Explosive by Beth Kery

Publisher: Berkley Heat
Pages: 336

From the Cover:

His touch would consume her—if it didn’t kill her first…

Dr. Sophie Gable wasn’t expecting her peaceful getaway to be shattered by the arrival of a half-dazed, dead-sexy guest. Thomas Nicasio has obviously been traumatized, and Sophie thinks she knows by what. There’s something about Thomas’s father that he can’t—or won’t—remember. Something that could get them both killed. Still she can’t resist Thomas’s electrifying seduction—or her instincts to help him…

An ex-Navy explosives specialist, Thomas has never felt this type of volatile need for a woman. Even while he’s grieving the deaths of his brother and nephew, something in Sophie makes Thomas want to overtake her, and each time he does, her willing submission makes him want her all the more. But danger is lurking close by, and if he can’t face the demons of his past, he and Sophie could be the next victims in a pattern of meaningless violence…

Dr. Sophie Gable has watched Thomas Nicasio from a distance, though the sexual tension between the two is palpable. He is a temptation she is willing to investigate, existing in her world through friend and colleague, Andy Lancaster, who is treating his brother, Rick. But when tragic strikes, it's the last thing she excepts to find, Thomas on her doorstep.

Thomas has also kept Sophie on his radar. As an ex-Navy explosive specialist, he's always hyperaware of his surroundings, including the pristine doctor whose visage has entrapped him. Her conservative business dress and creamy pale skin capture his attention, but is she as staid as she appears to be? Or is there more to this doctor than meets the eye?

When Thomas's world is thrown into disarray, he seeks out the one person he feels will understand his pain, Sophie. His adoptive father, Joseph Carlisle, is being investigated for mob connections. Rick, an investigative journalist, has stumbled upon this story involving his own father, and all his sources indicate his guilt. Suddenly, Rick and his ten year old son, Abel, are killed sending Thomas's world crashing down. Suspicion surrounds his adoptive father, but surely he isn't cruel enough to kill his own son? Then, Thomas listens to a tape that Rick left him, and he wonders... is his whole world a lie? As he careens out of control, Sophie becomes his lifeline, connecting his past and his present, the one thing left untouched by doubt in his life. But, will it be enough to save him?

Explosive by Beth Kery is a tale of love and hope when a life spins out of control. Thomas Nicasio's life becomes that of a haunted and hunted man. Haunted by undeniable facts he can no longer face, hunted by the past and the present, one destroyed his childhood life, the other wants to take his adult life. Is the man Thomas has called father for the past twenty years who he seems to be? Or is he the animal the FBI has painted him to be? Into his life walks Sophie Gable, someone untouched by the trouble and doubt in his life, and he wants that cleanliness, he needs it, craves it. When he comes to her Lake Haven home, lost and dazed, she can't deny the help or love he needs. He vanishes the next day, and Sophie sets off in her own dazed condition to figure out what is going on...what has happening in his life. She discovers a man lost to himself, amnesia has taken his short-term memories...even those involving Sophie.

Explosive is exactly as the name describes, explosive as dynamite. It's an intricate tale of suspicion, with twists and turns, confusion and denial. Beth Kery has a way with a tortured hero, alpha males used to demanding and getting their way who find themselves in need of another, like they've never been before. Thomas Nicasio is magnetic, unrelenting. Sophie Gable is his perfect match, ready to heal and soothe, in anyway she can. She can save him, if he'll let her, but first he has to learn to trust all over again. This is a sensual story, with scorching hot love scenes, lite bondage, submission, and sex play. If sensually told erotica isn't your cup of tea, you'll be missing out on a great love story. Excellently told contemporary romantic suspense. Highly recommended for the romance connoisseur. 5 out of 5 fairy kisses for this reader.

I received my copy of Explosive as a contest prize from the lovely Ms. Kery. All opinions expressed are my own.

Flesh and Stone, Book Two of the Gargouillen Series by Vickie Taylor

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group / Penguin Group
Pages: 297

From the Cover: Acclaimed author Vickie Taylor introduced an extraordinary ancient race of immortas in the dazzling novel Carved in Stone. Now, she presents a bold new adventure about the Gargoyles--a race if shape-changing immortals who have watched over humanity through the ages. But now, they fight for something more....they fight for love.

In her world, she was a protector.

Mara Kincaide knows what is is like to live in chaos. For six years, she has operated a shelter for women, bearing witness to the dark side of mankind as well as the great potential for good in humanity. But when a client whom she deeply cared for disappears, a concerned Mara follows her friend's trail--and ends up falling victim to the same ominous fate....

In his world, he would protect her.

Powerful, lithe, and cunning, Connor Rihyad is a force not to be trifled with, even among the other Gargoyles who, with him, have watched over humanity for centuries. But when Mara is "given" to Connor, she senses something about the brooding guardian that separates him from his ageless brethren--an untamed desire that yearns to be unleashed.... Now, as betrayal and savage violence threaten to explode around them, Mara must decide if she has truly found the man of her dreams--or the embodiment of her nightmares.

