Study Partner by Rebecca Leigh

The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews

Title: Study Partner
Author: Rebecca Leigh

Author Site

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Publisher: Breathless Press

Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

Length: 16 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4.5

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 3.5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                               

About The Book:

Carla Montes and Edward Gardner are both third year law students finishing their last final before graduation. They've been study partners all year, but on the eve of the final, what starts as hot and steamy sex in one of the study rooms in the campus library blossoms into something much more.

The Review:

The pressure of the final exam had finally gotten the best of both Carla and Edward. Seeing as how the time to part was fast approaching, they decide to throw caution to the wind and act on the lust they've each secretly held in check from the other. Now, with their lust satisfied, feelings are developing, but the real world calls and the inevitable separation that will take them into the next phase of their lives.

Things in this story progress quickly between the characters and unfortunately left me wanting more. The characters come from different backgrounds and I would've really liked to have seen their attraction and chemistry for one another explored a bit more. There is still a little bit of an unknown by the end, but for a quickie, it is quite enjoyable with enough heat to have me seeking out what else this author has to offer.

Pagan Elements: N/A

Trading Up by Brindle Chase

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Trading Up
Author: Brindle Chase

Author Site

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Publisher: Breathless Press

Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

Length: 47 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4.5

Story: 3.5

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

                                                 

About The Book: Heather adores her flighty sister's boyfriend, Mark. He's Mr. Right, and her sister is about to let him go. He's a catch, and Heather's only chance is to play out her sister's insane and wicked plan to switch in the dark. If she fails, she'll lose him to the throng of girls waiting in the wings. It's a winner takes all arena and seduction is the game.

The Review: It’s clear that Theresa is the fun loving adventurous sister, while Heather is the ambitious and quiet one. That’s not to say that Heather is a total bore, but perhaps a little more mature than her older sister. Theresa is interested in playing the field, while Heather sought stability in her next relationship. When it comes to Mark, Theresa’s current boyfriend, the sisters whole-heartedly agree the man is hot, but Theresa is looking for a little more excitement. Instead of letting a good man get away, Theresa devises a plan that has Heather all tied up in knots. Can she throw caution and inhibition aside or will she let a possible chance at happiness get away?

Sisters can sometimes be the little devil on your shoulder that tips the balance of what you believe is right or wrong. I would know since I have several, so Theresa’s character comes across very familiar to me. The author does a fantastic job of giving each of the characters a voice that’s clear and relatable. The plot might not be completely relatable, but that doesn’t detract from the intense eroticism or sweet undertones in the story. Overall a very enjoyable short read!

Pagan Elements: N/A

Love Me Once, Love Me Twice (Montana Cowboys, #1) By Sandy Sullivan

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Love Me Once, Love Me Twice (Montana Cowboys, #1)
Author: Sandy Sullivan

Author Site

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Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing

Genre: Erotic/Contemporary/Western/Ménage (M/F/M)

Length: 178 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 3.5

Presentation: 3.5

Editing: 4.5

Story: 4.5

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

                                                 

About The Book: Home. They say home is where the heart is, but can coming back to Red Rock, Montana really be home? Natalie Bennington is about to find out.

Finding herself in a blizzard and stuck in a ditch, the last person she expects to rescue her is gorgeous ex-high school jock, Cade Weston. His light brown hair and baby blue eyes had many a teenage girl all a twitter including her, but being the shy band girl didn't garner attention from his type. When Cade's best friend Kale, and ex-football jock shows up, the stakes have just shot through the roof. Both men want her and she can't understand why.

Cowboy and all around good guy, Cade Weston is a born and raised Montana boy. Yes ma'am, no sir, hold the lady's chair, open her door - those things were ingrained in his upbringing, but every man likes a pretty woman. Natalie Bennington has grown up into one gorgeous female and he can't get her out of his mind.

Kale Dunn can't get over the changes in the shy band girl he remembers from high-school. Natalie sure turned into one hot woman. All legs, gorgeous body and breasts big enough to fill a man's hands. Would she be willing to share? He and Cade liked to partake in threesome's on occasion, but from what he remembered of Natalie, he didn't think she'd be the type. Was he wrong?

Wined, dined and loved by two men. Can she make the decision to love only one or will their possessiveness drive her back to Oregon?

