Romance Book Review: Hard And Fast By Erin McCarthy

Hard and Fast
By Erin McCarthy
Berkley Sensation
4 Heart Review
Book Excerpt

An experiment in romance...

New to Charlotte, North Carolina, stock car racing country, graduate student Imogen Wilson meets Ty McCordle, a driver who inexplicably has her pulse racing. After an encounter at the track with a woman whose main goal in life is to marry a driver, Imogen realizes she's hit on the perfect topic for her sociology thesis. If she follows the rules on how to get a man, can she steer her way into the hearts of the drivers and establish their
dating – and mating – patterns?

...that's testing the limits of passion.

Although sexy and reckless Ty is the ideal test subject, Imogen knows she can't pursue him for the sake of science. Yet he's the one who's chasing after her, and Imogen realizes that she actually wants to be caught. A Southern gentleman like Ty won't disappoint – he will satisfy her curiosity and make all the risks worthwhile...

As someone who doesn't understand the draw of NASCAR, I was slightly hesitant about this book. I wasn't sure how much a love of the “sport” was needed to enjoy it, but I found the book to be very light on the NASCAR references and this was a definite plus for me.

As the title suggests, the writing in this book is fast paced, but it definitely isn't hard to keep up with. This book was good enough to make me want to spout the cheesiest driving references I could think of...The story revved along and purred like the engine of an expensive car...Erin's writing took me for a ride...okay enough driving references!

What I liked about this book was that there was no huge mystery to be solved, no major revenge plot or a detailed historical setting. Instead, I found a straight up, sexy, contemporary with likable characters and great writing. Oh, and did I mention sexy? The sex scenes in this book were outstanding if you enjoy that kind of thing (cheeky smile appears on this reviewer's face).

I've recently purchased Erin's previous book, Flat-Out Sexy and will save it for when I need another great escape with some hot and steamy elements. I was very impressed with Erin's writing and the way she doesn't bog a story down in too many plot twists, minor characters or overly complex relationship hurdles. Hard and Fast was a perfect, uncomplicated story that I thoroughly enjoyed!

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Book Review: The Conqueror By Kris Kennedy

The Conqueror
By Kris Kennedy
Kensington
4 Heart Review

England, 1152. The country is wracked by bloody civil war. Griffyn Sauvage is a valiant knight with a strict moral code of honor. But when his family's estate and vast treasures are seized, he becomes hardened by the betrayal. Now he will go to any lengths for vengence – even if it means forming a union with his most despised enemy by marrying his daughter, Lady Guinevere de l'Ami. Then, Griffyn lays eyes on Gwyn and is completely disarmed...

As war strikes, Gywn is left alone to fight her enemies who want control of her ancestral lands. When Griffyn comes to her rescue, she is grateful that the mysterious, brave knight has risked his life to protect hers. With each passing day, she finds herself drawn to him even as she senses he's hiding a dark secret from her. And when another dangerous adversary closes in on both of them, Griffyn and Gwyn's trust in each other will be put to the ultimate test...

Having not read many (hmm...maybe even ANY!) medieval romances before, I wasn't sure what to expect of this historical romance. I shouldn't have been worried since the story was very creative and it was a nice change not to have all the action taking place at a masquerade ball.

First off let me say the $3.99 price tag alone makes this book a no-brainer to add to your to-buy list! You won't be disappointed in the story either. I liked the combination of war story, revenge plot, romanace and even a treasure hunt! They all came together to make an interesting storyline in a well-written book.

Kris did a good job of side-stepping some story traps she could easily have fallen into. Early on, it looked like the only thing that was going to keep Griffyn and Gwyn apart was a good sit-down discussion, but Kris quickly put my worries to rest with new conflicts and plot twists.

The build up for the treasure hunt also had me slightly concerned, as I thought it would be hard to come up with an ending the book deserved. Never fear though, Kris had it all figured out and the ending was inventive.

Check out Kris's website at http://www.kriskennedy.net/.

