Thursday, May 23, 2013

Anna's Review of "Crisis of Identity" by Denise Moncrief


Anna’s Satin Sheets Romance Review of Crisis of Identity by Denise Moncrief


 
 
Title: Crisis of Identity
Author: Denise Moncrief
Author's Website: http://www.denisemoncrief.blogspot.com

Publisher:  5 Prince Publishing 
Genre: Romance, Romantic Suspense
Length: 189 pages
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Crisis-of-Identity-ebook/dp/B00B5L0I7S















Tess Copeland is an operator. Her motto? Necessity is the mother of a good a con. When Hurricane Irving slams into the Texas Gulf coast, Tess seizes the opportunity to escape her past by hijacking a dead woman’s life, but Shelby Coleman’s was the wrong identity to steal. And the cop that trails her? He’s a U.S. Marshall with the Fugitive Task Force for the northern district of Illinois. Tess left Chicago because the criminal justice system gave her no choice. Now she’s on the run from ghosts of misdeeds past—both hers and Shelby’s.

Enter Trevor Smith, a pseudo-cowboy from Houston, Texas, with good looks, a quick tongue, and testosterone poisoning. Will Tess succumb to his questionable charms and become his damsel in distress? She doesn’t have to faint at his feet—she’s capable of handling just about anything. But will she choose to let Trevor be the man? When Tess kidnaps her niece, her life changes. She must make some hard decisions. Does she trust the lawman that promises her redemption, or does she trust the cowboy that promises her nothing but himself?



Anna’s Review
I loved the concept for this romantic suspense story.  The idea of somebody stealing someone’s identity to escape your problems only to find yourself caught up in that person’s problems was incredibly intriguing to me.   Crisis of Identity started off with a bang and kept me turning pages.  Unfortunately, that didn't last.

The author failed to take the time to develop the main characters.  Tess, Trevor and Jake are very one dimensional people.  I found it very frustrating that I virtually knew nothing about any of them.  The author was very slow to reveal information about Tess and her background.  It wasn't until halfway through the book that we start to get an inkling of Tess’ background, and then it seemed like a cardboard cut-out of a hard life.

The plot that had so much promise became nothing but a series of attempts on Tess’ life and the books resolution left far too many questions unanswered.  A second sub-plot was carelessly swept aside with little explanation.

The romance in this book was practically non-existent.  The author never built a credible relationship between the Tess and Trevor.  After their first kiss he declares he loves her.  Really? Why? Just when the couple  finally begin to communicate Trevor disappears and doesn't reappear to the end of the book.

The book was filled with grammatical errors and unrealistic dialogue.  The strongest curse Tess uses in the book is “jeesh.”  This from a woman whose boyfriend was a drug dealer, her mother was an alcoholic and her father was abusive?


Crisis of Identity was a good concept that failed.






Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Satin Sheets Romance Chats with Author Donna Fasano


What attracted you to writing in the first place?
I came to writing from my love of reading. While growing up, I lost myself in books in order to escape an unhappy childhood.

How has your upbringing influenced your writing?
I think authors who face a lot of pain and anguish seem to write stories with great depth, with honesty and compassion. It could be that dealing with trauma brings out the best (or worst) in people. I believe that losing my mother at such a young age had a huge impact on me not just as a writer but as a human being. I became, I don't know, more maternal towards my family, my friends, heck, towards everyone I meet... more giving of myself. I'm not sure. But I know that the loss could have made me bitter and angry. I'm just so grateful that the exact opposite seems to describe me.

Where do you get your inspiration and ideas from?
My mind is always on the alert. I take ideas from everything I see, hear, read, experience. I have been known to take a snippet of conversation overheard in an elevator and turn it into a book (Return of the Runaway Bride), or from a location (His Wife for a While), or from a person I met (Taking Love in Stride). So be careful! If you interact with me, you might end up in one of my novels. 

What was your favorite part of this book to write? Which part was the hardest?
I really enjoyed writing the love scenes. In my sweet romances, all the 'spice' takes place behind closed doors. So this was very fun. And which part was hardest? The "kitchen love scene" (naughty pun intended!).

If you could live inside the world of a book, which book would you choose?
Pride and Prejudice. Love that Mr. Darcy!

Give your fans three fun facts that they may not already know about you.
I love to cook! (I often post recipes on my blog.)
My reading tastes are crazy-eclectic. I read anything and everything.
I'm a little on the chubby side. 

Chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry?
Depends. If we're talking ice cream, then vanilla… and I love mine topped with sliced banana and warm caramel sauce. If we're talking cake, then chocolate, and don't forget the fudge frosting. If we're talking milkshakes, then strawberry. Wow, now I'm hungry.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
I put my heart and soul into this Reclaim My Heart, and I think it shows… in the characters and in the story.

