Blurb:

Businesswoman Skylar Ellison is firmly in control of her life. So getting tangled up with a sexy Wyoming cowboy—and conceiving a baby in the parking lot of a honky-tonk—wasn’t in her plan. Since it appears the daddy has taken off for greener pastures, the only thing to do is pull up her bootstraps and carry on alone.

Cattle rancher Kade McKay returns home after a year on the range, and is knocked for a loop when he learns he’s the father of a three-month-old baby girl. When Skylar refuses to marry him, Kade grits his teeth, moves in and plays house by her rules to prove he’s a man in for the long haul.

Despite Skylar’s insistence they are to remain strictly parenting partners, their old passions flare hot as a brush fire, spurring Kade to demand absolute sexual surrender from the headstrong woman. Skylar willingly submits her body to the hot-blooded cowboy but she’s leery of handing Kade the reins to her heart.

Can Kade convince Skylar the wicked sex games aren’t a temporary distraction? Or will he have to bust out the ropes to show her he wants to be tied to her…forever?

Nic’s Recommendation:

Tied Up, Tied Down is book 4 in the must read Rough Riders series. I love this scorching hot series and have highly anticipated each new release. I’m so glad Ms. James wrote Skylar and Kade’s story. They captured my interest in Cowgirl Up And Ride when Kane—Kade’s twin—wronged Skylar and Kade pulled a switch on her, assuming his brother’s identity. A surprise pregnancy is only one of the major hurdles Kade and Skylar must overcome. They both have a lot of mistakes to make up for in order to redeem themselves.

*Spoiler alert*

I have a few issues with this installment of the series. There has to be a book missing between 3 and 4—the story of Chassie and Trevor. In Long Hard Ride, book 1, Trevor was in a relationship with Edgard, who returned home to Brazil when Trevor couldn’t give him what he needed. In Cowgirl Up And Ride, Trevor was working for Chassie’s father and was her “squeeze”. There’s wasn’t much about them in the story. Shockingly, in Tied Up, Tied Down, Chassie and Trevor are now married. *insert sound of tires screeching on asphalt* How’d that happen and how’d I miss it? I have so many questions about this couple.

My other picky issue with the whole series is that there are way too many characters with “C” names. LOL! Many times its difficult to remember which “C” is who and how they are connected to the others.

That said, the Rough Riders are a great set of books, Tied Up, Tied Down is not to be missed, and Ms. James is a wonderful writer whose name is at the top of my autobuy list. Good stories draw you in and give the reader a vested interest in the characters, as this series has done that for me. I can’t wait to read what’s happening with everyone and want to know more about all of the characters who feel like old friends. I really hope there will be more steamy and emotional stories of the McKay and West families in the future!

If you have not read the Rough Riders series, I highly recommend you pick them up from Samhain Publishing. You won’t be disappointed. And psst, Ms. James, if you happen to read this, we need Chassie and Trevor’s story. Please!

Blurb:

A night of secret passion could immerse this lawyer in red-hot gossip.

Alicia Flint enjoys her community, her home, and her career as a lawyer. But since her livelihood depends on her spotless reputation, it’s not easy to even date in this small town, much less take a lover.

Then a chance encounter with a stranger at a friend’s wedding tempts her to do something she’s never done before—have a red-hot, one-night stand. The guy will be gone tomorrow; no one need ever know her delicious little secret.

Gill Baron has come to Jamesville to visit friends and figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life. As a newly retired, burnt-out cop, he’s not looking for love, but he won’t say not to a night of no-strings sex with the seductive brunette. A night that leaves him wanting more.

When she meets the investigator on her latest case, Alicia is shocked to come face-to-face with Mr. One-Night-Stand. Jamesville doesn’t need another lawyer-related scandal to gossip about, but the truth is, she needs Gill’s top-notch investigative skills.

Their attraction is too deep to keep the town clueless of their affair forever. When Jamesville finds out, Alicia wonders if her reputation—and her relationship with Gill—will weather the storm.

Nic’s Recommendation:

A Legal Affair is book 5 in NJ Walter’s Jamesville series. Alicia was first introduced in book 4, The Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke, and I was thrilled to discover she was getting a book of her own. Alicia has a lot of passion lurking beneath the surface. Gill is the perfect temptation to get the buttoned-down lawyer to relax and live a little. They are perfect for each other, and boy do they heat things up…whew!