Book Review: I Shot You Babe by Leslie Langtry

Book Review: I Shot You Babe
By Leslie Langtry
Book Four in the Greatest Hits Mysteries
Dorchester Publishing
Release Date: June 30th
4 Heart Review

Coney Bombay is one hot assassin with an Ivy League PhD who travels the world operating carnival rides. He also likes to knit and has a pet guinea pig names Sartre. Even in his wild family of killers, Cy stands out. But after a series of run-ins with perennial grad student Veronica Gale, the cool cat is starting to
feel a little hot under the collar.

In her research, Ronnie Gale has seen a lot. Problem is, she hasn't actually done a lot. The mysterious Cy Bombay seems about to change all that with a whirlwind adventure that will take them form a small-town country fair to the outer reaches of Mongolia. But when love is on the line and there's a murder to be solved, will Ronnie really be willing to climb out of the ivory tower and get a little down and dirty?

What a great voice! I could tell from the first few pages that Leslie Langtry had a very distinctive way of telling a story and one that I would thoroughly enjoy.

I loved that the point of view of the story is told from the male perspective, make that the point of view of a hitman with a guinea pig for a companion. The dry wit and dark humor, combined with the idea of a family who has run an international assassin organization for centuries, makes for a fantastic read.

Don't let all the talk about hitmen and assassins fool you- this is a fresh contemporary romance with a big dash of suspense and some great characters!

The one issue I had was that Leslie's way of Cy and Ronnie running into each other is too far out to be believed. There were just too many coincidental meetings to have been purely accidental and not somehow pre-arranged. If just one of the run-ins had been set-up by Cy (or Ronnie) then it would have done much for the believability of the story.

I'll be adding Leslie's previous Greatest Hits Mysteries to my to buy pile – even though the story had a few issues, she has a voice that is distinctive,completely original, and I want to hear the stories for the rest of the family! Check out all of her books at her website.

Book Review: Desire Untamed by Pamela Palmer

Book Review: Desire Untamed
By Pamela Palmer
Avon Books
Releases: June 30, 2009
4 Heart Review
Read an excerpt!

They are called Feral Warriors – an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release...

Kara MacAllister's quiet small-town life is transformed forever the night a powerful stranger rips her from her home, claiming she is the chosen one – the key to his survival. Spiriting her away into the rain-soaked night, Lyon reveals a truth Kara can barely credit. She's immortal, and the only one who can save his race.

But only when their lives are threatened by an ancient evil will Kara and Lyon realize they have found a love they would risk their immortal souls to claim...and a fierce primal desire that could never, ever be tamed.

The first of a new series called the Feral Warriors, this SMOKIN' HOT book does a fantastic job of setting up Pamela's new paranormal world. She didn't bog the story down in setting up the details, instead she let them unfold as the story progresses. You learn new insight alongside the heroine Kara as she discovers her destiny.

I'm very happy to say this book includes many types of shape-shifters. Normally, one particular breed is the main type of shape-shifter in a series, but the Feral Warriors series features characters of all sorts and that makes it much more interesting.

Also impressive was how Pamela made her sex scenes work as central plot points throughout the book. Many great romance writers have said that the sex in their books should move the story forward and have a purpose (well, a purpose beyond just getting it on – lol), and Pamela understands this well. That's not to say her scenes aren't hot – they most definitely are!

I understand that the names of the feral warriors being variations on the name of their animal forms does make it easy to identify them, but this was the one thing with the series that bothered me. Pamela does offer insight that the men take on these names after they discover they are Feral Warriors, but it still seems hokey to me. I felt a little like it was a cheat sheet to the characters instead of having to flesh out all the personalities (which there would not have been room in this book to cover them all, so this does actually work well with the story). But, I should stress that's just the feeling I had reading the book and I could see others not having an issue with this at all.

I'm really excited about this series and can't wait to get my hands on the next Warrior - uhm, I mean the next Feral Warrior book :) - Obsession Untamed releases in August and Passion Untamed comes out in September.

REVIEW: Twin Temptation By Cara Summers

Twin Temptation

By Cara Summers
Harlequin Blaze - June 2009
4 Heart Review

She didn't know she had a twin...

Maddie Farrell is about to get a double surprise – not only is she an heiress, she has a secret twin sister! What's more, their inheritance depends on temporarily switching places.

And she certainly didn't know sex could be this
good...

