Book review: Her Lover’s Face

A thrilling romance!

Her Lover’s Face, a fictional romance book by Patricia Elliott, kept me on my toes from the start to the end. It’s got a thriller plot – which I love, and an air of mystery when Laryssa tries to find answers about Alex, the man who resembles her dead husband.

I especially felt connected with Alex – he wasn’t shy about revealing his thoughts and feelings. There was strong chemistry between Laryssa and Alex, which I felt all the way through the story. The author did a great job with the writing – it’s superb. Well done!


Book Blurb

Laryssa Mitchell is one of the lucky ones. The death of her abusive husband finally allows her to live again on her own terms, making her own choices. Her first official decision is to take back what was lost – her independence and her old job. But she soon finds herself in a living nightmare when she meets her new boss. If her husband is rotting in hell, then who is the man standing in front of her with a dead man’s face?

Alexander Richards doesn’t expect to catch an unconscious woman in his arms on his first day of work, nor does he envision himself willingly setting foot in a hospital again, reliving his painful loss. But that’s exactly what he chooses to do when Laryssa needs his help. Why?

She has a story to tell. He has a mystery to solve. In the midst of danger, passion sizzles between them, taking them by surprise. What will happen when all is brought to light? Will they be able to overcome their traumatic pasts and find love in each other, or will their ghosts have the final say?

If you’re interested in buying the book, you can get it here.

Publisher: Black Velvet Seductions

Book review: “Chasing That Red Dirt Road!: A Story for Dreamers”

A romance story for dreamers

Chasing That Red Dirt Road!: A Story for Dreamers is a fitting title for the story, a beautiful romance book by author Savannah McCann.

There are so many reasons to love this book.

First, the cover is beautiful and caught my eye immediately. As I read the book, the woman on the cover was exactly how I imagined Maddison Skye, the protagonist. She’s a talented musician who’s had a hard life, and now her determination and ambition make her unstoppable, paving the way for a bright future full of dreams and hopes. Her road won’t be an easy one – will she succeed and become a professional musician?

Second, the chemistry between Maddison and her lover, Hatch, was dynamite! Plus, I loved, loved, loved that he was a good guy! Yes, a good and wholesome man who is sexy, strong, and supportive. But, will their love last, or will Maddison’s ambition come first?

Third, I enjoyed experiencing how the characters evolved, matured, and developed. I adored Maddison all the way – she shows us how kindness can go a long way in life. Hatch is the type of guy you fall in love with immediately; he is solid and means what he says. And he treats women with respect. Finally, a romance hero who knows how to respect a woman from start to end (in the story). It was honestly such a refreshing read with loveable characters.

Finally, the themes of hope, ambition, and true love resonate well and consistently throughout the book. Everyone needs a book that makes them feel good, and this was the one for me.

If you’re looking for a wholesome romance book that inspires you, Chasing That Red Dirt Road!: A Story for Dreamers is definitely one you will enjoy reading.


Book Blurb

Follow Maddison on the journey of her two greatest loves: Hatch, her first love, and Nashville, her lifelong dream.

Maddison Skye is a 25-year-old waitress who loves to play her acoustic guitar, write songs, and is determined to chase Nashville stardom. She is hardworking and loyal but can also be very outspoken and sometimes clumsy. Maddison has a tattoo that says, “Chase Your Dreams,” on her left forearm with an acoustic guitar and music notes; this is her daily reminder to keep chasing her Nashville dreams no matter how impossible they seem. Maddison grew up in the Pacific Northwest in Oregon.

When she was fifteen, she left home and her abusive father behind. Maddison catches a Greyhound bus with what little money she has in her pocket; she makes it to Mustang Creek, Oklahoma, and accepts a waitressing job, where she ends up meeting her first love, Hatch. Deciding to put her move to Nashville on hold, Maddison stays in Oklahoma for three years until after graduating high school, and she and Hatch move to Fort Worth. Unfortunately, they break up two years after moving to Texas; again, Nashville is on hold, and so are her dreams of the big city lights and fan-packed concert stadiums.

