Book description: Darkness covers the north, since the black mage has begun his assault on the kingdom of Neroche. Legend has it that only the two magical swords held by Neroche's king can defeat the mage. Now the fate of the Nine Kingdoms rests in the hands of a woman destined to wield one of those blades...

In this land of dragons and mages, warrior maids and magical swords, nothing is as it seems. And Morgan will find that the magic in her blood brings her troubles she cannot face with a sword-and a love more powerful than she has ever imagined.

Review: Lynn Kurland was one of the first authors I read when I first started reading romance. My tastes have gone in different directions since then but I was curious to read Kurland’s fantasy effort. Star of the Morning is a traditional but light fantasy with swords, sorcerers, and kings. The beginning was a little slow but I soon became interested in the characters. I also liked the romantic sub-plot. This genre suits Kurland’s writing and I enjoyed this book enough to see what happens in the next one.

Book description: "I don’t want to be alone tonight."

Caroline Lake can hardly believe she would ever say these words to someone she'd never met before. When a tall, dark stranger arrives wanting to rent a room in her beautiful empty shell of a mansion, she hesitates. Though she is in dire financial straits, the man looks dangerous—dangerously sexy. She's overwhelmed by the desire he sparks in her—hotter than anything she's ever felt before, making her ache to experience his sensuous touch. But who is this armed and mysterious man with danger following in his wake? He's not who she thinks he is . . .

Jack Prescott has wanted Caroline forever. He has spent the past twelve years dreaming of her, desiring her, while fighting in some of the worst hellholes on earth. Now he's back, with twenty million dollars in blood diamonds and a relentless enemy stalking him. But this time Jack's determined that nothing will stop him from finally making Caroline his.

Review: As a romance, I really enjoyed Dangerous Lover. The two main characters were well developed. Their relationship was erotic but managed to be sweet at the same time. I wasn’t so interested in the suspense part of the book. It was more of a distraction than anything. I also did not like how abruptly the book ended. It really could have used an extra chapter for Jack and Caroline to discuss everything that was revealed during the final scene. Even though I had my problems with this book, I liked the writing enough to pick up the sequel.

Book description: THREE
Kira Jordan wakes up in a pitch-black room handcuffed to a metal wall. She has 60 seconds to escape. Thus begins a vicious game where to lose is to die.

TWO
The man she's been partnered with--her only ally in this nightmare--is a convicted mass murderer. But if he's so violent, why does he protect her? And stranger still, what is it behind those haunted sea-green eyes that makes her want to protect him?

ONE
No one to trust. Nowhere to run. And the only hope of survival is working together to beat the
COUNTDOWN

Review: Countdown was fun and full of action. I found it hard to put down until I finished it. The plot was fast paced and the heroine was likeable. The sci-fi elements and world building weren’t overly detailed but they worked well with the plot. The romance was enjoyable too. I’ll most likely pick up future books from this writer.

Book description: Hal Waterman's calling on the newly widowed Elizabeth Lowery is the caring act of a gentleman. And with her household in turmoil and a young son to support, she is certainly grateful for his help. Hal finds Elizabeth even more lovely than when they first met, but knows that she will only ever see him as a kind and often taciturn friend.
Elizabeth finds comfort and companionship in Hal's caring of her. But then a tantalizing desire starts to simmer. His reassuring strength and presence have become so very attractive…so alluring….

Review: A Most Unconventional Match is the kind of historical romance I love to read. It features two nice, normal people falling in love without too much drama. Hal isn’t a duke or a rake; he’s just an average guy who is a little shy. I didn’t like his odd speech patterns at first but by the end of the book it didn’t bother me at all. He’s definitely one of the most likeable heroes I’ve read about recently. If you like sweet historical romances without alpha heroes you should pick this up.

Book description: The Seduction os Sarah. It began in Sienna with an illicit kiss stolen under a hot Mediterranean sun. It made the blood sing in her veins in ways she had never felt before. It was a pulsing need to be someone else; to be something else...something she didn't yet understand.

