Kelsey Morningstone is still struggling to overcome the guilt she feels for failing a patient. Her mother, a renowned psycho-therapist, has publicly humiliated her on national television and she is grateful for the offer of a job at a private clinic which comes with an amazing salary and lots of luxuries. In fact, her new job seems too good to be true. You know what they say about things seeming too good to be true………

Damian has no idea who he is or how he got to the clinic, but he knows one thing for sure — Kelsey Morningstone is special. Kelsey struggles to keep her distance from her new patient, but when he is around, she cannot think straight. When she accepts a dinner invitation from her employer, Kelsey finds out just how far Damian will go to make sure she is his, and one out-of-control moment will change her life forever.

Must Love Lycans continues Michele Bardsley’s Broken Heart series and this time, Damian gets his turn in the spotlight. Broken Heart devotees will remember Damian as one of the werewolf triplets. Kelsey is a new character to Broken Heart and she is, like many of Ms. Bardley’s heroines, endearingly flawed.

The connection between Kelsey and Damian is instantaneous and completely believable. The scenes between them are steamy and superbly written. This is definitely NC-17-rated stuff here, folks. This story is not your typical romance with a happily ever after ending. Ms. Bardsley always makes her lovers work hard for their HEA and Kelsey and Damian are no exception. Guaranteed to keep you up all night, Must Love Lycans is a howling good read!

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Signet (September 6, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451234502
• ISBN-13: 978-0451234506

Purchase a print copy of Must Love Lycans from Amazon
Purchase a Kindle copy of Must Love Lycans from Amazon

Books in the Broken Heart Vampire Series in the order they should be read:
I’m the Vampire, That’s Why
Don’t Talk Back To Your Vampire
Because Your Vampire Said So
Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home
Over My Dead Body
Come Hell or High Water
Cross Your Heart
Must Love Lycans

When Lucy Rackmore shows up at his door, Gray Calhoun practically slams the door in her face. After all, why would he want anything to do with the sister of the woman who tried to kill him? He obviously has already been unlucky with the Rackmore family once, he does not want to go through pain and betrayal again. However, despite all that, he starts to feel sorry for Lucy and decides he had better help her. He does not count on falling in love with her along the way. However, he has some baggage of his own to deal with and almost loses her and his town until he realizes who he is truly meant to be.

This is yet another exciting series from Michele Bardsley. I am already hooked and cannot wait for the next book in the Wizards of Nevermore series to be released. Adam is a fascinating character and despite his strong start in life, he lets the tragic events of his marriage and almost death take over the once confident person he was. And I hang on anxiously, waiting to see what happens with Lucy. She has been through so much and still has so much to face. The romance that buds between Adam and Lucy is enchanting and I was fascinated watching it develop through the pages. If you enjoy any of Michele’s other works, then you will definitely enjoy this one. Never read any of Ms Bardsley’s books? Well, pick this one up, you will not be sorry!

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Signet (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451232755
• ISBN-13: 978-0451232755

Purchase a print copy of Never Again from Amazon
Purchase a Kindle copy of Never Again from Amazon

Books in the Wizards of Nevermore series in the order they should be read:
Never Again

Elizabeth Bretton does not believe in true love and fairy tale happy endings. Married in her early twenties to a man chosen by her parents, she learned very quickly to make the best of her husband’s chronic infidelity and to keep herself busy playing the perfect socialite and wife, throwing parties and organizing charity events. After his death, she moved back in with her parents to re-evaluate her life. When a chance to inventory an old family estate in Broken Heart, Oklahoma presents itself, she jumps at the opportunity. She never dreams that her visit to Broken Heart will lead to a new life for her as a vampire.

Elizabeth is happy with her vampire life, and though she doubts that she will ever have the love that her new friends all seem to have found, she is content getting the romance in her life from the novels that she loves to read. When a sexy stranger with a paranormal secret of his own swoops in to save her life, she canot believe that he can be attracted to her. Tez drives her crazy, and not always in a good way. He insists that she will be his, but Elizabeth is not so sure.

Though strange happenings are pretty commonplace in the town of Broken Heart, things have gotten stranger than normal lately. Happy couples are turning on each other, and Elizabeth is being terrorized by a dark shadow who seems to mistake her for her great-grandmother. What deep, dark secrets did the founders of Broken Heart cover up, and will Tez and Elizabeth be able to discover the truth before the curse of Broken Heart strikes again?

In the Broken Heart Vampire series, Michele Bardsley has skillfully created a town which seems to be a never ending source of drama, romance, intrigue and engaging characters that will leave readers wanting more. Her imagination seems infinite and this reviewer is hoping that this is certainly the case, as I cannot imagine ever tiring of the citizens of Broken Heart and their stories.

In Book 7 of the series, Ms. Bardsley again introduces us to new characters, brings back favorites from earlier books, and continues to captivate readers with plot twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat, as well as steamy sex scenes that will leave you breathless. To Ms. Bardsley I say, “Brava!”

Book Excerpt: “After the death of her husband-and her dreams of motherhood-Elizabeth Bretton returned to the family estate in Broken Heart, Oklahoma. Little did she know she would also give up her life as the Silverstone heiress.

But escaping the past isn’t that easy-especially with a vengeful ghost trying to kill her, a 150-year-old mystery to solve, and an outrageously hot were-jaguar named “Tez” trying to get into her boudoir…”

Book Stats:

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Group (September 7, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451231058
• ISBN-13: 9780451231055

To purchase a print copy of Cross Your Heart from Amazon click here.

To purchase a print copy of Cross Your Heart from Barnes & Noble click here.

