Review of TEMPTED, Eternal Guardians #3 by Elisabeth Naughton

TEMPTED (Eternal Guardians #3)
Author: Elisabeth Naughton
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Date: September 6, 2011
ISBN: 9780505528735
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Novel; available in digital and paperback
Provided by Publisher for review

DEMETRIUS—He’s the hulking, brooding warrior his fellow Guardians avoid. Too dark. Too damaged. And given his heritage, he knows it’s best to keep everyone at arm’s length.

Isadora is missing. The words pounded through his head like a frantic drumbeat. For her own protection, Demetrius had done all he could to avoid the fragile princess, his soul mate. And now she was gone—kidnapped. To get her back, he’ll have to go to the black place in his soul he’s always shunned. As daemons ravage the human realm and his loyalty to the Guardians is put to the ultimate test, Demetrius realizes that Isadora is stronger than anyone thought. And finally letting her into his heart may be the only way to save them both.

My Ratings
Review

Sexual

Ms. Naughton has taken the Greek Argonaut myth, turned it on its head, and OWNED it! In TEMPTED, she includes all the elements of an extraordinary mythological tale: gods, goddesses, monsters, witches, and heroes saving the heroines! Just to name a few.

From the very beginning, I was hooked by the tough and cocky attitude of Demetrius. An act he has played for so long to distance himself from Isadora. He does everything he possibly can to keep that distance because of the ‘darkness’ inside of him would ruin Isadora. But that coldness is sorely tested when they are stranded together and he has to save Isadora’s life a few times.

Isadora doesn’t remain a spoiled Princess for long. As she becomes a strong, independent woman, Isadora eventually sees through Demetrius’ false pretenses and realizes he’s hiding something. Each time Demetrius turns away from her, it just steels Isadora’s spine even more. Although Isadora may not know Demetrius’ dark secrets, I like the fact that Ms. Naughton doesn’t keep the reader in suspense. It makes Demetrius all the more heroic as he battles his love for Isadora and doesn’t want to see her ruined.

Now, don’t be fooled, there is so much more going on in this book! Yes, the sex is hot and, at times, you may get as frustrated as Isadora. All the Argonauts are present along with Callia and Casey. Hades makes an appearance just to aggravate Isadora. Orpheus plays a major/big/humungous part this time around and he has some of the best lines. Where would we be without the big evil herself, Atalanta? Yeah, she’s really causing havoc this time around. And this one last surprise, I did not see this coming! Poor Nick! Although, I knew something was up way back in MARKED Book #1. You’ll have to read to find out.

While it isn’t necessary to read the first two books in the Eternal Guardian series, they will provide back story and make it a bit easier to catch on. Be sure to refer to glossary in the back of the book before you start to read. The definitions listed there are a great help.

TEMPTED is a rip-roaring good time - the best one of the series by far! Although it has left me with more questions. But that is a good thing. More books about these luscious Argonauts!

Review of WILD OASIS by Casandra Pierce

WILD OASIS
Cassandra Pierce
Aspen Mountain Press
July 18, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60168-423-1
Genre: M/M Paranormal Romance
Ebook, 146 pages
Publisher Requested Review
Aspen Mountain Press Website
Cassandra Pierce Website

After ending his first serious relationship with a man, Jonathan Blake heads for Oasis, a desert community where he can start a new life. There, he is strongly attracted to his sexy but secretive new neighbor. To his surprise, Lynch seems to return his interest, but flees or shuts down emotionally whenever they begin to get close. To complicate matters, his ex-lover, Dominic, soon shows up and tries to rekindle their romance.

Meanwhile, Lynch is struggling with a unique dilemma of his own. Not only is someone he can't identify trying to kidnap or kill him, but the full moon is looming. He's afraid that if he gives in to his attraction toward Jonathan, the results may be tragic.

My Ratings
Review

Sexual

The characters are all one dimensional and I knew what to expect from them. No surprises here. Jonathan: ‘O, woe is me. Everybody hates me, I’m gonna eat some worms’. Lynch: Continuingly running and hiding from his problems. Wants someone to chase after him and make it all go away. Dominic: The arrogant and beautiful ‘no one can refuse me’ vampire. Although, he did have the best lines:

Believe it or not, Brent was the one who brought me to my senses. He’s a pretty package, but he can’t compare to you. Just like some mangy shapeshifter can’t compare to me. True, you might wake up after a night with me and find a couple of puncture wounds in sensitive places. Wake up after a night with him, and you might find yourself infested with fleas.

This WILD OASIS felt more like a dry mirage. It was never explained why the relationship didn’t work out between Jonathan and Dominic. When the posse from the condo, Wild Oasis, went to The Club, I never understood the reasoning behind ‘the curtain’. The intrigue behind the kidnapping of Lynch is thin – very thin. What I missed the most while reading this was passion: No snap, crackle, pop, heat, sizzle, burn. More like a flatline -----------------

Reading the book blurb, I had a suspicion this was a paranormal romance. No matter, the paranormal aspect is just about nil and way too tame for an M/M paranormal romance. Yes, there are numerous erotic events, including anal penetration, but I didn’t feel any emotional connection between the characters. It was more like friends with benefits. *looking at watch* “Done yet? I’m Oscar Mike!”

