Sunday, March 25, 2012

Jennifer Ashley/Allyson James/Ashley Gardner Book Order

Click on series title to jump to a particular reading order:


Written as Jennifer Ashley:
Mackenzies & McBrides
Below Stairs Mysteries
Regency Bon Bons
The McLaughlin Brothers
Shifters Unbound
Riding Hard
Nvengaria
Regency Pirates
Immortals Series
Stand Alones

Written as Allyson James:
Stormwalker Series
Demigod series
Dragon Series
Tales of the Shareem
Stand Alones

Written as Ashley Gardner:
Captain Lacey Regency Mystery Series
Leonidas the Gladiator Mysteries


Mackenzies & McBrides

*The Mackenzie Chronicles: A Guide to the Mackenzies & McBrides Series

1. The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie
Ian Mackenzie and Beth Ackerley
My Review

2. Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage
Mac Mackenzie and Isabella (Scranton) Mackenzie

3. The Many Sins of Lord Cameron
Cameron Mackenzie and Ainsley Douglas
My Review

4. The Duke’s Perfect Wife
Hart Mackenzie and Eleanor Ramsay
My Review

4.5. Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift
My Review

5. The Seduction of Elliot McBride
Elliot McBride and Juliana St. John

5.5. The Untamed Mackenzie (also available in The Scandalous Mackenzies)
Llyod Fellows and Louisa Scranton
My Review

6. The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie
Daniel Mackenzie and Violet Bastien

6.5 Scandal and the Duchess (also available in The Scandalous Mackenzies)
Steven McBride and Rose Barclay
My Review

7. Rules For A Proper Governess
Sinclair McBride and Roberta "Bertie" Frasier
My Review

8. The Stolen Mackenzie Bride
Malcom Mackenzie and Mary Lennox
My Review

8.5 A Mackenzie Clan Gathering (also available in A Mackenzie Clan Christmas)
Ian Mackenzie and Beth Mackenzie
My Review

9. Alec Mackenzie's Art of Seduction
Alec Mackenzie and Celia

10. The Devilish Lord Will
Will Mackenzie and Josette

11. A Rogue Meets a Scandalous Lady
David Fleming and Sophie

11.5 A Mackenzie Yuletide (also available in A Mackenzie Clan Christmas)
My Review

11.75 Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders (also available in Tartan and Mistletoe)
Stuart Cameron and Fiona Macdonald

