Mark Apostolos should be able to have any man he wants. Handsome and smart, he’s also cripplingly shy, especially around attractive men. Tired of waking up alone, he’s desperate to conquer his insecurities and have a real, meaningful relationship.

He gets his first opportunity when he tags along to his sister-in-law’s dance class and lays eyes on the sexy instructor. Seth Miller has a way of moving that takes his breath away. It isn’t long before sparks fly and they share a steamy kiss, but Seth wants much more than just a casual encounter.

If Mark wants a real relationship with Seth he’ll have to come to terms with his sexuality—but will it be enough to break through the walls he’s built up around his heart?

One of the most adorable M/m romance’s  I’ve read in a very long time. Mark’s crippling shyness was so beautifully detailed and so honestly communicated, you felt the pain along with him as he was facing a lifetime of being alone because he was so shy, and so afraid to put himself out there. And when you realize it all stemmed from an overbearing father who knew his son was gay, even when his son didn’t know and pushed him harder, and harder in an effort to butch him up, well you can’t help but have your heart tug just a little.

Seth, the amazingly well adjusted dance teacher who is so patient yet knows exactly what he is willing to settle for when it comes to his partners, or his potential partners, and once he understands Mark, he is able to help him come to terms with himself and with his sexuality, while then helping him open up to their relationship and the amazing potential they have as partners.

This story was all about vulnerability and about what people were and were not willing to put up with for love and how they were able to finally overcome past pain to become vulnerable to their partners.

It was beautiful, painful, sweet and heartbreaking.

Overall Rating: B-

Fed up with her wild behavior, sixteen-year-old Lex’s parents ship her off to upstate New York to live with her Uncle Mort for the summer, hoping that a few months of dirty farm work will whip her back into shape. But Uncle Mort’s true occupation is much dirtier than shoveling manure.

He’s a Grim Reaper. And he’s going to teach Lex the family business.

She quickly assimilates into the peculiar world of Croak, a town populated by reapers who deliver souls from this life to the next. But Lex can’t stop her desire for justice—or is it vengeance?—whenever she encounters a murder victim, craving to stop the attackers before they can strike again. Will she ditch Croak and go rogue with her reaper skills?

Insanely cute yet inexplicably dark. So Lex has been lashing out at her friends her family and her classmates, and she has been literally unable to control herself, her emotions or her responses, and has even gone as far as to physically fight other students at her school. Fed up her parents send her to live with her Uncle Mort, who turns out to be a Grim reaper.

It was a cute novel, not mind blowing or genre bending, it was typical. A cute YA novel with a cutesy twist on teen angst, making death light and funny. Was it a fantastic book, no, was it horrible, no, it was better than I expected, the background was fantastic, the town, the way the reapers lived and moved the souls back and forth, it was cute, it had some really great moments.

I wasn’t attached to Lex particularly, she wasn’t the best character, or the best protagonist, she wasn’t particularly sympathetic, She wasn’t the most likeable character, but the saving grace for this book was the town of croak and the amazing way this unique little town was written.

Overall Rating: C+

As a cop who keeps paranormals in line, Des has a hard time trusting them. So why does he want the beautiful werewolf Lana more than his next breath? She’s mouthy, flamboyant and distractingly sexy—not the type of woman for a reserved mage like him. Lana admires Des, but she can’t be with someone who won’t take her seriously, no matter how much she’d love to rip off his dress shirt.

When a dangerous new drug shows up in Detroit, Des must locate the source, and Lana is determined to help. But their plan goes awry, trapping them in a demon dimension. To return home, Lana and Des must flee through a series of unpredictable alternate realities, fighting enemies while trying to shut down the drug trade. But if they’re going to survive, they’ll have to rely on each other, even though getting closer will add fuel to a fire that’s already burning out of control…

 So you take one monster hunter and combine him with a kick ass wolf who is more than likely to be the toughest, smartest person in the room but it more than likely willing to lay down her life to help a friend in need? Amazing.

So essentially they are trying to find the source of a new “other” drug, for paranormals, that makes them, well extremely high and very dangerous. Its an intriguing proposition, how do you police drug use among those who are outside of society? You have paranormal cops, but even they aren’t always perfect, they aren’t incorruptible, and as Motor City Mage proves, they are far from infallible.

I loved, LOVED the background, the different planes of existence that Lana and Des traveled to, the detail, and the richness of their surroundings, it was lush, exotic, completely unique and entirely complete. I mean these planes had their own languages, their own customs, their own unique species of flora fauna and mammals, that made me think that Ms. Pape had really planned this down to the last possible minute detail. It all flowed together so well. Its so nice and new to read an author who even in a short novella manages to create a completely realistic, full, well balanced, well rounded romance novel that sucks you into the characters lives and their romance and keeps them completely entrancing and interesting as you continue through the novel.

The romance between Lana and Des was logical. In that it made sense. It made sense that they would like each other, and that they would be attracted to each other, and they had great chemistry, which made the romance logical, it made perfect sense. It wasn’t the best romance I’ve ever read but it wasn’t the worst either. It was simply good, but with the background of a great story, it made it better.