Books in the Broken Heart Vampire Series in the order they should be read:
I’m the Vampire, That’s Why
Don’t Talk Back To Your Vampire
Because Your Vampire Said So
Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home
Over My Dead Body
Come Hell or High Water
Cross Your Heart

Vampire Kisses combines some of Michele Bardsley’s best loved vampire novellas into one anthology. So, if you have not picked up any of these before, then this is a great opportunity to do so. While I had read several of these before, I still enjoyed re-reading them in this compilation. Michele Bardsley’s writing style is fun and witty and leaves the reader feeling good even after setting the book down. If you are having a bad day, pick up the book and read one of these stories – I guarantee that you will be laughing when you are done.

One of my favorite short stories is “Candy for Valentine”. Valentine Carter is a book review blogger who tends to have a negative outlook on romance novels. Little does she realize that one of the people she’s offended most is out to get revenge. When Michael Sanderson walks in on the prank, he does not realize that it is not for real, but it leads down the road towards something that neither person could have planned.

The characters in each story tend to be introduced in one of the prior stories, so it is also neat to read the progression of the characters. Each leading lady finds her very own vampire a treat and the chemistry between each couple is exciting as well. While I have to confess that I still, sadly, have not had the chance to get into Michele Bardsley’s Broken Heart series, I am glad that I had a chance to be introduced to her writing style through these fun, short novellas. Any Michele Bardsley lover must add this to their collection. And if you have not read her work yet, this is a great anthology to do it.

Excerpt from book: “A Vampire for Every Season!

Christmas for Eve: Much to the envy of her friends, Eve Moore is dating erotica author Adora LaFortune, bestselling author of Swelter, AKA Steven Jones, horror novelist. This holiday season, she’s ready to give Steven her heart along with her presents. Then she finds out that Swelter isn’t exactly fiction, and her true love isn’t exactly mortal.

Candy for Valentine: When Valentine Carter attends her first romance conference, she soon learns that “The Blog Bitch” reaps what she sows. Renowned book publicist Michael Sanderson is a vampire. He mistakenly believes that the lovely morsel trussed up in his hotel room is a gift from his friends. After an evening with the delicious Valentine, he decides he wants to keep her. Forever.

Treats for Trixie: At Steven Jones’s annual Halloween party, wanna-be romance writer Trixie Lulabelle Jameson is excited to be among the elite of the publishing industry. Literary agent Marcus Moravius is one of the oldest vampires in existence, and very used to getting what he wants. And the only treat he wants to nibble on tonight is Trixie.”

Book Stats:

• e-book, digital format
• Publisher: Changeling Press
  
• Book Length: Novella
  
• Language: English
• ISBN: 978-1-60521-224-1

To purchase an eBook copy of Vampire Kisses click here.

Phoebe Allen, manager of the Broken Heart Café and mother to a four year old didn’t think anything could come of her harmless flirting with short-order cook Connor. After all, being a vampire, giving in to the sexual tension that had been building up between them for the past month came with some serious consequences – like 100-years-together serious. When Connor assures Phoebe that his being a Ghillie Dhu (Scottish fairy) exempts him from the binding curse, Phoebe believes him. Why wouldn’t she? But this is Broken Heart, and here, the saying “something too good to be true” is all too fitting. Connor fails to tell Phoebe that he is also a half-demon, and the part about being exempt…so NOT true. Somehow, a demon-hunting vampire being bound to a half-demon doesn’t seem like such a good idea. Throw in that Connor’s step-mom is none other than Lilith, the Queen of Hell, and that a prophecy is the reason for Connor’s deception, and so begins another tale in the never-ending saga of Broken Heart, Oklahoma.

Michele Bardsley is a true gift to the literary world. No matter how much time passes between the releases of her Broken Heart books, it takes little more than a page or two to suck the reader back in and remind them why Broken Heart is one of their favorite places to visit. Come Hell or High Water is no exception. Ms. Bardsley introduces us to wonderful new characters and, of course, brings back familiar characters from previous novels. No two characters could ever be confused as her development of them is complete; each character is unique and given a very distinct personality. Again, kudos and copious amounts of chocolate to Ms. Bardsley for another completely satisfying look into the lives of the citizens of Broken Heart, Oklahoma.

Book Excerpt: “Everybody makes mistakes-and my first one was named Connor, a heart- stealing Scottish hottie. I thought our night together was the beautiful beginning to a love story, which turned out to be my second mistake. I, Phoebe Allen, lifelong Broken Heart resident and vampire, am now mated to a half-demon.

Thankfully Phoebe’s four-year-old son Danny is safely away at Disneyworld with his human father. Because Phoebe’s right in the middle of major paranormal drama, helping Connor and his rag-tag group of friends retrieve part of an ancient talisman in order to ward off Connor’s vicious stepmother, an uber-demon named Lilith. Phoebe swears she isn’t falling for any of Connor’s demon charm. But still, he’s willing to do anything to protect her and prevent demons from storming into Broken Heart. And her undead heart can’t resist a bad boy with identity issues…”

Book Stats:

To purchase a print copy of Come Hell or High Water from Amazon click here.

To purchase a print copy of Come Hell or High Water from Barnes & Noble click here.

Books in the Broken Heart, Oklahoma series in the order they should be read:
I’m the Vampire, That’s Why
Don’t Talk Back To Your Vampire
Because Your Vampire Said So
Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home
Over My Dead Body
Come Hell or High Water

Simone Sweet is happy with her life in Broken Heart. She loves her job as the town mechanic and she has her daughter, Glory, and her grandma, Elaine, to come home to every night. The last thing she needs is a man in her life, but she can’t deny the attraction she feels whenever Braddock Hayes is around. She tells herself it can’t possibly go anywhere. She is a vampire, and he is a human, and even if she wanted to be with him, she is not ready for the 100 year commitment in which “being with him” would result. Her abusive past makes her terrified to get close to anyone but her daughter and grandma.

