Saturday, October 18, 2008

SAMHAIN SCORCHERS ANTHOLOGY by B.J. Franklin, Michelle Houston, Michelle Marquis, Bethany Michaels, Shannon Peters, J.T. Shultz, and Rusty Wicks

SAMHAIN SCORCHERS ANTHOLOGY
RUSTY WICKS, J.T. SCHULTZ, B.J. FRANKLIN, MICHELLE HOUSTON, BETHANY MICHAELS, SHANNON PETERS, and MICHELLE MARQUIS
Paranormal Romance
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
ISBN# 978-1-59374-984-2
$5.49
eBook - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

One Way to Venice by Rusty Wicks
A trip to a small island around Venice opens a new world and a new path for a lonely, single woman.

Destiny’s Star by J.T. Schultz
When a werewolf and a witch meet, sparks are bound to fly. The cloak of evil also threatens to close in on them at any minute.

Faith, Hope and Chastity by B.J. Franklin
Territorial markings are fiercely defended by vampires. Can a female vampire defend hers against a gorgeous vampire closing in on her? More precisely, does she want to?

Laws of Nature by Michelle Houston
When you’re a were, you mate for life. What happens if your mate is the quiet and very human guy-next-door?

Hart and Souls by Bethany Michaels
Dealing with ghosts and relocating them – all in a days’ work for a young woman. However, things take a new turn when she finds her perfect man. The catch – he is a ghost.

The Raven’s Curse by Shannon Peters
An Aerian is cursed by a witch to spend his days as a statue. When he finds the woman who can undo this curse, there is only one problem. She thinks he is only a piece of stone.

The Doomsday Incident by Michelle Marquis
He is a prisoner, she is his prison guard. The fight against an alien invasion, however, brings them together.

I admit I have rarely found a book I have devoured as rapidly as I did this one. The stories just flew before me, sapping my control. All I wanted, all I craved, was to read it all.

This, I suppose, can be attributed to the lovely and distinct voices of the authors. One author strikes out above the lot in this respect, and it is B.J Franklin with Faith, Hope and Chastity. Voice alone could have carried this story, and the often funny recounting of a vampire’s existence ran right along the storyline.

Or else, satisfaction can be found in the stories of love in every one of the plots. In this respect, the yearning and feelings of Hart and Souls by Bethany Michaels were heart-wrenching. The depth of emotions can only make the reader root for this couple, hoping against hope that they do find a way for their love to exist. The Raven’s Curse by Shannon Peters also captures the heart. Profoundly human characters grab your attention and a part of your soul as their own souls meet. One Way to Venice by Rusty Wicks nearly tore my heart with its bitter-sweet agony. The pain and sadness of the characters all but tears your soul. Yet, Ms. Wicks provides hope and a promise of a new future. Laws of Nature by Michelle Houston provided a strikingly ‘normal’ setting for the paranormal premise of her story. In a way, the love story she pens makes it even more credible and appealing.

Action and suspense were always around the corner too. The Doomsday Incident by Michelle Marquis captures this premise really well. The unlikely pair is brought together in a really realistic way which leaves no doubt in the mind. Destiny’s Star by J.T. Schultz also captures adventure and drama, heightening the pulse as the story progresses.

All in all, every story carried its own brand of magic. Magic of the storyline, and magic of the authors’ writing. It is one book I would recommend to everyone looking for a good time, an escape from reality, and also to anyone who wants to witness the magic of love happen across places, planes, and between unique individuals. Of course, the scorching sex scenes and the blazing heat in every story do help as well. But for once, the heat does not override the story, and is just one part of a bigger whole.

A delightful read! To be highly recommended.

Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
Sptember 2007

THE YIN YANG EFFECT by Dana Littlejohn

THE YIN YANG EFFECT
DANA LITTLEJOHN
Contemporary/IR
Ocean's Mist Press
Sensuality Rating: Tidal Wave
ISBN# 1-934057-00-2
117 pages
$5.99
eBook - Available July 2007

Rating: 3 Enchantments

African-American twins Pearl and Opal Jefferson live a blissful life along with their best friend, and Latina chick, Debra Flores. They have a beautiful house, a car, a successful business, pretty faces and nice bodies. Theirs is a ‘simple’ life, rhythmed by parties, outings, and no-strings-attached sex.

Until the day Jake steps into their life. He falls for Pearl, which would be great, but he is Caucasian. Another white guy, Doug, has the hots for Opal, while African-American Rakim falls hard for Debra. There is also Jake’s racist brother, Frank, to contend with in this explosive multi-racial mix.

The girls are not really enthusiastic about the guys. Or so it seems. But things are not as they seem. Pearl crosses the line they had set – it’s no longer just for sex. She is in love with Jake, and wants more. A full relationship, in fact.

Will she be able to stand up for their relationship? Both her sister and Jake’s brother are against their association. And Pearl opens a whole can of worms with her decision – can interracial relationships really work, even in today’s times?

The book starts with a good premise. However, I have to say the main issue got lost somewhere along the way. Too much happening, too many episodes of day-to-day life, too many details - which in the end, prevented the author from really getting into her characters’ heads. The implications the premise raises are lost and barely touched upon. In a way, the story almost reads like chick-lit, but unfortunately, the reader is not drawn enough into the minds of the characters. In many places, the dialogue was also hard to follow, since the author places three or more female characters in a scene and refers to most of them as ‘she’. The identification of the speaker is lost, rendering a chaotic dynamic to the mix.

It still remains a book of acceptable standard, especially if one is looking for a light and time-passing read.

Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

SLAVE OF MY HEART by Roxanne Springer

SLAVE OF MY HEART
ROXANNE SPRINGER
Historical
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
Sensuality Rating: Torrid Erotica (Controversial)
ISBN# 978-1-60313-040-0
332 pages
$5.99
eBook - Available October 2007

Rating: 3.5 Enchantments

Riana Septimus agrees to marry Antonius Cassius, First Senator of Rome, to grant her father his last, dying wish. She does not love the malicious and cruel man, but is resigned to spending her life as his wife. There will be no love in her life. Well, she will just be like the hundreds of other Roman noblewomen. Until the day her gaze falls on Tan, a gladiator and slave.

Loving a slave, and even bedding one, is considered treason in Ancient Rome. But Riana knows her heart will only belong to the handsome Tan. She convinces Antonius to buy Tan as her personal bodyguard. But in the privacy of her home, Tan becomes her lover, and the husband of her heart.

However, Riana has to marry Antonius, and the man she finds behind the closed doors of their bedchamber is sadistic, cruel, and perverted. Knowing that she is pregnant with Tan’s child, and unwilling to submit to her horribly Machiavellian husband, Riana and Tan escape from Rome. They find refuge with a band of nomads, Anubians who descend from Egypt.

They believe life is shining down on them, but Antonius begs to differ. He will set an example in Rome where his runaway wife and this slave of hers are concerned. Sparing no means to track them down, he unleashes his evil revenge on the couple, sentencing both to fates more atrocious than Hell itself could impose.

I have enjoyed this book. Ms. Springer writes with clarity, and her depictions of Ancient Rome and the life of the times are startling in clarity and descriptions. Realism is poignant, but unfortunately, many of the instances where the cruelty, perversions, and violence of the era were recounted were a bit too shocking and heavy for this reviewer. One would need strong guts to read this book, and the story is not for the faint hearted. The violence was a bit too crude and in your face in certain occasions. This fact makes the book not one that can be recommended as an entertaining read. Still, if you want a taste of Ancient Rome, it is the book for you.

Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

DIVINE ASSISTANT by Red Garnier

DIVINE ASSISTANT
RED GARNIER
Contemporary
Ellora’s Cave
Sensuality Rating: S-ensuous
ISBN# 9781419911507
112 pages
$5.20
eBook - Available August 2007

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Lucy Divine wants to make it big in the professional world. She has her career all mapped out, and she knows she’s damn good at what she does. So what better place to start than as personal assistant to a renowned investor?

Said investor is Patrick Holden. A man of dark, sizzling and brooding good looks. However, the charisma is only outward. Holden is a devil to work for, the boss from hell – arrogant, conceited, and too confident.

Minds and fantasies are bound to clash when these two meet. Lucy grinds her teeth to work for him, bending to his every whim and fancy, as well as every unreasonable demand he puts before her. No wonder no one has ever withstood the job of his assistant for long! Patrick, on the other hand, knows he cannot afford any distraction – and his bombshell new assistant is seriously testing him.

Why would Lucy have this effect on him? The thought of her becomes all-consuming. There comes a day when all Patrick Holden wants to be involved in is, not business takeovers, but the takeover – hostile, if needs be – of his divine assistant.

If I had to summarize this book in one word, it would be breathtaking! Simply ‘divine’! I couldn’t resist the pun, but all jokes aside, this is one read you definitely want to get your hands on. I rooted for Lucy from the moment she appears, and I fell all the way in love with Patrick. Not to mention the delightful inclusion of Patrick’s eccentric mother and his oh-so-proper British butler. The sex was sizzling, but what really carries this book is Ms. Garnier’s delightful writing voice. Humor woven with perfect characterization and descriptive scenes kept this reader enthralled, and I bet they will keep all readers as spellbound.

Ms. Garnier, if I could give you more than 5 Enchantments, I would have. Ms. Garnier is a lover of life and its pleasures. Sex is definitely on the list. However, her passion lately veers more towards the imaginary worlds she creates with her strong, chauvinistic heroes and just as strong, sassy heroines. She loves hearing from her readers, and can be contacted through her author’s page at www.ellorascave.com.

Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

DIGGING HOLES IN PARADISE by Karen Mihaljevich

DIGGING HOLES IN PARADISE
KAREN MIHALJEVICH
Historical/Western Romance
Whiskey Creek Press
357 pages
ISBN# 978-1-59374-896-8/978-1-59374-895-1
$5.99/$15.95
eBook & Trade paperback - Available September 2007

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

The year is 1859. The place – Missouri. Rumours of a brewing war between the North and the South cloud the air.

Josette Stratton is not really affected by it all. Her thoughts are on her impending arranged wedding. Josette dreams of being her own woman, but marriage is the way of a lady, isn’t it? Until she meets her intended. No way will she marry this, urggh, man!

The opportunity to spread her wings presents itself when a friend of hers dies. Polly was on the verge of leaving Missouri for the Nevada territory to work as a seamstress. Josette takes Polly’s place, and heads for freedom and adventure.