So what’s next for you as an author? Any last words?
I'm thinking of writing a book that revolves around three friends in different stages of marriage, but I'm not sure yet. I've worked very hard on Reclaim My Heart and I'm going to take a few days off. Then I'll get back to work!

Sixteen years ago, Tyne Whitlock cut all ties to her past and left town under the shameful shadow of a teenage pregnancy. Now her fifteen-year-old son is in trouble with the law and she is desperate for help. But reaching out to high-powered attorney Lucas Silver Hawk will tear open the heart-wrenching past in ways Tyne never imagined. 

Forced to return to the Delaware Indian community where Lucas was raised, Tyne and Lucas are tempted by the heated passion that consumed them as teens. Tyne rediscovers all the reasons she found this man irresistible, but there are scandalous secrets waiting to be revealed, disgraceful choices made in the past that cannot be denied. Love is a powerful force that could heal them both—if the truth doesn't rip them apart.


Purchase Now:  Kindle  §  Nook  §  Kobo


Here's a peek at Reclaim My Heart...

"Oh, wait. There's someone here to see you."

He frowned. "I don't have time today."

"I know, I know." Martha looked apologetic. "I tried to explain that your schedule is packed, but she insisted on waiting—"

"She?"

Martha glanced down at a pad on her desktop. "A Ms. Whitlock. Tyne Whitlock."

Lucas stared. Blinked. Then he reached up and tugged at his tie, wondering who the hell shut off the room's air supply.

"She's waiting in your office. I tried to tell her your schedule was full, but…" Concern sharpened Martha's tone. "Are you all right? She said she knew you. That you were old friends. That she'd only take a minute of your time. Should I not have let her in?"

Martha droned on and he watched her lips move, but he didn't hear a word of what she said. A blind-sided punch wouldn't have stunned him more than hearing that name. He lifted his hand and nodded at Martha to let her know everything was okay even though he had no idea if it was or not, then he turned and headed down the corridor.

"Don't forget Larry and Nate. They're waiting!"

Martha's warning sounded like a distant echo.

Tyne. Here. In this building. In his office.

What had it been? Twelve, thirteen… no. Sixteen years. He scrubbed his fingers across his jaw.

He turned the corner and came to an abrupt halt. At the end of the corridor, the door of his office stood ajar. He saw Tyne's perfect profile as she sat in a straight-backed chair staring at something out of his line of view.

In an instant, Lucas was catapulted into the past.

Darkness surrounded them like a cloak. Tyne's soft sobs tore at his heart. Of all the girls he'd dated—and there had been more than a few—only she brought out in him a fierce compulsion to protect.

He swiped away her tears, the dark color of his thumb a stark contrast against her creamy white skin. 

"I don't understand them, Lucas. I never will."

"Don't worry," he crooned. "It's going to be all right. Trust me, babe. They can't keep us apart. You'll be eighteen soon too. We can do what we want then. Go wherever we want."

He cradled her, his back supported by the massive pin oak. And when she stopped crying, she pulled away from him and gazed into his eyes. Her sweet face wrenched his heart and caused heat to spark his desire. Never had he wanted a girl the way he wanted Tyne. Raw need coursed through him.

She cradled his face between her palms and drew him to her. Her lips were hot against his. The kiss grew hungry, their breathing labored.

"Our love will last forever," she whispered against his mouth.

He heard the question in her quavery tone, responded to her need for reassurance.

"Forever," he groaned, tugging her down onto the mossy ground.

Lucas tilted his head to stare at the carpet in front of his shoes and gulped in the artificially-cooled air as he dragged his way out of the past. The grip he had on his attaché case made his hand throb almost as much as the memory had caused his groin to go all achy and needful.

Of course, their love hadn't lasted forever.  

He was within steps of the door when Tyne glanced in his direction. Nuances of various emotions passed across her face. And it was a striking face, Lucas couldn't deny it. The years had refined her features--

She stood, smoothing her palms across the fabric of her skirt.

—and ripened her body. Her eyes were the same vivid blue he remembered, and her white-blond hair was still long and straight. He could easily recall the silky feel of it brushing against his bare chest. As teens, he'd thought of them as the perfect juxtaposition: she, all sunshine and light, he, dark like the night.

He forced his gaze back onto her face.

"Tyne." He entered his office, puzzled by the strain in his voice. What really confused him was the fact that he couldn't seem to get his tongue to form anything more.

"Hi, Lucas. It's been a long time." Her lush mouth pressed into a nervous smile, and his gut tensed.

He wanted to smile back. He truly did. With every fiber of his being. To let her know that he'd survived the sprawling interim since they'd parted just as well as she obviously had. But he couldn't smile. Couldn't speak. Couldn't think.