The Review: Well you know what they say, ‘you can go home again’, but you don’t always know what to expect when you get there.

She was supposed to be convincing her grandmother to move to Oregon with her parents, but Natalie couldn’t help but be taken by the two strapping cowboys who’ve decided that she deserves some gentlemanly cowboy attention. She’s forgotten what it’s like to be treated like a lady, but Cade and Kale will make sure she never forgets again. Her suspicions and conflicted feelings are trying to get the best of her though as to what exactly do either of them see in her and more importantly what does she see with them.

Cade took one look at Natalie and just knew that he had to reacquaint himself with this at one time high school band geek. When Kale steps in and tries to do the same, the feelings that Cade experiences aren’t what he’s used to with his long-time best friend. Jealousy and competition over a woman has finally risen it’s ugly head and Natalie wants no part of it, but she can’t just walk away either. What’s a girl to do when two cowboys are vying for her attention?

This is my first read by Ms. Sullivan and it’s sure to not be my last. The first in a new series about Montana cowboys is all I need to know to continue with more of Ms. Sullivan’s fabulous work.

There were times when the story felt a little unreal with the fast progression of the relationships, since I thought Natalie’s character would come across as more reluctant given the histories and regrets of all three. However, it is a sweet romance with plenty of spice. The dialogue with the grandmother is absolutely hilarious and there were several times I had to stop and laugh before diving back in. Since there is a ménage element to the story, readers will definitely be surprised on how it all turns out with Natalie, Cade, and Kale. I do really love how it ended and would love to revisit these memorable characters in future installments.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Midnight Star by Billi Jean

Title: Midnight Star

Author: Billi Jean

Author Site

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Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Genre: Contemporary/Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Length: 295 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 3.5

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

                                           

About The Book: One mission could bring them together or cost them their lives.

Star has kept her guard up when it comes to letting others in to her life and for good reason. She lives in a lighthouse and that is the way she likes living – alone. She has adopted family that she is close to, but she doesn’t really feel like she belongs and is an outcast to her own kind. The “House” that she grew up in was not quite family oriented and it doesn’t help when your adopted family is part of a species that is sworn to hate everything about you before they actually know you, so in that regard she is an outcast on both sides. Two females and a few friends of similar outcasted circumstance, keep her grounded as much as possible. Since the meeting of one particular Lykae, her world has been turned upside down and she finds herself in constant battle of cravings and thoughts that she wished she didn’t have, but his disgust of her keeps her firmly away from him. Now all of sudden he’s decided to treat her differently, but she can’t fathom why. With ever-mounting distrust and much reluctance for several reasons, she agrees to go with him and a small team on a missing Lykae recovery mission back to the last place she’d rather be.

Ranger knows exactly who Star is and won’t be dissuaded by anyone from claiming her. Trouble is he made the error of waiting to long in wooing his female, so now her regard for him is even lower than it was before. Throw in the problem of a missing Lykae packmate and Ranger decides to combine the two in a ‘knock to birds down with one stone’ approach. Star’s unique ability and familiarity with the location makes her the perfect partner for the mission, but he knows she’s smart and doesn’t have any reason to agree, so he decides to obtain her cooperation with the use of a 10-year old and the promise of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. It’s a brilliant plan, with the exception of everything that could possibly go wrong, so will it be enough to change Star’s mind?

The Review: Any reader will fall in love with Ranger and immediately recognize his alpha-male characteristics especially with them all displayed in full Lykae glory and with a brogue accent no less. His brand of wooing Star isn’t exactly conventional but with Star’s personality, he wouldn’t have gotten far with her otherwise. Ranger is extremely possessive, as are all of the Lykae in this story when it comes to their mates, but it isn’t an unattractive, overbearing possession without choice for Star. He does make it awfully hard for her to resist him, but that’s part of the territory. The banter back and forth between the characters is entertaining and there are a few lengthy scenes with just the two of them, so it allows the reader to really focus in on their personalities.

