'The Prince's Groom' by KT Grant -Guest Review-

My bestie and blogging-bitch (lol, I kid) Carsen Travis from Paranormal Inferno: Book Reviews has another treat to share with us today. She's totally into M/M books (& is slowly converting me as we speak). After telling her about a cool pirate historical M/M I heard about, she couldn't resist buying it and constantly texted me quotes as she read. Now she wants to gush with you about it. Here we go:

Read an excerpt:  here

The Prince’s Groom is the second book (following The Princess’ Bride) in KT Grant’s pirate series. It begins with the main character, Thomas, attending his sister Daisy’s wedding to the ex-pirate, Chelsey. During the wedding Thomas begins looking for his lover of one month, Martin.  Even though Thomas has a strong love for Martin, he still can’t help doubting the future they might have and if Martin feels the same about him (mostly because Thomas doesn’t even know his lover’s first name or his age!)

This couple is in the middle of a very heated liaison, but it will have to end soon.  While Martin is a wanted man on the wrong side of the law, Thomas is a gentleman landowner who will have to return to his home in Flaundia. Thomas knows that he cannot return with Martin because things would become very complicated for them; So he makes the decision to leave Martin behind, and both men are left with hearts full of regret.

A year passes and the story picks up with Thomas’s life back in society... with his new lover? After he returned home, the loss of Martin made him crave another man’s company, so he kept his very personal secretary, William, close to him. Still, the young man often found himself thinking of Martin and wondering how he has lived the past year – even with the strong arms of another man always there to comfort him.

            Meanwhile, Martin learns from Thomas’ sister Daisy that her brother has constantly been writing letters to her, describing how lonely he feels and how much he misses Martin in his life.  Once Martin sails back to reunite with his former lover, he realizes just how much things have changed in that one year. 


           We are introduced to another character, Romana Veiga; this young woman is obsessed with beauty, money, marriage, and now…Thomas de Fleure. After Thomas attends the party held at Ramona’s house and speaks to her for the first time, the woman begins to want him more and more and is determined to get him to ask for her hand in marriage in just a few months. Knowing that Thomas is a former prince, she still sees him as a man of royal blood and it makes him even more irresistible to her.

Before he goes to see Thomas in person, Martin actually spies on the man from a bush inside of Thomas’ garden, and while doing this he sees Thomas with his new lover, William. As if that didn’t hurt enough, Martin then sees the man-hungry Ramona making the moves on Thomas and even pressing her body closer to hers and stealing a kiss from him.

         Martin then has to think of how he’ll plan to get his Thomas back from that infatuated and deranged woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. At the same time, a dangerous man also enters their lives, one who has ties not only to Martin but also Thomas. Now it’s not only a question about whether or not they’ll make it through, but if they’ll be able to be with each other and love again.

Rating: 4 ½ Roses

Loved it! Not only did the story have the hot and steamy moments that many readers will appreciate, but it also involved the conflict and drama that comes with being a same-sex couple. It was also pretty easy to understand the characters feelings; when it came to Thomas I knew why he felt so upset with Martin – I mean, who can feel 100% sure of their lover when they don’t even know that person’first name or their age!? But I also understood why Martin was so uneasy when Thomas would constantly press him for answers (still a first name basis would have helped in the relationship…) 
Overall, this couple did leave an impression on me and they’re a pair that I won’t soon forget because of both the interesting story and chemistry they shared. In the end, I definitely enjoyed reading this book, through all the emotional ups and downs and even with the crazed character that is Ramona – I know a lot of women like going to great lengths to get the man they want but this girl definitely set the bar way higher!

P.S: One of my favorite parts of the book had to be when Martin is practically stalking Thomas and spying on him in the garden from a big bush. He starts to watch more closely and notices how close Ramona is getting to his former lover and even makes a comment to himself that sounds something like this à[ If she moves in closer, her tits will be in his mouth. Martin lightly snorted, trying to feel compassion for the woman who had no chance at getting her claws into Thom. ] Yeap, that’s truly stalking at its best. Watching the one you want while bashing the person they’re with :)

This was a wonderful M/M, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

'The Christmas Fantasy' by KT Grant -Review-

Read an excerpt: here

Firefighters, hot bathroom sex, and "Happy Hard-On" Mancini... Yep, this is going to be one hell of a holiday!