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Donna Fasano is a three time winner of the HOLT Medallion, a CataRomance Reviewers Choice Award winner for Best Single Title, a Desert Rose Golden Quill Award finalist, and a Golden Heart finalist. Her books have sold over 3.6 million copies worldwide and have been published in nearly two dozen languages. Her books have made the Kindle Top 100 Paid List numerous times, climbing as high as #17.

What others are saying about Donna's books:

"...complex, funny, and realistic..." ~Wilmington News Journal

"Excellent!" ~Bookreview.com

"Could not help myself from reading excerpts to my husband and friends. This book is well written, the characters are real, everyday folks. It is very easy to identify with them. Donna Fasano is a talented author." ~Elizabeth M. Caldwell on Amazon

"...a fast paced riotous look at family life today. Donna Fasano is right on target!" ~Donna Zapf, SingleTitles.com

Follow Donna Fasano at  Website  §  Facebook   §  @DonnaFaz  §  GoodReads  §  Pinterest

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Doug's Satin Sheets Romance Review of Eternal Lovers - Sekhmet's Guardians - Book One





Title: Eternal Lovers - Sekhmet's Guardians #1
Author: V.S. Nelson
Author's Website: V.S. Nelson.com
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Genre: Paranormal Romance with a Bit of Action/Suspence
Length: 446 pgs
Buy Link: Eternal Lovers - Sekhmet's Guardians #1

Summary:


When two hidden worlds collide near modern day Lake Michigan, Jennifer, a young Native American is confronted with the reality, not
everything is as it seems and things do go bump in the night. The questions she has long since asked are answered in this epic tale of self
discovery when she meets Gabriel, the director of Guardians Inc.

Born in New Tuat, Netchkhet, now known as Gabriel came to Earth some 5,000 years ago to protect the human race. Disillusioned because of an
unfulfilled prophecy, he has become cold and distant - even from those of his kind. Secretly, he waits for his enemy to take his head so he may leave
this world for good.

Can a tiny Jen melt his hardened heart and restore his faith in a power far greater than himself? When history repeats itself, can he save her from
death's embrace or will they be robbed of a future again?



Doug's Review:


When I received this book I took one look and thought “Another indie vampire romance” …. I am SO glad to say it became one of the better PNR books I have read this year.

The story of Gabriel and Jennifer will lead you into places you have not visited much in Paranormal Romance, starting with the fact that Jen starts this book already married to someone else and no he is not beating her or anything like that, you will probably enjoy the twist (and nobody cheats and nobody dies, LOL).

Gabriel has suffered in grief for centuries due to the loss of his only love in an attack far back in ancient Egypt. He has really just existed and lived only for revenge on the follower’s of Set who took her life and since it seems the war that humanity is not even aware of is winding down, so is his reason for living.

Along comes Jen who he cannot keep his eyes off from the first moment they meet (yes the old MINE attraction) and while the romance takes longer than you might think based on that, you have to remember she is married and Gabriel is honorable if nothing else.

This novel hits the right balance of sex, romance, action and drama for me and I enjoyed it immensely but I have to point out a couple of things that hit a sour note for me.

It seems I have read about 4 books this year where the writer used “your’ and “ you're” as interchangeable words and that always breaks my concentration since to me (and I seldom mention editing) but I found these particularly glaring.

This book is around 450 pages which I loved but what it did was allow the author to get carried away a time or two in her descriptions and wanderings but it again was a minor thing but I only mention it because she overwrote the last chapter or two which became a bit of a drag to finish up the book. Sometimes less is more it would seem.

Bottom Line: This was an excellent story and the writing was good and not too overdone with verbiage, any complaints I have are minor and I already grabbed the next book in the series which will pair up one of the secondary characters with a “entity” from this book (yes you will love this idea also). The author does not seem to suffer from a lack of imagination so I give it 4 Stars and would have been more with a small bit of editing which would include some more concise writing but make no mistake; this is an awesome story I cannot wait to get back to reading in book #2.









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Monday, May 20, 2013

Satin Sheets Romance Review of Josie’s Thorn by Lisa Vandiver



Monday-May 20, 2013 Satin Sheets Romance Review of Josie’s Thorn by Lisa Vandiver
Title:  Josie’s Thorn


Author:  Lisa Vandiver
Length:  165 pages
 
 
Synopsis:
Josephina McCrea returns to her Utah family ranch after her parents are killed in a plane crash and her brother injured in a mountain climbing accident, leaving him in a coma.

Upon arriving at the ranch, she is met with adversity in the form of sabotage, possible financial distress, and customers wanting to end their contracts because she's now in charge.