Overall Rating: B

Why did Lauren Vaughn introduce her sister to the man she herself was crazy about? Now Lauren is watching the happy couple at their combined bachelor/bachelorette party—while Lauren sits all alone at the bar. Until she spots a hot stranger with the telltale black handkerchief in his pocket: the signal for “seeks no-strings affair with sexy submissive.” Lauren can’t take her eyes off him. So when he comes over, she kicks her inner good girl to the curb and follows Jamie Forman to his room, where he makes her scream with pleasure all night long.

But Jamie is a complicated man. He can’t handle how desperately he wants her in his bed—and his life. It’s up to Lauren to teach him how to make all night last forever.

This was one hot interesting little novella. Its hilarious and fun and extremely sexy at the same time, and its one of those pseudo revenge sexy books that makes you shiver and tingle at the same time. Lauren’s sister stole her ex boyfriend, and at their combined parties, she decides to go hit on the really hot guy across the way that is flashing the fact that he is looking for a hot one night stand with a girl who is submissive. Fast forward through some really hot sexy scenes, Jamie realizes that he wants to see Lauren for more than just one night.

Okay. This is not a real romance novel. This is a one night stand that turns into the BEGINNING of a romance novel. NOT the whole thing. For me to sit here and say that this could be judged as a full romance novel would be, because its not a full romance novel. Its part of one, at most. Its a cute beginning but it needs depth, it needs seasoning, it needs to simmer and get to a rolling boil.

Overall Rating: C+

Journeying by steam-powered sled to London’s Frost Fair to perform, Tara and three friends are trapped in a blizzard in the woods. A gruff, handsome stranger offers them shelter—and wants one thing in return. Stories.

The travellers are glad to oblige. Their host, Rolph, is especially captivated by Tara’s story of an orphaned girl raised by the Fae in the world of the spirits. Equally intrigued by Rolph, and aware of an electric pull between them, Tara encourages him to share a story of his own. When Rolph weaves a tale of a man who is doomed by his own folly to turn into a wolf at the full moon, Tara suspects there is more than a grain of truth in his words.

When the veil between the mortal and spiritual worlds is parted, and danger threatens, will Tara make the ultimate sacrifice to save Rolph?

Who was Taft Bowman going to call when he needed help? Because ten years ago Laura Pendleton, the love of his life, had left town without a word, then or since. Now she was back, with a new last name—and two adorable, high-needs little ones in tow. Well, Taft had been stupid enough to let her go once before…he wasn’t about to make the same mistake again. He’d never stopped loving her—and one look at those adorable little faces and he knew that he was meant to be with Laura and her kids forever. All he had to do was convince her that this time he was a man she could count on!

So I didn’t like this book at all. I felt it was so ridiculous, and so odd that I couldn’t get through the novel. I couldn’t get through the book, I felt that the characters were so flat they were not genuine, they was no chemistry between Taft and Laura, she acted like a complete and utter Biyatch the whole time, he was like a mindless drone, who would be attracted to someone who treated them so badly. Honestly after the first few chapters when Laura treated Taft so badly then when you find out why he pushed her away, it makes her seem like an even bigger wench. I truly just wanted to see someone else fall for Taft and get into a relationship with him, I just had no sympathy for Laura at all, I wasn’t rooting for them and thats why I didn’t finish this novel.

Overall Rating: DNF

Florida state prosecutor Gail Malloy may have a death wish, but she has no idea how close she is to having it fulfilled. In charge of the case against a notorious drug lord, she’s become the target of everyone on the man’s payroll—and corruption has permeated the highest ranks. Fortunately for Gail, a stranger is keeping watch…

Haunted by tragedy and seeking revenge, business tycoon Jason Hawke joined the Justice Hunters, a secret organization dedicated to maintaining law and order. He’ll do everything in his power to make sure Gail stays alive long enough to put the crime boss away for good. Even if it means keeping her with him day and night…

I could not get further than one chapter into this book. It was way too much like making Batman realistic and human, instead of coming up with something that was more unique. I mean even the name, “Justice Hunters” COME ON the JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA anybody???? A state prosecutor going against a drug lord, with corruption at the highest ranks?? (hello Batman Begins).

Well even with this being a blatant rip off of the Batman Begins series is something that could be overlooked if the book was good. Well It would have to be great but it could be excused. Overlooked. etc. BUT when the book is bad, when the characters are flat, when they are one dimensional, when they are not good, its something that can’t be helped.

Overall Rating: DNF

Jac L’Etoile has always been haunted by visions of the past, her earliest memories infused with the exotic scents that she grew up with as the heir to a storied French perfume company. These worsened after her mother’s suicide until she finally found a doctor who helped her, teaching her to explore the mythological symbolism in her visions and thus lessen their painful impact. This ability led Jac to a wildly successful career as a mythologist, television personality and author.

When her brother, Robbie—who’s taken over the House of L’Etoile from their father—contacts Jac about a remarkable discovery in the family archives, she’s skeptical. But when Robbie goes missing before he can share the secret—leaving a dead body in his wake—Jac is plunged into a world she thought she’d left behind.

