Dangerous Curves by Cherie DeSues

The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews

Title: Dangerous Curves

Author: Cherie DeSues

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Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Length: 265 pgs.

Reviewed By: Madeline Smoot

Ratings For:

Cover: 3

Presentation: 3

Editing: 3

Story: 3

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

                                      

About the Book: 

Selena Russo has won the coveted spot as a full-figured spokesmodel for the Rubenesque Romantix clothing line in Paris. When Selena starts getting hate mail, she ignores the warnings—models aren’t known for their congeniality when they lose a big modeling gig. Especially a three-year, multimillion-dollar contract in the biggest ad campaign ever for curvy women.

Logan’s a recent ex-Navy SEAL with a war injury, and his ex CO asks him to protect Selena while assuming the role of her photographer. When the death threats heat up with a dead pooch and bullets flying, Logan focuses hard on the sensual, violet-eyed beauty. It’s Logan’s pleasure to cover the body of a seductive, curvy, temptress, both in and out of the bedroom as their romance burns up the sheets.

The Review:

A sweet story that showcases the world of fashion, Dangerous Curves follows new spokes model Selena Russo as she embarks on a modeling tour through Europe. Surrounded by security guards that have been hired to protect her from the one who is sending her death threats she attempts to enjoy herself as she focuses on perfecting her craft.

While a sweet story, it starts slow while almost over-describing the characters and the situation. The attraction between the two main characters seems cold, and I would defiantly like to see a little more sizzle a little earlier.

A very good attempt, this sweet seduction is sure to be a treat on cold rainy days. Even though there are a few hiccups, overall the story itself is on the right track.

Pagan Elements: none

Highland Promise by Hannah Howell

The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews

Title: Highland Promise
Author: Hannah Howell

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Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp./Zebra

Genre: historical, romance

Length: 347 pgs.
Reviewed by: Gabrielle

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

                                               

About The Book:

Eric Murray was the youngest of his brothers, determined to gain his rightful inheritance after thirteen years of bitter dispute with his father’s family. Starting out alone to confront his tight-fisted kinsmen, he encountered a chestnut-haired beauty set upon by thieves. When she begged for Eric’s protection for herself and her infant nephew, Eric promised to deliver them to safety.

Bethia Drummond’s only hope for escaping her ruthless kin, who planned to kill her and her orphaned nephew, and claim their inheritance, was Eric Murray. Then Bethia learned that Eric, too, was seeking land and coin from his own people—her family’s closest allies. How could she love a man she might one day be forced to stand against? And yet she could not ignore what her troubled heart knew—that this proud knight had more than inspired her deepest passions…he had become her very destiny…

The Review:

Highland Promise tells the story of Eric Murray; the last of the brothers to get his story told but worth the wait. When Bethia and Eric meet, she is on the run. Someone has tried to kill her and is intent on finishing the job. Eric is more than ready to help her reach her family castle, and from there the two begin their adventure. Will Bethia follow her heart or will her happy ever after slip from her grasp?

I enjoyed watching the romance begin between Eric and Bethia. He may not be the biggest of the brothers physically but he makes up for it with heart and honor. Eric loves with all his heart and is ready to fight for those he loves. Bethia is a great character; she is a beautiful and sweet woman who has always had to play second fiddle to everyone else. The love that Eric shows her is wonderful to read. I loved that he was ready, and more than willing to take her away from Dunnbea.

The author does a wonderful job of transporting the reader back into the world of Highlanders and castles. Not only does Eric get his story told in this book but we also get to visit with characters from previous books. If you love Highlanders, romance, and witty dialogue, then this is a book for you. I cannot wait to see what new adventures and highlanders this author has coming in future books.

Pagan Elements: N/A

Truth Or Demon by Kathy Love

The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews

Title: Truth Or Demon
Author: Kathy Love

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Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.