Ms. Jean’s writing style is fresh and you never know what any of the characters are going to say, think, or do next. I could actually picture it from beginning to end like watching a movie. There are familiar creatures of all sorts to appeal to any readers taste and the world built around them is fantastic. The story gets going right from the beginning with the prologue and the reader will need to pay close attention so not a minute of the action is missed. There were quite a few moments of confusion for me, since all of the characters and situations are new, and not enough background is given to really set everything up. Almost feels like the reader is plunked down right into the middle of a brewing storm of character activity without a history base to hold on to, but I still couldn’t help getting swept away with it and neither will any other reader of this genre. Wonderful twist at the end and it sets it up nicely in case this is to be part of a series, since there are several other characters with stories that need to be told.

I’ll definitely be keeping my reading eye out for any other works by Ms. Jean.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Talk Dirty To Me by Tory Richards

Title: Talk Dirty To Me
Author: Tory Richards

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Genre: Erotic

Length: 53 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 3.5

Presentation: 3.5

Editing: 4.5

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

                                                         

About The Book: Lilly has been in love with her brother's best friend Blake for years. She lost her virginity to the oil driller on her eighteenth birthday, only to wake the next morning to find him gone. After he pulled that stunt twice more, she swore never to see or talk to him again. But now he's back for her brother's wedding, and he's as sexy as she remembers.

Blake thinks Lilly's even sexier than ever. Unable to resist one another, they don't make it out of the airport parking lot before taking up where they left off. As the two rediscover their passion for each other, nothing and nowhere is off limits!

The Review:

Lilly hasn’t changed much since the last time Blake had seen. She is determined to not let him get under her skin or in to her bed, but just thinking about him brings all of the memories and feelings rushing back to the surface. When she comes face to face with Blake after not seeing him in over a year, she knows she’s in trouble.

Blake couldn’t resist showing Lilly just how hot they could be together the night she turned eighteen, but when the next morning arrived he couldn’t face his own strong feelings for her. After some time apart, he has come to realize that she is exactly what he wants and needs. Now all he has to do is convince her.

This is one short yet delicious read. Ms. Richards packed a lot of eroticism in such a short storyline with two main characters that are able to hold their own. The physical chemistry between the two characters is off the charts, but their emotional chemistry is a little lacking. Neither can seem to own up to their own feelings for the other and both have somewhat stubborn yet impulsive personalities. It’s no wonder their a perfect match for each other in bed since that’s where they can take out any pent up lustful aggression. However, it will take the one strong enough to put some bold moves on the other to break the emotional cycle.

The story starts out with a nice flow, but the ending did seem to come about a little too fast and although the characters do come to a decision by the end, it still left me wondering what the future holds for them.

Recommended reading for erotic romance fans looking for some steamy action and a little location inspiration.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Claiming The Evil Dead (Soul Catcher Series, #1) by Mary Abshire

Title: Claiming The Evil Dead (Soul Catcher Series, #1)
Author: Mary Abshire

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Genre: Paranormal/Romance

Length: 321pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4.5

Presentation: 4.5

Editing: 4.5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 

About The Book: Half-demon Jessie Garrett is searching for an evil vampire that's been preying upon children. She wants to claim the rogue vamp's soul and send it to hell. To find the dead man walking she must partner with another bloodsucker, Drake, even though she doesn't trust him. While Jessie works with Drake, she learns not all vampires are killers and discovers the cold-blooded vamp is a temptation too difficult to resist.
After the fiend abducts another child and Jessie has a near fatal experience with vampires, she turns to Jeremy, a demon she bumped into at a club, and makes a deal with him for his help. Drake disapproves, and Jessie soon finds herself wedged between two volatile creatures. When the chance comes to save the child's life and claim the evil vamp's soul, she must decide whom she can trust—a vampire who cools her feverish desires, or a demon hell-bent on seducing her.

The Review:

Jessie is one hot half demon – literally. Her body temperature is such that every day can feel like the middle of summer. She also has a temper that can flare off the charts at a moments notice, but it’s not all bad. Being half demon also comes with some extraordinary healing capabilities. We're talking break her neck kind of healing. It also comes with one more unexplainable ability that is probably the most important, and one she uses to the fullest extent that she can – soul sucking. Of course, not many people know these things about her and she prefers to keep it that way. It isn’t until the day she meets the enigmatic and quietly charming Drake that everything changes.

