Sunburn by Rosanna Leo

There’s more going on at famed Helios Resort in Mexico than meets the eye and Patience O’Conner is going to figure out what, even if it kills her . . . which is exactly what Death has planned.

Patience O’Conner is a travel blogger who lives for her work. Her dedication to her readers brings her to the famed Helios Resort in Mexico, a locale that stuns her with its beauty but at which she suffers from some very strange accidents.

Luckily, hunky resort bartender Apollo Delos is always there in the nick of time, a malcontent guardian angel. Apollo stuns Patience again and again with his life-saving abilities, to say nothing of his smoldering looks and apparent desire to keep her alive.

Before long, Patience wonders if there is more to the sexy bartender than mixed cocktails and insane first-aid skills. Something strange is happening at Helios and Apollo doesn’t want to talk about it.

Can Patience open herself up to this enigmatic man, even though she is terrified to be vulnerable again? And can Apollo recover from an eternity of hurt and learn to trust once more? They must both decide before Death comes calling.

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Another fabulous entry in Leo's series about the Greek pantheon. This one features Apollo, and is substantially different from the first two books in the series, though that is all to the good in my opinion. Where For the Love of a Godhad a down-to-earth practical(ish) feel, and Sweet Hellhad something of a fairytale feel to it with their journey through Hades, this one has a very exotic feel to go with the exotic setting. The setting comes alive so well here that at times you almost feel like you should put on sunscreen and a hat for protection from the sun while reading it.

Naked in Death by J.D. Robb

In a world of danger and deception, she walks the line--between seductive passion and scandalous murder...

Eve Dallas is a New York police lieutenant hunting for a ruthless killer. In over ten years on the force, she's seen it all--and knows her survival depends on her instincts. And she's going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, an Irish billionaire--and a suspect in Eve's murder investigation. But passion and seduction have rules of their own, and it's up to Eve to take a chance in the arms of a man she knows nothing about--except the addictive hunger of needing his touch.








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Mystery isn't my usual genre to read in, so I'm not as sure how to evaluate those aspects of this book, though I will say that I found the case Eve was working on to be fascinating. Horrific, yes, but also fascinating with all of the information given about how Eve goes about trying to find the killer, from identifying and eliminating possible suspects, to the profiling and other research she does. You get the real sense that even though technology has improved by Eve's time, not a whole lot has changed really with how the police go about trying to solve a crime.

The Rebound by Emilia Mancini

Still reeling from catching her husband in bed with his mistress, the last thing Casi Hanson is looking for is romance. When she meets brokenhearted Conner Bennett, she thinks she has found exactly what she needs.

Their mutual desire for a “no strings attached” sexual relationship offers the opportunity to explore fantasies and fetishes their spouses denied them and the freedom to walk away when they are done.
The only fantasy too taboo is falling in love.

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A spellbinding story of two people who meet by chance at a function just as both of their marriages have fallen apart. They start off by pretending to be there together to save face and to get through the evening, but one dance is all it takes for it to become more. They become lovers that night, and enter into a steamy, "no strings attached" affair, but is that all it will ever be? Do they even want it to ever be more, or will they be satisfied with their friends-with-benefits arrangement indefinitely?

Uprising by Dawn Jayne

Heralds are the most powerful of all angels, secretive and feared, created for a single purpose. Only those most courageous and worthy earn a place within the elite choir, and only by breaking ancient oaths held sacred can the honor be stripped. It's a punishment that hasn't been imposed in over two-thousand years, until a single reckless act sets off a firestorm, threatening to consume all creation.

Rise Hawke never suspected she'd been marked to play a role in the deadly events unfolding in the spiritual realm. Independent and resistant to authority, she isn't thrilled when she meets Dominik, an angel with new wings, an old grudge, and a mysterious agenda he's determined to impose.

Vowing to uncover the secrets kept from her, Rise soon learns that knowing what you are isn't nearly as dangerous as discovering why. Hunted by those who want to destroy her, and controlled by those who would see her fulfill her purpose, she is forced into a brutal battle set in motion long before she was ever born. It soon becomes clear that what one angel will risk to earn the title of Herald, is matched only by what another will do to keep it.

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An oddly compelling book that starts off fairly low key and unassuming, but gradually builds upon itself, pulling you in deeper as it goes. It reads quite quickly, even for a slow reader like myself, and for a long while it seems merely ordinary. Good, but ordinary. Then, somehow, it becomes more than that, and by the end it will have you all turned right round wondering which way is up in this complicated tale, and just how deep does the rabbit hole go, for I don't think we've even begun to plumb its depths by the end of this book.

Sweet Hell by Rosanna Leo

Dionysus, Greek god of wine and theater, is the world’s original playboy. But lately, he has been restless, moody, and he knows something is wrong. His carefree and bacchanalian lifestyle is starting to feel like one long string of meaningless sexual escapades. Even worse, he is suddenly aroused by the idea of marriage. To top it all off, Josie Marino, the mouthy, disheveled, and eternally annoying woman who serves him coffee at the local bakery, sets him on fire.

Josie, a Toronto baker of Italian heritage, is not looking for love or lust. Especially not with Dionysus Iros, the most aggravating, demanding customer she'd ever had to serve. With his rippling muscles and sexy, knowing eyes, he's obviously trouble with a capital T. Unfortunately, he's also the star of her every X-rated dream. She’s known players like Dionysus before, and one of them almost got the better of her. Josie determines she will not fall for his considerable physical charms, come hell or high water.

But Dionysus turns strangely protective when a sinister character arrives at Josie’s bakery, and they can no longer deny their unwanted feelings for one another. They are forced to embark on a bizarre, sexually-charged journey to hell itself, which threatens to either change them for the better, or destroy them.

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This second entry in Leo's untitled series about the Greek gods and goddesses is every bit as entertaining as the first. Delving deeper into tales and concepts from Greek mythology, this one literally takes us on a journey through hell that's full of such rich imagery that any student of the Greek myths is sure to appreciate it. The tone is far from scholarly, however, and instead manages to make a journey through Hell seem like it's mostly a bit of sensual fun, though not without its terrors and tense moments to be sure.

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father...the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner...are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.



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This is an excellent story that will take you on an emotional journey and shines a harsh light on things like the nature of prejudice that might have you seeing it in a different light. Readers should probably be warned that this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that will leave you a bit slackjawed perhaps that it could end that way, so you might want to have the second book handy by the time you finish this one if cliffhangers bother you. Whether the questions get answered in the next book or not, you'll most likely be wanting the answers at the end of this one.

For the Love of a God by Rosanna Leo

Conservator Maia Douglas is an expert on ancient Greece and its mythology. She would never tell anyone at the museum where she works, but she's always had a secret crush on the mythical Eryx, Greek god of love. There is nothing she loves more than to tend to her favorite statue of him, and her nighttime dreams are filled with luscious images of Eryx making love to her.

One day, the peace at Maia's beloved museum is shattered when a new director arrives. A man who looks exactly like her image of Eryx. As Maia watches, he manages to upset her ordered museum world, at the same time he inflames her with unwanted desire.

Maia does not know that her new boss is actually the god Eryx, disguised as a mortal so he may work in antiquities. Although he is the god of love, he has forsaken his sexual nature because of a curse that has killed any woman he's dared to love. Though he fights it, Eryx is drawn to Maia with a force he's never experienced in a thousand years. But can he convince her of his true identity? And can he protect her from a vengeful goddess who seeks her destruction?

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A fun, refreshing story that manages to embody many different dichotomies within it. It's funny and serious, playful and suspenseful, reverent and irreverent, heartwarming and heartbreaking often at the same time, and the list could probably go on. Just when you think you know what to expect next, Ms. Leo takes it into an unexpected turn, keeping you guessing as to how it's going to play out right up till the end.

An Angel's Soul by S.L. Armstrong

An Angel's Soul by S.L. Armstrong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

M/M isn't usually my thing, but this story was really sweet. The emotions are raw, and it's easy to feel Cole's pain and Raziel's longing. The sex was very touching and loving, and almost made me forget I was reading about two men. Truly, this is very much a love story, not just a gay romance story.

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Come to Me by Sofia Grey

Summer Meadows is a gifted psychic, and used to seeing ghosts, but sexy cowboy Jack McKane is unlike any spirit she has ever encountered.

 He doesn't know he's dead.

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A great little short story that keeps you a bit off balance, wondering just what is really going on. Summer is a great character and it's easy to relate to her and her longing and confusing regarding Jack, though some might wonder at the fact that she can accept a ghost as a lover so readily. She's obviously used to dealing with spirits, however, so it's not that far of a stretch to think she'd be ok with having one in her bed as well. As for Jack, well, what's not to like about a gorgeous, loving, attentive, and endowed lover? I'd think that such would be many women's fantasy whether it's with a ghost or a real person. The action between them is hot, and the ending will probably leave you going "awwww!". 4½ stars to a wonderful story.

• Come To Me on Goodreads 
• Sofia Grey's website

Chosen by Heather Fleener

In the beginning...there were Vampire

Man’s fall from grace sparked the birth of the Dark creatures from the underworld. To counter the explicit threat to mankind, divinely-created immortals were brought forth. The Witch encompassed seven Castes of power; their magic was most effective against the nefarious agenda pursued by the evil ones.

She is Chosen
Kaitriana’s gift of magic is unrivaled. A descendant of the most powerful Ancient in existence, her birth was foretold ages before her time. Destined to lead the Witch faction, she is betrayed by her own kind, destroying her birthright and all hope of delivering the Realm from the sinister shadow of the Ancient Dark.

He is the Key
Lorcan is a mighty warlord in the Vampire species. His animosity towards the magical immortals is personal - his mother was their Queen. Having long since severed all ties with his former kin, his existence remains plagued by the repercussions of her treachery and a secret that threatens to be his downfall.

They are the Prophecy
An arcane prophecy from the time of the Ancients proclaims that only two in all of creation can bring peace to the Realm. When Kaitriana miraculously appears seeking his protection, Lorcan must forsake his duty and disregard the dictates of his breed to shelter the female. Together they must combat the Ancient Dark and surmount the forces within their own factions that would oppose the Prophecy. Their fates have always been entwined and only when joined can they triumph over a blood feud that has shadowed the Light for millennia.

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An interesting introduction to a story idea that has a very epic feel to it. While this book does stumble a bit at times I think, the world it is building is fascinating and the characters are vivid and believable. It introduces you to enough of the larger story to make you want to know more, while giving you a fairly complete story of how Kaitriana and Lorcan come together.