It was embodied by Davinoff. The dark lord was feared by the ton and even by fleeing to Bath, Sarah could not escape him. His eyes were ageless. They held a sadness she could hardly fathom. They pierced her so deeply that she felt penetrated to her very core. What they offered was frightening...and tantalizing. Was it evil that lurked within this foreigner's unnatural kiss, or was the communion he offered something else entirely? All Sarah knew was that the sacrament of his love would either be the death of her body or the salvation of her soul. And she could no more deny it than she could herself.

Review: I love a good traditional vampire tale and Sacrament is closer to that than a lot of vampire paranormal romance novels today. The vampires here do want to drink blood and they occasionally kill people. The material here is much darker than an average romance. That may turn some people off but I loved it. The romance itself is well done too. It starts off very slow but is built up well over the course of the book. If you like a little horror in your paranormal romance I highly recommend this book.

Book description: She was a breathtaking firebrand, and Vere Mallory, the notorious Duke of Ainswood, had never seen anything like her. Although he thought he was rescuing Lydia Grenville from the cluches of a renowned wastrel, he quickly discovers she is angry at his interference! Amused by the sultry hell-cats's fury, Mallory vows to teach her some humility -- in life and in love.

Lydia Grenville was fuming. She was determined to save womankind from disreputable rakes like the infamous Mallory, not to succumb to his scandelous charms. She finds herself overwhelmed by the scintillating sensations he brings to her body, but when she discover's that he has bragged that he's going to "tame" her, Lydia vows to fight his advances . . . but nothing prepares her for the surrender she finds in his arms.

Review: The Last Hellion is the sequel to Lord of Scoundrels. Reading the first book is not necessary to follow this one but I do recommend it because the characters from the previous book are in this one. Besides, Lord of Scoundrels is excellent and should be read by all historical romance fans. I did not like The Last Hellion quite as much but I still found it very enjoyable. Lydia and Vere have a great romance that grows out of a combative relationship. Their dialogue is witty and often hilarious. The book did feel a little longer than it needed to be but I was never bored. I highly recommend The Last Hellion.

Book description: Victoria Barnhardt set out to create something brilliant; she succeeded beyond her wildest dreams. With one keystroke her program spiraled out of control and something was born that defied possibility: a being who called to her.

He spoke from within a prison--seeking escape, seeking release, seeking her. He was a miracle that Vic had never intended. More than a scientific discovery or a brilliant coup by an infamous hacker, he was life. He was beauty. He was genius. And he needed to be released. Just as Victoria did. Though the shadows of the past might rise against them, on one starry Los Angeles night, in each other's arms, the pair would find a way to have each other and freedom both.

Review: I’ve never read a book quite like Body Electric. It’s the perfect blend of sci-fi and romance where neither the sci-fi or romance aspects are weak. The characters are fantastic. Victoria starts out as a brilliant programmer who is emotionally messed up. Jodie starts the book as a gender neutral artificial intelligence program. How these two end up together makes for some very interesting reading. The sci-fi plot is action packed and is easy to follow for people who don’t normally read sci-fi books. I almost gave this book five stars but one scene near the end of a book made me knock off half a point. I highly recommend this book to people looking for an unusual romance. I’ll certainly be reading more from this author.

Book description: Katie Chandler’s life is pure magic–literally. As an executive assistant at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc., she’s seen more than her share of fantastical occurrences. A mere Manhattan mortal, Katie is no wizard, but she’s a wiz at exposing “hokum” pocus, cloaked lies, and deceptive enchantments. And she’s fallen under the all-too-human spell of attraction to Owen, a hunky wizard and coworker. Owen, however, is preoccupied. Someone has broken into his office and disrupted top-secret files, and it reeks of an inside job. CEO Merlin (yes, the Merlin) and taps Katie and her special ability to uncover the magical mole.

