Genre:  ER-PNR

Length:  @ 127pgs (ebook)

Heat Level/Content:  erotica-lite (m/f; a dash ’o kink)

Publication Date:  April 23, 2013 (orig = Oct 2009)

Publisher:  Loose Id (orig = Changeling Press)

Series Info:  Truckee Wolves #1

BLURB:

* Review copy provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley.

It's rare that I give 4 stars to a novella, especially when it's PNR. But there was so much that I enjoyed about this revised edition of Toxic, starting w/ the luscious hero (or rather, his wolf) who is so infatuated w/ the chocolatey smell of his mate that he forgets that chocolate is a major no-no for canines. Loved the MCs, loved the various secondary characters (especially Briony's mum!), and definitely loved the romance and the HOT! sexy times.

Even tho it's almost to be expected for a novella, lost a star due to less than substantial world-building, as well as sketchy references to common trope of secret military experiments. (TBT, for me, any references to genetic experiments, super-soldiers, traumatised females and such immediately invite comparisons to Lora Leigh's Breeds series.) Also, I found it distracting to have POVs beyond the MCs in a novella-length story; multiple POVs work better for me in a full-length novel with a more substantial plot.

Given the number of interesting characters introduced in Toxic, there's such potential for more stories in this series! If so, hopefully there will be more backstory re: Abraxas, the shadowy organisation involved in the illicit experiments, and how the various pack members came together. Frankly, I'm hoping that Ms. McBride will be inspired to focus on Sage. Or even Dionne. *grins* Oh, and what's the story w/ Kurt and Ethan?!

Whilst I wait, guess that I'll re-read the shorts in the 2 Doms of Dark Haven anthologies so to finally put everything in proper chrono order.  FYI, “Educating Evangeline” (published in Doms of Dark Haven) is first, then Toxic, and then “Hunting Holly” (published in Doms of Dark Haven 2: Western Night).

NB: Review of 2013 revised edition. This got lost in calibre due to being merged with the original 2009 story put out by Changeling Press. B/c of when I read the original version years ago, I didn't remember enough to notice what was different this time around.

NB:  Review originally posted on Amazon and GR @ 30-Mar-2013.  Minor edits/clean-up after import to BL.

Genre: CR + a dash of paranormal

Length: novel (237 Kindle pgs)

Heat Level/Content: Hot! (m/f vanilla; *tease* of D/s)

Publication Date: March 2013

Publisher: self

Series Info: N/A

BLURB:

*** Review copy provided by the author ***

THE SHORT: Definitely recommend this funny, light-hearted ROMcontemp with an unusual PNR twist. A welcomed change from the overly angst-ridden stories flooding the market of late, I think that “Magic at Work” will appeal to a wide range of romance lovers—so long as they can handle the smokin’ erotic moments. *wink*

THE LONG: I could’ve read “Magic at Work” by relatively new author Sotia Lazu in one sitting if not for RL and some other interruptions. Well-written with a style which resonated with me, I was immediately drawn into the story. Much of that had to do with the naturalness of the dialogue; while reading, I could “hear” the conversations in my head and could easily imagine my friends and me having similar ones.

Although the likable MCs are in their mid-20s, I could relate to them because either I went through the same phase or their realistic behaviour and uncertainties applied across a wide age range. Moreover, while they seem “young” sometimes, both characters possess maturity appropriate for their ages (read: no real TSTL moments). And I thoroughly enjoyed reading a book without the tropes of an abusive past, hateful or negligent parents, back-stabbing friends, and/or vengeful exes. (Oh, and sorry, no suave billionaire either.)

So what’s the problem and whence the conflict? Well, seems that both Lexi and Ric suffer from the “once burned, twice no effin’ way” syndrome. Unfortunately for them, they also suffer from an instantaneous, nearly irresistible attraction to each other. Lexi fights it much more than Ric but then, she may have more reason for her stubborn denial. Plus, it serves as the vehicle for the emotional back-and-forth between these two.

May seem fairly simple but Ms. Lazu took that basic premise, added a splash of paranormal, and produced a book which had me chuckling, snorting and laughing at multiple points.

Oh and the creative sex scenes… *fans self in memory*

Just so there’s no confusion… There’s no last minute hurdle to overcome. The MCs work through their differences, and there’s a definite HEA. (That’s not a true spoiler because we pretty much expect that in a romance, yes?) So “Magic at Work” is more about how Lexi and Ric get past their misunderstandings and bickering to reach their HEA. Of course, there’s also their erotic encounters along the way and the clever, steamy “story within a story” role a certain on-line erotic novel plays in their relationship.

___________

Note: This last bit is just me… I did notice some edit/proof stuff (but well within the “we’re all human” range) and had funky italics in Chapter 15 (but could’ve been my device). Also, kinda wished Ric had been more masculine (for lack of a better term); I don’t like my males to get teary too often. ^ᴗ^

Note: Review originally posted on Amazon & GR @ 31-May-2013. Minor edits/clean-up after import to BL.

