Steamy enough to melt ice
932945
This book has been one of my favorites in this series.  Niko is as hot as they come.  I can't wait to see what other books come out in the series.  I highly recommend thins series...especially if you like hockey players!
225857
'I want her pleasure and her pain and her submission and her org_sms. All of her org_sms. Every single one.'

Umm... Holy freakin' moly. It's hot all of sudden, isn't it? *wipes brow* I'm burning up. And if you read Snowed in With The Boss, be prepared to feel the same way, because this quick and dirty novella is hot enough to melt the deepest snowdriftand all the panties in the world.

Needless to say, I loved it. Every second. It had the right amount of kink, the right amount of lust and love, the right amount of tensionsexual and otherwiseand the right amount of OMG adorableness. Oh, and the PERFECT amount of heat.

Whew. It's a sexy, kinky whirlwind from start to finish, and when I wasn't practically panting, I was seriously swooning over Ten and Jane. It might be short, but there's a hell of a lot of spank-tacular story here, and damn if it didn't make me wish *I* were on the naughty list this year... Especially if Ten is the one handing out the punishment.

'...if this is what it's like to spend Christmas on the naughty list, then Santa can write my name on that sucker in permanent ink.'

~ FIVE STARS ~
411154
I loved the heat between them. This book doesn't have the BDSM the others do, but alpha male meets feisty woman and sparks fly. Kat and Caleb seem to fight no only with each other but themselves through this book and the sizzle speaks for itself in the very hot scenes.

There are fantastic romantic heart warming and melting moments. I love this little departure from her other books.
149726
In the first chapter, I met Kara and her son, Alex, a precocious 6 year-old who has some special abilities. The same special abilities that Kara's husband had, that led to his murder seven years before. So calling Kara an overprotective mom would be pretty accurate, but she's not just protecting her son from normal bad things. She's trying to keep him from being detected by the Belians, murderous demons who could look like anyone: friends, neighbors, loved ones, or any familar face in town. I personally have two little boys and this setup hit a chord with me--I got Kara. Paranormal happenings or not, here was a gal I could identify with. Her main focus was to protect her boy at any cost. I was hooked.

That hook didn't loosen any as the book progressed, but the tension sure ratcheted up. Along comes Damien, a mysterious and sexy stranger who, Kara can tell with her own set of abilities, is focused on her son. He turns out to be on the side of the good guys, but the battle of wills between the two is immediate and intense. He's a Sentinel--an otherworldly tracker of the Belians Kara fears. And she's a Conductor. The good news is, a Conductor and a Sentinel can match up to track Belians a lot more effectively. The bad news, in Kara's opinion anyway, is that for best results, they need to have sex.

When I read that, I was intrigued, of course. What a premise! But the curiosity came from more of a writer's standpoint. At its heart, a romance is all about... well, the heart. How does that work when the protagonists have to do it? Like, for the good of the world. Is it cold and clinical? Where's the romance? Well, I won't give anything away, but the steamy scenes were far from cold and the heart was definitely still there.

I enjoyed Touched by Darkness from beginning to end. It was a fantastic introduction to the world of paranormal romance: dark and hot, with a high-tension plot full of jolts and twists. The Belials, the bad guys, were completely successful in creeping me out, but even with all of the external conflict, Touched by Darkness was, where it counted, a romance. Kara and Damian's relationship shone through and carried the book to the end.

<To view my full review, please visit kristenbrockmeyer.blogspot.com. I received this book as a gift, and am giving it a fair and honest review.>
1838542
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This is the third book in Sophia Henrys Pilots Hockey series, and it is the second one that I have read. This book is about Jason Taylor and Linden (Indie) Meadows. Jason is the brother of Landon Taylor from the second book. Although this is part of a series, the books are written as standalone novels. In this book the main male character is not a hockey player to say. He coaches hockey in the small town of Bridgeland where he is also a police officer. The Plot of this story has Jason Taylor working as a police officer in Bridgeland gaining experience until he can secure a position bac in Detroit. Jason didn't count on meeting Linden, the older sister of one of his hockey players. She is spunky, isn't afraid to go toe to toe with him and she is a single mom. He also didn't count on forming an attachment with anyone. Commitment is not what he is looking for. His mother gave him up for adoption and the girl that he thought would be his forever didn't want to be the wife of a cop. Linden at the age of 16 became pregnant, her football playing boyfriend didn't want her to keep the baby. Now he is back in town making her life miserable Her life revolves around her 3 year old son, her mother and younger brother. Afraid to let in anyone else, she takes a chance with Jason, but Jason may never be ready to commit. The chemistry in this book has a slower build up. More believable than the instant have to have you in most books. This book is pretty evenly paced with some well placed drama. Good believable ending, and nice growth among the characters.

SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5
Categories
PLOT: 4 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 4 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 4 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars

Review Copy of Interference provided by the Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept-Flirt for an honest Review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
3647935
This story will melt you with it's heat and intensity. Exposure is about a young woman that is using photographic pornography to pay her way through college. Evan is desperate to keep her career entirely separate from her life, but what she find is that this may be impossible. I am sure that this novel would probably have very controversial reviews. Some would love it while others that deem this lifestyle unacceptable would judge it accordingly. I personally enjoyed this story very much. It was an
experience to say the least, and an eye opener to understanding these particular characters situations. Evan and Dallas provide a romance that almost melted me in the steam each altercation offered. I must caution readers if you are not looking for erotica, because in my opinion this most definitely meets every criteria.

~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jax~
2222717
This was a great read over the last month of winter's cold grasp because it's steamy and exciting and a bit of a whirlwind. Definitely recommend for supernatural romance fans.

The characters are engaging and more importantly different. Not only is there a variety of characters and supernatural beings, but they all fall at separate places on the sexuality specturum. While the main character is bi and his love interest is closeted there is a wide variety of drives, desires and experiences that keep the cast fresh and interesting.

Speaking of desires, this book is hot, hot HOT. There is no skimping on bedroom scenes and they range from cool to scorching. But more impressive than the heat is that a good number of them drive the plot forward and are insights into the relationships between characters. All too often steamy scenes can feel as purposeful as a standard porn plot, but most of the time, GSK makes it work in the story's favor.

I wish there was a half a star option because I really can't in good conscience give it a five full stars for only one reason. While most of the cast were engaging, for me the most engaging characters were the side characters. I couldn't wait to see Nate's brother and the detective make their entrances. Their quirks and oddities had a smooth, logical consistancy that translated into ideal characterization and left the main players, especially the vampires a bit pale in comparison (hur-hur). There are definitely seeds of those in Nate and Ben, but I personally want to see how their quirky bits work with others. For example, while Gunn's personal...issue... practically defines his character and how he interacts with others, Ben's character barely seems affected by his supernatural state.

Long story short, if you're looking for a plot-driven story with some boy-love angst and hot smut, your search stops here. But if you're looking for main characters you can fall in love with, GSK's The Ugliest Sweater and The Biggest Scoop have more charming, endearing leads.
1131955
I've had this book sitting on my shelf for some time just waiting for me to get around to it.  Well it took a reading challenge, but I did it.  And now I'm kicking myself in the pants for putting it off.  Talk about a fantastic steampunk world, deep engaging characters, a riveting intrigue style plot, and ho hey, the sweltering passion in a slow-burn romance.  Definitely planning on taking this series full steam ahead!

This first book, The Iron Duke, was a great blend of present time action, but a steady release of the complex world of an alternate history steampunk world.  The steampunk elements are fundamental to this series instead of just an annoying gadget name drop here and there.  I think I was equally taken with the world and elements as the actual plot which was a great blend of mystery, action, passion, and character growth.

It's based on the premise of what would have happened if Ghenghis Khan and his Mongolian Horde had steamrolled across Europe and even the British Isles using a blend of steampowered and nano-tech weaponry.  At the beginning of this story, England is finally free of the rule, thanks to the daring act of one dashing pirate now made a duke.  But recovery isn't so simple.  The people who were under horde rule are indelibly altered and looked on differently compared to those who fled, lived in exile, and the new generations are returning and reclaiming family titles and fortunes or jobs.  All stratas of society and culture are effected.  I found it all quite fascinating.