Being in love with her brother’s best friend isn’t an ideal situation for Mandy Lockeheart, but she can’t help the feelings she has for sexy firefighter Jackson Montgomery (and his glasses). She’s determined to change his ‘fraternal’ opinions about her by showing him just how much of a woman she really is; and what’s more womanly than taking charge and kissing the man senseless?
At her brother’s annual Christmas Party, Mandy decides to take matters into her own hands (quite literally) and go after the perfect Christmas/30th Birthday gift; losing her virginity to the love of her life.

When Mandy pretty much manhandles Jackson into the bathroom of her brother’s house during his Christmas party and tells him what she wants, the floodgates of passion are released; Jackson has tried to suppress his growing attraction to Mandy lately, but the task proves a bit too difficult when she has her legs wrapped around him. However, Jackson has more class than to take the virginity of his best friend’s sister in the bathroom of the guy’s house (during a party, no less!). So now that the attraction is out in the open, Jackson decides to wine and dine Mandy like a true gentleman before giving her some mind-blowing, Tarzan-and-Jane-in-the-jungle sex!

Suffice to say, Mandy’s brother Chris isn’t too happy with Jackson, and the two come to blows once the issue is brought to light. Jackson doesn’t care what objections Chris has about the match and wants to take things past Christmas/Birthday present sex with Mandy. That would be all well and good if she didn’t catch an attack of body insecurity and started pushing Jackson away. Mandy worked really hard to get rid of her extra weight and gain the confidence to start feeling as beautiful as she looked, but the trials of weight loss have left its mark. She and Jackson have gotten pretty hot and heavy a few times, but he’s never seen her completely in the nude; Will his heated gazes turn cold once he sees what’s under the mini skirt and cardigan?

Instead of facing the issue head-on, Mandy all of the sudden turns icy on Jackson and ignores his repeated attempts to reach out to her. Everything seems lost, but when Jackson’s safety is put in jeopardy on the job, Mandy will be forced to learn that trusting the beautiful person she is inside and out and grabbing at the chances life present is the only way to make her fantasies a reality.

Rating: 3 1/2 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Mandy and Jackson are getting intimate and Mandy begins to feel self-conscious about the stretch marks on her stomach. I mean, how many of us DON’T have stretch marks? (*stares daggers at the -3 of you who rose your hands!*). I loved when Jackson senses the change in her, and tries to soothe/comfort her.
Excerpt from the book:
          “Amanda,” Jackson whispered in longing. He reached out and touched her stomach with a warm steady hand.
         She flinched. That part of her body had the most stretch marks. How could he miss them? “Don’t mind the stretch marks. I know they look disgusting.” She couldn’t stop the tremor in her words and looked away.
          His touch, feathered over her skin, so light that it tickled. “Hey there.” Jackson cupped her cheek, turning her face back toward him. “These marks aren’t that bad. Honestly, if you hadn’t pointed them out, I probably wouldn’t have noticed. Later on I can show you a few of my scars."

This novella was really sweet and packed tons of spice. I mean, it was pretty HOT! Even though Mandy had some residual insecurity after her inspiring weight loss, she was a character with strength. It takes guts to push a guy onto a toilet seat and ‘grab’ his attention (among other things). Actually, all of the characters had life to them and I felt like I could bump into a few of them on the street any given day.
Chris was way too jerky for my tastes, but I found myself wanting to see more from him as well as a few other characters-which was impossible to do in 69 pages. The book could have been longer and there could have been a bit more added to both the main plot and the subplots to make the book even better. It started to get predictable in certain spots, but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment by much.
Also, I really liked the hero, Jackson. Truth to tell, anything with abs and skin tight suspenders would be on its back in no time around me, but Jackson was more than just a man with bulges in all the right places. Sure he was a hot firefighter, but he was also adorably geeky and considerate. Something makes me feel like I’d really enjoy having conversations with him.

