Beautiful Mess

by Lucy V. Morgan

Warning: contains pet rats, hot YouTube celebrity roommates, and one spurned girlfriend about to get even...
Working in a wedding cake shop sucks when you've just been dumped.
Bailey Frost has a recipe for disaster: one cheating ex, one big glass of liquor, and three well-meaning male friends who think her lack of a sex life is funny. Before she knows it, she's confessed that she's never had an orgasm with a man.
Now Bailey has to navigate sappy couples at work, while her friends are hell-bent on helping her get revenge on evil Craig...by dressing up as werewolves, on YouTube.

And one of those friends-- the tall, shy-but-gorgeous Linc--might just want to help Bailey with that other little problem...

Review as on Goodreads by ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡

This was a cute short story of a girl who is dumped by her boyfriend only to find out he was no good to start with & her male friend finally gets the courage to go for it. He's liked her for a long time & hadn't had the nerve. 

I just love the slang & the English humor. I would definitely read more from this author.


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Nothing But Trouble

by Lisa Mondello 

Melanie Summers has something to prove! Being a zoologist is her dream and the only thing standing in the way of her going on an African expedition is her father and his fear.

So she strikes a deal. She has to spend a full month in the Wyoming wilderness and show her father she can handle being in a remote area while managing her Type 1 diabetes before he’ll agree to fund the expedition to Africa and allow her to go. But her daddy isn't the only one convinced she’ll fail...

But she’s not about to let any man underestimate what she can do. Especially not the sexy rodeo cowboy she’s hired to help get her through the month in the wilderness.

Stoney Buxton needs to raise cash fast to save the family ranch after a barn fire injured his father and left the family finances in ruin. Re-entering the rodeo circuit seems like the best way to get the money he needs. That is until Melanie Summers shows up at his ranch flashing easy money.

To everyone else, Melanie's offer seems like the answer to all his prayers. But one look at her long legs and pouting lips and Stoney know this high society gal is going to be nothing but trouble...for his cowboy heart.


Review
Nothing But Trouble was a cute story. It's nice to see the rich girl not act like a rich girl and fend for herself. Stoney is a hunky, sweaty, hard-working cowboy who was doomed from the beginning to fall in love with the beautiful, smart, and classy rich girl, Melanie.
The story moves quickly. There aren't any moments that drag or seem redundant with a good pacing. The tension between Stoney and Melanie makes for an interesting read. There's heaps of sexual tension, back-and-forth emotions and rationalizations of the characters, unfortunately only one sex scene. Lets just say that it ends with a happily-ever-after.


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Masks

by Evangeline Anderson 

(an erotic tale)

Chloe's identical twin sister Zoe wants a favor. She needs Chloe to dress up in her work clothes and meet an important client, pretending to be her. There's just one problem. Zoe isn't an investment banker as she's led everyone to believe--she's a dominatrix and her work clothes include a leather bustier, thigh-high boots and a feathered mask. There are three rules, according to Zoe--don't lose control of the situation, don't have sex with the client, and never take off the mask.
Shy, retiring Chloe has no idea how to go about dominating anyone. But that won't be a problem for long because the "client", Mark Jacobs, is a hot alpha male in a black leather mask of his own who prefers to take the lead when it comes to sex.
Soon Chloe is breaking all the rules for one night of forbidden passion but when she decides to take off her mask and asks Mark to do the same, she has no idea that the black leather he wears conceals a dark secret that may change her life forever.


Review
Masks was a short, super fast and super sexy fun read. The story was cute, the sex hot, and aside from the c-word nothing put me off.
It would have been nice if the book was a little longer, as I would have liked to get to know the main characters a little more. There was just enough detail about them to grab my attention but not enough to make this a great novel.


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Beware a Scot's Revenge

bySabrina Jeffries 

Lady Venetia Campbell's visit to her childhood home in Scotland takes a dramatic turn when she's kidnapped at pistol point by her father's sworn enemy. Sir Lachlan Ross is widely feared in his guise as The Scottish Scourge, but Venetia remembers her former neighbor as a handsome youth whose attentions she craved. Now a wickedly sexy man, Lachlan's appeal is even more intoxicating … and much more dangerous. Though Lachlan tries to treat her as his foe, his scorching kisses tell another story. And despite his plan to use her as a weapon against her father, Venetia is determined that Lachlan's lust for revenge will be trumped by an even more powerful desire….