Keeping her feelings in check while sleuthing alongside Owen, Katie is shocked to discover that her immunity to magic is waning, putting her in grave danger. Soon she’s surrendering to the charms and enchantments of everyone and everything around her, including a killer pair of red stilettos. Katie must now conjure up her natural instincts to get to the bottom of the break-in, regain her power, and win the wizard of her dreams.

Review: Once Upon Stilettos is the second book in the Katie Chandler series that started with Enchanted, Inc. I found this book to be just as lighthearted and fun as the first book, despite Katie being a little stupid through out the second half. I’m still interested in seeing what happens next so I’ll be reading the next book in the series.

Book description: Life is reasonably rosy for plus-size ex-pop star turned Assistant Dormitory Director and sometime sleuth Heather Wells. Her freeloading ex-con dad is finally moving out. She still yearns for her hot landlord, Cooper Cartwright, but her relationship with "rebound beau," vigorous vegan math professor Tad Tocco, is more than satisfactory. Best of all, nobody has died lately in "Death Dorm," the aptly nicknamed student residence that Heather assistant-directs. Of course every silver lining ultimately has some black cloud attached. And when the latest murdered corpse to clutter up her jurisdiction turns out to be her exceedingly unlovable boss, Heather finds herself on the shortlist of prime suspects—along with the rabble-rousing boyfriend of her high-strung student assistant and an indecently handsome young campus minister who's been accused of taking liberties with certain girls' choir members.

With fame beckoning her back into show business (as the star of a new kids' show!) it's a really bad time to get wrapped up in another homicide. Plus Tad's been working himself up to ask her a Big Question, which Heather's not sure she has an answer for . . .

Review: Big Boned is the third Heather Wells mystery book. As with the other books in the series, the mystery is light and the writing is fun. I was worried that the strange insta boyfriend Heather obtained at the end of the second book would make this one less enjoyable. Fortunately, I was satisfied with the twists Heather love life took in this book. I thought this was going to be the last book in the series but Meg Cabot’s website says she’s planning two more. I’ll be sure to pick them up because there is still a lot of potential in this series.

Book description: Jack Audley has been a highwayman. A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine . . . until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she's not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have . . .

Review: I found The Lost Duke of Wyndham to be pretty average as far as Julia Quinn books go. The romance could have been developed a little better but this wasn’t irritating enough to keep me from enjoying the book. Quinn’s fun dialogue was enough to keep me entertained through out this quick read. Even though it is not her best work, Quinn fans will find something to like here.

Book description: "New York Times"-bestselling author Meyer returns to her teen vampire Twilight saga with this much-anticipated fourth book in the series. In this riveting novel, questions will be answered and the fate of Bella and Edward will be revealed.

Review: Breaking Dawn is the forth book in the Twilight series and the final one narrated by Bella. I seem to be in the minority here but I actually enjoyed this one a lot. I was expecting a nearly 800 page book of Bella whining until Edward turned her into a vampire. Sure, the plot here is a little odd and kind of wrong but the whole premise of the series is a little bit wrong so it didn’t bother me. I greatly prefer it to what I was expecting to happen. This book is told in three parts, the first and third are narrated by Bella and the second is narrated by Jacob. The first part was my favorite in the book but I also enjoyed Jacob’s pov. The third part of the novel did what it had to do. It gave Edward and Bella their happy ending and left enough material for future books in the series. Stephanie Meyer still remains one of the very few authors I will automatically buy in hardcover.

Book description: Anna never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack...and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she’d learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. Then Charles Cornick, the enforcer–and son–of the leader of the North American werewolves, came into her life.

Charles insists that not only is Anna his mate, but she is also a rare and valued Omega wolf. And it is Anna’s inner strength and calming presence that will prove invaluable as she and Charles go on the hunt in search of a rogue werewolf–a creature bound in magic so dark that it could threaten all of the pack...