Until she arrives in this forsaken place, and she learns that seamstress is just another name for, uh, the oldest profession known to man.

Josette wants a way out. This too, presents itself before her, in the shape of a handsome and sexy gunslinger named Wolf. He needs an “employee” for his budding business, and assures her it is legal, reputable employment he offers.

Josette craves a way out, and Wolf looks like her only chance. Will she take it? And why exactly does he want to help her?

The story has a series of funny and twisted romps right after the other. I didn’t believe the author could do better than the opening she presents, but she does. She startled me with quirky and sometimes very amusing twists. The characters leap off the page, all but shouting out at the reader to take notice of them. The setting, the sensory description – this author pens it down so well. I could almost feel myself transported to the area. My only pique was that the plot dragged in some occasions. I almost wanted Ms. Mihaljevich to cut to the chase and dish it out. But I imagine if she did this, the story would lose much of its refreshing tone.

I can sincerely say this is one book you’ll find hard to put down.

Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

CODENAME: COBRA by Stine Templar

CODENAME: COBRA
STINE TEMPLAR
Contemporary Suspense Romance
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
ISBN# 978-1-60313-052-3
$5.49
eBook - Available 2007

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Chloe Cavanaugh looks like the blonde bombshell next door. But under this appearance hides one of the deadliest assassins the US has in its army. Recruited by a secret organization, her codename becomes Cobra. Her mission: kill Alexander “Ross” Blake, within 7 days. Failing the deadline, she herself will become the target.

Ross Blake is a criminal lawyer. He’s been dragged to the coast by a bossy client. The trip will only mean losing precious time he could be using building his case. However, all notions of boredom fly out the window the minute he lays eyes on Chloe.

Chloe was all set to accomplish her mission in record time. But that was before she had her target in her sights. Suddenly, she doesn’t want to kill him. Not yet, anyway. She’ll toy with him beforehand, preferably in bed.

Things quickly heat up between the pair. But when the organization starts to get on Chloe’s back for dallying on her mission, things get even hotter. Ross, for the life of him, cannot resist this sexy temptress, the woman he’s been looking for all his life. He believes she will be the death of him. Little does he know how right he is...

Ms. Templar uses writing as a way of making her fantasies come to life. The eroticism present in her words is the mark of a rebellious nature. However, she reconciles it all by penning down her highly charged stories.

I am not a big fan of suspense. Still, the blurb for this book caught my eye. In for a penny, in for a pound, I thought. Well, let me tell you the read rendered more than a pound’s worth. Much, much more. Ms. Templar seems to have brought together all of the elements present in top movies of the genre lately and combined it all in one sultry read. 'Charlie’s Angels' meets 'Kill Bill' meets 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith'.

What astounded me more and what won me over completely was the portrayal of Chloe and the progression of her own persona throughout the progression of the plot. Will Chloe fall in love? Will Ross break through her hard shell? Will Chloe eventually bend more to Ross than to her mission? The emotions and the suspense and sheer waiting were pure torture, but any book lover will tell you this is the sweetest torture for a reader. Ms. Templar kept me enthralled.

This is the story to read if you want good stuff.

Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

THE PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS II: THE GATES OF LIFE by CJ England

THE PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS II: THE GATES OF LIFE
CJ ENGLAND
Sci-Fi/paranormal
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
ISBN# 978-1-59374-949-1
$6.99
eBook - Available now

Rating: 4 Enchantments

Being a modern woman is not easy in these trying times especially if you are really new to the world and have a mission of saving the world and are connected to six fantastic guys. In PEACEKEEPER II: THE GATES OF LIFE, Ms. England brings further along the adventures of the nymph Kira and six chosen: Gallegar - a vampire, Lucas Kane - a shapeshifter, Danolas - a witch, Patrick - a shade, Benjamin Cassidy - a suprahuman, and Koran - a faerie and Kira's brother.

Kira has figured out more about life and it challenges. While trying to figure out why the gates of heaven and hell are closed turning San Francisco in into limbo-land for souls awaiting their end reward, she must also sort out new feelings and emotions about two of her chosen. Is it love or lust, and will Gallegar and Lucas understand enough not to lose sight of their mission given to them by the Power, when she makes her final decision? And can she make a decision after seeing what the demons have in store for her and her chosen?

In the end the answer is yes, though failure to communicate and trust by all the chosen almost allow evils to win and turn the world into a perpetual hell. It is only when Lucus, Gallager, Kira and the rest of the chosen begin to understand the power of true love and its ability to be their ultimate weapon in the a battle for all the souls in the world does hope rein free again.

Ms. England, in this story has created the ultimate mind candy, skillfully blending together fantasy, romance, love and perils of the evil reborn. Added to the mix is her visual descriptivism that is so real you can almost taste the strawberries. Great second story for the series.

Rowan E. Wagner
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

SUGAR AND SIN: A TALE OF THE EVERVERSE by Stella and Audra Price

SUGAR AND SIN: A TALE OF THE EVERVERSE
STELLA AND AUDRA PRICE
Dark Urban Fantasy Romance
looking for a new publisher
ISBN# N/A
PRICE N/A

Rating: 3 Enchantments

Fallon is a teleport half-demon and partner to Feyd Nightly, another half-demon. They are a pair of mischievous devil-may-care jack-of-all trade thugs for hire. A bit on the oversexed side, they seemed to score and be ready to score at the drop of a swizzle stick.Astrid is one hot sexy rich witch who has a penchant for saving her friend Ashlyn Co’shott from hairy situations she seems to be always getting herself into.

Astrid and Ashlyn themselves have quite the passion for fine things and encounters that leaves them breathless and wet.

Fallon and Feyd find themselves hired to a supposedly easy snatch, recover the magic and eliminate job. The job becomes complicated when they find out the person to be snatched is Ashlyn who is under the protection of the witch Astrid, the one true love of Fallon. Too add to the complexity Feyd fall for Ashlyn and both girls are key to parts of the master plan of Cassiel, an exiled demon prince, to dethrone the current Demon Lord and become master of all demons.

To stay alive and enjoy their new found love in the forms of Astrid and Ashlyn, Fallon and Feyd must jump in with both feet into the murky and dangerous game of demon power politics and take out their boss Fallwell and his crew and chase down some magic that is supposed to halt death to keep from being smoked themselves, along with keeping two healthy women with very large sexual appetites satisfied.

The plot, though interesting, could play out better in the book. Too much emphasis is placed on trying to throw in every known sexual fantasy rather than the underlying struggles of all key characters. The underlying themes are rich for more exposure and would allow the reader a better and more fulfilling look at the craft and imagination these two writers have to share.

The Price sisters show that they have a good understanding of the elements of an interesting story, however they are rather stingy in sharing their great potential by replaying limited themes again and again. I believe they have the potential to develop not just semi-stimulating (erotic) content but also content that has substance and I am looking forward to reading their future work.

Rowan E. Wagner
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

LEADING HER TO HEAVEN by Kayleigh Jamison

LEADING HER TO HEAVEN
KAYLEIGH JAMISON
Erotic Historical Romance
Aphrodite’s Apples
ISBN# N/A
$6.99
eBook - Not currently available

Rating: 2 Enchantments

Resigned to her political marriage, Lady Susanna Cavendish sets off for the north and the wilderness of Scotland to be with future husband Lord Blair Ruthven. Along the journey to the wedding bed, events occur, changing the way she feels about herself, her sexuality, and eventually the man she learns to love.

Lord Blair Ruthven, a stalwart and intelligent man, has his world turned up side down when he meets his future bride and savior who is much more spirited than any English lady he has known.

Both learn of the power of their love and the ties that bind a woman and a man when an old clan-fueled feud is rekindled by an English rogue seeking revenge for a past encounter with Lord Ruthven.

Ms. Jamison brings to life an interesting mixture of history and eroticism. The story is laced with vivid imagery of what a roll in the clover would be like in early Stuart Scotland, in a language any hot blooded person would understand. Though at times, the metaphors miss the underlying story and the switch to more modern sexual language undercuts the beauty of imagery she has set in motion. Overall, it is a fair read and allows one to a brief and interesting way of looking into the past.

Rowan E. Wagner
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

THE KNOWING by Larriane Wills

THE KNOWING
LARRIANE WILLS
Fantasy
Swimming Kangaroo Books
ISBN# 1-934041-11-4/1-934041-12-2
$10.88
eBook/Print - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Let me introduce you to a young girl who is not in control of her life. Who is told what she can say, think, feel, and wear. She has never known any other way until one day she meets a man who challenges her to think for herself. A man unlike any she has ever encountered. Who gives her the courage to think and dream for herself.

Now for our hero. A man we first meet as a boy on his way to becoming an adult. Who encounters various people who shape who he is to become. A man with a gruff exterior that helps him hide the feelings that he is having for the girl unlike any he has ever met. A man who barely trusts his friends because of a past he is running from.

This is the story of two people of very opposite stations in life, who are drawn to each other even though they do not understand it. Could it be destiny? Only time will tell. But first, they will have to overcome the wall between themselves and the political maneuvering of those around them, the ones that only want to use them for political gain. Even their friends could become their worst enemies. They will have to learn to trust each other and become what they were destined to be.

I loved this story. It had a lot of the elements I like in a story – mystery, fantasy, and romance. It keeps you guessing from the beginning of the book until the end. You wonder about the true nature of the hero and heroine, just knowing there is more to them than even you can guess. You get so involved in the story the characters make you either love or hate them. You cheer on the good ones and you want to slug the bad ones. Read this book - trust me, you will like it.

I do not know much about Ms. Wills but she is a dang good author. Maybe one day, I will get to interview her and can tell you more.

Melanie
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

SECOND CHANCES: WAITING IN THE WINGS by CJ England

SECOND CHANCES: WAITING IN THE WINGS
CJ ENGLAND
Erotic Romance
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
Sensuality Rating: Sensual
ISBN# 978-1-60313-011-0
$6.99
eBook - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Let me tell you about a girl named Callie - A young woman who has never known any real love in her life but who has always hungered for it. She is not afraid of hard work because she likes to feel useful. It makes her feel like she belongs somewhere. All she has ever wanted is to belong. She has a very caring and a giving heart and she has so much love to give but has always drawn back because she is afraid of being hurt. The only one she has ever been able to depend upon is herself. But she wants so much to trust someone with her heart.

