Book Review: Frosty Proximity (Winter Wanderlust) by Liz Alden

Frosty Proximity is a novella, and the second book in the Winter Wanderlust series by Liz Alden. I did not read the first book in the series, and while I think returning readers will have a head start on knowing the characters, this novella stands up just fine on its own. 

The snowstorm of the century is approaching, and my only hope of getting home for Christmas is my grumpy, rich, and definitely off limits client. A closed airport, fifty miles of Swiss countryside, and the threat of record-breaking wind and snow stand between me and flying back to my family in New York. The family that labels my job as a personal stylist as “frivolous” and “shallow.” My client, Peter, is working just as hard as I am to get me on that plane. It seems he really doesn’t want me crashing his family’s Chanukah based on the tension in the air and the grunts he aims my way. Grunts I should not find sexy. But we may not have a choice. And when his family opens their warm, cozy home to me, I may realize that, beneath his frost, Peter makes me melt.

Frosty Proximity is exactly what I was looking for. Peter and Kara are both likable characters that find their way from a working relationship and friends of friends to so much more. This was a fast and fun read, and I loved the get to know you stage and the move on forward. I like that they are both mature enough to talk about disagreements, misunderstandings, and real things while also still having fun and light moments between them. The family moments and caring aspects of this story we just as important and engaging for me as the hotter moments, and I think this novella balanced a lot of important aspects to both Kara's and Peter's lives nicely. I enjoyed this read and think many other readers will as well.

Book Review: The Book Hunter by Alex Evans

 The Book Hunter by Alex Evans is a 18000 words novella. Bored by a PhD on a mundane topic, Cassa takes on a side job: investigating the whereabouts of the Call to the Elders, a mythical grimoire, lost centuries ago. Despite her initial skepticism, she becomes increasingly intrigued by the challenge. Her investigation brings her to the ancient city of Gandarah, but other, more sinister individuals are after the book. Soon, tracked in the undergrounds of a city on the brink of a revolution, Cassa discovers the secret behind the Call to the Elders.

The Book Hunter is a short read, with a great deal going on. I liked the set up and the majority of the story. However, since it is a novella there is not a whole lot of room for world and character building, which I rather missed. I think I would have been happier if this was a longer book, with the connections and backgrounds of the characters more fully fleshed out and detailed. That being said, I think the author did a good job with the plot and main character in such a short time frame. I understood her thought process, motivation, and desire for knowledge. I will admit that I had to double check which characters were interacting on the page more than once, but I think that was a me problem with my attention span rather than a book issue. My biggest problem was just that I wanted more. I want more back story, more world building, more character building and connection. I knew I was not going to get that in a novella, so I will be on the look out for more from the author set in the same world where I might be able to get that itch scratched. 

Book Review: Mr. Nanny (The Nannies) by Sam Crescent

Mr. Nanny is the tenth book in The Nannies series by Sam Crescent. It stood up fine on its own, but returning readers are likely to have some advanced knowledge of Caleb and his friends. 

Annie Wells needs help. When she's suddenly given a baby to care for, she doesn’t have a clue what to do. She needs someone who knows how to help. Annie turns to Caleb Nanny, hoping he can teach her how to take care of the baby that is now her responsibility. One look is all it takes for Caleb to know that Annie is a sweet, young woman. She looks so distraught, so he takes pity on her. He agrees to help and it has nothing to do with how sexy her ass looks—or maybe it does. He can't fight his attraction for her. What started out as a pity job, soon turns into more, and when Caleb tells her that he loves her, he knows he’s gone too far. But what will happen when Annie attempts to give him the memory of a lifetime? Will he reject her, or will he finally fall for the woman that loves him with her whole heart, and never wants to let him go?

Mr. Nanny is an okay story, but I felt like there was a great deal of wasted potential. I liked the little I learned about Caleb and Annie, but I felt like we could have learned much more about Annie and baby Tara, and how things turned out they way they did for the pair. Readers do get a bit of a glimpse at Caleb and his issues, but I feel like there could have been more about the actual romance between the two. The outline was there, but it felt like so many details that could have made the story more engaging and real were left out. Things just felt a little flat all around, which is a shame since I thought it was going to check all my boxes for favorite, quick romance reads.

Mr. Nanny is a quick weekend read.