Years later, she is still single and focusing on chasing her country music dreams once again…then one day, by sheer chance, she crosses paths with Hatch while playing a set in a smokey downtown Fort Worth bar. Her heart stands still when she sees him, and he smiles at her as their eyes meet; Maddison prayed for this day for so long, but now that he’s returned, she doesn’t know if she will take him back or run straight into his arms!

Mildly Erotic.

>> Buy the book

Book review: In The Driving Seat

Book review: In the Driving Seat by Ric Savage

The perfect erotic romance novel

I love reading a good erotic romance with some BDSM when it’s written tastefully and cleverly. In The Driving Seat by Richard Savage is perfect for exactly that, and for busy readers looking for a spicy story.

This steamy book gives readers both points of view of the couple, Barbara and Alan—I related equally with them. The story left me wanting more, from an emotional perspective: it’s a wonderfully wicked and delicious tale giving insight into a couple’s relationship.


Book Blurb

“In The Driving Seat” is one of the stories in the romantic domestic discipline anthology “Spanked!”

Alan is a man that likes a structure to his life. He has a need to be in control and considers himself, In the Driving Seat, at work and at home.

Barbara enjoys her freedom. She takes pleasure in pushing Alan’s boundaries and loves to shop…especially for shoes. She never would have thought that buying a pair of shoes would ever land her in so much trouble. They were only shoes for goodness’ sake.

Alan is tired of fighting petty battles with Barbara over money. Then we’re not short of cash, they lived an affluent lifestyle, but he decides that a pair of shoes costing $1500, is a step too far and that there would need to be consequences. But is Barbara ready to pay Alan’s price for the shoes?

If you’re interested in buying the book, you can get it here.

Publisher: Black Velvet Seductions

Book review: Life as a China Doll: Coping with Osteoporosis

Life as a China Doll by Nancy Golinski

I read Life as a China Doll by Nancy Golinski when I was at the height of my chronic pain. While the book focuses on coping with osteoporosis, it is not limited to readers with osteoporosis; it has excellent tips and advice for anyone suffering from chronic pain outside osteoporosis, like myself.

It is also a good read for anyone who has a close friend or family member with osteoporosis to understand the illness better. The book addresses the physical, emotional, and mental challenges chronic pain sufferers deal with.

The book reminds chronic pain sufferers that we are not alone, to take advantage of the resources available, and to focus on the positives. A handy book to have and a great motivational lift overall.


Key takeaways from Life as a China Doll:

  • “Chronic pain may impact your sleep, your job, your appetite, your physical activity, your hobbies, and even your relationships. It basically impacts your entire life. When you hurt, that’s all you know. It’s your entire world, and it can be a very lonely one.”
  • “Number one on the list is your posture. It is no longer okay to slouch or have poor posture. I can still hear my mom yelling at me as a kid to sit up straight. Back!”
  • “…would be remiss if I didn’t mention exercise, which is one of the most physical things you can do. It is also something you have to do to keep your body as healthy as possible.”
  • “So how do you safely tighten your core? It’s simple. While laying down, sitting, or even standing, pull your belly button in and up toward your spine and hold it there.”
  • “Chronic illness is a family affair and impacts everyone in your family.”
  • “If you find you have toxic folks in your life, I urge you to gently extract yourself from them if at all possible.”
  • “You have precious energy now…What little is left needs to be dedicated to things that bring you pure joy.”

These tips are priceless, and I have followed each one of them. Thank you, Nancy.

If you’re interested in buying the book, you can get it here.

Publisher: Black Velvet Seductions

Cowboy Desire wins gold in the Literary Titan Book Awards

Cowboy Desire anthology wins gold in the Literary Titan Book Awards.

The Cowboy Desire country romance anthology of short stories, from sweet to erotic, has received the Gold Award in the Literary Titan Book Awards!

Congratulations to all the authors and the book’s publisher Black Velvet Seductions for this well-deserved achievement.