Now let me tell you about Jordon. A young man a little too sure of himself or so it would seem. But there could be a little more to him than meets the eye. He is used to women throwing themselves at him. He has started to believe his own publicity. He is a young man who needs to be knocked down a peg or two and Callie is just the girl to do it.

This is the story of two people meeting under circumstances that almost seem to be pre-destined. But things seem to unravel at the seams due to betrayals and misunderstanding and Jordon must change his attitude if he wants to win back Callie’s trust. And it is an uphill battle. He will really have to work this out and convince her he is sorry and that he does love her. But first he will have to admit it to himself.

I really loved this book. I have not cried like this over characters in a long time. This is the kind of book you cannot put down. This is the type of story that really pulls at your heart strings. You seem to be pulled into the story and cannot get out until you reach the outcome. You must know what happens next. Ms. England has again outdone herself. I cannot wait to see what she pulls out of her hat next. It will be a rollercoaster ride, I am sure.

Ms. England is an author who just keeps the books coming and makes you wonder what she is going to do next. She is a great writer with a wicked sense of humor that makes me beg for more.

Melanie
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

RUNNERS MOON BOOK 1: JEBARAL by Linda Mooney

RUNNERS MOON BOOK 1: JEBARAL
LINDA MOONEY
Sci-Fi Romance
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
Sensuality Rating: Sensual
ISBN# 978-1-60313-000-4
229 pages
$5.99
eBook - Available July 2007

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Let me introduce you to Hannah, a woman in an unbearable situation and who feel she cannot escape it. A woman with a kind and gentle soul who wants so much for someone to treat her with a little kindness and love. A woman who sees an escape, and who just needs the courage to take it.

Now let’s meet Jebaral. This is the kind of man women dream about - kind, gentle, a man with such a sweetness about him that just draws women to him. A man that seems too good to be true. And he is just waiting for the right one to come along.

This is the story of two people who are looking for the same thing. A love to last a lifetime. But first, Hannah will have to get away from the man she fears the most. A man who will stop at nothing to keep her. But her heart yearns for the one who treats her like no one else ever has. And she will stop at nothing to be with the one she dreams about - Jebaral. A man who also has a secret. One he fears will never let her be his. A secret that could tear them apart.

This book has it all, romance, science fiction and adventure...I could not put this book down, I had to finish it. The characters are so compelling. You just had to know what happens next. I loved the interaction between the two characters. The gentleness of the hero made you kind of misty eyed. And the heroine made you feel the same things that she did. The writing in this book was so real it made you look up and wonder and maybe even hope a little.

What can I say about Ms. Mooney besides the fact she is a GREAT author? She is an author with such a vivid storytelling ability. An author who makes you root for her heroes and heroines. An author who makes you cry when the charaters do. It has been awhile since a story has touched me like this and made me cry. And I cannot wait for more.

Melanie
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

RETURN TO ZANDRIA by Christine Norris

RETURN TO ZANDRIA
CHRISTINE NORRIS
Young Adult Fantasy
LBF Books
ISBN# 1-885093-51-9/1-897370-17-2
$14.95
eBook/Print

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Ivy's a young girl on the brink of becoming a young woman, who has forgotten her dreams, her fantasies, to live in the real world. Until one day her fantasy comes back to her and she will not let it go this time.

Connor, who I think, has the possibility of being the hero of this tale. A young man just a little older than Ivy, but in responsibility, years older. He lives in a world that Ivy had forgotten but he and his friends will make sure she never forgets again.

This is a great tale of the adventure of a young girl learning about true friendship and the lengths you will go to help save your friends, who just happen to come from another world, a world of dragons, fairies, unicorns and of course, the evil ones who will stop at nothing to stop the young friends from finding what has been stolen.

I liked this book because it brought me back to the kind of book I read as a young girl. And I still read them. It has all my favorites - Unicorns, Dragons, good vs. evil. and heroines and heroes with the courage to do what it takes to rescue a friend and defeat the evil one. This is one I will be buying for my 14 yr old daughter.

This author writes a great story and I hope she will enchant us with more of Ivy's G-rated adventures.

Melanie
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

LORD OF THE FADING LANDS by C.L. Wilson

LORD OF THE FADING LANDS
C.L. WILSON
Fantasy Romance
Dorchester Publishing
ISBN# 978-0-8439-5977
$7.99
Print - Available October 2007

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Let me introduce you to a young girl named Ellysetta. She is not real sure of her past and could not even dream of the future that is ahead of her. She is a young woman full of magic but has been taught to fear it. But then she meets the one she could only dream about. The one that has the world in his hands. And she cannot even imagine what he would want with her. A man of Legends. And can he convince her of his true feelings for her?

Now for our hero. Rain is a Tarien Soul. A man who scorched the earth over the lost of his beloved. A man who fought darkness and won. A man of such complex emotions even he cannot believe the miracle happening to him. He has found his soul mate, something that has never happened for a Tarien Soul. Especially one that is not of his kind.

This is the story of a love that can bring peace to a world or bring it to its knees. A young girl has the chance to bring peace to a land of broken souls. A girl who must embrace the magic she possesses. She must learn to adapt to a way of life that she has never experienced. And the man who has brought her to this new way of life will have his hands full for he must protect her from herself and the others that do not want them together. Because they must be together or the earth will be scorched again and worse.

I really loved this story. It had everything I love in a great book – Romance, magic, fantasy and a HOT hero. The characters are so compelling they wrap you up in their story and don’t let you go. You feel the emotions of the characters and you want so much to talk to them even though you know it is just a book. It felt like the story had a mind of its own. And you were only along for the ride. I cannot wait for the other books. I hope the author is a fast writer or I might go through book withdrawal.

I do not know much about this author but I cannot wait to find out more about her and her stories.

Melanie
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

36 EXPOSURES by Linda Mooney

36 EXPOSURES
LINDA MOONEY
Fantasy Romance
Amazon.com
ISBN# N/A
49 cents
eBook - Available September 2007

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Let me tell you about Jolee Wiley. A woman who has a habit of not getting there on time. But one day, this might play in her favor. She finds something that could change her life for ever. But will she have the courage to run with it? She has never seen herself as a person to take risks but you never know until you reach out and take it.

Let me tell you about Mike Owensby. A man of mystery who has the qualities every woman is looking for, and who seems too good to be true. A man who seems to show up at the right time and place almost like he knew he was supposed to be there.

This is the story of a woman who has almost given up on finding Mr. Right. And about the man trying to find the woman whom he has dreamed about. But can he find her before it is too late? And will she believe that he truly cares for her?

I liked this story. It had all the elements of a good book. It has mystery, romance, and fantasy. All the things I like in a story. I would love to learn more about these characters and the genre they live in. In my humble opinion, this has series written all over it. The only thing I did not like about it is it was not LONG enough. No fair Ms. Mooney, don’t tease the Bookworm. LOL.

Now what else can I say about Ms. Mooney? A kindergarten teacher by day and a great writer by night. Sounds like a Superheroine to me. Keep them coming. Please!!!!!!

Melanie
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS by Tina Ferraro

TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS
TINA FERRARO
Young Adult Contemporary
Delacorte Press
ISBN# 978-0-385-73368-7
$13.99
Trade Paperback - Available now

Rating: 4 Enchantments

Nicolette ‘Nic’ Antonovich was dumped two days before the prom. To her, that’s all in the past, except for the fact that her unworn prom dress hangs behind her bedroom door and she might still, on occasion, slip it on. It is the perfect prom dress after all.

But things are starting to change. Rascal, who was the dumper to her dumpee, is suddenly starting to pay her an awful lot of attention. Her best friend doesn’t want to hear another word about Rascal, let alone that Nic might be starting to fall for him all over again. Jared, her best friend’s brother, is turning weird big brother on her. And even weirder, it almost looks like Rascal and Jared are fighting - over her!

Nic is a great character, a typical teenage girl who finds herself caught between two guys, her dream guy in Rascal and her friend Jared, whose behavior she just can’t figure out lately. This book was a definite page turner, with several great scenes that stick in your mind once you close the cover.

TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS is Tina Ferraro’s first young adult novel.

Lisa
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

UNDEAD AND UNEASY by MaryJanice Davidson

UNDEAD AND UNEASY
MARYJANICE DAVIDSON
Paranormal/Chick Lit
Berkley Sensation
ISBN# 978-0-425-21376-6
$16.95 Hardcover

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Have you ever wondered what being a Vampire would be like, or how about being the Queen of Vampires? Well, wonder no more. Meet Elizabeth (Betsy) Taylor, and no, not the famous star.

Betsy has had a hard time accepting who and what she is, the Queen of the Vampires. So when others begin to doubt her, well, who is she to complain? Now however, life has gotten better for Betsy, she and Sinclair are finally tying the knot. Well that is if they can get over their last fight and he will come back to her.

Betsy had wanted some peace and quiet, for everyone to leave her alone, and that is exactly what she got. Now though Betsy wonders if she really wanted to be alone, since not only is Sinclair gone, Tina is in another country, her best friend Jessica is in the hospital, and the annoying werewolves have showed up, oh and did we mention that Betsy is now the guardian of her baby brother Jon?

If all of this wasn’t bad enough, one the most powerful and oldest vampires has decided she has had enough of Betsy. Will Betsy survive the next two weeks until her wedding or will Betsy’s precarious world come crashing down around her?

Ms. Davidson has done it again with her newest installment of the “Betsy” Series. If you haven’t visited Betsy before, you should drop by and see how not perfect life for the undead can really be. Do not miss the other books in this series and get to know Betsy and Sinclair even more.

Dee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

SURGE AND RAINE: A MERMAN’S TALE by Dana Littlejohn

SURGE AND RAINE: A MERMAN’S TALE
DANA LITTLEJOHN
Romantic Fantasy
Ocean’s Mist Press
ISBN# 0-9773043-8-8
$3.49
eBook - Available now

Rating: 3 Enchantments

Raine, on the run, never thought to find love again. It figures that she would begin to believe in happiness when her life has to change yet again.

Surge, destined to rule as the son of Riptide and the grandson of Poseidon, has felt a call from the one place no mermaids are allowed to go - the surface. Yeah, you heard me - Surge is a mermaid, or merman, as the males prefer to be called. His innocence of the surface world is charming and though he is willing to risk everything to make Raine his mate, will it be enough?

