Review: Lying Eyes

Title: Lying Eyes
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Author: Amy Atwell
Pub: Oct 15, 2010 by Carina Press

No-nonsense jewelry designer Iris Fortune yearns for a normal life. But life as Vegas magician Cosmo Fortune’s daughter is anything but normal, especially since dear old Dad is also a scam artist. When Cosmo’s latest scheme goes awry and he pulls a real-life disappearing act, Iris is left holding the bag.
Now Iris must be a master of illusion—play the poised partner to her politician fiancé while trying to save her father and stay out of reach of Mickey Kincaid, the sexy thief who claims he's only after her jewels.
Detective Kincaid is deep undercover and seeks Iris out because of her connection to Cosmo—he never expected to be so drawn to her. While working with Iris to find the elusive con man, Mickey learns a killer has Iris in his sights, and he must do everything he can to save her, without blowing his cover.

Mickey's put his life on the line before, but never his heart—and now he’s not sure which is more dangerous....

Making the Grade: A-

For My Thoughts

Lying Eyes...They’re watching You.

Lying Eyes was like reading a madcap, action-adventure story featuring the Fortunes of Las Vegas led by the slippery and elusive magician, master of disguise and patriarch Cosmo Fortune. He was at the epicentre of all things good and bad happening in this book.

Iris Fortune, jewellery designer by trade, is the calm, cool and collected eldest daughter of Cosmo Fortune. But she's kinda written off dear ole dad, who’s never really been a part of her life...until he turns up missing. Next thing you know she‘s got a hot, petty jewel thief sticking to her like glue, two previously unknown young women who turn out to be her new half sisters and 10 million dollars in missing gems. Now bad people are after Cosmo and the gems he‘s supposed to have in his possession and if they have to go through Iris and her new found sisters to get to him - well then that’s what they’ll do. Ohh Daddy Dearest this latest escapade you’re embroiled in could get somebody dead...in a hurry!

Lying Eyes had a humorous, light, fun feel to it. Even though it’s a romantic suspense and lives were threatened numerous times, I never felt anyone was ever really in danger. I know you’re not supposed to like the bad guys, but the bumbling, buffoon henchman Jock and Pebbles provided a lot of comic relief (they reminded me of the bad guys in Home Alone getting bested by Macaulay Culkin). And who names a goon Pebbles? He was nothing but a big ole simpleton oaf with a soft spot for animals - especially the magician’s 20 lb white rabbit Edgar who always seemed to have his little twitching nose right in the thick of things. Try pulling that rabbit out of your hat O-O!

What I liked best about Lying Eyes was the love story between Iris and her scruffy, petty thief with the swashbuckling grin she can’t stop thinking about...ohhhh Mickey you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind. Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey! We all know he’s not really a thief out to kill her dad or steal the jewels, but it takes Iris a lot longer to figure him out and unmask the undercover agent.

Mickey’s great at playing the part of a thief, but his feelings for Iris are real and true. Their relationship is cute, fun, flirty and sexy and for most of the book - she has no idea who he really is. At one point when things were looking pretty grim for Mickey and Iris he comes out with this line:

“Who’s joking?” He lifted his face, his gaze roaming over her. “If this is my last night on this Earth, I sure as hell want to spend it with you.” Ohhhh Mickey *heart melts*.

If you want a fast-paced, madcap, sexy romp then you can’t go wrong with Lying Eyes. I really enjoyed it - Fortune family drama, Russian royalty, missing gems, rabbit and all!

Review: Fallen From Grace

Title: Fallen From Grace
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Laura Leone
Pub: June 2004 by Five Star Trade

When Ryan meets Sara, his new next-door neighbor in a rickety old San Francisco apartment building, both are in a state of emotional turmoil. Ryan, a high-priced prostitute, is trying to break free of his old life, but his handler, Catherine, won't let him. Sara's medieval mystery series has just been terminated by her publisher, and she is now trying to write a historical thriller. Sara doesn't dare make the first move toward deepening their relationship because she is older than Ryan, not as physically attractive, and halfway convinced he is gay and that if she pushes him she will lose his friendship, which she values. In this realistically gritty, sometimes violent, and gripping tale, Leone reveals the seamier side of society's maneuvering while she spins an unconventional romance between two unhappy people who find that love, like respect, can grow out of friendship and shared experiences and that new beginnings are indeed possible for those with the determination and courage to pursue them.

Making the Grade: A-

For My Thoughts

Fallen From Grace is the perfect example of how looks can be deceiving.

Ryan seems to have it all. He’s gorgeous, a "model", sweet, generous, caring, lovable, a perfect gentleman and Sarah’s new perfect neighbor...he’s also the perfect tortured hero. The reality is Ryan is living a lie and hiding a deep dark secret that will just make your heart break for him as mine did several times while I was reading it.

In a seemingly unbearable and what Ryan sees as an inescapable situation, he is forced to prostitute himself daily, in a high-class manor if that makes any difference to a clientele of wealthy woman. Ryan sees himself as beholden to a woman Catherine who saves his life when he was a troubled, desperate teen and now basically Katharine controls Ryan’s life.

But one thing Catherine can’t control is Ryan’s growing attraction for his new neighbor Sarah.

