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Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Woodcutter's Grim Series, Vol. I
(Classic Tales of Horror Retold)

"Papa" (Loosely based on Hansel & Gretel)

Six months ago Randall Parker's ex-wife, Josephine, had died in a horrible car accident. With Josephine had been their children, Henry and Grace. Randall's new wife, Amy, feels that the car accident would never have happened had Randall not left Josephine for her. Randall keeps explaining to Amy that there had never been any love in his previous marriage. He had been miserable, so he would have left Josephine eventually. Over the last couple of months, Amy has fallen into deep depression. Randall finally convinces Amy to come away with him to an isolated cabin in the northern part of Wisconsin, in the town of Woodcutter's Grim.

Upon reaching Woodcutter's Grim, the pair cannot help but notice all of the oddities. It is Halloween, yet the town looks deserted. The city's population sign only claims two. The church's sign proclaims that Judgment Day had arrived. Randall's watch, as well as Amy's, has stopped working. And what is with all the piles of sugar that are showing up everywhere?

When the couple reaches the cabin, more sugar piles are seen. Amy insists that Josephine has sent the children back from their graves for revenge. She has been seeing and hearing the kids for months. Until they arrived at the cabin, Randall never heard Henry and Grace calling for him, but now he does.

***** FIVE STARS! This story gave me the exact same eerie feeling that I experienced as I watched the movie titled (based on a video game) "Silent Hill". This tale is the first of a novella series about the Great Evil that dwells in the town of Woodcutter's Grim and its surrounding woods. The Great Evil likes to manifest itself in dark, twisted versions of fairy tales. My advice is to not read this story at night if you are alone. *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Woodcutter's Grim Series, Vol. II
(Classic Tales of Horror Retold)

Prologue

On All Hallow's Eve, in the dark-filled town of Woodcutter's Grim (Wisconsin), Jack Shaussegeny summoned the magic that lived in the area. He had hoped to end the male genetic defect that resulted in a weakened state of bone and muscle and led to an overall decline in vitality during middle age. Jack's wish was granted; however, the blessing Jack yearned for has become a curse. The entire Shaussegeny family now transforms during the full moon. If one leaves Woodcutter's Grim, he will be unable to transform and will endure agony. Only by being what he is and giving in to his predatory nature will he thrive and be strong.

Because the Shaussegeny name has long been synonymous with faithlessness, even unto their own chosen mates, the Great Evil adds one more curse upon the family: Only one chosen mate will be allotted to each family member. These chosen mates must also fall under the family curse. These pairs will know true peace only if the clan remains faithful to their chosen mates in word and deed. Apart, mates shall be restless and forever unsettled, gripped by a sadness and despair unlike any other. A terrible fate will come upon the one who breaks the mate covenant. The only way to break this multifaceted curse is that beauty falls in love with the beast and vice versa, that evil loves good and good loves evil.

Author: Cara Covington
Title - Love Under Two Benedicts (Lusty, Texas #1 / Erotica)

Five years ago Kelsey Madison sat in the car outside as her husband and little boy went into a store. Her heart had shattered as she watched a crazed killer gun them down. The shooter was caught, but not the accomplice who had been sitting in the getaway vehicle. Kelsey's gaze had met the accomplice's, but the shock had been too much and her mind blocked it out. From then on, Kelsey knew her life would always be empty. There simply was no love left within her to give.

Thanks to the nagging of a good friend, Kelsey has moved to Lusty, Texas, and has opened up her own restaurant called Lusty Appetites. Kelsey had thrown herself into the business and it has become very well known. It even attracts people from far away. The local paper ran an article about the victim-turned-entrepreneur. Kelsey did not know that the horrible events in her past would be mentioned, but the paper handled it well. Of all the people who read the article, two special ones began making plans.

Wesley Connors is a mayoral candidate. His rich sponsor expects a statewide campaign. Connors's face is to be flashed on television screens everywhere. The article reminds Connors that Kelsey had seen his face through the car windshield outside the store. She would be able to recognize his face on television. Before Connors could begin his life in politics, Kelsey would have to be silenced - forever.

Deputy Matthew "Matt" Benedict and his brother, Steven, had their eyes on Kelsey since her first day in town. Knowing about her horrific past, the men knew it would take Kelsey awhile to even become aware of either one of them as men. But when Matt sees that Kelsey has finally taken notice of them, he and Steven begin their campaign to win her heart. The men understand her resolve not to get involved romantically. They would allow Kelsey to believe that is okay. However Matt and Steven plan to seduce the lovely lady into their bed and get her body so addicted to their's that her heart would have no choice but to join in.

Just as Kelsey is becoming used to being in a town full of ménage marriages, as well as being in a ménage affair with two hunky brothers, a mother abandons her five-year-old son, Benny, at Kelsey's restaurant. Kelsey agrees to care for Benny until the law enforcement can locate his mother. Matt and Steven convince Kelsey to move into their home with the child. They have a huge home with plenty of room and the men could help her look after Benny. Matt would keep looking for the missing mom. Steven, who takes care of their horses, would help entertain Benny. For the brothers, everything is going perfectly, until someone begins trying to kill Kelsey.

**** FOUR STARS! Cara Covington did a great job of describing the reaction of how a woman would feel (in my unexperienced opinion) should she have witnessed her family murdered. I totally believe it would take years for a woman to be able to feel emotions again...if ever. It was interesting to watch Kelsey slowly open up to Matt and Steven. As for Connors, the author spends a lot of time showing him stalk Kelsey, but not enough time actually doing anything about his problem. I kept expecting more danger. Kelsey did not even know she was in danger for most of the story. I am very disappointed there.

Unlike many eroticas, this one did not have the pain and humiliation of spankings. Kelsey does get a single slap/sting once or twice, but never turned over a guy's knee and spanked like a child. (Thank goodness!) Kudos to Covington for that! This is a wonderful story that I happily recommend to romance readers who enjoy hot and steamy bedroom time in their stories. ****

Author: Evangeline Anderson
Title - Claimed
(Brides of the Kindred #1)

When the Scourge was about to invade Earth, which would have resulted in humanity's extinction, they were saved by the Kindred, a race of Genetic traders from beyond the stars. As a reward, the Kindred demanded the right to find brides among Earth's population. The chances of being chosen are about the same as those of winning the lottery.

Olivia "Liv" Waterhouse is a nurse with a bright future in front of her. However, that future is ripped away when she gets drafted (a.k.a. chosen by a Kindred male). The only way Liv can get her life back is by resisting the Kindred who is claiming her for thirty days. Olivia must travel with him to the Kindred Mothership, have zero direct contact with anyone she knows on Earth, and remain in his company for four weeks. She must eat her meals with him and sleep in the same bed as him - but there are rules he must follow.

There are three different types of Kindred. Baird is a Beast Kindred. These dark, brooding warriors are savage in battle. Baird has recently escaped imprisonment and torture at the hands of the AllFather, leader of the Scourge. Through his months of torment and consuming pain, the one thing that kept him sane was Olivia. Their minds had aligned somehow. Watching her go about her days on Earth kept Baird strong. All Baird cared about was finding the woman in his mind and claiming her as his bride. His need to possess her overwhelms all else. Now, finally, Baird has claimed her. He has thirty days to seduce Olivia and bond with her.

Liv is determined to resist him or trick him into breaking the rules and voiding the contract. Once done, she can go home - back to her career, friends, and twin sister. But Baird is not going to make it easy for her. Every week he is allowed to touch Liv more and more intimately and, according to the contract she signed, she has to let him. This would be a battle of wills and seduction.

***** FOUR AND A HALF STARS! This is the first of a series about the Kindred Warriors and the strong, amazing women they claim for their own. The stories blend Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Erotica Romance. According to what I have read on the author's Facebook page, this series was originally to be three or four books long; however, there was a huge - and loud - demand for more. Luckily, Evangeline Anderson's imagination agreed with those cries for more and began working overtime. At the time of this review, the fifth book has just been released. I am reading these books, back-to-back, and will write up each review immediately upon finishing the book.

This story focused upon Baird and Olivia. The author did a wonderful job of explaining the "draft", the reasons it was necessary, and its rules. I could easily understand both main characters' sides. I felt Olivia's shock, disbelief, and horror at being drafted, followed by her determination to resist Baird so she could return to her life on Earth. On the flip side of that coin, I felt Baird's pain (both physical and mental), his need to claim the only woman in the universes that had been made just for him, his fear of losing her, and his desperate need to seduce and bond with her.

The main characters' backgrounds are well developed. Not everything was revealed about the secondary characters; however, enough was told for me to judge whether or not I could like them. The story also gave me hints about which pair would be the target of the next book. I am happy to be able to highly recommend this HOT space opera to all. (This is a stand-alone story with no cliff-hanger ending.) Excellent! *****

Author: Evangeline Anderson
Title - Hunted
(Brides of the Kindred #2)

When the Scourge was about to invade Earth, which would have resulted in humanity's extinction, they were saved by the Kindred, a race of Genetic traders from beyond the stars. As a reward, the Kindred demanded the right to find brides among Earth's population. The chances of being chosen are about the same as those of winning the lottery.

Sophia "Sophie" Waterhouse is the twin sister of Olivia, who is about to marry Baird, the Kindred she has recently bonded with. Sophie is to be part of the ceremony. Problem is that Sophie must give the Luck Kiss at the end of the wedding to Sylvan, a Blood Kindred. Sophie has always been afraid of needles and the Blood Kindred are (basically) modern day vampires.

Sylvan is a medic. After being rejected by his intended on his home planet, Tranq Prime, he made a vow never to call a bride. The Blood Kindred are cold as ice to their enemies and their fangs can be used as lethal weapons. But the sister of Baird's mate has Sylvan yearning to use his fangs in a different manner.

The AllFather also has a special interest in Sophie. When the ship Sophie and Sylvan are on is forced down, the pair begin running for their lives. They have only each other to depend on. Sylvan begins having a harder and harder time keeping his hands - and fangs - off of his lovely companion. And Sophie is resisting the urge to let him.

Meanwhile, Kat, a good friend of both Olivia and Sophie, is back on the Kindred Mothership with Liv. The good news is that there is a way for Kat to help locate Sophie. The bad news is that it involved having a kinky mind ménage with two hot Twin Kindred.

*** THREE STARS! This is the second title of the series. It is a blending of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Erotica Romance. Though this is a stand-alone story, readers that have read the previous book (Claimed) will enjoy it more than those who have not. The main characters from Claimed are secondary characters in this one.

For this story, the focus is mainly on Sophie and Sylvan. More of the AllFather's plot and the prophecy are revealed. The author also inserted a couple of subplots to increase suspense, add an extra HOT bedroom scene with one or two or three of the secondary characters, and even give a few hints about possible contents of the next title. As a small added bonus, readers get a glimpse of the AllFather's son. If you think being the AllFather's prisoner is bad, just wait until you see some of what the son goes through.

I do not consider the ending to be a cliff-hanger, because all the primary strings are tied involving Sophie and Sylvan. But that is NOT the case for Kat, a secondary character. Big strings are left dangling there and will be picked up at the beginning of Sought (Book 3), which will tell her story. ***

Author: Evangeline Anderson
Title - Sought
(Brides of the Kindred #3)

When the Scourge was about to invade Earth, which would have resulted in humanity's extinction, they were saved by the Kindred, a race of Genetic traders from beyond the stars. As a reward, the Kindred demanded the right to find brides among Earth's population. The chances of being chosen are about the same as those of winning the lottery.

Katrina "Kat" O'Connor is the close friend of Olivia and Sophie Waterhouse. When Sophie had been missing, Kat was able to locate her with the help of Lock and Deep, Twin Kindred. The problem is that to activate the psychic seeking power Kat had to have a kinky mind ménage with the brothers. Ever since then Kat has been unable to get their feelings out of her head.

The Twin Kindred are warriors that always come in pairs and cannot be separated. If they are parted, they experience physical pain. Locks Tight is the light twin and does not even try to conceal his love for Kat. Stabs Deep is the dark twin and he is trying his best to keep Kat at a safe distance. But since the three joined minds, Kat has a partial bond with the brothers that is causing her head to hurt terribly.

Kat and her twin warriors go to the men's home planet, Twin Moons, to find a cure for the debilitating illness. Kat wants to dissolve the half-formed bond. Lock wants to convince Kat and Deep to complete the bond, which will keep them together forever. But Deep has a secret tragedy in his past that makes him feel unworthy, so he is trying to deny his growing feelings for Kat.

Meanwhile, the Scourge has captured Lauren. She is related to Olivia and Sophie. She is the female that the AllFather has been searching for and the key to fulfilling a dark prophecy.

*** THREE STARS! If you have not read the previous two titles of this series, please do not begin reading this one until you have. As this story opens, Kat and her twin warriors already have a history together. Their first meeting and the time they spent with each other was revealed in the subplots of those first two adventures. The length of this book is around 129,000 words. If it were in print, this novel would be considerably thicker than most.

The backgrounds of most characters are fully developed. The only ones not are those who play minor roles or those who will have their own story told later; however, there is one exception. Lauren Jakes and her mate will be the primary couple in the next title, Found, yet much of their story is told in this one. By the time you finish Kat's steamy adventure, you will be eager for more. This tale has a cliff-hanger ending, but it stops in a good place and the next title has already been released so you may dive straight into Lauren's story. ***

Author: Evangeline Anderson
Title - Found
(Brides of the Kindred #4)

When the Scourge was about to invade Earth, which would have resulted in humanity's extinction, they were saved by the Kindred, a race of Genetic traders from beyond the stars. As a reward, the Kindred demanded the right to find brides among Earth's population. The chances of being chosen are about the same as those of winning the lottery.

Lauren Jakes is the long lost cousin Liv and Sophie never knew they had. Recently she had been abducted by the AllFather, leader of the Scourge. But Lauren ended up forming a bond with Xairn, the AllFather's son. Thanks to Xairn, Lauren has escaped the AllFather. But the AllFather is able to track Lauren and Xairn by their DNA. In order to get off his psychic radar, Lauren and Xairn must have their DNA altered. Xairn knows someone who can help them do this. However the planet they travel to is known for nothing good.

As Lauren and Xairn travel to Earth, Lauren tries to convince Xairn that their feelings for each other are NOT wrong. But even though Xairn looks human (no more red-on-black eyes or gray skin), he is still Scourge. His type of mating bond urges him to commit unspeakable acts on and to his chosen bride. These forbidden desires are coded into his very DNA and unable to be altered. And as the two try to find a way around these huge roadblocks, the AllFather is making new plans.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, Detective Adam Rast still searches for missing women. Though he refuses to believe that Sylvan's kin, Nadiah, has the gift of Sight, he has gotten desperate enough to ask for her help. But Nadiah telling him that the women he searches for have been taken by the AllFather for torture and death is NOT what he wants to hear.

*** THREE STARS! Due to Xairn's Scourge DNA, the steamy bed scenes lean more on the rough side. Expect BDSM, body piercing, spanking, branding, bondage, Dom/Sub, and more. Anything and everything goes this time around.

This is NOT a stand-alone book. In order to fully understand this story you must first read the previous titles: Claimed, Hunted, and Sought. Otherwise, you will find yourself scratching your head in wonder a few times. This novel is also longer than normal. This is because there is a subplot story involving Nadiah and Adam Rast and they will be the primary couple in the next title, Revealed.

