Trick of Time by J.L. Merrow

A lover from another time

When Ted Ennis steps out the doors of the Criterion Theatre for a cigarette and finds himself in Victorian London, he begins to doubt his sanity. At first he thinks it's all a film set, and is sure that the strikingly handsome young man leaning against a lamppost must be the leading man…

What starts as a sordid transaction with a beautiful rent boy quickly turns into something much deeper, drawing him back again and again as he gets to know Jem and craves meaningful encounters with him.

But Ted doesn't understand the exact conditions necessary for his trips through time—and for Jem, time may actually be running out. Now Ted has one last shot to get back to Jem and save their relationship, before it's too late…


3.5/5 stars

Like every book by J.L. Merrow that I've read, I wish this book would've been longer. I loved the parts where Ted went back in time and would've loved to had more of those. I felt as if we could've seen more of their relationship if those scenes had been expanded on. I also would've liked a little more on Jemmy and his thoughts about modern London. I really liked both characters and would love to see more of them either in a sequel or even a glimpse of them in a different book. I just hate the thought of Ted and Jem disappearing into London never to be heard from again. I recommend to people wanting a light fast romance between two men that deserve a happy life together. 

Shadow Woman by Linda Howard

Lizette Henry wakes up one morning and makes a terrifying discovery: She doesn’t recognize the face she sees in the mirror. She remembers what she looks like, but her reflection is someone else’s. To add to the shock, two years seem to have disappeared from her life. Someone has gone to great and inexplicable lengths to keep those missing years hidden forever. But the past always finds a way to return.

Strange memories soon begin to surface and, along with them, some unusual skills and talents that Lizette hasn’t a clue about acquiring. Sensing that she’s being monitored, Lizette suddenly knows how to search for bugs in her house and tracking devices in her car. What’s more, she can elude surveillance—like a trained agent.

Enter a mysterious and seductive stranger named Xavier, who claims he wants to help—but who triggers disturbing images of an unspeakable crime of which Lizette may or may not be the perpetrator. With memories returning, she suddenly becomes a target of anonymous assassins. On the run with nowhere to hide, Lizette has no choice but to rely on Xavier, a strong and magnetic man she doesn’t trust, with a powerful attraction she cannot resist. As murky waters become clear, Lizette confronts a conspiracy that is treacherous and far-reaching and a truth that, once revealed, may silence her and Xavier once and for all.

4/5 stars

This was a book that was fast paced and had me trying to figure out what I'd do in Lizzy/Lizette's place and honestly, I have no idea...probably would've ended up dead within one day. Just the thought of waking up to not being able to recognize myself would definitely put me in a mental hospital. Lizzy took it a lot better then I would've when she found out she had been under surveillance for all those years. I also think she gave it up to Xavier a little too fast for not really remembering him and thinking he was out to kill her, but whatever gets you off I guess. I really liked how alpha Xavier was and didn't really feel remorse for what had to be done. Too often in books it seems that these kind of guys are portrayed as if it's a bad thing to do what needs to be done. All in all, this book was a really good fast paced ride that I'm glad I've read and have already recommended it to a couple friends and will tell a few more I'm sure. I love Linda Howard and can't wait to read more in the near future. 

Star Crossed (Battered Hearts #2) by Kele Moon

Heavyweight MMA fighter, Romeo Wellings comes from the hard streets of New York where his family ties to the mafia cause him nothing but pain. His life takes a surprising detour when he crosses paths with the twin sister of his long time enemy. After a steamy one-night stand, he faces the fight of his life, but it’s not in the cage. The secret relationship that blooms between Romeo and his real life Juliet has him battling his family and a dark past rather than let her go. 



The only lawyer in her hometown of Garnet, Jules Conner is also a volunteer Sheriff’s deputy and co-owner of a successful MMA training center. Strong and dependable, Jules is always there for those who need her. Until one forbidden night in Las Vegas with Romeo leaves her feeling so alive she can’t stop reaching out to the sexy, bad boy of MMA, even knowing the forbidden love affair could jeopardize everything.



As the tide rises against them and the people they love work at keeping them apart, Romeo and Jules hold onto a dream for a better life together and vow to go down fighting rather than accept a tragic ending.