Drake has been around for a long time, so he's seen a lot in his immortal life, but all it takes is one look at Jessie from afar and he knows there’s something special and different about her. When he sees firsthand just how special she is, he can’t help but be both awe and frightened of her at the same time. His proposition appeals to her both financially and morally, so with a slight hesitation she accepts. With these two working together the bad guys never stood a chance, alive or dead.

The physical attraction between the two might be immediate but it’s a slow build to something explosive. In many ways, Jessie is Drake’s ultimate temptation, but Jessie gets a few temptations of her own, and it looks like this particular demon flavored one refuses to go away.

Jessie’s character quirks are endearing and she makes quite the first impression, but she is who she is and makes no apologies, which is very admirable. She kicks butt, takes out evil, and does it all in a skirt and heels, no less. She's the kind of heroine that just dives right in to any situation and although her abilities can cause her a great deal of pain, discomfort, and disgust, she doesn't let that stop her from doing what’s right. She might have a tragic past, but she’s definitely not a tragic hero. She survives and moves on.

The pacing is excellent, with tons of suspense, and loads of witty dialogue. From the start, there is no pause in the action, which happens to be very descriptively well done. The rest of the cast of characters might be an odd and humorous assortment, which is perfect for the story, but there’s also enough mystery surrounding each of them that you’ll find yourself wanting to learn more.

The ending is perfectly balanced with enough story to satisfy the reader looking for that happily-ever-after while at the same time setting it up for book two. After having read the first installment to The Soul Catcher series, without reservation I recommend this goose bump inducing, yet dangerously sexy thrill ride of a story.

Pagan Elements: A half demon working for the good of humanity and a demon working for himself.

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Under The Hood by B.L. Bonita

Title: Under The Hood
Author:  B.L. Bonita

Author Site

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Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Genre: Contemporary/Erotic/Romance

Length: 37 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 3.5

Overall Card Rating:

                                                     

About The Book:  Sometimes the answer comes from the simple twist of a tool . . . .

Andi Thomas has a problem. Her boyfriend cares little for her sexual satisfaction, and doesn't respect her job as a mechanic. She's beginning to feel like love and lust aren't meant to be a part of her life. To make matters worse, a gorgeous stranger moves in next door, and he's everything her boyfriend isn't. What's a sexually starved woman to do?

When Darren Holloway discovers the fiery vixen next door is the very person he's been looking for, he's caught between his desire to make her his and his mission to strike a business deal. Lured by pure lust, he finds himself falling in love. But how can he convince her to accept him when the woman has been hurt one too many times?

The Review:

Andi hasn't completely grown out of her childhood tomboy ways. She would rather tinker around with cars than get dressed up like some doll, but to her dad she was his "angel in coveralls". While her dad may have been proud of what she's accomplished as a mechanic, her boyfriend Eric thinks it's a turn-off, but the new guy in town is prepared to right the wrong of this misconception.

Darren likes the idea of a woman like Andi getting down and dirty under the hood of a car or with him. Any guy would have to be crazy not to see what a real catch Andi is and she has no idea how much her coveralled first impression has made on him, but first he's got to gain her attention and to do that he needs to learn a little more about her.

The author packs a nice erotic punch in this short story. I learned a few things about a mechanic's tools and how much sexy fun can be had with them. Andi proves that any girl can still be sexy regardless of profession. It's a little disappointing that this story isn't longer since it would have been nice to see more character and relationship development, but it’s still an enjoyable read and worthy of recommendation to any erotic romance reader.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Chance's Game by Eve Langlais

  

Title: Chance's Game
Author: Eve Langlais

Author Site

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Publisher: Champagne Books

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Length: 199 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 3.5

Story: 3.5

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

About The Book: 

The God of Chance is bored – mortals beware!

Breanna is a rare sort of shapeshifter even for a world where magic is rampant, rare enough that she catches the attention of the God of Chance who send her on a quest to free magic. Simple you say? Not for this girl who has to keep avoiding the men who would claim her, while getting to know a twin she never knew she had. Then to make things even more fun, Chance throws in a super sexy wizard to go on the quest with her. Well as you can imagine the outcome will be magical.

Magic, danger, meddlesome gods and romance await. And when their quest is done, the world as we know it, will never be the same again.