Review: Cry Wolf is the first book in a new series set in the same world as Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series. You don’t have to read that series to follow this one but I do recommend reading the story Alpha and Omega in the anthology On the Prowl. That story sets up Anna and Charles romance which continues in this book. I do feel that the original short story expanded into full book length would have made for a better first book in the series but I did enjoy this book for what it was.

Anna and Charles are great together and I ended up caring about them a lot in this book. I also liked that, unlike the Mercy series, the story is told from the perspective of many different characters. This really expands the world and allows for great character development of the secondary characters. Fans of urban fantasy with a lot of romance will enjoy this series.

Book Description: "Hard Drive"
Mack Stone can't believe he's just walked in on the delicious Kindra Hill having an online affair in her office. Being discovered in flagrante computer delicto doesn't seem to bother Kindra. In fact, she claims to prefer the impersonal touch to the complication of a relationship. That's enough to make Mack issue a challenge of his own: He wants Kindra to grant him twelve nonstop hours to turn every erotic e-mail into a hot reality and prove that in love and pleasure, there's no substitute for the real thing...

"User Friendly"
Computer guru Evan Barrett can solve any tech problem, but the sight of Halley Connors' lovely head pasted onto some woman's nude body -- courtesy of a hacker determined to derail her catering website -- just has him in a cold sweat. Imagining his secret crush in the buff is the kind of fantasy that drives him wild every time Halley's near. Now, as they work overtime to save the business, Evan realizes that not every fire needs putting out so quickly...and some require very little stoking to catch...

"Press Any Key"
To Jared Kinkaid, the only way to keep his mind -- and his hands -- off his luscious co-worker Candy Appleton is to insult or ignore her at every turn. But his efforts at lust control have his boss convinced that the partners need a little help via online couples counseling. But when they're mistakenly signed up for sensual couples counseling instead, Jared and Candy's shock turns to pleasure as they each deliver some hands on therapy of their own...

Review: This book features three erotic romance short stories that are somehow tied in with the internet. The stories were average but enjoyable enough. I did find it a bit silly that so many of the couples got engaged after one night together. Readers of contemporary erotic romance may enjoy this anthology.

Book description: Sullivan Waring wants only two things: his rightful inheritance, and revenge against the man who stole it from him. By day, Sullivan is the most respected horse breeder in England; by night, he plunders the ton's most opulent homes to reclaim his late mother's beautiful paintings. His quest is going swimmingly . . . until the night he's discovered by Lady Isabel Chalsey. Clad only in a revealing nightdress, she's an entrancingly different kind of plunder, and how can a thief resist stealing a kiss?

Surprised by a masked man in her own home, Isabel should be quaking with fear. Instead the sight of the sinfully handsome Sullivan makes her tremble with excitement. Who is this man, and why is he so set on this reckless pursuit? Lady Isabel loves a challenge, and she'll dare anything to uncover Sullivan's secret—but she may instead convince him that she is the greatest prize of all.

Review: I’m a sucker for a historical romance where the hero isn’t titled and doesn’t discover that he’s secretly been a duke all along. After the Kiss mostly manages to avoid that sort of conclusion. The romance is well developed and the characters have great chemistry together too. This is the first Suzanne Enoch book I’ve read and if they are all this good it certainly won’t be the last.

Book description: Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Review: The Host starts out a little on the slow side. So slow that I read the first few pages and then let it sit on my shelf for a few months. I’m so glad I picked it up again because it was amazing. Having two people occupying one body was really strange because I wasn’t quite sure who to root for at first. Wanderer seems slightly villainous early on but seeing her emotions and opinions change, as wells as those of the people around her, is was made this book so great. This is Stephanie Meyer’s first adult book but there is very little adult content here. If a book this good is what Meyer can accomplish when she writes stand alone novels, I hope she writes many more like this one. I highly recommend this, even to people who don’t read science fiction.