Saran’s a women whose life is in flux. I loved that she was a writer whose career had taken a bit of a downturn when she’s dropped by her current publisher. So she decides to sell her condo, move to a much smaller apartment and continue to write. Maybe not the best decision and not one her family supported, especially her sister, but I liked that she took the risk and believed in herself. Not sure I could have been so brave given the same circumstances. On the plus side she did meet Ryan.

As Ryan and Sarah spend more time together and their friendship grows, Ryan won’t let himself pursue Sarah because of the secrets he is keeping from her - he just doesn‘t feel worthy of her *sniffle*. And although Sarah is captivated by her new younger neighbor, she’s convinced he would never give her the time of day or a second glance. Not that Sarah is anywhere near old - mid thirties, but Ryan’s younger, a major sticking point for Sarah and he’s a model for goodness sake with women throwing themselves at him daily or so Sarah thinks. Ha! If only she knew the truth.

Ryan’s a saviour and a survivor. I think because he figured there was no hope for him to save his own soul, he turned his attention to saving a variety of two and four-legged animals. Like the crazy parrot he adopted when the previous owner left it behind, the big oaf of a dog Macy who can’t even make up two flights of stairs without being carried and then there’s shy Cat. Ryan’s love of his animals is just one more reason he’s perfect!

Fallen From Grace was a beautiful love story that developed from a solid friendship between two people fighting their own issues. It was filled with many poignant moments and I wasn’t only routing for Ryan to conquer his demons and escape from beneath Catherine’s financial thumb, but I cheered all the way to the end for Ryan and Sarah’s HEA.

Review: Lean On Me (Masters of the Shadowlands, #4)

Making the Grade: A-

For My Thoughts


Si, Si Senior!

So I wasn’t going to start Lean on Me (Book 4 in the Shadowlands series) by Cherise Sinclair so soon after finishing book 3. Not because I haven’t loved all the books so far - they are some of the most intensely erotic books I have ever read and seriously the Masters at Club Shadowlands are highly addictive. I just planned on taking a little break since there is only 1 more book left in the series and I wanted to delay and savour and extend my series reading experience as long as possible.

Needless to say last week after finishing Breaking Free and finding out book 4 was about the easy-going, laid-back bartender Cullen O’Keefe - I started Lean on Me right away. So much for any delayed gratification on my part. But then again, I’ve never been good at denying myself anything.

Sexy Cullen O’Keefe - Arson Investigator by day, bartender and Trainer of the subs by night at Club Shadowlands. As their trainer - he doesn’t “do” the subs...well at least he didn’t before Andrea Eriksson entered the program. Cullen was somewhat forced/blackmailed, call it what you will to accept her in the trainee program at Shadowlands, but he was going to make sure she deserved the opportunity to be a trainee.

Andrea is no shrinking violet...she’s tall and muscular from hours spent working hard at her day job at her cleaning agency...in fact her best friend Antonio (whose acquaintance with Cullen was her in at Shadowlands) calls her Rambolita. Her first night at the Club she acts and dresses more like a Domme in her leather pants and kick-ass boots. How the heck was she ever going to survive and submit to being a sub? Me thinks Andrea is going to try Master Cullen’s patience hard. Ay dios mio...holla, hot damn another winner! I was well and truly hooked with this storyline early on and any thoughts I had about putting off reading this book flew right out the window.

Andrea has a problem with men getting to close. She barely survived an attempted rape when she was younger and it’s made her wary around men...she tends to strike out first and ask questions later...not exactly a good quality to have in a Dom/s setting. Also Doms tend to frown upon that kind of behaviour and then they tend to dish out some creatively delicious forms of punishment.

Andrea pushed one such Master a little to far and I must says Master Nolan must have excelled in the Boy Scouts and earned ALL his rope tying badges - except I don’t think they teach his kind of skill with knots in the Boy Scouts - holy Muy Caliente *turns the fan on high speed*!!!

Andrea also learned a very important lesson about faking or lying about anything - another very serious offence at Club Shadowlands...saddle up Sweetie and ride’em cowboy! Add Master Cullen to the mix or maybe in this case it was Cowboy Cullen and this lesson on the perils of lying or faking it was hot, hot, hot *fans self repeatedly*!

And Master Cullen also brings new meaning to the tern “in the doghouse”...errr I mean “on the doghouse”! I told you these Doms are one creative bunch.

In Lean on me we got to see a lot relationship building between Cullen and Andrea outside the Shadowlands environment and a glimpse into their every day lives more so than the other books. Sinclair’s books just keep getting better with each one I read. I love these books and sadly I only have one left to read. How long will I last before I start it? Knowing me...not long.

From Goodreads:

Previous Book: Breaking Free
Genre: BDSM Erotic Contemporary

Andrea wants to submit, but not to just any so-called Dom. He has to be tougher than the slum-bred bullies she grew up with. She'd given up finding a true Dom when her friend finagles her a place as a trainee in an exclusive BDSM club with the powerful Shadowlands Masters. Andrea's thrilled...and terrified.

Forced to accept an unknown submissive into his carefully run trainee program, Master Cullen is furious. Not only is the young woman new to BDSM, but she's unsuited to her role--armoured in leather like a Domme, she's more liable to punch a Dom than kneel. He decides to push her right back out the door. But as he ruthlessly intimidates her, punishes her, then comforts her, his glimpses of the woman inside the emotional armour intrigue him and her utter surrender captures his heart.