Genre: ER-PNR

Length: novella

Heat Level/Content: erotica-lite (m/f; vanilla)

Publication Date: May 2013

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Series Info: Gemini Island Shifters #1

BLURB:

Erotica writer in hiding + Grizzly shifter = hot PNR fun!

Lia swallowed, praying God would give her the strength to keep her eyes above Ryland’s waist. Clearly God was occupied with other things at the moment and not inclined to answer her halfhearted entreaty.

THE SHORT: Highly recommended. Very well-written, sweet, smexy & funny PNR with a bear shifter!! If you like the quirky humour + hot sex in Eve Langlais’s PNR books, then you should definitely give PREDATOR’S KISS a go.

THE LONG: Although somewhat wary of reading/reviewing works by those whom I “know” via GR groups, I’m glad that I finally bit the bullet and read a book by Rosanna Leo. PREDATOR’S KISS, the first book in the Gemini Island Shifters series, was an excellent introduction to her writing and storytelling. (And really, how could I resist when the male MC was a bear shifter?)

At just over my personal novella gauge (150pgs), PREDATOR’S KISS hit all the right buttons with its sympathetic main characters, engaging storyline with a few twists and turns, and vanilla but very sexy “love moments”. Throw in a nice mix of secondary characters (including one who may star in the next book), a hilariously wise inner bear, and decent-size jar of honey, and PREDATOR’S KISS had the perfect combination for a fast, light-hearted read with more than a few LOL moments. An added bonus? Lia, the heroine, is the author of a best-selling erotic romance. *wink*

If I had any quibbles, then it would be the world-building. It wasn’t particularly deep/complex but then again, I suppose that it didn’t have to be for this particular story to work. And to offset this, Ms. Leo put a different spin on the fated mates trope and used it for great comedic effect.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my first book by Rosanna Leo and hope to fit in more of her works. Perhaps her book, The Selkie (Orkney Selkies, #1), can finally erase my bad selkie experience from years ago? Hmmm…

* Review copy provided by the author via the PNR NaUBA group Author/Reader exchange

* ARC provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley.

Genre: CR

Length: novel

Heat Level/Content: Sexy Hot (m/f vanilla; frank but not overly explicit/graphic)

Publication Date: 5 Nov 2013

Publisher: Forever (Hachette/GCP)

Series Info: #2 in Hot in the Kitchen

Author Info: Publisher's Author Page

BLURB: see BL book page

Another NTM author for another great read! As a foodie, love, love, LOVE that this series uses the backdrop of the restaurant/haute cuisine world.

I got All Fired Up when it came up at NetGalley last fall.  But due to the usual year-end + holiday madness, I wasn’t able to read it before the allotted reading period expired.  Then a friend recently reminded me to check if I had sent it to my Kindle account.  Man, so glad that she did!

All Fired Up was a fast read for me because I was into the story the entire time―smexy with a simmering build-up of UST, a “yup, opposites do attract” theme, and highly likeable and grounded characters (both primary and secondary).  Having worked where I worked, I could immediately relate to some of Cara DeLuca’s personality “quirks” but it may take others a bit longer to warm up to her.  Especially when, in the beginning, she comes across as a control-freak, designer-label-conscious Lemon Tart (the nickname used by the other restaurant workers ^.^).  But give her a chance and she may surprise you.

Shane Doyle, on the other hand... Hmmm, think that the only way Shane could’ve been better for me is if he were Black Irish.  Oh, and older.  But that’s just me. :)  No doubt aided by her background, Ms. Meader did a wonderful job of imbuing Shane with Irish flavour and authenticity via his thoughts and dialogue.  He was an interesting mix of still-youthful determination and optimism overlaid with the sobering influence of his backstory.  Think that most readers will be rooting for Shane from very early on.

However, the best (and a relief) for me was that the angst and conflict moments woven into the storyline, as well as the characters’ behaviour and reactions, weren’t so OTT or grossly manufactured so to be eye-roll inducing.  Instead, they were things which could easily happen IRL.  And honestly, who hasn’t experienced the love/jealousy of a sibling at one point or another? Or a sticky moment or two at family gatherings? ^.~

Highly recommend All Fired Up to those who enjoy sweet and smart CR with occasional (and sometimes unexpected) LOL moments. I, for one, plan to read the rest of this series. :)

NB: I didn’t pay close enough attention so thought that this was the first in series. Although easily a stand-alone read, the couple from Feel the Heat do appear in this one so there are minor spoiler-ish moments. If interested, I would suggest starting w/ Book #1 (plus, Jack & Lili’s story seems to promise some fireworks).

UPDATE: Kindle Smut on GR has chosen Ms. Meader’s Hot in the Kitchen series for a group read, with approximately 3 weeks allocated to each book. The read/discussion for Book #1, Feel the Heat, started on March 1st so if you’re a member, come join us!