Review of LINNETTE, THE LIONESS by Lavinia Kent

The Real Duchesses of London
Linnette, The Lioness
Lavinia Kent
Harper Collins
July 12, 2011
ISBN: 9780062115706
Historical Romance
Novella, 100 pages
Publisher Requested Review
Harper Collins Website
Lavinia Kent Website

Regency England just got real(ity)

Episode 2: The One with the Fake Baby

Rumors abound – everyone has heard that Linnette, the Dowager Duchess of Doveshire is pregnant. Beautiful, young, with more freedom than any respectable woman should want, Linnette is no stranger to a little gossip. But her friends can’t help her brave the fallout, because this time Linnette has done something naughty…

My Ratings
Review

Sexual

THE REAL DUCHESSES OF LONDON is a series of four novellas. Each of the novellas focuses on one of the ladies, and the political cartoon scandal sheets about her that circulate around town. LINNETTE, THE LIONESS is the second book of the series. The maids for the Ladies are the ones we hear talking about the scandal sheets.

Linnette Sharpeton is the Dowager Duchess of Doveshire. Her husband died four years ago. Then, the replacement Duke let her run the place until he died suddenly. Now James Sharpeton has been called back from Canada to take his place as the new Duke of Doveshire. And this is where the story begins.

James and Linnette spent a beautiful night together eight years ago and he asked her to marry him. When she awoke – he was gone – he had left her. Now he is back and she wants answers. In addition, the scandal sheets are causing her problems and she isn’t sure what to do.

When these two get together the sparks fly! There is no doubt James loves Linnette unconditionally. He realizes his past mistakes and asks Linnette what he can do to prove his love for her. The biggest flaw he has is his failure to satisfactorily explain why he didn’t come back to London after Linnette’s husband died. “I was scared,” doesn’t cut the mustard with me. I’m not overly fond of the beta hero, but James is the exception. The scene with Elizabeth sitting on the couch and throwing herself at him is comical.

Linnette couldn’t live without James, but she couldn’t live with him either. She couldn’t trust him. He left her once, he would do it again. They just have to talk; to discuss things. James has to stop changing the subject; distracting her. They eventually do get around to discussing the situation. In the meantime, James distracts Linnette on a table while Linnette distracts James at the Opera. I really enjoyed the way these two would banter in their conversations; get angry with each other, pout, but not give up on love.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a novella like this one. While I didn’t feel I missed anything from not reading the first one, it may have added something (?), but what I don’t know. This is truly a series To Be Continued…… Yes, it does have an HEA, but I didn’t like the way it ended. Even though I know why it ended the way it did. Still….

Review of DEL FANTASMA: TOASTED ALMOND

DEL FANTASMA: TOASTED ALMOND
Sharon Maria Bidwell
Aspen Mountain Press
July 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60168-301-4
Genre: Erotic Paranormal M/M Romance
E-book, 54 pages
Review Requested by Publisher
Aspen Mountain Press Website
Sharon Maria Bidwell Website

Dressed for far colder weather, Armand makes a strange spectacle in Del Fantasma. Krakow cannot believe Cody sends the man over to his corner, especially when he told the vampire he wanted to be alone. His disgruntlement soon changes when he realises there's something different about Armand. Has Cody done the impossible and found someone Krakow can finally share intimacy with? Krakow has the answers to Armand's lonely existence...and a cure so Armand no longer has to feel cold.

My Ratings

Review

Sexual

Little did Armand know what he was walking into when he strolled into Del Fantasma. He was searching for a brief respite from the unrelenting chill running through his body and the loneliness that was his constant companion. Krakow sat alone in the dark of the corner. He needed to be in the company of these beings, but couldn’t risk the pain again and so kept to himself. Enter matchmaker extraordinaire: the owner of Del Fantasma and bartender, Cody Warren.

Cody sets a Toasted Almond (yes, it’s a cocktail) in front of Armand and tells him to go sit over in the corner where it’s warmer. Krakow wonders what exactly Cody is up to, sending someone over to his corner; knowing good and well the guy will move as soon as he finds the corner too warm. Relaxing, Armand finds the warmth comfortable and even starts to sweat. He is startled when he realizes he is not alone in that corner. Krakow is amazed as he watches Armand’s reactions to Krakow’s heat.

“What’s happening here?” Armand gasped out, breaking into Krakow’s contemplation. “Who are you?”
Could it be? Was it possible? Does he have any idea?
No. If there were one thing Krakow felt sure of it was that the man beside him truly had no clue as to his nature.

As Krakow takes Armand under his wing to gingerly guide Armand to his true nature, the power of these two magnificent beings ignite the pages. Careful….or you may get singed! Armand’s insistent eagerness is tempered by Krakow’s methodical and deliberate development of Armand’s nature. Whoa! And it is hot – scorching - hot!

The paranormal features are well developed for a short story. A time or three I would re-read just to be sure I was clear on what I had read. Okay, I admit - I am a virgin when it comes to this creature and I’ve just had my cherry popped. (But now that I’ve had a taste, I want more. Yes, Laurie, you told me so.) Krakow and Armand are sincere but cautious when moving forward, but they are more fearful of saying “No” and not finding out at all.

Overall, a blistering man love, paranormal romance that will leave you breathless. Hmm, I think it’s time for a Toasted Almond.