On a personal note, some of the domineering and rougher love scenes left me cold. I want to warn readers not to attempt the things they read in this story. The author clearly states at one point that a normal human female would be harmed, possibly badly, if they tried. Lauren's altered DNA is the only reason she is able to do them.

The last thing I want to mention is that this book has a major cliff-hanger ending. Before you read the last few pages, make sure you have the next title handy so you may dive straight into it. ***

Author: Evangeline Anderson
Title - Revealed
(Brides of the Kindred #5)

When the Scourge was about to invade Earth, which would have resulted in humanity's extinction, they were saved by the Kindred, a race of Genetic traders from beyond the stars. As a reward, the Kindred demanded the right to find brides among Earth's population. The chances of being chosen are about the same as those of winning the lottery.

When Detective Adam Rast learns that Sylvan's kin, Nadiah, is being forced to return to her home planet, Tranq Prime, he has mixed feelings. He is still resisting his strange urges to protect and possess the exotic beauty. But when he learns that Nadiah will then be forced to wed Y'dex, a man who will abuse her daily and in multiple ways, Rast issues a challenge. It is said that only a Kindred warrior was able to win the challenges and break a blood-bond, especially one that has been in place for so long. Yet Rast still does not hesitate to act as her champion. The biggest problem is that should Rast somehow win, Nadiah's soul would become untethered from Y'dex's. If her soul did not have another, stronger soul to anchor to, Nadiah would die.

But Rast is not what he appears to be. Rast's past holds a powerful secret, one even he does not know about. Can this strong Human accept the truth about his past? Will this truth help him set Nadiah free? Because if Rast and Nadiah survive the challenges and the breaking of the blood-bond, their ordeal would not be over. A greater and more dangerous quest awaits them.

Meanwhile, back on the Kindred Mothership, Sylvan's friend Merrick (who missed the wedding) has finally arrived and he is not alone. Before landing on the Mothership, Merrick spies a Scourge escape pod. It contains a stasis chamber with a lovely female sleeping within. Once Merrick turns the hibernating woman over to the ship's Medic Station, he is unable to leave her. She is Elise Darden, the last female that the AllFather had kidnapped from Earth. Somehow Elise had escaped, but not before the AllFather had enjoyed abusing and torturing her.

**** FOUR STARS! There is always a prophecy where the Kindred are concerned. When one is fulfilled, two more seem to take its place. This story's main focus is on Nadiah and Rast; however, you must read all the previous titles of the series before this one. (Titles in order: Claimed, Hunted, Sought, and Found.) There are more typos than normal too. I have no idea as to why.

Once again, the author ends this book with a major cliff-hanger. At the time of this review, the next title has not been released. This means readers are unable to simply dive into the next adventure. If you detest this type of ending as much as I do, please find a good place, near the end of the book, to stop reading until the next title is available. This cliff-hanger (mostly) has to do with Merrick and Elise. Their story begins in this story's subplot.

The author has begun expanding on the Kindred types also. An exciting "new" type of Kindred enters the series. This opens up a galaxy of possibilities for Evangeline Anderson to work with. A new enemy is mentioned and readers get a pretty good look at them. This one is much worse than the AllFather - so much so that the Goddess has to enter the space opera. ****

Author: Becca Van
Title - Alpha Panthers (Terra-form #1, Erotica)

April Waterson waves good-bye to her friend and work colleague, Olivia Hammond, after a night out for dinner and a few drinks. As she walks toward the cab stand, April's head begins to feel strange and her limbs feel suddenly heavy. Once April shakes off the strangeness, she finds herself alone and in the middle of a forest. Feeling too tired to do anything else, she sleeps.

Gage and Saxon Kian are Alphas of their people. They are panther-shifters. They come upon a sleeping April and know by her delectable scent that she is their mate. The men know that it is possible for the woman to be a mate to other types of were kind. In order to keep April for themselves, Gage and Saxon need to quickly claim her. Once they bite (mark) her and then make love to her (merging their scents with hers), there would be no chance of anyone else claiming her. The pair decide to mark her while is relaxed in slumber.

April wakes up screaming when two panthers bit her neck. Learning that she is the mate of two Alphas is too much. She wants only to find her way home. But by sneaking away, April only ends up being bitten by a third shifter. Ben Koku is a bear-shifter. Unlike Gage and Saxon, Ben had given April the choice of allowing him to mark her or not. Because Ben could help her deal with the two Alpha panthers, she agreed. Now the three shifters have to show their little spitfire of a mate that they would never harm her and that they want only to love, protect, and cherish her. Once April accepts them, they could make love to her and merge their scents. But there is one female panther-shifter who would like nothing more than to see April dead.

** TWO STARS! (M/F/M) This alternate reality story shows that the author has a fertile imagination. (No pun intended.) However, the writing style made me hear the narration (in my head) in a dull, monotone voice. Much is written about how and what the characters feel toward each other, but not nearly enough description is given to their surroundings. I saw the garden, bedroom, and dining hall often, yet I never got a clear image of them. I know there is a garden pond. I have a vague idea of what the bedroom looks like. As for the dining hall, I envisioned a school lunchroom or something from the Middle Ages. I know April was in a kitchen once but there is zero description of it. Due to all this and more, I never felt inclined to believe in any of it as being real.

Another problem I had is when April is raging with a high fever due to a knife wound. This is told as if it were an afterthought. I never worried for April's health. I never felt any of the anguish that her three mates went through. Had it been described over several pages, I would have felt a huge connection with these characters. They would have been "people" to me instead of mere "characters". As for the knife wound, once the short paragraph about her fever I do not recall hearing of it causing pain, discomfort, or even being tender. It was unrealistic to me.

Everything else in the story is great. The author did a good job of showing that April cared about the people. She always thought of the people before herself. Becca Van also conveyed how hard it was for the shifters to keep a tight rein on their inner beasts. Because I see lots of potential, I am going to purchase the second book in the series and give this alternate reality another shot. **

Author: Becca Van
Title - Taming Olivia (Terra-form #2 / Ero)

Olivia Hammond's best friend, April, disappeared from the face of the Earth one year ago. Olivia never expected to see her again. While walking home one night, Olivia begins to feel strange and her body becomes heavy. The next thing Olivia knows, she is standing in a forest watching a very pregnant April hug a gigantic bear. Once April explains that the bear is her mate and so are the two ferocious panthers sitting directly above Olivia in a tree, everything goes black.

Olivia regains consciousness to find out that she now resides on an alternate reality called Terra-form. Fortunately, Olivia has April, who is able to inform her as to exactly what is going on. Unfortunately, Olivia learns that the two gorgeous men following her around like adoring puppies are to be her mates. Olivia has deep emotional scars caused by a man she had trusted as a child and a serious self confidence problem when it comes to being in a relationship. Therefore, Olivia had learned to use her sharp tongue and wit as a shield against anyone who threatened the defenses around her heart. So Cedric and Hugh Kiath (nicknamed "Frick and Frack" in Olivia's mind) receive a barrage of verbal assaults. Nevertheless, the two panther-shifters are soon wooing the reluctant human female. But as Olivia begins to lower her defenses and seriously things about accepting the warriors, a third panther-shifter steps forward to claim her as well.

* ONE STAR! (M/F/M) April's story is told in the book titled "Alpha Panthers". I had some problems with April's story, but decided that Terra-form was intriguing enough to give this second story a try. This time the writing style is a little better. The narration did not sound so dull to me. The scenery is still way too vague though. Becca Van had improved since the previous tale and I had hope that Olivia's story would be pretty good. Instead, I find major problems, the biggest being when the author contradicts herself.

In April's story, Becca Van clearly stated that once a mate bit (marked) his woman and then made love to her (merging their scents), there was no chance of anyone else claiming her. However, that is exactly what happens to Olivia. (The third shifter appears the day after Cedric and Hugh had bit and made love with Olivia.)

In the previous story, April often felt bad about disappearing and leaving Olivia to worry. At the beginning of this story, Olivia mentions how her brother would often drive her and April home after they had a night out drinking; however, Olivia never again thought about her brother. She never felt bad about disappearing and leaving her own flesh and blood to worry about her.

My last problem with this story is when Olivia is kidnapped. The one who takes Olivia comes across hard, mean, and much like a sociopath. The scene briefly switches away and when I next see the kidnapper, he is suddenly gentle and honorable. It was an abrupt change in his character and I simply found it to be unbelievable.

There are hints that the author plans to write a third story in this series and there are clues as to which shifter-characters may be involved, but I am wary about spending more money on a story that (chances are) I would be unable to lose myself in. *

Authors: Christine DeSmet, Karen Wiesner, Jane Toombs, & Carrie S. Masek
Title - Christmas Gems (Jewels of the Quill Anthology)

The Christmas Magi of Birch Bay
by Christine DeSmet (Dame Moonstone)

Vienna Campbell lost her husband, Michael, in Iraq five years ago. Last year she came home to Birch Bay, Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake Superior. She thought that returning to her hometown and running her grandmother's shop would sooth her. Perhaps then she could move on. Instead, everyone in Birch Bay has been inviting Vienna to all of their Christmas parties and insisting on toasting Mike for his service to the country. Vienna understands that the people mean well, but how is she to look toward the future when they keep bringing up the past? Things get worse when her landlord hands her an eviction notice. Vienna has one week to get her pets (six exotic silkie hens that have been trained to use a litterbox) out or she goes too. One week is an extremely short amount of time, especially when it is the week of Christmas! Help comes from the most unexpected source, the town nerd.

***** FIVE STARS! This short tale by Dame Moonstone reminds readers that love can not only be right under your nose, but can come from unexpected sources. Christine DeSmet must be a lot of fun in person, because I found this story to be full of humor and very insightful. (On a personal note, I loved how the author named the hens after the other Dames.) *****


Wings of Love (Cowboy Fever #1)
by Karen Wiesner (Dame Amethyst)

Wings "Mac" Mackenzie and Amanda Grant had met several times at business parties over the last twelve years. Both had been attracted to the other, but each time they met one of them had been in a relationship. However, when they met this time, Mac, mostly as a way to get her to come home with him, asked Amanda to renovate his ranch in Fever, Texas. They spent six glorious days together before Mac was called to deal with a business project in Florida. He never thought he would be stuck in Florida for three months, leaving Amanda at his ranch alone. Due to past mistakes with women, Mac was wary of going too fast for Amanda. To keep from spooking her into bolting, Mac moved slowly. He called the ranch only once a week and never told her how much he loved her. Problem was that Mac had been going too slowly. His mixed signals had convinced Amanda that Mac did not return her love. It would take an on-the-job injury to spur this couple past their fears.

***** FIVE STARS! The couple's trouble in this story is mainly due to a lack of communication and the fear each has of possible rejection. Normally stories such as this make me want to smack the pair for stupidity and tell them to spit out their feelings for one another. Yet Dame Amethyst/Karen Wiesner has written it in such a way that I sympathize with both of their plights. I cannot help but wonder if I would have done anything differently. I am left with a warm feeling and the belief that miracles are possible. *****


A Christmas Surprise
by Jane Toombs (Dame Turquoise)

Eighteen-year-old Penelope "Penny" Blake graduates from high school and is eager to take a mechanic course at a nearby college. She has always loved mechanical work. But her parents do not believe girls are cut out for such work. When her parents go out for a few hours, Penny is left to babysit her two-and-a-half-year-old brother, Sammy, who is asleep. Then Hank, the guy all the girls dream of being with, talks Penny into going for a spin on his Harley while Sammy sleeps. But when Penny comes back, she finds Sammy has been kidnapped. Penny is unable to keep facing her parents, so once the sheriff has left and her parents are asleep, Penny calls Hank leaves home. Three months later, Hank dumps Penny on his older sister's doorstep in Illinois without a backward glance. Doris Bennett is the total opposite of her brother, Hank. Penny moves in with Doris and begins making a new life for herself. Doris helps by getting Penny a job as a bookkeeper at her boyfriend's shop, Dan's Garage-Foreign Car Repair.

Penny has no trouble with the paperwork. With time on her hands and nothing to do, Penny watches Dan (Doris's boyfriend) and his mechanic, Joe, repair BMWs. The men are soon teaching Penny. She is a fast learner, a natural mechanic. This is where Penny meets Ben Sawyer. The cop brings in the oldest Beemer Penny had ever seen. But can Penny learn to trust her heart with another man again?

***** FIVE STARS! In a word, WOW! This story covers a time line of (around) fifteen months. I can hardly believe how much drama Dame Turquoise has managed to insert into a story that is not the size of a full-length novel. Jane Toombs is a very gifted writer and I found myself hooked quickly. The real world seemed to fade away and I did not come up for air until the last word had been read. Just - Wow! *****


Mistletoe and Holly
by Carrie S. Masek (Dame Topaz)

Set on Christmas Eve. Matt Porter hates Christmas. All he wants to do is get home and become a hermit until it's over. When a freak blizzard blows up, driving becomes dangerous and he nearly runs over an abandoned pet rabbit. The bunny's fur is almost covered with ice and Matt cannot bring himself to leave the animal to die. When he spies the sign for Forest Heights Urgent Care Animal Clinic, Matt pulls into the parking lot with relief. Matt intends to simply hand over the bunny and continue toward home.

Holly Welsh is in an elf costume because her nieces love for her to dress up when she attends her mother's Christmas parties. Making it over to her mom's place is delayed when a coworker is unable to get back into town due to the blizzard. So Holly agrees to cover the shift before heading to the family gathering. Shortly before it is time for Holly to leave, Scrooge walks in the door with a frozen rabbit. A handsome Scrooge, but a Scrooge none-the-less. It only takes a few minutes to handle the rabbit, but during that time the blizzard worsens and the radio announces that all the roads are closed and travel is banned. Matt and Holly become stranded in the clinic. Matt find Holly attractive, but does not care for her cheery costume. She does have a way with animals though. Holly finds him attractive too, but a major grump. With nowhere to go and nothing to do, the pair settle in and soon begin to get to know each other. But what seems to be their unluckiest Christmas ever may turn out to be just the opposite.

***** FIVE STARS! I am amazed at how Dame Topaz/Carrie S. Masek is able to create two people with totally different in attitudes, place them in an inexorable situation, and then manage to show how opposites attract. And these two could not be more different from each other! The author's writing is very descriptive. I could almost see the snow falling and hear the wind howling its displeasure. A terrific way to end the anthology! *****

Author: Kimberly Van Meter
Title - The Reckoning (Dark Vampire Novella)

She wants more than revenge. She wants nothing less than the complete extermination of the vampire species. She is Dr. Isabella Beckett - Yale graduate, top government scientist, and the sole survivor of the Beckett family. Isabella had been nineteen when she came home from college and found the gruesome sight. Her parents, dismembered in pieces, with puncture marks in their necks. And her fifteen-year-old sister, Savannah...gone.

Now Isabella works for a secret branch of the government, The Bunker. She even has her own secret lab. Thanks to her Special Ops team, Isabella has a vampire locked in Bay III. Drugged blood keeps It weak. Before each examination or test they knock It out with gas chemicals. The government has its own reasons for her research, but Isabella is determined to figure out what makes the monsters tick so she can hunt down the one that killed her family.

Julien de Valsan had not been trapped in over four hundred years. When he wakes after the most recent study, Julien sees evidence that he had been filleted like a fish. His hatred for Dr. Isabella Beckett flares and he promised that there would be a reckoning between them.