Beyond fascination, the heroine and the hero are in their own way, outcasts and trying to make their way.  Mina struggles under the stain of being the result of her mother being forced by someone from the horde.  Her family loves her and she loves them, but they are all tainted and though titled are poor and have little respect.  Mini works as a female police detective inspector and must accept a protective constable's burly strength to keep her safe because of her 'horde' features.  She has no dreams more than the little she has.  The insouciance and free-spirited arrogance of the duke who sees what he wants and takes it is grating on her- but she fears the emotions and desires he raises inside her.
For his part, Rhys Trahaern, the 'Iron' Duke of Anglesey, never set out to be a hero.  He has been scrabbling after life's scraps since he was born and raised himself up from abuse and slavery to being a pirate captain until respectability clipped his wings and he channeled his efforts into a merchant and shipping empire.  Mini flashes into his life and he is forced to see another perspective.  And yet, he is determined to get her to see beyond the cage she has placed herself in to what might be if she will take the chance.

The romance is full of sparks.  The pair are combustible.  Mina is so strong-willed and stubborn.  She is an abuse survivor in her way and must be handled as such, but the ruthless, straight-shooting Rhys who was also abused struggles to understand and  has to navigate things carefully with her.  They are so full of passion and I don't just mean sexually- though there was that.  I was riveted and anticipating as they drew closer and closer though it did not come easy.

The action part of the plot began as a sort of murder mystery that expanded to involve a secret plot of tremendous proportions.  The secretive and powerful Black Guard are a formidable enemy.  And some are still loose to wreck havoc in the on going series.  There was great fight action and sea battles and woot, we do have a kracken sighting.

All in all, this was a steampunk romance power house that packs many punches to hook in readers well outside the usual steampunk fandom.  I am definitely powering up for more passion and adventure with the Iron Seas series.
1380498
This combined a lot of my favorite paranormal elements: a police force for magical beings a la Men in Black, an ensemble of quirky characters who must work together to save the day, and two difficult MCs whose antagonism generates lots of heat. Add to that well-drawn characters, good world-building and a solidly suspenseful plot, and you have a very enjoyable paranormal read. Also, the book features a yeti, which is seriously the coolest thing ever, especially since the guy is a complete sweetheart. My one annoyance is that despite having a number of really good, interesting and diverse secondary characters--I mentioned the yeti right?--somehow none of the ones we actually get to know are female. They're there in the background, and some of them are kick-ass and heroic, but they don't get speaking parts--it felt a bit like a missed opportunity. Especially for a book which features a super-cool yeti.

Bottom line: this is a solid, well-written, quite entertaining paranormal, which happens to feature a yeti, which makes it and any sequels automatic must-reads.
3184019
Very fun, very fast (about 43 pages), very HOT read. There's not much of a nod to Winter Solstice or any of its rituals, but Destiny is a likable heroine, even in her Prada boots. The author works in a plausible excuse for Destiny to return to her soulmate (can that be real?) Reece. Rainsoaked Los Angeles, and a heroine/hero both of Irish descent, lots or explicit but not repetitive sex.
520972
Ski Slope Sparks is a short steamy romance about a woman who realizes she does not have to settle, and a man who stirs her senses like no one ever has. I usually do not read short stories because most of the time I've been left feeling like it was too short and so much was missing, but this story offers plenty of details that I did not feel like it was rushed. The chemistry between the main characters was so heated I could not wait to see where things would lead.
3114921
Pucked Up wasn't as amazing as Pucked was for me. BUT it was still so juicy, hairy, and steamily sexy read! I enjoyed the audiobook of Pucked Up and was so engrossed in this book I made all these extra car trips just so I could listen to my audiobook. Alright I am off to Book 3 because I need to know all these hunky hockey romances kick these puck bunnies to the curb!
3639188
I love romances involving the brother's best friend and Grounds for Seduction doesn't fail to provide the heat and steam to make for an Ooo La Latte romance.