But don’t let the title fool you; This truly is a story you can read any time of year and always find yourself smiling; in fact, I’ll probably be re-read it one day soon.

[Special thanks to the author

for sending e-copy for review]

*Want more KT? Check out her next release with Decadent Publishing coming soon; 'Xavier's Loving Arms'

KT Grant's X-mas Guest Post: Holiday Television Specials

It’s the most wonderful time of year for holiday television specials!

One of my favorite things during the holiday season is watching all the holiday programming that can be found on television. Every year around this time, there are a few holiday staples such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Charlie Brown Christmas that air. These are both classic Christmas cartoons, but there is one much beloved holiday classic that is all my all-time favorite that still makes me laugh and smile even after watching it every December. This is the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Claymation special.

Did you know this 1972 special has aired more than thirty-one times on CBS and has been watched by countless generations? And if you ask someone about Rudolf, they will most likely mention Hermey, one of Santa’s elves who wants to be a dentist, and the Island of Misfit Toys. I’ve always wondered if the creators of Toy Story got their idea based on the Island of Misfit Toys.

Not only does Rudolf have a great soundtrack with such songs like, “We’re a Couple of Misfits”  and “Silver and Gold” sung by the late, great Burl Ives, but the story is poignant in regards about acceptance and respecting a person even though they may be different looking from the norm (Rudolf’s glowing red nose) or wanting a different path for themselves (Hermey’s desire to  become a dentist and a not make toys like his friends). There are also many laughs and other adorable characters such as The Bumble Monster (The Abominable Snow Monster of the North) who hates everything to do with Christmas, but because of Rudolf and Hermey decides to embrace the holiday.

And if I go into great detail about the Island of Misfit Toys, I may start to tear up.

Rudolf is great viewing for children as well as adults. If only I could have my own Rudolf, and Hermey as my dentist where I could vacation on the Island of Misfit Toys!

Since there are so many other holiday specials airing, what are some of your favorites?

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And make sure you're on the look out for KT's holiday release:

'The Christmas Fantasy:

"On a mission to lose her virginity before her thirtieth birthday on Christmas Day, Mandy Lockeheart plans to seduce the only man she’s ever loved, her brother’s best friend, firefighter Jackson Montgomery. With the sexy new body she’s worked hard to earn, she’s certain she can convince him to fulfill her fantasies.
When Mandy comes to him with her sexy proposal, Jackson can’t refuse her adorable seduction. Unfortunately, Mandy’s brother doesn’t want anyone playing around with his baby sister. Jackson must choose between respecting his friend wishes and making love to his perfect Christmas present.

Between Mandy’s occasionally poor body image and Jackson’s honor, the lovers must fight to realize their Christmas Fantasy ."

[Read an excerpt: here]

*'The Christmas Fantasy' will be released from Decadent Publishing this month (I'll keep you posted)

*Head on over to Decadent Publishing's blog where KT is giving away a $20 Amazon Giftcard!!

'The Claiming Of Suzy' by KT Grant -Review-

   A delicious read, perfect for some Friday night indulging! 'The Claiming Of Suzy' is filled to the brim with lovable characters, interesting storyline, and all the driver-seat sexcapades you could ever want.
   Sassy and sensuous Suzy Bean is ready to make her move on the guy she’s always had a ‘thing’ for. He may be one hunky, tall, dark and handsome Alejandro of a masseuse with ab’s of steel and bedroom eyes that could send grandma into cardiac arrest, but Suzy is confident in her own skin and plans to drive one J.C Mosino absolutely wild.
   When she finally confronts her attraction to Mosino, Suzy is optimistic at the idea of where their spontaneous living room activities will end up. But once J.C. opens his mouth and says some incendiary comments, Suzy isn't sure how they will be able to move forward.
   And then, in walk Xavier Marks- new partner at Suzy's job, and an irresistible smooth-talker who reins in his attentions and focuses on Suzy! Now the choices have been laid out and someone’s got some 'Claiming' to do.