Mara has had a hard life, nearly raped at 17, she kills her would be rapist. But, she's just a girl from the wrong side of the tracks and the judge doesn't see it that way. She's incarcerated, locked up for protecting herself. After eight years of incarceration and time to think of what's important, she runs a women's shelter, helping others. Until Angela, her one true friend disappears. Mara follows the breadcrumbs and meets the same foul end, kidnapped for whatever reason, she has no idea what's going on.

Connor Rihyad has been sent on a mission. Someone has tried to steal Chicago's Gargouillen children, this cannot happen, the children are the Gargoyle congregation's life blood. Minnesota is where he has been led. The Brethren there aren't willing to protect humanity, they want to use it, abuse it, murder it if they have to. Just to gain entrance, he'll have to do the unimaginable, kill another Gargoyle and just not any Gargoyle, but an old friend and sometime rival, Nathan.

But an ancient evil exists in coldness of Minnesota, and it's haunting the Chicago Gargoyles. Rachel and Teryn can sense it and soon it will be coming for them all.

Flesh and Stone, Book Two of the Gargouillen Series by Vickie Taylor is the continuing story of the Gargouillen from Carved in Stone. Connor Rihyad is Nathan's rival in Carved in Stone. When Nathan is excommunicated, it's Connor that takes his place. When Nathan is returned to the congregation, there's no room at the top for two leaders, so Connor accepts the mission to Minnesota to see what has gone wrong and why. The Gargoyles from Minnesota are like nothing Connor has seen before. They're not interested in protecting humanity, but raising an army, an army of Gargouillen. But why are these Gargouillen so different from all of his past memories? What has changed to cause them to no longer hold with the values of old? And what's worse, a dark evil is echoing through his body that can be felt all the way back to his roots in Chicago. Rachel, our heroine from Carved in Stone, has been searching for her long lost brother for years with no success until Teryn helps her focus her abilities, but the dark evil again seeps into the visions. Mara, our heroine, tries to help Connor in his quest to find out what has gone so terribly wrong in Minnesota. She's tough as nail and she's trying to keep herself and the group of women detained with her alive. While searching for her friend Angela, she and her group were kidnapped and sent to the despicable miscreants living in Minnesota. Her friend, Angela, disappeared after applying for a job. And the same thing has now happened to her. Living with men more animal than human, she bides her time all the while, hoping for news of Angela. When Connor enters the scene, he'll either be her savior and her ultimate downfall, only time will tell.

When I first met Connor Rihyad in Carved in Stone, I wasn't sure I was going to like him. He's unwilling to change with the times, he wants the Gargouillen to remain the same as they have been for centuries. But, this is a different time, a different place than he has ever existed in before. The times have change and the Gargoyles need to change with it or die out. It's hard won knowledge for our alpha hero, Connor has to grow. When Mara enters his life, his beast comes to life, begging him to take what he wants, daring him to give what she needs.

Flesh and Stone is an exciting conclusion to the story which began in Carved in Stone, without spoilers ruining the tale, I can't say much more. The story continues with Levi's story yet to come in Legacy of Stone, the long awaited third book in the Les Gargouillen Series. Flesh and Stone was very quick read for me. It was begging to be read after Carved in Stone. Connor's story was waiting to unfold and I needed to see how he had changed or if he could change. Again, I wasn't disappointed. Another fun read from Vickie Taylor, an excellent addition to the Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genre.

Release by Beth Kery (ARC)

Publisher: Berkley Publishing
Pages: 336

(Release Date: February 2, 2010)

From the Cover: His need for her was so absolute, he agreed to share her with another man in order to possess her.

Genny loved her husband Max, but something was missing—a sexual charge that was instead ignited by his business partner, Sean. He was ruggedly handsome, with a heart-stopping smile and a slow, sexy New Orleans drawl that made Genny weak. The more time they spent together, the stronger the attraction between them became and when her husband offered to share her with Sean for one intoxicating night, both Genny and Sean were too tempted to refuse.

That night in the company penthouse, Max and Sean showed Genny the heights of ecstasy. But it was Sean who scored her very spirit, and one-on-one, they were red hot. But as Genny learns, there’s a price to pay for such impulsive pleasure. What began as a night of forbidden desire spirals into a whirlpool of murder, sensual submission, secrets, and a scorching passion that threatens to consume everyone it touches.

****Spoilers Ahead, Beware Before Reading****

Genny has suspected that Sean, menage partner, murdered her husband, Max, three long years ago following their tryst. Max had threatened Genny and she fears that Sean committed the dastardly deed in a bid to protect her.