Those who have lived in small towns will immediately understand how problematic gossip can be. City folks will get a taste of small town life from this heartwarming series. I highly recommend you visit Jamesville and see for yourself.

A Legal Affair will be available from Samhain Publishingon July 15, 2008. Once you start reading the Jamesville series, you’ll fell like a member of the town and be hooked on these fabulous stories.

Blurb:

Is it love? Or sabotage?

After a year of being ignored as a woman by her boss, Morgan steps up her game—and strips down. What better way than a miniskirt to capture her hardheaded boss’s attention? The butt floss she can do without, but hey, if the ploy works…and it does, with spectacular results. Now if only she can keep him interested permanently.

Ridge can’t believe it when the woman he’s quietly lusted after for a year shows up dressed…or rather, undressed…to drop any man to his knees. Instead of worrying about winning a bid after losing the last two under strange circumstances, he whisks her to his place to demolish any notion she might have of changing her mind.

Then it becomes clear why his company is losing bids—there’s a mole planted in their midst. Ridge suddenly has to question Morgan’s sudden transformation from faithful P.A. to office vixen.

Is she the woman he’s been waiting for? Or a corporate saboteur sent to take him down?

Nic’s Recommendation:

I was lucky enough to get my hands on this book several weeks ago. As with all her other wonderful tales, you can’t go wrong if the name Annmarie McKenna is on the cover. From the first words to the last, I was reluctant to set this hot, fast-paced story down. Ridge is in a very hard place when it appears Morgan has been working against him. But Ridge’s faith in her remains solid. The two of them sizzle when they’re together. There were several times I worried that my ebook reader my spontaneously combust.

The secondary characters are great. I’d love to read Carter’s story. And Amy Lee…well, I spare you from details of what I’d like to see happen to her. Read the book. You’ll know exactly what tortures are brewing in my mind!

Between A Ridge And A Hard Place will be available from Samhain Publishing tomorrow, June 3rd. You’ll be sorry if you miss out on this great read!

Blurb:

Trading orgasms for information isn’t their usual way of doing business, but when a missing criminal-turned-star-witness and fifty grand are on the line, bounty hunter R. A. Thorn and Detective Cameron Martinez are prepared to put their bodies to the task and give gorgeous Brenna Sheridan everything she needs.

An exchange they never anticipated becomes an experience none can forget — or walk away from. Sexual hunger sizzles the threesome, but the stakes and danger rise as a mafia bad-ass stalks Brenna.

Soon, their “deal” is no longer about information — or sex. Emotions bind Brenna, Cam and Thorn together more tightly than they ever imagined as the men protect — and serve — the beloved woman neither can live without.

Nic’s Recommendation:

Ms. Black has penned another scorching and captivating tale. This book is packed with emotion, action, surprising twists and very wicked, hot sex. The characters are vivid and compelling. The obstacles Brenna, Cam and especially Thorn had to face and overcome to make their unconventional trio work will keep you on the edge of your seat and rapidly turning pages.

There is some m/m interaction in this menage, and I absolutley love how Ms. Black approached the subject head on. In my opinion, those interactions made the scenes even hotter and made the characters even more real for me.

Dangerous Boys And Their Toys is available from Ellora’s Cave Publishing. I highly recommend you drop whatever you’re doing and go get this great read now!

Blurb:

The Hussies series

Bounty hunter Jazz Boudreaux wouldn’t believe it if she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes. One minute she’s scuffling with a “collar” in California. The next she’s in a Scottish castle, being recruited by an ancient order of Hussy Warriors sworn to use their special powers to rescue the world in times of danger.

Her mission: Keep some geek scientist alive long enough to develop a technology that will save the planet.

Jazz soon discovers Dr. Rockwell Burns is anything but geeky. Delicious, maybe. Dangerous, definitely. Hard and a powerful, like his name. Suddenly, it’s more personal than saving the world. It’s about saving the man she loves.

Nic’s recommendation:

Ciana’s second book in The Hussies series is quite simply fabulous! Jazz is one heck of a Hussy—strong, smart and more than ready to kick some ass. Rock is definitely not what Jazz or anyone else would call your typical geeky intellectual. When they work together the bad guy doesn’t stand a chance and neither does you computer, which is liable to melt from all the scorching sexual heat. You may think the start of the book tipped you off to the twist, but in the end you’re going to be surprised.

A Tast For Jazz is a book that you won’t want to put down and will read over and over again.

A Taste For Jazz is available from Ellora’s Cave Publishing. Make sure you check out the rest of Ciana’s books while you’re there. And if you like it hot, be sure to get all the books in The Hussies series!

Blurb:

A Knight condemned to death. A Welsh woman with a quest. Is it fate that brings these two together — or the mystical touch of an ancient warrior? Aubrey Thaxton doesn’t really care, since he’s facing his imminent demise and isn’t averse to some bedsport before he burns at the stake. The strange wench who appears in his chamber is just what he needs.

Gwyneth Mor Hafren wasn’t planning on enjoying Baron Thaxton’s physical charms, however. She’s there to rescue him, driven by a knowledge given her long ago in a dream. Together these two unlikely cohorts escape Castle Thaxton and journey into what is, for Aubrey, enemy territory. Wales.

Surrounded by hostility and betrayal, Aubrey and Gwyneth discover passion amidst the turmoil, a deep and abiding emotion that binds them to each other more tightly than the strongest chains. Will it save them both, complete Gwyneth’s quest and take them on a wild journey to a place where their hearts are free to “Fly By Knight”?

Nic’s Recommendation:

Wow, where to start. Sahara Kelly’s historicals are always amazing. Even if you don’t typically read historicals, you’ll enjoy this clever story because it is far from typical! What that woman can do with a corset…well, that’s a whole different post.

This is Sahara’s first book in The Hussies series and I can’t wait for the next one. She’s created a fun, confident and independent heroine who not only can handle herself, she can save her man while she’s at it. Don’t get me wrong, Aubrey is no slouch. In fact, he’s quite the wicked devil, but he’s smart enough to recognize her finer qualities. The characters are just too big to remain on the page. The story is so vividly written I felt as if I was right there with them.

I’m very proud to be a Hussy author writing books with this amazing group of women! You can find The Hussies here.

Fly By Knight is available from Ellora’s Cave Publishing. While you’re there, do yourself a favor and check out the rest of Sahara’s books!

Blurb:

He’s waited centuries for her rebirth. Can he persuade her to love again?

Once, Valentine had everything: Position, wealth, love and happiness. Then tragedy struck. Over the centuries, he has clung to the prophecy that his love will be reborn, but when he meets Lisette, she’s no longer his wife, no longer his love. She no longer remembers their life together.

After a chance meeting with Valentine, Lisa can’t shake the lingering impression he leaves behind—or the odd feelings he stirs. He gives her two gifts: A necklace, and a dream of passion that awakes her memory. But are these memories she can trust?

After all, Lisa isn’t the woman she once was. And Valentine is no longer human.

Nic’s Recommendation:

Night Rhythm is a great addition to Ms. Teglia’s Sirens series. This book initially started out as a short story on her website that thankfully, Ms. Teglia expanded. I’m so glad she did! This is a wonderful tale of the lengths a man will go to for the love of his life. Once I picked it up, I wasn’t able to put it down until I’d finished the book. Valentine is one hot vamp full of interesting ideas. Lisa’s acceptance of her past life happens rather quickly, but then the other band members have introduced her to the things not everyone believes in so she’s well prepared for these new discoveries.

While Night Rhythm can stand on its own, I highly recommend you read the whole Sirens series, which is available from Samhain Publishing! Especially the yummy Vikings in The Gripping Beast.

Blurb: 

In 2383, all the men on Earth are dead. The Anti-Male world government, convinced it was “God’s will”, has outlawed all research into re-creating males.

Working illegally, Randi Mayers, the world’s foremost sex-replacement designer, aims to create the closest thing to a real man the technology is capable of. William, the result of advanced nanite technology incorporated with DNA, is the ultimate “sex replacement” and everything Randi dreamed of. His sexual prowess leaves her breathless — and very, very satisfied.

But William is much more than a machine, dammit — he’s a man! As his “testing” continues and he demonstrates more and more human characteristics, they fall in love, but discovery and industrial espionage place them on a collision course with the Anti-Male faction, with dire results. 

Nic’s Recommendation: 

Hot and sexy from the first page to the last, Sexed Up is a great read. Sex, romance, conspiracy, emotion…it’s all in there. And talk about suspense, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how Sally was going to deliver a HEA, and she did so flawlessly. William is a great character, more human than many men I’ve met. Randi isn’t your typical lab geek, that’s for sure. Together they sizzle. 

Sexed Up is available from Ellora’s Cave Publishing. I highly recommend you check out the rest of Sally’s incredible books while you’re there!

