Genre:  CR

Length:  226 (Kindle pgs)

Heat Level/Content:  steamy/sensual

Publication Date:  Apr 9, 2012 (orig = Apr 1, 2001)

Publisher:  Beyond the Page Publishing

Series Info:  N/A

BLURB:

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

This story is dedicated, with much affection, to all romance authors, especially those whose editors have admonished them to “write the book of your heart.”

 

(With the caveat “so long as it has a cowboy hero, an amnesiac bride, and a marriage of convenience. Oh, and a secret baby wouldn’t hurt.”)

The dedication says it all. The plot seems to use everything but the proverbial kitchen sink (or would that be secret baby? *grins*) and yet somehow, Cowboy in My Pocket rises above the deliberate, tongue-in-cheek clichés to become a fun, sweet, city-meets-country romance. I don't know if Ms. Douglas ever visited a dude ranch for research, but for this city gal, she brought a slice of Colorado ranch to life. :)

Very enjoyable CR from an author mostly known for her rather 'racy' PNR (so TBT, I was a tad *cough* disappointed that this story was more 'sensual'). Enough so that I hunted down a copy of the 2011 anthology, The Promise of Love, so to read the quasi-sequel, “Dime Store Cowboy”.

Full review to be posted shortly.

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^

NB:  Review originally posted on Amazon and GR @ 27-Dec-2013.

Genre:  CR + dash of paranormal (time travel)

Length:  novel (297 Kindle pgs)

Heat Level/Content:  sensual/steamy

(m/f vanilla; frank but not explicit/graphic)

Publication Date:  April 2013

Publisher:  self

Series Info:  Spirit Pass #1

BLURB:

A Kindle freebie rescued from my freebie vault (probably got it b/c I recognised the author's name from her Dragon Lords of Valdier series).   Short review due to the holidays:

2½-star 'split the baby' rating

• Pro = quick, readable story, engaging characters, and good set-up to new series.
• Con = technical execution still lacking in some areas, given POV whiplash, some minor plot holes & some parts reading like a rough draft. But thankfully, much better proofed than Ms. Smith's early Valdier books.

Ms. Smith is a talented storyteller. With tighter writing, think that she'll become so much better! Will probably read book next in series--and really hoping that Maikoda's book is #3. ^.^

(Sexual content: some frank scenes but for me, not enough to be 'erotica'.)

FULL REVIEW TO COME (great writing; hot DD/spanking)

Original note back on 22 Sept 2013:

* Had planned to write up tonight w/ all the rest but not in proper mood

Note:  My original review was posted on both Amazon & GR on 5-Jan-2013.  Some additional text was added as and when yet another round of BS started (FYI, this one lasted for months).  Upon import to BL, minor edits were made and text moved into chrono order.

Unlike most of my reviews, the full text of this one will remain on both Amazon & GR as a cautionary note to future readers.  This wannabe “author” and her F&Fs, as well as the months of nonsense surrounding my review of this book, were a fecking joke and did nothing to offset the growing reluctance to try works by SPAs.  But more critical is that the half-assed upload of this book and Monroe’s rude & childish behaviour were a slap in the face of other authors―whether trad, indie or SPA―who do their damnedest to put out their best work.

(Oh and the sexy cover?  Total false advertisement as the few uninspired sex scenes didn’t even compare with today’s HP/category romances.  But then again, I’ve probably read & experienced a lot more than Monroe.  *shrug*)