A Novel Seduction by Gwyn Cready

Why I read it: Mandi from Smexy Books recommended this one to me a while back and I picked it up on special from Dymocks a while ago.  Of course, on special still meant $9.99 but I was having a "support your local bookstore" moment.

What it's about: (from Goodreads)  When snobbish book critic Ellery Sharpe screws up at Vanity Place magazine, her boss assigns her the ultimate punishment: write an ode to romance novels, a genre she considers the literary equivalent of word search puzzles. To make matters worse, he hires her sexy former party boy ex, Axel Mackenzie, to shoot the photos.

Axel really wants the project to succeed. For one, the magazine will double his fee if he convinces strong-willed Ellery to write a story no woman can resist. Besides, getting Ellery to fall for romance novels might be just the push she needs to believe people can change...even him. At his sister’s advice, Axel gives Ellery a copy of Kiltlander, a much-adored romance whose warrior hero is utterly irresistible.

To her dismay, Ellery finds herself secretly falling in love with the story — and with Axel, who’s drawing his own lessons from the book’s compelling hero. With her carefully crafted image of herself crumbling and her dream job on the line, will Ellery risk it all to make the leap from tight-lipped literati to happily-ever-after heroine?

What worked for me (and what didn't):  No prizes for guessing what "Kiltlander" represents :)  Referenced too, is an historical (I'm not sure what that was based on, if anything) and a paranormal romance/urban fantasy too which is kind of a cross between the Black Dagger Brotherhood series (except with a Sisterhood, which was refreshing) and Twilight.  The book stands as a defense of romance novels, while at the same time taking a gentle poke at some of the more outrageous aspects.  The scene where Ellery and Axel are testing the contortions required for some of the sex scenes are pretty funny.  I mean, who hasn't wondered "can they really do that?" at some stage during a love scene?  :D

The Virgin's Revenge by Dee Tenorio

Why I read it:  I was offered a review copy and the blurb looked fun.

What it's about:  (from Goodreads) If you can't beat 'em...seduce 'em

Amanda Jackman’s love life is the stuff dreams are made of...which is fitting, because it’s all in her head. Thanks to six oversized, overbearing brothers who treat her like the family jewel, she’s lived in a padded little box.

Determined to get a life before she needs a padded little cell, she sets out to throw off the yoke and live on her own terms. Except she seriously underestimates the lengths to which her brothers will go to keep her safe and sound.

Cole Engstrom’s life might just be at an end. Cornered by all six of the massive Jackmans—men he normally considers his friends—he learns he’s their choice to marry their sister...or else. Make that first choice, but not the last.

Rather than watch Amanda’s brothers club their way through potential mates, Cole figures it’s best to just play along for a while and buy her some time to find a man of her own. It’s a good plan. Until Amanda figures it out—and decides he’s the one to relieve her of her “sheltered little virgin” status. One seduction at a time...

What worked for me (and what didn't):  Amanda has crushed on Cole for years but thought he only viewed her as a "little sister". Cole has had the hots for Amanda for almost as long but thought she was off limits because of her big tough brothers.  It is only when they are forced together by the machinations of the eldest brother Locke, that the chemistry which has been kept under wraps for so long ignites.   This book takes the "big mis" and kind of turns it on its head.  Part of the fun of the story is that every time either Cole or Amanda have a plan, almost immediately, the other finds out about it and re-plans accordingly.  The device made those aspects of the story fun rather than annoying.  Also, there was no malice to the deceptions.

Mariana by Susanna Kearsley, narrated by Carolyn Bonnyman

Why I read it: I enjoyed The Rose Garden on audio recently and picked this one up on special from Audible.

What it's about: (from Goodreads)  From the winner of the Catherine Cookson Fiction Prize, this mesmerizing, suspenseful, and richly atmospheric tale of time travel draws us into the heart of a heroine we won't soon forget...

