Sunday, July 24, 2011

{Review} Rogue by Cheryl Brooks


ROGUE (Cat Star Chronicles, #3)
Cheryl Brooks
Published: Sourcebooks Casablanca, March 2009

Find It On: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Blurb:
No woman has ever tamed him before...
Enslaved for years, Tychar belongs to the Queen of Darconia. His feline gene gives him remarkable sexual powers and every female on the planet is in love with him. Then, the Queen gives him to Kyra...

Does she even stand a chance?
Or will she be just another one of his conquests? Why would he choose the modest piano teacher? Yet the two are drawn to each other with a powerful, magnetic attraction unlike any he's felt before... Then the palace is attacked in a coup, and Tychar has to choose between freedom and love...

My Thoughts:
The world-building found within the pages of ROGUE is amazing! Cheryl Brooks must have one heck of a character chart in order to keep up with the myriad of species in this sci-fi romance. ROGUE is the 3rd in Ms. Brooks’ Cat Star Chronicles, and surprisingly, I wasn’t lost having not read the first two books.

Kyra has never traveled outside of Earth. When she gets a job as a piano teacher for the Queen of Darconia’s children, she doesn’t know what to expect from the far-off world and its natives. Once there, she feels very out-of-place in the land of lizards! And her love life is looking pretty glum until the Queen shows off two of her most-cherished possessions: Zetithian brothers, Tychar and Trag.  The brothers have been Queen Scalia’s exotic slaves (more like pets) for 20 years.  Their kind is believed to be extinct after Zetith was destroyed. Zetithian males are quite the Casanovas!  A unique feline gene gives them highly-extraordinary sexual powers! All I could think while reading this book is that they have some crazy magic penises! With a world full of these men, women could be very happy indeed.


Kyra’s immediate attraction – and orgasm – upon seeing Tychar was shocking. He smiled and she went off like a rocket. What’s interesting is that Zetithians are turned on by scent. Once they smell desire, they are full-on ready to play. It’s too bad for the Queen, Tychar and Trag are not aroused by Darconians. These beautifully sexual men have gone without for a looong time. The Queen is so pleased with the attraction between Kyra and Tychar, that she bestows him to Kyra as her personal attendant.

I thought the entire concept of the Cat Star Chronicles to be very good. I was very leery at first because it is written in first-person point-of-view. I've been known to pass up more than one book because of that. I prefer the depth attained by reading multiple (especially the hero’s) POVs. One POV just feels like you put a limit on the imagination. About halfway through, I became a bit bored sitting around in Kyra’s head, but I pushed through and I’m really glad I did!

Tychar’s subservience is a lot more endearing than I thought it would be. He truly worships Kyra in such adoring ways. He and Trag crave love just as much as sex. Despite what may have been said about this book, trust me when I say it is not a ménage story. There is one encounter, but it is an act of love more than anything else. Trag’s sexual-suffering afterwards is amusing. He’s so bold! I like that he respected the relationship between Tychar and Kyra so much.

ROGUE’s storyline gave way to action in the last third of the book. I was swept back in and wound-up enjoying it a lot more than I believed I would. A glimpse of previous characters has me intrigued just enough to add the other books to my TBR stack! I may have to skip ahead to read Trag’s book, HERO, first. He’s just too irresistible for me to wait.

GRADE: A

Friday, July 22, 2011

REVIEW: SURROUNDED BY WOODS by Mandy Harbin


SURROUNDED BY WOODS
Mandy Harbin

Published: Amira Press (July 22, 2010)


Blurb:
When Mikaela Patterson must take on a client with specific requirements that no single women be allowed on his property, she keeps her broken engagement a secret. She doesn’t realize her client and his sons are mountain lion shifters whose instinct to mate with any available woman turns deadly.

Josh Woods is her client's eldest son, and he is immediately drawn to Mikaela. Knowing his father would never allow an available woman on the property, Josh doesn't understand his fascination with her. Josh and Mikaela fight their attraction because of their own secrets, but when the truth comes out about Mikaela's true availability and Josh's animal instincts, they must be prepared to face the consequences.


Review:
Mandy Harbin's debut novella, SURROUNDED BY WOODS, spins a tale of exiled brothers -- mountain lion shifters -- who are powerless to resist the pull of mating with available women.  What makes this plot standout from the rest?  Done wrong and the results are deadly!  It's the black widow effect.  If a mating (not just sex, but claiming a mate by bite) is done without a woman's consent, she will shift and attack.  Man-lion will instinctively react and the two will fight to the death!   

Mikaela's stubborn pride kept her from telling anyone, including her boss, about her broken engagement.  She visits her firm's client despite the fact that Thomas, the brothers' father, specifically asks that only women who are taken be allowed on his property. At first, Josh comes off very aggressive and cocky.  He wants Mikaela from the get-go, and I can only surmise that the aggression is due to his animal instincts.  After a while, the need turns to love and Josh does his best to control his animal side.