Sean fears that Genny murdered her husband after their tryst and he will not allow any harm to come to her, so instead of seeking out the person he feels might have committed the crime, he protects Genny the only way he can, he keeps silent.

When Genny's house burns in a horrible fire, she has no choice but to stay at the penthouse owned by her late husband's firm. Upon arriving at the penthouse, she discovers it's currently occupied by none other than the man who haunts her dreams, Sean. When Sean discovers Genny in the penthouse, he seizes the opportunity to keep her there, stranded in a snow storm with no escape. He wants to keep her to himself, not just for now, but forever, and to do that they'll have to confront their demons. But someone else is also watching Genny and it may cost her life. Can Sean keep her safe, one more time?

Release by Beth Kery is a nice hot contemporary romantic suspense that was more than satisfying. Ms. Kery weaves a tale that tells the story of our hero and heroine. Sean is an ex-special forces soldier that has moved to the private sector, taking over the security for a corporate intel company. He's got the sweetest Southern accent that he's employees to get information, to be disarming, and to seduce the willing, and the ladies are lined up to hear that sweet Southern drawl. There's no shortage of women at his beckon call. Genny is an innocent at life, looking for a father figure, when she meets and marries her husband, Max. She only sees him as the wise, strong, careful man she's married. But Max isn't everything he appears to be. When he suggests a menage with Sean, Genny, and himself, Genny is frozen. It's a side of Max she's never seen. But Max is a multi-faceted character with still more sides. After the menage takes places, he first blackmails Sean, and then attempts to keep Genny at his side with the knowledge of a video of the indiscretion, one wild night of abandonment. Max's philosophy is to keep your friends close and your enemies closer, even if you have to use blackmail to do it. He's a ruthlessly evil and cruel character, one by which Genny has lost her innocence. When Max turns up dead three day later, she assumes the worst, Sean has killed him in a fit of rage. Sean also has his doubt as to Genny innocence when long time employee, Albert Rook, comes to him with evidence of Genny's guilt. He suspects Rook's a lair and manipulator, but he can't and won't take a chance of losing Genny. His need to protect Genny wins out over the need to find the truth. But with such a horrific crime between them, they are driven apart. The chance encounter in the penthouse changes that, but will either survive to tell the tale of what really happened to Max?

Release was a very fast read, I couldn't put it down. I read all 336 pages in two days. It's one of those books where you become immersed in the characters and they're lives. When you're not reading it, you're wondering what's happening. It's one of those books, that when the final page comes, you have a smile of your face, knowing these characters are made for each other. And that's how Release captured my attention and held it, physically and emotionally, bound to the story. Now, most of my blogger buddies know that I don't read a lot of contemporary romance, just a sprinkling to keep my reading spicy and unpredictable, my interest captured. But if you're going to read only one contemp this year, pick up Release. It was that good. It's a romantic suspense that moves quickly and quietly as it works it magic, you don't even feel the pages turning. I highly recommend this book to lovers of hot and spicy romance, romantic suspense, and anyone who just wants to try a hot fun romance. I most certainly enjoyed it. Warning: This is an extremely HOT read (a little bondage and games), oven mitts will be required or fingers may be singed.

I won this book in a contest on Beth Kery's blog , which is still on going, so go check it out. Also, check out Lea's sprouts for Ms. Kery's contest and book, too cool. All opinions I have expressed are my own.

Here's a peek at the book trailer, again by the amazing and talented Lea .

Carved in Stone, Book One of Les Gargouillen Series by Vickie Taylor

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group/Penguin Group
Pages: 328

From the Cover: They are the gargoyles--a race of shape-changing immortals who have watched over humanity through the ages. But now, they must fight for something more...

She could not forget what she saw.

Years ago, Rachel Vandermere witnessed the brutal murder of her parents by a demonic winged creature--but no one believed her story. Now an agent with Interpol, Rachel quietly tracks unusual leads and evidence that may point her to her parents' killers. Then, while in Chicago to guard a diplomat, she notices a man in the crowd unlike any she has ever seen--dark, handsome, and strangely alone.

He could not forget what he was.

Nathan Cross looks like a man, but he is something much more dangerous--a gargoyle. Created long ago to protect mankind from evil, Nathan and his kin exist in darkness, cursed with the knowledge that their race is slowly dying out. When he crosses path with Rachel, the desire he feels is overshadowed by what will happen if her reveals himself if he reveals himself to her.
Yet, even as Rachel is determined to discover the truth about the enigmatic Nathan, both will be faced with a nightmare from the past that threatens their love, their lives, and their very souls....

Rachel Vandermere can never forget what she saw, what she heard, it has been burned into her memory as only a trauma from childhood can. What she saw were the monsters that only come out at night to haunt her dreams, now and forever. As an agent with Interpol, she has many resources at her disposal, but still she can't discover the monsters who took away her mother and father. She repeated the tale throughout her childhood, only to be called crazy. It's the one thing she will not tolerate, her sanity called into question.