[Read an excerpt: here]

Major aspect to the plot in a sentence: Suzy Bean knows what she wants, or at least, she thought she did.
   At the thirty-fifth wedding anniversary celebration for her parents, Suzy Bean gets slightly tipsy and the gallant J.C. Mosino whisks her back to her apartment to recuperate. From there, quite simply: it is ON! This is all a part of Suzy’s grand master plan to take her flirtatious friendship with J.C. to the next level. Back at the apartment, Suzy finally makes her move and to her overwhelming joy, J.C. couldn’t be more enthusiastic. They share passionate kiss after steamy, passionate kiss; or perhaps it’s that same kiss that started it all, just deliciously prolonged.
   Eventually they find their way to the living room couch and as J.C. helps himself to Suzy’s ‘honey pot’, he can’t help himself and spills passionate words of praise that leave Suzy a little less than flattered. If you made a move on the man you’ve had the hugest crush on, and he actually kisses you back and THEN some-only to liken your stomach to a ‘soft, downy pillow', wouldn’t you be a little disappointed as well? J.C. further makes an ass out of himself, believing he’s done nothing wrong, and can only vaguely imagine why Suzy would slam the door in his face and refuse to open up-in more ways than one!
   While Suzy gives J.C. the silent treatment, she is also quitting smoking (cold-turkey) and giving up caffeine. Suzy, a woman accustomed to never deny herself a good smoke, a double espresso latte, or a good screw, now finds herself without any of her vices.
   Luckily-or maybe frustratingly- for Suzy, her sufferings are tempered by the flirtation and attentions of a sexy new man in the office building. A fine, tall glass of chocolate milk indeed, Xavier Marks is not only looking in Suzy’s direction for some fun, he’s also her BOSS!
   Xavier’s intentions, while often joked upon, are sincere and he makes Suzy feel great about herself during a time when everything’s confusing the hell out of her. She still can’t seem to get over J.C.’s insensitive words or figure out what to do regarding their relationship. All the while, Xavier wants to move in where J.C. dropped the ball, but Suzy can’t  help hesitating when her heart screams for another. Misunderstandings aside, can Suzy truly give up something that could be potentially wonderful in exchange for what her confused little heart has always wanted?
   At the end of the day- or Halloween gala- the best man will win and Suzy will get thoroughly claimed.

Rating: 3 1/2 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Suzy first meets Xavier in a coffee shop and doesn't know he's her soon-to-be boss. He's flirting with a barista who doesn't give-in to his charms, then he sets his sights on Suzy. It was just a generally cute scene because it's so obvious Xavier enjoys flirting, and Suzy calls him out on his crap, but she can't help feeling hooked-lined-and sinkered by his suave words.

   If you’re looking for that patented KT Grant heat, you'll definitely find it in this novella. If you’ve read, 'For The Love Of Mollie', you are familiar with Suzy's character and probably expect nothing but sexual bliss throughout the 129 pages. Think again! While it does get hot and heavy (just the way we like it), there was a considerable amount of restraint that you wouldn’t anticipate. It was story, not a karma sutra. I admit to looking out for sex scene upon sex scene, but Grant put more depth into her characters and plot than I expected to see. Suzy is confidence personified, but when J.C. made a comment about her stomach, you saw her tough wall come down a bit. She had insecurities and indecision plaguing her left and right, but when everything came together at the end, you had a smile on your face because you realize you were rooting for her the whole time. The only thing that had me wincing a bit was the dirty talk. I am a little miss-ish and sentimental when it comes to bedroom vernacular and Grant's will definitely go outside the box and around the corner! But just like any great roller coaster -you'll enjoy the ride, regardless if you're a little faint-hearted ;).  I read this on a Friday night with tons of chips ahoy and it felt luxurious! Indulge yourself and read this one!