Mikaela takes things a lot better than I would!  She's strong, but unafraid in a way that may seem naive.  I would've had a LOT of questions before jumping into mating with Josh!  Mating means becoming a shifter -- and likely leaving life as you know it behind.

This is an erotic romance, so let's talk sex for a moment.  No bondage, menage, or kinky sex.  But who cares when you have a thorough lover like Josh, and Mikaela gives as good as she gets!  The scenes were pretty hot, and I didn't think it was all thrown in there just or the sake of having sex.


The problems I had with the plot were mostly due to the word count.  It's a very short story (28,000 words!)  I did like the backstory that was given, and it made sense why all the men in the Woods family were timid about single women.  Ms. Harbin's idea is a solid one, and I hope that any future stories spun-off from this title will be fully elaborated on.  I look forward to keeping up with this author's work.

You can get SURROUNDED BY WOODS today (7.22.11) on Amira Press!  It will be available at Amazon and other eTailers in August.

Grade: C+

This ARC was provided for review by author.  Opinions are all my own!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

*HOT DEALS* During Amazon's "The Big Deal" Kindle Sale

Do yourself, and your Kindle, a favorite by heading over to Amazon's "THE BIG DEAL" Sale!  You'll find over 900 Kindle books on sale for $0.99, $1.99, $2.99, and $3.99! 

Romance authors include Debbie Macomber, Loretta Chase, Cherry Adair, Lori Wilde, Robin Kaye,Victoria Dahl, and Sherrilyn Kenyon just to name a few!  There are quite a few books from other genres that are worth these great prices, too!  Sale ends July 27, 2011. 

I was also able to snag Catherine Mann's recent release, COVER ME, for only $3.59! 

I'm a happy girl.
-x-

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

REVIEW: Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey


YOURS TO KEEP (Kowalski Family, #3)
Shannon Stacey

Published: June 2011 by Carina Press


Blurb:
Sean Kowalski no sooner leaves the army than he’s recruited by Emma Shaw to be her fake fiancé. Emma needs to produce a husband-to-be for her grandmother’s upcoming visit, and, though Sean doesn’t like the deception, he could use the landscaping job Emma’s offering while he decides what to do with his civilian life. And, despite his attraction to Emma, there’s no chance he’ll fall for a woman with deep roots in a town he’s not planning to call home.

Emma’s not interested in a real relationship either; not with a man whose idea of home is wherever he drops his duffel bag. No matter how amazing his “pretend” kisses are…
  

 Review:
"Lady, I've never had a fiancee, fake or otherwise," he said in a low voice that made her knees weaken just a little. "And it's been a while since I've gone on a decent bender, so if I'd asked you to marry me, I'm pretty sure I'd at least remember your face."

That would have been hard to do. "We've never actually met."

Emma Shaw is ballsy, or batshit crazy (if you ask Sean), knocking on a stranger's door and pronouncing him her fake fiance.  Thankfully, he's not a total stranger, and that went far in propelling the book into the realm of believability for me!  Sure, they've never met, but Emma's best friend is married to Sean's cousin.  Ahh, a connection that works. 

Once I realized Emma hadn't just pulled a name out of a hat, or showed up at just any guy's door, I relaxed and began to enjoy the set-up.  The truth is, I love a well-thought-out pretend engagement/marriage plot!  The possibilities when throwing together two people who have to fake being in love are endless; oftentimes humorous, and utterly sexy!  Shannon Stacey artfully navigated such a tricky plot, and I loved every single second of it.

What happens when you love someone so much you can't stand seeing them worry? In Emma's case, she went to great lengths to ensure her grandma, Cat, could enjoy her retirement in sunny Florida. This is where us single gals can learn a good lesson about little white lies.  Don't invent a fake man.  It always backfires. Grandmas are wily creatures who know all the tricks.  They have decades of wisdom on their side!  Mark my words, she'll visit.  And when she does, she'll see right through ya!

Cat was no exception to the rule.  I loved being treated to Cat's POV.  She wasn't duped for a minute.  When she and Sean's Aunt Mary teamed up, I couldn't control the laughter!  But back to those silly kids, Emma and Sean.  It is there story despite the scene-stealing older women in their lives. 

Sean is the guy your mama dreams you'll grow up to marry!  He's sexy, charming in a good ole' boy kind of way, and loves his family.  His Aunt Mary and Uncle Leo were a big part of he and his siblings lives after their mother died.  I wanted to hug the entire Kowalski clan!  They all thought Sean had lost it playing house with a woman he didn't know, but they supported him.  They had a lot of fun at Emma and Sean's expense!  The Newlywed Game had me laughing so hard I was crying!  Aunt Mary, with her wooden spoon, made me smile in every scene she was in.