Book reviewed by Valarie Pelissero
Beware a Scot's Revenge opens with aforementioned beating and near death of Sir Lachlan Ross. This dark scene sets the tone and pace of Ms. Jeffries latest entry in her "School for Heiresses" series. The novel is set during the turbulent time of the Scottish Clearances when the Highland Lairds displaced their tenants in favor of sheep farming. All that is except for Lachlan; he and his clan have taken to making whiskey to keep home and hearth together.

There is a very nice back story of not only Lachlan and Venetia, but also of their respective families. Duncannon claims that Alasdair, Lachlan's father, forgave the debt, but there is nothing in writing, which is why Lachlan has spent years haranguing Duncannon. Venetia believes in her father, but with the evidence shown to her she does show a little bit of doubt. Not enough to betray Lachlan, but just enough to ensure that there is no bloodshed between the two men she loves.

The story opened with a bang and the pacing never stopped but the book never felt rushed. This could have been just another “mad dash to Scotland” story, but instead the reader learns about the characters. We learn that while Lachlan is barely healed from his injuries, he never lets Venetia know the extent of his pain when he has to chase her down after an escape attempt and rescue her from a wildcat. We learn that Lachlan truly cares about his people and is doing what he can to keep his clan together. We learn that the desire that Lachlan and Venetia have for one another is palpable and it just becomes more intense the longer they are cooped up together in the carriage. We learn that Venetia has always been a dreamer, but when faced with a healthy dose of reality she doesn't crumple like the pampered princess Lachlan believes her to be, but instead rises to the occasion in ways that neither one of them thought possible.

I probably should have guessed at the earl's deep dark secret, but I didn't, so that when all was finally revealed, I at least, was very surprised, whereas others might be quicker on the uptake than me. Lachlan is noble and brave and a wonderful hero, but a little too noble for his own good. Venetia was a strong heroine without being overbearing, she gave as good as she got and I believed their journey to love.

I am still eagerly awaiting Charlotte Harris and her mysterious cousin Michael's story, but until Ms. Jeffries appeases her fans, I will look forward to more heiress adventures. For me Sabrina Jeffries rarely disappoints and Beware a Scot's Revenge is well worth reading. Dark secrets, humor, a lovely romance and a fast pace gave me a book that I did not want to put down. Don't miss it!

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Seven Secrets of Seduction

by Anne Mallory

Well-educated but not part of society, Miranda Chase is just as captivated by the erotic pages as everyone else in London. Intrigued by the layers she sees beneath the book's surface, she write an editorial about it, never realizing that her passionate words will draw an actual viscount to her uncle's bookshop.

Maximilian, Viscount Downing, has very particular ideas about passion and sees truth only in desire. He freely flaunts his sensual power and seeks nothing more than another conquest -the one that could justify his entire debauched existence. But Miranda's blend of innocence, trust, and love cause a strange thing to happen on the way to this seduction. Something that just might threaten the very fabric of his jaded heart...

Reviewed by Leanne 

Ms. Mallory has a winner on her hands. I loved the interactions between Max and Miranda. Their banter was playful and entertaining even when Miranda's innocence and confusion would leave her blushing. The secondary characters enhanced the story. The content is highly sensual and may not appeal to readers who prefer traditional Regencies. Readers who are more open to the historical Regency should find this a very satisfying read.

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Secrets of Surrender

by Madeline Hunter

He catches her eye across the dining room - a handsome stranger who stands out among the lewd noblemen and bawdy painted women. But their worlds are about to collide in a way Roselyn Longworth could never have imagined. For before the night is out, she will be auctioned off to the highest bidder...and Kyle Bradwell will lead her from one kind of hell to another. Yet from the moment he wins her, Kyle treats Rose with a gentleness she hasn't known since a family scandal destroyed her reputation. And when she finally learns what is really driving Kyle, it's too late. For Rose has fallen for the man who knows her most intimate secrets. Now he has stunned her with a proposal of marriage - the first step in a seduction that will demand nothing less than her complete surrender....


Book reviewed by Cheryl Sneed
The sexual aspect of the marriage is very important, and the love scenes beautifully track the growth of the relationship, as each learn to trust and let go of preconceived judgments. These are some of the best - and hottest - love scenes I've read this year. 
Secrets of Surrender is connected to the "Rothwell Brothers" series, the head of which is the enigmatic Marquess of Easterbrook - looking forward to his book! You need not have read the previous books in the series to follow and enjoy this one, though I do recommend them. Madeline Hunter writes rich and varied characters who experience great growth arcs, and this book is no exception. I highly recommend it.


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My must "read next" list!

What's yours?