Madison Phillips is turning over a new leaf.  She is no longer wanting to be seen as the spoiled princess "Maddie" and now focusing on making a success of her new coffee shop and getting over the relationship with her ex. Madison thinks she needs a rebound sexual relationship to help her recover, but when her brother's best friend, Gabriel Martinez doesn't want to participate in her plan Madison will trying anything to tempt him.

Gabe thinks Madison is hot, but it's Eric's sister and he won't go there.  When a dangerous robber targeting coffee houses poses an extreme threat to Madison, Gabe is the cop coming to her rescue.  The sexual tension gets hot and heavy and Gabe is finding it difficult to refuse Madison.

When they must resort to fleeing the city, Gabe and Madison seek refuge in Whidbey Island.  Now while the book is steamy, hot, playful and funny, I loved the author's description of Whidbey Island.  A place that I could imagine vacationing in from the gorgeous description, I found myself looking online for more information.

Gabe and Madison soon find themselves entangled in more ways than one. I loved their banter, chemistry, and jealousy.  They seemed perfect for one another.  Gabe was strong, sexy, smart, but battling demons that he kept hidden. He was vulnerable yet strong and it made me fall for him right along with Madison. Imagining him saying mi vida made me melt. Now, I always hate reviews that make the men sound all strong, sexy, and everything anyone could imagine and forgetting the women, but I tell you- no one could forget Madison.  She was actually a sweetheart with a little misguided stupidity that could get her hurt, but she was strong and feisty.

Loved this story! Highly recommend.
3602943
I liked this book better than the first in the series. The chemistry between the two characters was well done and the story well paced (if you don't consider the instant love between the two characters. It wasn't an issue for me but it was immediate). The sexy bits were steamy and the book overall was very readable. It had all the right ingredients to be the type of guilty pleasure read I love.

I'd recommend to readers that enjoy damsels in distress, protective heroes, and instant attraction and don't mind a novella length story.
3575941
I loved HOT ICE. While Garret ( Iceman) try's to protect Grace from terrorist that want a formula that only she knows how to make, they end up getting to know one another and sparks fly. This book is packed with action, and romance.
But while reading HOT ICE you will come to realize it hard to put down because you'll want to know what's going to happen next.
I highly recommend you read this book, not only just this one but the whole series. If I could give more than just five stars I would definitely do so
104725
Safe Bet is the perfect book to warm you up on these blustery, cold winter days. Playful, flirty, and so inviting, you can sit back, relax, enjoy the fun, and imagine you're laying out on the beach, sipping a cocktail.

The best thing about Monica Murphy is her ability to craft imperfect characters. Theyre all flawed, they make mistakes, and they recognize that theyve done it. Sometimes it eats them alive and other times its the push they need to get up and make something of their lives. Real characters, despite the outrageous storyline.

Wade is compassionate, determined, a player, but reformed. His love for his single mom, hes a total mommas boy and in some ways that super hot, that soft side.

Sydney is a reformed, rich party girl. She recognized how selfish and horrible shes been and she tries to be better. That makes her beyond likable.

Safe Bet is a meet cute, sports romance with a little taboo-the hot nanny. Its engaging, sexy, occassionally steamy, and a lot funny. The dialogue and banter between Sydney and Wade will keep you flipping pages, longing for more of them together. No matter the circumstances, the chemistry is undeniable. They fit together.

While the storyline wasn't as solid as I hoped it would be, some points are brought up and then kind of fall out of the book, never addressed again, the romance made up for it.
728768
I like that there were a number of different genres in this collection.  Sort of like a fiction 'box of chocolates', where you can pick and choose according to your mood of the moment.

That said, I did wonder if I'd wandered into a sauna by mistake.  It's pretty steamy in here. Oh, wait, no, that's all the stories in this anthology, bringing the heat and making me wonder if it's now time for the 'roll in the snow to cool off' portion of the evening.  I particularly enjoyed Gwen Marshall's story, but then happy triad stories are a weakness of mine.

An excellent way to be exposed to some new and very promising authors, and I look forward to seeing longer stories or full on novels from many of the writers in this collection.