Emma is not a damsel in distress!  She's a strong woman with a big heart who loves completely.  Did she expect she'd fall in love with a man like Sean?  No way.  But when she realizes she loves him, she doesn't question it.  I loved how "real" Emma was.  She couldn't cook, but she cleaned like an Energizer Bunny!  She's a landscape designer; not afraid of dirt, sweat, and hard work!  Sean and I both thought she was a breath of fresh air.

There was an unexpected secondary love story between Cat and a man from her past.  Cat and Emma's emotions were mirrored as they each fell for their guy. 

I can't possibly wrap-up this review without mentioning Sean's sticky notes!  I swear those sticky notes were a supporting character!  I kept waiting for another to appear on the mirror in the bathroom he and Emma shared.  It was such a cute touch.  I can see him still leaving her sticky notes 50 years down the road!

The path to Sean and Emma's happily-ever-after was paved with lots of laughs, co-conspiring mother figures, fun family get-togethers, and yes, enough tears that my eyes were puffy when I finished the last page.

YOURS TO KEEP is a keeper, and a pick for one of my top reads of 2011!

GRADE: A+

(PS. I'm heading over to Amazon for the first two books in this series!)

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Review: REAL MEN WEAR PLAID! by Rhonda Nelson

REAL MEN WEAR PLAID!
Rhonda Nelson

Date Released: May 24, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin (Blaze)




On the Cover:

These Highland hotties are about to meet their match!

The Wanderer
Sexy Ewan MacKinnon meets fellow soul-searcher Gemma on a hiking trek through Scotland. They have wildly creative sex along the way, leaving them both with delicious memories of their journey. But at the trail's end, will their adventure be over, too?

The Warrior
Proud Cam MacKinnon is king of his castle. And he has a castle. Really. But he gives up all semblance of control when Summer shows up for a murder mystery party. Because he has to have her. And one weekend of uninhibited sex should be plenty…shouldn't it?

The Wayfarer
Heart-stoppingly hot Alec MacKinnon is honorable to a fault. So he shouldn't sleep with his friend's gorgeous daughter, Isla, right? But when Isla falls into his arms, what's he to do? After all, aren't some things just meant to be?

Review:


There are some obvious disadvantages to anthologies, especially in a category romance.  One, the word count is so limited that penning a believable romance is next to impossible.  Two, you get less time to connect with the characters.  And three, did I mention the believability factor? 
 
But on the flipside, there are some definite perks: hardly any angst or conflicts to muck-up the romance, and there’s always the love-at-first-sight bonus!  Sigh.  And, as is the case with this book, what woman wouldn’t like having a sexy Scottish hottie fall for her the second their eyes connected?  Sign me up for that, pronto!

Rhonda Nelson’s REAL MEN WEAR PLAID is the story of MacKinnon brothers – Ewan, Cam, and Alec.  The brothers are trying to find their own way; having backed away from running the very successful and lucrative family business.

The stories are all somewhat predictable, but in a good way.  The hero and heroine meet, and by some kiss of fate they both realize there’s much more at work than just pure lust.  I like the fact that Ms. Nelson gave us a happily-ever-after with each story in a way that didn’t have the characters rushing off to get hitched!  I felt as if I’d just witnessed the start of their relationships -- as it should be at that stage of the game.

I can only hope/pray/beg that Genevieve MacKinnon (their sister) gets a story of her own!  She’s worked hard to prove herself to their father; hoping against hope that he’ll look up and see she’s the one to run the family business.  The epilogue at the end left me smiling and craving a little more from this sassy, strong-willed sibling.

Individual Story Ratings:
THE WANDERER; B
THE WARRIOR; A
THE WAYFARER; A

Overall Grade: B+ 

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Digital Freebie Alert: NEVER A BRIDE by Amelia Grey

Are you a fan of historical romances?  Interested in finding out what historicals are all about?  Then head over to your favorite eTailer and download a FREE copy of Amelia Grey's NEVER A BRIDE.

I've never been a bride, but that's a story for another day.  Here's the scoop on the book...

Her name is on everyone's lips...

When he left for America six years ago, the handsome Viscount Stonehurst never suspected that he would return home to England to find his lovely fiancée embroiled in the scandal of the decade. The woman he planned on making his wife has been kissing every man in London…except him!

But scandal doesn’t matter in search of the truth…

Engaged and then abandoned, Mirabella Wittingham is determined to find the man who drove her cousin to suicide, even if it means ruining her reputation and disgracing herself in the process...When her plans go awry, Mirabella has no choice but to turn to her long-lost fiancé for help. But can she trust the man who deserted her so many years ago, or is he destined to fail her yet again?

What are you waiting for?  Load up your Kindle, Nook, or their respective apps now!