Blurb:

She went down in a hail of bullets, but even hell didn’t want her.

In the eyes of the law, Cristoval is a freak who ought to be hunted down and destroyed. To the thousands who look to him for guidance and strength, he’s the resistance’s charismatic leader, a man who sacrificed even his own happiness for the cause. When he meets a woman who eclipses every other, a Valkyrie fierce and forceful, he knows he’s been given a second chance.

To a woman who faced death and came out on top, the towering lycan with the haunted eyes is an anchor in a sea of chaos, a pillar in a world gone mad. He’d be more if she just let him. And she wants to. But the enemy has to pay for what they did to Cristoval and her, for stealing their chance, for twisting something good into an aberration. If she has to drag her enemy down to hell herself, then she’ll do it. She’s been there. She knows the way.

Nic’s Recommendation:

Carnal, Book 3 of the Lycan Warrior series released Friday and I had to force myself to go to work this weekend instead of lock myself up at home to read. IMHO, Carnal is the best in the series, and that’s saying a lot because the first two books were great. I was very upset with Nathalie when she killed off my favorite character in book 2, but she made it up to me with this hot, action-packed tale.

Cristoval has been through hell and back but still cannot come close to what his Valkyrie has gone through. I love this heroine. She is a smart-ass with all kinds of attitude who enjoys nothing better than kicking some butt. These two fit together so well. And now, after reading Carnal, I’m anxiously awaiting the next in this wild and crazy series. I’m going to stop here before I give away any pivotal plot secrets.

Carnal is available from Ellora’s Cave Publishing. I highly recommend you pick up this book and check out the rest of Nathalie’s explosive novels while you’re there.

Blurb:

No more than a dark pencil line on a blank page. A horizon line, maybe. But also a slot for blackness to pour through…A terrible construction site accident takes Edgar Freemantle’s right arm and scrambles his memory and his mind, leaving him with little but rage as he begins the ordeal of rehabilitation. A marriage that produced two lovely daughters suddenly ends, and Edgar begins to wish he hadn’t survived the injuries that could have killed him. He wants out. His psychologist, Dr. Kamen, suggests a “geographic cure,” a new life distant from the Twin Cities and the building business Edgar grew from scratch. And Kamen suggests something else.

“Edgar, does anything make you happy?”

“I used to sketch.”

“Take it up again. You need hedges…hedges against the night.”

Edgar leaves Minnesota for a rented house on Duma Key, a stunningly beautiful, eerily undeveloped splinter of the Florida coast. The sun setting into the Gulf of Mexico and the tidal rattling of shells on the beach call out to him, and Edgar draws. A visit from Ilse, the daughter he dotes on, starts his movement out of solitude. He meets a kindred spirit in Wireman, a man reluctant to reveal his own wounds, and then Elizabeth Eastlake, a sick old woman whose roots are tangled deep in Duma Key. Now Edgar paints, sometimes feverishly, his exploding talent both a wonder and a weapon. Many of his paintings have a power that cannot be controlled. When Elizabeth’s past unfolds and the ghosts of her childhood begin to appear, the damage of which they are capable is truly devastating.

Nic’s Recommendation:

No rabid dogs, scary clowns or possessed cars in this one.

Duma Key is a tale of the paranormal that could explain what happened to Brian Smith, the distracted motorist who ran into Mr. King in 1999. Sometime later, I don’t remember how long, Mr. Smith died mysteriously. The autopsy found no conclusive cause of death. *g* Have I got you interested in the book yet?

This book captured me from the first sentence and kept me wrapped up until the last word. There was no sleep, not because I had nightmares, but due to my inability to put the book down. I grew up reading Stephen King’s stories, and while this one is decidedly different, it’s not less fabulous. Reading Duma Key was like traveling back to my twenties, a time when I would blast through one of his massive tomes in two days.

It was a fun reading experience for me since I live about thirty minutes north of the area in Florida Mr. King wrote about. He even talked up one of the radio stations I listen to. I’ve been to Davis Island, Long Boat Key, and other places he mentioned numerous times.

The friendship between Edgar and Wireman is delightful. These two characters were meant to meet and be friends. There were times I had the book down because I was laughing too hard to read. And Jack turned out to be quite the guy. Everyone needs a handy guy like him around!

I highly recommend you pick up Duma Key. The book is available in print from Amazon or in ebook from Fictionwise. WOOT! A big thank you to whoever made the ebook version happen!