The Review:

Find the box... release the magic... save the world. Sounds easy enough for an experienced wizard and a rare shapeshifter to handle, but the difficulty in this quest isn't necessarily in the journey itself.

Breanna has made it her goal to avoid men with their unwanted proposals and improper advances as much as possible. She knows they don't want her for her because if they really knew her, they might not feel so inclined to take such drastic measures in gaining her consent. Although lately gaining her consent seems to be the last thing these unwanted suitors seem to offer her. The rare ability she possesses inspires these men to take violent action. After another day of fending off more unfriendly touching, she finds that this time she isn't defending herself alone.

Terrence is a man of many talents with enough charm to have any woman he wants, so when the woman he helps says no to his proposal of lunch he's taken by surprise when he’s rebuffed. However, that’s not the only thing that’s surprising. Why does this sensually curvaceous woman with the sharp tongue look so much like his sister-in-law?

In steps the god of Chance, who just so happens to be bored and decides it's time to create a sort of treasure hunt with a couple of key players of his choosing. The goddess of Love wants to play too, and decides to do what she does best; add a little love to a couple of unbelieving hearts.

Ms. Langlais shines the story spotlight on characters Breanna and Terrence and boy are they characters! Their pride is what hinders them on their journey to finding what will save everyone and it's what hinders them on their journey toward falling for each other. Breanna is more than capable of scaring any man away with just her verbal attacks alone, but Terrence isn’t easily swayed, yet he’s convinced that he doesn’t want to be shackled to any woman like his brother. They both have the same philosophy when it comes to marriage and they both battle inner voices that keep telling them otherwise.

The story itself is fairly fast paced and entertaining with all of the supporting role creatures that make appearances. The dialogue is sharp and humorous. The ending leaves just enough for the story to be picked up again but without leaving a wide-open unsatisfying ending. The world building itself was interesting but left me a little confused at times. This story can be read as a stand alone, but might best be read after reading Take a Chance, which is the story of Terrence’s brother.

Recommended reading for those who’ve always wondered how the gods like to spend their free time, but beware the god Chance might just be rolling the dice in a city near you.

Pagan Elements: Wizardry is abundant and a unicorn makes an appearance along with plenty of other shapeshifting creatures. The gods of Chance and Love play supporting roles as well.

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

The Falcon Prince (Princes of Jikkar, #3) by Rebecca Goings

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: The Falcon Prince (Princes of Jikkar, #3)
Author: Rebecca Goings   

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher: Carnal Passions

Genre: Erotic/Fantasy/Romance

Length: 149 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 4.5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                             

About The Book: He’ll teach her exactly how to please a man. 

Zara Nedal is blind, yet through her magic, she can make stunning pieces of jewelry. In order to sell them, she must travel to Suridesh, but only a caravan prince can take her. And only one caravan prince will do–the Falcon. 

Khalil Dehriq has had his eye on Zara for three cycles. It’s been a long time since he’s taken a lover, but she cannot see the horrible scars that mar his body. Khalil isn’t sure if that’s a blessing–or a curse. 

As they ride the dunes, their passion heats the night and ignites their hearts. But the witch called Mother has different plans, and vows to kill Khalil at any cost. The only hope to save his throne is to conceive an heir, and now the Falcon must decide if Zara’s love is enough to heal his tortured soul

The Review:

They always say that blood runs thicker than water, but add a dash of greed, jealousy, and an alliance with a powerful mage and there will be bloodshed.

In this third installment to the Desert Princes of Jikkar series, the overall plot is much more darkly twisted than previously suspected. The fallout of this betrayal could lead to the conceiving of an heir as well as the death of a prince.

Zara has all of the qualities of a really remarkable and likeable heroine. She's giving, even when she doesn't have anything to give; she's kind, even when others are not; she's accepting, even when she meets with resistance to her beliefs, but she's most definitely not a pushover. While discovering Zara's character, I almost forgot she was blind yet regardless of her handicap, she pursues Khalil aggressively.

Zara has and continues to overcome many challenges in her life, but Khalil has yet to overcome any of his demons. Due to a past trauma, Khalil is left with deep physical scars, but the healed over wounds run much emotionally deeper than Zara expected. Khalil is a haunted, emotionally and somewhat physically distant character, but Zara pushes and challenges him to discover the beauty of life and eventually love.