The first time Julia Beckett saw Greywethers she was only five, but she knew at once that it was her house. Now, twenty-five years later, by some strange chance, she has just become the new owner of the sixteenth-century Wilshire farmhouse. But Julia soon begins to suspect that more than coincidence has brought her there. As if Greywethers were a portal between worlds, she finds herself abruptly transported back in time. Stepping into seventeenth-century England, Julia becomes Mariana, a beautiful young woman struggling against danger and treachery, and battling a forbidden love for Richard de Mornay, handsome forebear of the present squire of Crofton Hall. Each time Julia travels back, she becomes more enthralled with the past, falling ever deeper in love with Richard... until one day she realizes Mariana's life threatens to eclipse her own--and that she must find a way to lay the past to rest, or risk losing a chance for love in her own time.

What worked for me (and what didn't):  The blurb above does a fairly good job of letting you know what the book is about without revealing any massive spoilers.  And there are some massive spoilers I will be avoiding - to know them early would truly spoil the impact of the book's surprising ending.  

Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey

Why I read it: I'm a fan of Shannon Stacey's Kowalski series.  I think she writes really good, fun, sexy contemporaries.  I picked this one up at NetGalley in the Editor's Choice Vol 1 edition.  I'm not sure if/when I'll get to the other stories - the main reason for my interest was this novella.

What it's about: (from Goodreads)  Anna Frazier is used to living life at 100 mph, but being downsized out of a job in the financial industry has her permanently stalled. With nowhere to go, go, go, Anna hails a cab to her grandparents' neglected New Hampshire camp to plan her next move. It seems like a good idea—until she realizes there's no takeout to be had and the boy next door has grown into a sexy but surly recluse.

Cameron Mayfield knows he can kiss his peace and quiet goodbye when Hurricane Anna blows in. She was loud and bossy as a ten-year-old—and besides developing some attractive curves, she hasn't changed. Cam's not looking for a relationship, especially not with a woman like Anna. He nearly broke down on that road once before. So why can't he stop thinking about her?

It's not long before their sizzling attraction leads to smoking-hot kisses. But as the days get shorter, Anna must decide if she's found a new road to happiness, or just taken a detour.

What worked for me (and what didn't):  I'm a hero-centric reader and I think Shannon Stacey writes excellent contemporary heroes.  They're realistic.  They talk and act like men - they hate shopping and dithering over which plants to buy (flowers are flowers after all)  or which particular shade of white to paint a window trim.  They're also funny and sexy and good guys.  Cam has withdrawn from the rat race after seeing it kill his father.  It cost him his marriage but he's found peace at Askaskwi Lake and he's not going back to that "gotta-get-ahead-no-matter-what" world.  

Hell on Wheels by Julie Ann Walker

Why I read it: Jane from Dear Author tweeted the other day that she was enjoying In Rides Trouble, the second book in this series.  I requested it and this one from NetGalley.  Of course, being me, I started on book 1. 

What it's about: (from Goodreads)  He’s the bad boy she’s always wanted...

Nate “Ghost” Weller has loved Ali Morgan nearly half his life. But he’s done something so heinous he’s convinced she’ll never forgive him if she discovers the truth, so he keeps his feelings and his secrets to himself. Then she blows into town with a mother lode of bad guys on her tail and Nate can’t deny she’s in serious trouble. Unfortunately, he’s the only one who can help her.

She’s the good girl he’s kept at arm’s length...

Ali knows Nate as the most solemn, aloof man on the planet. Sadly, he’s also the sexiest. For years she’s avoided him, unable to stomach his dark scowls and brooding silences… especially when she secretly yearns for his touch. Now she must rely on him to save her from the malevolent shadows ghosting her every move. When the bullets explode, so does their passion. But can love really conquer all? Or are some things just too terrible to forgive?

What worked for me (and what didn't): This is a fast paced, spec-ops group types series, very much in the vein of Tara Janzen's Steele Street (Crazy) series  (except with bikes not cars) or Cindy Gerard's BOI's.  Lots of over the top alpha male action - both romantically and in terms of plot.  A certain suspension of disbelief is required to buy into the super seekrit spec-ops group disguised as a custom bike facility, but really, if you're not prepared for that, why would you even pick up the book?