Book Review: Of Claws and Fangs: Stories from the World of Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood by Faith Hunter

Of Claws and Fangs: Stories from the World of Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood by Faith Hunter is a collection of shorter works featuring heroines Jane Yellowrock and Nell Ingram, as well as a host of other characters from the Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood series.  From a vampire-filled Halloween evening in New Orleans to the searing tale of how a certain were-leopard first got his spots, this collection has something for everyone, and each story is sure to put the super in supernatural. With eighteen stories in all, Of Claws and Fangs will enrich and entertain—it’s a must-have for Faith Hunter’s readers and all lovers of fantasy.

Of Claws and Fangs  is a collection of vignettes, short stories, and a novella all from the world of Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood. Those that subscribe to the newsletter and follow Hunter online might have seen some of these stories previously, but most will be brand new to readers. I loved getting a look at some of the moments between the stories I have read and particularly moments from characters the generally do not get to have their thoughts shared. I loved that some of these stories tie the characters I felt I have come to know well, and those that always seem on the periphery, closer together in ways I never expected. This was a great collection and I think all fans of Hunter's work will enjoy it very much. 

Of Claws and Fangs is a must have for fans of Faith Hunter. For those that prefer to listen, the audiobook version is available, and extremely well done. 

Book Review: The Governess Affair (Brothers Sinister) by Courtney Milan

The Governess Affair is a prequel novella to the Brothers Sinister series by Courtney Milan. This author has been recommended to me multiple times- so over the holidays I bought the Sinister Brothers box set and have enjoyed every moment of binge reading it has brought me. If you enjoy historical romance with complex characters and conflicts this series is definitely for you.

Three months ago, governess Serena Barton was let go from her position. Unable to find new work, she’s demanding compensation from the man who got her sacked: a petty, selfish, swinish duke. But it’s not the duke she fears. It’s his merciless man of business—the man known as the Wolf of Clermont. The formidable former pugilist has a black reputation for handling all the duke’s dirty business, and when the duke turns her case over to him, she doesn’t stand a chance. But she can’t stop trying—not with her entire future at stake. Hugo Marshall is a man of ruthless ambition—a characteristic that has served him well, elevating the coal miner’s son to the right hand man of a duke. When his employer orders him to get rid of the pestering governess by fair means or foul, it’s just another day at the office. Unfortunately, fair means don’t work on Serena, and as he comes to know her, he discovers that he can’t bear to use foul ones. But everything he has worked for depends upon seeing her gone. He’ll have to choose between the life that he needs, and the woman he is coming to love

The Governess Affair is a story that captured my imagination from the very beginning- and while it resolved itself beautifully, I was left wanting more about all of the characters when it was over. Serena lost her position because of a selfish man. Hugo works for that man but is not blind of his faults- in fact he is much more aware of them than most. In his efforts to make his own future Hugo has done things that he is not proud of, but he has his limits. The battle of wills between Serena and Hugo was very well written- and they way each of their concerns and complications were addressed was as close to perfect as I have ever seen. I have never seen a better handling of consent and trust after abuse- and to see the respect and love this pair developed was lovely. My only problem was that I did not want to leave the characters behind- which was easily solved as I dove into The Duchess War immediately.

The Governess Affair is a lovely prequel that wrapped up well but left me eager for more about the characters. Fine as a stand alone or when read out of order, but I am very glad to read the story in chronological order. I think I have a new must buy author. I have since read most of this series and I recommend them all- including the novellas!

Book Review: Being Fitz by J.D. Walker

Being Fitz by J.D. Walker is a novella. Lysander "Fitz" Fitzgibbon used to teach at a university, but quit when his father grew ill and needed someone to take care of him. Years later, after his dad's death, Fitz has given up on his dreams, drives a bus route, and endures twice monthly visits from Jerry, who can't really be called a friend, and barely a benefit. Fitz is lonely, overweight, and figures life won't be getting any better. Then Jerry falls for Fitz's neighbor, Henry, and Fitz stumbles over a dead body in the park. As if life couldn't get any worse, he has a run-in with Detective Holland Simms, whose infuriating arrogance and brash behavior provokes Fitz to punch him. But strangely enough, Fitz feels more alive around Simms than he has in a long time, though Fitz finds it hard to believe that the confident Simms would want anything to do with him.