Intelligent, emotional, and captivating are just some of the words I would use to describe Ms. Goings' writing. She writes much more erotically this time around and readers will definitely enjoy the creative spiciness, but it also comes with a touch of innocence. Once again, I find the plotline to be unpredictable and addicting. It is impossible to know what will happen next, which kept me riveted to the story. The characters are portrayed fantastically, regardless of if they played a major or minor role.

There are many pivotal and emotional moments to the story, but I wasn't prepared to be crying within the first 10 pages. So please take note and heed the warning that Ms. Goings has left for her readers before beginning this story, but once you've started you'll be glad you did. I daresay I don't want this series to end.

Pagan Elements: No major pagan elements other than a really powerful mage trying to flex her magic spell casting muscles.

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Tales of The Red Moon Clan by Chérie De Sues

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Tales of The Red Moon Clan
Author: Chérie De Sues

Author Site

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Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Genre: Paranormal

Length: 224 pgs. 

Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:Cover: 4 

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4.5

Story: 4.5

Writing Ability: 4.5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                                                                             

About The Book: Neol Pallaton walks alone through the bowels of society as a bounty hunter, until he shifts into a cougar to save Assistant D.A. Sara Hughes from certain death. A relentless killer keeps them moving by day through the Oregon forest—and by night under the full moon, passion rules their hearts.

The rugged forest is no place for a beautiful and feisty city woman, but Neol’s determined to help Sara piece together why she's being hunted. Sara thought bounty hunters were brutal loners who stretched the law she’s sworn to uphold. But Neol proves that no one can hunt, track and protect her like a Navajo medicine man from the Red Moon Clan.

Neol is willing to anger the spirits to protect his one true mate. Sara will have to bend the law to keep Neol and her alive—and together forever.

The Review: Neol is the perfect knight in shining armor or would that be the perfect Navajo Medicine Man in shining cougar fur? He's everything any woman could imagine wanting in a mate. Other than gorgeous looks he also possesses a quiet strength and power that you can really feel through the pages of Ms. De Sues book. Sara is a force to be reckoned with as well. She isn't exactly your typical paper-pushing Assistant D.A. She's had the training, thanks to her dad, of how to survive out in the wild. This girl may not have any magical or shapeshifting abilities, but she sure can wield a rifle.These two are a perfect match... he catches the bad guys and she prosecutes them. There journey through the wilderness to outsmart their pursuers, creates an optimal, intimate setting for Neol and Sara to get to know each other and fantasize a possible future. Both have hesitations and believe that the bubble will burst once the danger has been curbed, but neither expect that the spirits have already decided their fate.Ms. De Sues added everything a reader could want in a worthwhile book... a ton of action, suspense, and danger, but mixed in tender moments and sensuous lovemaking to add emotional depth. There were a couple of moments where the story felt a little dull and certain details were unnecessarily added, but overall I was impressed with my first Chérie De Sues read.With so many awesome supporting characters left to discover, this just has to be the start of a new series and I can't wait to dive in if it is. I was completely taken by surprise with the ending and that particular twist only left me wanting more.

Pagan Elements: Neol is a Navajo Medicine Man, so you can expect some light magic (not fully explored) and some chanting to the spirits of whatever animal Neol is trying to invoke in order to shift to that animal.
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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Tamed by Emily Cale

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Tamed
Author: Emily Cale

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher: Breathless Press

Genre: Contemporary/Erotic/Romance/Western

Length: 62 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4

Presentation: 4

Editing: 3.5

Story: 3.5

Writing Ability: 3.5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                           

About The Book: Can a hot fling on a Wyoming ranch lead to more than just sex?

Tired of bringing home unsatisfying, nameless men, Delia Hawthorne needs a change of pace. When her Aunt invites her to spend some time at their family’s Wyoming ranch, it takes little prodding for her to agree. Time away from work, bars, and men is exactly the break she's been looking for.

When Delia arrives, she finds what she has come to avoid: take-charge ranch hand, Lucas Dane. Despite her Aunt’s warning of Lucas’ womanizing reputation, she decides he may be worth the risk. What starts out as just sex quickly turns into more, forcing Delia to choose between the guy she is falling in love with and her responsibilities back home. What's a city girl to do?