Erotica

My Wicked Gladiators

Bared To You

Historical

The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine

If The Slipper Fits

YA

Ruby Red

Bloodlines

Paranormal

A Blood Seduction

Midnight's Master

Suspense

No One left To Tell

Vortex

Urban Fantasy

Nightshifted

The Taken

Beauty Like the Night

by  Liz Carlyle

The daughter of London's wickedest widow, Helene de Severs has struggled to overcome her heritage. Renowned within Europe's emerging psychiatric field, Helene has a gift for healing children. When fate sends her back to England, the country she left in disgrace, Helene is confident she has learned to govern her own reckless emotions.

Ruthlessly, Treyhern has dragged his notorious family from the brink of ruin. But a disastrous marriage has left him with a traumatized child, and his rebellious brother is just one step ahead of the bailiffs. When his dissolute father drops dead while debauching the governess, Treyhern's infamous temper is truly tested.

But the forceful earl means to straighten everyone out – as soon as he has hired a reputable governess. Yet the moment she steps from his carriage, Treyhern's cold reserve is melted by a rush of desire he had long thought dead. With her elegant clothing and mountain of luggage, the woman is not who he expected. Or is she? Sometimes the workings of the mind are as dangerous as those of the heart. And soon, danger is truly everywhere…

Book reviewed by Valarie Pelissero
Beauty Like the Night is a touching and poignant, but is not wholly centered around Cam and Helene. Ms. Carlyle's secondary characters are very well done, especially Cam's younger brother Bentley who seems to be enjoying following in his late father's footsteps, but who also has a dark side to him that was never fully explored. The reader also gets insight into how truly clever Ariane is, and how she overcomes the fear that turned her mute in order to save those that she loves when they are put in danger. I normally do not like stories with children in them because the child is always portrayed as being too precocious for their age, and it ends up detracting from the story, but that is not the case here, and Ariane's antics of hiding in cupboards and under beds to learn what she wanted to know added a certain charm to the story.


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Seduced By His Touch

by Tracy Anne Warren

Marry a young woman because he lost a bet? Unreformed rake Lord Jack Byron would do anything to get out of it. But the rich merchant who holds his debt insists Jack lead his on-the-shelf daughter to the altar…and make her believe it's a love match. With no options, Jack agrees, thinking he'll be shackled to a closed-in spinster.

But Grace Danvers is no milk-and-water miss. When he first encounters her in a London bookstore, Jack is struck by her tempting sensuality and soon becomes determined to bed - and - wed her (in that order!). Yet though he plans to seduce her with his touch, he never dreams he'll also want to win her with his love.

Book reviewed by Valarie Pelissero

The first half of Seduced by His Touch was slow and oh so sweet as the reader gets to watch these two come to know one another over the course of months. But I wasn't bored by the lack of conflict because every so often Ms. Warren would throw in a surprise that kept me rapidly turning the pages. I loved that the entire book took place during a period of a year and a half. This wasn't some quick seduction, wham, bam and they're married within a week. What made this book so special was the time it took for these characters to know each other. And during all the time Jack is courting Grace her insecurities about her looks and her social class are still there, they don't just magically disappear because a handsome man is focusing his attention on her. Grace never automatically believes that suddenly she is desirable, nor does she ever dream that his intentions could be honorable, which was a really nice change of pace in a romance. But all good things must end and at about the halfway point, six days before her wedding - the happiest day of Grace's life - all hell breaks loose when she discovers the plot her father and Jack have hatched.

Well, it couldn't be all sunshine and lollipops, where would the fun in that be? What ensues is perfection, but you will just have to read it yourself to see what unusual twists and turns the author throws at these two and how Grace tortures Jack for his deception. The book finishes with a perfect mix of conflict and romance with a hero to die for and a heroine you root for, and it couldn't be better.

Tracy Anne Warren has surpassed my expectations of her by writing a poignant, heartbreaking, funny and sigh-worthy romance, and I can't wait for more of these mad, bad Byrons. Warren just keeps getting better, so don't miss Seduced by His Touch, or any of these fabulous Byron's.
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Never Trust a Rogue

by Olivia Drake

The wealthiest heiress of the season, Miss Lindsey Crompton finds detective work far more fascinating than social engagements - at least until she meets Thane Parker, the Earl of Mansfield. Thane is a paradox: a war hero and a cad, a wicked scoundrel and an indulgent guardian of his young ward. When Lindsey sneaks into his house to investigate his role in a series of murders, he blackmails her into a betrothal.