Nathan Cross has lived many lifetimes, cursed with the immortality of his species, the Gargoyles, the protectors of humanity. When Rachel Vandermere crosses his path, his first desire is to protect, his second to mate. But he has sworn that this will be his last life of existence, he will produce no children in this life, his existence will end with his one true death. Until he meets Rachel, he has been able to fight The Awakening, fight the powerful need to change to his cursed Gargoyle form. But Rachel sends his senses reeling, his needs come pounding back to life. Though he has been excommunicated for his beliefs, he will sacrifice those firmly held beliefs to save his friends, family, and for Rachel herself.

Rachel is trapped in her search for the monsters until Nathan comes into her life. Then she's not so sure who the true monsters are. It couldn't be Nathan, though sour and taciturn, he has the greatest capacity to love that she's ever seen. It couldn't be her father, her eyes couldn't lie. Who are the true monsters that ripped her life apart?

Carved in Stone, Book One of the Les Gargouillen Series by Vickie Taylor is a new adventure in the genre of Urban Fantasy. Not often do I read a fantasy with shape shifting abilities that allow the characters to shift into creatures long forgotten, beasties of centuries past. Legend has it that the Gargoyles are the protectors of society, guarding what is held sacred. So it is with the story of the Gargouillen, cursed by an evil priest who promises to rid a village of the dragon Gargouillen that's been terrorizing the villagers if they convert to Christianity. But, in keeping his promise, he uses the villagers own pagan ritual magic against them. He curses the men of the village to everlasting immortality and forces them to become the monsters of nightmares. With every male child born, the soul of a departed Gargouillen is reincarnated to live again. In Carved in Stone, our hero, Nathan Cross has lived 14 lifetimes, but he has vowed that this lifetime will be his last, he will remain childless, and when this lifetime is finished, his soul will perish never to reincarnate again. He has been excommunicated from his congregation, his community, for his beliefs. If the younger men follow his example, their species will cease to exist, ending the curse but their existence as well. The Gargouillen are the protectors of humanity, charged with watching over the frail humans, but have they outlasted their usefulness? In this new millennium, are the Gargouillen still necessary? Rachel Vandermere, our heroine, is a new breed of woman, not dependent upon anything but herself. She has little fear of the unknown, only her nightmares bring her fear and then her monsters come to life, the monsters from her childhood who killed her mother and father before her eyes. The choking fire, the winged monster, and death was all she remembered. Could her child's eyes have been deceived? Nathan Cross is the monster that she dreams of and who steps into her life. But, his tenderness belies his monstrous form, making her question all she has thought to be true. How can she accept his love, when deep inside the monster lurks to be born again and again?

Carved in Stone was a sweet ride for me, I enjoyed meeting Les Gargouillen, an entirely different view of shape shifting, mythical beasts of old legends which can be any combination of beasties, from forest creatures to ancient beast. Urban Fantasy has become one of the genres of choice for me, and Vickie Taylor has yet to lead me down a path that I didn't want to go. Her alpha males are strong and powerful, yet tender and loving, capable of strong emotions. Her heroines are kick ass and not afraid to seek what they want, no matter what it is. If you want a different take on shape shifting in your Urban Fantasy, try Carved in Stone. I wasn't disappointed, not for a minute. I highly recommend this book for all readers who enjoy urban fantasy/paranormal romance. It was great fun.

I received this book from Anna at Anna's Book Blog. The opinions I've expressed are my own.

Coming New From Vickie Taylor!!

Legacy of Stone by Vickie Taylor (the third book in the Les Gargouillen Series)
Publisher: Berkley / Penguin Putnam Books
Page: 304

(Release Date: December 2009)

From the Cover: Immersed in a dark and violent world, gargoyle Levi Tremaine is being hunted. Can he distinguish friend from foe in time to save his soul-and the woman he loves?


My sweet friend Anna, from Anna's Book Blog, sent me the first two in the series, Carved in Stone and Flesh and Stone. Can't wait to pick up the third in the series.

Reviewette: Demon's Delight --- The Angel and The Hellraiser --- by Vickie Taylor

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Pages: 241 - 314

From the Cover: Zane is hell-bent on danger --- the more he eludes death, the bigger the rush. Then he awakens from a near-drowning not only alive, but in the caring arms of a beautiful angel. But the ethereal Rosemary is driven by her own desires --- and full of surprises....

Only months to live, full throttle life, the only way to live, all out and full of danger.

Angel of death, moving souls from one existence to the next, no comparison to human existence.

Zane Halvorson lives life as he always has, full throttle, all the way to the edge and back again. First in the army, and now as a civilian; a dramatic stunt aviator. That means he jumps from flying planes, with or without parachutes, or maybe takes a walk on the wing. Zane doesn't have a death wish, he just wants to spend every minute he has making life count the most, and the count is getting higher.