The Review:

After graduating from college, Delia became focused and very career-driven on the new company she started with her friend. That left very little time to go back to the ranch she had spent many of her summers. Her aunt finally convinces her to come for a visit with the joyful news of the birth of a foal to Delia's horse Snickers. Delia begins to reminisce and soon finds it hard to reason her way out of not going, especially now that her personal life feels meaningless. A trip out to the country just might be the trick to getting her out of her own personal funk.

Lucas is probably best know on the ranch for his womanizing ways, but the hard work he puts in doesn't go unnoticed. He reasons that his reputation is in part because of the mundane routine he has in his life and although it's not a bad life, it can be a lonely one. It isn't until the day a little spitfire of a city girl decides to trip into his life on stilettos, does he actually begin to feel something other than just lust at first sight.

I found both Delia and Lucas to have very similar characteristics even though they come from two totally different worlds. They both have had plenty of meaningless sex, are stubborn, flirtatious, independent, and smart in their respective careers, but both seem to be looking for something more out of life than just a good time. It's exactly those similar characteristics that bring them to instant attraction and soon heedless of the warnings tossed their way, find that they are compatible in more ways than one. Then the day comes that reality makes a call and Delia knows she has to make a choice. Delia has always been the one to kick out men from her bed before; this confidence stemming from the lack of distrust for them that she's earned after a cheater in her past. How can she throw away all that she's worked for on the whim of finding companionship with a ranch hand? Delia's vacation turns into a hard lesson in self-discovery for both of them.

This is a quick read with very well established characters and settings. I wouldn't have minded if this story was a bit longer since the ending seemed kind of rushed, but overall it was enjoyable.

Recommended reading for those looking for a quick roll in the hay with a handsome cowboy.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

The Scarab Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #2) by Rebecca Goings

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: The Scarab Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #2)
Author: Rebecca Goings   

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher:  Carnal Passions

Genre: Erotic, Fantasy Romance

Length: 185 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                    

About The Book: Trianna Pramtash must be punished for her assault on the Viper Prince’s intended bride. Not wishing to do so himself, the Viper gives her to his best friend, the Scarab Prince, to mete out her sentence--the one man who’s held Trianna’s heart since childhood.

Qadir Hadmas is overjoyed Trianna no longer belongs to the Viper. His heart broke years ago when she left Suridesh engaged to his best friend--but she never married Tariq. She belongs to him now, and he’s not about to let her go.

Neither of them is prepared for the sensual delights Trianna’s punishments turn out to be. Their fragile childhood bond turns into a raging inferno--one they cannot deny. But when Trianna is taken from him in a spectacular sandstorm, it is up to the Scarab Prince to claim the woman he has always wanted, and make her his in truth.

The Review: There is absolutely nothing sweeter in romance than childhood friends finding love with one another after years of being apart and not knowing how the other felt.

As far as obsession goes, I have become thoroughly obsessed with the Desert Princes of Jikkar. Ms. Going’s did not disappoint in this second installment to the series. If you haven’t read the first one, I highly encourage you to do so since The Scarab Prince picks up right where The Viper Prince left off.

Once again we find ourselves in the desert, but with a different prince to fawn over. Our focus has changed in that we learn what Trianna’s punishment will be for inflicting harm on Sabine. I have to say that while reading about Trianna in the first book, I was not at all looking forward to reading anything more about her. She was vindictive, spiteful, and bitter, so I judged her without second thought. Trianna’s transformation throughout the book to reformed mean girl status is inspiring and I compliment Ms. Goings’ ability to make the before and after believable.

If all punishments were passed down so erotically then more people would be deliberately looking for trouble. But in this case the punishment went both ways and not just for Trianna. Qadir also punished himself by allowing his already growing attraction for Trianna manifest further by acting on dormant feelings. Knowing that their life could have been so different if only they had known the truth is what makes this all the more bittersweet. They reminisce about the past and what would have been. I cried when Trianna and Qadir's reunion was finally realized only to have a bleak outlook for a future. She believed herself not worthy and he set out to make her believe otherwise.

Regardless of the harsh weather climate, if I could, I would move there. Just look at the cover and tell me if that is not enticement enough to read this book!

Pagan Elements: None.

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.