Thane has a secret life he keeps hidden from everyone, especially the infernally curious - and curiously alluring - Miss Crompton. Working with the Bow Street Runners, Thane is tracking a killer who may be one of Lindsey's suitors. Even if their engagement is a ruse, the heat between Thane and Lindsey is undeniably real. And with a murderer on the loose, desire has never been so dangerous…

Book reviewed by Cybil Solyn

What made this book so much fun was Thane and Lindsey.They banter. They bicker. They make out. They are just so darling! It's all so nicely packaged with Lindsey being just enough TSTL to balance out Thane's annoying arrogance that I never hated either character even when they did stuff I should hate like pick locks at a crowded ball, or make hasty decisions on flimsy and circumstantial evidence.

This book had a real Nancy Drew feel...or maybe more like Scooby Doo with the final melodramatic unmasking of the killer? Either way, this read was at times eye-rollingly hokey, and page-turningly clever. I imagine some readers will have trouble overlooking the flaws in this book, but if you read it in the same frame of mind as you watch an action flick, with total suspension of disbelief, you're bound to have a good time because the characters are great and the writing sharp.

Bottom Line: Enjoy this book for the fast pace and fun, yet probably forgettable, read it is.

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Top 10 Books of May 2012

Born of Silence by Sherrilyn Kenyon (#5 League)    
Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick (#1 Ladies of Lantern Street)     
Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal by Grace Burrowes  (#2 Duke's Daughters) 
Midnight Rescue by Elle Kennedy (#1 Killer Instincts)
Prey by Linda Howard    
Silenced by Allison Brennan (#4 Lucy Kincaid)
Trust: Bannon Brothers by Janet Dailey    
Twisted by Laura Griffin (#5 Tracers) 
Under a Vampire Moon by Lynsay Sands (#16 Argenau)        
When Passion Rules by Johanna Lindsey   

Heartwishes

Jude Deveraux 

grants our wishes

What if your most closely guarded wishes suddenly began to come true?

Graduate student Gemma Ranford wants the job cataloging the documents of one of Edilean’s oldest families so much that she is ready to do battle to get it. Desperate to finish her dissertation, she’s sure that investigating the Frazier family history will yield new information to invigorate her research. But she is surprised to find among the papers references to the legend of the Heartwishes Stone, a magical talisman said to grant wishes to anyone named Frazier. And as she spends more time with the family in their small Virginia town, she realizes that the most secret wishes of each of the Fraziers are coming true—and that she’s falling hopelessly in love with Colin, the Fraziers’ eldest son.

But now that the Stone’s powers have been awakened, so have the designs of an international thief. Gemma and Colin must find the Stone before it can be used against the family but not before each of their deepest desires is fulfilled. . . . 
Read An Excerpt

Taming of a Scottish Prince

Karen Hawkins 
New Historical Romance

The fourth book in the Hurst Amulet Series

A DETERMINED EXPLORER

When famed Egyptologist Michael Hurst discovers that the infamous Hurst Amulet is hidden in Scotland, he insists his trusted assistant, Miss Jane Smythe-Haughton, accompany him north. Strangely, the usually unflappable Jane seems perturbed by their destination—the mysterious Isle of Barra. A fascinated Michael watches as his staid assistant transforms, revealing intriguing layers of mystery and vulnerability. Could he be about to uncover not one, but two, precious treasures?

A DAUNTLESS PRINCESS

Once her clan’s princess, Jane fled Barra years ago to avoid a forced marriage. Since then, she has made her living as efficient Miss Smythe-Haughton—the perfect (and highly paid) assistant. Now she must confront her secrets . . . including her feelings for her irascible employer, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Michael Hurst.

A PERILOUS PLEASURE

Others are also searching for the missing amulet, however. Can Jane and Michael learn to trust each other in time to solve two riddles: the location of the Hurst Amulet, and the meaning of the vivid passion flaring between them?

Karen Hawkins discusses the Hurst Amulet Series

Only a Duke Will Do

by Sabrina Jeffries

Marry? Never! It would end Louisa North's work with her ladies reform group – and truth be told, she likes her independence very much, despite her royal father's protests. So when Simon Tremaine, the dashing Duke of Foxmoor whom she once loved – and had exiled from England – returns bent on marrying her, she's skeptical. Does he truly care for her, or does he simply want revenge? It's difficult to resist Simon's dangerous charms, because the fire between them still burns as hot as ever. But when his ulterior motive for marriage is exposed, along with the deeply buried secrets of his past, Louisa vows to make him pay . . . and the price will be his heart.

Book review
Simon and Louisa do not have an easy marriage, yet it is their struggles which make the book so much more than just a light-hearted read. There is plenty to laugh about in Only a Duke Will Do, but there is just as much that will make you root for Simon and Louisa, and even though it is part of a series, Only a Duke Will Do is a highly satisfying stand-alone novel, and a welcome addition to your collection."

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