When Julien escapes, leaving several corpses behind him, he immediately rushes to Dr. Beckett's home. He could kill her easily, but decides to delay his gratification and savor her for several nights before draining her dry. She has to suffer as he had suffered. But something totally unexpected happens once Julien tastes Isabella's blood.

***** FIVE STARS! I give fair warning that his vampire novella is Dark Fantasy. (Fans of the author Charlotte Boyett-Compo would especially be interested in this story.) The author can either stop here or, if she so desires, she can follow this with a full-length novel...if not a series. Personally, I want a series! There is a lot of potential here and I am very eager for more. A dark, yet tantalizing read! Stellar! *****

Author: Annette Blair
Title - Kissingate Magic
(Novella from the Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance)

Set in 1846, Kissingate, Scotland. Five years ago Jacey Lockhart became pregnant. The father had been Gabriel "Gabe" Macgregor, a poor Vicar's son. The baby did not live. Becoming an unwed mother had severe consequences. Jacey's mother, the lady of Lockhart Keep, declared Jacey a disgrace and disinherited her. Since the Lockharts owned the parish living, Jacey's distant cousin, Nick, offered to be a scapegoat for her. By naming Nick as the babe's father, the Macgregors did not lose the parish and Gabe did not lose his living. (Gabe planned to become a Vicar too.) Jacey became an outcast and left in humiliation with her heart broken.

But now, after five years, Jacey is returning. Jacey's mother no longer lives. Gabe, who had wed Jacey's widowed sister, Clara, is not a widow himself. Since Clara's death, Bridget (Clara's young daughter), rarely speaks and never laughs. Though Gabe is Bridget's step-father, he has always felt as if she were his by blood. Bridget used to laugh and play with Gabe, yet now the grieving four-year-old will seldom even look his way. When Gabe writes Suttie, an ageless puppeteer, to come help cheer Bridget up, it never crosses his mind that Suttie would also bring Jacey. Seeing Jacey again is both a blessing and a curse. Gabe still loves Jacey but cannot shake his hurt feelings from her betrayal of having had a baby by another man. However, what hurts Gabe most is that Bridget instantly adores her aunt. To Jacey, Bridget will smile, hug, talk, and laugh. Yet the child's attitude toward Gabe does not alter.

As for Jacey, had Clara never died she would never have returned to Kissingate. Only for her niece would Jacey do so. Jacey must face a condemning village, Gabe among them, a flock who considers him a saint and her a sinner, to see by whom Bridget would be better raised. If Gabe turns out to be what Bridget needs, Jacey will stay in the area, even though she would still be shunned by all, to help in her care. But if Jacey believes that she would be better for Bridget, then Jacey will claim her niece and take her away. Either way, Jacey will never reveal the truth about five years ago. Better Gabe hate her forever than for him to lose all he loves.

***** FIVE STARS! Jacey is a strong-willed heroine with a stoic nature. Gabe's feelings toward Jacey are best called ambivalent. The author, Annette Blair, has given both a talent for prevarication. When it comes to Bridget, the seemingly star-crossed-lovers find themselves in quite a quandary. The results of all this is a story that will incite your interest and leave you with a warm feeling of pleasure. As a bit of added spice, the author has tossed in one or two twists and surprises. The biggest of which I never saw coming. No one can fire a reader's imagination better than Annette Blair! Excellent! *****

Authors: Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh, Jacquie D'Alessandro, & Candice Hern
Title - It Happened One Season (4 Regency Novellas)

The Seduction of Sebastian Trantor by Stephanie Laurens

Sebastian Trantor never thought he would need to wed. After the war ended, Sebastian spent his time increasing his fortune, restoring and settling into the gothic monstrosity he had purchased, and then indulging his interest in ancient languages, scripts, and cryptography. But Sebastian's solitude ends when his brother arrives. Viscount Coningsby has been unable to provide the family with the heir needed to ensure the title and entailed estates remain in safe hands. Should both brothers die, everything goes to a cousin, "Mad Freddie". Once in London, Sebastian is disgusted with all the simpering misses. During a ball, Sebastian escapes to the host's library for some solitude. The last thing he expects is for a young lady to pick the library's lock and then begin going through desk drawers.

Young ladies of the ton are being blackmailed. Miss Tabitha Makepeace is determined to find out by whom and to put an end to it. Fortunately for Tabitha, her search for answers catches the attention of Sebastian. She is unable to break the coding used and he is an expert on the matter. When the two are caught in a compromising position, Tabitha agrees to pretend they are engaged until her mission has been concluded. However, Sebastian intends to use their time together to convince Tabitha to marry him for real.

***** FIVE STARS! This story is more of a mystery suspense than romance, yet I feel it earns a full five star rating. The romance is not omitted. Instead, it slowly blooms between the couple. Well done. *****

Favorite Story Quote:
"Another blasted crush." Sebastian sounded distinctly unamused. "Enlighten me - why do ton hostesses consider assembling more guests than can comfortable fit in their rooms a good thing?"

"You'll have to hold me excused." Tabitha inclined her head to a pair of distant acquaintances. "That's something I've never fathomed myself."


Only Love by Mary Balogh

(Major) Jack Gilchrist had spent seven years in the army. The past five years he spent living in the country. He never even gave thought to marrying anytime soon, if ever. But when his brother, Matthew, Earl of Waterton, informs Jack that it is up to him to produce an heir - and quickly - Jack heads to London. In a fortunate coincidence, Jack meets up with the widow of Colonel Pritchard. Jack had met her while in the army. He recalls that she had been a plain, shy lady. Jack decides Cleo Pritchard would be the perfect choice to become his wife. But Cleo begs to differ. She never became pregnant while married before. Fearing she may be barren, Cleo offers Jack a sort of compromise. They would become lovers. If Jack impregnates her before the end of the Season, Cleo will marry him. Otherwise, they would part ways.

**** FOUR STARS! Needless-to-say in this story the main couple needs more private time than in the other novellas. Yet the author still manages to build a real and lasting love between Jack and Cleo. Most of the story involves Jack overcoming Cleo's reservations. ****

Favorite Story Quote:
"Which, like the color white," he explained to her, "is not the absence of anything but the containment of everything. I sometimes believe that if only I could understand nothing, I would know everything. And sometimes I feel I am about to grasp it - and then it eludes me."


Hope Springs Eternal by Jacquie D'Alessandro

Miss Penelope Markham used to teach art in Italy. But scandal forced her to leave Italy in disgrace and return to England to contemplate a future that looked very bleak. Lack of funds has her residing in one of the poorer sections. Just before she is accosted, Penelope is rescued by Captain Alec Trentwell.

Alec had been the commanding officer of Penelope's late brother, Edward. Through the letters Edward received from his sister and shared with him, Alec feels as though he has known Penelope for years. Now that Penelope has returned, Alec needs to meet her. He plans to introduce himself, then confess his part in Edward's death. Quick, impersonal, emotionless. Never once had he considered that he would be standing on the street, heart and head pounding, and gripping a knife after scaring off a man who would have harmed her. Nor had he imagined that by looking into her eyes, he would be so enthralled. Words fail Alec. Unable to express his guilty conscience, yet feeling a deep sense of responsibility toward her, Alec comes up with a way to remove Penelope from her unsafe quarters. Alec commissions Penelope to paint his portrait. Penelope would stay at his family's townhouse, where his brother, the Earl of Crandall, is currently residing with his family. (So Penelope would be well chaperoned.)

Due to Alec's older brother being unable to produce an heir. The task has been shunted off to Alec. But none of the dozens of society diamonds affects him as Penelope's kisses do. Their marriage is swift. Happy for the first time in so long, Alec keeps putting off his confession. However, the one year anniversary of that horrific day at Waterloo is rapidly approaching. Admitting his part in Edward's death can no longer wait.

***** FIVE STARS! I cannot help but admit that this is my favorite novella within this book. Penelope is not afraid to stand up for herself. She stands on her own two feet with her head held high, asking for nothing from no one. Yet she is honest, straightforward, and gracious - even to those who are not so pleasant toward her. The story is full of sass and witty dialogs. I actually caught myself chuckling several times. A brilliantly crafted tale. *****

Favorite Story Quote:
Alec's brow collapsed into a scowl. "I wasn't barking orders. I was merely -"

"Telling me what to do. In a very commanding way."


Fate Strikes a Bargain by Candice Hern

Captain Nathaniel "Nat" Beckwith has not yet been able to shake off that final stand at Waterloo. He is battle hardened and battle scarred, in both body and mind. Duty has been engrained into Nat. So when his elder brother, Lord Dearne, informs Nat that he must marry and produce an heir to the earldom, Nat prepares to do his familial duty. But Nat does not enjoy being out in society. Before stepping into the crush of party guests, Nat does "a bit of reconnaissance" from behind a potted orange tree and meets Miss Philippa Reynolds.

Philippa had been born with a displaced hip, causing her to walk with a severe limp. Despite her physical flaw, she does not wallow in self-pity and is tired of being smothered from her over-protective family. Within half an hour, Nat proposes marriage to Philippa. She is not insipid, clingy, dramatic, or complicated. She will not mind living away from society and is pleased with the idea of having children of her own. Her only requests are that Nat continue to be straightforward and honest with her, and to never coddle her. If she needs help, she will ask him for it. She desires to be treated as a normal lady. She is lame, not an invalid. With their bargain made, Nat and Philippa need only get through the Season.

**** FOUR STARS! This story shows that just because a person was born with a defect, it does not mean s/he is an invalid. Philippa's crooked hip and severe limp does not keep her from enjoying life. Nor does it make her an idiot. She is very intelligent. Philippa has a clear understanding of how her defect causes others around her to feel and she strives to put them at ease. I cannot help but admire a woman such as Philippa. And I will long remember this heartwarming tale, as well as its moral. ****

Favorite Story Quote:
"I am Miss Reynolds. Philippa Reynolds. If anyone should ask, we will invent someone who made the introductions. An elderly dowager, I think. Yes, the dowager Lady Kumquat, who sadly fell into a fit of the vapors and had to leave, the poor dear."

Author: Leah Brooke
Title - Crescendo (Erotica)

Set mostly in Philadelphia. Julianna Lovette quit Avante's without a reference. Ken, who runs the business, never did any work but did take all the credit for Julianna's accomplishments. The last straw had been when Ken demanded bed-relations. Julianna now has her own small designer/decorator business, Lovette's Designs. The small jobs Julianna is receiving are not enough to get a better place to live, much less cover all the overdue bills. In a desperate, long-shot hope, Julianna puts in a bid to design and decorate the new Crescendo hotel resort.

Julianna's romantic life has never been exciting. Wanting to find a way to spice it up, she makes the mistake of seeing a man she had met at a club owned by her friend, Gabriel Durand. David turns out to be a rough Dom and Julianna flees. In pain and deeply humiliated, Julianna drives (dangerously) back to her apartment. It is three in the morning. She wants to be alone. She wants a shower. She wants to forget. Getting out of her car, the hysterical woman cannot see through her tears. She falls, adding more painful scraps to her body and dropping her keys. Just as Julianna believes her night can get no worse, two men surround her. Luckily, these men are not the muggers she first assumes.

Nicholas "Nick" Morietti is the dark haired owner of Crescendo. Golden haired Steven "Steve" Vanguard is an ex-Army Ranger, head of security for Crescendo, and Nick's business partner. The two handsome men help Julianna reach her apartment safely and through the confrontation with David a short while afterward. Nick and Steven find themselves enchanted, totally enthralled with Julianna. Upon learning her name and silently realizing she is one of the design bidders they were about to pass over, the men decide to give her bid a second look. Nick and Steve had intended to give the contract to Avante's. A bit of researching and a background check reveals that Julianna is the reason Avante's has such a great reputation.

Neither man can stop thinking about Julianna. Reluctantly, they agree to share her. Understanding Julianna's strong skittishness with men, the duo put their heads together and creates an iron-clad strategy which ensures they have every advantage, including after hours (for needed meetings, updates, etc). But an enemy from Steve's past is back for revenge. Nick and Steve must protect Julianna from those who seek to use her against them.

**** FOUR STARS! Warning! No one under the age of seventeen should read this book. Out of all the eroticas I receive, only a few are worthy enough for me to take the time of writing up a review. This title is worthy! For those wondering, the story surrounds two men and one woman. Both of the men are doms. Sometimes the erotic sections include only Julianna and one of the men. Sometimes all three are involved. No whips. A few "light" toys. No real pain. And, of course, a happily-ever-after.

As for the plot, Steve's enemy is his former captain/friend. Someone is also sabotaging Julianna's progress with decorating the new hotel, causing her to fall behind on her Crescendo contract. I would guess that almost (but not quite) two-thirds of the book is actual plot and story line. Personally, I believe the story would have been better had there been more danger. I would not have minded giving up one or two of the sizzling, private sections of the story in order to read more danger and suspense. I plan to keep an eye on Leah Brooke's future novels for the next year, in hope of finding another tale set in the business world - with suspense, danger, and main characters between the ages of thirty and forty-five. Perhaps I will give Gabriel's story a try when it is released. ****

Author: Sophie Oak
Title - Three to Ride (Nights in Bliss, Colorado #1, Erotica)

One year ago Elizabeth Courtney went on a blind date with the friend of a friend. Tommy Lane had set off a few red flags, so she had politely declined his offer for a second date. Instead of taking her hint, Tommy began stalking her. During that year, Elizabeth had to deal with his phone calls, letters to her boss, and vandalism. The police had done nothing. Cops tended to stick together. Even Tommy's partner sent Elizabeth threatening phone calls when she built a case against Tommy. But during the last twenty-four hours, Tommy went way too far. Elizabeth could not add arson and attempted murder to her list of charges. With the help of the doctor and nurses who treated her wounds in the hospital, Elizabeth did the only thing possible. She changed her identity and ran for her life.

Due to Tommy catching up with her once, she is on the second of the three identities that had been given to her. Currently her name is Rachel Swift. She has been on the run for over a year. Rachel's money has been depleted. She needs to earn more before she could hit the road again. Rachel finds herself in the oddest little town. Bliss, Colorado, is populated by the strangest, but friendliest, characters. Rachel is a waitress in a diner. Stella, the owner, may be the sanest person in town. But Rachel decides that the most wickedly handsome man is Maxwell "Max" Harper. Max has eaten every meal in the diner during Rachel's two weeks employed there. Stella says the big guy has a bad rep and an even worse temper. People approach Max as if he were a dangerous animal who might pounce at any second. However, Rachel is beginning to understand that Max may be crusty on the outside, but is sweet on the inside.

Max has been excruciatingly polite to everyone in Rachel's vicinity. His anger issues disappear whenever the lovely waitress is around. She is the first girl in Max's thirty years to ever catch his interest. Usually it is his twin brother, Ryan "Rye" Harper, who approaches the girl that they would end up sharing. But over the past year Max and Rye have not shared their women. They still share everything else though. The brothers are like two halves of one person. Whenever one brother is hurt, the other feels the pain too. So it is no surprise to Max when Rye returns to town (from a crime-fighting convention) and is just as intrigued with Rachel as he is. Of course, Rye simply has to try his charm on Rachel and Max finds it amusing that Rachel turns cold toward Rye; however, the brothers can tell that it is Rye's sheriff uniform that bothers the lady. The girl is obviously in trouble. Max and Rye are going to find out exactly who or what Rachel is running from and help her deal with it, whether she likes it or not.