Rosemary D'Amica is a reporter with the Times. But in another incarnation, she is the angel of death, waiting for the souls of the dying to move to the next plane of existence. Now she has a body, a mind, a soul, and a heart. What she needs to know is why, why has she take the form and memories of a woman. She usually waits for the soul to need her, but not this time, now she is stuck inside this confining human form being forced to feel a human's existence.

Zane may have gone one time to far, as he watches his parachute ignite. Well, this is as good a way to go as any. He only wishes he had more time; time for love, life, laughter; time to live.

Rosemary watches Zane fall to Earth and into the lake, first in angelic form and now in human form, and she realizes she is meant to save Zane, this time. As she gives him CPR, his body sputters back to life, opening his eyes to look into hers, almost as if he can see into her soul; guardian angel.

He's crazy, she thinks, he's trying to kill himself. Zane assures her that he's not crazy, just living life full out, the way it was meant to be. There are two kinds of people in the world, the doers and the thinkers. Zane is definitely a doer, he plans each stunt in detail for the best possible outcome, to walk away alive. Rosemary has serious doubts about his planning process, but begins to see life the way Zane does. When she talks to her boss, St. Peter (bar owner extraordinaire), he tells her that maybe Zane isn't the only soul that needs saving, to search her humanity for the answers her heart and soul desire.

Rosemary is like a newborn being born into an adult life. She knows about life, but has never actually lived it. Now, it's time for her to live. For once, she's not the guide, but the guided. Zane is her guide, a guide to living life to it's fullest. As Rosemary and Zane grow closer, the next natural step in their relationship must occur; Rosemary needs to feel Zane's life breathing through her body. Rosemary has to trust Zane enough to love him and to be loved; and Zane must give her that piece that is missing from both of their lives, love. Zane is dying, as we all are, and no one or thing can save him, not even his guardian angel, Rosemary. Now Rosemary has something else to worry her. Trey, an angel of darkness has joined Zane's airshow and he also wants to guide Zane's soul. But to a different dimension, one of darkness and destruction.

The Angel and The Hellraiser by Vickie Taylor was a beautiful story of life and love. I was in love with Zane's robust, feisty nature after the first page. He meets life head on, no holds barred. Zane is a hero who at first blush, looks like he might be tired of life, but in reality, it's just the opposite. He lives life to the fullest because he never knows when it's going to end. He doesn't want to miss a moment. Rosemary, the angel of death, has been an angel for so long that she has forgotten what life is about. She doesn't understand Zane's zest for life. The angelic plane is so much better in so many ways. She has lost the ability to feel, to live and breathe, and has forgotten the pleasure that a simple sunset or sunrise can bring. This is what Zane has to teach Rosemary in what time he has left. Rosemary needs to learn how to love another being. She is a heroine that needs to learn what life can only teach, how to live, she needs to learn to fight for what her heart desires. She has an unique scrappiness that holds Zane's fiery attention, and she doesn't let go. She is given a chance to help Zane and herself find true love, maybe the only love of their lives. I have to say that I cried through the last two chapters of this novella. I cried for Zane's life and the Rosemary's loss, my heart breaking for their time together and apart. It was one of the best short stories I have ever read. I highly recommend this novella for readers who love romance and full throttle living. I picked up this novel on the recommendation of Vickie Taylor, she thought I might like it. She was wrong, I loved it. For more information about all of Vickie Taylor great books, please visit her website. She's been away from writing for a while, but she's back now full time. The third book of her Les Gargouillen (Gargoyles) Series is in production and The Doctor's Watch, a Silhouette Romantic Suspense, will be released in January 2010 (start looking for it around the end of December).

Reviewette: Demon's Delight --- The Demon's Angel --- by Emma Holly

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Pages: 159 - 239

From the Cover: A beautiful scientist in the realm of the Demon World falls in love with a human male she has experienced on.....and is changed forever.....

The humans live a life of drudgery, the Demon's a life of luxury....does this seem fair?

Dr. Khira Forette's one of the genius scientific geneticists in the Demon World. If only the Emperor can see it her way. She could help demons far and wide.

Harry Wirth, the King of Costermongers (Victorian street vendor), has lived a hard life from an orphanage to life on the street to the comfortable home he has struggle to make, but for what, he shares it with no one, has no one at home.

Khira has worked her entire demonic life to prove she the best geneticists and now her dreams have come true. Although she abhors the idea, she must kidnap a healthy strong human male to complete her research.

Harry sits alone in the bar, when he sees a beautiful demon come through the door. How does he know it's a demon? The light shimmers on her silver metallic eyes, Yama demon is he remembers his days on the streets. And she's looking right at him, as he stands, puffing his chest, his driving manly force barely contained. Suddenly, she leaves, Harry feels let down. Human society is far less advanced than that of the demon, and she apparently wasn't looking for a human tonight.