Being Fitz is a short romance. It was a quick. enjoyable read with some serious feels. My biggest issue is that I wanted more. Fitz has plenty of angst in the beginning, and the initial courtship between Simms and Fitz was pretty great. However, then we just kind of cut ahead to Fitz getting his life together, and it felt like the heart of the matter was glossed over. I loved seeing Fitz find happiness, but I feel like This could have easily been fleshed out to a full length novel, with more relationship development, and more of Fitz finding his value in tangible ways rather than because Simms and his coworker telling him that his is more than he thinks. I liked the read, but really wanted more, I wanted to see Fitz grow not just have it glossed over and be told that things work out. I wanted to see him move towards it and grab his future with both hands rather than just reacting to things that come his way.

Book Review: Royal Secret by M. Knopik

Royal Secret by M. Knopik is a novella about two men with secrets. To save his kingdom from war, Raven married Prince Nicholas—as a princess. But on their wedding night, instead of his secret being revealed, Nicholas refuses to have any intimate contact with his new bride, and even goes out of his way to maintain distance between them. To make matters worse, the queen makes increasing demands for an heir. When Raven overhears Prince Nicholas ask his best friend, Lord Henry to father the child, he panics. He turns to the only person he can trust—his chambermaid, Emilia. With her help, he soon learns that the Prince has a secret of his own.

Royal Secret is short and sweet in its way. I liked the fact that the main characters got to know each other slowly, and that there is more than just a single story line happening in the novella. I loved getting to know Raven and discover his secrets, and the connection and care for Emilia. I was a little disappointed that he was not trans but in the position of pretending to be female because of family obligations. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to explore those boundaries, but the story was still an interesting read. I do feel like we learned very little about Nicholas in comparison with Raven and I would have liked to know more about his emotions and thoughts- rather than just what I can cobble together from observations.

Royal Secret is a good, quick read for those looking for a different male/male romance. The Goodreads information on this book labels it as the start of a series, but I have yet to find more.

Book Review: Choice by Andrea Loredo

Choice by Andrea Loredo is a novella length fantasy. It feels like the second book in a series, but I can find no information on previous, or later, books. 

Ser Mirele Heine is a Guardian, sworn to protect the royal family. One night, after being oddly called away to slay a dragon in another province, Mirele and hir companions are ambushed. They rush back to the castle to find a coup is underway. Mirele manages to escape with hir charge, Princess Shahira de Granius. As the two go into hiding and move from town to town, Shahira grapples with her conflicting feelings over the slaughter of her family, and Mirele struggles with the dark secret ze harbors and hir own affections for the princess. 

Choice is a story that I enjoyed, but was also a little disappointed with at the same time. I was glad that I got a good deal of the backstory I wanted in the beginning towards the end of the book. I liked the characters, but felt like I could have gotten a little more development even in the short book. I will admit that I was distracted by the alternate pronouns, although once I figured out it was because Mirele was non binary rather than it being a part of the fantasy setting it made more sense to me. I liked the story, but think it would be better served as part of a larger work- because I felt like there as so much more that could be done with the characters, setting, and conflicts that ran as the backdrop.

Book Review: Christmas in Kilts ( A Highland Fairy Tale) by Bronwen Evans, Terri Brisbin, Lecia Cornwall, Lavinia Kent, and May McGoldrick

Christmas in Kilts ( A Highland Fairy Tale) by Bronwen Evans, Terri Brisbin, Lecia Cornwall, Lavinia Kent, and May McGoldrick is a fast and fun collection of historical, Scottish romances with holiday flare from five best selling authors. The stories include A HIGHLANDER'S HOPE by Terri Brisbin in which a village harlot who would never dream she could have a different life meets a Highlander visitor for the holidays who brings with him an offer and hope! Then there is LEFTOVER MISTLETOE by Lavinia Kent when readers discover what happens when a highlander finds himself stranded with an English lady around Christmas. Maybe the mistletoe will help answer that question. In A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen Evans our main character is ready to embrace her life and future as a spinster while he is trying to have one last hurrah before he gives into his family's wishes and proposes marriage to his neighbor, but fate has other ideas when the lady and the Scot meet at a holiday house party in the wilds of Scotland. In SWEET HOME HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS by May McGoldrick a chance encounter between a ship's captain and a desperate aunt trying to keep custody of her young niece leads to a little magic during the holidays. And in A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS WAGER by Lecia Cornwall a snowstorm forces a charming lass hiding a broken heart to take shelter in a castle with three fine Highland lairds just days before Christmas, there’s a game afoot, who will be the first to win a kiss and maybe her heart.