Slow start, in the beginning, but the pace rapidly picked up. Raine and Surge's tale is a soft-spoken one, no pun intended, of love and destiny. Ms. Littlejohn has a true talent for telling a passionate story that is sensuous and loving.

Dee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

SIMON SAYS by Lori Foster

SIMON SAYS
LORI FOSTER
Contemporary
Penguin
ISBN# 978-0-425-21658-3
$7.99
Print - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

I am hooked, and (excuse the pun) no I don’t mean a right hook either. I am and will be a devoted reader of these great heroines, and masculine, yet oh-so-gentle heroes. What an amazing second book (check out my review of CAUSING HAVOC)!

In this installment of the SBC (Supreme Battle Challenge) stories, Simon "the Sublime" Evans has decided to get back into the ring and compete once again. Simon however has more than a simple battle with Harley to contend with but the very intriguing, brassy and somewhat broken Dakota Dream and his need for her to fight as well.

Dakota has had a hard life and frightening past, but not one to be bowled over by anybody, she has finally found a way to escape her stepfather Barnaby. Dakota has enough guilt over her mother’s death and for making the worst mistake of her life marrying Marvin Dream. All Barnaby wants is for Dakota to get Simon to see him. Dakota could not have realized that her favorite SBC fighter would be the one man to get her blood racing yet again.

As if these two did not have enough problems, Marvin has decided to reclaim what is his, and he is not above hurting her and anybody else to get it. Can Dakota survive the attentions of her ex-husband? Can she ever really trust Simon, and will he forgive her for the people whom she knows and is related too?

Wow! Amazing, astounding. WOW! I absolutely loved SIMON SAYS. Not a huge sports fan, some of the terminology would have stumped or bored me but Ms. Foster knows her way with words and brings passion to an otherwise frightening sport. All I could say when I finished this was, "When is the next one due"? Will it be Barber, Mallet, or Harley next? Please say that there is a next one, Ms. Foster…and please hurry!

Dee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

CAUSING HAVOC by Lori Foster

CAUSING HAVOC
LORI FOSTER
Contemporary
Penguin
ISBN# 978-0-425-21423-7
$7.99
Print - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Havoc is not only the name of the hero in this book, but the thoughts and emotions you go through while reading it. All feelings are felt, from tears of anguish and frustration, to laughter and need as well.

Dean “Havoc” Conor, does not need or want anyone close to him other than his manager, trainer and best friend, Simon. However, it seems that the family he thought deserted him does. Now Dean has come back home to Harmony, Kentucky to face his past and finally lay it to rest. Can Dean forgive the family he thought deserted him, allow himself to love Eve, and really become the big brother his heart and soul feels the need to be?

Eve Lavon knows a prime piece of meat when she sees one, and that is exactly what Dean is. The only problem with him is that not only is he Havoc in the ring but now he is playing havoc with her heart and mind. Can Eve put aside her need for Dean and love that she refuses to admit, or will Havoc simply slip from her grasp and those of his sisters?

In this quiet town, you will also learn about Cam, the sensible and caring sister, and Jackie, the wild and irritable one as well. Where Cam is caring and loving, Jackie is loving and out of control, or at least everyone thinks she is. But one man, one fighter, is willing to face her sass and find the woman hidden beneath. Can Gregor convince her of his real intention or will he and his big mouth blow it all? Can Cam get the man of her dreams and only true love or will her stubborn pride and his idiocy be the end of something sweet?

Ms. Foster leads you into a story of passion and fighting, of love and regret, of fear, pain, and finally forgiveness. CAUSING HAVOC has all the elements and character that make a good book, a great read. I will be visiting the people of Harmony, Kentucky time and time again, while waiting on bated breath for the next book in the “SBC fighters” series. This book is a mind-blowing 5 Enchantments.

Dee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

BARE SEDUCTION by Lacey Thorn

BARE SEDUCTION
LACEY THORN
Erotica
Ellora's Cave
Sensuality Rating: E-rotic
ISBN# 9781419910272
$5.95
eBook - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Heading home to go to her best friend's wedding, Cass Sinclair meets Doug and Damon. Two best friends, closer than brothers could ever be. Cass has a problem though. She needs and wants physical contact, and both Doug and Damon want to provide it for her. Can Cass choose between the two hot hunks? Or will they make the choice for all three of them?

When Doug and Damon see Cass doing a handstand in nothing but her underwear, they decide that this girl just might be the one they are looking for. Doug and Damon share everything, from their home, to their business, and even their women. Can Cass be the one they have been looking for to share their lives with? Or will a stalker and would-be killer take her away from them before they even get the chance?

BARE SEDUCTION is exactly what the title suggests. It is seduction in the most bare of forms. Combine one woman, two men and more heat than any fire could ever reach and you have this hot and erotic tale from Ms. Thorn. This author has not only a great imagination, but also the ability to draw the reader in from the first word and hold them firmly in her grasp until the last. Very hot and satisfying, Ms. Thorn. Very satisfying indeed.

Dee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

PUSS IN BOOTS by Barri Bryan

PUSS IN BOOTS
BARRI BRYAN
Erotic Contemporary FairyTale
Sensuality Rating: Slightly Naughty
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
ISBN# 978-1-59374-994-1
137 pages
$5.49
eBook - Available November 2007

Rating: 4 Enchantments

Meet Fifi, the extraordinary puss of this story. She is naturally lilac-colored, southern (not French as her name implies), and very shrewd. When her former mistress dies, her daughter Caitlin assumes responsibility for the puss. Caitlin intends to find the cat a new owner, but Fifi has plans for Caitlin - and tells her so.

Caitlin Miller owns her own sewing shop, Nips and Tucks, and is quite content with that. She is a talented designer, but has no ambition (or money) to take it further. But there is more to Caitlin Miller than meets the eye. At first glance, she is unassuming, too trusting, and almost adolescent. As the story progresses, she becomes more self-assured, more discerning, and less of a twit (what dear Fifi calls her). But is it enough to keep Leo interested for a lifetime?

Leo ‘the Lion’ Legrand is a very self-proud man - he is impressed with himself and his success. He doesn’t care what he has to do to keep his lucrative status. Everything is up for grabs, especially from a dumpy little seamstress who means nothing to him. But then, the magic happens, as it does in every fairytale - Leo falls in love with Caitlin. Can he improve his basic nature, or will he lose the woman he cares for?

Fifi is worried for her new mistress, so she devises a plan to make her rich. Once Caitlin buys the puss Anne Klein books and a Gucci bag, Fifi will increase Caitlin’s business. And soon, Caitlin has more work than she can handle. But Fifi has bigger plans than that and sets out to make a deal with the owner of The Stylish Silhouette, Leo. As you can imagine, Leo does not take blackmail from a purple, talking cat very well - he rushes to find the cat’s owner and make her sorry. When he meets Caitlin, he develops a plan of his own to benefit from Caitlin’s talent. Can Fifi protect her mistress’s interests and her heart from the big, bad Lion?

While Caitlin is much too sweet and naïve and Leo is predatory and cunning, the pussy cat Fifi is juuust right. This story is told in the way of fairy tales with everything slightly exaggerated, but the solid writing shines throughout. This reader loved all the ‘cat’ puns - they added a bit of tongue-in-cheek word-play that was quite humorous and very clever. The dialogue and plot flow nicely. PUSS IN BOOTS was designed with grown-ups in mind and would make a nice bedtime story! I rate this fairytale a wonderful 4 Enchantments.

Barri Bryan is a husband and wife team with several books to their credit. Find them on the web at www.barribryan.atfreeweb.com or subscribe to their monthly newsletter for contests and updates at www.groups.yahoo.com/group/barribryannews.

dawn
Enchanting Reviews
September 2007

KENTUCKY HUNGER by Sophia Danu

KENTUCKY HUNGER
SOPHIA DANU
Erotic Paranormal/Vampire
Sensuality Rating: 4 Flames
eXtasy Books
ISBN# 1-55410-988-4
eBook - Available September 2007
229 pages
$5.99

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Alana is a wonderful character that everyone can relate to. Practical, down-to-earth, and little bit cynical, she loves her family more than anything else. She has a psychic talent (reading people’s thoughts) that keeps her wary of getting to close to others, but that talent draws her closer to Rhys.

Rhys is a Death Hunter, a feared vampire who hunts and kills rogue vampires. He is a breathtaking good guy, mainly because he is such a bad boy! He is a killer, dominant and ruthless, but he had me breathing hard and heavy. He makes no apology for his aggressive nature, and goes after what he wants. And what he wants, other than to catch a rogue murderer, is Alana.

Alana is mostly a loner, by nature and circumstance. She works with horses because then she doesn’t have to deal with people. When she meets Rhys, who is in Kentucky about a horse, there is instant attraction between the two. That attraction is strengthen every time they see each other. Alana tries, in vain, to fight the growing feelings Rhys arouses, but with Rhys’ forceful personality there is just no way she can win. Perfect setting for a story by itself, right? Well, add in a few mysteries, like who is Alana’s real father and an unknown murdering vampire, and you have the beginnings of something even better - it is called KENTUCKY HUNGER.

The plot was gripping. It kept my attention and kept me turning the pages well past the time I should have turned in for bed. The characters felt so real, I actually had a couple of déjà vu moments. Ms. Danu writes such that you are sucked into the characters’ lives, and they feel like people you know. The sex in this book was a whole lotta naughty, and oh-so-good. The descriptions and dialogue are vivid. The world-building in the novel was great and definitely deserves a second glance. I hope to see a series emerge from this. Great story! I can‘t wait to read more.

You can check out more about this author at www.freewebs.com/sophiadanu or email her at sd2write@yahoo.com.

dawn
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

LOVE, HONOR AND OBEY by Cynthia Rayne

LOVE, HONOR AND OBEY
CYNTHIA RAYNE
Erotic Contemporary
Sensuality Rating: E-rotic Quickie
Ellora’s Cave
ISBN# 9781419911088
41 pages
$2.99
eBook - Available August 2007

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Justin Sinclair fell in love with Carrie the first time he saw her. But he just couldn’t date the boss’s daughter, not without her father’s approval. Justin works hard to get that approval - when Mr. Langdon dies, he stipulates in his will that Carrie must marry Justin to get her money or wait 4 years. Now all Justin has to do is convince Carrie.

Carrie Langdon is too cerebral for her own good. Too brainy, too independent, but completely average and forgettable. She knows she is nothing special - so why does Justin want to marry her? She is nowhere near his league. He is treating this forced marriage waaaay too casually, and, darn it, not that she planned on marrying, but if she is going to, it is going to be for love!