As Harry leaves the bar, two military class demons attack him, kidnap him, drug him with some weird demonic agent causing him to be paralyzed, that is with the exception his throbbing member which has reacted strongly to the demonic pheromones. He is transported by train and flying ship to a hidden mountain top lab.

At the lab, Khira begins her dreaded work. She's trying to enhance the genetic code, rewire the DNA to make it better and fix any anomalies she finds. But the price of experimenting on Harry is physical contact, skin on skin. Little does Harry know that human energy is an aphrodisiac to the demon body. Soon, Harry and Khira are connecting in ways that blows both of their minds.

Khira begins her experiments only to find Harry is resistant to her attempts. As she releases Harry, she realizes that she has become addicted to the energy force his body emits. Harry admits he just as addict to her. She thinks, just one night of madness, then her head will be clear. As Harry and Khira come together with the force of a small hurricane, Harry relaxes enough for Khira's experiments to take effect. Soon, he's floating off the ground with his very own angel wings.

Khira realizes that this development may cost Harry his life, if not hers. She must hide him, help him to escape. But where will they go? What will they do? Who can she trust?

The Demon's Angel by Emma Holly was an incredibly fast read. It brings together the feel of Victorian England and the advanced culture of a demon society. It's full of hot sex, hotter bodies, and love between a demon and a human. Khira has always felt that she unworthy of the demon class. She's smart, thoughtful, and kind to Harry in the only way she can. She's a heroine who's afraid to love and be loved in return. Afraid of the rejection she has seen in the eyes of others. Harry is a hard as nails man, a hero to be reckoned with; he's used to people following his orders. But he's lonely, he's tired of living just to make money. There has to be more to life than what he's been living. When the sexy demon captures him body and then soul, there is little he can do to stop himself. He wants her in the most primitive way, and come hell or high water, he will have her. Emma Holly is another new author for me, her stories are chocked full of erotic love scenes. I highly recommend this novella for adults because they are mega hot and extra steamy. Definitely not for the faint of heart. If you'd like for information about the steamy novels by Emma Holly, please check out her website. It's definitely an adult only site.

Reviewette: Demon's Delight --- Witch Way by Mary Janice Davidson

Publisher: The Berkley Publishing Group
Pages: 1 - 63

From the Cover: Can a witch and a witch-hunter find common ground ..... without killing each other first.....

Image being told your whole life that you're going to die at thirty...at the hands of your mortal enemy...that you're a witch to be killed by a witch-hunter.

Image that you have been trained your entire life to defend yourself...against an unknown enemy...and being told on your twenty-first birthday...that you have two years to live...two years until you must take a life to save humanity from the greatest evil ever known...

It's Rhea Goodman's twenty-first birthday and Flower and Power (Stephanie and Bob a.k.a. Mom and Dad) want to talk her. What have they done now? Robbed a bank? Protested animal cruelty? Whatever it is, she's sure she can fix it. But, not this time, this time they tell her that she is destine to fight a great evil, all the target practice they have forced their children to learn has been in preparation for the fight of her life.

Chris de Mere can smell a demon, literally smell it, they stink. He follows his nose and dispatches yet another evil dude. Does he get a thanks? No. And he still has to worry about the Goodman that's going to kill him. He's been going to every Goodman he can find to try to avoid being killed on his thirtieth birthday. Well, Boston's next on the list, maybe this will be his lucky city; Massachusetts is where the Salem witch trials were held.

When Chris pulls up at Rhea's family home, he is told to go away, Rhea has two more years to learn to kill him. They don't know is neither has to die if they come to an agreement.

The legend say that the curse can only be broken when the witch shares their greatest power with the hunter, and vice verse. A Goodman has to trust a De Mere, will that ever happen? When Power near kills Chris by running him over while Chris and Rhea tussling on the ground, Rhea has an epiphany! But Chris takes off before she can share what might be their only chance. Maybe the curse can be broken, now to find Chris.

Chris is back to hunting the demons stalking women around town. He wants to believe that the curse will be broken, because he really doesn't want to die. As he comes upon the demon pair, Rhea finds him. As they kill the demon duo and Rhea tells him her big plan. She teaches him to rhyme, and he doesn't kill her; and together, they make a baby. Curse broken, problem solved. Right? Well, at least no one has to die....

In Witch Way, Mary Janice Davidson comes through again. She writes an engaging little tale that you're sure is going to end in a dastardly deed. But, she turns the table and leaves it upside down. Rhea is a sweetie, who will do anything to protect her mom and dad and the various other ankle biters better known as her siblings. She's strong like all MJD's heroines, speaks her mind, and doesn't take any sh** from anyone, not even when it comes wrapped up in a cute little package by the name of Chris De Mere. Chris is a good guy who has been portrayed as the evil doer, when he's nothing of the sort. Well, there is this little voice in his head that keeps telling him to be evil, but he doesn't listen to it (at least not often, and he tells it to shut up all the time). When Rhea and Chris come together, sparks fly in more ways than one. Witch Way was a quick little read that was just a lot of fun. Demon's Delight is a great anthology from a group of talented writers that give a new meaning to the words angels and demons. I recommend this book to the reader who wants to take a sweet little break and have a blast. Literally, that Chris can cast a wicked spell, if only he could rhyme.