Genre: paranormal

Length: 313 pgs.
Reviewed by: Gabrielle

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4

Story: 4.5

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

                                        

About The Book:

If you ask Killian O’Brien, Hell gets a bad rap. True, he’s a demon, so he’s bound to be a little biased. But he’s got great job security, all the women he can handle, a body to die for—literally—and free reign to do as he likes. Or he did, until teenager Daisy Reed and her two friends got hold of a book of spells and summoned him to do their bidding. Their demand: find Daisy’s older sister, Poppy, a boyfriend. Can’t be that difficult, right? It’s not like the woman is unattractive. Truth be told, Poppy is irresistible—and mind-blowingly sexy. Which is exactly why finishing this simple little assignment so he can be sent back where he came from is turning out to be the hardest thing Killian’s ever done…

The Review:

How many of us have played the game truth or dare as teenagers? Daisy and her friends do just that but with much different results. In search of a boyfriend for her older sister, they summon a demon. When the demon comes the teenagers are resistant to his mental charm and end up knocking him out. 

Killian is bound by the teens to find Poppy a boyfriend before he can go back to his world.

Daisy’s sister, Poppy is dealing with problems of her own. After being dumped, she feels her self-esteem drop. What will happen when the two meet? 

Truth or Demon was a wonderful read. I loved all of the characters - from the teens to Killian they were all great. Daisy really seemed to care for her sister and truly wanted her to be happy. Poppy is a strong woman who has had to grow up too soon. Killian and Poppy make a great couple, and Killian shows what a great man he is when he fights for Poppy.

With characters full of depth and emotion this book is a sweet read. Not only did this story have romance and humor it also had great conflict. If you are looking for fast read that keeps you turning the pages, than this is a book for you. 

Pagan Elements:  N/A

Blood Wicked by Sharon Page

The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews

Title: Blood Wicked

Author: Sharon Page

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Publisher:  Kensington Publishing Corp.

Genre: Paranormal, Regency, Romance

Length: 347 pgs.
Reviewed by: Gabrielle

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 3.5

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

                                       

About The Book:

Vivienne knows the dark secrets of London’s desires. She fulfills them, twisting men’s lust for her into the power and status of a courtesan. But she understands little about her own pleasure and the mysteries it commands. Until, that is, she meets Heath, a vampire capable of giving her profound ecstasy—but sworn to let her taste its release only once…

Heath’s cravings for Vivienne sharpen into sweet torture as he guides her through erotic lessons, watching her abandon herself to ever-higher peaks of pleasure. As temptation melts away the bonds of his control, how long can either hope to survive?

The Review:

Vivienne Dare may be retired from being a courtesan but she needs money to pay for her child’s medicine, and using her body is all she knows. Yet when she is told to sleep with Lord Heath Winthrop she is afraid that one night will not be enough. Vivienne soon finds herself in the midst of Heath’s investigation in finding his missing brother. What will Heath find and what will Vivienne take away from their relationship? Only they can know for sure.

This is regency paranormal. I don’t read regency much but was pleasantly surprised with Vivienne and Heath’s story. As a mother myself, I understand Vivienne using all that she can to save her child. Heath may come off as mean but we find that he has a big heart underneath it all. They make a powerful couple. This author does a wonderful job of mixing the paranormal with romance and magic. Blood Wicked is a story filled with many twists and turns that take the reader on a fast paced and entertaining ride.

Pagan Elements: N/A

Born to be Wild by Cynthia Arsuaga

The Pagan & the Pen Book Reviews

Title: Born to be Wild

Author: Cynthia Arsuaga

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Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing

Genre: Erotic Contemporary/Paranormal/Vampires

Length: 257 pages

Reviewed By: Madeline Smoot

Ratings For:

Cover: 3

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                        

About the Book: 

Alexandra Carlton, Alex to her friends, the only girl born into a family of vampire hunters with strict rules. She lives and hunts by the Code. Despite insecurities and self-esteem issues about her appearance, she eagerly tracks a rogue vamp carrying a contagious virus, deadly to vampires and humans alike, to prove her worth, to her family and herself.

Alex meets Stefan Marin, a brooding 500 year old vampire. He helps her not only on her quest but tames her wildest passions and discovers the true beauty within her, the beauty he can’t help but fall in love with.

Together, Alex and Stefan break all the rules uncovering more than a virus—hot sex, and an uptight FBI Special Agent, spanking, hot sex, a nosy, meddling brother, more hot sex, bondage and submission, murder, and bad vampires.