12. The Sinful Ways of Jamie Mackenzie
Jamie Mackenzie and Evie McKnight

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Below Stairs Mysteries

0.5. A Soupçon of Poison (also available in the Murder Most Historical anthology)

1. Death Below Stairs
My Review

2. Scandal Above Stairs
My Review

3. Death in Kew Gardens

4. Murder in the East End
My Review

5. Death at the Crystal Palace
My Review

6. The Secret of Bow Lane
My Review

6.5. The Price of Lemon Cakee

6.75. Mrs. Holloway's Christmas Pudding

7. Speculations in Sin
My Review

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Regency Bon Bons

1. Duke in Search of a Duchess
Duke of Ashford and Helena Courtland

2. A Kiss for Luck
Guy Lovell and Gemma Cooke

3. Along Came a Prince
Dominik Laszlo Townsend and Sonia Broadbent

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The McLaughlin Brothers

1. This Changes Everything
Zach McLaughlin

2. Why Don't You Stay?... Forever
Ben McLaughlin

3. Never Say Never
Austin McLaughlin

4. Give Me One Night
Ryan McLaughlin

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Shifters Unbound

0.5. Shifter Made
Niall and Alanna

1. Pride Mates
Liam and Kim

2. Primal Bonds
Sean and Andrea

2.5. Bodyguard
Ronan and Elizabeth

3. Wild Cat
Diego and Cassidy

3.5. Hard Mated
Spike and Myka

4. Mate Claimed
Eric and Iona

4.25 "Perfect Mate" (in the Unbound anthology)
Cormac and Nell

4.5 Lone Wolf
Ellison and Maria

5. Tiger Magic
Tiger and Carly

5.5 Feral Heat
Jace and Deni

6. Wild Wolf
Graham and Misty

6.5 Bear Attraction
Walker and Rebecca

7. Mate Bond
Bowman and Kenzie

7.25 Lion Eyes
Seamus and Bree

7.5. Bad Wolf
Broderick and Joanne

8. White Tiger
Kendrick and Addison

9. Guardian's Mate
Zander and Rae

10. Red Wolf
Dimitri and Jaycee

11. Midnight Wolf
Angus and Tamsin

11.5. Tiger Striped
Tiger and Carly

*A Shifter Christmas Carol

12. Iron Master
Reid and Peigi

13. The Last Warrior
Ben and Rhianne

14. Tiger's Daughter
Connor and Tiger-girl

15. Bear Facts
Shane and Freya

16. Stray Cat (release date TBA)
Lindsay and Xav

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Riding Hard

1. Adam
Adam and Bailey

2. Grant
Grant and Christina

3. Carter
Carter and Grace

3.5 Snowbound in Starlight Bend
Maddox and Haley

4. Tyler
Tyler and Jessica

5. Ross
Ross and Lucy

6. Kyle
Kyle and Anna

7. Ray
Ray and Drew


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Nvengaria

1. Penelope & Prince Charming
Damien and Penelope

2. The Mad, Bad Duke
Alexander and Meagan

3. Highlander Ever After
Egan and Zarabeth

4. “The Longest Night” (in the A Christmas Ball anthology)
Valentin and Mary


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Regency Pirates

1. The Pirate Next Door
Grayson Finley and Alexandra Alastair

2. The Pirate Hunter
James Ardmore and Diana Worthing

3. The Care & Feeding of Pirates
Christopher Raine and Honoria Ardmore


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Immortals Series

Note: This is a multi-author series

1. Immortals: The Calling by Jennifer Ashley
Adrian and Amber

2. Immortals: The Darkening by Robin T. Popp
Darius and Lexi

3. Immortals: The Awakening by Joy Nash
Kalen and Christine

4. Immortals: The Gathering by Jennifer Ashley
Hunter and Leda

5. Immortals: The Redeeming by Jennifer Ashley
Tain and Samantha

6. Immortals: The Crossing by Joy Nash
Mac and Artemis

7. Immortals: The Haunting by Robin T. Popp
Nick and Mai

8. Immortals: The Reckoning
"Wolf Hunt" by Jennifer Ashley
"Blood Debt" by Joy Nash
"Beyond the Mist" Robin T. Popp


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Stand Alones

"The Scotsman and the Vamp"(in The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance II)
Claire and Ross
The Queen’s Handmaiden
Elizabeth I

“Viva Las Vampires” (in the Just One Sip anthology)
Stefan and Meredith

“A Single Girl’s Guide to Christmas” (in the Christmas Cards from the Edge anthology)

Confessions of a Lingerie Addict

Perils of the Heart

A Lady Raised High (written as Laurien Gardner)


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Stormwalker Series

0.5 "A Little Night Magic" (in the Hot for the Holidays anthology)

1. Stormwalker

2. Firewalker

2.5. "Double Hexed" (in the Hexed anthology)

3. Shadow Walker

4. Nightwalker

5. Dreamwalker

6. Dragon Bites

7. Wing Dancer (available 7/23/24)

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Demigod Series

1. Mortal Temptations
Nico and Patricia
Andreas and Rebecca

2. Mortal Seductions
Demitri, Valerie, and Leon

3. "Mortal Sensations" (in the in Wedding Favors anthology)
Madison and Thomas


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Dragon Series

1. Dragon Heat
Caleb (golden dragon) and Lisa

2. The Black Dragon
Malcolm (black dragon) and Saba

3. The Dragon Master
Seth (fire dragon) and Carol


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Tales of the Shareem

1. Rees
Rees and Talan

2. Maia and Rylan
Maia and Rylan

3. Rio
Rio and Nella

4. Aiden & Ky
Aiden, Ky, and Brianne

5. Calder
Calder and Katarina

6. Braden
Braden and Elisa

7. Justin
Justin and Deanna

* Eland (free short story)
Eland and Jeanne

*"The Dream Catcher" (in The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance – standalone story set in the Shareem universe)
Natalia and Ochen


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Stand Alones

“The Decidedly Devilish Duke” (in the Private Places anthology)
Michael and Amelia