MJD - I hope you're feeling better, rest up!

Wild Rain by Christine Feehan

Publisher: Jove / Berkley Publishing Group / Penguin Group
Pages: 358

From the Cover: What has she done? With a new identity, a staged death, and a chance to flee the treachery that stalks her, Rachael has escaped from a faceless assassin.....
Where can she hide? In this world teeming with unusual creatures walks the most exotic of them all. His name is Rio.....
Whom can she trust? But as Rachael's past looms as oppressively as the heat of the forest, and as Rio unleashes the secret animal instincts......

Rachael Lospostos has finally succeeded in her ultimate goal, her death....Unseen to others, she slides over the edge of the boat, slips into the mighty raging river that matches the beating of her heart. If she is successful, neither her brother, Elijah, or her uncle, Armando, will know she is still alive......

As Rachael races through the rain forest, she at last feels at home, at one with the forest, teeming with life unknown to her. She knows what she's looking for, a tribal hut, where she can rest and plan the rest of her escape.

Rio Santana has had a successful outing, freeing the kidnapped tourists that too often wander into the rain forest unsuspecting that bandits wait for the unwary travelers, waiting for a chance to make fast money, demanding ransoms often left unfulfilled. His two cloud leopards, Fritz and Franz, give a warning, someone has invaded their tree top home. With small cuffing noises, the two cloud leopards leap into the house, startling the occupant.

Rachael doesn't know what to do, but she is prepared. She strikes out at one leopard only to have the other drag her from the bed by her ankle, mangling her leg. As Rio approaches, with another small sound, she is released, but the damage is done. She is helpless and has becomes a prisoner of Rio's life.

The rain forest is no place for injuries such as Rachael has, it's life threatening, but she begs Rio not to seek a doctor. Rio feels a pull to this unknown woman, a stranger that brings memories of a life lived and forgotten, of the legends of old. Remembered lives lived before in a different time, but always the same, always Rachael. He knows she will be delirious with fever, but he does what he can to follow her wishes. When the delirium hits Rachael, all of her inhibitions fly away and it is all Rio can do to keep their bodies apart. Now, he only hopes that she will survive, because he's come to realize that his life is nothing without her, it is her body that will keep him alive and sane. It is the electricity between them that keeps his Leopard in check. As Rio allows Rachael's soul to reach deeper into his heart, his longings have to be answered, not only with possession, but with the longing of a man too long denied what can keep him alive, love.

Rachael doesn't know what's happening to her, feels the fur beneath her skin, itching, wanting to be born from her body. How can this be, what has happened to her? As Rachael recovers, Rio begins to tell the story of his people, and that she is one of them, Leopard. He has been banished and lives outside his people for killing his mother's murderer. As Rachael begins to understand Rio's life, his desires become her desires, needing to feel him, wanting him not only as a lover, but a life mate. When they come together as man and women, it stirs in Rachael the need to be wanted, desired, loved, possessed by Rio. But Rachael's story is far worse and she is afraid to put Rio at risk. The horrific deaths of her mother and father at the hands of her uncle, Armando, need to be told. He wants her dead above all else. Her beloved brother, Elijah, also would like to see her dead she fears. She knows too much about his life, their lives. He has kept her alive all these years living in Armando's shadow, do his biding, taking his abuse, all because of her. And now Rio and Rachael hear there's a million dollar price on her head.

Who will reach her first, her desperate brother, Elijah, or her murderous uncle, Armando? Who will spill her blood and end her life? How will Rio protect the one he can't live without?

Wild Rain by Christine Feehan is an amazing ride. The hero of this story, Rio, is a loner, but one who has grown sick of his own company. He longs for the acceptance of his people, but knows it will never happen. Into his life walks Rachael Lospostos, with wild eyes, spicy and fierce tempered, riotous dark curls, and a curvaceous body, a woman that demands every ounce of his attention. Can he trust her with his heart and soul, because he really doesn't have a choice, she has taken over his mind and body, her spirit has become his, his life has become hers. The heroine, Rachael doesn't trust anyone, she has had to live that way for too long, and she has given up hope of finding love and acceptance, but as Rio works his way into her heart, she finds that it no longer beats for her, only for him. These two together start a wondrous journey into love and longing, never to be a part, entwined together as one, body and soul. Christine Feehan writes a story of wonderment, a paranormal romance where the Leopard people live on the outskirts of humanity, guarding their secret with their lives. Wild Rain, published in 2004, is the second book of the Leopard Series. I had no trouble following the story, it would be fine to read as a stand alone. Wild Rain provides all the excitement of an amazing adventure with a love story that tears at your heart, with love that could be lost and battles left to be fought. It provides a new world to explore and I highly recommend it. For more information on Christine Feehan's books and series, please visit her webite at http://www.christinefeehan.com/.