When Max catches Rachel in a small lie, his temper explodes. Worse, Max makes the mistake of yelling at Rachel in the middle of the diner. Rye is standing outside of the diner when Max stumbles out the door and Rachel begins beating him over the head with a dozen roses. Seeing this, Rye simply cannot help it, his fascination with Rachel turns into love. In fact, everyone in Bliss begins to worship the lady. Rachel is the only person that has ever been able to stand up to the bear of the county. And Rachel may very well be the only woman able to take on both Harper brothers.

**** FOUR STARS! This extremely hot romance with lots of humor and more than just a touch of danger. Rachel starts out with only Max, but somewhere around the middle of the story Rachel begins having relations with both brothers simultaneously. I do not recommend anyone under the age of seventeen reading this book. (No duh!) But there are no hard core toys or gadgets.

The cast of local characters are pretty eccentric. This town has everything from the sane Stella to Crazy Mel and his paranoid alien theories. (At least Mel has not shot anyone as yet.) Author Sophie Oak has written a hot romance that simply oozes with witty dialogs, humorous scenes, and suspenseful moments. Downright exuberant! ****

Author: Sophie Oak
Title - Two to Love (Nights in Bliss, Colorado #2)

Twenty-five year old Callie Sheppard takes care of everyone except herself. Caring for her mother, who is fighting cancer, is becoming too stressful and Callie needs a break. To that end, Callie has her friend, Stefan, set her up with two guys wanting to share a woman for a wild weekend fling. Finally, Callie was going to lose her innocence. The men are Special Agents Nathan "Nate" Wright and Zane Hollister. The two DEA agents are about to go on a long, undercover assignment to take down an outlaw biker gang called the Barbarians. Their weekend together turns out to be better than any of them could have predicted. But, eventually, the weekend comes to an end. Six years pass.

Bliss, Colorado, is a little town nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Rio Grande runs through Bliss, splitting the town through the valley. Callie lives in a cabin that is isolated from the rest of the valley. Now that her mother has passed away, Callie feels that the time has come to move on with her life and she is giving serious thought on moving to Denver. Callie wants the kind of love Rachel found with the Harper twins. Having grown up in Bliss, Callie knows that there is no one she desires to settle and have a family with. But before Callie can put her plans into action, the new sheriff arrives. It is none other than Nate, and Zane is with him.

Zane's cover had been blown and he has scars that testify to the brutal torture he had undergone. No longer agents, the pair have come to Bliss to heal. Nate and Zane are determined to win back Callie's broken heart. But when the Barbarians enter Bliss with revenge in mind, the former agents need to keep Callie safe as they somehow end the bounty out on Zane's head.

**** FOUR STARS! This is the second in Sophie Oak's sizzling hot series about the intriguing people that live in Bliss, Colorado. This is M/F/M. (Two men sharing one woman.) Consider yourself warned in advance. No one under the age of seventeen should read this book.

If you have not read the previous title, Three to Ride, you will not find yourself lost. The main trio from that story play secondary roles in this one though. Much more is told about the odd locals. To quote part of the story that describes Bliss, "an entire town of people whose percentage of gun owners dwarfed the national average." These locals take care of their own. When the Barbarians threaten Callie, the entire town pulls out their guns. It is a fun thing to see...uh, read. (Whatever.)

The author keeps a suspenseful and dangerous theme running, while still inserting her unique signature of quirky humor. I am dearly coming to love Sophie Oak's sense of comedy relief. I hope that I have the opportunity to read and review more stories from this author. ****

Authors: Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen, & Deidre Knight
Title - On the Hunt (4 Paranormal Novellas)

Ever Night by Gena Showalter

At midnight, marking her eighteenth birthday, Rose Pascal finds herself transported to a dark dimension - a world ruled by a warrior king who hunts and kills her kind. King Vasili of the Northern Realm intends to use Rose for information on other Dimension Walkers. Every year, at midnight marking her birthday, Rose must return to "Nightmare". On her first trip Vasili interrogates her and informs Rose to learn how to fight dirty during the coming year, as well as to seek out information on others like her. On Rose's second trip, Vasili spars with Rose. She returns to her world beaten badly. But on her third trip, Rose and Vasili cannot deny the passion that consumes them both.

**** FOUR STARS! This story would make a terrific full-length novel. As a novella, it is just a bit unbelievable at times. Rose goes from pure hatred and disgust to undying love and adoration within a few short paragraphs. After first being scared for her life and next having to fight and being pummeled, I simply could not see love happening instantaneously. The ending seemed a bit too easy also. A great story with a terrific plot line, but had it been full-length it could have been more fully developed.

Author: Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Title - The Wyndmaster's Lady (Dark Fantasy Romance)

When Commander Sierran Morgan of the Ibydosian Forces disobeys a direct order to slaughter an entire city of innocents, he is sentenced to be a prisoner of Dragonmoor until he dies. However, everyone knows it is really a death sentence because the laird of Dragonmoor Keep is Charles Henry Allen, who has predilections for murder, mayhem, and mutilation. Since the Dungeon Master is a member of the Justonian Royalty (he is King Edmond's brother), no one interferes in how he treats the prisoners within his dungeons.

Lady Anna Celeste Allen is the only child of Lord Charles. Celeste's father has basically kept her a prisoner all her life. She is not allowed to leave Dragonmoor Keep, not allowed to enter various areas of her home, and no one is allowed to look at or speak with her. The only company Celeste receives is when she dines with her father, who she believes to be a physician in the local clinic. Celeste is the most precious thing in her father's eyes and he has kept her totally innocent in all ways.

When Sergeant Vargas DuMond and his men storm Dragonmoor Keep to liberate their commander, Celeste finally learns that her father is the total opposite of her beliefs. After having spent a long time under Dragonmoor Keep as the Dungeon Master's entertainment, Sierran had given up on being granted a quick and merciful death anytime soon. But then Vargas arrives with Lord Charles and Lady Celeste in tow. Celeste gets to see the results of the torture inflicted upon Sierran by her father. Noticing the Dungeon Master's rage of Celeste seeing the truth, Sierran orders that Lord Charles and Celeste be taken with them as they travel to Vista del Mar, his home on the island of Zykanthos.

While the Dungeon Master's evil imagination dwells upon the horrors that may be forced upon his daughter, Celeste is tending to the wounds that are covering Sierran's entire body. But as Celeste and Sierran fall in love, the commander's cruel family (who reside in Argonne, a few miles away from the island of Zykanthos) are brewing plans of their own.

***** FIVE STARS! Author Charlotte Boyett-Compo has created strong and compelling characters which quickly grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go. This story is not set on our world, but the setting reminds me of our Regency Era. I warn readers that this, in my opinion, is Dark Fantasy Romance. As in reality, the good guys do not always win every battle or confrontation. Rescue does not happen before torture. Anyone who cannot handle reading of torture and a brief sexual assault should not read this story. For those who are still brave enough to open this book, you will be rewarded with a tale that will stroke your imagination and have you sitting on the edge of your seat as you cheer the good guys onward to victory. An absolutely stellar story! *****

Author: Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Title - The Wyndmaster's Son (Dark Fantasy Romance)

Prince Thiessen "Thie" Allen of Emardia and his half-brother, Lord Morgan Summerall (different mothers), have never liked each other; therefore, the two grew up in separate places. Thie grew up in the fortress, Windemere. Morgan grew up on the island of Zykanthos. When Thie receives word that Morgan is the prisoner of the Solarian king, he and his men mount a rescue attempt. However, the supposed imprisonment turns out to be a trap. Thie finds himself unwillingly wed to a Solarian princess and forced to consummate it.

Warrior Princess Lanelle's father is about to marry her off to a dreadful prince in Ulnia. Morgan, her best friend for many years, convinces her to trap and wed Thie. Once released, King Sierran would annul the marriage, freeing Thie from Lanelle and freeing Lanelle from ever having to marry again. But after his release, Thie turns the tables by immediately returning and abducting Lanelle. As the two spend time together, the sizzling passion between them spreads into the wildfire of love.

Shortly after King Sierran and Queen Celeste meet Lanelle, she is kidnapped by the leader of the Toscalian raiders and Thie is left for dead. The Toscalian raider is named Emilio Silva and it is the second time he has captured the princess. Emilio had not known who she was the first time and Lanelle managed to escape, though not with her maidenhead. Now Emilio insists that she is really his bride because he claimed her first. With Thie horribly wounded, Morgan suggests the king and queen hire an honorable criminal named Kyllian Reddick, who is currently awaiting execution. After all, it will take a hardened criminal to infiltrate the raiders and somehow rescue Lanelle.

***** FIVE STARS! Much of the story's plot involves Emilio's interference within Lanelle's past (before she met Thie) and present. Just as in real life, rescue does not always happen in the nick of time. This story has many erotic bedroom scenes and sometimes not all of the people involved are willing partners. Consider yourself warned because when this author creates a story, anything goes. When it comes to what I call "Dark Fantasy Romance", no one can compare to Charlotte Boyett-Compo! *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Kaleidoscope Novella Series
(All 5 novellas of the series plus 2 never published before.)

The Kaleidoscope Office Building in Wisconsin provides employment to nine hot, young singles - all about to make a love connection.

Authors: Various (Each named by story title)
Title - Halloween Treasures
(A Jewels of the Quill anthology)

Authors: Noted with each title.
Title - Tales from the Treasure Trove, Vol. VI
(A Jewels of the Quill anthology)

Authors: Various
Title - Ladies Prefer Rogues (4 Time Travel Novellas)

Title - Faery Merry Christmas (Christmas novella)
Author: Jacquie Rogers

In the realm of Faeryshire, Cheshya of the Brown Clan is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Christmas is four days away. This Christmas will also be Cheshya's two-thousandth birthday. Per Faery tradition, marriages are not allowed after reaching that age. Instead, Queen Merci would appoint a Queen's Quest (a life-long job or task) for the single faery to perform.

Cheshya's heart has yearned for Liam of the Red Clan over five hundred years now. Her live has been a close and personal secret the entire time. No one, not even her best friend, Princess Kaylee, knows of it. The chances of Liam falling in love with Cheshya and marrying her within the next four days are between slim and none. Liam is not even in Faeryshire. For the last five years Liam has been living among the humans in Terra Humanus. So Cheshya asks Queen Merci to go ahead and designate a task for her.

Cheshya's mission is to find unhappy faeries who are living in Terra Humanus and help each fulfill their heart's desire. (The queen hopes the faeries will return to Faeryshire once they have succeeded in doing whatever they wanted in the human realm.) Cheshya's first mission is none other than Liam!

The year in Terra Humanus is 1956. Liam pitches for the Shoreline Sharks baseball team. He is obsessed with signing as a major league pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds and his chance is but a few days away. Faeries competing for a career with humans are not allowed to use faery magic because it would give them an unfair advantage. So when Cheshya arrives, Liam is happy for the help, even though she cannot use her magic to assist him. Liam finds himself attracted to Cheshya, but should he act on the attraction, Liam may lose the major league career he has worked long and hard for.

***** FOUR AND A HALF STARS! Princess Kaylee may very well be the most sly and cunning faery that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Throughout this tale I kept glimpsing hints that Kaylee knew more than those around her believed. Kaylee's subtle manipulations prove her worthy of her royal faery bloodline. I sincerely hope to read future stories involving Princess Kaylee. Faeryshire and the faeries within it are as addictive as fine chocolate. This title is a novella, instead of a full length novel. Therefore, you can enjoy Cheshya's holiday adventure for a very low price. (Consider that to be smooth and creamy icing to dip the chocolate in.)

Faeries have super long lives, so the author can choose any human-time frame as a setting. For Cheshya, the human year is 1956. I found myself treated to the era's snazziest cars, amusing phrases, odd clothing fashions, and upbeat music. All-in-all, a grand story that will keep you royally entertained. *****

Authors: Various
Title - Tales from the Treasure Trove, Volume 5
(A Jewels of the Quill Anthology)

**** FOUR STARS OVER ALL! Seven stories by seven authors guaranteed to satisfy no matter your taste. This anthology has something for everyone. Comedy, suspense, fantasy, mystery, and contemporary are all present, but every story has romance at its core. Below you will find each title and category, the author, and a brief synopsis. I hope you enjoy the anthology as much as I did. ****

Princess & the Tanzanite Necklace
Mystery by C.J. Winters
Jeremy Farrier's eighteen pound Boston Terrier, Princess, wears a strand of matched tanzanites around her neck as a promotional gimmick for his interior design business. When Princess is kidnapped and a ransom note found, Jeremy hires Winifred Persnick, a private investigator, to locate his precious pooch.

Lunch at the Topaz Diner
Romance by Carrie S. Masek
Six months ago Sarah Sloane almost died in a car accident on the San Francisco Bay Bridge. Afterward, she made a list of things she regretted missing or passing up. Now only two items remain undone on the list. Sarah needs to coax a kiss from Ty Stuart and drive across the Bay Bridge.

The Turquoise Heart (North of Nonesuch series #7)
Romance by Jane Toombs
In the year 1944, Corporal Buford Riddle fell in love with Toivi Lahti. Before going off to war he gave her half of a turquoise heart charm, promising to unite the halves when he returned to her. Due to a head wound in battle, he forgot about Toivi and the half turquoise heart charm until his son, Joshua, was born. Joshua's son, Damin, eventually inherited the half the corporal had kept. Toivi's half is eventually passed to her granddaughter, Milo Saari. Though both families had moved and gone separate ways, Milo and Damin end up returning to where it all began, Michigan's Upper Peninsula. And luckily for Milo and Damin, they work in the same medical facility.

The Big Love & Murder Shilly-Shally in Moonstone (Mischief in Moonstone series #6)
Comedy mystery by Christine DeSmet
Set in Moonstone, Wisconsin. Tootsie Winters is one of the Moonstone Mavens. Bob, her husband and former mayor, has passed away and the spry sixty-three-year-old widow is having the wake aboard the Lake Superior cruise boat Bob purchased last month. The gossip mill is churning with the news that Tootsie has begun an affair with a Belgian diamond dealer, who is half her age, before Bob is even buried. Many believe the couple has already slept together. Tootsie's sixth sense begins to warn her that murder is imminent. When the diamond dealer's assistant is found dead, Tootsie finds herself in the middle of a mess.

Woman Freed from Amber (Amber Chronicles #2)
Fantasy by Janet Lane Walters
Kriston Riva is the youngest son of the late king of Rivand. Long ago the Witch of the Woods cursed the royal family after the king rejected her love. Every one hundred years the crown prince would be summoned to the witch. He can either accept her love and give his heart in return or be taken into a magical amber orb and spend the rest of his life there. Kriston's grandfather had told him that his friend, Emma, had taken his place in the amber. Kriston has kept the amber orb in his possession, hoping to end the curse that others believed Emma's sacrifice ended. Kriston is the only one able to see Emma trapped within the orb. Can he rescue Emma and end the curse as well?

Return to Lake Aquamarine (Aquamarine series #2)
Suspense by Dee Lloyd
Nita McCulloch left the small town of Aqua twenty-five years ago to pursue her singing career. Nita never thought she would return. However, four months ago in Las Vegas tragedy struck. As Nita, her father and Karen, her manager, had been leaving the casino where she was singing, someone shot at them. Nita had been seriously wounded and her father had died. Craving serenity, Nita agreed to return to Aqua and perform at Scott Jameson's Aquamarine Lodge, an upscale tourist complex on the shores of Aquamarine Lake. Karen went to Aqua a few days early to prepare and ended up disappearing. Nita believes Karen's disappearance is connected to the shooting. In addition, when Nita meets up with Scott again, she realizes her feelings for him still run deep. He feels the same for Nita. Now if only someone did not want Nita dead.

Behind Amethyst Eyes (Kaleidoscope series #3)
Contemporary by Karen Wiesner
Aimee Cooper considers herself to be a nerd. Her big glasses, mass of freckles, and pumpkin orange hair are mainly a cover for her shyness. When her father dies after years with Alzheimer's, Aimee finds his estate in a mess. He had owned a huge company and Aimee needs help to get it all in order. She turns to Rob Channing, an accountant in her office building. Aimee has had a crush on Rob for a long time. Everyone knows it, including Rob. But everyone also knows that Rob likes being a bachelor and changes women almost weekly. Aimee's friends and coworkers, including her boss, give Aimee a total make over. The results leave Rob drooling.

For your convenience you may read more about, or purchase this book, from Whiskey Creek Press by clicking HERE!

Author: K.G. McAbee
Art Work: Nick Neocleous
Title - Bewitched By Darkness
(Anthology of fantasy, horror, and sci fi)

With Murderous Intent
Major Andru, master of spies for the king, is escorted to a gala and shocked to see Madren Savage. Madren and Andru had been lovers and best friends, until Andru plunged a dagger into her belly. So how is she alive?

End of the Beginning
Mareyn is commander of the king's army. Vale has been a gladiator slave in the arena for two years, thanks to Mareyn. So when Vale is escorted to an unexpected meeting with Mareyn, he is ready for the worst.

Jewels of a False God
Two men hire a mysterious assassin to kill the priest of a cult.

Bewitched by Darkness
A former student goes to a school of wizardry to give warning of approaching danger.

Soul of Diamond, Heart of Glass
A master wizard and a commander of the Queen's army go their separate ways after a heated argument. But when the wizard learns that she had been captured and tortured before finally being rescued, he rushes to her side.

Bitter Waters
When Dr. Abraham Van Helsing's wife begins to have odd sleepwalking spells and horrible nightmares, he takes her and their son to an out of town alienist for possible help. Instead of salvation, he finds horror.

Souls Touched - Reasonable Rates
Smith has been haunted over a century by its memory. Now he travels to Mars in hopes of locating and killing the very thing he now fears, but once enjoyed.

Cast Away the Works of Darkness
Twelve-year-old Prince Adric and his small party are being pursued as they rush for safety.

Provoke Not Your Children to Wrath
Court case about two kids who killed an old lady.

Eldritch Currents
A cranio-resonator was created to bring relief to those suffering from mental illness. But Dr. Gilman learns the truth the hard way.

Oblique Vengeance
For the past twelve nights Commander Ravynn Dar'Kesh has woken to find herself being held captive by Captain Tomas and Major Neritha. Each night the commander is trying to kill herself and wakens when she fails. Desperate, they seek the help of Magister Maddoc.

Death in the Forgotten Inn
Gideon Caine is searching for Danisa, the daughter of a friend. He finds her at an inn, with memory of neither him, nor her father. But Danisa is only bait for Caine.

Mightier than the Sword
Vanessa and Alan stop at a county antique shop. When Alan sees an old Farrington fountain pen, he knows that he would do anything to possess it.

Tempest in a Sewer
Lieutenant Grooms of the New York Pathogenic Department sends Ariel Tempest into the sewers to hunt a rogue vampire.

***** Here are various short stories by the multi-award winning author K.G. McAbee. It does not matter if you enjoy horror, fantasy, or science fiction. All three are here for your warped enjoyment. Readers will also be treated to find one illustration per story by the incredibly talented Nick Neocleous. (Dr. Who fans rejoice!) Happy endings, evil endings, and warped endings - you will never know which you are going to get in this collection. Perfect for Halloween or any stormy night, but only for those of us who enjoy twisted nightmares. *****

Author: Jody Wallace
Title - A Spell for Susannah

The Twelve Dancing Princesses was one of my favorite fairy tales growing up, and lately, thanks to Barbie, has begun receiving a wider audience. Now. Jody Wallace puts her own unique touch on the tale to make it into a humorous delight. After insulting, albeit without intention to do so, one of the fairies attending Princess Susannah's christening, the king and all his nobles find themselves cursed to never sire anything but girls. As the years go by, why this is a major problem becomes more and more obvious and burdensome. By the time of the story, Susannah is in her thirties, but has no hope of marrying, nor do her eleven younger sisters. While trying to find a way to break the curse, the girls discover a subterranean, magical land where enchanted princes drift through life. Soon, it becomes their almost nightly ritual to visit these men and dance for hours. Unfortunately, the guys are impotent, and just a bit dim, but they beat nothing. Since they are keeping their nocturnal activities secret, it is little wonder that their mother becomes concerned by not only their tiredness, but also by the rate at which they are wearing out shoes. Body guard after body guard is hired to discover what is going on, but thanks to Susannah's magic, they have no success. Then, Jon Tom applies for the job, and for the first time, Susannah fears the secret might be on the verge of coming to light. He also gets under her skin like no man, enchanted princes all included, ever has.

**** With a gentle humor that is akin to, but not as bald as Gregory Maguire's, Ms. Wallace sweeps us away to magical lands populated by witty women and somewhat clueless, for the most part, men that they love. It's an interesting place to visit, and I'd enjoy seeing how the other eleven girls find their way to romance. ****

Author: Green, Carter, Allison, Chapman
Title - Winter Wonders (Anthology)

**** If you are suffering burnout from the plethora of bad news, holiday let down, or just stress, pick this up. These four darling stories will refresh your soul. Only two are labeled inspirational, but all will be that if you are receptive. Snow Kissed by Cindy Green gives us two people finally realizing they are in love, just on the verge of it being too late, Smuggler of the Heart by JoAnn Carter has a young woman discovering her place in the world, thanks to prayers. Meg Allison gives us the classic story of strangers ringing in the new year and finding more. Muncy Chapman shows us that helping strangers brings rewards. All in all, this is a set to lighten your soul. ****

Author: Jacqui Wood
Title: Cliff Dreamers

Mia's life has always been hard, but she has always been content. Unknown to even herself, Mia has a relationship with the gods that most shamans spend all their lives praying to obtain. At the age of eleven Mia's life changed forever. Karn, the tribe's shaman who has noticed Mia's uniqueness, announced his claim on her. Mia was to become Karn's earth priestess and remain with him forever. Mia dreaded the thought, but she was powerless to stop her fate. When her friend Borg, a trader, offered to help her escape, Mia quickly agrees!

Mia becomes good friends with Kemit, Borg, and the trader crew. Mia takes to the life of a trader quickly. During the winter months, they narrowly escape a major disaster from a place that had previously been safe for the crew. But this is only the first of many adventures waiting for the crew.

Kemit soon announces that he once knew Mia's father. Mia had never known her father. Mia had grown up with her grandmother and had never been allowed to ask about the man. Mia's mother was deceased. So it comes as a total shock when Kemit informs Mia of her heritage. Mia must make one of the most important decisions of her life. Whatever path she ends up choosing will affect her forever, as well as the lives of her friends and future children.

Mia, Kemit, and Borg will go through many adventures together. As they travel, Mia must grow up quickly and try to figure out what her dreams are trying to tell her. She is aided for a brief time by a kind priestess, who teaches Mia all she must know in order to protect herself from dark magic and survive.

Once word gets out as to Mia heritage, there will be many people searching for her; people who will pay anything and kill anyone necessary to find her.

**** As I read this story I could not help but recall a book I had read long ago titled Sacajawea by Anna Waldo. Journeying with Mia is a lot like the journey I took with Sacajawea (in the Lewis and Clark expedition). I saw everything happen as it unfolded with Mia. The story is very engrossing and I enjoyed it thoroughly; however, there was no editing done in this book. Readers can't help but notice many spelling and punctuation errors. Yet, should you overlook this fact, I can honestly say that you will not wish to stop reading. Be warned that this book is close to five hundred pages in length. It covers Mia's eleventh and twelfth years of life. This is also only the first book in what may be a trilogy. Though Mia's entire story is not told, this book ends in a terrific spot. I can only hope that I will be lucky enough to read the second book when it is finally titled and released.

Author Jacqui Wood happens to be an Archaeologist. In fact, you may see her current dig HERE. It shows swan feather pits, which readers will see in this book. The author's experience in Archaeology shows too! As I traveled with Mia, I had no idea how much I was learning about preparing food in different ways. (The author even has a book on the subject HERE.) I found it fascinating. Anyone who enjoys history, or stories set so far back in time that the land had prior names, are encouraged to either download this ebook or get a printed copy! ****

Author: Pamela Thibodeaux
Title - Choices

Winning a contest with a prize of front row seats and a backstage pass to see Kip Allen, the hottest country star going, gives Camie a chance to reconnect with her first love. Though their reunion is joyful, it shows them both that while Kip's been changed in less than God honoring ways by his fame, Camie's heart has remained unconformed by the world. Yet, it is also clear that their love never died and everything depends upon the choices they will soon make.

**** Christians are called to live in the world, but not be of it, a seemingly impossible task. Books such as this illustrate how it is possible and rewarding. In a very brief space, what feels like an entire novel is played out in a fashion that will gladden your heart and help you live out your Christian walk. If you have ever loved and lost, but wished you could get one more chance, you will also be thrilled with this one. Though there are very few authors I can say have never let me down, this lady is certainly among those few. ****

Author: Pamela Thibodeaux
Title - Cathy's Angel

While on a morning run, Cathy's prayer of thanks is mingled with a plea for an angel. Instead, she gets a sprained ankle. Alone, and unable to figure out how to get home to her children, she is confounded until Jared shows up and finds himself cast as the Good Samaritan in her life. Though he really did not plan on getting involved with the attractive young widow and her four kids, he finds himself becoming part of their lives. Could Cathy's prayer have been answered in him?

***** Though this story will take you less than fifteen minutes to read, it will linger in your heart for some time to come. Cathy's poignant prayer could be considered a model one for the busy, rushed lives so many of us live, and the unexpected way in which God answers her will help readers see the truth in Romans 8:28 with new eyes. This is a joyful way to spend a mental break time and may be just what you need to get through the day when you feel overwhelmed. *****

Author: Rene Lyons
Title: The Awakening (Fantasy Romance)

War between two corrupt powers has ravaged the world, and only with difficulty has Riana held onto her family home since her father's death. Inevitably though, the castle falls to the might of Warrick, the Witch Queen's faithful servant, who takes her to his mistress. However, Riana finds herself baffled by the consideration her captor shows. Yet, that is nothing compared to the dismay they share when the vile woman announces that Riana is to be given to Warrick as his unwilling and unwanted bride. Though they are forced into the match, is it possible that the secrets the reluctantly matched lovers hold could forge a union capable of changing the world?

**** If you like epic fantasy but are short on time, then you've just discovered the perfect book. In a very brief, all too brief, actually, span of pages, Ms. Lyons builds a world and sets up a romance that leaves you wanting more. She even makes a pairing that I normally find distasteful, that between human and demon, work. I hope sincerely that there is more to the story, and soon. ****

Authors: Various
Title: Bad-Ass Faeries (Anthology)

Part One: Warrior Faeries

First story is "Bad-Ass Faeries" by Monica Richards. Unknown to the human developers, they are caught in the path of a war between the Red and White Faery clans.

Second story is "Cybernetic Assassin Faerie Hasballah" by Adam P. Knave. It is about an assassin and his Ogre target.

Third is "Make Love, Not War" by Lee C. Hillman. The Far-im and Brownies fight over a nesting grove site.

Fourth is "Heart of Vengeance" by Don C. Wilson. A Penn sociology professor comes face-to-face with a canotili.

Part Two: Outlaw Faeries

First story is "Ballad of the Seven Up Sprite" by Brian Kosciensik and Chris Pisano. An outlaw Faery stops in town for a drink and finds himself in a show down.

Second story is "Snow in July" by Jeff Lyman. A pixie village and some outcasts battle birds.

Third is "House Arrest" by Keith R.A. DeCandido. A house Faery is questioned when a member of the human family residing there dies.

Fourth is "A Pressing Problem" by Donald W. Schank. A mercenary is also a publisher and wants to publish a book made of pressed faeries.

Part Three: Wild Faeries

First story is "Hidden in the Folds" by Jesse Harris. In a far off sacred place, a weary ronin learns a hard lesson of dark magic.

Second story is "Pennidreadful" by Lorne Dixon. When a man accidentally kills his lover, he calls for help. But help comes in the form of a tiny magical creature who loves to commune with the dead.

Third is "On Oberon's Throne" by L. Jagi Lamplighter. Pretending to be kind, Puck begins war with the trolls and must make a deal with an arms dealer.

Fourth is "Sally Smiles" by James Chambers. Kids love their dolls, but what if the dolls worship the kids?

Part Four: Street Faeries

First is "The Faerie Queen of Lo Mein" by Vincent Collins. A little street faerie must battle a sewer rat for some left over Chinese food.

Second story is "Hollow Dreams" by Elaine Corvidae. A member of a street gang is a changeling. When his gang enters a house by the river for gin, the changeling just may be their only hope of ever leaving alive.

Third is "Wings of Soul" by R. Allen Leider. A Faery grants the wish of a young girl to stop a drug dealer in the area.

Fourth is "At the Crossroads" by Danielle Ackley-McPhail. Gavin and the Wind Walker go out to rescue their Faery friend.

Part Five: Faeries Noir

First story is "Down Those Mean Streets a Faerie Must Go" by John Sunseri. A Faery private investigator tries to find out why a Faery supposedly suicided.

Second story is "Endgame: A Tale of Terrorbelle" by Patrick Thomas. Ms. Terrorbelle hunts monsters; they have serious bit.

Third is "The Last Night of the Lazarus Brothers" by C.J. Henderson. A new drug is made from the bodies of faeries. Detective Morcey plans to get rid of it, with a little help from Rita of course.

**** Part Five does not have a fourth story. (Perhaps one story was dropped.) So here are nineteen Faery tales which in no way resemble the cute little faeries of our childhood. Some stories are written better than others, but all of them have a serious twist that I could not help but be fascinated by. A terrific anthology that I am proud to recommend! ****

Author: Pamela S. Thibodeaux
Title: The Inheritance

As she turns forty, Rebecca Sinclair feels the awful weight of her life pressing down on her soul. She has been a widow for a year, the kids are all out of the nest, and she just feels useless. The bright point of her days tends to happen when the mailman stops by. It's the highlight of Ray Jacobey's day as well. He is a kind, nice looking man who has been wandering through life without connecting with anyone, until now. When he reaches out to help ease the sadness in Rebecca's eyes, their lives begin to change. Romance blossoms, but they are both committed Christians, even if Rebecca has spent little time in church. So, their desire may run hot, but it must be constrained. There are other challenges as they each face their pasts and look toward the future. Old hurts, bitterness, and sins uncovered will have to be handled with care and honesty, but through it all, the truth of God's plan for this couple endures.

***** Some people may be shocked to read an inspirational romance that is so honest. However, the best response is to cheer its frankness, not just in areas of sexuality, but in the grief process and in how Christians can feel anger and hold grudges. Ms. Thibodeaux writes with a refreshing reality that can truly speak to the heart in a way most inspirational books fail to. Remember, the Bible is very open and honest about all the matters of life, so I wish more writers would follow her example and be equally blunt. There is no crassness here, just the truth. *****

Author: Various
Title: Tales From the Treasure Trove, Vol. 3
(a Jewels of the Quill anthology)

The Turquoise Talisman by Jane Toombs
Ella Rose is the last of her family line. Ella inherits a dagger with a turquiose hilt from her Great-Uncle Thistle. The day her inheritance arrives in the mail, Ella learns that she has also inherited a djinn guardian. Ella is the new Keeper of the Talisman (dagger) and Talal is her Guardian djinn. Good thing Ella has magical help, because a demon is headed her way.

The Tanzanite Curse by C.J. Winters
Set in Branson, Missouri. The story opens up in October 1985. Bethany Appleton purchases a huge tanzanite as an investment. Novelist Archie Canther and his assistant, Drew Ferris, interview Bethany for research on an upcoming book about cursed stones. Bethany and Drew find themselves attracted to each other. After only a single night spent together, Drew is murdered. His killer is never caught. Could Drew have been right in his talks about past lives together? Would they ever meet again?

Princess Sapphire by Nancy Pirri
Set in 1880 on a ranch in Montana. Laura Woodbury is twenty-one years old and does not believe she needs a guardian. But her father's will made Matthew Black her guardian anyway. Matthew seems to be a "jailer" to her at first. But time may just change her mind.

Mrs. Claus & the Moonstone Murder by Christine DeSmet
Lily Schuster has been a county deputy in Moonstone, Wisconsin, for only two days when her world goes crazy. Her first call of the day is about Marcus Linden, a trespasser digging for ancient beaver bones in the middle of Tootsie Winters's chicken coop area. Before Lily can settle it, the second call comes in. Old Ruth Mueller and young Felicity Starr fight (LOUDLY) over eighty-four year old Henri LeBarron. The women agree to a bakeoff contest to decide which will date Henri. And just in case Lily does not already have her hands full enough with her brother and these two problems, let's add a murder to the mix.

Bloodstone Legacy by Cassie Walder
Lucian is a green dragon from the planet Sauria. He has been sent by the Elders to the planet Heita to find the some much needed Bloodstone and return with it. His race search Heita long ago. A few of his people remained on Heita and blended in with the locals to live. Those of his people became called Kindred. The Elders informed Lucian that should he locate any Kindred on Heita, he is to bring them back with him as well; whether they are willing or not. So when Lucian meets Mina, a Priestess of Light, and helps her fight off the Creatures of the Dark, he is positive she is Kindred. However, Mina does not know it. Does Lucian have the right to force Mina to leaver her own people?

Revenge in Amethyst by Karen Wiesner
Melina Rose is known as New York's Dr. Mindy Rose, famous sex therapist and bestselling self-help author. She left her career to move back to Amethyst, Wisconsin. Melina wants nothing more than to settle down in her small home town, marry Scott Romero, and raise a family. But her where-abouts has leaked to the media. Some of Melina's former clients feel abandoned. And one, in particular, is potentially dangerous.

Garnet Nights by Liz Hunter
Sadie Carlisle has been treated as a pariah ever since Walt, her husband, embezzled half a million dollars and then disappeared over a month ago. For the sake of her two small daughters, Sadie has to remain strong. If Samuel Barrinton, her FBI friend, had not shown up to help, Sadie does not know what she would have done.

*** A collection of seven tales, spanning several genre styles, that will surely tantalize your imagination to no end. If you read Vol. I and Vol. II, then you will be familiar with the series these stories come from. Yes, these are stand alone tales; however, be warned that at least one story leaves off with the dreaded "To Be Continued" message. Even so, you do not need to read the two previous anthology novels to thoroughly enjoy yourself. Sometimes "To Be Continued" is not so bad after all, IMHO. A delightful treat for a rainy afternoon. ***

Author: Various
Title: Whiskey Shots VI

Unexpected love finds Lani when she encounters a handsome man on a film set in Corfu, forcing her to make a choice in Press Pass: Corfu. Surprises are still the ticket, but it's in how an old love is rekindled that the wonder lies in Mining Oatman. An older couple discovers a treasure when guided by what might or might not be the spirit of a starlet. They find that the best treasure of all is each other.

*** This little duology covers a spectrum of love shades, from new to old. Especially charming was the latter story, because it came across as being something very true to life. ***

Author: Cindy Green
Title: The Spirit of Christmas

Kat Graham's Christmas spirit is on a par with Scrooge's, but her co-worker/writing partner, Nick Pringle, decides that will not do. He therefore begins leaving gifts for her on the twelve days before Christmas, and is rewarded by her returning joy, but soon he finds that like undercover heroes of greater fame, he has to be jealous of himself as Kat falls for her Secret Santa.

**** Although this is a holiday themed story, it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Kat's dilema is one that will strike a chord with far too many of us who need to vicariously rediscover the joy in life throughout the seasons. This sweet, heartwarming romance is a gift for any occasion. ****

Author: Various
Title: Tales From the Treasure Trove, Vol. II
(Second "Jewels of the Quill" anthology)

Garnet Lake by Liz Hunter is a romantic suspense. LeeAnn Armstrong has lost her job of twelve years, her fiancé, and her beloved grandmother. She goes to the cabin her grandmother left her in Northern Wisconsin on Garnet Lake. LeeAnn's memories of summers spent growing up there would sooth her shattered soul. Former cop Mike Hastings is there too at his parents' home. His wife and two children are dead and he has sent the person responsible to prison. Mike and LeeAnn were close long ago and the two find themselves still drawn to each other.

The Turquoise Cat by Jane Tooms is a paranormal romance. Olivia Sumner unexpectedly inherits her great-aunt's old mansion on Lake Superior and a cat named Mask. In the attic Olivia finds a strange medallion and a turquoise curio of a creature half human/cougar. At the same time, Raoul DeKalb, a DNR officer, is trying to locate a cougar people claim is roaming the area. Lately, Raoul has been having black outs. When he comes to, he finds himself naked and wondering what happened. If Raoul ever told anyone what he believes is happening, they would lock him up and throw away the key.

For the Love of Sapphire by Nancy Pirri is an American historical romance. Spinster school teacher Sapphire Jameson learns that her brother, George, has wagered away his inheritance and is begging for her help. Sapphire learns that George owns a lot of money to Patrick Falconer, the man she was once betrothed to. Sapphire had broken their engagement years ago due to gossip of his betrayal. Patrick is now a widower with twin five-year-old boys. They strike a deal; Sapphire is to be the nanny for three months to pay off George's debt. During that time, Patrick will try to find a new governess since the boys keep running off every one he hires. However, Patrick also plans to win his way back into Sapphire's heart.

The Amethyst Star by Karen Wiesner is a futuristic romance. Thirty years ago, the men and women of Earth went off to fight in Intergalactic War I, which forever altered their world due to all the pollution. Herbivores have all but disappeared. Carnivores have flourished. Man returned to Earth and found humankind on the brink of extinction. Help comes from two other worlds. The Patrollers are a breed of aliens with ESP and the ability to camouflage themselves and their charges in any situation. They become the protectors of the humans. The Hunters have strength, speed and instincts, allowing them to track and destroy the elusive and clever carnivores that have become the dominant species. The human males greatly outnumber the human females who are the last chance for the human race to survive. Lady Sher of the Amethyst Star is humankind's best hope. She understands her duty to her race, yet she drawn to Randolf, a Hunter, which is forbidden.

Heart of Obsidian by Michele Bardsley is a paranormal romance. It is part of the "Angels on Patrol" series. Sophie Malley's body is in the hospital, in a coma. Mac, her trainer in becoming an angel, gives her one year, as an angel, to help her brother and sister find their soulmates. In the previous anthology, Sophie helped her brother find his. This time, Sophie will help her sister do the same.

Misbehavin' in Moonstone by Christine DeSmet is a humorous romantic mystery. Chef Kirsten Peplinski has opened her restaurant in Moonstone, Wisconsin. When the men of the town suddenly seem to be "off fishing" every night instead of being with their women or spending their money in her restaurant, Kirsten knows something is up. She discovers a topless touring boat has set up business just outside the jurisdiction of Moonstone. When the news hits the papers, the mayor has a mild heart attack. The women are furious and Kirsten becomes the reluctant interim mayor sent to negotiate with the boat's owner, Jonathon VanBrocklin. But when Kirsten steps aboard she finds Jonathon waiting for her with a deal. She marries him, he docks the boat forever. And he refuses to take no for an answer. In fact, he already had the wedding planned before she ever met him! But Kirsten comes from a family of con artists. She returns to town and has the women help her teach the men, especially Jonathon VanBrocklin, a lesson they will never forget!

***** This anthology is even better than the first Treasure Trove volume, if that is possible! Six famous authors have put together six fabulous stories that readers will never forget! Here is Romance in all its wild and crazy forms, be they set in the past, present, or future. (The wind whispered in my ear that a third volume is due for release early 2007. I can hardly wait!) If you miss out on this novel, then you miss out on one of the best anthologies of the entire year. *****

Author: Amy Wolff Sorter
Title: Servant of the Gods

Devorah b'Shiriis a Canaanite. She is a priestess of Anat. All her life Devorah knew that she would take a major role in the Festival Rites of Baal and Anat. Yet shortly before that fateful date, Devorah began having nightmares about the Rite. She knew that Sivah, whom she had known since childhood, was to play the part of Baal and take her virginity during the Rite. But in the nightmare, Devorah foresaw her death at Sivah's hand during the Rite. Devorah had no doubt that she was going to die. Worse, she overhears her own mother telling another that Devorah's sacrifice during the Rite would be fine by her. On the eve before the Rite, Sivah tries to rape Deborah. She severely wounds him. She would have killed him if someone else had not entered at that moment.

Aryeh ben Abinoam "Ari" is a Mosesite. He is Devorah's cousin. He is destined to take over the clan upon the death of his father. However, Ari's desire is to fight on behalf of the Mosesites - The Confederation. It is Ari's entrance that kept Devorah from slaying Sivah. Ari and Devorah have been attracted to each other since they met days before. She gives herself willingly to Ari. This means she is no longer fit for the Rite. Devorah and Ari flee, only hours before dawn. Fearing that being together would lead only to their deaths at the hands of the Shechemites, Devorah left one night as Ari slept.

Gildon ben Hadriel "Gil", one of the tribes of the Ephraimites, is a simple metalworker and trader. His traveling clan found Devorah unconscious by a river. They harbored her, even knowing that she was a Canaanite. Gildon is convinced that God "Yahweh" has plans for the young woman. He is so right! Yahweh sent her the nightmares, protected her from Baal/Sivah, helped her escape and to find her way to Gil's clan. Yahweh decreed that Devorah, a former follower of the Baal's consort, shall be His proof that He is the protector, not Baal. Devorah is to be His messenger. His Laws must be upheld for survival of The Confederation, for survival of the tribes He deemed fit to bring out of Egypt, away from slavery.

This is Devorah's tale!

***** Whether you are religious or not, this powerful tale will speak to you. This novel is based on Judges, Chapter four and five in the Bible. (Mostly on Deborah's Song.) However, this is NOT a religious work. This is a work of fiction. Even knowing this, I was amazed at the emotion and power that author Amy Wolff Sorter was able to weave into the tale. No matter who you are, you will not be the same after reading this masterpiece. Outstanding!*****

Author: Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Title: Desire's Sirocco (Dark Fantasy Erotica)

Jameela Anthus was purchased for the Conclave. The Master Trainer, Dagan Kiel, instructed her on how to give pleasure to men. Once completed, Jameela would be placed before the Conclave until claimed by one of the "Brothers". The man who claims her may share her with other Brothers, should he so desire. But if the Grand Master happens to claim her, no other would ever be allowed to touch her. During all her training, Jameela falls in love with Dagan. Dagan develops deep feelings for her as well. Yet, Dagan had long ago been castrated, by order of his father, so that he could serve the Grand Master by training the future "Her Grace".

The Grand Master does indeed choose Jameela for his bride. He also knows about the love Jameela and Dagan share. He even approves of it. Thus His Grace devises a plan that should please all three of them. Even the Tribunal Brothers agree with His Grace's idea.

Prince Sekhem's keep is called Gaoth and sits on the eastern border. His raiding causes Dagan and his men to retaliate. What Dagan does not know is that Lady Neith plans to have him in her bed. She wants to have a child by Dagan. And with her dark powers, she could very well make it happen. But first, she must capture him and turn him into a blood drinker.

***** Be warned that this is a DARK Fantasy Erotica. The love scenes leave nothing to the imagination. Dark Fantasy is something that author Charlotte Boyett-Compo excels at. Now she has taken her dark ability and mixed it with erotica romance. The combination makes for a powerful and potent story that readers will not be unable to resist. Out of all the eroticas I have read from this author, this book is probably my favorite. Excellent! *****

Author: Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Title: Rapture's Etesian (Erotica Fantasy)

Captain Leksi Helios of the Venturian Guard was captured by five Amazeens and used well. Galatea hoped Leksi would snare the interest of her niece, Kynthia "Kynni". Instead, upon finding the man spread out for her, Kynni released him, hoping to never lay eyes on him again. If Leksi had not stolen her horse as he left, that may have been the end of it.

Kynthia is a Reaper. She changes into wolf form, called Transition, and often runs with a pack. Leksi learns this secret, but is not repulsed. Quite the opposite, and they end up pledged. But this must be delayed due to an impending border war.

Kynthia and Galatea go to gather the forces of the Amazeens and the Daughters of the Night. Blood thirsty Princess Lilit and Flavia Panasriste may become major problems. Not wanting to help the Venturians, but unable to go against her queen, Flavia makes sure the Nebullians find out about the planned invasion. The Nebullians would not kill those they caught; they would torture them well.

**** I warn all that this is an erotica book. It is not "hard core", but nothing in the love scenes is left to the imagination and mild-to-harsh language is used. That said, I take great delight in recommending this story to all who enjoy tales of Amazon women, Red Sonja, and Conan the Barbarian. Of course, the setting is not on Earth. Shape shifters are not the only beings on the world either. Vampyres and goddesses have parts in the tale. Author Charlotte Boyett-Compo uses her poisonous pen to entice her readers into letting go of their physical boundaries and embrace the darker side. Fantastic! ****

Author: P.G. Forte
Title: Touch Of A Vanished Hand
(Bk 5 in Oberon series)

Sinead Quinn is the black sheep of the Quinn clan. She has traveled widely and done many things she ended up regretting. One of those regretful things had been to marry Tommy. Sinead was smart enough to divorce him, but she is finding it difficult to get rid of him. Tommy used to be a cop, so she can't expect help from the police. Now Tommy finds delight in being a con man. He keeps track of Sinead and blackmails her for money. She should have known that he'd be watching her family in Oberon, California, waiting for her to show up.

Adam Sasso has finally gotten control of the family land and business. It took a lot of time and money ... and some sneakiness ... considering how determined his cruel grandfather had been to make sure Adam never inherited it. But Adam is finally where he belongs and with his rightful inheritance. Now Adam is ready to find his soul mate. Using his magic, he begins his summoning. When Sinead shows up, he is ready for her. But Sinead is NOT ready for him.

***** An excellent addition to the Oberon series! This one has lots of tension and suspense. I could not help but wish for more magic, but everything is extremely well done. The author lets readers see glimpses of the relationships involving those close to Sinead's heart (such as her sisters), but not too much that would ruin the stories of the others. Recommended reading! *****

Author: P.G. Forte
Title: The Spirit Of The Place
(Bk 6 in Oberon series)

Marsha Quinn may be psychic, but she is unable to tell her own future. The one person she trusts to read the future for her, Celeste, is dead. In three weeks, Marsha will be walking down the aisle to marry Sam Sterling and pre-wedding jitters are making themselves known. Marsha loves Sam with all her being, but worries, as all good parents do, about how her children will handle it. Seems the boys, Frank and Jesse, are not having any trouble at all. They approve of Sam and already feel close to him. However, the daughter, nineteen-years old (for another month anyway) Jasmine, is not as happy.

Jazz wants nothing more than to break up her mother and Sam. If her life has taught her nothing else, it has taught her that men are unable to be trusted. Once the man gets what he wants he walks away, leaving the woman broken hearted. Jasmine refuses to see her mother hurt again. So Jazz turns to Brandon for help in stopping the wedding. Problem is that Brandon causes her head to become cloudy. It is hard to focus on what needs to be done, when she is too busy needing what the man could make her feel just by kissing her.

Brandon Ablemarle is the assistant to Sam. Brandon believes Sam, an ex-Wall Street guru, to be a genius. In fact, Sam already has two books out in print. Now book three is about to go to the publisher. Problem is that since Sam met Marsha and fallen for her fake psychic act, his recent manuscript is all nonsense. If the book is released to the public Sam will become a laughing stock and Brandon's career will go down the drain before it ever has a chance to begin. If Brandon and Jasmine can stop the wedding and help Sam see Marsha for the phony she is, perhaps Sam will come to his senses.

Sam Sterling wants nothing more than Marsha's happiness. Frank and Jesse seem to instinctively know this, but Jasmine is a problem. No matter how hard he tries to understand her or get through to her, Jasmine rebels. Brandon is another problem. Sam is not sure what is going on between his assistant and Jasmine, but if things become rough Sam will not hesitate to fire Brandon.

**** This story is set in December, modern day. It is book six of a series, but you do not need to read the previous books to fully understand what is going on in THIS one. Each novel is a story in and by itself. Even though Marsha is psychic, do not go assuming (like I did) that this is a supernatural romance. No, this story is more than that. In fact, Marsha's psychic ability is a very minor part of the story. Ana/Celeste comes forth to let Marsha know that she will be visited by three spirits, sort of like the old tale of "A Christmas Carol". These visits not only help Marsha understand the people she loves, but also gives the reader a few things to think about. (You may find a moral or two as well.) All-in-all, I found this to be a delightful story, perfect for the Christmas season. Recommended reading! ****

Author: Rae Morgan
Title: Enchantress (Erotica)

Eric Thorsson Ward, CEO of Thor, Inc., is one of the richest men in America. Though is a well known corporate raider, he used to be in the Special Forces, and he uses many of the skills taught to him in the military in his current position. Eric did not need any woman trying to tie him down, so he paid well for a mistress. However, after a background check on his most recent mistress, Eric paid her off and cut her loose. Eric stops at Morelli's Bar and Grill for a drink and to call a taxi. That is where he laid eyes on Gina Morelli. From the bartender, Eric learns that Gina is the baby sister of the bar's owner, Dean. He also learns that she is hard hitting corporate lawyer. So Eric begins making plans.

After nine months of negotiating the contract between the companies of Eric Thorsson Ward and Osbourne Carruthers, Gina has high hopes of sealing the deal and taking a much deserved vacation. "Ozzie" made her skin crawl and she was tired of telling him to get lost. Hopefully, this would be the last time she ever had to see the swine. What Gina never expected though was to finally meet Eric Ward after dealing with only his aide and secretary. Yeah, the guy is a hunk, but a more alpha-male, take charge, guy she has never met. When he all but flat out said she belonged to him, Gina told him exactly where he could go, quit as his company's lawyer, and left. But later that night she finds her brother, Dean, dying in his bar from a gunshot to the back. Eric shows up with the police and Gina is vulnerable enough from shock to allow his help. Then the threatening phone calls begin.

It does not take long for Gina to realize that she needs Eric's help. But would accepting his help mean giving in?

**** Okay, here is my warning that this is an "erotica". That means exactly what it sounds like. No one under 17 should read this novella length book. Previously this story was part of the anthology titled "Business Or Pleasure". Yes, this tale does have a plot and it is very believable. There are two very steamy love scenes and a few hot teasers. If you enjoy Erotica Romances, this is definitely one to consider reading. Once you get past Eric's high handedness, you cannot help but like him. Eric and Gina are very intelligent characters. I hope to see them as secondary characters in future stories by this author. Now, if only "Petey" would get his story told in a full length novel! ****

Author: Various
Title: Tales From The Treasure Trove:
Jewels Of The Quill Anthology, Vol. I

Twelve stories from twelve talented authors. There are stories with restless spirits reincarnated, suspense, and romance. If you like historical romances, no problem. If you like modern contemporary, it's in here. Want a bit of magic? This book will deliver. No matter what type of romance you prefer, chances are that you will find it within this anthology.

**** As I finished reading I found myself wanting more. So I visited the web site HERE to see if "Vol. II" would be forthcoming. YES! The next volume is due September 2006, exactly one date from the release date of the first volume. I can only hope that this will be an annual collection with many years of releases.

Many, if not all, of the authors have several novels already in print. So do not think you will be reading second rate stories. For example, I, personally, have several books (Gothic Romances) on my shelf by author Jane Toombs. So my advise is to get Volume One quickly. It may become a Collector's Item someday. ****

Author: Various
Title: Bewitched, Bothered, and Bevampyred

Welcome to Brokenoggin Falls, Michigan. It is the only little town in the world that warns travelers to remain in their locked vehicles at all times, with the windows up, and to NEVER pick up strangers because ALL the locals ARE strange and NEVER harmless.

Everyone that lives in Brokenoggin Falls has some sort of magical talent, curse, or whatever within or on them. Some residents are “were” (werewolves, werepanthers, etc.) and many are witches, but often other types of residents may be seen. There is a vampyre with a stake sticking out of his chest and back, dragons, griffins, repented demons, sub-demons, trolls, living skeletons (if they get out of AnnMarie’s closet), a centaur, succubus, wyverns, garden gnomes … oh, just a bit of everything. Except Slayers, of course. Brokenoggin Falls is off limits to Slayers.

**** Twenty authors got together to create this preternatural soap opera. This is NOT an anthology. The authors obviously did some hilarious brainstorming sessions before any of them began writing. They had to think up the residents and give them appropriate names, such as Sabrina and Tabitha Wartly, bestow humiliating powers or curses on them, and then give each character a surprising twist somehow. Once the authors began writing they HAD to keep in close contact with each other because all the locals interact with each other. I stress to you again that this is like a soap opera. A lot of bed scenes, some hot, some not. An awesome novel by some of today’s outstanding authors!

100% of the advances, royalties and profits from the sale of this eBook will go to the International Red Cross to aid the victims of international disasters like the Christmas 2004 tsunami and subsequent earthquakes. ****

Author: Various
Title: Bewitched, Bothered, and Bevampyred

How often can you have fun and benefit charity? That is a strictly rhetorical question. The only thing that matters is that however often you can do so, now you have another opportunity, as this diverse group of well loved authors unites to create a sexy and fun cross between Passions, Dark Shadows, and Desperate Housewives all to benefit victims of diseasters and incidentally, those lucky enough to read it.

*** Therefore, I invite you to take a short trip to Brokenoggin, a magical town where pretty much anything can happen, and likely will, unless it is something mundane. Just be careful and obey the rules and whatever you do, don't make the residents mad. They have very creative ideas about revenge. Love can find and match up even the most diverse of couples in Brokenoggin. However, as in reality, happy endings are not guaranteed, but even if they don't occur, paying back the one who did you wrong can be fun. If you get in a jam, just scream, help will come. Whether your taste runs to weres, vamps, witches (spelled however you wish), dragons, gnomes, fey, or something else, you will find them in Brokenoggin. ***

Author: Melissa Schroeder
Title - Lost In Emotion (Federation CTD / Erotica)

David Adams is an agent for the Counter-Terrorism unit of the Federation of Nations. He also has empathic abilities, but has kept that hidden from most for fear of being sent to a lab somewhere. His boss (and brother-in-law), Marcus Carlyle, sends him out to look for their missing spy, Genoa. She has not checked in and went silent after announcing that she was on to something big. After six months, David finally finds her in a seedy Rilahlian bar surrounded by Gorgon mercs. She does NOT seem happy to be with the mercs either. His first impression of Genoa is the overwhelming feeling of terror. Yet even though she is scared, it does not show on her face. She keeps her cool. David's second impression is her beauty and his body's reaction toward her. David has never felt such over powering feelings toward or from a woman before this one. Once he gets her away from the Gorgons, he must get her to Marcus...alive. Hard to do when there is a huge price on her head.

Genoa wants nothing more than to transmit her information to Marcus and then disappear for a good long while. She has made way too many enemies. If any of them find out about the information she carries or that she is a spy, she is dead. She is grateful when David rescues her from the Gorgons. However, she is mad at herself for the hot feelings the arrogant human makes her unwillingly feel. He is pig headed and too Alpha for her. Besides, if he found out her heritage, he would be repelled. Genoa wants to know what it is like to the focus of such a man in bed for as long as possible. Once she gives Marcus her report, she will never see him again.

***** No one under age should read this book. This is a work of Erotica! Now that the warning is out of the way, this novel is awesome! Reading this book is like watching Han Solo (or any other space ranger) on a mission. Besides the smoldering bed scenes, there are bounty hunters after them, back stabbers aplenty, and some pretty fancy space piloting! It is a stand alone story; however, the author has what seems to be a series shaping up for this future universe. Do not begin reading this space opera tale until you have plenty of time, because you will not want to stop reading. And make sure your lover is near by. Highly recommended! *****

Author: Madeleine Oh
Title - Bedtime Stories (Erotic Anthology)

"Pastoral": Abbie expects to meet up with Rob at his pub. Instead she gets a green surprise.

"At Long Last": Jasmine, an author, accepted an invitation to visit Scotland by one of her readers, Emily. But Emily's husband and Jasmine had met before. Jasmine wanted revenge and Emily would help her get it.

"Leather Love": Jean-Luc presents Annie with an utterly sinful present.

"Our Women Know What To Do": Leyla and Yildiz show the main character how to shave.

"The Bondage Bed": When her aunt dies Marie inherits a bed that was made for lovers.

"A String Of Pearls": Robert gives his wife an anniversary present of six large, exotic, pearls.

"The Kiss Of The Blade": Alicia agrees to let Pete shave her.

"Ready": Annie gets ready to meet with her lover, Jean-Luc.

*** Be warned, no one under eighteen should read these. Eight erotic stories from author Madeleine Oh. Not all are one man and one woman either. Anything goes in these tales. ***

Author: Various
Title - The Sorrow
(Anthology based on upcoming comic release)

Long ago a tear from God’s son fell to the ground. Instead of being absorbed, the sad teardrop kept going. For centuries, the divine droplet flowed with the waves and fell from the sky as rain. Through it all, the crystal drop kept growing in size and shape, power and passion. Now it has evolved into a watery form that easily shifts from one form to another … and it wields a deadly scythe blade made of Heaven’s gold. His is THE SORROW!

”The Sorrow” is currently in the process of becoming a full-fledged comic book, “Sorrow #0”. Three stories have already been chosen and some tireless people are working to beat a dead line. If you enjoy comics (like myself), you will be seeing this in comic form in the not too distant future. Even if you do not read comics, this anthology will hook you quickly. No pictures here. This is an actual novel.

I found this to be an outstanding collection of stories about “The Sorrow”. He fights for the children who cannot fight for themselves. To quote from the book:

Author: Janet Elaine Smith
Title - A Christmas Dream
(Christmas Romance)

Susan Quincey had lost her husband, Mark, in Desert Storm. But Susan still had a part of Mark, in Jeremy. Jeremy is almost four-years-old and is the spitting image of the dad he never knew. The two live in Duluth, Minnesota, far away from any relatives. So they are alone and the weather is icy cold as Christmas draws near. The weather is just one more reason Susan cares nothing for the holiday season.

When her car battery dies after work, her boss, Kevin Dockter, helps charge it up and then follows her home. Soon Kevin finds himself falling in love with Jeremy, as well as, Susan.

***** This one is the PERFECT reading material for those chilly afternoons in early December. Make some hot cocoa, wrap up in a blanket in front of a fire, and read some hours away. This Christmas story will warm your heart and make you believe in miracles. You may want to keep that tissue box handy. There are some very touching moments and the ending is ... well ... perfect. *****

Author: Angela Hunt
Title - Pearl (Inspriational)

It should have been a good day for radio therapist Dr Diana Sheldon. Her words helped save a man's life, but even as she saves one, another is lost. In one terrible moment, her beloved son is killed, and her world shattered. The weeks that follow are pure Hell for the entire family, and when a ray of light and hope comes, it's impossible to tell if it's a lighthouse glowing or the flames of Hades.

A foreign doctor offers Diana the chance to have her child back, but at what price? Her marriage? Her career? Her soul? At the moment, it doesn't matter to her. Blinded by the hope, Diana can not see all she is risking until the truth slaps her in the head.

**** Unlike a recent movie with a similiar theme, "Pearl" is not a horror story. It is a story that touches everyone who has ever lost someone they love. While Diana's actions are shocking to most Christians, they are understandable and even sympathetic. As science advances, fiction writers who raise these timely issues in a non threatening way are a blessing, giving readers a chance to think about what could be before it is. ****

Author: Erica DeQuaya
Title - Power Play (Erotica)

Kristen DuChein, dubbed the Ice Angel, was a former Olympian Gold Medalist from 1998. She became the general manager for the North Texas Panthers. However, her deceased husband, Martin, had all but ruined the hockey team. In the last couple of years he caused much scandal and ran the team's name in the mud. Kristen loved the team as much as her father had when he was head of the team long ago. Kristen was determined to bring the team back to glory and win the Emerald Cup. Problem was lack of funds. The team was close to folding and no bank would risk a loan. In desperation, Kristen went to her late husband's archenemy.

Brian Corrigan was owner of the Dallas Blaze, a major league hockey team. He planned to fold the Panthers, after all he owns controlling interest in the team. However, Brian also wanted revenge! Martin caused Brian to have an on-ice accident eighteen years ago which ruined his hockey career. Unable to seek revenge on Martin, he decided to get it from the widow. Brian forced Kristen into a business proposition. They would marry and the Panthers would not fold for one more season. Brian would use her famous name for advertising and Kristen would have access to the Blaze's resources. She must attend various social functions with him as his trophy wife. If the Panthers win the Emerald Cup, the marriage would be annulled and she would get to be 100% owner and general manager of the team. If the Panthers lose, the team folds and she must remain his wife for the foreseeable future. From the moment they wed, Kristen must do whatever Brian says, wear (or not wear) whatever Brian tells her, and be prepared for humiliation over and over.

**** This is an extremely hot and erotic romance. Be warned that there are long "bedroom scenes" that go into detail. He is the "Dom" and she is the "Sub". If you do not know what I mean by that, then this book is NOT for you. In fact, I stress that no one under 18 years of age should read it at all. Now that I have given you all the warnings I feel I must when I review Eroticas, let me say that this is a fascinating story! Never thought I would ever see the game of hockey in a romance book, but here it is! The author, Erica DeQuaya, did a wonderful job in writing the story in such a way that I could not help but feel humiliated FOR the heroine. I highly recommend it to fans of this genre, but make sure your husband, boyfriend, or whoever is close by. You'll be need him! ****

Author: Various Authors
Title - Ain't Your Mama's Bedtime Stories
(Erotica Anthology)

Here are seven stories that some talented authors upgraded from "childhood" tales to "adult only" tales! The titles and authors below are listed in the order they appear in the book.

(1) "R.A. Punzel Lets Down Her Hair" by Dee S. Knight.
(2) "Beauty Or The Bitch" by Jasmine Haynes.
(3) "Snow White And The Seven Dorks" by Dakota Cassidy.
(4) "Little Red, The Wolf And The Hunter" by Leigh Wyndfield.
(5) "Once Upon A Princess" by Rae Morgan.
(6) "Petra And The Werewolf" by Sydney Morgann.
(7) "Peter's Touch" by Vanessa Hart.

***** No reader under 18 years of age for this one! When I say that this is Erotica, this is exactly what I mean! After this book, I will never be able to think of those childhood stories again without blushing! Whether you consider this one to be "Rated R" or "Rated X", you can be sure that when things get hot between the hero and heroine the chapter will neither discretely end, nor the bedroom door gently shut in your face.

Each tale is written very well and detailed. (Pun intended.) For full effect, only read one per night. You will have a week of steamy dreams. Enjoy! *****

Author:Julia Ann Charpentier
Title - Summer Solstice (Romance Anthology)

*** Thirty stories in all. The author seems to be infatuated with dead rock stars and mourning fans, Valentino, love-at-first-sight, and ghosts. Each story is about five pages long. Some end wonderfully, some awful and depressing, and some just leave you wondering.

My advice is not to read this book in one sitting. It has a better impact to the reader if only two or three stories are read at each sitting. A good, light read. ***

Author:Barri Bryan
Title - Brush Country: A Collection Of Western Poetry

***** This is a terrific collection of poetry with a western flavor. There are eighty-one poems in all.

Some touch upon the wildness and harshness of the wild, such as "Brush Country" and "Hide & Seek" ...

Some touch upon nature, such as "Wild Flowers" and "Rebirth" ...

Quite a few are filled with humor, such as "Midwife" and "Jake" ...

But most of these will make the reader picture the Wild West and the towns of long ago, such as "Simon and Seth" and "Sam". Highly recommended for all fans of poetry, western novels, or historical romance novels. *****

Ruth Swayze: title - Kaleidoscope: A Collection of Small Stories (Anthology)

**** This is ten short stories of various types. Some I could label as Sci-Fi, others Young Adult, and two even made me think about thrillers by Mary Higgins-Clark.

Like Gothic books of old, I never knew if the story would have a happy ending or not. However, all the stories did have ONE thing in common. Every ending had a twist!

By the end of the third story I thought to myself that those three would have made very interesting episodes on "The Twilight Zone" or "The Outer Limits". Other endings had me wondering about the sanity of the author. They left me feeling uneasy, which clearly shows writing talent! BRAVA! ****

Various Authors: title - Pleasure Of The Heart & Other Stories (Anthology)

***** Now here are thirteen stories that I can highly recommend to one and all! It would be impossible for me to give a synopsis of each. However, I can say that I was delighted to read about an off planet research facility that comes into contact with an alien and about how playing a D&D role game saved someone's life for real. In fact, they were my two personal favorites! Yet I also read about a drug bust, fairies, vampires, and a helpful ghost.

I began the book thinking I would read just one or two as I drifted off to sleep. Instead, I made the mistake of thinking "Oh, I'll just read the first paragraph of the next story and see what it will be about. I won't read it tonight though." Needless to say, I read the entire novel before I allowed sleep to overcome me. Available in print or electronic form! Highly recommended! *****

Elizabeth Delisi: title - Mirror Images (Anthology)

***** A collection of short stories by author Elizabeth Delisi. The very first story is titled the same as the entire anthology, Mirror Images. I cannot honestly say which I liked the most! All through the first, I thought This is excellent. They must have placed this one first to hook the readers. Then I read the second story. Woops! There went THAT theory!

It is much like watching "Tales From The Crypt" or "The Twilight Zone". Each are awesome and pull you in quickly, but a bizarre twists will shock your system! A KEEPER! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! *****

Denise Dietz, Linda Colwell, Colleen Gleason, Sally Painter, and Kelley Pounds: title - Journeys Of The Heart (Anthology)

**** This is a collection of five preludes to books within Avid Press. You can read each as just a short Historical Romance story, or you can locate the book(s) in which you would like to read even more.

Four of the five spend most of the story in America. The last story does not say, but seems to be set in London. Between the covers is something for everyone, Regency, Western, and Native American. All are packed to the brim with love and danger. Excellent stories! Recommended! ****

Kathy Carmichael: Title - Angel Be Good (Romance / Christmas Seasonal)

When the Angelic Council made a slight error and took Daphne before her time to die, she demanded to be sent back to Earth to complete her life. She wanted to know what it felt like to fall in love and have children. Problem was she could not return to her own body. An angel named Leonard was to help Daphne choose a new body from those who were due to die soon. Until then, the Council wanted to ask a favor.

Nathaniel Danvers was the CEO of Danvers And Son. He was the ultimate Mr. Scrooge! Daphne had one night, Christmas Eve, to help Nathaniel change his ways.

**** Much like "A Christmas Carol" except with a very modern day twist! This story will definitely put its readers into the holiday spirit! In fact, Kathy Carmichael is offering this entire ebook as a free download from her web page! If you like it, please pledge a donation on her site to help animals. Recommended reading! ****

Ann Robinson: Backward Glances (Children / Ages 5 - 10 yrs)

**** Author Ann Robinson glances back to the childhood days during the Depression. It is filled with many drawing for the children to look at while they, or one of their parents, read each charming verse of the story.

The story is told from a First Person view and will teach the young readers much about the years of the Depression in a way that is fun! It will even teach adults a few things! For example, I did not know who proclaimed Mother's Day. But like the child in the story, I recall thinking there should be a Children's Day!

A wonderful addition to anyone's home or local library! ****

Marjorie Daniels: title - Through Serena's Eyes

Set around the year of 1815. Lord William Clairmont was extremely vain! He kept his body in peak condition. He met Serena Warren when he was visiting the home of a college buddy, Tom Warren. Serena was lovely. However, she had a couple of physical birth defects. She had a thin withered leg and a crippled left hand. William immediately cast her as worthless. When his father, the Earl of Shalford, told him to marry and produce an heir, William looked only for beauty and married Melinda Northrup. Within a year, they had a daughter named Caroline. Melinda was cold and cared nothing for her daughter. But William loved her from the beginning.

Things changed when Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from Elba. Tom, Jenkins, and William joined the Horse Guards in London. When the war ended, Tom was dead and William was no longer physically perfect. His face was deeply scarred from a sword from his forehead to chin on the right side. The cut took the eye as well, so he wore a patch. His lower right leg was gone too. Only the lack of pity from Serena kept him going. She challenged him to rise above his handicaps.

Now enter William's cousin, John Blaydon. If William died without producing a male heir, he would get the title and fortune. As William got healthier, John decided to take action.

***** That is the plot. I cannot tell more without ruining it. Yet you can see how complicated everything is. However, Marjorie Daniels did an AWESOME job! I could see no way for Selena and William to come together! This author writes in the same style as Laura Kinsale! Highly recommended! *****

Jeff Strand: Elrod McBugle On The Loose (Young Adult)

This story is written by (and about) Elrod McBugle and his weird adventures at Greenwater Junior High. It may be the first of a series. I can only hope so since I enjoyed it sooooo much!

It all begins on Elrod's first day at Greenwater Junior High. His best friend is nick-named Scoopy. The two are simply trying to live through the school year. NOT an easy task for Elrod. Elrod manages to doodle fine artwork (that the principal confiscates for himself), make and sell a super delicious new type of gum (that has just a side effect or two), make friends with the school bullies (surely all those students will heal without too many permanent scars), win the talent show (and forever be remembered for it), catch a killer, and more! (Though I still do not know how the gym floor got to be so blinding a color, but perhaps that mystery will be solved in a sequel.)

For now, know that this is a wonderful and hilarious book for all ages! So go purchase a whole bunch of Slurpy Gulp, put up your feet, and enjoy the latest novel by Jeff Strand (who I still believe to be just a little bit strange!)

Patricia Werner:title - The Lost Diary Of Glamorgan Castle

Set in the Outer Hebrides in 1899, Adriane Hollander went to Weybridge Manor near the tiny village of Thirstlehed. Her grandfather had been a famous painter, Leo Whitsed, who had recently passed away and left the Manor to Adriane's mother. Adriane came in her mother's place to settle all the affairs.

Evan MacKeen was the solicitor and was very helpful in cataloging the painting and placing the manor on the market. He was also very fond of Adriane and found many times to be with her when she went to see the sights of the island.

Nager Saranoff and his half dog and half wolf pet lived close by in Glamorgan Castle. He was also a painter and had spent much time with her grandfather. When Adriane heard about the three women who had disappeared without a trace from Glamorgan Castle, her curiosity demanded she solve the mystery as to what happened to them. Thus she began to dig into a past that some wanted to leave buried!

*** I have always adored Gothics and Patricia Werner is destined to be swarmed with fans for her attempt to bring them back into the public's view! I am among those admirers. Here is one full of danger, mystery, and romance, just begging for readers to try to piece together themselves! Brava, Ms. Werner! Brava! ***

Clara Wimberly:title - The Bride Of Sea Crest Hall (Gothic)

Mary Louise had been the best friend of Shelley. They shared one other friend, the boy named Jordan Waverly. The Waverly family were the wealthiest family on St. Catherine. They owned Sea Crest Hall, the most beautiful mansion on the island. Shelley loved him all the years they grew up together, but kept silent because Mary Louise often stated she planned to marry Jordan someday. And so they did.

Shelley was off in a distant school when her father’s frantic letter arrived for her to return home. Once there she learned the Mary Louise had died and her father had made arrangements for Shelley to marry Jordan. The public said she had drowned in an accident. The family and servants said differently. Too late, Shelley found out that the Waverly family had a secret. The first born grandson, be it from Jordan or his brother, Benjamin, would inherit everything! Mary Louise had been pregnant when she died. Shelley even learned that her friend’s life had been threatened from someone. More than just Shelley thought Mary Louise’s death was not an accident at all, but murder. And now, whoever killed Mary Louise was after Shelley too!

***** A gothic lover’s dream! Gothic stories are so hard to find now a days. Author, Clara Wimberly has given us a new source! Dark, gloomy, full of danger, and everyone a possible murderer. Excellent! I loved it! *****

Allison Knight:title - The Brides Of Owl's Head (Gothic)

In 1842, Miss Isabel Morrison (also known as Bella) promised her dying father to travel and meet Jonathan Besserman to wed. Yet when she arrived, it was to find that her betroved had been killed in a suspicious lumber accident. Jonathan’s lawyer, Duncan Ross, informed Bella that Jonathan had changed his will and left everything to her, even though the wedding had not yet been done. She had a certain amount of time to restore the house to its former glory or the estate would go to Duncan. By no means would the brother, Theo ever be allowed to inherit it. None of the servants, except Sally, seemed to like their new mistress. In fact, someone was trying to scare Bella away from the estate. But Bella would not let herself be frightened away. She would fulfill the last wish of her fiancé. Soon attempts on her life began. It could be any of the servants, Theo the brother, or Duncan the lawyer. Too many murders had happened in this huge home and she seemed to be the next targeted to die!

*** An exciting gothic romance destined to send goose bumps down your arms and back. It seemed pretty obvious to me who the culprit was, but only because I’ve read so many gothics and have a warped mind already. Gothics have always been a favorite topic of mine and author, Allison Knight, has not disappointed me in the least. I loved every second of this one! ***

Stephanie Marie Wilson:title - The Kingdom By The Sea (Gothic)

Annabelle Lee was the daughter of the famous horror writer Stuart Lee. Instead of beginning her own career, she stayed with her father to help with the research and editing of his novels. A year after Stuart Lee's death, a villain broke Annabelle's window and beat her almost to death!

With the help of her psychologist, Annabelle took the final step to recovery. She began her life anew in Babylon, Long Island. She opened a bookshop filled with mysteries and horrors. There she met the moody and dark horror author named Brennan O'Rourke. The two were perfect for each other. Brennan, however, had problems in his past to deal with. His fascination for Annabelle had him involving himself in her current problems.

Someone was out to harm Annabelle. Everyone knew that old Mrs. McNaught had fallen down the stairs to her death and one son hanged himself in the basement of what is now Annabelle's house. But someone was using the knowledge to terrify Annabelle, before he kills her!

*** A dark and sumptuous tale, by Stephanie Marie Wilson, for us gothic lovers! This author has a new fan in me! Fascination book that will haunt you for a long time! ***

Valerie Harden:title - I'm With My Mom On Sunday(Children)

A short story with pictures of a clay family on each page. It is about Little Lucy's family. Her parents are divorced. She lives with her father and has a dog. Her mother lives in the city with Lucy's two siblings.

A perfect little story to help children from divorced parents understand. It also keeps the words short, simple, and wonderful to help children learn to read. Espcially excellent for pre-school children!

Tim Lavery:title - Sulin & The China Cat (Children)

Sulin was a baby found locked in a chest among rubble from a ship wreck. Also in the chest was a quilt and a black china cat with green eyes. The kind couple who had found Sulin raised her as their own. When old enough, Sulin named the chinacat Hilo and, pretending Hilo lived, left milk for it each night to drink.

On the eve she turned seven, Sulin was amazed to see Hilo come to life, drink some milk, and then quote her a riddle! On her fourteenth and twenty-first birthdays it happened again!

*** Thus began the wonderful adventures of Sulin. It was filled with mermaids, gnomes, dragons, magic, and more! A delightful tale of love and courage! ***

Karin Huxman:title - Virtual Heart (Futuristic Romance)

Jake owned a company called "Dream Catcher". They used a technique to enhance psychic sections of the brain to create a virtual reality world. Megan owned a competitive company called "Virtual Dreams". They used computer, machine, and human interface to create a virtual reality world.

While both were running tests on their creations, an accident occurred. They found themselves trapped together in a virtual world combining both their programs. To survive until they escape the obstacles each had programmed, they called a truce and joined forces.

Megan's psychic abilities had been dormant until the accident. Once free, she did not know how to deal with it all alone. That, along with wanting to locate Jake, she set out to find him. However, Jake no longer had his psychic abilities due to the accident. Slowly they were coming back to him, but he also no longer remembered Megan or the love they found within the virtual world.

***A perfect blend of Sci-Fi and Futuristic Romance! The characters are believable and unforgetable. Readers will be hard pressed to stop reading. A Keeper to be read over and over again!***

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