This week at Smexy….

A- review- The Dark Knight by Elizabeth Elliott (historical romance)
B+ review-About Last Night by Ruthie Knox (romance contemporary)
B+ review-Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt (historical romance)
B review – Review: Liquid Lies by Hanna Martine (paranormal romance)
B review – Review: Bound by Erica O’Rourke (paranormal romance/YA)
B review- Sexy Little Surprises by J.C. Daniels (erotic romance)
B review-At Last by Jill Shalvis (romance contemporary)
B- review –Stalking the Others by Jess Haines (urban fantasy)
C+ review-Starlight by Carrie Lofty (historical romance)
C+ review –Cowboys Down by Barbara Elsborg (m/m romance)
C review – Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter (paranormal romance)C
C review-Willow Springs by Toni Blake (romance contemporary)

AAD Spotlight: Cat Johnson
AAD 2012 Spotlight and Giveaway: Jess Haines
AAD Spotlight: Megan Grooms
AAD Spotlight: Diana Castilleja
Interview with Gena Showalter and Giveaway
Guest Author Carrie Lofty and Giveaway
Mandi’s Summer RecsSmex Scene Sunday
Smexy’s Top Ten

May’s News: *sigh* My reading this week has been abysmal. A DNF historical book that I can’t recall [or even find], a Carrie Lofty book (Starlight, review is up here @ smexy) that I was sure would be an A read that turned out to be a big disappointment, and now I’ve cautiously started Moonshell Beach by JoAnn Ross – review to come soon. Is it me or is it the books? At this point I really couldn’t say, except that I must demand that this streak of bad stops and good reads return.

On the upside I watched This Means War (starring Tom Hardy, who is sooo much better on screen vs in photos) and I really liked it! Ok, kinda crazy and stalkerish premise, but it was fun + funny and I’m making Mandi rent it asap to confirm if I’ve gone totally nuts or what. I think it got a bad rap and I’m glad I rented it! Also to help break out of my funk I’m enlisting the help of Channy Tay Tay (aka Channing Tatum). Today I’m watching him in 21 Jump Street, and Monday I have a smokin’ hot date with my BFF to see Magic Mike “while it’s on the biggest screen possible”. Yehaw.

Helyce’s News: I had to work this week. Not quite 40 hours, but way more than I’ve worked in a 5 day period in many years!  So reading was almost nonexistent. I did find time to read College Boys by Daisy Harris. I really enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more!  I am still immersed in the world of Kendra Leigh Castle’s Shadow Rising. I love this world and Damien and Ariane are somewhat mismatched but at the same time perfect together. Makes for some entertaining moments! Almost finished with Hawaiian Gothic by Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane.  I’m determined to finish it to see the outcome, but it’s been a struggle.  I don’t feel connected to the characters at all.   As a treat to myself, I started Kissin’ Tell by Lorelei James. I am a huge fan of this series, but the last book disappointed me a bit and my jury is still on on this one.  I like Tell and Georgia together, so we will see. Finally, I read Carolina Home by Virginia Kantra.  This is my first read by this author and I liked it.  Interesting family dynamics are the back drop for this contemporary romance.  Review will be up next week. I look forward to reading this weekend at some point.  Hopefully.  Keep your fingers crossed!

Tori’s News: As usual, I’ve been busier then a one armed paper hanger. Or as my bff would say, “Im busier then a whore running a two-fer.”  Mary Calmes Frog was a delightfully romantic story about 2 men from different backgrounds who fell love and try to find a happy medium. I really liked that the focus was on the couple and we weren’t overwhelmed with any external conflicts against homosexuality from family and friends. Finally was able to read Curio by Cara McKenna. WOWZA. Didier. That is all. Moonglow, the second book in Kristen Callihan’s Darkest London series, was an enjoyable journey back into Callihan’s delightfully paranormal world. Review to come.  R.L. Mathewson’s Playing For Keeps is an enjoyable rom com that is written in a similar style to Shelly Laurenston’s Pack series. At times the characters temperaments were little trying, but still a humorous read.  Kissin’ Tell is the 13th book is Lorilei James’s uber smexy Rough Riders series.  In here we watch Tell McKay and his high school crush, Georgia Hothkiss, get a second chance at love  as they learn to deal with one another and the issues they have left buried far to long. Ejoyable, though I found our couple to be immature for their age. We see many of the other McKay’s in here which is a treat.  Fallen From Grace by Laura Leone,  is an emotional love story about a male prostitute and a young woman he meets and falls in love with. Kelly Gay’s Shadows Before The Sun was everything I hoped it would be and more. In here, Charlie rushes to save her partner’s life when he is forcefully taken back to his home planet. Laughter, tears, suspense, mystery, and love all play important roles as Charlie fights for her life and her love. Review to come. I’m going to try and see Magic Mike on IMAX . ‘Cause all that hawtness needs to be seen on the biggest screen possible.