Christmas in Kilts is a collection of fast and fun reads. I like that I had a chance to explore writing by some authors that I had not read before, and a couple that I have. At no point did any of the stories or characters feel underdeveloped, or like I was missing something vital. Unfortunately that is a common flaw in this sort of collection, and I was glad to see it avoided here. While I did enjoy some of the stories more than others, Sweet Home Highland Christmas and A Scot For Christmas being my stand out favorites, there were none that would convince me not to try reading other things by the included authors. This is a great romance collection for those that enjoy the Scottish, historical romances, and want to try new authors without the commitment of a new series to follow.

Christmas in Kilts is a fun read for fans of historical fiction with a Scottish leaning. Fans of these authors will definitely want to pick it up, and those that have heard of the authors but have yet to dive into their work can use this as a fun, and enjoyable, way to test the waters. As always with collection, I enjoyed some stories more than others, but this time around there were none that I would have wanted to miss. 

Book Review: Elemental Ride by Mell Eight

Elemental Ride by Mell Eight is a urban fantasy and romance novella. Rawley isn't the type to crush hard and fast on anyone, but he's somehow helpless when it comes to the new mailman. Even his bikes and his job as enforcer for a local motorcycle gang, the center of his world, don't compare to his interest in Reign. Unfortunately, Reign doesn't seem to be as interested—but secrets and magic have a way of turning everything upside down.

Elemental Ride is a short tease into a fantasy world I want to know more about. It seems to be part of a larger ongoing series by the publisher- but no links to this series are clear on Goodreads, so I will have to do some hunting. As a novella, there is much to squeeze into a short bit of text, but I think it handled very well. I feel like I got to know Rawley fairly well, and understood him as a character- as well as his fascination with his new mailman. I liked the way the world and supernatural aspects are revealed- although I feel like I need a novel set in this world to make me really happy. The story is complex despite the shortness, and has a few layers and surprises. I really enjoyed the unique take on magic and the elements as sprites, and the character of Reign, Leif, and so on satisfied me. 

Elemental Ride is a fast and entertaining read. My only disappointment is in the fact that it was a novella, and I want more. I will be taking a look at Less Than Three Press to see if I can find the rest of this series and enjoy it as a whole.

Book Review: Bonnie and the Beast by Alexa Black

Bonnie and the Beast by Alexa Black is very short, I would call it a short story rather than even a novella. The Beast's castle has been lonely since an angry sorceress cursed her years ago, and resigned herself to it a long time ago. But now a woman has promised to brave the curse, and for the first time in too many years the Beast has someone to talk to—and perhaps even break the curse. But tricking people into visiting your castle isn't how you find a soulmate. And looking stranger than a werewolf doesn't help.

Bonnie and the Beast is at a bit of short erotica. The Beast is waiting for a promised girl to come to her castle and make the attempt to break a curse. I still have no idea what the beast looks like and could not even hazard a guess because five eyes and some serious claws and teeth? I felt like there was room for a bit of character growth, or at least some insight into them. There was a little bit of information on each through the story, but not enough to let me care about either. It seemed like it was an excuse to write a sex scene between a curvy girl and a female something rather than a story. I was annoyed at the length, and at the lack of character depth. A bit more story would have been appreciated but this might just be what someone else is looking for. 

Book Review: White Christmas by Rebecca York

White Christmas by Rebecca York is a novella with paranormal; aspects and abundant holiday cheer. The snow is coming down so fast, Amelia Parsons doesn't see the speeding car until it's too late. One moment she’s crossing an ice-rutted street in St. Stephens, Maryland. In the next, she's flying into the air, and the world goes black. She wakes, confused, in what appears to be Santa’s workshop during the holiday rush. If that’s not strange enough, a hunky FBI agent named Daniel is there, demanding to know why she’s involved in a plot to ruin Christmas. Can she convince him she's not the villain and then work with him to find the real saboteur?