Review: MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT by Janelle Denison

MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT
Janelle Denison

Released Date: June 10, 2011
Publisher: Janelle Dension

Blurb: 
Shane Witmer and Alyssa Harte have been best friends all their lives, but it’s been years since he’s felt more than brotherly affection for her. When Alyssa decides it’s time to actively seek a committed relationship with a man, Shane is determined to convince her that’s he’s the only man for the job, and show her that best friends make even better lovers. 

Review:

Call it a weird coincidence, or elusive sleep, that had me up at midnight reading Janelle Denison’s novella, MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT.  Whatever the cause, I was immediately drawn into this tender love story about best friends, Alyssa and Shane.
 
Shane’s been in love with Alyssa for years, but her fear of commitment has kept him from pursuing her.  He’d rather be in her life as a friend than not at all.  All of that changes four days from New Year’s Eve when Alyssa drops a bombshell.  She’s ready to find a guy she can open herself up to emotionally and intimately!  Shane’s horrified at the thought that she’ll follow through with her plan.  He’s even more worried that she’ll latch onto, out of fear of being alone, the first guy who comes along.  Shane launches a plan of his own to show her they’re meant –to–be.   Shane is the kind of beta guy I like.  He’s sweet, charming, good-looking, and definitely all man. 
 
Alyssa has loved Shane forever.  But unlike Shane, she’s unwilling to admit it.  Seeing her mother’s grief after her father died has made Alyssa wary of love.  She’s honest enough with herself to admit that Shane is the type of guy she wants.  That honesty goes a long way in allowing herself to find love with him.
 
I’ve been a fan of Ms. Denison’s for a long time now.  Her romantic timing could not be more spot-on.  MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT is perfectly believable considering these two have danced around their love and attraction for years!  Would I have liked more backstory on these two?  Of course!  Was it needed? No.  Even with the page constraints of a novella, this story turned out beautiful with likable characters, gentle love scenes, and a happy-ending.  I couldn’t ask for more.

Grade: A
    

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Review: HOT IN HERE by Sophie Renwick

HOT IN HERE
Sophie Renwick

Release Date: April 2009
Publisher: NAL

From the Cover:
She wasn’t his kind of dish—until someone turned up the heat…

Celebrity chef and infamous ladies’ man Bryce Ryder can’t believe the thoughts he’s having about his old friend Jenna McCabe. She’s always been the shy girlnext- door, but when some bad publicity threatens everything he’s built, Jenna gets down to business— and shows a side of herself that is take-charge and totally irresistible.

Soon things are heating up in and out of the kitchen—and all of Jenna’s secret fantasies about Bryce start coming true. But will she be the one to tame his heart, or is the sexy chef just indulging another one of his cravings?



Review: 
There were two things about HOT IN HERE by Sophie Renwick that hooked me.

One, the hot guy on the cover with the strategically placed female hands.  Wowzers, I don’t know if I’ve ever been so jealous of a hand before in all my life!

Two, the hot bod on the cover belongs to a silver-tongued celeb chef.  I think I’ll die right now.  There is nothing sexier to this Lonestar Gal than a man who knows his way around the kitchen.  And if he’s well-versed in the art of using chocolate syrup, peach bellini, and any other of his many concoctions, in alternative ways, then his hotness level just went through the roof!

Bryce Ryder lived up to my expectations, but the poor guy had a rough start.  A not-so-pleasant childhood coupled with an ex-girlfriend from hell, left Bryce more than a little commitment-phobic.  Now, he’s a playboy out for a good time.  When his reputation is threatened after a less-than-stellar magazine article, he turns to the one woman he’s ever counted on to help him.

Jenna McCabe has loved Bryce since they became friends in high school.  She knows him better than he knows himself…

She knew he was a womanizer.  Heck, he went through women like NASCAR drivers went through tires, but she also knew that the Bryce she had fallen in love with all those years ago was not a heartless cad.  If he was, he never would have bothered to befriend an awkward, unfashionable girl.

Jenna is desperate to get Bryce’s attention and so a plan to play vixen to his playboy forms.  Page-after-page, I grew increasingly irritated with Jenna.  Especially when it was obvious that Bryce wasn’t in it just for the sex.  And really, with the way he was worshiping her size 14 body, how could she be all that unsure of herself?  It really showed how insecure Jenna was and how seeing Bryce with a different flavor every month for so long did a number on her heart.  I understood where she was coming from, but after a while, her hang-ups seemed too forced to me. 
 
As a whole, I thought the book was good.  Once they visited their hometown of Lucan things really picked up for me.  Jenna’s sister and Bryce’s brother, Sarah and Trey, play a huge role in this book.  I’m intrigued by their relationship and what will come of it.