Book link: https://amzn.to/2LmdUhD

The Cowboy Desire romance anthology received a gold award in the Literary Titan Book Awards.

What are the Literary Titan Book Awards?

The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed the judges with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise and the judges are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.

Why did Cowboy Desire win the Gold Award?

The Gold Award is bestowed on books that the judges found to be perfect in their delivery of original content, utilizing fresh themes to convey innovative ideas, and deftly uses elegant prose to transform words into expertly written literature.

Country romances rock!

What is the Cowboy Desire anthology about?

Cowboy Desire is an eclectic assortment of short stories.

It offers fourteen stunning short stories, including contemporary, historical, fantasy, and even outer space romance.

These fourteen authors provide a range of sweet to sexy stories all with a Western cowboy theme. They feature strong men and women battling the weather and dangerous terrain, here on earth and in outer space.

The collection is as diverse as the authors who wrote them. Here’s a chance to discover new talented authors and the characters they create. Within these pages, there are blends of tender, often moving, thought-provoking, and downright sexy stories.

The book is available as an ebook (Kindle), paperback, and on Kindle Unlimited.

About the Authors

The authors come from diverse backgrounds (from North America to the UK, Europe, and Australia), with unique writing styles and different ways of storytelling. You can check their Amazon profiles here:

New book alert: Fractured (Love Of The Broken Book 1)

I am thrilled to announce that one of my favorite authors, USA Today Bestseller Eileen Troemel, has released a new book!

Fractured (Love Of The Broken Book 1) was released on October 15, 2022.

You can buy it here: https://books2read.com/Fractured-bk1-Love-of-the-Broken

Blurb:

Sent to the prison planet Laken, Zulma expects to be raped and tortured. What she finds there may save her and her people. Ordered to a crashed Dolian ship, Conasian prisoners of war Drake, Claud, Stuart, and Parker hope to survive the trek through the dangerous sleepers. The downed ship is vital. What they discover will change their future if they survive the sleepers and their own men.

This is a Reverse Harem dark sci-fi romance.

Trigger warning: There is cursing and violence. Rape and torture are referred to.

Excerpt

Drake stepped across the threshold and held up his hands. “What do we have here,” he growled.
“Stay away from me,” a small woman held a laser pistol. Clad in a concubine’s white dress covering her from her upper thighs to her breasts, she stood her ground.
“Who are you,” Drake asked. Stuart snatched a similar pistol out of the air when Claud tossed it to him.
“Where am I,” Drake asked. Stuart snatched a similar pistol out of the air when Claude tossed it to him.
“Where am I,” she demanded without answering Drake’s question.
“Laken,” Drake provided.
Long purple hair fell in front of her shoulder. Her pale skin shimmered as though embedded with gold. “Bastard,” she muttered not taking her eyes off the two men invading the room.
“You judge us harshly,” Drake growled.
“Not you,” she said. “Him.”
“Him who,” Drake stepped closer. He tried to judge how far he’d get before she pulled the trigger. He noted the safety was not on so she at least knew how to shoot.
“The Prime,” she said. Her golden-brown eyes assessed her surroundings as if she sought an escape.

About Eileen

USA Today Bestseller Author Eileen Troemel writes action packed and emotionally powerful fantasy, scifi, romance. She’ll try almost any genre if it means she can tell a good story. In addition to her writing, she loves to read, crochet, and research genealogy. Her best days are spent with her family of three adult daughters and her husband or writing.

Follow Eileen: https://linktr.ee/eileentroemel

Thrilling, chilling romance books for Halloween

Feeling the itch to read a thrilling, haunting romance? Here are a few books you’ll love for your Halloween reading list:

Creatures of the Night

Creatures of the Night by Deborah Kelsey Lazaroff is an incredibly sensual and erotic supernatural love story.

I felt it was a fantastic book, one of the best supernatural romances, with an eerie feeling throughout the novel. The author’s work is superb and flawless – I loved her writing style.