White Christmas is a short story, which means need to happen quickly. Amelia is not allowed to freak about about the existence of Santa and all the trappings when she wakes up in the North Pole after getting hit by a car. The mystery of who is sabotaging the workshop is dealt with fairly quickly- though the why is never really answered for me. Similarly how Daniel ended up on assignment there, and how Amelia lands there, and how things all come together in the end, are equally glossed over. Sadly I felt like the attraction between Amelia and Daniel was weak, and their coming together did not feel real or right to me. I don't know. I was prepared to really love it, even if I waited to after Christmas to get around to it, but it was not what I was looking for. I expect much more character and relationship development from York, even in a novella.

Book Review: Every Heart a Doorway (Wayward Children) by Seanan McGuire

Every Heart a Doorway is the first book in the Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire. This novella length story is a solid introduction to what could be a wonderful series, but since I really adore the author's October Daye series I must admit I am likely a little bit biased.

Children have always disappeared under the right conditions; slipping through the shadows under a bed or at the back of a wardrobe, tumbling down rabbit holes and into old wells, and emerging somewhere else. But magical lands have little need for used-up miracle children. Nancy tumbled once, but now she’s back. The things she’s experienced, they change a person. The children under Miss West’s care understand all too well. And each of them is seeking a way back to their own fantasy world. But Nancy’s arrival marks a change at the Home. There’s a darkness just around each corner, and when tragedy strikes, it’s up to Nancy and her new-found schoolmates to get to the heart of the matter.

Every Heart a Doorway is a mystery, an urban fantasy, and a look at coming to know yourself. Nancy opened a door in her basement and walked into a faerie underworld. She spent years learning to be still and quiet, to please Hades and Persephone. Now struggling to survive in the world she is sent to a special boarding school for those that have had trips to faerie, but every trip is different and like any school there are cliques and bullies. This would not be so bad is Nancy's room was not murdered, and then things manage to get even worse. Nancy and her new group of friends need to solve the mystery, as they also look for the hidden doorways that might take them back to faerie. Self discover and understanding are important to the story, as is acceptance and understanding. I really enjoyed Nancy's character- and the majority of the outcasts that she bonds with. I think the world building here can take the series in a number of interesting directions and I plan on see exactly where McGuire takes us next!

Book Review: The Heiress and the Hothead (Sinful Suitors) by Sabrina Jeffries

The Heiress and the Hothead by Sabrina Jeffries is a novella in the Sinful Suiters series.  I did the read the first book in the series, The Art of Sinning, which takes place right before this installment. However, it is not necessary to read the series in order. 

This story focuses on Amanda, who owns a cotton mill in America, and Stephen, who is working hard on factory reform. Stephen assumes that Amanda's factory has to similar to the ones he has witnessed. Amanda is a different kind of factory owner. She actually cares about her employees and works hard to ensure their safety. Amanda agrees to an interview with Stephen but only if he introduces her to some of his sources. 

The Heiress and the Hothead is a fast and fun read. I liked Amanda and Stephan, ands thought their characters were well written. They are not fear, boring characters and I found their interplay entertaining. Assumptions and conflict might start them off on the wrong foot- but they actually communicate with each other- although not always well. My biggest complaint was the sex scene. Sometimes they fit, and sometimes they do not. Here I think we could have skipped it. It struck me like the classic moment in paranormal or suspense romance when everything is going to hell and death is close and suddenly our characters decide it would be a good time to get busy. It just struck me as silly and a little unnecessary. 

Book Review: Outlaw Justice by Rebecca York

Outlaw Justice is a novella by Rebecca York is a novella that is the thirteenth installment of the Decorah Security series. It has been a few years since I have read a book from York, and I do not think any of them were from this series. Thankfully, this book can easily be read as a stand alone with no loss to enjoyment of understanding.

They used to be a hot item. Then Leah left town for college, met, and married the wrong man. Escaping a living hell of a marriage, she runs straight into the arms of her old lover, Steve Outlaw. He has been using a hidden talent to work with a special security firm. Passion flares again between them, but can he save her from a homicidal husband?