Although Master Cullen is famous for his unfettered lifestyle, Andrea believes he might be interested in her, until she discovers he's not just a bartender--he's a cop. Maybe he'd overlook her past brush with the law, but when another trainee accuses her of stealing money, Andrea's sure she's lost the Master she wanted with all her heart.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and content (includes/not limited to: bondage, spanking, tethering), voyeurism.

Review: Club Shadowlands (Masters of the Shadowlands #1)

Series: Masters of the Shadowlands; next book: Dark Citadel.

Genre: BDSM Full-figured Heroine

Her car disabled during a tropical storm, Jessica Randall discovers the isolated house where she's sheltering is a private bondage club. At first shocked, she soon becomes aroused watching the interactions between the Doms and their subs. But she's a professional woman--an accountant--and surely isn't a submissive... is she?

Master Z hasn't been so attracted to a woman in years. But the little sub who has wandered into his club intrigues him. She's intelligent. Reserved. Conservative. After he discovers her interest in BDSM, he can't resist tying her up and unleashing the passion she hides within.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, strong BDSM theme and content (including/not limited to bondage, caning, restraints, spanking, etc), exhibitionism, voyeurism.

Making the Grade: A-

For My Thoughts

I kinda stumbled into this book like Jessica stumbled into Club Shadowlands and Master Z’s life - quite by accident. I’d never read anything previously by Ms. Sinclair or even heard of her before but her publisher Loose ID sends out emails about new releases and for whatever reason (I prefer to think of it as divine intervention - thank you God) I clicked on the link for Ms. Sinclair’s latest book Make Me, Sir only to discover it was #5 in a series. Being the anal (no pun intended - but after all this is a BDSM story) retentive personality that I am, I was intrigued enough about book #5 that I immediately purchased the 1st book in the series and all I can say is YOWZA. How fast can I read all the books in this series? If they are all as hot and steamy as this one is…I’mma need an industrial size fan and invest in an ice maker!

Jessica Randall...late at night, alone, stranded, a broken down car, rain, wind, soaking wet seeks refuge at the first warm location available - a mansion in the middle of no where? Club Shadowlands is a privately run BDSM club and once Jessica accepts the invitation to participate in bondage night her life will never be the same. Ohhhhhh Jessica you are in for the ride of your life.

I loved this story! Although Jessica is described as a petite Marilyn Monroe she wasn’t a perfect size 2 model and had some body issues as most women do. Finding herself in a very revealing outfit within the confines of Club Shadowlands her big boobs and jiggly thighs should have been the least of her worries.

Jessica knew nothing about this secretive lifestyle but finds herself intrigued, amazed, stunned and embarrassed by all the sights and sounds surrounding her within the club and it doesn’t hurt that the club owner Master Z had taken the innocent Jessica under his wing. Since I know nothing about this world either, I felt like I was getting an education right along with Jessica. I quite enjoyed it...thankfully from a distance. Jessica isn’t sure this lifestyle is for her, but she decides to give it a try under the careful and masterful tutelage of Master Z.

Right off the bat Jessica learns a very important lesson - NEVER sign your name to anything without reading the fine print first - the consequences can be very painful! She’s an educated, smart professional - a CPA - and she should have known better, but she was cold and wet and shaken up from having just crashed her car so cut a girl some slack if she didn’t read the small print. But there is no breaking the rules at Club Shadowlands, no quarter given for mistakes made and Master Z isn’t about to change that practice by letting Jessica get away with a major faux pas!

Ohhhhh my the men of Club Shadowlands oooooooze testosterone, confidence and a dominance that with one with one quirk of a raised eyebrow can set the body trembling (mine included!). But they are also caring and sensitive and are totally attuned to the subs, knowing their needs and wants even before the subs themselves all within the safe and monitored atmosphere that is Club Shadowlands.

Yes this is erotica and there are some pretty graphic scenes, but nothing I found too harsh or cringe-worthy (if this type of story doesn’t interest you to begin with then you aren’t going to read this series no matter what is written in a review).

I have already purchased books 2-5 and can’t wait to see what trouble has in store for Masters Dan and Cullen. I’m plugging in the...fan now!

Review: Dreams of a Dark Warrior

HE VOWED HE’D COME FOR HER . . .

Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives.

SHE AWAITS HIS RETURN . . .
When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals—unaware that he belongs to their world.

TO SATE A DESIRE MORE POWERFUL THAN DEATH . . .
Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan’s torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared—even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love?

Making the Grade: A-

For My Thoughts

Dreams of a Dark Warrior is only my second book by Kresley Cole and while Declan Chase is no Malkolm Slaine (from Demon from the Dark and one of my favorite characters and books of 2010), he is a hero forced to endure unspeakable horrors which have left him the hardened, dark and damaged man he is today. He’s a character that Cole makes you simultaneous weep for while you hate his guts. I think I am safe in assuming from my limited Kresley Cole reading experience that she certainly delights in making her heroes some of the most tortured souls I have every read.

The premise of this book intrigued me from the beginning. One kiss on the lips triggers the memories and one act of sex is akin to signing a death warrant. I couldn’t wait to see how Cole would write the H/h out of the seemingly impossible corner she’d painted them in to.