Would you marry a man you barely knew to collect your inheritance? One that you are attracted to, but is so handsome and put together that you felt un-kept in his presence? What if he confides that he likes to dominate woman in the bedroom? What is a smart girl like Carrie to do? Carrie knows she should end this farce as soon as possible, but Justin seems determined to go through with the wedding. And she has to admit that the more she gets to know him, the stronger the connection is between them. Can she learn to love, honor and obey Justin?

This is a very sexy, but very sweet story! I love alpha men who know what they want and go after it…and Justin isn’t above manipulation to get what he wants. While this novella was short, it was a well-put-together story. I appreciated the struggle Carrie went through trying to fight her attraction to Justin, and the tenderness Justin displayed while dominating Carrie. Justin’s idea of domination had me squirming (but in a good way - wink!). The sparks flew from the first page and didn’t let up! I loved every second of it! Warning for the faint of heart, there is bondage, light spanking, and anal sex in this novella.

Stop by Ms. Rayne’s website at www.cynthiarayne.net to see all her books or visit her very hilarious blog at www.cynthiarayne.blogspot.com.

dawn
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

INTERGALACTIC NICK by Nathalie Gray

INTERGALACTIC NICK
NATHALIE GRAY
Erotic Sci-Fi Quickie
Sensuality Rating: Exotika
Ellora’s Cave
ISBN# 9781419911293
58 pages
$2.99
eBook - Available August

Rating: 4 Enchantments

Louisa ‘Lulu’ Bertrand has been after ‘gentleman’ thief Nick for six years, three months, and one week. He has always remained one step ahead of her. She is a retired security expert with only one ‘failure’ - her inability to capture Nick - and she can’t let it go even though it is no longer her job to bring him to justice.

Nick is the most obscure, agile criminal that LuLu has ever chased. He enjoys matching wits against LuLu, the game of cat-and-mouse, the chase…the foreplay. Nick is smooth, wily, and hopelessly in love with Chief LuLu. He loves woman, all types of woman, but LuLu is his Goddess, his Queen. Everything he does is meant to keep her interest in him, even becoming an ‘informant’ on himself.

Intergalactic Nick has a reputation. He is one of the most skilled lovers this side of the Percival System. He uses that skill to render his rich ‘victims’ unconscious, then steal money and valuables from them. His victims don’t seem to mind him helping himself - they never press charges, with the hope that he’ll come back. Chief LuLa hates these vapid, weak women. But she admits to a little jealousy, too. What will she do when she gets a chance to get her hands on Nick? Will she be able to fulfill her curiosity before turning him in to the authorities? Can Nick convince her of his adoration before it’s too late?

This is a fun little romp. LuLu and Nick had great chemistry! I would love to see more interactions between the two. Chief LuLu was definitely up to Nick’s challenge of dishing it out, and the back-and-forth repartee was amusing. Nick’s talking Mr. Dick cracked me up, and his un-repented arrogance was a huge turn-on. I had a splendid time reading this quickie; it left me with a satisfied smile on my face.

Enchanting Reviews had a chance to interview the delightful Ms. Gray in August 2007. Read how she would wrestle a giant squid to the ground and which authors she admires, or visit her website at www.nathaliegray.com.

dawn
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

CINDRA AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER by Paige Tyler

CINDRA AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER
PAIGE TYLER
Erotic Sci-Fi
Sensuality Rating: Romantic Spankings
ABCD Graphics and Design
11 chapters
ISBN# N/A
$9.95
Zip File - Available August 2007

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Introducing Cindra Mallory, a fairly new bounty hunter with things to prove. Her father has told her bounty hunting stories all her life but doesn’t believe she has what it takes because of her gender. She wants to prove him wrong so she goes after a very nasty criminal, Marek DelCour. She has trailed Marek to the planet Pendari, but the trail is now cold and she is quickly running out of credits. She refuses to give up and go home empty-handed.

Meet the Bounty Hunter, Bladen Sloan. A well-known bounty hunter with a stellar reputation, Cindra decides to enlist his help in catching Marek. She makes up a story about Marek being her fiancé who stole family heirlooms. She feels bad about lying to Bladen, but he can’t know she is a bounty hunter or he might decide not to help her.

Cindra has been hot on the trail of wanted bad guy Marek for months. She is almost out of money, but there is no way she is going home without her quarry. In desperation, she asks the handsome Bladen to help her locate him. Of course, she can’t pay him with credits, but she doesn’t mind exploring the mutual attraction between them and bargaining with her body. Bladen agrees to 10 sexual encounters as payment; but soon finds out that Cindra has been dishonest to him. Should he pretend he doesn’t know and continue to engage in the mutually gratifying sex? If he confronts her with the truth, can this burgeoning relationship survive the deceit? And how can they work together to capture the bad guy without being captured themselves?

Everything about this story was fantastic! Dynamic characters, wonderful world-building, fast-paced and exciting plot, and sensational love scenes! I would recommend this book for anyone, even if you have never read erotica or BDSM stories before. This is not a typical domination story, but the love scenes are enhanced with pleasurable spanking. The heat between Cindra and Blade produces sparks each time they come together and the spankings only adds to the fire. The spankings are romantic and arousing and portrayed with honest desire. It is obvious that the spankings are for Cindra’s enjoyment; she is exposed, but receptive. While a ‘warmed’ bottom is not my thing in real life, I can certainly say that reading about it brought some pink to my cheeks. I will be reading more from Ms. Tyler guaranteed!

Ms. Tyler has many ways for her fans to keep in contact with her, including her website at www.paigetylertheauthor.com, a MySpace page, a blog, and her email at paigetyler@paigetylertheauthor.com. She also writes under the names Madison Kincaide and Samantha Danvers.

dawn
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

CARNAL AWAKENING by Taige Crenshaw

CARNAL AWAKENING
TAIGE CRENSHAW
Erotic Paranormal
Sensuality Rating: E-rotic Quickie
Ellora’s Cave
ISBN# 9781419911859
51 pages
$2.99
eBook - Available August 2007

Rating: 3 Enchantments

Meet Shay Coles, a saucy and curvy size 24 woman. She runs a successful flower and art shop, has lots of diverse friends and loyal customers, as well as a huge, overwhelming family, and is just a little bit repressed concerning her sex life. Mainly because of a lack of one; and a tender heart caused by a cheating ex-boyfriend in the past. She compensates for this lack by having a wonderful fantasy life. She can’t stop the vivid erotic dreams she has been having about a sexy customer, Mikhail A’do Nis. She savors these nightly dreams because the reality is she would never say anything about her attraction to him and go looking for rejection.

A Zerican Sentinal from another realm, Mikhail A’do Nis is searching for an important plant, the Immortal Blossom, that is missing from his world, the Karvic Kingdom. He is drawn to Shay and can’t prevent himself from stopping in her flower shop, Exotic, even though the Immortal Blossom is not there; nor can he stop the Maerd Noisi dream visions they are sharing together. He wants to make the dreams a reality, but first he must complete his mission - and Shay Coles is a distraction he doesn’t need.

There are many interesting things happening in this book. For me, it also raised a bunch of questions. What makes the Immortal Blossom so important to the Selva sector of the Karvic Kingdom? What does it do? What is Shay’s connection to the Immortal Bloom? What is the significance of having a Noisiv Tseuq vision as Mikhail does? Who is Ms. Cramigla and what has she Shay chosen for? What are the rules and stages of the Luos Etam mating ritual? Are we going to see more of the numerous siblings and friends introduced in this story in the up-coming books? Is Mia the person she seems to be or something more? What part does Alenkic, King of the Renmus sector, play in the disappearance of the Immortal Blossom? After reading this story, only some of these questions are answered while many more are raised.

I have to say, what a unique start to a series. CARNAL AWAKENING sure awakened my curiosity about this new world and what is yet to come. This book has so much potential, but several ingredients were missing for me to rank this higher than 3 Enchantments. The first being - answers! Although I like a little mystery, I want to know the ‘why’s’ of everything by the end of the book; too many things were left unexplained. I am hoping that the next two books will be more of a completed story within a story. Some of the plot ‘turns’ seem unnecessary to this particular story (the 3 page explanation of the ex-boyfriend‘s cheating, Mia‘s interaction with Ms. Cramigla, Mikhail purchasing several of Shays favorite art pieces for no reason); they came from nowhere and didn’t really add much to the setting. The plot felt slightly choppy and unedited, and would have been better suited to a longer length. I think my main problem was the inadequate world building and prep work behind the book; at least it doesn't come through to the reader.

But on the plus side, the passion between Shay and Mikhail was heavy and intense. Especially the scene with the enchanted window - it will leave readers breathing hard. All of the characters (whether primary or secondary) are complex, colorful and vibrant. There are several secondary characters in this book that I can’t wait to read about in the upcoming stories. I will be waiting on pins and needles for the next installment - if only to find out the answers to all of my questions. If I have roused your curiosity at all about this novella, you will want to pick up CARNAL AWAKENING and read it today.

You can find all of Ms. Crenshaw’s upcoming books at www.taigecrenshaw.com or let her know what you thought of this one at taige@taigecrenshaw.com.

dawn
Enchanting Reviews
August 2007

BEST LAID PLANS by Bronwyn Green

BEST LAID PLANS
BRONWYN GREEN
Erotic Contemporary
Sensuality Rating: S-ensual
Cerridwen Press
175 pages
ISBN# 9781419910401
$4.45
eBook - Available August 2007

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Tessa Maycroft is a librarian, and a part-time worker at a domestic violence shelter. Tessa’s life changed when she was assaulted and raped while attending college as a young woman. It destroyed her self-esteem, her ability to trust, and has shaped the rest of her life. She has mostly worked her way past that terrible time, but she has a compulsion to try to stay in control as much as possible. She dates guys who are bland and vanilla; even though her neighbor really sets her heart racing, she instinctively knows she cannot control him, and that scares her.

Zander York is the ‘hot’ college psychology professor whom every girl on campus has a crush on. He is very charming, with a wicked sense of humor (even if he is a bit delusional about why so many female students visit him during office hours - that just adds to his appeal), and a deeply ingrained sense of responsibility. His heart was broken, and his life altered forever when his sister-in-law was stalked and murdered, and he vows he will not be that vulnerable to heartache again. He’s always looking for a no-commitment good time because his emotions are withdrawn and unavailable. He stays away from dating the ‘good’ girls like his neighbor, Tessa, even if he is attracted to her.