The steamy scenes are almost too hot to handle, and the emotional development in the relationship between the main characters, Sarah and Trevor, keeps me hooked, wanting to read the next chapter even past bedtime.

This novel is a must-read for supernatural and dark romance lovers who want originality in a vampire romance novel.

Get the book

Michael

Michael by Callie Carmen is the perfect romance book to end the Risking Love series.

After reading the other novels in the series, I can honestly say that Michael did not disappoint. I was kept on my toes with the thrills of the love story between Olivia and Michael.

A survivor of relationship abuse, Olivia has put the past behind her and focuses on her future. She moves forward with her thriving career and meets the gorgeous VP Michael Evans. Falling in love doesn’t come without obstacles – a cunning dragon lady ready to claw her way into Michael’s life, and a crazy ex-boyfriend who raises one’s anxiety levels through the roof.

As I read every chapter, I cheered for Olivia because of her strength, tolerance, and refusal to be beaten by the bullying forces. I loved Michael for his loyalty, faithfulness, and ability to see the forest through the trees in tough situations.

I loved this story – so many emotions raced around my heart when I read Michael.

Get the book

Dark Desire

I sometimes prefer reading books with good short stories to a full novel, especially in busy times. A good dark romance anthology in the lead-up to Halloween is the perfect treat.

Dark Desire has everything I craved – vampires, shapeshifters, werewolves, and an abundance of mystery. It was time to step out of my comfort zone and dig deep into something darker in romance, so I went for the anthology.

It’s worth checking out some amazing authors and getting to know their other work.

Get the book

Publisher: Black Velvet Seductions

Marelo by USA Today Bestseller Author Eileen Troemel

Marelo by Eileen Troemel

Preorder the book for just $0.99

Marelo by Eileen Troemel
Marelo by Eileen Troemel

Blurb

Marelo studies water dragons.  Bandor studies her heart.

Driven to succeed, Marelo focuses on her studies. She doesn’t have time for males claiming her as a mate.  She came here to study the dragon’s ancestral home.  She will find the evidence she needs while avoiding all males especially Bandor who makes her heart rush.

Bandor takes one look at Marelo and knows she’s his mate.  Her haughty demeaner doesn’t put him off.  She’s his mate, he’ll do anything to win her.  But he has secrets only his mate can know.  Can he convince her to be his mate or will it take something more?

Preorder your copy of Marelo for only $0.99, available on April 2.

Marelo by Eileen Troemel
Marelo, a Dragon Descendents Book by Eileen Troemel

Review:

A fantasy and adventure reader’s delight

What’s not to love about fantasy/adventure stories? Especially one that is so vivid and rich in descriptions, yet simplistic enough to take me by the hand and lead me to the world of Marelo, a Dragon Descendents Book by USA Today Bestseller author Eileen Troemel.

I need to be guided to a new world when I read a fantasy/adventure story and to become familiar with its surroundings, villages, the characters, the conflicts. The author made it an easy passage for the reader to feel as if they were part of Marelo’s world. Also, I love dragons and was super excited to have the chance to meet dragons in this short story.

Moreover, I connected with the protagonist, Marelo, an eco-positive character who shows courage, strength, and isn’t afraid to speak up on her views of her world and society. The relationship development between her and her friend Bandor evolved in an even flow throughout the story, and the tension in their dialogue kept me intrigued, wanting to find out more about the mystery behind each of the characters. Bandor cares deeply for Marelo but is challenged by her strong opinions. Will he learn why she is adamant about her views of the world they live in? And what will happen if they encounter the mythological water dragons?

There is a good twist in the story, and I won’t spoil the surprise, but it is worth unwrapping. Readers who like a good short story that includes fantasy and romance will enjoy Marelo.

Author links:

Website: https://eileentroemel.com/ 

Twitter https://twitter.com/EileenTroemel

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EileenTroemelAuthor/ 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eileentroemel/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-troemel-6667825b/

MeWe https://mewe.com/i/eileentroemel

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7868345.Eileen_Troemel

The Captain’s Lady: A Marriage of Convenience Regency Romance (Ladies in Scandal Book 1) by Robecca Austin

Buy the book for $2.99

Blurb

Lady Isabella Pennington’s life is mired in scandal, but not of her own making.

