotion. No doubt about it - Ms. Jones' books are an auto-buy for me. She writes compelling stories that keep me enthralled from page one all the way through the end. I loath putting her books down, how dare work and family intrude! I am already counting down the days until Max and Sarah's book, which doesn't come out until JULY!

To learn more about the Knights of White series, you can visit them on the web at: http://www.theknightsofwhite.com/. To find out more about Lisa Renee Jones, you can visit her at: http://www.lisareneejones.com/.


Aemelia
Enchanting Reviews
February 2008

BEAST OF DARKNESS by Lisa Renee Jones

BEAST OF DARKNESS

LISA RENEE JONES

Paranormal Romance

Harlequin Books S.A., Silhouette Nocturne

Sensuality Rating - Spicy

280 Pages

ISBN # 978-0-373-61790-6

eBook $4.75 / Print $5.25

eBook/Print - Available July 2008

Rating: 5 Enchantments

The Knights of White return in their vigilant fight of good vs. evil against the Darkland Beasts.

Adrian is back with a new scheme in his struggle to obtain more dark power. He has discovered a demon prince, Vars, who can be used to strengthen his battle against the Knights and to overtake Cain, as the ruler of the underworld. He would like nothing better than to add Max to his demon army.

Breaking the sacred rule to never kill a human, albeit an evil one, Max must pass an unthinkably hard test to prove that he will not succumb to his inner-beast. Salvidor has sent him on a quest to affirm his loyalty to the Knights. He is drawn to the town of Nowhere, Texas, where he senses an evil not just born of the beasts, and knows that it will be a part of his trial.

Sarah Meyers and her team have been asked to visit Nowhere, Texas to research the supernatural happenings around town. Gifted with the ability to speak with the dead, she has never felt normal, so when she meets Max she feels a kindred spirit.

Max knows that Sarah is his mate, but will she be able to accept him? Having lost her family to a demon, Sarah is hesitant to trust. But soon she feels the same tug as Max and knows that they are meant for each other. But, will she be willing to be Max's mate?

Soon the battle ensues, Max calls his fellow Knights to help defeat the uprising army of beasts. Will Max lose his soul to join Adrian's army? Or will Sarah give him the confidence he needs to trust himself to be hers for eternity and to continue the battle against the beasts?

Another outstanding achievement by Lisa Renee Jones! She has created warriors that jump off the pages in their quests to combat evil and find love. The Knights of White are my absolute favorite superheroes! I was drawn to Max's story in BEAST OF DESIRE, where he showed the promise of a true champion, and in BEAST OF DARKNESS he did not disappoint. I was on the edge of my seat, throughout much of the story, just waiting to see where he was going to take me. I loved that he had never lost faith, and was able to show Sarah how to regain hers and how she was gave him the strength he needed to believe in himself and in their love. Sarah was a perfect compliment for him. As a strong independent woman, she was able to see into him, understanding him to the point that she was sure the beast within him was well below the surface.

Ms. Jones did an excellent job bringing the Knights and Cathy and Edward, Sarah's team, into the story, without taking away from Max and Sarah. Adrian and Salvidor are key characters that add a higher element to the fight, I love seeing their battles in each story.

I eagerly await the next installment of the series, CAPTIVE BY THE BEAST, Rinehart's story. I can't wait to see what scheme Adrian thinks of next (or see what punishment Cain has in store for him.)

To learn more about Lisa Renee Jones you can visit her on the web at http://www.lisareneejones.com/ and to learn more about the Knights of White, visit them at http://www.knightsofwhite.com/.

Aemelia

Enchanting Reviews

May 2008

SEIZE THE FIRE by Laura Kinsale

SEIZE THE FIRE
LAURA KINSALE
Historical Romance
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Sensuality Rating: Sexy
583 pages
ISBN # 978-1-4022-1396-0
$7.99
Print book – Available now

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Olympia, Princess of Orleans is ready to start a revolution. She believes she can help the people of her homeland oust the current government, her uncle, a ruthless tyrant, who has chosen to marry Olympia off for his political gain. Olympia is having none of that, she's thought of the prefect plan to foil her uncle. And she's found a hero to help her.

Captain Sheridan Drake isn't heroic, he's lucky. Even when he's doing his best to tarnish his reputation, he still ends up the hero. No matter what he does, he comes out smelling like a rose. When the princess asks for his help, he jumps at the chance, not to help her, but to take advantage of her. He's in a tremendous amount of debt, and figures he's found a plumb pigeon ready to be plucked.

Things do not go as planned for either of them. Olympia discovers that planning a revolt and being in one are two completely different concepts. When she finally learns her hero is a thieving scoundrel, she is forced to face reality and try to save herself. Is there any possible redemption for Sheridan? How can two people with such different personalities, find any common ground to base a relationship on?