One complaint I have is that there were a lot of typos in the Kindle edition.  At times it was jarring and took me completely out of the story.

HOT IN HERE receives a B from me strictly because I loved Bryce’s character development.  If I were judging it on Jenna alone the mark would be considerably lower. 

Digital Freebie Alert: KISS AT YOUR OWN RISK by Stephanie Rowe

This week, if you head over to your favorite digital eTailer (Amazon, Barnes & Noble...) then you can get a FREE Copy of Stephanie Rowe's KISS AT YOUR OWN RISK!

I've heard some great things about this first book in her Soulfire Series.

From the Cover:

He needed a killer woman...

Blaine Underhill is one lucky man after having recently escaped a century and a half of imprisonment at the hands of an evil witch. Now he's determined to save his still-enslaved friend, but in order to do so, he'll need the help of one of the world's most lethal women.

She was drop dead gorgeous, literally...

Trinity Harpswell is sick and tired of being a Black Widow. Having managed to go three years without accidentally killing anyone she loves, she's one short week away from freeing herself from this killer curse forever.

When Blaine tracks her down and convinces her to help him, little does Trinity know that the next seven days are going to be murder!

---

Snatch this one up while you can!  And then, if you're digging the story, head back to get your copy of TOUCH IF YOU DARE, the 2nd in this series.

Happy reading!

Friday, July 1, 2011

2011 RITA Winners

Congratulations to all of tonight's winners!  Winners are highlighted.

2011 RITA Finalists: Best First Book

  • Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard (Berkley; Leis Pederson, editor)
  • Firestorm by Kelly Ann Riley (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense; Tina James, editor)
  • I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan (Scholastic; Cheryl Klein, editor)
  • The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (Harlequin Teen; Natashya Wilson, editor)
  • Pieces of Sky by Kaki Warner (Berkley Sensation; Wendy McCurdy, editor) 
  • The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells (Sourcebooks Fire; Deb Werksman, editor)
  • A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House Publishers; Karen Schurrer, editor)
  • Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts (Tor/Forge; Bob Gleason, editor)
  • When Harry Met Molly by Kieran Kramer (St. Martin’s Press; Jennifer Enderlin, editor)

2011 RITA: Contemporary Series Romance

  • Breaking the Sheikh’s Rules in the Summer Sheikhs anthology by Abby Green (Mills & Boon; Meg Lewis, editor)
  • Christmas Magic on the Mountain by Melissa McClone (Harlequin Romance; Joanne Grant, editor)
  • Christmas with Her Boss by Marion Lennox (Harlequin Romance; Sheila Hodgson, editor) recommended by DA
  • Dare She Date the Dreamy Doc? by Sarah Morgan (Mills & Boon Medical Romance; Kimberley Young, editor) recommended by DA
  • Red-Hot Renegade by Kelly Hunter (Mills & Boon Modern Heat; Joanne Grant, editor) recommended by DA
  • An Unexpected Father by Lisa Ruff (Harlequin American Romance; Johanna Raisanen, editor) recommended by DA
  • Welcome Home, Cowboy by Karen Templeton (Silhouette Special Edition; Gail Chasan, editor)
  • Zoe and the Tormented Tycoon by Kate Hewitt (Harlequin Presents; Meg Lewis, editor) recommended by DA

2011 RITA: Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure

  • The Baby’s Guardian by Delores Fossen (Harlequin Intrigue; Allison Lyons, editor)
  • Case File: Canyon Creek, Wyoming by Paula Graves (Harlequin Intrigue; Allison Lyons, editor)
  • To Catch a Killer by Kimberly Van Meter (Silhouette Romantic Suspense; Johanna Raisanen, editor)
  • A Cop in Her Stocking by Ann Voss Peterson (Harlequin Intrigue; Allison Lyons, editor)
  • Meltdown by Gail Barrett (Silhouette Romantic Suspense; Susan Litman, editor)
  • The Moon That Night by Helen Brenna (Harlequin Superromance; Johanna Raisanen, editor)
  • Perfect Partners? by C.J. Carmichael (Harlequin Superromance; Johanna Raisanen, editor)
  • Renegade Angel by Kendra Leigh Castle (Harlequin Nocturne; Ann Leslie Tuttle, editor)

2011 RITA: Contemporary Single Title Romance

  • And One Last Thing by Molly Harper (Gallery Books; Jennifer Heddle, editor)
  • Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts (Berkley Trade; Leslie Gelbman, editor)
  • Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl (HQN Books; Tara Parsons, editor)
  • Not That Kind of Girl by Susan Donovan (St. Martin’s Press; Monique Patterson, editor)
  • Nothing But Trouble by Rachel Gibson (Avon Books; Lucia Macro, editor)
  • One Fine Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy (Sourcebooks Casablanca; Deb Werksman, editor)
  • Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis (Forever; Alex Logan, editor)
  • Still the One by Robin Wells (Forever; Selina McLemore, editor)