Double Trouble
Cas, Pol, and Fiona

Catch a Falling Star
Thane, Deon, and Lea

Howlin’
Alain, Patrice, and Coyote

Christmas Cowboy
Dragonmagic
Club Vamp

Practically Perfect


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Captain Lacey Regency Mystery Series

1. The Hanover Square Affair

2. A Regimental Murder

3. The Glass House

4. The Sudbury School

4.5. The Necklace Affair

5. A Body in Berkeley Square

6. A Covent Garden Mystery

6.5. The Gentleman’s Walking Stick

7. A Death in Norfolk

8. A Disappearance in Drury Lane

9. Murder in Grosvenor Square

10. The Thames River Murders

11. The Alexandria Affair

12. A Mystery at Carlton House

13. Murder in St. Giles

14. Death at Brighton Pavilion

15. The Custom House Murders

16. Murder in the Eternal City

17. A Darkness in Seven Dials (available 5/21/24)

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Leonidas the Gladiator Mysteries

1. Blood of a Gladiator

1.5. Blood Debts

2. A Gladiator's Tale

3. The Ring that Caesar Wore

4. Brother at Arms (release date TBA)

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Please note: This page was written by me, so as always, please visit the author’s website for up-to-date, author-verified information as well as for information books that have not yet been included to this list.

http://www.jenniferashley.com/
http://gardnermysteries.com/

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: The Witness by Nora Roberts


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

It's no secret that I love Nora Roberts's books. But what's so special about The Witness is that it's NR's 200th book. 200th!!!! I've read probably 75% of her novels and I'm still hooked. The woman is amazing.

The Witness Cover Title: The Witness
Author: Nora Roberts
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Putnam
Release Date: April 17, 2012

Book Description (from Nora Roberts's website):

Daughter of a controlling mother, Elizabeth finally let loose one night, drinking at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. The events that followed changed her life forever.

Twelve years later, the woman known as Abigail Lowery lives on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance programmer, she designs sophisticated security systems—and supplements her own security with a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing. But Abigail’s reserve only intrigues police chief Brooks Gleason. Her logical mind, her secretive nature, and her unromantic viewpoints leave him fascinated but frustrated. He suspects that Abigail needs protection from something—and that her elaborate defenses hide a story that must be revealed.

Teaser Tuesday: The Saint by Monica McCarty

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I've been re-reading my absolute favorite series, J.D. Robb's In Death series, so at the moment I'm in the middle of book 3, Immortal in Death. It's been so long since I've re-read the early books. I love re-visiting all the characters back when they're all so new to one another :)

Teaser:
"In that moment when she was giving him exactly what he wanted--what he thought he wanted--he knew it wasn't what he wanted at all. And what he'd wanted, he'd lost."
*The Saint by Monica McCarty, page 296 of arc copy (book releases 3/27/12)


Book Description:
The Saint CoverRobert the Bruce consolidates lands and loyalty in a bold war for Scotland’s independence, as his elite team of warriors, the Highland Guard, fight for king, country... and love.

Magnus MacKay is the ultimate Highlander: tough, proud, able to master any terrain, and best even the most ferocious enemy. Called “Saint” for his refusal to discuss women, as well as for his cool and steady leadership, Magnus’s war name hides a far more painful truth. It isn’t virtue or piety that keeps him silent, but a wound of love and loss that cuts so deep he cannot bear to speak of it. But when the woman who refused him is betrothed to his friend and fellow Guardsman, Magnus is tested by love’s battle cry.

A wild and innocent beauty, Helen chose family duty over her desire for Magnus. Now the anger in his eyes mirrors the tormented regret of her heart. But as deadly subterfuge stalks the King and his Guard, Helen vows to right her youthful mistakes with a woman’s determined spirit. Still, Magnus harbors secrets and an iron will not to weaken to temptation—or heartache—again. But as danger looms, it’s not the kiss of a saint, but a sinner, that can save them.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Review: Three Wishes by Stephanie Bond

Three Wishes by Stephanie Bond
Publisher: NeedtoRead Books
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Comedy
Buy it here: Amazon

Three Wishes CoverAntiques dealer Ladden Sanderson’s life would be perfect if it weren’t for one thing: he’s in love Jasmine Crowne - the governor’s girlfriend and a woman who will never see him as more than a friend. Then Ladden accidentally releases a genie from a magic lamp and his whole world is turned upside down. Can the three wishes the genie grants him help Ladden win Jasmine’s heart? Or will he manage to drive her out of his life forever?