I was so excited to finally find a historical romance that moved away from Great Britain and into more exotic locales. But, when I began this book I was a bit daunted by the size, it's been a long time since I've read an epic saga of any kind.

It didn't help that I was a bit disgusted by both Olympia and Sheridan for about the first quarter of the book. Olympia was a princess. She was spoiled, idealistic, and very naive in the matters of politics and the world in general, which she was so sure she could take over. Also, the gushing infatuation she felt for Sheridan was nauseating. Sheridan on the other hand, was a penniless knave, whose main concern was himself. He rarely did anything that did not benefit him.

When Olympia was rudely introduced to the reality of life, things seemed to finally pick up and get rolling. I soon found myself unable to put this book down! Soon I had an interesting heroine, who was spirited, independent and finally was not going to put up with being taken advantage of again. Sheridan turned around and truly decided to be a better person. As their mutual attraction became harder to avoid, I greatly anticipated them falling in love and wanting a future together. The danger that surrounded them kept the story hopping. I felt myself so emotionally entwined in the book that on more than one occasion I felt tears burning my eyes. The love they felt for each other and the trials they went through to get to their happily ever after made this a worthy read.

I can't wait for her new book LESSONS IN FRENCH coming out in February 2010.

Laura Kinsale is a New York Times Best-selling author. You can learn more about her http://www.laurakinsale.com/.


Aemelia
Enchanting Reviews
September 2009

TRIPLE EXPOSURE by Colleen Thompson

TRIPLE EXPOSURE
COLLEEN THOMPSON
Romantic Suspense
Dorchester Publishing, Leisure Books
Sensuality Rating: Sexy
352 pages
ISBN # 978-0-8439-6143-0
$7.99
Print book – Available now

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Killing her would-be attacker did not save Rachel Copeland from terror. She left Boston to return home Marfa, Texas, hoping to escape the media and a stalker, who believes Rachel didn't act in self-defense, but as a seductress and murderer. Believing if she left it all behind, she could start over.

Zeke Pike is a loner. He is perfectly happy not having to deal with people on a daily basis. He'd rather work with his hands, creating wood furniture, or ride out into the desert, alone. He has left his past far behind, missing it, but never to seeking to repair it.
Rachel and Zeke strike and unlikely friendship that quickly leads to passion. But the past is not ready to be buried. Who seeks to hurt Rachel, and why the animosity? Can Zeke and Rachel find happiness, if the killer doesn't get to them first?

TRIPLE EXPOSURE is a masterfully spun tale of romantic suspense. I was not able to correctly guess the true villain, though I had many suspects in mind. I was completely absorbed into this gripping story. While the thrilling suspense kept me glued to my seat, the compelling tenderness Zeke felt for Rachel, and her returned passion was wonderfully captured into words. I felt as if these two were perfect for each other. Though they had to work at realizing they were meant to have a future together. I was highly amused when the high school classmate of Rachel's was humiliated by her own actions, I always enjoy seeing a “mean girl” get a shot of her own medicine.

I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Thompson, who, prior to writing suspense wrote historical books as Gwyneth Atlee and Colleen Easton. She currently lives in Texas with her family. When she's not writing you can find her with her family or with a book in her face. You can learn more about her on the web at: www.colleen-thompson.com.


Aemelia
Enchanting Reviews
October 2009

MASTER by Colette Gale

MASTER: an Erotic Novel of the Count of Monte Cristo
COLETTE GALE
Erotica, Historical
Signet Eclipse
Sensuality Rating: Sizzling
ISBN #978-0-451-22412-5
343 Pages
$14.00
Trade: Available Now

Rating: 3 Enchantments

When Edmond Dantes finally escapes the prison walls which encased him for years, he returns home in disguise, on a path of revenge, as the wealthy Count of Monte Cristo. Nobody is quite sure where the Count is from, but one woman sees through the facade, as she gazes into the eyes of the man she once loved.

When the man Mercedes Herrera Mondego she loved vanished without a trace, she was sure her life was at an end. Married to a man she despises, she has never found a glimmer of the happiness she once cherished. Now her beloved has returned, though only she seems to realize it. But instead of a joyful reunion she discovers he is out for vengeance, and not just against the men who betrayed him, but also against her.

Will Edmond be content with the destruction of the lives of those who ruined him? Will he be the master to Mercedes, as he enslaves her in his passionate pursuit and retaliation efforts?