Traveling back to Paris to investigate Robbie’s disappearance, Jac discovers that the secret is a mysterious scent developed in Cleopatra’s time. Could the rumors swirling be true? Can this ancient perfume hold the power to unlock the ability to remember past lives and conclusively prove reincarnation? If this possession has the power to change the world, then it’s not only worth living for . .  it’s worth killing for, too.

Oh boy. Okay so there was this movie I saw maybe 4 years ago, called the perfumiere where this boy who was obsessed with scent. It was set in the 18th century, he was born into squalor and thought that you could preserve soul and scent in perfume. So he started killing women to come up with the greatest perfume. Which was a collection of the greatest scent and could elevate him to a great and peaceful state.  A bit odd yes, but I got it, and it was a great movie.

So when I read this books description I remarked that it was similar. And I was looking forward to it. I was disappointed. I was really disappointed in The Book of Fragrances. I just could not connect with Jac, and I couldn’t follow the twisting unclear, murky plot. I felt like reading it was like looking through a foggy lens, that was slightly out of focus. Just a snap in the right direction, it would have been like a light coming on. Just a bit of a personality change, outlining the plot just a little bit better, just a slight adjustment and it would have snapped into place.

I don’t know if it was that the writing was unfocused, or that the characters were not clearly defined, though both of those were problems, or if it was that the plot seemed serpentine, that it was circuitous, and once you get to one place and you think you’re finally understanding where the book is going, it suddenly twists into a different kind of book altogether. Its confusing and distracting, which is why I didn’t like it.

Overall Rating: C-

Devon Carter was her first; now newly wed Ashley wants their passion to last. But her dreams of true love are crushed by the discovery that their marriage is another of Daddy’s business deals. Her strategy: act the part of perfect wife and make Devon love her.

But Devon misses the bubbly, no-holds-barred woman his wife used to be. Who is this Ashley with the steely demeanor of a society wife? And will he find a way to rekindle the fire in her eyes…especially now that she’s pregnant?

This was different. Imagine how odd it would be if you thought you were in love with a man who wanted to change everything about you. A man who also basically bought you from your father who you thought loved you but just realized that they thought you were flighty, daft, too “female” to make your own decisions. You were a bargaining point in a transaction that you thought was love, and now you’re pregnant.

Thats what we face here in Tempted by Her innocent Kiss. Ashely was all unicorns and kittens, smiles, and parties, flighty, and effervescent, until she married Devon and began to change for him. Forcing herself to be unhappy, grounded, her definition of mature, what she thought he wanted, what he sort of wanted, when he wanted her to just fit into his box. But when Ashely finds out that she was just part of the transaction moving her fathers business to him, and that she was pregnant, she was not about to settle for that kind of treatment anymore.

I loved how her pregnancy made her stronger, emotionally and stronger in herself. She’s more centered, not necessarily mature, but she is more secure in who she is, and liking who she is, and forget those who think that she’s incapable of taking care of herself. Not everyone has to have gravitas and be serious and fatalistic, and Ashley understands that. She understands that her brand of effervescence and innocence is a good thing for her, it makes her happy and it makes her different, and thats why its so great, she is just happy to be herself once she is pregnant and she just wants her baby to be happy no matter how he turns out, and thats amazing. I love reading that changes make characters stronger, and make them more likable.

I simply loved this novella, I loved Ashely and her strength and I loved her resilience and her power and her unique strength.

Overall Rating: B+

Victoria Johnson loves her life. She’s her own boss in a quaint beachside town, and has great friends who keep her grounded. If only they knew who she really is: an heiress to an ancient race who possesses astonishing superhuman powers. It’s Victoria’s duty to restore her clan of Light Hunters to their former glory by choosing the perfect mate. In Christopher Sombrosa, she just may have found him. Strong, smart, and successful, Christopher exudes a powerful energy. Their connection is sensual, irresistible-and forbidden. 

A member of the Shadow Hunter clan, Christopher has defied his own father to lead his people away from affliction and violence. Yet he cannot ignore his duty to carry on his ancient bloodline. Stunningly beautiful and brimming with an erotic life force, Victoria is everything Christopher ever hoped for in a mate . . . but as a Light Hunter, she’s his mortal enemy. Together, they could unite their warring tribes. But murderous factions on both sides don’t want peace-and they’ll stop at nothing to keep light and darkness apart forever . . .

Ho boy. Okay so I was really excited to read this one, but when I started into it, I just couldn’t make it through the book. I just could not wrap my mind around Victoria, I cannot get my mind around why I should care about Victoria and about Christopher. Her character was just so shallow and so weak and so concerned about others opinions, I could care less about who Victoria was.

The way Chris was described by a soldier who had “the Pox” it sounded like he was plagued with Herpes or AIDS and its really hard to have a hero  you think is plagued with an STD. The description was just weak. It was just, the same problem I’ve had with all of Ms. Pinero’s works, its the lack of full descriptions of the background of the plot and the backgrounds of the characters.

I want to know who I am supposed to care about. I want to know what made them who they are, what makes them tick and why, and when I don’t get that at all, I don’t give a care about what happens to them.

Thats why I didn’t finish this book, I just didn’t care to.

Overall Rating: DNF