As London’s gentry bask in her heartache, she devises a plan to avoid another disastrous engagement. But those plans go awry as she struggles to forget the rogue Captain Nicholas years after the passionate afternoon they spent together.

Her intention to adhere to societal demands is admirable but short-lived when Nicholas shocks everyone by asking for her hand in marriage. What unfolds leaves Lady Isabella torn between societal expectations and her long-held desire.

Captain Nicholas is far from an aristocrat yet is held in high regard in some circles. With his attention focused on Lady Isabella, it’s all she can do to resist the handsome devil. Will a marriage of convenience be a means to a much-coveted end, or will it lead to another humiliating failure for Lady Isabella?

Pick up your copy of The Captain’s Lady today.

Review:

A superb historical romance

Scandal seems to follow Lady Isabella’s love life. Like many women, she is not immune to heartache from seemingly nice men with selfish intentions. That is until she meets the devastatingly handsome Captain Nicholas who is about to change her life.

No, Nicholas does not bring shame on Isabella. On the contrary, he does the honorable thing in London society when it comes to his plans for a relationship with Lady Isabella, by offering her a proposal that is hard to refuse. Her feelings deepen for him as she learns exactly what kind of man he is underneath the tough exterior – a warm-hearted soul with compassion for the people he cares for and loves, putting others before him.

I give this story five stars because it is a sweet historical romance that is flawlessly written – an enjoyable read for all.

Faded Dreams by Clarity Townsend

Faded Dreams by Clarity Townsend

Buy the book for $3.99

Blurb

Gaia spends her nights lost in ecstasy, within a world she doesn’t believe exists, alongside her gorgeous vampire master, Sebastian. But reality comes crashing down around her when Sebastian reveals the truth; their months together have been anything but faded dreams.

Faced with the revelation of a lifetime, Gaia wonders if she can trust in Sebastian’s declaration of love, and the love she feels in her traitorous heart. Meanwhile, with the growing need to keep Gaia safe from the horrors threatening his kind, Sebastian attempts to deny his heart’s desires before it’s too late.

Yet, a force beyond their control binds them, and Sebastian’s denial has far-reaching consequences.

When fantasy and reality blur, will Sebastian and Gaia escape with their sanity and lives intact?

Pick up your copy of Faded Dreams today, and get lost in the heat and danger lurking inside.

Review:

Beautifully written steamy romance

Faded Dreams was the perfect steamy supernatural romance I was looking for. The plot was great, filled with suspense and an air of mystery. Gaia and Bash (Sebastian) had so much chemistry and passion – and during their time apart from each other, I really felt that absence made the heart grow fonder. The ending left me wanting to read more – especially about the supporting characters who also had depth and dimensions.

Now, I am a fussy reader and this book was my cup of tea. The steamy scenes were passionate and written tastefully – this author takes the lead when it comes to writing a good love scene.

Overall, five stars. The author, Clarity Townsend, has given romance readers a high-quality novel.

Secret Love by F. Burn

Secret Love, a steamy novel by F Burn

Buy the book for $2.99

Blurb

Francesca Gabel, a learning support assistant, accepts a post at a prestigious Catholic boys’ school. She manages to form a bond with a challenging student named Richard Cunningham, but the lines begin to blur as they become closer. Francesca experiences an internal struggle as she grapples to control her feelings.

The passion they develop for one another consumes them as they enter a world of forbidden love and desire. Is it true love or a simple case of lust? Francesca must make a decision: give in to Richard and face the consequences or let him go.

Review:

A steamy, passionate, and emotionally powerful book

Secret Love by F. Burn was love at first sight for me. Firstly, the cover caught my eye before I bought it – it was one of the most beautiful romance covers I’d seen, depicting the inner torment of two lovers.

Secondly, it was a refreshing change to come across an older woman/younger man romance – it’s given readers diversity. Thirdly, this romance was a steamy read and for me, the steamier the better! I loved the passion and tease between the couple and how they took their time to invest in each other emotionally before diving into the physical side of their relationship.

The emotional and psychological aspects of the story hooked me from start to finish – I read the book in one sitting, then re-read it over the weekend. A truly gripping story!

When the White Knight Falls by Virginia Wallace

When the White Knight Falls

Buy the book for $2.99

Blurb

The lovely and talented Kate McCoy once thought that her future was predictable, and secure. Classical music was her passion, and she was inarguably the mistress of her craft.

Then she met Alec Murdenson…

Alec knows nothing of orchestras; he’s a rocker, through and through. The ferocity of his music seems out of place when viewed alongside his easy smile, and his sense of humor… not to mention his handsome face, and striking green eyes.

But there is something else lurking behind his riveting gaze, an entity that is both Alec and yet not Alec at all. That phantasm is more than a little disturbing; perhaps it is even a cold-blooded monster.

As Kate becomes tangled within Alec’s web, she is forced to re-think everything she once thought she knew. In so doing, she must make a horrific choice: Either run for the hills…

Or embrace a man who understands human depravity better than she ever could.

Review:

Hot, fiery, and unforgettable rock star romance

Kate and Alec are talented musicians with a lot of creativity and strong personalities. The chemistry between them is powerful, and it’s clear that they care for each other. There were emotional moments (I won’t give away any spoilers) where I felt sorry for the characters. I also learned a few things about the music industry through Kate and Alec’s experiences.

I loved, loved, loved the ending! I couldn’t get it out of my head and still keep re-reading the last few chapters.

This is the first rock star romance that I’ve completed reading and thoroughly enjoyed.

Edgeplay by Annabel Allan

Edgeplay by Annabel Allan

Buy the book for $2.99

Blurb

By day, Ava Goode is in the insurance game, getting her work done and being a model employee. But by night, she retreats to her secret world where she Dominates those that seek to submit to her.


This private world gets turned upside down the moment she meets Gabriel Burton; a man who is not only successful, but works for her father—and dating men in her father’s office is a big no-no. But, it’s hard to resist your deepest desires, especially when they kneel before you and kiss your feet, like a good boy.

Review:

A daring five-star erotic romance novel

Edgeplay by Annabel Allan had everything I was looking for in an erotic romance novel that dared to be different. I loved Ava’s strength – she’s a real hero with a strong voice, and she’s an incredibly empowering character. This is great, as I’m not a fan of weak voices.

If you’re looking for a book that accurately portrays BDSM, this is it. The descriptions in the steamy scenes were intense and felt so real – which is another thing that made this story stand out from other erotic romances I’ve read.

Well done to the author for an excellent plot, the twists, and the suspense!

Oh, and if you’re looking for a hunky book boyfriend, Gabriel is gorgeous! Edgeplay is book one in the Goode Pain series and I intend to read all the books in this series.

Book review: Patrick

Patrick by Callie Carmen.

by Callie Carmen

Blurb:

Jaq had no interest in a serious relationship because life at an early age had taught her that men weren’t to be trusted. But she met Patrick who soon had her thinking about risking her heart. For Patrick the time for Jaq dating other men had ended. He wanted her all to himself. But would she stay if she knew the secrets of his past?

Patrick wasn’t the only man who wanted Jaq, and the other man was willing to kill to have her. Patrick is the first novel in the Risking Love series. The stories chart a group of friends through life and love. These steamy stories will have you laughing, crying, and have your heart racing.

Review:

I enjoyed reading Patrick by Callie Carmen and couldn’t put it down over the long weekend. Jaq, the protagonist, is a woman with a strong voice and I like women with strong voices in romance novels.

I can see why she fell in love with Patrick – he was every bit the loving partner; he’s smart, sexy, respectful, and not to mention hot! I enjoyed the suspense in the plot, which kept me on my toes, and the steamy scenes put my phone on fire! I loved it and will be reading the next book in the Risking Love series.