Campus politics ensure that Zander cannot get his tenure unless he appears to be in a stable committed relationship. He turns to his friend and neighbor for help. Would she have a pretend relationship with him, just until he gets his tenure? As a good friend, she can’t refuse. She has fantasized about him and this might be her only chance to assuage her curiosity on how his kisses would feel. Instead of light and casual, her ‘fake’ relationship is starting to feel way too real and much too complicated. To make matters worse, she starts getting unsettling and creepy notes. Will she be able to open up and trust Zander, not only with the past rape and current stalking, but also with her heart?

I felt compassion for both characters. Knowing Zander’s past and his need to protect, I especially felt for him. But I couldn’t blame Tessa with her thoughts and actions of blocking Zander out either; with her past, it was very realistic. This makes the budding relationship between the two all the more gratifying. Zander’s and Tessa’s friends know they are right for each other before either can admit their feelings, and keep pushing them together. They are the kind of friends everyone wishes they had. Everything about this book was great and I recommend you pick it up today!

Ms. Green does it again, but better than ever! BEST LAID PLANS is a stirring, appealing, comedic, sensual read. I loved it! I finished it in one sitting, and then went back to re-read some of my favorite parts a few days later. Ms. Green was able to take two highly sensitive subjects that will push your emotions through the wringer and still have you squirming in your seat with arousal. That is great story-telling at work!

If you want to know more about this author, we have an interview from August 2007 posted on the website or you can stop by her website at www.bronwyngreen.com.

dawn
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

IMPURE LONGINGS by Larissa Lyons

IMPURE LONGINGS
LARISSA LYONS
Erotic Historical
Ellora’s Cave
Sensual Rating: S-Sensuous
ISBN# 9781419911934
73 pages
$4.45
eBook - Available August 2007

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Widowed and quickly running out of funds, Dorothea knows that she needs to do something soon or will end up on the streets. In her time of need, she agrees to her friend’s offer to meet Lord Tremayne in the hopes that he would accept her as his new mistress.

Lord Tremayne has grown bored with his last mistress and hopes that Dorothea will be able to please him. He is gentle with her knowing that being a mistress is something entirely new if not foreign to Dorothea. He forces himself to control his needs even as he can’t get her out of his thoughts.

As his mistress, Dorothea realizes just how much she didn’t know about passion and realizes that she wants much more. Due to her inexperience though and Lord Tremayne seeming to have no feelings for her whatsoever, she is frightened of losing her heart to him. It is one thing to give him her body but something completely different to give her heart to him when he eems to have no feelings for her. Will they be able to overlook their class differences and find the love that they both want or will he discard her once he grows bored?

This author weaves a tale that is a pleasure to read from the opening paragraph to the closing sentence. I couldn’t put it down. Ms. Lyons weaves a tale that both captivates and simulates the senses and left me eager for more. The only problem with this story was that it was too short in my humble opinion and I can’t wait to see what else Ms. Lyons plans for her next story.

Contessica
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

BEST LAID PLANS by Bronwyn Green

BEST LAID PLANS
BRONWYN GREEN
Contemporary Romance
Sensuality Rating: S-ensual
Cerridwen Press
ISBN# 9781419910401
175 pages
$4.45
eBook - released August 2007

Rating: 4 Enchantments

They say that time heals all wounds. And Tessa Maycroft she is still healing after an assaulted that occurred in college. Working as a librarian and part time at a women’s shelter, Tessa plunges into her work, having a need for control since the assault. She dates occasionally but only the type of man that she knows she can handle no matter what. This has been working for her until she realizes just how attracted to her new neighbor she is. It frightens her because he is not the type you control.

Zander York is the new professor on campus, teaching Psychology and having every female literally begging for more assignments. Under his calm and cool demeanor, with just the right sense of humor, lurks a man with a painful past. His sister in law was stalked and murdered, devastating him in a way he never thought possible.

To keep his new job, Zander must be in a serious commitment relationship. Not being in one, he looks for the next best idea; he asks his attractive neighbor Tessa if she would be willing to pretend that they are a couple. Tessa agrees and decides to get some of her own questions answered about him. Their acting becomes a real relationship, causing Zander to worry about being hurt again, while Tessa has problems of her own - being stalked and having creepy messages sent to her. Tessa has to make the difficult decision of trusting Zander with her past and heart or keeping in control and risk losing him.

This was the first book I have read by Ms. Green and she succeeded in grabbing my attention and keeping it. Ms. Green has created a tale that leaves you on the edge of your seat with the tension between Tessa and Zander. BEST LAID PLANS is not a quick feel-good fun-read; instead you get so much more. It is a serious romance with just the right amount of excitement and mystery. It will leave you wanting more and unable to put the book down until it is done.

Contessica
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

HIGHLAND DAWN by Donna Grant

HIGHLAND DAWN
DONNA GRANT
Historical/Dark Fantasy Romance
New Concepts Publishing
ISBN# 1-58608-955-2
$5.50
eBook - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Moria, the oldest of the druid sisters from the prophecy, has always been strong. But when everyone and everything she holds dear is being threatened, her strength wanes and the future looks bleak. She has only one thing to keep her moving and her strength from failing completely, and this is Dartayous. Shame he doesn’t really see her either.

Danger, mystery, sandalwood and power - what better way to describe a man and that is exactly what Dartayous is. Dartayous, a Druid Warrior, is guarding the most perfect thing in the world and the only one to actually melt the ice wrapped around his heart, Moria. For years he has wanted her, but his own secret and curse keeps him out of the arms of the only true happiness he has ever wanted or needed.

Facing an indescribable evil, Moria and Dartayous find it may not only be their world and that of the Fae at stake but their hearts and souls as well.

Have you ever found a long lost friend? Well, that is what this book is like to me. As though someone from my past walked up and we became the best of friends again. I remember once meeting the Druid Prophecy sisters and hoped to find them again, but try as hard as I might, it wasn’t until I read this story that I realized I had found them again, and the story is intertwined in my heart once more. The best part is that I will never lose it or the vividly told people again, and I hope to see the story evolve more as Lugus gets the life he deserves.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

THE SHIELDS 1: A DARK GUARDIAN by Donna Grant

THE SHIELDS 1: A DARK GUARDIAN
DONNA GRANT
Historical/Dark Fantasy Romance
New Concepts Publishing
ISBN# 1-58608-968-4
$5.50
eBook - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Lady Mina of Stone Crest, Hugh, leader of the Shields, Roderick, Val, Gabriel, Cole and Darrick, companions of Hugh and Knights of the same cause. Mina's brother, Bernard, Baron of Stone Crest, Theresa of Cloister, Mina's sister and a cruel and vain woman, and you have the cast of this great story. Though Hugh and Mina are the main two characters, each of the others deserves to be mentioned as the author leaves you with the feeling that they are real.

Cole, an immortal, was found wandering between realms as a child. His world had been destroyed and he had been taken in and trained in weapons and fighting by the Fae. As all the other shields, each man has something, some quality that drew the Fae to them. I mention Cole because of the immortality and the fact that he is the only one to come from another dimension. Or is he? Also the truth is that he is my favorite.

A demon is plaguing Stone Crest and destroying everything Mina cares about. Hugh and his men have been hunting these creatures down and trying to destroy them. Out of hundreds, Hugh’s men are the only ones left, and the Demons are getting harder to kill and more intelligent. Can Hugh and Mina save Stone Crest, can Hugh and his men save the world from this threat, can the story get any wilder as we find out that not only do they have to save their own time periods but the future as well? Are you hooked? Well, you should be and well, go get the book.

I normally will not read a historical but after hearing about this book, I decided to take a chance. Man, am I glad I did - it is gripping, loving, suspenseful and totally addictive. I hope that I am the lucky reviewer to get the next one in the series. Oh please, Ms Grant, do me the honor of continuing this series with you and finding joy once more in a great historical romance. A heart-stopping 5 Enchantments.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
October 2007

TAKE ME HOME by Jerri Corgait

TAKE ME HOME
JERRI CORGAIT
Contemporary Romance
Penguin Signet Eclipse
ISBN# 978-0-451-22203-9
$6.99
Print - Available now

Rating: 4 Enchantments

Florida Jones is a woman who thought she knew her worth and had her future laid out before her. That is, until she stupidly drives off in anger and looses her sight due to a nasty accident. Now Florida not only has to deal with learning to live in a virtually sightless world, but also deal with her daughter’s rebellion, her fiancé’s lack of everything emotional, and her mother’s return.

An unlikely yet well deserving hero emerges, Stan Davis, Florida’s ex-lover and the father of her little girl Missouri. When Florida and Stan had been together, he and she both had been in the wring and his wife then had paid dearly for it. Stan though was forced to change his ways when he married Serena and she died a slow and painful death from cancer.

Stan and Florida have had a mixed past to say the least but now when she needs him the most, Stan proves that anyone and everyone can change. Tamara, Florida’s mother, is the only one left with the time and life to help Florida after her accident, but can and will Florida forgive or at least put aside her anger and let Tamara help? Will Missouri pay the cost for Florida’s stubborn streak? Can anyone really change enough to the put the past behind them?

Ms. Corgait is a talented author and weaves a wonderful tale. Her heroes and heroines drive you insane, make you cry, and laugh, from one page to the next. If you want to read the story of one woman, one family striving to reach the light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel, then you have to read TAKE ME HOME.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

SWITCHING SIDES by Beth Wylde

SWITCHING SIDES
BETH WYLDE
Contemporary Lesbian Erotica
Torquere Press
ISBN# N/A (ARC)
$3.50
eBook - Available April 2008

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Elizabeth is a frustrated college student who is tired of the jerks she has been dating lately. The latest jerk turned out not to be a jerk at all, and he brings Elizabeth the best thing she could have asked for, Kara Nouveau.

Kara is and has been a lover of women for a very long time now, and through serious manipulations, she has a chance at the woman of her dreams, and for a real relationship. Now if only she can convince Elizabeth?