Outlaw Justice is short and intense story. Leah and Steve manage to get some serious character explanation and development in a mere 96 pages, including some serious moments of betrayal and danger. I like that Steve is a good mix of alpha male, bad boy, and gentleman as he struggles to do the right thing every step along the way. There was a solid plot, serious danger and action, and some very hot moments to boot. A well done novella. 

Book Review: Waylaid by Kim Harrison

Waylaid by Kim Harrison is para junction of the Hollows series and Peri Reed Chrorincles. Since I have only read the Rachel Morgan books it took me a bit to catch up with the details of Peri Reed's world. However, I think fans of Harrison in any capacity will be able to catch on quickly.

The paranormal and the futuristic meet in a novella featuring  heroines from two of Kim Harrison’s most beloved series: the Hollows and the Peri Reed Chronicles. The magic of the Hollows runs full force into the technological sophistication of The Drafter when a device capable of carrying a city’s data stream pulls Rachel, the bounty hunter witch of the Hollows, between realities, marooning her in a world where the supernatural holds no sway. To get Rachel and Jenks home, Peri, the dangerous renegade of 2030, must decide what will chart her future: her blind trust in those who grant her power, or her intuition telling her to believe.

Waylaid is an intriguing novella. Rachel are Peri both strong but somehow vulnerable heroines in their own way. Both very different from each other, and very similar. Trust issues, independance, and self reliance about, and make their coming together was as exciting and interesting as I might have hoped. Rachel has to deal with being dropped in a world with no access to her magic and little connection to her support system. Peri honestly thinks Rachel is more than a little looney, at least at first. I like the the novella raised questions for both series, and left me wanting to catch up with both series. THe details of Peri's world is much more technological and and science fiction like than the fantasy world of Rachel Morgan. Finding a way to return Rachel to her own time and place involves trust and magic, both of which are difficult under the circumstances. There is even time for some character development for Peri squeezed in this fast paced, enthralling novella.

Waylaid is a nice union between two very different worlds, and one I really enjoyed. It inspired me to get reading the Peri Reed Chronicles. I have no idea when I will get all the great books out there read when I keep adding more to my lists...

Book Review: The SEAL's Rebel Librarian by Anne Calhoun

The SEAL's Rebel Librarian is the second novella in the Alpha Ops series by Anne Calhoun. The first novella was The SEAL's Secret Lover, which I have not read. While there mention of the characters from the previous book, and their story seems to continue, I think they can each stand well on their own. 

Jack Powell never planned on leaving the Navy, but his final mission as a SEAL left him with a tremor and a bad case of nerves. He's home, taking some college classes and trying to figure out what comes next when he meets Erin Kent, a divorced college librarian with an adventurous bucket list and a mission to get her ex-husband's voice out of her head. Jack guides Erin through skydiving and buying the motorcycle of her dreams, blithely accepting Erin's promise that their relationship is purely temporary. But when Jack gets the chance to go back into the shadowy world of security contracting, can he convince Erin to break her word and join him on the adventure of a lifetime?

The SEAL's Rebel Librarian is a hot little novella. It is not quite erotica, but it definitely comes close to that line. Erin has just been through a divorce and is trying to do all the things that she could to do when married, like buy a motorcycle and skydive. Jack is a Navy SEAL dealing with PTSD and trying to get his life more together. Lust brings them together, skirting the rules of course. Their casual affair gets a little too real for both, and the dangers rise for both of them. I liked Jack’s honor and outlook, but parts of Erin’s personality bothered me on occasion. 

I originally picked this book up because I was curious as to how the librarian character would be portrayed. I was a little unimpressed, she is not the bun and cardigan wearing librarian, which is good. However, she gets a little too close to the fantasy “sexy" librarian that some think the only alternative. The canoodling in the library was a little much for me. As adults you could not wait? Beyond that, I have to say that a librarian that rides a motorcycle or wants to skydive is not as unusual as people might think. We are as diverse a group as any other profession. Although, that being said there most likely are some that might resemble the heroine as well. 

The SEAL's Rebel Librarian is a quick, sexy read. If I were not a librarian I think I might have enjoyed the read more, but that is more from having worked in both University and Public libraries than anything wrong with the author’s storytelling. The characters were otherwise believable and had me engaged in their future. 