Braddock Hayes has a past of his own and secrets that just might make Simone’s pale in comparison if she will just give him a chance. When people start turning up missing and dead in Broken Heart, it all seems to point to Simone and the past that she has tried desperately to outrun. Only by putting her trust in Braddock does she have any chance of figuring out who is behind the attacks and protecting all those she holds dear.

In the 5th installment of the Broken Heart saga, Michele Bardsley introduces us to some new players in the town of Broken Heart, Oklahoma and brings back favorites from her previous novels. Ms. Bardsley has a gift for creating characters that are easy to love as well as those that are easy to despise. Her writing inspires emotions that will have you sobbing and then laughing hysterically with the just the turn of a few pages. Each Broken Heart story builds on the ones that came before and fleshes out more of the townspeople. Her skill at turning minor characters into major players makes the reader long for the story to continue and anxiously await the release date of her next book while speculating on which background character is going to get their own story. Kudos and Godivas to Ms. Bardsley for another fabulous Broken Heart experience.

Book Excerpt: “Moving into Broken Heart seemed like the perfect transition for Simone Sweet and her young daughter, Glory. With her ex-husband gone after attempting to murder Simone, and Glory being mute since the incident, it is one place where she can feel safe, and almost forget she’s a ravenous vampire…

No one is without secrets, but Simone’s are big. She’d hate to have them interfere with what’s developing with local hunk Braddock Hayes. When not turning her legs to jelly, he’s building an Invisi-shield around Broken Heart and helping Glory speak again. But when Simone’s past resurfaces, it threatens to ruin her second chance…”

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Signet (May 5, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451226771
• ISBN-13: 978-0451226778

To purchase a copy of Over My Dead Body click here.

Books in the Broken Heart, Oklahoma series in the order they should be read:
I’m the Vampire, That’s Why
Don’t Talk Back To Your Vampire
Because Your Vampire Said So
Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home
Over My Dead Body

To visit the author’s website go here.

Melanie Unmasked is a continuation of Wizard’s Moon. Melanie works as an accountant for her step-sister at one of the West Coast’s premiere spas. Her sister sends her out to do some shopping in anticipation of a club opening. Melanie has no intention of using her sister’s credit card. She stops for lunch and reads a book called “Wizard’s Heart” which tells the story of Honor Karn, who is the son of True Karn and Alissa.

Melanie enjoys the story so much, she takes whatever opportunity she can to read the book. She finds herself in a coffee shop, enjoying her book and a piece of chocolate cake to die for when she meets a stranger. Melanie, unable to believe that a man could be interested in her, doesn’t trust him. He bets that they will find each other again. Will Melanie attend the Club opening with her sister? Will she find that fate does exist or is it only in books such as “Wizard’s Heart”?

I give this book 5 tombstones. A well written story. Melanie was easy to identify with as a main character. I enjoyed how Ms. Bardsley told a story within a story as well. The sex scenes were steamy and exciting and I enjoyed reading them. It is guaranteed to hold the readers interest from the first page. I haven’t found a story of Michele Bardsley’s that has been disappointing yet. If you enjoyed Wizard’s Moon by Michele Bardsley, you’ll enjoy Melanie Unmasked. And its a fairly easy and quick read at 79 pages. So I definitely would say, add these books to your reading list!

Book Excerpt: “Melanie Trident is an accountant for Viva Venus, her step-sister’s über successful day spa. Mel is used to being the plain one, especially when compared to her gorgeous blonde sibling. That’s probably why she keeps reading her favorite romance novel, Wizard’s Heart. At least then she can pretend she’s the heroine of her own story.

Her sis insists she attends a masked ball to celebrate the opening of Club Mirage; Mel reluctantly agrees and hits the shopping district. She discovers an unusual store called Madam Periwinkle’s Erotic Delights. It has every naughty thing a girl needs to entertain herself and a bevy of lovers. Yet, Melanie is drawn to the golden Mask of Aphrodite. The unusual proprietor has it wrapped and boxed before Mel decides she even wants it.
As if that’s not weird enough, she meets a gorgeous stranger in a coffee shop. Nic Chival’s interest in her is both surprising and intriguing, but Melanie doesn’t trust easily. However, she doesn’t count on Madam Periwinkle or the special qualities of her merchandise. The magic of the mask opens up a whole new world… and Melanie has to decide if she wants to risk everything for the heart of a man who already loves her.”

Book Stats:

• e-book, digital format
• Publisher: Changeling Press
  
• Book Length: Novella
  
• Language: English
• ISBN: 978-1-59596-930-9

To purchase an electronic copy of Melanie Unmasked click here.

Books in the series in the order they should be read:
Wizard’s Moon
Melanie Unmasked

To visit the author’s website go here.

Libby Monroe doesn’t know what to expect when her work with Paranormal Research and Investigation Services (P.R.I.S.) leads her to the small Town of Broken Heart, Oklahoma. Libby’s parents are the founders of P.R.I.S. and Libby has been raised believing in the paranormal. Still, nothing in her 23 years could have prepared her for what is about to happen. It is one thing to believe in the possible existence of the paranormal but to be confronted with vampires, werewolves, zombies and dragons in the course of one terrifying evening that will completely change the whole course of her life is something that she never could have imagined in her wildest dreams. When her life literally ends up in the hands of a sexy single dad who just happens to be a vampire, things really get interesting.

Michele Bardsley’s latest installment in the Broken Heart series is just as hard to put down as the ones before. The returning cast of characters and the introduction of new ones keeps this series fresh and fascinating. Ms. Bardsley writes in a way that allows you to hear the characters talking as you read. From Queen Patsy’s colorful vocabulary to the sexy Irish accents of Patrick and Lorcan, it is truly a smorgasbord for the ears and the imagination. I love the way that characters who are minor players in previous books become major characters with whole stories developed around them and yet, Ms. Bardsley still keeps the characters from books past in the center of the storyline. I have no problem remembering who all of the characters are from one book to the next which is a testament to truly stellar character development skills. I thoroughly enjoyed my return visit to Broken Heart and look forward to many return trips in the future.

Book Stats:

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Signet (November 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451225503
• ISBN-13: 978-0451225504

To purchase a print copy of Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home click here.

Books in the Broken Heart, Oklahoma series in the order they should be read:
I’m the Vampire, That’s Why
Don’t Talk Back To Your Vampire
Because Your Vampire Said So
Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home
Over My Dead Body

To visit the author’s website go here.

Mary comes home after being laid off from her job and completely gives up hope when her key breaks in the lock after a string of unfortunate events. Her gorgeous neighbor comes over and offers to help, and much to Mary’s stunned surprise, begins to beg her to allow him to help her because she is his soul mate. He tells her that he is an alien and returns her to his planet, where she is to become his queen.

I give this book 5 tombstones. It made me smile and laugh as poor Mary couldn’t believe her luck that a gorgeous hunk would actually want her. Ms. Bardsley’s writing style and wit appealed to me throughout the short “quickie” and I enjoyed the erotic scenes that she included in the book. The concept was an original piece of work that I haven’t seen in other paranormal books. The characters appealed to me. I know I could empathize with Mary throughout parts, unable to believe that this gorgeous guy was telling the truth and actually wanted her as a lifemate. The story is told in a humoreous fashion and definitely makes the reader laugh throughout the book. If you’re looking for some quick entertainment and need something to cheer you up, I think this is the quickie for you.

Book Excerpt: “Mary Wolmack has lost her job, her dignity, and the key to her apartment. Cursed with being a “fat chick”, she can’t believe the hunk across the hall is interested in her. When he announces he’s an alien prince whose people honor women of size, she realizes she’s lost one more thing — her mind.

Matthew Adams, aka Tek, Crown Prince of Kratania, has traveled through a magical portal to find his soul mate, the woman foretold to become his queen. When Mary refuses to believe they are meant to marry, he picks up the challenge to prove he’s not an Earther, and takes her to his world and shows her all the ways Kratanian men honor their women.”

Book Stats:

• e-book, digital format
• Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
  
• Book Length: Quickie
  
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9781419911439

To purchase an electronic copy of Bride Portal click here.

To visit the author’s website go here.

The Anubinake are werewolves created by the Egyptian god Anubis. The ruby was created from his tears when Humans and Anubinakes warred over a woman, it will show the pack alpha his true mate. Xavier has known who his mate is for several years, he’s acquired several of her paintings. He’s watched and waited for a time to make his move. With the pack being torn apart he needs his mate to solidify his command before the outcast Tanin seizes power.

Elle wants nothing more than to be free of the nightmares that followed after her husband’s death. Free of the dreams that plagued her childhood. Free to find herself and reignite her artistic spirit. Xavier offers Elle the answer to all these things, but even with the ruby glowing in her hands she can’t believe. When Tanin attacks it may be too late.

My finger tips are still burning from this read. Xavier was hot and Elle his equal. I hope there are more Anubinake stories on the way.

Book Stats:

• e-book, digital format
• Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
  
• Book Length: Quickie
  
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9781419914515

To purchase an electronic copy of Tears of Anubis click here.

To visit the author’s website go here.

Michael Connors has spent eight lifetimes looking for his love Raine. He finally gets an opportunity to reunite with her in the current lifetime. He sends her an e-mail informing her of an inheritance of a castle in England. She’ll need to fulfill some eccentric requirements, but the castle should be hers.

Raine arrives in England and meets her host Micheal Connors. Upon her arrival, she begins to experience some strange blackouts. She doesn’t realize that the blackouts are a result of her soul recognizing Connors. She gets these sensations warning her of impending evil. Will the fates align so that these two souls will be able to reunite in this lifetime?

I give this book 5 tombstones. I really enjoyed the story and the idea of reincarnation and witchcraft presented throughout the story. In order for Michael to be able to search for Raine in each lifetime, he had to be able to retain his memories. I love the idea of soul mates and being able to recognize each other in each lifetime. The introduction of the danger found during the book enhanced the story. I enjoy Ms. Bardsley’s writing style and have enjoyed the last few books of hers that I’ve read. This book measures up to each of those books and I look forward to continuing to read her works. I wouldn’t recommend this book for young readers, due to the erotic scenes found throughout the book.

Book Excerpt: “When American Raine Sinclair arrives in England to claim her inheritance, she’s immediately attracted to the hunky barrister managing her estate. But the castle holds more than just cobwebs and cold drafts. It’s almost as if she’s been in this place before…but though Raine shakes off the weird feelings of déjà vu, she can’t shake off her sudden black-outs and her very vivid dreams about a man she once called husband. A man who looks just like her lawyer.

Eight-hundred years ago, Michael Connors was a medieval English lord who married his true love, Raine. Betrayed by his closest ally, Michael barters with a powerful witch to remember his life and his love … so that he might find her again in another life. In eight lifetimes, he’s grown to manhood knowing his purpose: find Raine. Seven times before, he failed in his purpose, but now, he finally has her within reach.

However, an old evil lurks in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to end their love and their lives forever. But this time around, Michael swears he won’t live another life without Raine.”

Book Stats:

• e-book, digital format
• Publisher: Loose ID
  
• Book Length: Novella
  
• Language: English
• ISBN: 978-1-59632-467-1

To purchase an electronic copy of Life Without Raine click here.

To visit the author’s website go here.

After spending time with her romantically bitter friend Valentine Carter, Eve Moore is more than ready to relax with her boyfriend Steven Jones. Valentine writes scathing reviews of romance novels on her blog The Blog Bitch and Eve used to think it was funny. Now that she’s dating an author however, she’s had a change of heart. This is the longest relationship she has ever been in and it is almost like she’s waiting on the other shoe to drop. Steven has proven to be a fabulous boyfriend in that he’s loving, sexy and attentive; everything a girl could want. But she’s sure something is going to go wrong.

Steven Jones is a horror writer but also writes romance novels under the pseudonym of Adora La Fortune. His most recent book, Swelter, was about a triad of lovers, Derina, Robert and Warick. While the upcoming sequel is mostly fiction, Swelter was based on his life as Warick in the eighteen hundreds. As much as Val teases Eve about Steven being a vampire because he is never seen during the day, he is pale and, worst of all, hates junk food, it turns out that he really is.

Eve starts having dreams about Swelter with her in the place of Derina. When she tells Steven about them, he drops a bombshell on her with his explanation of his inspiration for Swelter. Faced with the possibility that Steven only loves her because he thinks she’s Derina reincarnated, Eve wonders if she should stay or go.

Christmas For Eve packs a lot into a very short story. I recently reviewed the sequel to this, Candy For Valentine, and am glad I got the chance to read Eve and Steven’s story. If you’re looking for a short but good story, this is one I would definitely recommend.

Book Stats:

• e-book, digital format
• Publisher: Changeling Press
  
• Book Length: Novella
  
• Language: English
• ISBN: 978-1-59596-559-2

To purchase an electronic copy of Stocking Stuffer: Christmas For Eve click here.

To visit the author’s website go here.

Alissa works as a bookkeeper for the Purple Palace which is a brothel. When she was out walking one night during the Wizard’s Moon, she was accosted by the town guards. She’s rescued by a man, who she later finds out is the Wizard True Karn. Rumor has it that during the Wizard’s Moon, that he is on the prowl for a new bed slave. Alissa finds out what a kind man he is. He cannot stay with her and must return to his home, but he gives her a bauble so that she can contact him. True Karn is under a curse and believes no one will take his mark. Alissa believes she will be able to help remove his curse.

I found the story to be intriguing and I definitely enjoyed reading about the blossoming romance between True and Alissa. There is even a slight villain element to the story that makes it all the more fun. The ending was a little surprising and different, but interesting. The sexual tension was well written throughout the story and there were elements of erotica that were included that I haven’t seen in a romance in a while that made the sex scenes all the more intriguing and exciting. I would categorize this book for adult readers to the erotic scenes found throughout the book. I thought this book was a lot of fun to read and give Wizard’s Moon 4 1/2 tombstones. I really liked Ms. Bardsley’s story and look forward to her works in the future.

Book Excerpt: “A wizard cursed…
Handsome and desperate wizard True Karn becomes human during the “wizard’s moon”—the only two nights of the month he can look for his mate. The rest of the time, he must live in his monstrous, cursed form. When he rescues a pretty lady from the lascivious attention of two guardsmen, he realizes that she could be the one he’s been searching for.

A woman scorned…
Plain and reliable Alissa Rogers works in a house of ill repute—as an accountant. She’s not pretty enough to be a prostitute, but it seems she’s still woman enough to gain the attention of an infamous wizard…”

Book Stats:

• e-book, digital format
• Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
  
• Book Length: Novella
  
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1-4199-0685-2
  

To purchase an electronic copy of Wizard’s Moon click here.

Books in the series in the order they should be read:
Wizard’s Moon
Melanie Unmasked

To visit the author’s website go here.

This erotic anthology from Ellora’s Cave features three steamy hot stories. As you can gather from the title, each one features a heroine and two heroes.

Starting off with Lady’s Choice by Cricket Starr, we read the story of Zelion warriors Gehon Avermoe, Jackon Overton and Manalija (Lija) L’Lautgiga of Axona. Jackon and Gehon have known each other for years and are as close as brothers. Zelion warriors are unable to reproduce with anyone but their true mate. And, if after finding their true mate, they are rejected, they will be attracted to no one else for their entire lives. They know their true mate by the woman’s scent and taste. Lija is a princess who ran off for one last fling before marrying her father’s choice for her. When the three meet in the Lost Time Lounge, the warriors are stunned to realize that Lija is apparently the true mate for BOTH of them. Jackon and Gehon just have to figure out how to get her to choose. Lija has to decide if she can buck tradition by marrying one of them or if she can even choose one over the other.

And Best Friend Makes Three by Lynn LaFleur is the second story of the anthology. Brenna West is making plans for a special evening. It is the one year anniversary of meeting her boyfriend Eric McFarland. He is the owner of a real estate office and they met when she went there to start looking at houses. Eric has plans of his own for Brenna that involves him on one knee and a small velvet box. Before they can celebrate properly however, Brenna is called away on business. While she’s gone, Eric’s best friend from college, Keith Dillard, calls to let him know he will be in town. Keith is a foreign correspondent for CNN and has not yet met Brenna. During their reunion, Eric is reminded of some of their college escapades and comes up with the ultimate idea for an extremely pleasurable gift for Brenna.