Unexpected bonus? Sex with her sister's super hot roommate, Jase Campbell! But he's just a passing - if mind blowing – distraction.

But double the pleasure can also mean double the trouble...

Because as soon as the twin switch is over, Maddie's heading home. Unless she can't outrun the killer who'd rather see her dead than inherit. Or Jase, who'd like to keep blowing her mind – permanently!

Who knew you could wrap a nicely detailed mystery, suspense and romance all in one neat little Harlequin Blaze package? I mean, I knew it could be done, but this book is jam-packed! Somehow Cara manages to keep all the plot points flowing, while still making sure the romance shines. That's why this book deserves extra attention and is truly a step above!

Cara Summers expertly weaves the romance of Maddie and Jase, the mysteries of who killed Eva and robbed her store, and the suspense of who was trying to kill Maddie. It's a lot of story that Cara manages to fit into the traditional Harlequin mold, and she does it extremely well.

The mystery has you guessing, the suspense has you wondering who's around the next corner and the romance has you fanning yourself from all the heat coming from the page. This is three great stories combined into one detailed and well plotted book. What's more, is that Cara even manages to nicely set-up and hint at the “sister” story to this book that will be released in July and features Maddie's twin sister Jordan and her experiences at outrunning a murder plot.

The only thing keeping this from being a 5 Heart Review, was that I didn't feel I got to know Maddie enough to connect emotionally with her. I liked her and thought she and Jase worked well together, but with all the other things taking place in the book something had to go and that was getting to know Maddie better.

That said, you still can't go wrong picking up this book, and I'll venture to say you should pick up the sister's story in July titled Twin Seduction.

Happy Reading!

CHEEKY REVIEW:The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers

Dangerously Demonish...Magically Sexy...Fantastic Fun!


The Dangerous Book For Demon Slayers
By Angie Fox
Love Spell Paranormal Romance
4 Heart Review

Confession: I love paranormal romance – the kick ass heroine who saves the day while being smart and sassy is totally part of why I started Cheeky Reads. In my mind's eye, I picture myself as the girl who can always give the sassy comeback to any quip. In real life? Well, let's just say I try really hard, but my sassy girl tendencies run more to the quirky and comedic.

Which might be why I can't resist paranormal romances that make me laugh out loud. Give me MaryJanice Davidson, Kim Harrison, Judi McCoy, Katie MacAlister and a whole slew of others to read and I'll disappear for days. Not to say I don't crave the darker side of paranormals – I have my own love fest with those as well, but that's for another post.

Angie Fox's newest, The Dangerous Book For Demon Slayers sounded like perfection. Reluctant but spunky heroine just learning her powers? Check. Awesome talking animal sidekick? Check. A supporting cast of characters that provide laughs at all the right places? Check. A brooding paranormal love interest that lets the heroine fulfill her ass-kicking destiny? Triple Check.

Angie Fox brews the prefect spell of a wickedly sexy romance, hilarious high jinks, and the sense of mystery and danger that comes from protecting a paranormal world. So good I read it in one sitting, Angie Fox's Demon Slayer Series is now on my permanent gotta have it list!

Even if you've never tried a paranormal before, don’t miss The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers!

Check out Angie's website where you can learn your Biker Witch name and find out if you're part Demon Slayer. Check mine out in the top left corner - I'm 65% Demon Slayer!

REVIEW: The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers By Angie Fox

Dangerously Demonish...Magically Sexy...Fantastic Fun!


The Dangerous Book For Demon Slayers
By Angie Fox
Love Spell Paranormal Romance
4 Heart Review

Confession: I love paranormal romance – the kick ass heroine who saves the day while being smart and sassy is totally part of why I started Cheeky Reads. In my mind's eye, I picture myself as the girl who can always give the sassy comeback to any quip. In real life? Well, let's just say I try really hard, but my sassy girl tendencies run more to the quirky and comedic.

Which might be why I can't resist paranormal romances that make me laugh out loud. Give me MaryJanice Davidson, Kim Harrison, Judi McCoy, Katie MacAlister and a whole slew of others to read and I'll disappear for days. Not to say I don't crave the darker side of paranormals – I have my own love fest with those as well, but that's for another post.