[Special thanks to the author

for sending the PDF for review]

* And if Xavier left an impression on you like he did with me, prepare for his story! 'Xavier's Loving Arms' will be released by Decadent Publishing soon (will keep you posted with a date!)

'For The Love Of Mollie' by KT Grant -Review-

   A devastatingly sensual, yet heartfelt story that can resonate somewhere with ladies of all shapes and sizes. We all have our own insecurities and can sympathize and even empathize with the heroine. Several times while reading this novella, I caught myself thinking, "OMG, I would just die if that happen to me!" and "That's what I would think, too!" Mollie speaks to the second-guesser in all of us and when she wins, it feels like we all won!
   At thirty-something years old, Mollie McGree has a stable career, trustworthy friends, and a crush on a man she feels she's not good enough for. The sexy Juan Carlos (J.C) is the masseuse built to perfection who doesn't seem to notice plus-sized Mollie as more than just a friend. In a bid to lose weight and snare some of J.C's attentions, Mollie joins a gym run by the physically-honed sex god, Conner Bean. After-hour's work out sessions leads to steamy sexual encounters and then tender feelings begin to develop between the couple. Conner is determined to refocus Mollie's sights to him and convince her that she is perfect just the way she is. But how do you combat the almighty ideals society has placed upon women? With lots of sex, that how!!.. (and with love, too!)

[Read an excerpt: here]

   Mollie McGree isn't stick-skinny, and her C-cup bust is definitely real. She believes that by losing weight, she will make her sexy friend, J.C., notice her in a more sexually way. She does crash diets and works out as much as she can, but she’s finding the transition into something she’s not a very difficult one.
   When she joins World Class Gym, run by a modern day David, Conner Bean, she can’t believe he’s paying attention to her. She continues to doubt herself, but Conner is persistent in his attempts to get to know her (and get in her panties) and successfully lays down a foundation for something deeper. They share INTENSE sexual gratification and Conner’s sincere intentions towards Mollie begin to bring down her wall of insecurities.
   But when an attractive (and much thinner) whore-woman (yes…I said whore-woman! LOL) hits on Conner, and Mollie walks in on them, it’ll take something big to convince Mollie to trust in Conner’s love for her and to love herself.

Rating: 4 ½ Red Roses

   My Favorite Part in the Book: Mollie is at the wedding anniversary party for the parents of her best friend, Suzy Bean. She’s been crash dieting and all the food at the party is just taunting her. Conner is there (since he’s Suzy’s cousin) and convinces Mollie to dance with him. While they are dancing, her stomach starts to grumble. She is so embarrassed by it, but Conner-Mr.Sex God himself- handles it well and shows us what we all need in a man. He doesn’t laugh at her, or try to play it off. He blames himself for fast-tracking her to the dance floor without seeing if she wanted something to eat. I choose this scene because I know how embarrassing it is when you have a hungry belly attack in front of a cute guy. Connor’s concern just made me swoon!

   This novella was a real pleaser while sending a message at the same time. You'll connect with the characters and fell empowered by the time you finish reading. I loved the way Grant used the body issues and insecurities we all feel to show how silly we can all be. Girls, this is my message to you: EAT BITCH! Do you like McGriddles? Then eat McGriddles. Point blank. Some of us aren’t meant to see the number 2 on our clothing unless we’re playing softball or something. ‘For The Love Of Mollie’ is all about embracing your size, but also being conscious of your health. Eat healthy, but don’t feel like you’re inferior just because you like your cake and eat it too every now and then.
   Oh and did I mention how frecking HOT this story is? When I say Connor is a Sex-God.. I MEAN IT! Keep a bottle of water handy as you read this story. You’ll need it!

[A special thanks to the author

for sending the PDF for review]

*You fell in love with her 'tell it like it is' style in 'For The Love Of Mollie'. Now, find out why Suzy Bean just disappered at the end of the story. 'The Claiming Of Suzy' will be avalible from Decadent Publishing on 9/25/2010!