5/5 stars

As soon as I finished this book I immediately went to Kele Moon's website to find out when the next book was coming out cause damnit, I need it now! I loved this book even more then the first of the series, Defying the Odds. I mean first of all, it's pretty damn sexy. Every scene that Jules and Romeo are in together is just scorching with sexual tension. They definitely make a great couple. They had me laughing, fanning myself and near the end I had to read through some tears. I love the back and forth that Jules and Wyatt had together; you could tell they were brother and sister. Some of they're conversations had me laughing out loud. I even had a little crush on both of Romeo's brothers and hope they get a chance to have a book. Lord knows they deserve a little love and happiness.

I loved this book, well really both books in the series and really hope more people will read them. I know that I'm going to be rereading them in the future and telling everybody I can to check them out. Kele Moon has a great story telling ability that more people need to be aware of. She is definitely on my list as one author to make sure I read. 

Defying the Odds (Battered Hearts #1) by Kele Moon

When struggling waitress Melody Dylan gives a handsome, lonely stranger a simple gift she has no clue her life is about to take a drastic turn.

The stranger ends up being Clay Powers, a famous UFC heavyweight fighter. Clay’s large build and dangerous fists have always intimidated. People in his hometown keep their distance and Clay is fine with that. Everything changes when a new waitress at the local diner buys him a piece of pie on thanksgiving. Touched by the gesture when it’s obvious she can barely afford to survive, her warm smile and lush body churn up powerful feelings that leave Clay wanting more from her than pie.

Melody is running from her past and the small, country town of Garnet is the perfect hiding place. With an ex-husband after her and scars from her abusive marriage etched deep, the last thing she expects is to fall for a man who makes a living with his fists, but she can’t resist Clay or the tender connection they share.

Finding love in the most unlikely of places, the passion is undeniable, but Clay and Melody know their haunted pasts and unpredictable futures leave the odds stacked against them.


5/5 stars

I've only read one book by Kele Moon before and really liked it so I was definitely looking forward to reading this one and thankfully I wasn't disappointed. I loved both Clay and Melody and thought they were great together; very sweet and very believable as a couple.  And of course once they got together, they were smokin' hot.  I don't watch the UFC and really never thought about watching it, but since this series takes place in that world I was kinda nervous thinking I wouldn't get the story but I should never have worried about it.  The romance takes center stage with the fighting taking just a minor role.  The secondary characters were all great and I can't wait to read more of this series.  I know Jules gets the next book, but I'm really looking for Wyatt's book.  Would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance that's sweet, funny and generally makes you feel good knowing you read a great book.

In the Eyes of Crazy (Kontra's Menagerie #9) by Charlie Richards

On the Road: Sometimes, the shy quiet type, really aren’t shy or quiet at all.

Payson thought he’d found his mate once, but had been wrong. With his senses screwed up by scientist’s experiments, he no longer trusts them. He sleeps with any nice smelling, willing male—and some females—hoping his hyena will want to keep one of them. He’s shocked and delighted when he and his animal are in agreement over one sexy, nerdy human—Land Zimmerman. The sex is fantastic, Land’s shy virgin playfulness even better, and Payson gives in to his hyena’s urge to mark Land. The next morning, things heat up, and not in a good way. Payson’s jealous hyena attacks a fellow pack-member standing a little too close to Land. Can Payson convince his skittish human that he’s not as crazy as he seems?



4.5/5 stars

 I love Charlie Richard's writing. I started reading her Wolves of Stone Ridge series and loved every book then when this series came out I found a whole 'nother reason to love her.  The is a spin-off series and it's sexy and funny and just plain entertaining.  I am always amazed at the different types of shifters that pop up in this series.  There are the usual wolves and bears, but then there are penguins and snakes and even a peacock.  This is about Payson, a hyena shifter, who always stood out due to the fact he's a tad bit crazy.  He thought he found his mate once before, but decided it wasn't her since his hyena didn't take to her so he pretty much thought he'd never find his mate.  Then of course in walks Land.  Land is such a cute character.  He's a 21 year old geek, who also happens to be a virgin.  I think he was the perfect fit to Payson since he seems to be able to calm the craziness and accept him, hyena and all.  Payson was great for Land because he brings Land's inner fantasy to the surface.  They were definitely pretty Damn hawt together.   I love this series and can't wait for more.

Nobody's Angel (Earth Angels #1) by Stacy Gail

Investigative journalist Kendall Glynn is horrified when a friend and colleague signs off permanently during a live newscast, jabbing a pen into his jugular. Kendall's no expert, but judging by the strange white veil in the anchorman's eyes, she would swear he was a man possessed.