2011 RITA: Historical Romance

  • Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee (Forever; Alex Logan, editor)
  • The Forbidden Rose by Joanne Bourne (Berkley Trade; Wendy McCurdy, editor) recommended by DA
  • His at Night by Sherry Thomas (Bantam Books; Caitlin Alexander, editor)
  • A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James (Avon Books; Carrie Feron, editor)
  • Last Night’s Scandal by Loretta Chase (Avon; May Chen, editor) recommended by DA
  • A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl (Zebra Books; John Scognamiglio, editor)
  • One Wicked Sin by Nicola Cornick (HQN Books; Kimberley Young, editor)
  • Open Country by Kaki Warner (Berkley Trade; Wendy McCurdy, editor)

2011 RITA: Inspirational Romance

  • A Convenient Wife by Anna Schmidt (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical; Tina James, editor)
  • Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Connealy (Barbour Publishing; Rebecca Germany, editor)
  • Finding Her Way Home by Linda Goodnight (Steeple Hill Love Inspired; Allison Lyons, editor)
  • In Harm’s Way by Irene Hannon (Revell; Jennifer Leep, editor)
  • Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist (Bethany House Publishers; David Long and Julie Klassen, editors)
  • Shades of Morning by Marlo M. Schalesky (WaterBrook Multnomah; Shannon Marchese, editor)
  • The Wedding Garden by Linda Goodnight (Steeple Hill Love Inspired; Allison Lyons, editor)
  • Whisper on the Wind by Maureen Lang (Tyndale House Publishers; Stephanie Broene, editor)
  • Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House Publishers; Karen Schurrer and Charlene Patterson, editors)

2011 RITA: Novel With Strong Romantic Elements

  • Blood Vines by Erica Spindler (St. Martin’s Press; Jennifer Weis, editor)
  • The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn (MIRA; Valerie Gray, editor)
  • Killbox by Ann Aguirre (Ace Books; Anne Sowards, editor)
  • On Folly Beach by Karen White (NAL Accent; Cindy Hwang, editor)
  • The Search by Nora Roberts (G.P. Putnam’s Sons; Leslie Gelbman, editor)
  • Stormwalker by Allyson James (Berkley Sensation; Kate Seaver, editor)
  • Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts (Tor/Forge; Bob Gleason, editor)
  • Welcome to Harmony by Jodi Thomas (Berkley; Wendy McCurdy, editor)

2011 RITA: Paranormal Romance

  • Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard (Berkley; Leis Pederson, editor)
  • A Highlander’s Homecoming by Melissa Mayhue (Pocket Books; Megan McKeever, editor)
  • Immortal Sea by Virginia Kantra (Berkley Trade; Cindy Hwang, editor)
  • Marked by the Moon by Lori Handeland (St. Martin’s Press; Jennifer Enderlin, editor)
  • Rebel by Zoe Archer (Zebra Books; Megan Records, editor)
  • Sins of the Heart by Eve Silver (HQN Books; Tara Parsons, editor)
  • Unchained: the Dark Forgotten by Sharon Ashwood (NAL/Signet Eclipse; Laura Cifelli, editor)
  • Water Bound by Christine Feehan (Jove; Cindy Hwang, editor)

2011 RITA: Regency Historical Romance

  • His Christmas Pleasure by Cathy Maxwell (Avon Books; Lucia Macro, editor)
  • The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig (Dutton; Erika Imranyi, editor)
  • Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean (Avon Books; Carrie Feron, editor)
  • Provocative in Pearls by Madeline Hunter (Jove; Wendy McCurdy, editor)
  • To Surrender to a Rogue by Cara Elliott (Forever; Frances Jalet-Miller, editor)
  • Twice Tempted by a Rogue by Tessa Dare (Ballantine Books; Kate Collins, editor)
  • When Harry Met Molly by Kieran Kramer (St. Martin’s Press; Jennifer Enderlin, editor)
  • The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice (NAL/Signet; Ellen Edwards, editor)

2011 RITA: Romance Novella

  • “Blame It on the Blizzard” by Jennifer Greene in Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Harlequin; Marsha Zinberg, editor)
  • “A Dundee Christmas” by Brenda Novak in That Christmas Feeling (Harlequin Superromance; Paula Eykelhof, editor)
  • “Friendly Fire” by Jill Shalvis in Born on the 4th of July (Harlequin Blaze; Brenda Chin, editor)
  • “Love Me to Death” by Maggie Shayne in Heart of Darkness (HQN Books; Leslie Wainger, editor)
  • “Mistletoe Magic” by Sandra Hyatt in Under the Millionaire’s Mistletoe (Silhouette Desire; Krista Stroever, editor)
  • “Mountain Rose” by Cheryl St. John in To Be a Mother (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical; Patience Smith, editor)
  • “Shifting Sea” by Virginia Kantra in Burning Up (Berkley Sensation; Cindy Hwang, editor)
  • “The Wrong Brother” by Maureen Child in Under the Millionaire’s Mistletoe (Silhouette Desire; Krista Stroever, editor)