SWITCHING SIDE is told in first person and written so well that you experience each mind blowing and earth shattering feeling Elizabeth does. Ms. Wylde has created a lovely tale of one woman finally finding herself and meeting the Lover of her dreams. The sex, though vividly told, never gets too vulgar or distasteful and strawberries will have a whole new meaning for anyone daring enough to read this loving tale.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

REAPER’S REWARD by Marie Hart

REAPER’S REWARD
MARIE HARTE
Contemporary Erotica
Loose Id
ISBN# 978-1-59632-490-9
$5.99
eBook - Available now

Rating: 4 Enchantments

Jewel or Julia Marciella is a private investigator and a self-reliant woman, however when her expertise is needed, Julia finds herself playing the role of Jewel. Jewel is a woman who is wanting and needing a job as a waitress at a very exclusive resort where sex is not only encouraged but many times viewed by one and all. Julia is there to find a man who has been blackmailing her client, but she finds herself wrapped up in a bigger mystery and the arms of a very dominant man.

Ethan Reaper is there to find out who and what is threatening his friend and client Rick Hastings. Rick is the owner of the very sexually exclusive club and Mirvolo Cup of Bacchus. Ethan not only has to find out who or what is threatening Rick and the Cup but also why Jewel is really there.

The situation goes from tense to worse as Rick notices how his friend wants Jewel, so in clever move he puts Ethan over her training into the sexual world of his Fantasy Resort Bacchus Club. Can Ethan and Jewel keep their bodies separated long enough to do their jobs, or will the heat and passion by Bacchus Cup enflame them all?

Ms. Harte has created a world where Domination and Submission are more than just accepted but encouraged. The surroundings are so vividly told that one wonders if they can hear the ocean’s call, and feel the need themselves. There is a whole new world to discover as Julia and Ethan find not only the other part of themselves but a whole new world in front of them.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

OF GODS AND ONE WOMAN by Dahlia Rose

OF GODS AND ONE WOMAN
DAHLIA ROSE
Erotica Fantasy
Aphrodite’s Apples
ISBN# N/A
116 pages
$3.49
eBook - Available August 2007

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Sasha Green’s father was attacked and now she fights for those who need her. But Sasha is killed and agrees to become the concubine and ally of Ares. Ares, a God, doesn’t realize just how stubborn mortals can be or how much he could love one. I mean really - who had heard of the God of War falling in love? It happened though, and being the loving brute he is, Ares makes fatal mistakes such as ordering his fiery human around.

All is not loving banter between these two, and it seems that one of Ares’ former girlfriends, if you could call her that, has issues with Ares brushing her off, and has decided that Sasha is the one to pay for it.

But everyone knows that a mortal woman has no chance against a goddess, right? Maybe not in your fairytales, but in Ms. Rose's tales they can and will. The only thing that can truly tear this couple apart is that she is mortal, but Ares may have something to say about that.

This was a hilarious look into what the gods are up to now, and though I am reminded of a favorite television show when I read Ares’ name, it is not the same. It was a pleasure to see the God of War brought low by a human woman. OF GODS AND ONE WOMAN caught me from the start.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

NEXT TO DIE by Marliss Melton

NEXT TO DIE
MARLISS MELTON
Romantic Suspense
Hachette Book Group
ISBN# 0-446-61834-9
$6.99
Print - Available now

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Penelope Price, or Penny as her family and friends call her, is a Lieutenant and Physical Therapist in the Navy. Penny and her sister Lia have had a hard time of it lately and Penny has been taking care of Lia for a very long time. Penny is almost ready to say no the next time Lia calls but the fear in her voice convinces Penny to take her in again. It seems that Lia called the man both girls suspected of foul play in their father’s death and told him he should be ashamed. Lia is definitely the more outgoing of the two and this time Lia may have gone to far.

After a few threatening calls, Penny and Lia decide to go to the FBI and ask for their help. Penny goes one step farther and calls on her neighbor, the sexy, hot, and a little disturbed Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander Joe Montgomery. Joe has a few demons of his own, since his last mission went fatally wrong. However, Joe somewhat grudgingly respects his neighbor and decides to help her out.

Penny has had a thing for Joe for a long time, and with some pushing and prodding from Lia, she decides to make the first move. The only problem is that Joe doesn’t want to trust anyone with his problems or Penny. Joe makes this problem even worse by trying to push her into the arms of other SEALS. One in particular shows a great interest and now Joe wonders what he was thinking when the Shark began circling his prey.

Can Penny and Lia stay alive long enough to find happiness, will the FBI catch the Killer before its to late, and will Joe finally realize what has been in front of his face all along?

The secondary characters in this story are unbelievably real, Ophelia or Lia and Vinny though secondary to Joe and Penny have their own love triangle and you find yourself not sure who you want to read about next, Penny and Joe, or Vinny and Lia.

What a wonderful and insightful treat in the world of Navy SEALS, Ms. Melton has captivated this reviewer and I personally cannot wait to find out more about her and her Navy SEAL series.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

MY IMMORTAL by Erin McCarthy

MY IMMORTAL
ERIN MCCARTHY
Paranormal Romance
Jove (Penguin)
ISBN# 978-0-515-14348-5
Paperback
$7.99

RATING: 4.5 Enchantments

Marley Turner finds herself in the heart of Louisiana at the plantation mansion Rosa de Montana, searching for her errant sister, Lizzie, again. Lizzie has never been stable and though everyone hoped when she had her son, that would change, it did not. Now the family is worried and Marley, the one who takes care of everyone else and never herself, is standing in front of the most dangerous and sensuous man she has ever met, Damien du Bourg.

Damien has lived over 300 years and though he is immortal, he is not happy. Damien made a deal with a Grigori Demon and now, though he is immortal and irresistible to all women, he is a slave. Damien now spends his eternity causing lust to men and woman around him in wicked parties held at Rosa de Montana.

It was one of these parties that drew Lizzie and now Marley. There is a huge problem though, Damien’s master and Grigori Demon Alex. It seems that this all has been a series of events orchestrated to bring Marley within his grasp.

Will Marley and Damien ever find happiness, will Damien regain his freedom and soul, will Marley find Lizzie, and will Marley ever begin to think of her needs? The answer to these is well, you know, in the great read MY IMMORTAL.

Ms. McCarthy has created a world full of frightening things and great pleasures, but most importantly, love. Set in Louisiana, MY IMMORTAL gives you a glimpse of how selfishness can destroy and love can heal all. A really great and inviting read.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

MILE HIGH TO HEAVEN by Angela Guillame

MILE HIGH TO HEAVEN
ANGELA GUILLAME
Contemporary
Aphrodite’s Apples
ISBN# N/A
96 pages
$2.99
eBook - Available October 2007

Rating: 4 Enchantments

Olivia Marsden, thirty-two, is on the way to her sister's wedding. She is lightly overweight by modern standards, almost Amazon-like, yet warm and loving, and needing a man who would see the real woman inside.

Cole Evans, her sister’s soon-to-be brother-in-law, is obsessed with Olivia ever since the engagement party. He now has his chance to make Olivia his and his only. He is quietly domineering, though never overbearing, and needs a woman like her to complete him. At a bed and breakfast in Atlanta, a day before the wedding, Cole proves to Olivia that she is his...and his only. Will these two continue this unexpected yet steamy path to love, or will Olivia’s sister, Fi, ruin everything?

MILE HIGH TO HEAVEN is a quick peak into the lives of those who do not feel perfect yet truly are. It shows that given the right amount of attention and love, anyone can and will shine. I was thoroughly captivated with this story, and unfortunately, depressed when the ending came. I wanted so much more from Ms. Guillame and her book MILE HIGH TO HEAVEN.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN by Kimberlee R. Mendoza

LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN
KIMBERLEE R. MENDOZA
The Wild Rose Press
Contemporary Inspirational Young Adult
ISBN# 1-60154-104-X
$6.00
Paperback

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Meet Melena Russell, a shy 18 year old young woman who has always stepped down and backed away from any type of serious relationship, except that of her love and devotion to God. Now meet Dylan Hart. He is the first guy in a long time to intrigue Melena since her unrequited feelings for Rick. Melena and Dylan begin something wonderful at a Christian Summer Camp and though the future looks bright for them, Cassandra, Melena’s younger sister, has other ideas.

Cassandra is selfish, angry, and spiteful, but most of all she is lost. Can Melena with God’s help break the barrier between them, and will her brother Nick ever recover from the accident that hurt him and killed his girlfriend?

The only real hope besides God for Melena and Dylan are their best friends Chad and April. April knows what Cassandra has done to Melena throughout the years, and with Chad’s help, they continually bring Dylan and Melena together.

LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN by Ms. Mendoza is a wonderfully refreshing treat and glimpse into the life of a teenage Christian trying to find her way in the world. Though Melena’s life has its ups and downs, her faith in God is inspiring. Thank you Ms. Mendoza for bringing us Melena and all the wonderful and very real characters of LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN.

BrandyWine
Enchanting Reviews
September 2007

HARD AND FAST by Lisa Renee Jones

HARD AND FAST
LISA RENEE JONES
Contemporary
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN# 0-373-79343-x
$4.99
Print - Available August 2007

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Amanda Wright knows the sporting world from both the sidelines and a very personal level as well. She once had Olympic dreams until her knee got messed up and took her out of the game. Now Amanda is involved in sports the only way she can be, by writing Newspaper columns. Amanda is now facing the ultimate dream; however there is one catch… Her boss wants her to drag down the only guy who has managed to makes her miss being a woman in a long time.

Brad Rogers is on the Los Angeles Rays, and though he is in the big leagues, he is a good ’ole boy at heart. Brad has been burned by the press before and refuses to give in to this lovely new journalist. Besides, Brad has a secret or two of his own that could make her career and break his into pieces.

Can these two overcome their differences, careers, lives, and bosses to get together or are they a strike out waiting to happen?

Ms. Jones has taken the story of journalism and sports to a new level. I personally do not care for baseball and wanted to see who won. In my book, this story is a Home Run.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

GRAVE SURPRISE by Charlaine Harris

GRAVE SURPRISE
CHARLAINE HARRIS
Mystery/Fantasy
Penguin Berkley Prime
ISBN# 0-425-21203-3
$23.95
Hardback - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Harper Connolly is back in the all-new edition GRAVE SURPRISE. In this one, Harper and Tolliver Lang, her step-brother and manager, are in Memphis for a college experiment. Harper and Tolliver have been hired to read the graves on the campus cemetery of Bingham College. Harper, of course, is there to prove that she is real and Dr. Nunley, the professor that hired her, is trying to prove that she is not.