Guest Post: Author KT Grant & Her Love Of Everything Pirate

The Love of Everything Pirate!

Ahoy me mateys! KT Grant here taking over Not Another Romance to talk about pirates and why we love them. This is in honor of my pirate romance release this week (tentative release date is tomorrow if RR site is fixed) from Ravenous Romance called The Princess's Bride! The twist with this romance is that it's about two women in love. The main story is about a lady pirate captain who kidnaps the fiancée' of her enemy, and holds her for ransom. What our pirate captain doesn't realize at first that her hostage was once the woman she loved as a young girl, but had to leave behind.

Latest Release:

The Princess's Bride synopsis: 

"Daisy de Fleurre, an exiled princess from a far away land longs for true love. She almost experienced that at the tender age of seventeen, when she and her servant Chelsey, engaged in a smoldering love affair for one brief summer before they were both separated forever. Eight years later, Daisy is now engaged to a man who wants to offer her the world. But Daisy still longs for the woman she has never forgotten. 

The dastardly lady pirate C.W. Dread, lives for revenge against Lord Humphrey, the man who murdered her family. She will kidnap Humphrey's fiancée, hold her for ransom, and introduce her to the delights of the flesh. Then her revenge will be complete! But Dread is in for a shock when her prisoner is a blast from her past who she once adored deep down to her very core. 

Danger, adventure and passion are only a few things in store for this lady pirate and her princess as they both are overcome with lust for one another that can no longer be denied and contained."

--

KT Grant's Pirate Avi

Bio: KT Grant is a self-proclaimed eccentric redhead who not only loves to read a wide variety of romances, but also loves writing it. Under her alter-ego, she is a well known book reviewer and blogger who doesn't shy away from voicing her opinion. A proud native of New Jersey, KT is multi-published and known for writing "out of the box" romances. KT has been quoted in such publications as the Romance Writers Associations’ Romance Writers Report and Night Owl Reviews. She has also been mentioned in the Guardian.UK, Publisher's Weekly's Beyond the Book and at Bookseller.com. You can visit her at http://ktgrant.com/ and at her personal blog at http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/

Here are some of my favorite pirate stories that are yo ho ho so good!

 

One of my all time favorite pirate romances is The Gift (1991) by Julie Garwood. When Nathan, Marquess of St. James, known better as the notorious pirate, Pagan reclaims his child bride, Sara Winchester, some wackiness ensues. Nathan gets seasick and is so out of sorts with Sara, because she is not only beautiful and kind, but she almost burns down his ship and does her best to make him fall head over heels in love with her. This is one romance that is endearing and too adorable for words.

Jennifer Ashley wrote a series of pirate romances where the heroines are no wilting violets and stand right with the pirate hero to take on their enemies. The Pirate Next Door, The Pirate Hunter and The Care and Feeding of Pirates is chockfull of sexy high seas romance and passion that will have you craving for more.

The Windflower by Laura London (Husband and wife writing duo, Sharon and Tim Curtis) is one of the most beloved pirate romances of all time. This was published in 1984 and is still talked about and handed down to future generations of romance readers When infamous pirate Devon Crandall kidnaps American beauty Merry Wilding, he plans to coax vital information from her with a little seduction, but he does not count on his sudden, intense desire.

*And I cannot fail to mention Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie and that dastardly pirate, Captain Hook, who is the ultimate pirate villain of children's' literature. If I had been Wendy, I would have gladly become Hook's pirate queen and sailed around Never Never Land by his side.

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These are only a few of the pirate stories that have brought me joy reading. Why not help me out and come up with a few more? In order for your chance to win a copy of The Princess's Bride, leave a comment here noting your favorite pirate book. -contest ends 8.17.10

You can read a "spicy" excerpt of The Princess's Bride here:
http://ktgrant.blogspot.com/2010/08/princesss-bride-cover-and-excerpt.html

And you can purchase your own copy of The Princess's Bride here: http://www.ravenousromance.com/lesbian/the-princess-s-bride.php