2011 RITA: Romantic Suspense

  • The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks (Berkley; Cindy Hwang, editor)
  • Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden (Forever; Alex Logan, editor)
  • Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Claire (Forever; Amy Pierpont, editor)
  • Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb (G.P. Putnam’s Sons; Leslie Gelbman, editor)
  • Kill Me Again by Maggie Shayne (MIRA; Leslie Wainger, editor)
  • Love Me to Death by Allison Brennan (Ballantine Books; Charlotte Herscher & Kate Collins, editors)
  • Silent Scream by Karen Rose (Grand Central; Karen Kosztolnyik, editor)
  • Two Lethal Lies by Annie Solomon (Forever; Michele Bidelspach, editor)

2011 RITA: Young Adult Romance

  • Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing; Annette Pollert, editor)
  • The Clearing by Heather Davis (Houghton Mifflin Graphia; Julie Tibbott, editor)
  • Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing; Karen Wojtyla, editor)
  • I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan (Scholastic; Cheryl Klein, editor)
  • The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (Harlequin Teen; Natashya Wilson, editor)
  • Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles (Walker Publishing; Emily Easton, editor)
  • The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells (Sourcebooks Fire; Deb Werksman)

2011 Golden Heart Finalists for Contemporary Series Romance

  • Beauty and the Ballplayer by Arlene Hittle
  • Legacy of Love by Anna Sugden
  • Lost and Found by Jo Anne Banker
  • Loving Ellie by Lindsey Brookes
  • Savannah Sighs by Nan Dixon
  • The Nanny’s Secret by Ami Weaver
  • The Tycoon and the Nature Girl by Nola Cross
  • Willing to Learn by Maria Connor

2011 Golden Heart Finalists for Contemporary Series Romance – Suspense/Adventure

  • Good Guy in Disguise by Charis Calhoon
  • In Her Sights by Robin Lynn Perini
  • Stolen Lullaby by Robin Lynn Perini

2011 Golden Heart Finalists for Contemporary Single Title

  • Fatal Trust by Donna L. Meier
  • Getting Even by Terri Lynn Backhus
  • Island Healing by Virginia E. McCullough
  • Love and Football by Julie Brannagh
  • Sail Away by Chris Campillo
  • The Moment of Impossible Movement by Kimberly Kincaid
  • The Sinners by Lisa Connelly
  • Tin Angel by Alexa Loran

2011 Golden Heart Finalists for Historical Romance

  • Bound by Honor by Nancy Northcott
  • Changing Fortunes by Victoria Morgan
  • The Dark Lady by Maire Shelley 
  • In My Lady’s Sight by Gwynlyn MacKenzie
  • Never Deceive a Lady by Kate Parker
  • Paper Hearts by Kay Hudson
  • The Runaway Countess by Leigh LaValle
  • The Widow Anabilla by Jennifer McQuiston

2011 Golden Heart Finalists for Inspirational Romance

  • At His Command by Ruth Kaufman 
  • Love Thy Neighbor by Cheryl Nagro
  • Pinch-Hit Dad by Laurie Kellogg
  • Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman

2011 Golden Heart Finalists for Novel With Strong Romantic Elements

  • Driving Without A License by Laurel Warren
  • Five O’Clock Whistle by Nancy A. Lytle
  • From Baghdad with Love by Clarissa Southwick
  • Murder, Curlers and Canes by Arlene McFarlane
  • Nearly Departed in Deadwood by Ann Charles
  • Season to Taste by Lia DeAngelo
  • Solace by Anna K. Steffl
  • Totally Dody by Tracy Brogan

2011 Golden Heart Finalists for Paranormal Romance

  • Assassin’s Gambit by Amy Raby
  • The Blood Sworn King by Trisza Ray
  • Dreaming of You by Babette de Jongh
  • Echo 8 by Sharon Lynn Fisher
  • Guardian Devil by Karyn S. Mendoza
  • The Outer Planets by Laurie A. Green
  • P2PC by Laurie A. Green
  • The Soldier by Anna Richland

2011 Golden Heart Finalists for Regency Historical Romance


  • A Tale of Two Sisters by Aislinn MacNamara

  • How to Reform a Rake by Anne Barton

  • More Than A Stranger by Erin Kelly

  • The Proper Miss’s Guide to Bad Behavior by Anne Barton

  • One Night to Scandal by Sara Ramsey

  • Secrets of a Wedding Night by Valerie Bowman 

  • 2011 Golden Heart Finalists for Romantic Suspense

  • Blind Fury by Gwen Hernandez

  • Body of Evidence by Rachel Grant

  • Borderlands by Krista Reynolds

  • Concrete Evidence by Rachel Grant

  • Closure by Death by Donna Meier

  • Juliet’s Rogue by Sharon Wray

  • Locked, Loaded and Lying by Sarah Andre

  • Spy in the Mirror by Diana Van Dyke

  • 2011 Golden Heart Finalists for Young Adult Romance

  • Irresistible by Suzanne Kaufman Kalb 

  • The Dead Guy Downstairs by Sheri Adkins

  • The Lies that Bind by Shelley Coriell

  • Maids of Honor by Jennifer Stark w/a Jennifer McGowan

  • Piper’s Kiss by Sheryl Carpenter

  • Secret Life by Bria Quinlan

  • Spark by Darcy Woods

  • Underhanded by Shoshana Brown

  • Savor the Danger by Lori Foster

    SAVOR THE DANGER
    Book 3 in Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series.
    Lori Foster

    Release Date: June 28, 2011
    Publisher: HQN Books

    From the Cover:
    She may be aloof, and more pretty than gorgeous, but Alani Rivers is the kind of woman a hot-blooded mercenary can't forget, no matter how hard he tries. So when Jackson Savor wakes up next to the naked, sleeping beauty—with no memory of what happened— he knows he's been drugged…even if Alani doesn't.

    After she was kidnapped, Alani vowed never to trust another man again. Still, something about this strong, sexy hero with the tender touch makes her want to believe him. As Jackson hunts down a mysterious intruder, he swears he'll move heaven and earth to keep Alani safe. But what really happened that night? And will the truth bring them closer than they ever thought possible—or put Alani squarely in harm's way again?

    Review: 

    We met Jackson Savor, all too briefly, in the 2nd book of this series.  Not to be outdone by Dare or Trace, Jackson’s back in his own story, SAVOR THE DANGER.  Be still my heart, from the moment Jackson arrived in TRACE OF FEVER, I knew I’d love him.  His outrageousness should be a complete turn-off, but whereas most men whose lewd suggestions border creepy, Jackson’s blunt sex-talk is HAWT!  He’s a horn-dog who clearly loves two things in life: sex and taking down bad guys.

    Jackson’s made his interest in Alani very clear from the start.  We met Alani in the first book, WHEN YOU DARE, after she’d been rescued from human traffickers.  It has now been a year since the kidnapping, and while Alani still struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), she is a strong and determined young woman picking up the pieces of her life.  Jackson hasn’t pushed her, but he’s weaseled his way under her skin and halfway into her heart.

    The start of SAVOR THE DANGER opens with one of the best hooks EVER!  Jackson awakes in bed with a blinding headache, roiling stomach, and a naked Alani.  Worse thing, he can’t remember anything.  Poor Alani, misjudging his actions for rejection, takes off before he realizes he’s been drugged.  When he tracks her down at her house, his head has cleared a little, but he’s a haunted man.  No, not because of reasons I’d be fretting over – being drugged, and a very real threat lurking near.  Those are part of the job; a job he takes seriously and will handle.  What has this sexy alpha tied-up in knots is that he knows he had Alani right where he’s wanted her for so long, and can’t remember one iota of it. He wants to ease her insecurities, and he wants details.  Swear to you, Jackson talks about sex better than some erotica I’ve read! 
     
    Much like the first book in the series, I was unable to ferret out the bad guy right away.  I pinned down a few of the mysteries, but the Big Bad eluded me until the very end.   I love how Jackson, Dare, and Trace work together.  The girl talk between Alani, Molly, and Priss is priceless – as is what transpires from their gossip session!  Even Chris is back for a cameo (love that guy)! 
     
    The addition of new characters, Arizona and Spenser, shook everything up!   Arizona brought an even darker reality to the series.  If you thought Priss was difficult in TRACE OF FEVER, then wait till you meet Arizona!  She’s a feisty, bull-headed, woman that gives Jackson quite a bit of grief.  Arizona’s personal mission is thrown a curveball when she comes face-to-face with Spenser Lark.  Boy howdy those two are going to be dynamite together!

    The plot is intricately-woven in with the characters; therefore, I don’t want to give away too much.  The danger is always nearby, always at the forefront, but it doesn’t distract from the romance.  Jackson and Alani’s love is apparent in every scene.  I think one of the things I like most about Alani is how levelheaded she is!  She trusts Jackson completely.  Oh, she worries and she gets angry but a girl has to keep her alpha man in line, and she does it well!

    I already miss these amazing characters, and can’t wait to revisit this series when Arizona & Spenser’s story, A PERFECT STORM, releases in May 2012.

    GRADE: A+