The final contribution to this book is Saving Sarah by Michele Bardsley. Married for almost ten years, Ben and Sarah Slatterly are in the middle of a crises. Brutally raped almost a year ago, Sarah was severely affected. She’s been unable to get beyond her fear and aversion to sex, even with her beloved Ben. After consulting therapist Annie Miller, Ben sends Sarah to a special resort to help her. Annie has issues of her own involving her daughter and the souls of two her daughter held dear. Once Dunley and Miranda died in a car accident, their souls were given to Annie to keep or release; it was her choice as a witch. Titania, Annie’s daughter, was devastated by her friend’s death and betrayal and has been in a psychiatric hospital for the past two months. If Dunley can help Sarah and Ben, Annie will release his soul so he can move beyond Limbo. With Sarah and Dunley at the resort and Ben waiting to join her, Annie visits Titania. Annie has discovered that a darker, a form of an evil soul, has followed Dunley from Limbo and is after him and Sarah. Ti, as everyone calls her, has been in almost a fugue state all this time. When Annie tells her about the darker and explains that to save Dunley and Miranda’s souls and Sarah, they will need both of their combined powers, Ti manages to break out of her mental prison. It will take every bit of strength they all have though. Sarah needs to heal with Dunley’s help and they all need to live through the confrontation with the darker.

This was a very interesting and erotic book. I’ve seen some erotica that is more sex than plot but that isn’t the case here. The stories are enough to stand alone without it and the erotic scenes are very well written. All of the characters have a nice depth to them and you get a feel for them in more ways than in the bedroom. This is a highly erotic book though so if you’re not into threesomes, I wouldn’t advise reading it. Otherwise, find a nice quiet spot to read and be sure to have a fan!

Book Stats:

• e-book, digital format
• Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
  
• Book Length: Anthology
  
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1-4199-0032-3

To purchase an electronic copy of Two Men And A Lady click here.

To visit the submitting author’s website go here.

For her twenty-first birthday Miranda Boson decides to go to Los Regalos. Known for its casinos and decadence, Los Regalos is an adventure that Miranda can’t wait to experience. Raised by her now deceased scientist aunt, Miranda hasn’t done one single frivolous thing since she was eleven. Before she even gets to her hotel, the famous Dusty Star, Miranda is in trouble. Her cabbie has parked them in a dark alley and won’t let her out. When a dark shadow turns into mist and streamed into the cab only to form into a man with red eyes and fangs, Miranda screams and faints. Simon LaRue is a demon with a contract. Obligated to work for the Family (basically the mob of course) for another ten years, Simon looks out for the interests of the Family. In this case, the unauthorized attack on a tourist carried out by the rogue vampire Richard, is something that the Family frowns upon. Not so much because Miranda could get hurt, or worse, but because Richard won’t give them their cut of his take. Simon takes care of the cabdriver and Richard slips away before attentions can be turned towards him. With Miranda unconscious, Simon is able to put her in another cab and send her on her way with no memory of the incident.

Back in his human form, Simon makes it a point to run into Miranda in the Dusty Star. The fact that she’s in the hotel’s sex shop makes it all the more interesting. He is drawn to her innocence but wants to see how far he can make her cross the line into temptation. Making no doubts about his intentions with her, he tells her to go to the lounge later. He’s a bartender there and will fix her his specialty; a drink called the Virgin’s Kiss.

Not quite knowing why but going anyway, Miranda meets up with Simon for that drink. It is followed by an interesting dinner involving the two of them, a small battery operated toy slipped into Miranda’s panties and the remote control for it controlled, of course, by Simon. A virgin, Miranda is ripe for a sexual education and Simon is determined to be the one to give it to her. He’s also a bit perplexed to realize that he is developing feelings for Miranda like none he’s had before. Once his contract is up with the Family, Simon will go back to hell to wait until Satan finds some other way of tormenting him. The more time he spends with Miranda, the more Simon would rather be with her than anything. After saving her from Richard’s clutches again, he reveals his true form to Miranda. There is a way to keep Simon from going back to hell after his contract is up but it will be up to Miranda. Simon will have to convince her to save him and let him give her the pleasure of a lifetime.

Oh. My. Put this story on your computer and you could almost cook food on your keyboard. Hot, hot, HOT! Normally I like a little more non-sexual story line but this one would have been bare without it. Ms. Bardsley definitely has a way with erotic!

Book Stats:

• e-book, digital format
• Publisher: Changeling Press
  
• Book Length: Novella
  
• Language: English
• ISBN: 978-1-59596-682-7
  

To purchase an electronic copy of Viva Los Regalos: Virgin’s Kiss click here.

To visit the author’s website go here.

After walking in on her fiancée Derbie and his best friend Robert having sex, Charli Maguire’s own sex life has been nonexistent. Having an overprotective father and three older brothers didn’t help things much either. Following a visit to a sex shop to purchase a new toy, Charli finds a winning gold ticket in the box. She has won a trip to Nova Scotia to tour Rookery Cove Aphrodisiacs, the manufacturer of her toy, and a five hundred dollar shopping spree. Overprotective family or not, Charli is going on that trip!

Brim and Stone were born a hundred years ago. They are dragons currently in human form. If they don’t create a sexual triad with a human female, they will stay in human form permanently. In this form, they are unable to properly guard the Heart which is what makes Rookery Cove island special.

When Charli reaches Rookery Cove, part of the tour includes a room simply called the fantasy room. While in the room, if you wish for your most secret fantasy, it will come true. Charli decides to take a chance and wishes for a threesome with two men. Amazed when Brim and Stone appear, Charli must decide if she’s really up for going through with her fantasy. Brim and Stone hope she does, as their future together as lovers depend on her.

Although there isn’t too much history on anyone besides Charli, the characters do grow on you. People have secret sexual fantasies but given a real opportunity to act them out, would they? Charli was nervous when her chance came and I liked that. I think most people would be and that made the story more believable for me. How many ways is there to say that this story is HOT because I think I need them all! If you’re not into reading about male on male or three ways, you probably shouldn’t read it. Otherwise, crank up the AC and settle in because it is going to get steamy!

Book Stats:

• e-book, digital format
• Publisher: Changeling Press
  
• Book Length: Novella
  
• Language: English
• ISBN: 978-1-59596-683-4

To purchase an electronic copy of Rookery Cove: Make Mine a Double click here.

To visit the author’s website go here.

Attending the annual Heart of Romance Reader’s convention, Valentine Carter is alone and severely snubbed. Alone because none of her posse could attend and snubbed because she is the owner and publisher of a review site entitled The Blog Bitch. She reviews romance novels and usually isn’t very nice about it. As a result, everyone at the convention has pretty much ignored her. Sitting in the bar of the hotel, she’s drowning her sorrows when she is approached by Dominic, a cover model attending the convention. After a few drinks she’s feeling very woozy and Dominic escorts her to her room. After that though, things got kind of fuzzy and Valentine finds herself clad only in her underwear, hand cuffs and a ball gag.

Also attending the convention is Michael Sanderson. A publicist, Michael is also a vampire. His friends, Steve and Eve, had booked his room along side their own and another for a friend of Eve’s. When he enters, he spots Valentine trussed up like a…well, like a Valentine and assumes she is his surprise from Steve and Eve. Not one to miss a good opportunity, Michael avails himself of Valentine’s delectable body. His pleasure doesn’t last though after he finally realizes that she is drugged. He finds Steve and Eve and the three of them attempt to sort things out. During their conversation, one of romance author Madra Milton’s fans drop off a flyer at their table. Containing a very cruel picture of Valentine, the three realize that someone has played a sick and cruel joke on her.

Then next day, Valentine is unaware of the flyer or even of Michael. The drug Dominic gave her, prevented her from remembering much of the previous evening. Confronted with the flyer and after being relieved of her speaking duties for the convention, Valentine is humiliated. Little does she know that her friend Eve, Eve’s fiancé Steve and Steve’s friend Michael have a surprise or two in store for her. All she has to do is believe Eve’s claims of Steve and Michael being vampires and live down the humiliation of the flyer.

A quick read at only forty pages, this was a delightful story. Ms. Bardsley did such a good job of writing Valentines emotions that I felt embarrassed right along with her. I would like to read more about these characters and I believe that there is a book out that covers the beginning of Steve and Eve’s relationship. I will definitely be hunting that down.

Book Stats:

• e-book, digital format
• Publisher: Changeling Press
  
• Book Length: Novella
  
• Language: English
• ISBN: 978-1-59596-617-9

To purchase an electronic copy of Candy for Valentine click here.

To visit the author’s website go here.

“Chased by You” finds FBI profiler and psychic Kate Simmons in need of a vacation, one she finds with an old high school friend in her new town of Miller’s Lake. After coming off an especially gruesome case where Kate Simmons sees into the mind of the human monster she’s chasing, it’s obvious that she needs the time away – the time to gather her thoughts and rebuild the psychic walls that have started crumbling. She pushes herself hard in the Behavioral Sciences Unit of the FBI, especially since she’s hiding the fact that she’s psychic. Everybody simply thinks she’s good at her job … and lucky. It’s not just her job that she’s needing a break from, however, it’s her obsessive thoughts of her one-time lover Robert Macintosh, a supernatural hunter. A man that brought her the greatest pleasure she’s ever known, and stole information from her computer while she was tangled in pleasure-induced sleep.

She’s not at the small cabin in the woods very long before her thoughts drift back to that one night of passion. Trying to put that aside, she curls up in bed with a good book – and amusingly enough, one of my favorite authors! That evening, her spirit leaves her body and discovers a monster – not the human kind that she’s used to, a real one, complete with grey flesh flapping off of grey bones. She’s found the Wendigo, which turns out to be a creature that craves human flesh. Much to the surprise of Kate, Robert shows up at her secluded cabin – but not for the reason that she thought since she’d just had the pleasure of meeting the Wendigo.

Within this novella, there were two fairly heated sex scenes with the main focus of the play between Dominance and submission. You could feel the underlying heat in the motions, yet I still craved a little more description, a little more force to the words. Kate Simmon’s slipping entirely too comfortably into the answer of “Yes, Master” struck me as disingenuous – since we found out early in the book that her encounter with Robert Macintosh had been the first of it’s kind and that her sex life prior had been mediocre at best.

I enjoyed this snapshot into the lives of Kate Simmons and Robert Macintosh. Although short and to the point, it’s made an impact with their characters and their lives, which makes me want to know more about them.

Book Stats:

• e-book, digital format
• Publisher: Changeling Press
  
• Book Length: Novella
  
• Language: English
• ISBN: 978-1-59596-760-2

To purchase an electronic copy of Chased By You click here.

To visit the author’s website go here.

Because Your Vampire Said So is the latest in the Broken Heart, Oklahoma series. In this installment, we meet Patsy Donahue, a spirited and sassy single mom who runs the town’s beauty parlor. Though most of the humans have left Broken Heart, Patsy’s business is kept alive by the werewolf population who, luckily for Patsy, know how important good grooming is.

Patsy is busy dealing with her rebellious teenage son and suddenly finds herself the target of several attacks on her life. A mysterious white wolf shows up to save her more than once, and when he shifts he is an incredibly hot man named Gabriel. Who is Gabriel and why does he claim that Patsy is his soul mate? Not that she minds but for this very independent lady who knows exactly who she is, being told that she is a woman that prophesies have been written about is more than a little hard to swallow.

Ms. Bardsley has done it again! With Patsy, she has created a heroine who is funny and likable, and you genuinely want her to triumph over evil and end up with the hot guy. I love that the characters from the previous books figure prominently in the storyline. Michele gives her characters such distinct personalities that you really feel like you know them by the end of the book. Broken Heart is a perfect escape when you need to get away from the stress of everyday life. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll leave with a smile.

Book Excerpt: “When you’re immortal, being a mom won’t kill you— it will only make you stronger. Even though all the non-vamps in Broken Heart, Oklahoma, skipped town, Patsy Donahue has kept her hair salon up and running thanks to the werewolves prowling around. They know how important good grooming is, especially a certain rogue shape shifter who’s as sexy as he is deadly. Now, if only she could put a leash on her wild teenage son, who’s up to his neck in danger. The stress would kill Patsy, if she wasn’t already undead. But her maternal instinct is still alive and kicking. And no one had better mess with her own flesh and blood…”

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Signet Eclipse (May 6, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451223861
• ISBN-13: 978-0451223869

To purchase a print copy of Because Your Vampire Said So click here.

Books in the Broken Heart, Oklahoma series in the order they should be read:
I’m the Vampire, That’s Why
Don’t Talk Back To Your Vampire
Because Your Vampire Said So
Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home
Over My Dead Body

To visit the author’s website go here.

I could not put Don’t Talk Back To Your Vampire down and finished it the day I got it. In this sequel to I’m the Vampire, That’s Why, we get to know some of the other citizens of Broken Heart, and to know them is to love them. This time, the story focuses on Eva, the town librarian who was turned in the first book in the Broken Heart series.

Since becoming a vampire, Eva has discovered that she has the ability to communicate with animals. She finds herself intensely attracted to Lorcan, the sexy vamp who was responsible for her death. She has forgiven him but he is so consumed with guilt over what he did to her and other members of the Broken Heart community that he fights the growing attraction between them. Add in the bad guys who are after Eva because of her gift, teenagers who are getting acclimated to night school, and her daughter’s new boyfriend who just happens to be a vampire hunter, and you have another fabulous installment in the Broken Heart saga.

I especially loved the interaction between Eva and her teenage daughter, as well as Eva’s extensive vocabulary. (I learned a lot of new words to impress people with.) This story grabs hold of you and does not let go until you have turned the very last page.

Book Excerpt: “Being a mother is never easy-especially when you’re undead. Eva LeRoy, Broken Heart, Oklahoma’s librarian, got “vampified” when everyone else did: during a rogue vampire’s feeding frenzy. But books still make her undead heart beat-and, strangely enough, so does Lorcan the Loner, the vampire who killed her…”

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Signet Eclipse (July 3, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451221702
• ISBN-13: 978-0451221704

To purchase a print copy of Don’t Talk Back to Your Vampire click here.

Books in the Broken Heart, Oklahoma series in the order they should be read:
I’m the Vampire, That’s Why
Don’t Talk Back To Your Vampire
Because Your Vampire Said So
Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home
Over My Dead Body

To visit the author’s website go here.

Single mom Jessica Matthews was simply taking out the garbage, since her lazy son forgot to do it, when her whole world was turned upside down. Attacked by a werewolf, she awakens to find herself sucking on the thigh of the incredible sexy Patrick O’Halloran. He has turned her to save her life and she is not very happy about it. Jessica definitely has issues with men as her late husband cheated on her and then had the nerve to die before she could divorce him. How to explain to her kids that Mommy is a vampire is a huge challenge as well as the fact that she is incredibly attracted to Patrick but learns that if they have sex, they are bound to each other for 100 years. Add to that her husband’s mistress has also been turned and shows up constantly.

Being a vampire is not all bad though. Jessica finds that being vamped is like getting an instant beauty makeover. Goodbye cellulite, wrinkles, sag, and flab. Having a very hot vampire who claims that you are his soul mate is nothing to sneeze at either. Jessica’s attempt to juggle her growing attraction to Patrick and doing what’s best for her kids is something that every mom out there can relate to. For Jessica, keeping her children safe always comes first.

Michele Bardsley is a master at making you feel like the characters are real and practically climbing off the pages of the book. With a perfect blend of humor, angst, and steamy romance, Broken Heart is a place that everyone should visit.

Book Excerpt: “There’s a new breed of soccer mom in town-with fangs. Does drinking blood make me a bad mother? That’s the question single mom Jessica Matthews faces when she wakes from a savage attack sucking on the thigh of Patrick O’Halloran, a super-hot Irish vampire who’d generously offered his femoral artery to save her from death…only to make her one of the undead.

Jessica can’t rest until the beast that did this to her is caught. Meanwhile, she’s having trouble committing to Patrick (in the vampire handbook, physical intimacy costs you several hundred years of being bound together) and keeping her kids in line.”

Book Stats:

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Signet (September 5, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451219376
• ISBN-13: 978-0451219374

To purchase a print copy of I’m the Vampire That’s Why click here.

Books in the Broken Heart, Oklahoma series in the order they should be read:
I’m the Vampire, That’s Why
Don’t Talk Back To Your Vampire
Because Your Vampire Said So
Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home
Over My Dead Body

To visit the author’s website go here.