A descendant of the accursed Nephilim, Zeke Reece prowls San Francisco by night, keeping the city free from paranormal phenomena. But even he is no match for whatever malevolent force is behind a recent rash of murder-suicides. And when a beautiful tenacious reporter becomes the next target, Zeke has no choice but to stay close to her, until he can find the evil spirit and cross it over.

The closer Kendall gets to the truth, the more danger she's in. Fortunately, a sexy and mysterious masked stranger keeps swooping in to the rescue. Kendall's life depends on finding who or what is responsible for the killings, before it finds her.


3/5 stars 

Okay, I just have to get this out of the way....every time I read the name of the television station that Kendall works at, KPOW, I had to laugh.  I kept seeing it pop up in the air like in the old Batman series from the '60's.

 I'm not sure what I really felt about this book.  The concept is good, but I didn't care about the characters and don't think they interacted with each other enough to get to the point where their love was the forever kinda love.  I mean I guess dealing with crazy geists and puppet masters could bring on a stronger relationship, but I just didn't feel it.  I'm also confused about why he thinks he'd be killed for being a Nephilim but yet he goes out and brings attention to himself.  I think it was a good start to the series and I'll read the next just to see where it goes.  I would recommend it to somebody who wants a light fast paranormal romance.

Keeper of the Night (The Keepers: L.A. #1) by Heather Graham

In their new Keeper roles, these extraordinary women must balance the fate of the world with their desires…

New Keeper Rhiannon Gryffald has her peacekeeping duties cut out for her—because in Hollywood, it’s hard to tell the actors from the werewolves, bloodsuckers and shape-shifters. Then Rhiannon hears about a string of murders that bear all the hallmarks of a vampire serial killer, and she must confront her greatest challenge yet. Together with Elven detective Brodie McKay, they head to Laurel Canyon, epicenter of the danger, where they uncover a plot that may forever alter the face of human-paranormal relations.






3/5 stars

I'm not to sure how I feel about this series. In all honestly, I haven't read The Keeper series, which this is a spin-off of, but I didn't feel as if I needed to considering this was suppose to be a new series written by three different authors. It started with a prequel novella that takes place in Las Vegas and whose characters have nothing to do with the new series, which confused me considering the series is called The Keepers:L.A. not The Keepers:Las Vegas. Anyway, I found myself liking the world it takes place in, a world of vampires, werewolves, elfin, goblins and other supernatural races, but I didn't really like the main characters.

The book is about three cousins who were made the new Keepers of L.A. after their fathers were promoted. Each of the women seemed like they didn't want to be Keepers, but are pretty much forced to take over the positions. I didn't understand why they had to do it if they a)didn't want to b)didn't get paid to do it c)seemed to not know what they were doing and d)nobody in L.A wanted them to do it either. I didn't understand why everybody seemed to be hindering the investigation because they weren't their fathers and were new to town.

I kept going back and rereading the blurbs from The Keepers books because it seemed as if I was suppose to know their fathers and some of the secondary characters had back-stories that seemed as if they were part of an earlier book and I should have known who they already were prior to reading this book ( I'm talking about Merlin and Uncle Bryce to name a few).

All that being said, I will read the next book for two reasons, I'd like to see where this series is going considering the net book is written by a different author and I already have an ARC of it. This series has real potential if Sailor (cousin #2) doesn't irritate me like she did in this book. 

Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne by Jayne Fresina

 By night Ellie Vyne fleeces unsuspecting aristocrats as the dashing Count de Bonneville. By day she avoids her sisters' matchmaking attempts and dreams up inventive insults to hurl at her childhood nemesis, the arrogant, far-too-handsome-for-his-own-good, James Hartley.

James finally has a lead on the villainous, thieving Count, tracking him to a shady inn. He bursts in on none other than "that Vyne woman" . . . in a shocking state of dishabille. Convinced she is the Count's mistress, James decides it's best to keep your enemies close. Very close. In fact, seducing Ellie will be the perfect bait . . .





  4/5 stara

My first love of books came about because of the historical romance genre and this book proved that I still enjoy reading them even if they are kinda corny. I think some of the best lines were between James and his valet, Grieves. Many times I caught myself laughing out loud and getting funny looks from my family. The plot was absurd, but I think that was part of the charm with this book. You could just sit back and enjoy the time spent with Ellie and James. There was no heavy story here to tie down the fun fast-paced romance in this enemy to lovers story that gets helped along by a runaway Lady, a valet that tells it like it is, an unhappy grandmother, old lovers and town gossips. If your in the mood for a romance that leaves you with a smile on your face you should give this book a try. I have put Ms. Fresina on my to read list for all her future books.