Harper aces the exam. I mean why wouldn’t she, Harper is the real deal. Though an unexpected surprise meets Harper at the end of the test when she finds the body of Tabitha Morgenstern, a little girl missing for over a year. Harper and Tolliver were hired to find her in Nashville, and though Harper looked to the best of her ability and beyond, the case was left unsolved and the body not found until now.

Finding Tabitha has not only drawn the press to Harper and Tolliver again, but also opened a very vicious can of worms in the Morgenstern family. Now the only way Harper and Tolliver can move on is to find out what happened to the little girl.

Harper has other problems creeping up as well, it seems that Tolliver has let his libido carry him to far and he had a short relationship with one of the Morgenstern’s family members. Can Tolliver give up Felicia and continue to travel with Harper or has Harper's life and the way she feels about Tolliver change too much to recover? Also will Harper continue to receive unexpected visitors or was Josiah a one shot visit?

Ms. Harris does it again. I absolutely was hooked from beginning to end and cannot say I stopped reading until it was over. GRAVE SURPRISE is fabulously well written and true to Ms. Harris style. She leaves the readers wanting and needing more. I cannot wait until the newest installment of the Harper Connolly Mysteries comes out.

A mystery that not only keeps you guessing but also grips you and wont let go.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

GRAVE SIGHT by Charlaine Harris

GRAVE SIGHT
CHARLAINE HARRIS
Cozy Mystery/Fantasy
Penguin Berkley Prime
ISBN# 0-425-21289-0
$7.99
Print - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Harper Connolly has had a rough life, from parents who definitely were not role models, to being struck by lightening. Yep, that’s right she was hit by lightening and survived. Though it did change her, she now has a few physical side effects, such as a bad leg and severe headaches. However the most shocking of these effects just might be that Harper can find to an extent, and know just how the dead really died.

Now I am not talking about seeing it happen as in a movie, well maybe I am, she sees it from the victims eyes. This is at least a very uncommon gift, so Harper and her step-brother Tolliver decide to help those who cannot talk anymore while making a living.

This leads us into Harper Connolly’s first book of the series GRAVE SIGHT. Here Harper and Tolliver travel to a little town Sarne, Arkansas. Harper is there to find the body of Teenie or Monteen Hopkins. Harper finds her, but she finds something worse, a long history of convenient deaths and unsolved murders.

Will Harper be next on the killers list? She truly thinks so since someone has gotten Tolliver locked up and now is not only hiring punks to beat her up, but also taking shots at her.

Can Harper and Tolliver survive this quaint and extremely odd little town or will it swallow them up and leave them scared for life or worse?

I have to say first off I am not a fan of Mystery novels; I do not particularly care for them. However, I loved GRAVE SIGHT. Ms. Harris has taken a freak accident and turned it into a gripping tale. From the moment I picked it up, I could not put it down, until the end. Ms. Harris does it again and I am hooked. Thankfully I have the second of the series and can begin reading it right now.

A true mystery but with a twist that only Ms. Harris can create and pull off.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

COWBOYS MAKE BETTER LOVERS by Kelly Wallace

COWBOYS MAKE BETTER LOVERS
KELLY WALLACE
Contemporary
Linden Bay Romance
ISBN# 978-1-60202-069-6
$5.99
eBook/Print - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Sarah Collins, alone in the world though she is engaged to a safe man and has a father at home, is still very alone. Following her sister’s death, she decides that giving her sister’s kids to someone who really cares for them is the best way to go. But there is no way a playboy like Raif Manning is good for anyone.

Raif Manning has led a great photography career, and an even greater life. Or so he thought until his brother and sister-in-law were killed and he took on the role of guardian for his two nephews and baby niece. Now Raif realizes that he had never really been happy, and the one woman who can destroy it all drives him insane while making him wish for something, someone more.

Tommy, the older boy, Chris, and their baby sister Jenny have had a rough time and now it looks like they will be taken away from their new home by an aunt who is a witch. Well, not really, but she is causing problems and Tommy only wants her gone.

Can Sarah, Raif and the three kids make a family out of a broken hearts and homes, or will Sarah go back to her pampered life and take the kids with her?

COWBOYS MAKE BETTER LOVERS is a great story of a broken and stubborn woman, an even more stubborn and sexy man, and three adorable kids. Kansas may get hot in the summer but nothing like the heat coming from Sarah and Raif. Ms. Wallace has just been added to my got-to-look-out-for author list, so that I don’t miss another book. A long cool 5 enchantments.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
October 2007

BEEN THERE, BIT THAT by Marly Chance

BEEN THERE, BIT THAT
MARLY CHANCE
Paranormal Erotica
Ellora’s Cave
Sensuality Rating: E-rotic
ISBN# 9781419913310
$5.20
eBook - Available September 2007

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Meet Tamara Turner, Dominic Garcione, and Marc Devereaux. All three are vampires and about to be entwined in a fantastic experience through life.

Vampires, okay, they are real. But Faery, come on, seriously a real honest-to-goodness, hot, hunky, and oh-so-powerful faery? Also, just because your mom is head of the friggin vampire council, does that mean she can't love you too, or would she really put you to death just because they said so?

Living vampires, what a concept. I know what you are thinking; you cannot be a vampire and be alive, right? Wrong. What else do you call someone who is, well, stronger than a human, thrives on blood at least during sex, but eats food, gets cold, loves the sun, and has an infinity for, well, being sweet? A living vampire, that’s what, and let me tell you Tamara is a hoot. So are the boys, but Tamara is every woman’s hero and every man’s worst fear and greatest desire - a hot-blooded woman who doesn’t take anything off of anyone and is smart to boot.

Definitely hot; this story is great. There’s all the elements you need for a great hit - good versus evil, anger, betrayal, passion, love, laughter, fear, excitement, and the overwhelming sense to say, 'Oh come on Tamara, you know you want him'.

However, if you want to know just how much better it gets, then you will have to read it yourself. A very hot 5 Enchantments.

BrandyWine
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

TIME SHIFT by Christane France

TIME SHIFT
CHRISTIANE FRANCE
Time Travel Romance
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
ISBN# 978-1-60272-088-6
$5.00
eBook - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Mariette Joubert was excited about going back to Paris, France for her vacation. Her family had lived there before but after she was born they moved to America. Her grandfather told her stories about Paris and about the house at La rue Charles V Street that his family owned.

When Mariette learned that the house was for sale and she had a chance to go through it, she was so overwhelmed. After opening the back door, she stood at the threshold, remembering all the stories her grandfather told her about the house. With flashlight in hand, she walked through the first floor, amazed that parts of the house were still in good shape. She moved up to the second floor, where she finds what could be a secret door. After peeling away some old wallpaper, she finds a small door that she opens. She gets the feeling she is falling down a chute...only to wake and find herself in the house in the year 1763...

Philippe de Gaspard was captivated by the young woman who didn't look like the peasant girls that were usually here at this house of pleasure; she was so lovely. After he was able to take her to a small upstairs room, she began to realize what had happened to her. Philippe was so taken with her that he bought the rights to Mariette, but Philippe can't stop thinking that there was something different about her. He knew that he didn't want to let her go, but she was like few other people he had met. Was she one of the time travelers that seem to find him? Could he help her find her way back like the others, or would she choose to stay with him?

Ms. France is a wonderful writer. I love how TIME SHIFT flows, and keeps it pace throughout the book. Every detail is wonderful. She brings to life what it might be like to time travel back to France in the 18th century. Her characters are wonderfully written and it is a wonderful story to read.

Barbara
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

NAKED DRAGON by G.A. Hauser

NAKED DRAGON
G.A. HAUSER
Contemporary Gay Erotic Romance
Linden Bay Romance
ISBN# 978-1-60202-065-8
$6.99
eBook - Available now

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Officer David Harris has been a Seattle Police Officer for three years now. So when the call went out, he knew it was another victim of a killer that came to Seattle, Washington. He met his Sarge at the apartment building, and both went in to the room. As they came out of the room, they were informed that the FBI was taking over the case and would be the lead on it. As David waited the FBI agents showed up, he noticed that one stood back from the others, he had closed eyes as if to meditated. David was fascinated by him. He didn't fit the FBI image - he had long hair, trim body, and when he opened his eyes they were brilliant blue. David couldn't stop looking at him or stop thinking about him.

Agent Robbie Taylor, FBI Psychic/Criminal Behaviorist, started working on the serial killer case in Seattle, Washington. So far this killer had killed over 22 young men and he was determined that he was going to stop him. But he never thought he would be the one captured by one of the most beautifully black men he has ever seen, Officer Harris. He couldn't believe how this man had undressed him from head to toe without ever taking his clothes off. Robbie knew David guarded his secret from the rest of the police force closely, but when they start working together, would it get out that he is David's lover, and what happens when they caught the killer, would David come to Virginia with him?

Ms. Hauser is one of the top rate writers. She brings out feelings, wants and desires. In NAKED DRAGON, she writes about finding courage from within yourself and to believe in the abilities of the one you love and care for. It has hot men, great sex, and true friends who accept you for yourself. Her writing style is clean, her plots wind around her characters with a steady pace. It is such a great pleasure to read NAKED DRGON.

Barbara W.
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007

THE KISS by G.A. Hauser

THE KISS
G.A. HAUSER
Contemporary Gay Romance
Linden Bay Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
ISBN# 978-1-60202-057-3
256 pages
$6.99
eBook - Available July 2007

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Scott Epstein always wanted be in the movies, wanting to be the actor's actor... but not all things goes as he had planned. He figured by now that he would be in Hollywood but here he was, in New York and living with his sister Claire.

Claire is the co-owner of a model agency so he received a few modeling jobs but still something was missing in his life. His sister was worried about him, he needed someone in his life that would make him happy but the women he was dating were just not the right type.

Ian Sullivan came to New York from England to have a better chance of getting noticed as a model and to study acting. So when Claire Epstein called to tell him that she may have a job for him, he was ready.

After Scott meets Ian at his sister’s company, they became instant friends. So when Claire found a way for Scott and Ian to work together in a commercial, would they be game enough to share a very controversial kiss on national TV? Can Scott and Ian's new friendship be strong enough to survive a kiss or will it bring out deep hidden feelings for each other that they never knew they could have?

I love the way Ms. Hauser has written this story - she has captured the essence of self-discovery and the self-learning that love comes in many forms. THE KISS is a love story about finding your way in life, finding your heart, and finding your soulmate.

Barbara
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
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