She finds an ally in Jacob Rainthorn, her former teenage lover, but as the mystery develops, so does their passion for one another. Can they find love together once again or will the secrets they each hold from the other cause even more pain than they are able to handle?

Is Jacob Rainthorn to be her destined lover, or forever a thorn in her heart?

Find out in this mystery romance that is filled with suspense, drama, danger, and passion for the reader who loves all of these beautiful things wrapped up in one energetic and enticing novel.
 
Anne’s Review:
Josephine seems to have her life together while living in New York and then family tragedy forces her to come back to her family ranch in Utah.  While there she has to confront her past which includes her once teenage love Jacob.  As she is dealing with the loss of her parents and her brother’s accident she realizes she has to work with Jacob to save the ranch and possibly their lives. 
At times Jacob came across as your typical alpha male and a bit of a jerk but he more than makes up for it.  I like the fact that Josephine is a strong woman and the sexual tension between her and Jacob was off the charts.  I was impressed at the way Lisa made the secondary characters, Esther and Calvin as well as the sweet dog Bo an intricate part of the plot line.
This is the first book of Lisa’s that I had the pleasure of reading and I can’t wait to read more.  Perhaps Josie’s brother Jackson may get his own story.  If you love romance, suspense and mystery, I recommend this book you won’t be disappointed.   
 
 

 
 

 


Sunday, May 19, 2013

Kimberley's Satin Sheets Romance Review of Blind Date by Morgan K. Wyatt


                  Kimberley's Satin Sheets Romance Review of Blind Date by Morgan K. Wyatt









Title: Blind Date
Author: Morgan K. Wyatt
Author's Website: http://www.morgankwyatt.com/
Publisher: 
Secret Cravings Publishing
Genre:
Erotic  
Length: 37pages
Buy Link:  
BLURB:
Darla never had time for love. Even though she worked in the perfume industry that epitomizes romance, no appropriate male ever wandered into the picture. Maybe that's why she accepted her friend's suggestion to fix up her up. Desperation and a desire to make sure she even remembered how to act like a woman as opposed to a corporate warrior. Too bad, her arranged date fell on the eve before her meeting with some hot shot Italian nobleman she needed to sign for her company's continued success. Even more ironic, her blind date Alex, besides being the poster child for all things delicious, had a sexy Italian accent. The accent alone should have reminded her of the need to prepare for her meeting. Instead charmed by Alex's old world manners and animal magnetism, she allows him to take charge and forgets about business. Two things she'd never done before.



Kimberley's Review....
    It may be a short, quick read. But it is everything I wanted. I loved Darla take charge until she meets sexy Alex. And Alex *swoons* I could go a few rounds with him yummy. Darla and Alex were made for each other. So grab this book! And settle down and enjoy the ride, b/c it is a great one.
 
 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Angela's Satin Sheets Romance Review of A Titan for Christmas by Aria Kane




Saturday- May 18, 2013 Satin Sheets Romance Review of A Titan for Christmas by Aria Kane
 Title:  A Titan For Christmas
Author:  Aria Kane
Author’s Website:  www.ariakane.com
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Length:  46 pages
Find It On: Amazon
      When Jenna's job as an engineer makes her miss her flight home from the mining colony on Titan, she's heartbroken she won't be able to make it back to Earth in time for Christmas with her family. Until a coworker gives her another option: private cargo pilots sometimes take on passengers.
      Grayson pilots the only ship leaving Titan in time to make it back to Earth before Christmas. He doesn't want any passengers, but Jenna convinces him to take her on the three-day trip. Neither of them had planned for the passion that erupts between the two of them on the tiny cargo ship.
     Then Jenna realizes Grayson is transporting extremely dangerous cargo. When she discovers why a man like Grayson would take such a risk, she has to decide whether she'll turn him in or help him.
Angela’s Review:
                This novelette is a Science Fiction Romance set on some sort of “energy” space station called Titan. 
               I feel Ms. Kane did a wonderful job creating characters that were memorable and I was able to connect with them, despite it being such a short read.  Grayson’s description was spot on for my type of hero. Long, wavy hair that gets pulled back when he’s ready to get to work is very sexy, and he has a heart.

I loved Jenna’s ingenuity and her ability to fix just about anything. It gave her that hot “tom boy” edge and I thought the hero and heroine were a great match for one another. I could envision her with adorable grease smudges all over her nose, and that no doubt played a major factor with the hero!
This book was quick, but very entertaining and I found myself wanting to see more of this couple. Perhaps another space adventure, since they seemed to blend so nicely together. Even though this was a science fiction setting, it wasn’t too over the top for those who just enjoy a sweet romance.  If you’re looking for a fast read and like warm-hearted stories then you should give A Titan for Christmas by Aria Kane a try.
Satin Sheet Pillow Rating:
Heat Rating: