Grounded by Sandra Cox

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Class Act Books
Buy Link

A Wonderfully Original Paranormal Romance

Gillian Stone is beautiful, rich, and trapped. One of her ancestors wished on a genie without thinking of consequences and she carries a heavy duty curse grounding her in a statue everyday. On top of that, if she gets pregnant with a girl, she will die in childbirth and her daughter will carry the curse on. That’s quite a dark harbinger in which to live a life.

Darth is a newly appointed servant at Gillian’s mansion. Although he’s got a chip on his shoulder and is rough around the edges, he’s handsome, charming, and tied to Gillian by fate. She rescued his sister from a bunch of thugs and he feels forever in her debt. He’s consumed with a desire to hunt these thugs down and make them pay, and to protect Gillian from their clutches. If Gillian is ever to be with Darth, she must confront the Detective bent on revenge and break the curse.

Grounded is a wonderfully original paranormal romance with two characters that have a whole bunch of chemistry and wit. Gillian is a kick butt heroine who rides a black Harley and has a soft spot for a unique talking cat, and Darth is a big sweety at heart who wants to set things right. On top of it all is one hilarious cat who steals the show with his internal dialog. I loved him the most of all!

Grounded is not only about Gillian being grounded in a statue, but about her finding a way to be grounded in life: a true modern day fairytale.

Starquest by Hywela Lyn

Book Info
Buy Link
Genre: Space Opera, Sci fi, Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Jess wakes up to disaster. Her ship is about to reach critical mass and everything in it will be destroyed. In a last minute escape, she is rescued by a mysterious Starship with telepaths assuring her she will be okay. As the starship pulls her escape pod in, she wonders if she walked right into a trap. Indeed the people aboard the ship will change the course of her life forever.

Starquest is a space adventure novel with a sweet romance at its core. A neat point of view switch to journal entries part way through is an effective technique and very originally done. The story has a flavor of political commentary much like that of Gulliver’s Travels as Jess finds her way through different planets and civilizations studying their societal structure and their theological ideals.

My heart went out to Jess as I read her plight through her own words. She suffers through torture, and meets so many dangerous creatures and evil beings in her journey. And she learns so much, not only about the universe, but about herself and the nature of love.

Troubled Hearts by Donna Hatch

Buy Link
Book Info:
Genre: Romance, historical
Publisher: Wild Rose Press

Troubled Hearts by Donna Hatch

In an era where it was ruinous for a woman to leave her husband, Julia takes her chances and flees her stagnant marriage. To heighten the trouble, she is accompanied by her childhood friend who would rather abandon his job as head stable master to protect her.

Troubled Hearts is a highly emotional romantic tale told in a historical setting. Ms. Hatch instills deep emotions into her characters and provides excellent reasons behind them. Julia is plagued by the death of a stillborn child, and that event has brought a rift in her marriage. Can two hearts repair the damage done by the loss? The drama is intense throughout the short story, keeping me scrolling to the very last page.

The Timestone Key by Pamela Hearon

Buy Link
Book Info:
Genre: Romance, fantasy
Publisher: Lyrical Press

As a young child, Halley made a deal with Merlin by accepting a white feather from an owl visiting her room one night. Although she has no memory of the exchange, all her life she’s been drawn to King Arthur and unable to settle down and get married. Finally she decides to live out her dream and visit England for a trip back into the past. Torn between a mysterious vision of Arthur, a Manor Lord, and a doting finance, I read ahead eagerly to see which one she would end up with!

Ms. Hearon weaves history and an age old legend with a modern day fairytale. I’ve always dreamt of going back to the days of King Arthur and meeting all of the characters in the legends. By reading the Timestone key, I got to live out my fantasies through Halley and I learned more about King Arthur at the same time.

Sensual and spiritual, The Timestone Key is a wonderful journey of self realization that ends in pure bliss.

Ink in the Blood by Chandra Ryan

Book Info:
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Buy Link

Isabella has special abilities to change her appearance, but she’s going to need more than her magic to confront her past demons. After a stint in rehab, she’s back on the streets working for the DEA to find local drug sellers. She’s willing to face her past in order to seek revenge on her half brother who’s caused havoc in her life. What she doesn’t expect is falling in love with the human assigned to her brother’s case. Now she has to keep him alive while resisting temptation.

Ink in the Blood is a dark and edgy urban fantasy where potions and magic are considered deadlier weapons than hand guns. There’s a constant, lurking danger that stalks Isabella throughout the read, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that kept me scrolling down to read more. Her chemistry with the human, Jacob, is sizzling and well paced. Their love crosses the boundaries between Asura and human, and cop and former addict. They have a lot to overcome and the tension is palpable. I found myself wondering how Jacob will react to the truth of what she is and how the two of them can outsmart a man that can turn a normal woman insane.

Gypsy Moon by Brianna Roarke

Book Info:
Genre: Paranormal/Romance/Erotic
Publisher: REd Rose Publishing
To Purchase

Anna Brannon is a vet with a penchant for bringing in strays. More than that, she’s secretly a gypsy that can turn a coffee switch off from across the room and light her way in the darkness. One night while she’s stranded at home by a storm she finds a naked man lying at her doorstep. He’s one stray that she’ll never forget.

Howl Raven is a werewolf on the prowl for a mate. While taking up a scent, he’s struck by a silver bullet and has to find shelter before the metal heats up his blood. Reeling from pain, he falls at a gypsy woman’s doorstep. Although his family was cursed long ago, luck is now on his side. This woman has the power to heal his wounds and more importantly, is the scent he’s after. Will he be able to control the wolf inside of him? And can she help him elude the man who wants him dead?

Brianna Roarke’s writing is smooth and flows like liquid poetry. The intimacy between Anna and Howl is tangible, and their passion can heat up a house on a cold winter’s day.
I enjoyed the irony of a vet finding a werewolf. Two people could not be more perfect for each other! The gypsy magic added a whole new level of paranormal to the story. Overall, it was a nice combination of werewolves, magic, curses, and romance.

If you’re looking for a great paranormal erotic romance, then Gypsy Moon fits the bill.

Kingdom of Arnhem, Woman of Honor by Nicole Zoltack

Book Info:
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
To Purchase: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-Fantasy/Categories.bok
Author Website: http://nicolezoltack.com/woman_of_honor-1.html

Aislinn is a little girl with big dreams. After the death of her older brother, she decides to follow in his footsteps and become a lady knight. Her quest for knighthood brings many challenges and the temptation of forbidden love. Aislinn learns that being a knight means putting the Kingdom in front of personal concerns and helping those that cannot help themselves. In a journey is fraught with danger and filled with adventure, Aislinn is forced to grow up fast. She must stay strong and develop the skills necessary to realize her lifelong dream.

With sword fights, passionate love, mythical creatures, and courtly games, Woman of Honor is my kind of book. I love the idea of incorporating real history in fantasy, and Ms. Zoltack’s book is based on the real life story of a group of female knights. Blending history with fiction, her writing is full of plot and adventure and her characters are strong and believable. Most of all, I grew to love all of them and cared about their hardships and successes.

Aislinn is quite the main protagonist. She’s tenacious and bold, beautiful and strong. The romance that blooms between her and the prince is well developed after years of solid friendship and teasing. I enjoyed reading about their secret courtship and had no idea how their romance would turn out! Ms. Zoltack has a few twists in store that will shock and startle as well as please.

In conclusion, I thoroughly recommend this book for everyone that enjoys fantasy, romance and adventure! I will be eagerly awaiting the sequel, Knight of Glory.

Love on the Side of the NJ Turnpike by Lux Zakari

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Erotica
Publisher: Paper Bag Press
ISBN: none
To Purchase: https://www.paper-bag-press.com
Author Website: http://luxzakari.wordpress.com

Regina hopes that a road trip will cure her boyfriend Heath’s depression. Since the economy took a turn for the worst and he lost his job, he’s never been the same and they’ve grown further apart. Although she lures him in with talk of the beach and gambling, she’s got a private agenda planned. In my opinion, Heath is one lucky young man.

Love on the Side of the NJ Turnpike paints a realistic picture of how the economy can affect relationships. Heath chooses to let his problems get in the way of his love for Regina, but in the end he realizes that love is exactly what he needs to heal.

Lux Zakari’s writing is sexually and emotionally charged. The dialogue flows naturally and the situation is believable and unique to the genre. This is one fast read that delivers what it promises!

McShannon's Chance by Jennie Marsland

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Historical/Western
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
ISBN:
To Purchase: Mystic Moon Press Bookstore

Beth Underhill is a city girl in the highest sense. The niece of a famous racehorse breeder, she was raised with a lofty upbringing by her Aunt and never asked to do a chore. Her dresses are fancy, and her manners are impeccable. When her Aunt passes away, the estate falls to her cousin, who wishes to sell it immediately, putting Beth in a precarious situation. With enough money to get her through five months and no more, she is desperate. But she is also strong willed. Instead of waiting for her cousin to select his idea of a respectable husband for her, she applies to Trey McShannon’s add for a wife and travels out west to meet her destiny.

Trey McShannon is a practical frontiersman. Having fought for the union at a young age, he’s seen war and death, and his life experiences have changed him into a quiet, mysterious man. He needs a sturdy wife to help him run his household, someone that is not afraid to do hard work and get dirty. When he sees Beth Underhill, and learns of her famous lineage, he fears he has made a mistake. But he is also drawn to her, and realizes that there is more to her pretty face and high pedigree than meets the eye. She’s also a talented artist, a dutiful worker, and shares his love of horses.

McShannon’s Chance has a wonderful historical flavor to it with picturesque writing and scenes right out of a western. Marsland captures the image of a lonesome frontier that is both beautiful and dangerous. Her writing is realistic, but at the same time it has a grand sense of adventure and romance. The pacing is steady and sure, allowing the reader to savor each scene.

Marsland takes her time to tell the tale, setting up a sweeping historical romance with characters that have so much detail and depth they could be anyone’s own ancestors. It reminded me of my favorite series growing up, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. Like Dr. Quinn, Beth is a strong female character with honor, compassion, and patience. She works hard to earn her life beside Trey, and her rewards are immense.

McShannon’s Chance is an ideal historical romance escape! I found my soul soothed and my heart warmed by Marsland’s writing and I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an excellent historical romance with real life characters and a western flavor.

Banished by Ciaran Corby and Christine Rains

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
ISBN:
To Purchase: http://www.mysticmoonpress.com/bookstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=520&zenid=7182b83bc4f158a3e9ea31e655fb3cb5

Banished is a delightful tale of a reclusive fantasy author named Sarah who discovers her wildest dreams when she spots a handsome fairy sitting on her doorstep. Giving new meaning to the phrase, “love at first sight,” Sarah is the only human who can see him. Curious about his eccentricities and swooning over his delicious appeal, she decides to invite him inside for a cup of tea. When Sarah learns of his unjust banishment from the fairy realm, she takes it upon herself to rescue him and set things right.

Both characters are refreshing in their simple innocence, polite antics, and funny tendencies toward melodramatic. It is through their love for each other that they learn to be serious and strong, rising to the occasion to battle the odds in order to be together. Amidst all of the magic and shine, they realize that love is the most magical attribute of all.

Rains and Corby have a charming writing style that presents a delicious and enchanting read. Although two artful writers are at work, the style of writing, unity of concept, and direction of plot flow like one master mind. A nice twist at the end brings everything full circle.

I enjoyed the contrast between the harsh realities of New York juxtaposed with the vivid beauty of the fairy land. Although it seems all whimsical and carefree, in a lot of ways it is even more dangerous than the streets of Albany.

I recommend this book to anyone that wishes for an enchanting jaunt into an imaginative fairy world.

The Faery Sickness by JennaKay Francis

Note: this is a review done for Enchanting Reviews. To read the full review, please go to www.enchantingreviews.com.

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: Writer's Exchange
ISBN: 1920972749
To Purchase: http://e-library.net/The-Faery-Sickness__visit10930.html

"...I grew to love Vala’s character throughout the course of this novel as she develops the self confidence needed to put an end to the hatred between the humans and the fae. She is so delicate and fragile, yet holds an inner conviction of purpose and unfaltering sense of what is right. I found myself cheering her triumphs and commiserating in her setbacks. While Aric was a typical young and arrogant boy, and Severrani a quiet mystery, it is Vala that shines through as the real larger than life heroine.

THE FAERY SICKNESS is a magical adventure about a young woman’s search for acceptance and love. Not only is it a heart touching story, but it deals with the subject of prejudice, teaching everyone that the hatred must stop somewhere. Filled with heart wrenching scenes of violence, it is the light moments that give the book its deep insight into the human spirit and capture the reader’s heart..."

For the full review, please visit www.enchantingreviews.com

Russet and Gold by Sue Perkins

Note: this is a review done for Enchanting Reviews. To read the full review, please go to www.enchantingreviews.com.

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-347-0
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-60313-346-3
To Purchase: www.whiskeycreekpress.com

"...For fans of BLUE AND SILVER, the sequel, RUSSET AND GOLD does not disappoint. Not only does it take the reader through a whirlwind of emotions, but it begins where the first book leaves off, shining light on a particular secondary character in the first book that the readers grew to love. Ms. Perkins also delves more into the lives of the mysterious Eos, shedding light on their abilities and vital connection to the planet where the humans have made their home. Complete with a vile villain, unlikely saviors, a secret destiny, and the thrill of young love, Russet and Gold is an enjoyable read..."

For the full review, please visit
http://enchantingreviews.com/2009/Aubrie_4RussetAndGold.html

Baron of Dragon's Reach by Shereen Vedam

Note: this is a review done for Enchanting Reviews. To read the full review, please go to www.enchantingreviews.com.

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
ISBN: None
To Purchase: www.thewildrosepress.com

"...Baron of Dragon’s Reach is a charming tale with magic, suspense, and a twist at the end that wraps up all unraveled strands and leaves you feeling fulfilled. My heart went out to Elena as her predicament grew more and more desperate. Lord Giles grew more interesting throughout the tale as his character unfolds. The witch’s supposed apprentice, Smedley, provides comic relief and adds a light touch to the drama. In Baron of Dragon’s Reach, Vedam has crafted an enchanting tale of a complicated predicament with a unique resolution..."

For the full review, please visit http://enchantingreviews.com/2009/Aubrie_4BaronOfDragonsReach.html

Sky Castles: Blue and Silver by Sue Perkins

Note: this is a review done for Enchanting Reviews. To read the full review, please go to www.enchantingreviews.com.

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
EBook formats ISBN: 978-60313-086-8
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-60313-085-1
To Purchase: www.whiskeycreekpress.com

"...Blue and Silver is a charming rags to riches story, set in a fantasy land that is both dreamy and imaginative with mysterious spirits, unicorn races, and castles in the sky. It has elements of science fiction combined with fantasy to produce a unique and interesting world. There are beautiful scenes of fanciful dinners and ballroom gowns, and complicated technologies that control atmospheric conditions and transport people through the air..."

For the full review, please visit
http://enchantingreviews.com/2009/Aubrie_4BlueAndSilver.html

The Deep Dim by Christine Rains

Book Info:
Genre: Supernatural, romance, mystery, paranormal
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
ISBN: TBA
To Purchase: www.mysticmoonpress.com

Review:

The Deep Dim is a wistful and mysterious love story that whisks you away and captures your heart. Rains is a masterful writer, spinning poetic phrases that flow off the tongue, and weaving mysteries wrapped around mysteries where each page leads to more intriguing questions. Not only is this a heart tugging love story, it is a story of self discovery, a murder mystery, and a supernatural dream.

Kanys lives in fear of the light because of the spirits that it brings. She lives sequestered in a dark house, hiding from the world and sleeping during the daylight hours until a dashingly handsome ghost charms his way into her life and steals her heart. She leaves her refuge of darkness to help solve the mystery of his existence, because he is unlike the others and more real to her than anyone she’s ever met since the death of her mother. This journey leads her to places where she would never otherwise go and people that she’s destined to meet. Along the way she learns more about herself and finds the answers to dark secrets shading her past.

Rains creates vibrant and witty characters that are so real you expect them to come knocking at your door. They interact with such interesting banter that, at times, borders on vicious, shocking, and belly rumbling. Kanys is a sweet and fragile waif of a young woman juxtaposed with a swooningly poetic specter and a blunt and tumultuous punk. Together they show what true friendship is and how to love.

This is the one of the best books of 2009. I am thoroughly impressed with Rains’s masterful writing. This book called to me and wouldn’t let me put it down. I will be ordering an autographed copy for my bookshelf when it comes out in print.

Tiger's Realm by Kevin Grubbe

Book Info:
Genre: Fantasy, Sci Fi, Romance, Action
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
ISBN: 978-0-9821431-2-4
To Purchase: www.mysticmoonpress.com

Review:

Full of action, adventure, and epic battles, Tiger’s Realm combines science fiction and fantasy to create a world where technology and magic coexist side by side. It deals with the issues of slavery, vengeance, and honor, bringing up the timeless question of what it truly means to be human.

Long ago, wizards created man-animals, beings that were part man and part animal that could think rationally and feel emotions like humans. When the story begins, these man-animals are fighting for their freedom from slavery. A small rebel group has managed to escape and uses the ancient wizard city for their home base. Within this city lies powerful magic, portals to unknown worlds, and answers to the beginnings of civilization itself.

Perhaps the most interesting quality of this epic fantasy book is the way Grubbe shifts perspective, telling the tale from both the human and man-animal viewpoint. As a reader I found myself gravitating to the side of the man-animals, and sympathizing more with their plight. When one man-animal wants to kill another of its kind, ironically they call him more human than beast.

Tiger’s Realm stirs up great questions about war and peace. It is an epic tale that science fiction and fantasy readers alike will enjoy.