As I’ve read romance over the years, I’ve collected little rules I live by when reading a book. I’m all about stretching my boundaries as I read, for example BDSM books have a way of making me reach outside my box. Broken and Dirty by Megan Hart have pushed on my emotional boundaries (in a wonderful way.) But I do have a few rules I read by: Rule #1. If there is going to be a rape scene, the author better tread very, very carefully. Example of a rape scene (and aftermath) handled well: Mercy Continue Reading
Review and Giveaway: Born to Darkness by Suzanne Brockmann
Born To Darkness by Suzanne Brockmann (Fighting Destiny #1) Paranormal Romance March 20, 2012 Hardcover Ballantine Reviewed by Helyce In Born To Darkness, Ms. Brockmann takes us on a fantastical rollercoaster ride of epic proportions! We are transported about 40 years into the future to a world that seems familiar but has made major advancements in technology, science and medicine. A small privately funded company, the Obermeyer Institute is a research facility whose main purpose Continue Reading
Review: Tailor Made by Josephine Myles
Tailor Made by Josephine Myles M/M Contemporary Romance January 22, 2012 E-book novella Amber Quill Press Reviewed by Helyce Felix McAvoy is an art student who has been crushing on his art tutor, Saul, for a while now. He doesn’t think Saul has noticed him at all, even though he has made a point of creating project after project that certainly has Felix standing out and getting noticed by the art community. So, for his final project he is determined to do something that Saul will Continue Reading
Giveaway: Caught In The Act by Jill Sorenson
As the owner of a flourishing Latin American crafts boutique, Karina Strauss should be basking in her success. Instead she’s worried about her troubled sister, the girlfriend—and prisoner—of drug lord Carlos Moreno. Kari wants no part of that life, but when she helps a friend cross into the United States illegally, two men on opposite sides of the law take notice: Moreno and Adam Cortez, the handsome border protection officer who lets Kari off the hook. It’s not just Kari’s tantalizing flash of Continue Reading
Review: Much Ado About Rogues by Kasey Michaels
Much Ado About Rogues by Kasey Michaels (Blackthorn Brothers #3) Historical Romance March 20, 2012 Harlequin Reviewed by May Favorite Quote: She dug her fingers into him, pushing down hard on his shoulder with her hand as her knee came up swiftly, taking him and his arousal unawares. His knees buckled, his hold on her relaxed, and she was gone, leaving him to bend over where he stood, his hands on his thighs, forcing himself not to black out, or throw up. “I taught her that,” Continue Reading
Review: Doubletake by Rob Thurman
Doubletake (Cal Leandros #7) by Rob Thurman Urban Fantasy March 6, 2012 Roc Reviewed by Tori Favorite Quote: “-vengeance has nothing to do with the Lord. Cain was wrong. I am my brother's keeper.“ Caliban (Cal) Leandros knows that family is everything, apparent by his unwavering loyalty to his older brother Nikos. In Blackout, Cal had to surrender his humanity among other things in order to retrieve his memories back after a venomous spider bite him. Niko stood by his side the whole Continue Reading
Review: Moving in Rhythm by Dev Bentham
Moving in Rhythm by Dev Bentham Contemporary M/M Romance March 19, 2012 Carina Press Reviewed by Mandi Mark Apolostolos is super smart, in very good shape and knows he is attractive but all he has in his life is his dog. Mark has a crippling shyness disorder, so when he sees someone he is attracted too, he literally can’t speak. He goes into a panic attack and must rush away to compose himself. Depression settled an arm around his shoulders like the old friend it was. Continue Reading
Winner!
The winner of Ward Against Death by Melanie Card is: Elaine L. Congrats! Continue Reading
Smex Scene Sunday
The heroes: Ed is an semi-pro football player, forced to end his career when he suffered a debilitating neck injury. Laurie is a disgraced dancer, after trying to compete in a ballroom dance competition with another male dancer. They meet at the local rec center where they both teach classes. Naughtiness ensues in Laurie’s dressing room after his ballet show one night. When the kiss began, Laurie’s eyes were still open. If he’d seen it coming or had even half expected it, he might Continue Reading
Weekly Wrap-Up
This is what we talked about at Smexy this week: A review – Dance With Me by Heidi Cullinan B+ review – Rocky Mountain Desire by Vivian Arend B+ review – Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins B+ review – Nightborn by Lynn Viehl B review – Nice Girls Don’t Bite Their Neighbors by Molly Harper B- review – Tempted by Blood by Laurie London B- review – Deep Dark Secret by Sierra Dean C- review – Protector by Catherine Mann C- review – Dire Needs by Stephanie Continue Reading