Book Review: Give it Up by Lori Foster

Give it Up by Lori Foster is a collection of three novellas about good friends finding the loves of their lives. He Sees You When You’re Sleeping is the story of  Booker Dean. What he wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires, and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping. Some Like It Hot is aboutfamily practitioner Cary Rupert. He wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s just what the doctor ordered. Playing Doctor is about Dr. Axel Dean, who likes his women with sensual moxie, not virginal innocence. But when Libby Preston won’t take no for an answer, Axel is more than willing to administer the cure.

Give it Up is good fun. All of the characters, from Booker to Libby are more than flat characters. Even in the short space we have with them, we see some history and hurt in the heroines, and the battles all the players have both with themselves and with each other. Since they are novellas, there is not a lot of time for drawn out crises or development. However, I felt that each story still has a solid arch and character development and present history to make the relationships develop quickly, but not completely unrealistically so. It is a well done collection. 

Give it Up is a nice collection of quick, hot, and satisfying romances. Despite the shortness, and necessary fast pace, the characters are well developed and there is a good blend of heat and humor. A wonderful weekend read.

Book Review: Taming a Highland Devil by Kimberly Killion

Taming a Highland Devil is a novella by Kimberly Killion. Laird Magnus Sutherland loves women. His prowess in the bedchamber has earned him the name Devil of Dunrobin, but no woman has ever stirred his heart. Magnus needs to provide his clan with an heir, which is the only reason he agrees to marry the neighboring chieftain's sister. When his betrothed arrives, he discovers the chieftain has two sisters. If Magnus must bind himself to one woman, he intends to discover which is best suited to be his wife, for he wants more than a body to plant his seed. He wants a mate for life. There are three reasons Lady Effie Reay refuses to vie for Laird Sutherland's affections. For one, she is thirty-two and would surely lose a competition to her beautiful, younger sister. Secondly, Laird Sutherland is a well-reputed rake, and she holds no desire to wed another faithless man. And thirdly, the sight of him makes her tingle, shiver and ache. Will Effie be successful in thwarting Magnus' advances, or will her body succumb to a temptation that can only lead to heartbreak?

Taming a Highland Devil is a short, and sex heavy, romance. I was a little thrown when the story begins with Magnus and two women having a good time in bed. When Effie and her family arrive is seems like it is mere moments before Effie’s sister and Magnus are getting to know each other rather intimately. For such a short book there is a whole lot of bedsport. The slow evolution of Effie coming together with Magnus, and the near miss at the end make for a good story. I would dub this much closer to erotica than the historical romance that I expected. I think the details of the story could have been used, and elaborated on, to create a full length novel.  However, since about 2/3rds of the story involves someone in bed (and not having vanilla sex), I worry what a full length novel might involve.

Taming a Highland Devil is a short read for those looking for a hot and sex filled story. The main characters are interesting, and their story is well done, but I could have done with less sex. Wow, dd I really just say that?  

Book Review: Red Hot Dragon (Dragon Heat #2) by Lolita Lopez

Red Hot Dragon is the second novella in the Dragon Heat series by Lolita Lopez. In this installment we see Griffin Cadogan is shocked to see Avani Monroe, sworn enemy of his dragon family, walk into his gym. With his mating phase soon approaching, Griffin is curious as to why she has to come enemy territory knowing the risks. Not only does she surprise Griffin and his cousin, Mad, by coming to enemy territory, but what she wants is borderline insane. She wants Griffin to help her have a baby.

Red Hot Dragon is a novella with plenty of steamy sex scenes, but very little character and greater plot development for the larger story arc. Griffin is a mega alpha male, that is entering his mating phase and while more than willing to make a baby, is not willing to walk away from any child that might result. Avani is the last of her line, and desperate to be everything to a child that her parents were not. the pair start off all about the sex, but almost instantly feel more for each other. The hunters play their part, and there is a tantalizing glimpse at who best be the staring couple of the next book. when I finished the book I was more interested in the characters for the next book, than in Griffin and Avani.

If you are looking for a short read with lots of sex, then Red Hot Dragon is for you. If you expect a little more character and plot development, yes it can be done in a novella, then you might be disappointed with this offering. it was not a bad read, it just did not live up to my expectations. that being said, I do think I will read the next book, if only because I have had my interest peaked in the characters and due to the length of the stories I will not be sacrificing much of my time if it does disappoint.