Angie Fox's newest, The Dangerous Book For Demon Slayers sounded like perfection. Reluctant but spunky heroine just learning her powers? Check. Awesome talking animal sidekick? Check. A supporting cast of characters that provide laughs at all the right places? Check. A brooding paranormal love interest that lets the heroine fulfill her ass-kicking destiny? Triple Check.

Angie Fox brews the prefect spell of a wickedly sexy romance, hilarious high jinks, and the sense of mystery and danger that comes from protecting a paranormal world. So good I read it in one sitting, Angie Fox's Demon Slayer Series is now on my permanent gotta have it list!


Even if you've never tried a paranormal before, don’t miss The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers!


Check out Angie's website where you can learn your Biker Witch name and find out if you're part Demon Slayer. Check it out in the top left corner - I'm 65% Demon Slayer!

Review: Kiss of a Demon King

Kiss of a Demon King

By Kresley Cole

Pocket Romance Books
ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-8094-2

ISBN-10: 1-4165-8094-8

This is the first of the Immortals After Dark series that this CheekyGirl has read, and I'll definitely be catching up with the whole series after reading Kiss of a Demon King! Since Cole does a masterful job of making her world easily accessible, new readers should feel free to jump right into this series. Look for a future review of the previous Immortals After Dark books coming soon!

From New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole comes this spellbinding story of a demon king trapped by an enchantress for her wanton purposes – and the scorching aftermath that follows when he turns the tables and claims her as his captive.

His Obsession...Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions: the evil beauty who surrenders her body, but not her heart.

Her Downfall...Rydstrom Woede: the ruthless warrior who vows to keep her at all costs.

They were never supposed to want each other this much...With each smoldering encounter, their shared hunger only increases. If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them,
will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice for her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to save his sorceress?

From the opening chapter that weaves the tale of Sabine and her sister Lanthe's back story, to the introduction of our hero Rydstrom, Cole sets up a finely crafted tale that delivers some very erotic scenes and a story that will leave you highly satisfied and eager to return to Cole's world!

Cole entertains with a fully fleshed out world presenting the reader with multiple layers and intriguing character facets at every turn. She does an excellent job of showcasing her secondary characters to fill you in on both previous stories and piquing your interest in future ones.

Sabine is a complex character that readers will either immediately fall for – as I did- or she will grow on you even those she contends she's pure evil! Her true character reveals itself as she faces new surroundings and tries to understand her feelings for Rydstrom. He also undergoes a transformation as we see him deal with unexpected desires that conflict with his notorious straight-laced persona.

I had only one small issue with Kiss of the Demon King. Cole does quite the build up to Sabine and Rydstrom having sex, including taunting us with long drawn-out and exquisitely written dialog, only to drop Rydstrom's fantasies and fetishes once the two start accepting their tied fate. Since much is made of his fantasies in the first half of the book, it seems out of place for Sabine not to fulfill those desires.

Even with the ease of erotic moments between the two main characters, this was a fabulous read and I highly recommend it to CheekyGirls looking for an awesome paranormal romance or a new world to discover!

CHEEKY REVIEW: Under The Influence By Nancy Warren

Harlequin Blaze - Feb. 2009

All work and no play, Natalie Fanshaw is an efficiency expert whose latest job might just get her to loosen up and live a little! After one too many lonely meals alone in her hotel room, she heads to the nearest bar for a drink. There she meets sexy bartender Johnny Santini and he's soon mixing up her emotions along with his award-winning martinis. But can a workaholic professional like Natalie fall in love with a beach bum bartender like “Hot Johnny”?

Nancy Warren delivers a cute, sexy read with Under The Influence. Not only did she create a set of engaging characters in Natalie and Johnny, she actually created two with the smokin' hot subplot of Rita and Ben's relationship. From the fun drink recipes, to an outstanding first chapter that really sparks your curiosity, this book was a breezy, fresh read!

This CheekyGirl has never personally liked the beach bum/surfer type before, but found myself falling for “Hot Johnny!” Warren created an all-around hunk of a guy who you'll love to cuddle up to and I'll be mixing up one of those sublime drinks and sitting back to read this one again soon!