Will their love survive the wild side they were born to live?

The Review:

Born to be Wild is just the right combination of sweet love story and naughty sex appeal. The strength of the two main characters Alex, a vampire hunter, and Stefan, a vampire and powerful enforcer, give this book a tantalizing twist. The ability to walk away mid-story is nonexistent, because the plot leaves you begging for more.

One part mystery, one part crime novel, one part love story, and five parts mouthwatering vamp appeal; Cynthia Arsuaga struck gold with this one. The reader can’t help but fall in love with the characters and dream of being transported into a world of vamps and upscale clubs.

If this book is, any indication this author has only one way to go in this industry and that is up. I can’t wait to see what she releases next.

Pagan Elements: none

Fox Rising by Ashley J. Barnard

The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews

Title: Fox Rising
Author: Ashley J. Barnard

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Publisher: Champagne Books

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Pagan Elements

Length: 217 pgs. 
Reviewed by: BettyJean Pryor

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4

Presentation: 5

Editing: 5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                            

About The Book: In this sequel to Shadow Fox, after waiting his whole life to return home and learn who he really is, Jared quickly discovers his world is much more complicated than he ever imagined. As the newly appointed Captain, he is now responsible for raising an army to take on an enemy he knows next to nothing about, while his own king anticipates his failure. With his love life is in near shambles, he must now win Tarika back in spite of a romance blossoming between her and his closest friend, Nathaniel.

Just as things begin to improve with the victory of their first small battle, Jared’s childhood sexual abuse is brought glaringly to light, leading to obsession and dysfunction. As if the disease in his blood were not bad enough, he will soon jeopardize everything he holds dear to feed this demon of the mind, even going so far as to fall victim to a dangerous affair with an enemy princess.

The Review: Fox Rising is a great read. There are many events in this story that can be equated to everyday life in this time. Jared Dunefaellen is a very likeable character. Each struggle that he goes through draws the reader deeper into the book. The relationships between characters are very complex and has unexpected twists. Moral conflicts run throughout the story involving secondary characters as well as Jared and Tarika.

The series is best read in order. It takes a while into the book to catch up on some of the elements from the first book. The most difficult part to decipher is what condition afflicts Jared. But definitely worth the time to read.

Pagan Elements: There are many Pagan elements to this book. The author uses them as a major part of the book. 

Druid’s Dawning by Lark LaTroy

The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews

Title: Druid’s Dawning

Author: Lark LaTroy

Author Site

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Publisher: Silver Publishing

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Pagan Elements

Length: 162 pgs.

Reviewed By: Madeline Smoot

Ratings For:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 3.5

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

                                    

About the Book:

Mitch Walker is the newest member of The Order. He receives 2 gifts that he struggles to master. One of these gifts shows him the private desires of his coworker Jill Reese, the woman every man in the office would like to have. Jill has a secret desire for Mitch, and this knowledge distracts the young Druid from mastering his gifts.

As Mitch struggles with his gifts, and feelings for Jill, a serial killer stalks the streets of Boston. He kills at each full moon, in different areas of the city. The Druids learn that the killer is conducting a dark ritual that will plunge the whole world into chaos if completed. Mitch has an added stake in stopping the madman. He knows that Jill will be the final victim, and she’ll be the lucky one if the Druids can’t stop the killer.

The Review:

A fantastic glimpse into what living the life of a Druid with extraordinary gifts may be like. From the moment you begin this story, you are sucked into a life of visions and magic. You are introduced to the light and the dark in this expertly crafted novel. The vivid descriptions and free flowing events put you in Falnon and Jill’s place, as they attempt to help The Order stop a demonic serial killer stalking the streets of Boston.

The tension and stress surrounding many heart-pounding moments leap from the page, as you are carried on waves of emotion on this journey. The only fault in this entire books is the love scenes are to clinical and rushed. With all of the fear and other emotions, the blooming romance between the main characters almost seems like an afterthought.

Intriguing and heart-stopping in its intensity, Druids Dawning is the perfect beginning to the Neo Druid series. I can’t wait to explore the many more adventures to be had by The Order.

Pagan Elements: Druids