Honestly my biggest problem with this book was I was expecting a romance, but what I got out of it was an erotic novel, the romance just didn't work for me. The Count of Monte Cristo has always been one of my favorite books and movie adaptations, so I was eager to see how Ms. Gale wove one of my favorite classics into an erotic romance. Maybe my expectations were too high. While there was an unmistakable chemistry between Edmond and Mercedes, I just felt he was to cruel in his revenge to be a romance hero, okay that probably sounds silly especially with all the “revenge” themed romances out there, some of which I really like, but what I mean is that I never really felt him warm up to her, he always held himself aloof. I felt bad for Mercedes as she tried to regain her lost love, but never seemed to quite succeed. As erotica this was a fair read, but still not something that I was enthralled with. The story was peppered with many scorching hot and sometimes rather kinky sex scenes, but just great sex scenes doesn't make a good book for me, I need more plot that I can get into.

Colette Gale is the nom de guerre of a popular historical author. You can learn more about her and her books on her website: www.colettegale.com.

Aemelia
Enchanting Reviews
July 2009

THE PRINCE OF MIDNIGHT by Laura Kinsale

THE PRINCE OF MIDNIGHT
LAURA KINSALE
Historical
Sourcebooks
Sensuality Rating: Sexy
ISBN #978-1-4022-1397-7
521 Pages
$7.99
Paperback: Available Now

Rating 3.5 Enchantments

Lady Leigh Strachan has crossed France dressed as a boy, seeking the skills of The Prince of Midnight, a legendary highwayman, believing he can train her to kill the man who destroyed her family. But what she finds is a shell of a man, crippled by illness.

Living in a deteriorating castle, with his pet wolf, S.T. Maitland yearns for the company of a woman. He can't hear out of one ear, and is plagued by dizziness and nausea with every quick move he makes. Now he struggles to live life as an artist.

Circumstances force them together on a quest back to England, where he once again gains his health, strength, and stamina. Soon Leigh sees the ominous and invigorating man behind the legend. Can he melt the ice around her heart?

I found the first half of THE PRINCE OF MIDNIGHT to drag for me. It took me a while before I was able to warm up to Leigh and S.T. Leigh was just too cold and stubborn, while S.T. was almost ridiculously mushy. But once S.T. regained his vitality and health, and stopped letting Leigh walk all over him, I felt the story pick right up. Leigh had a long way to go before her heart healed over the tragic murders of her family, but she finally rediscovered her emotions, unable to lock them away any longer. The transition of S.T. from Beta to Alpha hero was intriguing. I am definitely a fan of the Alpha romance hero. I loved the complexity of the characters, even if they didn't appeal to me immediately, they were well developed, and eventually won me over.

I enjoyed THE PRINCE OF MIDNIGHT and look forward to rediscovering more of Ms. Kinsale's books.

Laura Kinsale, a former petroleum geologist, is a New York Times bestselling author. Who is working a new and highly anticipated book to be published in February 2010. She and her husband divide their time between Santa Fe and Dallas.

Aemelia
Enchanting Reviews
July 2009

THE BEAST WITHIN by Lisa Renee Jones

THE BEAST WITHIN
LISA RENEE JONES
Paranormal Romance
Harlequin Books/Silhouette Nocturne
ISBN# 978-0-373-61775-3
$5.25
Print - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

She came to him in his dreams, tempting him, taking him to the edge, bringing the Beast within him to the surface. Making him lose the control he has fought so hard to keep.

Jag is the leader of the Knights of White, immortal warriors fighting the soulless Darkland Beasts. He lost his first love and his soul to the beasts two centuries earlier. He regained his soul, and if he loses it again, it will be forever. He will not succumb to the call again.

Karen Gibson lived a life of pleasure and fun, one that sheltered her from her past. That is, until she received a telegram from her sister Eva, stating only that Mark, Eva’s husband, was dead. By not giving any other details, Karen knew something was wrong.

Jag and Karen meet for the first time at the airport. He recognizes her and is suspicious, while she’s simply tired from her flight. When she sees Jag, she feels an initial jolt of recognition. Jag questions her appearance in his dreams, and begrudgingly releases her finally.

Karen finds her sister in a comatose state however. She recognizes the bite marks on her neck, and knows that she needs help. Help she will find at Jaguar Ranch, where Eva can be healed by those who fight the Darkland Beasts. This is where she encounters Jag, again. Jag is a tortured soul, needing to find the strength and courage to battle the beast within, though horrified of the consequences if he were to release it. Karen is his stabilizer, showing him that he can overcome the beast, though he will not trust her easily.