1000 years of love and heartache is a long time for any couple to endure and yet Reginleit the Radiant and Aiden the Fierce have been loving and losing each other for that length of time. Whether he’s a knight or a privateer or a Calvary officer in his past lives, one thing is for certain Regin and Aiden are soulmates destined to repeat their past sins and suffer the consequences. Maybe the 5th time’s the charm? Only if Regin doesn’t kill Declan Chase first herself. Let the games begin!

Cole makes it exceedingly hard to like the latest reincarnation of Aiden in the form Declan Chase. Dark and brooding, unfeeling except for his hatred of all things detrus he is the perfect candidate to oversee the secret installation housing all things immortal and Regin the Radient his own personal capture is the latest inmate to be a "guest" in the hellhole jail.

The first half of Dreams of a Dark Warrior was spent showing us how Declan became the man he is and his understandable hatred of all things immortal and he had every right to hate them with every fibre of his being. He suffered at the hands of the Neoptera, scarred and barely escaping sure death while he watched the vile creatures kill the members of his family. Declan was a mean, torturing S.O.B. and Regin and her friends and enemies alike were treated to several rounds of torture at his hands.

Once all hell broke loose on the island (literally the walls came on tumbling down), then the story really started to heat up.

I really like the band of weary brother’s allegiance formed by Declan, Regin and a cast of great secondary characters including King Vamp Lothaire, Aiden’s life long friend and fellow Berserker Brandr, the Fey Natalya and the young and innocent half-vamp Thad (surely Ms. Cole has his story in the works!) as they worked together to survive. Watching these characters form an uneasy alliance was funny, full of betrayal, promises made, deals struck and finally honor among immortals?

I just wanted to include a couple of funny memorable lines that had me LOL’ing:

Regin: “I like em young, dumb and hung“.

Regin to Declan as she observes him stripping: “Thanks for the view of your junkyard.”

And lastly just a little description to whet your appetite:

Rock-hard ridges descended to the low waist of his camo pants. Her gaze dipped to his flat navel, then to his goodie trail. And lower... She swallowed. He’d begun stiffening in those pants.
She yanked her gaze up determined to look at anything else. Around his neck he wore dog tags, and a big, butch military watch was strapped to one brawny forearm. With the combat boots, low-slung pants, and tacticool accessories, he looked good. Even scarred, he looked better than good.

The struggles were many but in the end you can’t deny that a 1000 years is a long time to wait for a happily ever after!

Cole has certainly set up a world full of great characters whose stories are still be told. Whose story is next Lothaire? The Nucking Futs Nix? Thad? I for one can’t wait. Oh and while I’m waiting I’ve got a whole backlist to get caught up on.

Review: Call Me Irresistible

R.S.V.P. to the most riotous wedding of the year . . .

Lucy Jorik is the daughter of a former president of the United States.

Meg Koranda is the offspring of legends.

One of them is about to marry Mr. Irresistible—Ted Beaudine—the favorite son of Wynette, Texas. The other is not happy about it and is determined to save her friend from a mess of heartache.

But even though Meg knows that breaking up her best friend's wedding is the right thing to do, no one else seems to agree. Faster than Lucy can say "I don't," Meg becomes the most hated woman in town—a town she's stuck in with a dead car, an empty wallet, and a very angry bridegroom. Broke, stranded, and without her famous parents at her back, Meg is sure she can survive on her own wits. What's the worst that can happen? Lose her heart to the one and only Mr. Irresistible? Not likely. Not likely at all. From Goodreads

Making the Grade: A-

I love it when you read a book and it makes you experience a fast array of emotions - smile, laugh, cry, embarrassment for the characters, even to a small degree hate them, but by the time the final page is read, you need to see the main characters get their HEA. Any book that can wring all those emotions out of me gets the A- review. Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips  is just that book.

Meg Koranda ventures to Wynette Texas for the wedding of her best friend Luck Jorik to Ted Beaudine. It doesn’t take long for Meg to stir things up, but really she was just being truthful when she told her best friend that she shouldn’t marry the God of Wynette, Mr. Perfect himself Ted Beaudine. So when Lucy leaves poor Ted at the alter and makes a quick get away, everyone in town is looking for someone to blame and poor Meg is right in the crosshairs. The town of Wynette sure can hold a grudge.

Meg may be the daughter of two very rich and famous people, but since they cut off her access to the family funds, she’s been trying to make ends meet on her own. With a hundred bucks to her name and no way to pay her hotel bill or support herself , Meg plans on making her own quick get away before the good folks of Wynette can lynch her for ruining the wedding of the century. But she barely makes it to the city limits before the police are hot on her tail and threatening to put her in jail and leading the charge is none other than Mr. Perfect himself Ted Beaudine.

I loved Meg. She showed remarkable resilience, determination and a profound sense of loyalty to work her way out of her current predicament. I thought she got the raw end of the deal when the close nit people of Wynette turned on her - but they would do anything to protect their favorite son With no money, no friends, no family to support her, I couldn’t help but feel for Meg as she was forced to clean bathrooms, go without food and showers and live in her car while she attempted to work off her debt. How can you not love the girl?

Ted Beaudine is perfect - literally. Birds sing when he goes outside and when the sun shines on him, it looks like he‘s wearing a halo. He never gets mad or displays a negative emotion. He is the town saviour. All the women love him, the men respect him and all the hopes and dreams for the town are riding on Ted’s shoulders. That’s a big burden for one mortal man to carry! So it’s no wonder the folks of Wynette rallied around him when his bride left him at the alter. The only one who didn’t seem all that broken up over his failed marriage attempt was Ted himself.