Here's a peek at the trailer for Wild Rain by Christine Feehan.


Wild Rain - The top video clips of the week are here

Fish Out of Water by Mary Janice Davidson

Publisher: Penguin Group / Berkley Publishing Group
Pages: 270
From the Cover: Fred the mermaid has taken the bait and chosen Artur, High Prince of the Black Sea, over human marine biologist, Thomas. And just in time. The existence of the Undersea Folk is no longer a secret, and someone needs to keep them from floundering in the media spotlight.....

Dr. Fredrika Bimm is unique, she's a hybrid, a cross between two species, human and merfolk. Her mother, Moon Bimm and her biological father, Farrem, had one night of wild passion on a coastal beach 30 years ago. Fred is the product of that union, although she has never known that father and was raised by her mother's husband, Sam, who accepted Fred as if she was his own.

Fred has always known she was a mermaid, since the first time she was able to flip her tail. Jonas, Fred's best friend since the second grade, is as metrosexual as a guy can get and Fred's biggest supported. He's also in love with Fred's former boss, Dr. Barb from the Boston Aquarium, if Fred's walks in on them one more time, she's going to yak. She can only hope their wedding gets here fast.

Artur, Prince of the Undersea Folk, has been an ardent pursuer of Fred (little Rika) since she was shot helping to fight off pirates. He's shown her things she's never seen before, taught her to use her telepathy for under water communication. He wants nothing more than her hand in marriage and to make her the sea's next queen. Fred doesn't know what she wants, and she isn't shy about saying so.

Thomas, MD, Ph D, and romance writer, has been in and out of Fred's life, leaving on one excuse or another. She's undeniably attracted to him and who wouldn't be...he's gorgeously tall, brown hair that just brushes his shoulders, and a body to die for. And doesn't appear to know Fred's alive, and he's been living with Tennian, the Prince's equally gorgeous cousin. Maybe the best she can do is forget him. Suddenly, it seems easier to marry Artur and live under the sea. After all, much to her mother's shame, Fred has been sexless for three years while she gets her life together. At least she would get to share the temple that is her body.

When Fred rents a townhouse (mansion) on the Sanibel Island, it's to be to the go-between with the Undersea Folk, humans, and the media. With interviews, wedding plans, and a house full of unwanted guest, Fred's life is messy. When Fred's biological father walks back into to her life, she's stunned, should she accept him as a part of her life, tell him to take a hike, or try to make peace between him and the other Undersea Folk. You see, her father tried to over throw King Mekkem when he was still a pup. He has been banished these past 30 years and would like to come home to the sea.

But something strange is going on, Undersea Folk are disappearing off the King's radar. His telepathy allows him to keep tabs on all the Undersea Folk, and 478 have suddenly gone missing. Are the human scientist experimenting on them, have they somehow been killed without the King's knowledge? Where have they gone?

Fred must get to the bottom of the mystery. Thomas contacts his father, a retired Naval Captain, for help. He has access to files and places that no one else can get to in the government. With his help, they find whose behind the disappearances. Farrem has been up to his old tricks and it will be up to Fred to save them all.

Fish Out of Water by Mary Janice Davidson was published in December 2008. It is the third book in the Mermaid (Fred the fish) series. Although I haven't read the previous two books, I have seen Fred in short stories. I like to read books in order, but in this series, it's not necessary. Fish Out of Water was a fun fast read, just a couple of hours. It gives just enough background that the story makes sense without a lot of rehashing for readers not new to the series. I love Mary Janice Davidson's books. The Undead (Queen Betsy of the vampires and shoe fetish) Series is one of my favorites, as is Wyndham Werewolf Series (Derek's Bane) and the Jennifer Scales Series (YA scifi series, about dragon morphing written with Anthony Alongi), The Royal Series (Alaska as an independent state), the Gorgeous Series (demons), as well as several anthologies where you meet Fred, Derek, (or I guess I should say merfolk and werewolves, and hear about Fred and Derek) and others. Fred is a feisty heroine that doesn't take crap from anyone, (including the King and Prince) and curses like a sailor, but she's caring and compassionate, and would never let her friends down (even the ones she has a love/hate relationships with). When she accepts Artur proposal, it isn't for love, but a longing for love, which she eventually finds with Thomas. Fish Out of Water was definitely a worthy read. I highly recommend any of Mary Janice Davidson's books for those who just want to have fun.

Dottie :)