I loved, loved, loved this story. I did not want this book to end and, consequently, cannot wait for the next installment of the series. Ms. Jones has created characters you believe in and whom you want to see again and again. She drew me into not only the main characters, but also her supporting characters. I cannot wait to read Des’ story or to find out how the relationship between Rock & Marisol evolves (I’m hoping they get their own book too). I especially want to see what will transpire in the struggle between the good of Salvador, the descendent of Archangel Raphael, and the evil of Adrian, the right-hand man of Cain, the lord of the demons.

Ms. Jones has just become an auto buy for me! To find out more about this author and her books, you can visit her on the web at www.lisareneejones.com.


Aemelia
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
November 2007

HOLD by Zannie Adams

HOLD
ZANNIE ADAMS
Futuristic Romance
Ellora’s Cave
ISBN# 9781419912849
$5.20
eBook - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Imprisoned for a violation against the Coalition, mistakenly assuming that while she was given permission to explore the Imperial Palace of Karna, the permission also extended to digging on the Palace grounds, archeologist Riana is sent to the prison planet, Genus 6. A prison guard is kind enough to give her advice during her processing. In order to survive, she must align herself with the strongest man in the Hold. To give herself to him in exchange for his protection.

Dropped in the Hold, Riana is immediately surrounded by the predatory inmates, all wanting to have her. She notes the solitary man in a cell watching the goings on. Thorn, one of the Alphas, gives her the choice of him or he will give her to all the other prisoners. Not liking the cold, selfish look of him, Riana kicks him and chooses the loner in the cell.

Cain had been in the Hold for a year now. He had learned to survive by showing little or no emotion. By being stronger than all the rest. When Riana faces him through the bars, begging to be let in, he cannot refuse. While she realizes she must go through with the inevitable physical relationship, she is surprised by the actual pleasure and passion she feels for him.

Riana and Cain’s relationship is one of few words, but of great emotion. Cain is very driven and focused on finding an escape route. Riana is not sure of Cain’s feelings for her, though she knows she is growing to care for him. Riana is scared that when he does escape, he will not take her with.

I could not put this book down. It was as if something grabbed me and made me sit and finish the book in one afternoon. Ms. Adams had my undivided attention as I followed her characters, Cain and Riana. I was skeptical at first, but she gave such depth to Cain and Riana, that while the setting primarily took place in their cell, I just HAD to continue reading to see what their plan was to escape, and how their relationship developed. The chemistry between them was so hot and all-consuming, I think my pages began to smolder.

To find more information about this author, please visit her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com or her web page at www.zannie.net.


Aemelia
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
November 2007

A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT by SaraLee Etter

A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT
SARALEE ETTER
Regency Romance
Cerridwen Press
ISBN# 9781419911590
$5.95
eBook/Available now

Rating: 4 Enchantments

Palms sweaty, nerves jittery, butterflies in her stomach - it was opening night at the Elysium Theater. Miranda was making her acting debut as Hermia in “A Midsummer Nights Dream”, at her brother-in-law Edward’s theater. If she succeeded, it would mean that she could have a career, a chance to be independent.

Justin, Lord Devereux, needed money, and he needed money fast. He wasn’t due to come into his inheritance until his 35th birthday, a long way off. There was a prime piece of property that he wanted to buy, which he knew would not be on the market long. Justin decided to approach his uncle, Lord Meresford, for an early advancement of his funds. The answer is no, he is too young. But were Justin to become engaged to a respectable young lady, he may be persuaded into dissolving the trust early, so long as his wife, Lady Meresford, also approved of the match.

While Miranda and her sister, Mary, are scrambling to find a way to raise money to release Edward from prison, Justin is confronted by his aunt, Lady Meresford, and her new “charge” Lettice Tenley. To escape Lettice’s scheming, Justin quickly made up an imaginary fiancée. He hires Miranda to act as his fiancée until he could convince his uncle to dissolve his trust. He also wanting to avoid marriage with Lettice. Miranda jumped at the opportunity to earn enough money to bail her brother-in-law out of prison.

This was not a bad book, but it’s not one I will be reading again. While I found Miranda to be a warm and loving character, Justin came off as cold and stand-offish. I’m really not sure when they fell in love. My favorite character was Miranda’s nephew, Anthony; too bad nobody would listen to him!

I give credit to Ms. Etter for keeping me interested, I really did want to see what Miss Lettice Tenley held over Justin’s aunt, Lady Meresford, but I found the writing a little over-dramatic for my tastes, it was like reading a spoof of a romance - very cliché. I think the kicker for me was the “Scooby-Doo” ending “Everything would have worked perfectly if it hadn’t been for that abominable brat.” I did crack me up - I do love the Scooby gang, but I’m not sure that was the author’s intention. To find out more about this author and the books she has written, you can visit her on the web at http://www.saraleeetter.com/.


Aemelia
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
November 2007