I wasn’t sure how Meg and Ted were ever going to be able to have any kind of relationship given the town’s animosity towards her and the fact that Ted had been set to marry her best friend just a few weeks ago. Meg was the only women around for miles who didn’t practically become catatonic every time Ted was in sight and she certainly challenged Ted at every opportunity. What started out as outright mistrust and anger at each other, to agreeing to use each other for their mutual benefit, SEP developed their relationship slowly and believably.

I laughed - the golf caddying scenes were hilarious. I got choked up at Meg’s incredibly forgiving attitude toward the people of Wynette who had shown her nothing but their distain and hostility. She could have blown them and their precious chance to obtain a lucrative new golf course out of the water on more than one occasion and she didn‘t. She showed her true character when she could have ruined many lives and she took the high road. I loved her for that.

SEP delivers a sexy, funny, heart-warming love story and even though I finished Call Me Irresistible in one day, it was well worth the hardcover cost.

Here’s a Sneak Peek

A Trio of Treasures from Laura Griffin

During the Christmas holidays I found some time to read and went on a reading mini-marathon of Laura Griffin backlist titles. Ms. Griffin excels at writing romantic suspense, a favorite genre of mine and her books have quickly become must see TV read books for me.

For anyone who is even remotely interested in Romantic Suspense then you must add Laura Griffin to your list.

Here's a quickie look at the latest trio I read in record time.

Cecelia Wells knew better than to answer the door the night her Ex Robert showed up after all he was her Ex for a reason. Rumors of his death had been greatly exaggerated and he was definitely not the Chinese food delivery she’d been expecting. Fast forward a couple hours and now the Ex has been found permanently X-d out and in the SUV he stole right out from under Celie’s nose. There will be no miraculous resurrection for Robert this time. Next thing Celia knows the Feds come a-calling and the Saledo crime family wants it’s missing money Robert stole from them and everyone is looking to Celie for the answers. Thanks for nothing dear hubby for dumping your garbage on my doorstep - R.I.P. Thank goodness handsome, hunky reporter John McAllister (a walking, talking impersonation of Matthew McConaughey as described by Celie's neighbor Dax), an old acquaintance of Celie’s has come to her rescue.

Celie's been through a lot recently including surviving a sexual assault, so even though she knows John is extremely interested in her, his playboy ways and her past history means they have some tough hurdles to overcome. Not to mention trying remain alive because things just aren't adding up and the mob ain't fooling around...they want their missing money back - NOW!

Making the Grade: B+

I found Fiona Glass to be one of my favorite heroines to date from Ms. Griffin's books. Art Professor, gifted artist and renown forensic sketch artist. She's the go-to gal, the best of the best when it comes to interviewing witnesses and creating the sketches that catch the bad guys, but the emotions involved in re-creating faces of the monsters who prey on women and children are taking a toll on Fiona. She hates the drawbacks of being a police sketch artist and really just wants to retire so she can concentrate on her own painting and is in fact preparing for her first showing. Then the next phone call comes and the pleading and begging and the desperation she hears in the voices of the law enforcement officials sends her resolve crashing to the ground and she’s right back in the middle of another investigation. Graingerville Police Chief Jack Bowman needs Fiona and he's certain she's the only one who can help solve an 11 yr old rape case that has similarities to a new crime in his district involving a missing girl. No matter how nicely Fiona turns down his request, Jack will not take no for an answer. Jack can be very determined when he puts his mind to it.

Fiona is grace under fire when dealing with the witnesses. I especially like the scenes involving the children she had to interview. There are a couple of different cases running parallel in Thread of Fear and each showcased Fiona to her full potential. Fiona’s a smart, class act but she’s her own worst enemy…she just can’t say no and stick with it, whether it’s Jack doing the asking or her freeloading younger sister Courtney.

Another terrific suspense driven story that keep me riveted right to the end.

Making the Grade: A-

Courtney wasn’t like a lot of the other heroines (professional, poised, highly educated) in Griffin’s books. When we first met her in Thread of Fear she was kind of a wild child, screw-up bumming off her sister Fiona. In this book she’s trying to change and stand on her own two feet, but she‘s barely managing to eeeeek out a living as a hairstylist. At least she‘s finally seen the light since she recently discovered her rich lawyer boyfriend has been 2-timing her…with his wife no less…the nerve of some men! After getting a text from the two-timing douchebag, she agrees to meet him one last time in the park and give him a piece of her mind once and for all. Unfortunately for David - he’s permanently put to rest when a masked bandit high-jacks their meeting, David ends up dead from a gunshot wound and Courtney becomes the prime suspect.

I liked Courtney a lot. She’s a flighty, feisty, fun wise-cracking force of nature. This book had one of the best pick-up lines in a bar ever and it cracked me up. “What’s your sign?” Courtney’s response “Do not disturb.”

Courtney’s also in a heap of trouble with a capital T and no one deserves her brand of trouble more than the lead detective Will Trent. Will’s an ex-marine, the strong, silent, all business type and Courtney just can’t help but try and ruffle the unflappable Detective’s feathers at every turn.

Will’s got Courtney’s number and he knows she isn’t being totally forthcoming regarding her involvement in the shooting of her ex-lover and with the real killer still at large, Courtney is far from out of danger.

Lastly, cutting someone’s hair would not necessarily be considered the greatest set-up for a sexy encounter, but when Courtney’s wielding the scissors and the controlled and contained Detective Trent’s in the chair - the outcome is a sexually-charged hair raising experience.

Making the Grade: A

If You Don't Read This Book? It's Unforgivable

Pages read 387 pages
Riding Time 4 hours 2 minutes
Calories Burned 1537
Distance Peddled 69.32

Making the Grade: A-

For My Thoughts

Laura Griffin is one of my favorite new-to-me author finds of 2010. Unforgivable is the lastest addition to her Tracer series.

Unforgivable is a great suspense driven story with a ton of heart pounding action. The story has a CSI-esque feel to it as the tension builds and keeps you turning the pages to the very end.

A trip to the grocery store late at night for some soul-soothing ice cream was supposed to be a piece of cake...or a dish of ice cream. Mia Voss didn’t plan on running into anyone she knew so no need to change out of those comfy PJ’s. Who knew her innocent outing would result in her being carjacked, kidnapped, witness the shooting of a retired police officer and get shot at herself. And the cherry on top of her ice cream sundae? Detective Ric Santos. Getting interrogated by the sexy Detective was a crappy way to end a day that started out with getting demoted at work. Dang...Mia really needed some ice cream.

Ric does a lot of dancing around his feelings for Mia early on in Unforgivable. They had a “thing” the previous year but Ric cut his ties before things got to serious. Dude has serious commitment issues and he knows that Mia’s looking to settle down and is ready for the white picket fence and 2.4 children and he is so not that guy. He’s all business at first, but when Mia’s assistance as a DNA expert is required on several of Ric’s seemingly related cases, it gets damn near impossible for him to keep treating Mia as just a colleague and keep his blood pressure from spiking whenever she’s within spitting distance. It’s always nice to see a hard-headed guy struggle to fight his feelings and end up failing miserably. The bigger they are…the harder they fall.

As more trouble mounts for Mia, Ric begins to suspect that Mia may not be an innocent by-stander after all but rather the intended victim. And when things turn very personal for Mia and members of her family are caught in the crossfire, she makes a decision that could ruin her career in order to keep her family out of harm’s way. One thing I really enjoy about Ms. Griffin’s stories are the female leads. She writes about women who are smart, strong-willed, independent, professional career women.

If there was one thing I wish I could change since discovering Ms. Griffin's books - it would be to have read her books in order. Although each book does read as a stand alone, there is cross-over and several characters do make guest appearances in each book. One of the characteristics I enjoy in her writing is the way she weaves the secondary characters into the story so that they are an integral component of the story and not just there as page-filler. She does an excellent job of setting them up for their own story in an upcoming book. Next up is Snapped which is Sophie and Jonah’s story. Is it weird that I already have it pre-ordered and it’s not due out til August 2011? No I don’t think so…that’s just an indication of how much I enjoy Ms. Griffin’s style of writing.


 Read an Excerpt

Back Cover Blurb

At first, Mia Voss thinks it’s just bad luck when her already lousy day ends with a carjacking. But what seems like a random incident is followed by another sinister episode. A DNA expert, Mia has made it her mission to put away vicious criminals. Suddenly, she’s become the target of one. And the only way to protect the people she loves most is to deliberately destroy her reputation and risk letting a killer walk free.

Once, Mia trusted Detective Ric Santos. That was before Ric let his turbulent past ruin his chances with Mia, the sexiest, most intriguing woman he’s ever met. But he can tell when she’s lying—and when she’s scared. The key to catching a sadistic madman lies within a long-buried cold case that has haunted Mia for years. Only she can uncover the truth, but first, Ric will have to get her to entrust him with her secrets . . . and her life.

Looking Good In Moonlight

Making the Grade: A-

For My Thoughts

The CeeCee and Max saga continues in Nancy Gideon’s Moonlight series Captured by Moonlight.

This 3rd book brings about more conflict, relationship struggles and trust issues for this duo as they try to work on their complicated relationship and CeeCee always the cop has her loyalties tested yet again.

The conflict CeeCee and Max must endure would test most normal couples, but add in CeeCee’s police status, Max’s questionable business practices and his non-human status plus the fact that Max and CeeCee have a history of keeping secrets from one another and the struggle between these two is only enhanced by their conflict.

Captured by Moonlight focuses more on Max and delves deeper into his past as he deals with his developing shape shifter abilities that even he doesn’t begin to understand and he must cope with discovering and realizing the importance of his potential.

I found Captured by Moonlight to be grittier and darker than the first two. Max undergoes some pretty terrifying changes and given CeeCee’s background, there were times their story was not all roses and rainbows. Thank goodness these two realize that their relationship is worth all the ups and downs because they are a potent couple.

I loved all three books in this series (and this from someone who is not a big paranormal fan) and the fact that it is a continuing series featuring a great couple. I am so glad that there will be a couple more next year and I can’t wait for more goodness from Ms. Gideon. Max and CeeCee are too good together for their story not to continue.

If you love sexy paranormal romance then you must read this series, but please start with the 1st book Masked by Moonlight. You must experience CeeCee and Max’s wonderful relationship from the start. You would be doing yourself a disservice if you miss out on their beginning.

From The Author's Website

A mysterious death begins a dangerous chain of events, forcing choices that mean no turning back as Max’s past catches up to him. But as the unexpected discovery of a family thought lost to him threatens the existence of Max’s paranormal world, his awakening senses strain the bond he shares with Detective Charlotte Caissie.

Driven by instincts he can’t control, Max fights the need to claim his human mate. How can he protect her when she’s not safe with him? She’s strong enough to keep his secrets, but can she survive the test of his love?

Separating business from pleasure just got more difficult. To have Max, Cee Cee must face her greatest fears by accepting who and what he is . . . someone deadly, unnatural and outside the law she serves. Loving Max Savoie isn’t easy, but holding onto him could prove fatal.

I AM DYING - Wish I Had an IYD Number to Call for Answers

Making the Grade: A-

For My Thoughts


Well the ending as I was forwarded did not disappoint in it's sucky cliff-hangerness. In fact it sucked big red balls! I hated it. And yet it makes me salivate for Jan 18 2011 when the next and final book by Karen Marie Moning Shadowfever releases.

It was all a dream right? I'm talking about the ending. That's why the author named this book DREAMfever right (I have to thank Mandi from @smexybooks for filling me in on this theory)? It's a dream and Mac has a fever because what we are led to believe happens at the end of this book - simply cannot be true.

This was my favorite book of the series so far and part of the reason why is it’s chock full of Barrons goodness. All Barrons - all the time!

Let’s get chapter 4 out of the way. You all know when you think about Dreamfever your mind immediately goes to chapter 4. It’s been 4 books and finally we get some Barrons and Mac action between the sheets. I honestly did not think we were ever going to see these two hook up…well if what they did in chapter 4 can be considered hooking up. I think if Barrons were to explain his motivation for his actions in this chapter, he would deflect and make it seem he was just doing what needed to be done to bring Mac back for the edge..back from being Pri-ya. He was doing a job…it’s a “dirty” job and someone had to do it and ohhhh what a job Jericho Barrons did. We saw a side of Barrons that almost made him appear human..laughing, singing, dancing, and an inexhaustible ability to keep it up (yup that's what I'm talking about).

Mac survived her terrifying ordeal at the hand of the Unseelie Princes and her sex-filled days with Barrons being brought back from being Pri-ya, but she’s no longer an innocent, southern belle Barbie, rainbow girl whose favorite color is pink. She’s now Mac 4.0, stronger, sleeker, faster, hardened and matured by her past experiences. Now her favorite colors are black and red. I was sad to see Jericho and Mac revert back to Barrons and Mrs. Lane after the heat level of chapter 4, but there was lots of snippy, sexual innuendo and tensions filled encounters to keep me entertained.

There is a lot of action as Dreamfever builds towards it climatic cliff-hanger ending.

Mac and Dani develop their Big Sis, Little Sis relationship - I really like the young Sidhe-Seer and loved how Mac protected her and looked out for her at all cost. V’lane is almost non-existent in this book; The Lord Master is as evil as ever and even the missing, lie-detector Christian MacKelter mades an unexpected appearance.

And we finally get to find out what happens when Mac dials the infamous IYD (if your dying) on the pre-programmed cell phone given to her by Barrons.

I will admit that I was a chicken when it came to finishing Dreamfever. I knew the ending would be shocking and unsatisfying and leave me wanting more and full of questions. I stopped reading with about 8 pages left (I know you are all thinking how could you not finish the book), but seriously I knew the ending was bad, it was bedtime and I wanted to be able to sleep and not have nightmares. So I waited until the next day to finish it on my lunch. Those last eight pages were action packed and of course I had the reaction everyone who reads this book must have had. WTF is that ending about?

Is it Jan 18, 2011 yet? Bring on Shadowfever and let's all finally get some fecking answers!

Review: Simply Too Irresistible To Put Down

Simply Irresistible

Grand Central

September 26, 2010

Read an Excert

Maddie Moore’s whole life needs a makeover.

In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother–a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Starting over won’t be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career–if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes–and mouth–are making it hard for her to remember that she’s sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie’s struggles to overcome the past, though she’s about to discover that there’s no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.


Making the Grade: A-

For My Thoughts



Jill Shalvis 1st book in her Lucky Harbor series Simply Irresistible was truly irresistible.

There’s lots to love about Simply Irresistible and Jill Shalvis knows how to deliver a witty, cast of loveable characters in her newest novel about the folks of Lucky Harbor -population 2,100 lucky people and 10,100 shellfish.

First of all how can you not love Maddie Moore a girl after my own heart with her love of potato chips whether she‘s eating them or wearing the tell-tail crumbs on her shirt. The poor girl is at a crossroads in her life, recently finding herself jobless, she takes to the highway and heads to Lucky Harbor where she hopes to convince her two half-sisters, Tara and Chloe into renovating and running the ramshackle Inn left to them by their slightly eccentric mother Phoebe Traeger.

Maddie’s barely within the city limits when she almost wipes Jax Cullen aka Hot Biker Guy and his motorcycle off the face of the earth. The smiles and giggles started early - it only took until page 6 when I had my first LOL moment. Here's a sample.

What she needed now was an exit plan. So she put her phone to her ear, pretending it was vibrating. “Hello,” she said to no one. “Yes I’ll be right there. “ She smiled, like look at me, so busy I really have to go and turning away, she lifted a hand in a wave, still talking into the phone to avoid an awkward good-bye, except---
Her phone rang. And not the pretend kind. Risking a peek at Hot Biker Guy over her shoulder, she found him brows up, looking amused.

Ohhhhhhh Maddie you are so BUSTED!

Another enduring quality I loved about Simply Irresistible was how Ms. Shalvis started every chapter with some words of wisdom from Mamma Phoebe Traeger. These little quips set the tone for what’s to come in each chapter. Here are just a few note-worthy gems outta the mouth of mom:

“Don’t take life too seriously. After all, none of us are getting out alive anyway.”
“Just when you thing you’ve hit rock bottom, someone will hand you a shovel.”
“Experience is something you get…after you need it.”

Lucky Harbor is your typical small town cliché…where everybody knows your name and is all up in your biz-nass. What's not so small town are the quaint names of several establishments including the Eat Me Café and the Love Shack Bar. Loves it!

Finally how can you not smile at the love story between Maddie and Jax. There’s lots of trademark witty, sexually-laced Shalvis repartee between this duo. Here’s just a tease for you. Jax notices Maddie’s preoccupation with being eaten…by the big bad wolf…or whoever…and calls her on it.

He sent her a mischievous glance. “What is it with you and things eating you?”

A nervous laugh burst from her, and he let loose with a smile that was just wicked enough to boost her pulse and scare her at the same time. “Tell you what,” he said silkily. “If I ever get the chance to eat you, I promise you’ll like it.”

Whoa! Promises, promises….*fans self*

Simply Irresistible is a fun, fast-paced read and since this is the first book in the series, we can expect more hi-jinx from Maddie “The Mouse”, Tara “The Steel Magnolia Southern Bell” and Chloe “The Wild Child”.

In the market for a few laughs? Then Simply Irresistible is the one you’ve been waiting for…so don’t wait! Go! Read it! Now!

Workout Wednesday: BOO! Are You Afraid of the Dark?

I don't like spiders and snakes results!

Pages read 416 pages

Riding Time 3 hours 45 minutes

Calories Burned 1455

Distance Peddled 66.66

Making the Grade: A-

For My Thoughts


Deadly Fear continues my new-to-me authors trend I seem to be following in 2010. This is my 1st ever Cynthia Eden book, but it certainly won’t be my last!

Deadly Fear pulls you right in from the opening prologue offering a glimpse of the chilling story of suspense to come.

Imagine your worst fears. Now imagine a deranged madman mercilessly torturing you and using your own fears against you. Scared yet? I know I was. Being scared of spiders, bees and lightning myself, just imagining being tortured to death by any one of these things had me shuddering.

Monica Davenport's a Special Agent for the FBI in the SSD (Serial Services Division). Her ability to get inside the head of the killers she investigates makes her an invaluable member of this special team. But she’s also the survivor of a horrific nightmare she experienced as a teenager and now that past may be coming back to taunt her.

Luke Dante is your typical alpha male and the newest member of the SSD team. Although new to the team, he‘s definitely a familiar face to Special Agent Davenport. In fact they are intimately acquainted after an unforgettable one night stand during their days together at the FBI training academy.  Monica is coolly detached at first when dealing with Luke, but given her past, it’s totally understandable. She’s reluctant to let anyone, let alone Luke into her heart, but their feelings for one another can’t be denied and when they do hook-up…whoa - the sex is hawt.

The FBI investigation and suspense plot of Deadly Fear doesn’t leave a lot of time to devote to romance for this duo. Together Monica and Luke must hunt down and find a sadistic killer dubbed The Watchman, who is torturing and killing people using their own fears against them. But this killer has a personal interest and his own agenda for Agent Davenport as he draws her into his deadly cat and mouse game.

Monica is by far the star of this show. She is one smart, savvy, take charge, kick-ass chick. She doesn’t need anyone to look after her and Luke is the perfect partner. He‘s patient, strong, understanding and totally supportive when Monica needs it most, plus she knows he’s always got her back.

The suspense in Deadly Fear was riveting and heart-pounding. Some of the scenes had me holding my breath and turning the pages as fast as I could read them. If I was a nail-biter, they would have been bitten to the quick. Eden writes an evil villain guaranteed to scare the bejeesus out of you.

Next up in this series is Deadly Heat and the excerpt provided promises to deliver another “barn burner” and I can’t wait for it’s release early in 2011.

For Fans of: Lisa Gardner, Karen Rose
Reminded me a lot of: Criminal Minds, Dexter

Read an Excerpt:

Release Date: 07/27/2010
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Book Description

TWO BRILLIANT AGENTS

FBI Special Agent Monica Davenport has made a career out of profiling serial killers. But getting inside the twisted minds of the cruel and the sadistic has taken its toll: She’s walled herself off from the world. Yet Monica can’t ignore fellow agent Luke Dante, the only man who ever broke through her defenses.

ONE DREAM TEAM
Luke has the unique ability to put victims at ease…professionally, he and Monica made a perfect team. Now they’re reunited to catch a murderer who uses his victims’ deepest, darkest fears for sport - but their investigative skills aren’t enough. Luke and Monica will have to face the secrets from their past, the ones that terrify them the most, if they are to have a future together.

But can they catch a killer whose weapon is…DEADLY FEAR?