The classic folk tale Aladdin just got a whole lot sexier! Stephanie Bond mixes magic and mayhem, love and lust, heartbreak and hope in the delicious Three Wishes. Ladden is a genuinely nice guy who works hard and is incredibly kind to those around him – how can you not love a hero like that? He’s not perfect (that would be boring) but he comes close which made it easy for me to become engaged in Three Wishes. Quite simply, I wanted Ladden to win the heart of the woman he loves. Jasmine is an interior designer with plans to distance herself from her upbringing by climbing the social ladder on the arm of her boyfriend, the governor. Jasmine is so focused on separating herself from her past that she’s missing the chance for true love with Ladden. I might have wanted to shake Jasmine had Ms. Bond not made her focus understandable. While she seems to have it all, Jasmine is vulnerable and that side of her endeared her to me. As a pair, she and Ladden fit like lock and key. But they do need a helping hand to get them together. That hand comes in the form of a genie who tries his best but often makes life more difficult for Jasmine and Ladden. I liked the well-meaning genie almost as much as I like Jasmine and Ladden, but the scene-stealer of Three Wishes was the constantly-moving magic carpet. The paranormal elements of Three Wishes definitely bring laughs to the story.

Three Wishes is a delightful story from start to finish. I’m picky about romantic comedies, but I gave Three Wishes a try because I’m a big fan of Stephanie Bond’s work. I’m delighted I did. With its loveable characters, fun plot, and happily ever after worthy of a fairytale, Three Wishes is a charming, lighthearted tale that is not to be missed!


Note: Three Wishes was first published by Bantam Books in 1998 as Your Wish is My Command by Stephanie Bancroft. Three Wishes has since been updated by the author.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Thursday in Review

I haven't had time to update recently...or even much time to read or write reviews (O_O) so there's only 8 new reviews to post.

Below are the newest reviews I’ve written here, on Joyfully Reviewed, and on Romance Junkies. The master list and categorical lists on the right-hand side are updated as well.

All other new reviews:
- Dear Miss Darcy by Laura Briggs and Sarah Burgess
- Kiss Me, I’m Irish by Roxanne St. Claire, Jill Shalvis, and Maureen Child
- Captain Fenna’s Dirigible Valentine (Steampunk Smugglers, Book 2) by Heather Hiestand
- Rainshadow Road (Friday Harbor, Book 2) by Lisa Kleypas – review 2
- Blame It On Bath (The Truth About the Duke, Book 2) by Caroline Linden
- The Tattooed Duke (Writing Girls, Book 3) by Maya Rodale
- Time Out by Jill Shalvis
- A Little Wild by Kate St. James

Upcoming reviews:
- Chain Reaction (8th Wing, Book 2) by Zoë Archer
- Demon’s Bride (The Hellraisers, Book 2) by Zoë Archer
- When a Scot Loves a Lady (Falcon Club, Book 1) by Katharine Ashe
- How to Be a Proper Lady (Falcon Club, Book 2) by Katharine Ashe
- The Duke’s Perfect Wife (Highland Pleasures, Book 4) by Jennifer Ashley
- The Fireman Who Loved Me (The Bachelor Fireman of San Gabriel, Book 1) by Jennifer Bernard
- Hot for Fireman (The Bachelor Fireman of San Gabriel, Book 2) by Jennifer Bernard
- Three Wishes by Stephanie Bond
- A Perfect Storm Rising by Cameron Dane
- If the Slipper Fits (Cinderella Sisterhood, Book 1) by Olivia Drake
- Too Hot to Touch (Rising Star Chef, Book 1) by Louisa Edwards
- Some Like It Hot (Rising Star Chef, Book 2) by Louisa Edwards
- A Beginner’s Guide to Rakes by Suzanne Enoch
- Screw Santa (Who Needs Christmas?, Book 1) by Joyee Flynn
- Trouble at the Wedding (Abandoned at the Altar, Book 3) by Laura Lee Guhrke
- Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel
- Bachelor Number Four by Megan Hart
- Intimate Beings (The Being Trilogy, Book 2) by Jessica Inclan
- Midnight Rescue (Killer Instincts, Book 1) by Elle Kennedy
- If You Give a Girl a Viscount (Impossible Bachelors, Book 4) by Kieran Kramer
- The Sure Thing by Claire Matthews
- Secret Light by Z.A. Maxfield
- The Saint (Highland Guard, Book 5) by Monica McCarty
- Blood Persuasion (Immortal Jane Austen, Book 2) by Janet Mullany
- Raw Desire by Kate Pearce
- Karma (Serendipity, Book 3) by Carly Phillips
- A Night Like This (Smythe-Smith Quartet, Book 2) by Julia Quinn
- Carrie’s Answer (Corporate Affairs, Book 1) by Sierra and V.J. Summers
- Meredith’s Awakening (Corporate Affairs, Book 2) by Sierra and V.J. Summers
- Primal Law (Alpha Pack, Book 1) by J.D. Tyler

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Bound Hearts and A Breath of Eyre


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

This week I have two very different WOWs, both March releases. The first is Bound Hearts by C.C. Galloway, which promises to be an incredibly erotic read. Ever since Ms. Galloway's debut novel, Hail Mary, I've been dying to see Mary's best friend get her HEA. The second is A Breath of Eyre, which I discovered because of someone's WOW post (I don't remember who you are, but thank you). I've pre-ordered it already - it sounds like a book for book lovers.

Bound Hearts Cover Title: Bound Hearts
Series: Portland Tide, Book 2
Author: C.C. Galloway
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Passion in Print
Release Date: March (not sure when this month)

Book Description (from Goodreads):

Calleigh Stuart has lusted after David Shalvington for the better part of the last year, and despite her best efforts, he's never been anything but cool and polite. When she puts her feelings on the line, he discloses a sexual side that demands sexual and emotional submission at odds with everything she believes. Can she put aside her reservations in order to embrace true love?

David is a busy executive in his professional life and a sexual dominant in his personal life. Despite his attraction to her, he's ignored Calleigh's subtle signals because he has no time to initiate a novice submissive. But when he finally realizes he can't get her out of his mind, he's willing to do whatever it takes to demonstrate how satisfying the sexual dark side can be.




A Breath of Eyre Cover Title: A Breath of Eyre
Series: Unbound, Book 1
Author: Eve Marie Mont
Genre: YA
Publisher: KTEEN
Release Date: March 27, 2012

Book Description (from Goodreads):

Emma Townsend has always believed in stories—the ones she reads voraciously, and the ones she creates in her head. Perhaps it’s because she feels like an outsider at her exclusive prep school, or because her stepmother doesn’t come close to filling the void left by her mother’s death. And her only romantic prospect—apart from a crush on her English teacher—is Gray Newman, a long-time friend who just adds to Emma’s confusion. But escape soon arrives in an old leather-bound copy of Jane Eyre...

Reading of Jane’s isolation sparks a deep sense of kinship. Then fate takes things a leap further when a lightning storm catapults Emma right into Jane’s body and her nineteenth-century world. As governess at Thornfield, Emma has a sense of belonging she’s never known—and an attraction to the brooding Mr. Rochester. Now, moving between her two realities and uncovering secrets in both, Emma must decide whether her destiny lies in the pages of Jane’s story, or in the unwritten chapters of her own...

Monday, March 12, 2012

Sexy Snippets: Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb


Tuesdays have never been so sexy!

Sexy Snippets is a weekly feature hosted by Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd. To join in just grab the button, post a sexy paragraph or two from your current read and share the author & title so other participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like. Then add your post to the linky below so everyone can follow along. Have a sexy good time!


My sexy snippet this week comes from Immortal in Death, book 3 of my favorite series - the In Death series by J.D. Robb :)
Immortal in Death Cover"It's hard to argue with a woman when she's got her knee on my ego."

"Good. Now I'm going to have my way with you."

"Are you?"

"Damn right. I won." She cocked her head and reached down to strip off his shirt. "Cooperate and I won't have to hurt you. Uh-uh." When he reached for her, she gripped his hands and pushed them back to the mat. "I'm in charge here. Don't make me get out the cuffs."

"Hmm. An interesting threat. Why don't you--" His words trailed off as her mouth came down on his, hard and hot. Instinctively, his hands flexed under hers, wanting to touch, to take. But he understood she wanted something else, something more. So he would let her find it.
*Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb, pages 129-130

Teaser Tuesday: Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I've been re-reading my absolute favorite series, J.D. Robb's In Death series, so at the moment I'm in the middle of book 3, Immortal in Death. It's been so long since I've re-read the early books. I love re-visiting all the characters back when they're all so new to one another :)

Teaser:
"He started to laugh, just a chuckle at first that grew and swelled until he had to roll over on his back again. 'You punched precious Pandora in her billion-dollar face. Did you knock her on her pretty ass?'"
*Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb, page 21


Book Description:
Immortal in Death CoverShe was one of the most sought-after women in the world. A top model who would stop at nothing to get what she wanted -- even another woman's man. And now she was dead, the victim of a brutal murder. Police lieutenant Eve Dallas put her professional life on the line to take the case when suspicion fell on her best friend, the other woman in the fatal love triangle. Beneath the facade of glamour, Eve found that the world of high fashion thrived on an all-consuming passion for youth and fame. One that led from the runway to the dark underworld of New York City where drugs could fulfill any desire -- for a price...

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I'm a HUGE Nora Roberts fan and I absolutely love her newest trilogy. Book 1, The Next Always, was such a delightful, comforting read that I recently re-read it. Downside? I can't wait for book 2, The Last Boyfriend.

The Last Boyfriend Cover Title: The Last Boyfriend
Series: The Inn BoonsBoro, Book 2
Author: Nora Roberts
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Release Date: May 1, 2012

Book Description (from Goodreads):

Owen is the organizer of the Montgomery clan, running the family's construction business with an iron fist - and an even less flexible spreadsheet. And though his brothers bust on his compulsive list-making, the Inn BoonsBoro is about to open right on schedule. The only thing Owen didn't plan for was Avery McTavish

Avery's popular pizza place is right across the street from the inn, giving her a first-hand look at its amazing renovation - and a newfound appreciation for Owen. Since he was her first boyfriend when they were kids, Owen has never been far from Avery's thoughts. But the attraction she's feeling for him now is far from innocent.

As Avery and Owen cautiously take their relationship to another level, the opening of the inn gives the whole town of Boonsboro a reason to celebrate. But Owen's hard work has only begun. Getting Avery to let down her guard is going to take longer than he expected - and so will getting her to realize that her first boyfriend is going to be her last...

Monday, March 5, 2012

Teaser Tuesday: In the Penalty Box by Riley Shane

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I'm in the middle of a couple of books at the moment, but I dropped everything when Riley Shane's In the Penalty Box was released tonight. I had to post more than two sentences so there'd be some context.

In the Penalty Box CoverBeing a healthy gay man in his twenties, Landon had no problem with getting pinned and licked by males he liked. He just never figured he'd have to qualify that by specifying the species of said male.

"Harvey, get off me." As gently as possible, he shoved seventy pounds of overly affectionate dog off him. The golden retriever complied, then raced back into the condo Landon had innocently rung the doorbell of, no doubt to get a ball or rope.
*In the Penalty Box by Riley Shane, page 21

Sexy Snippets: In the Penalty Box by Riley Shane


Tuesdays have never been so sexy!

Sexy Snippets is a weekly feature hosted by Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd. To join in just grab the button, post a sexy paragraph or two from your current read and share the author & title so other participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like. Then add your post to the linky below so everyone can follow along. Have a sexy good time!


My sexy snippet this week comes from a book I just bought, so I scrolled to a sexy scene and grabbed a snippet :)
In the Penalty Box Cover Naked now, he straddled the other man, and that seemed to shake Samson out of his stupor. Warm hands met bare flesh as Samson pulled Landon in toward him, and Landon let himself close his eyes, just for a moment, so he could savor the sensation of Samson's hands running up and down his back. He opened his eyes when Samson's lips touched his, and he hungrily kissed the other man. Landon squirmed in Samson's lap, wanting to feel the other man's cock against his own instead of fabric.
*In the Penalty Box by Riley Shane

Review: Kiss Me, I'm Irish by Roxanne St. Claire, Jill Shalvis, and Maureen Child

Kiss Me, I’m Irish by Roxanne St. Claire, Jill Shalvis, and Maureen Child
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780373776542
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Jill Shalvis Reading Order
“The Sins of His Past” by Roxanne St. Claire
For one incredible night, Kendra Locke gave Deuce Monroe everything she had. Then he walked away without a backward glance to chase his big-league dreams. Now after one too many daredevil stunts, he's back in his hometown ready to pick up where they left off—but Kendra has no intention of giving in so easily….

“Tangling with Ty” by Jill Shalvis
Dr. Nicole Mann, a child prodigy who graduated high school at the age of thirteen, has no room in her mind or her schedule for romance. But when the architect renovating her apartment turns out to have a charming Irish accent, all bets are off—and Ty Patrick O'Grady plans to use every trick in his book to stay in her life for good.

“Whatever Reilly Wants” by Maureen Child
Connor Reilly only has a few weeks to go in his "no sex for ninety days" bet with his brothers—and he figures no woman is safer to be around than his best friend, Emma Jacobsen. Until Emma shows up at a bar in a short skirt and high heels, and suddenly seems anything but safe!


“The Sins of His Past” by Roxanne St. Claire Kiss Me Im Irish Cover
I suppose I should start off by saying that I’m a sucker for reunion romances, so I was really looking forward to reading “The Sins of His Past.” That being said, “The Sins of His Past” wasn’t a story I particularly enjoyed. Kendra’s intelligent and easy to like, but Deuce is so self-centered for the majority of the book that I did not find him appealing at all. To clarify, Deuce isn’t a bad person – he just seems to think that the world revolves around him. Even situations which only marginally have something to do with him are put in terms of how said situations affect him. The highlight of “The Sins of His Past” was not the romance, but rather when Kendra finally called Deuce on his behavior. With such an annoying hero, it was pretty much impossible for me to become invested in “The Sins of His Past.”

Roxanne St. Claire is an author whose work I’ve been meaning to read for years and I hope I’ll have better luck with another one of her books.


“Tangling with Ty” by Jill Shalvis
I’ve been steadily glomming up Jill Shalvis’s backlist and with a story like “Tangling with Ty,” it’s easy to see why. “Tangling with Ty” has heat, heart, and a dash of humor — three things you’re guaranteed to find in Ms. Shalvis’s stories. Nicole is a hard worker who isn’t the most socially adept of people, something that adds a dash of vulnerability to her character. And with a brilliant, beautiful doctor like Nicole for a heroine, that bit of vulnerability is definitely needed to keep her from being too perfect. I simply adored Nicole. As for the other half of “Tangling with Ty”…whew! Ty Patrick O’Grady is one sexy Irishman. The way he handles the sometimes-prickly Nicole charmed the hell out of me and the depth of caring he shows added to the devastatingly hot package he presented. As a pair, Nicole and Ty were fabulous, and I devoured “Tangling with Ty” in one sitting.

“Tangling with Ty” is the second book in Ms. Shalvis’s South Village Singles series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. However, I loved Nicole’s friends Suzanne and Taylor, so I hope HQN plans to reissue “Roughing It with Ryan” and “Messing with Mac”


“Whatever Reilly Wants” by Maureen Child
Friends becoming lovers is a beloved romance trope for a reason. Stories like “Whatever Reilly Wants” exemplify the best of the friends-to-lovers storyline. Connor and Emma have never really seen one another as potential lovers – until Connor puts his foot in it and practically declares Emma to be asexual! I was with Emma all the way on her plot to seduce Connor for revenge, knowing that it wouldn’t be long before she and Connor would fall in love. It’s clear for all to see that Connor and Emma are perfect for one another, so as a reader I simply sat back and enjoyed the wonderfully entertaining ride Maureen Child took me on.

“Whatever Reilly Wants” is the second story in Ms. Child’s Three-Way Wager series, but it stands on its own just fine. However, I’ll definitely be looking for the other two books in the series, as Connor’s brothers charmed the heck out of me.


There’s no reason to wait for St. Patrick’s Day to read Kiss Me, I’m Irish. With its trio of delightful heroines, not to mention a few red-hot heroes that are Irish or of Irish descent, Kiss Me, I’m Irish is sure to please fans of contemporary romance all year long!