Call Me Wicked by Jamie Sobrato

Someone wants Lauren Parish dead, just because she happens to a witch. Unfortunately her most recent lover Carson McCullen manages to show up at exactly the wrong time. While her world doesn’t approve of witches taking mortal lovers, Lauren is forced to take Carson with her, otherwise the witch hunters would kill him to get to her. Now forced to hide in a safe house, Lauren must remain celibate despite the hot guy with all the right moves sharing her room. Now assuming Lauren manages to escape the witch hunters, will she be able to protect Carson from the killers in her world?

While this story is a bit on the dark side, it was still enjoyable. Definitely worth reading for anyone who likes both Blaze and paranormals.

Details: Blaze #238, June 2007

Excellence Rating: Very Good

Steaminess Factor: yummy

Private Confessions by Lori Borrill

Trisha Bains wants her boss, Logan Moore in a bad way. Unfortunately he’s the type that’s more likely to date a blonde bimbo with an over inflated chest and an under inflated mind rather than someone with brains and ambition like herself. But since every other man she meets pales into comparison, Trisha turns to a virtual sex web site to fulfill her fantasies. After suffering through a painful divorce, the last thing Logan wants is a smart girl. But after dating a string of airheads, he turns to the Internet for comfort. While he really likes his star employs Trisha, he’s afraid that starting a relationship with her would end in divorce just like his first wife. What neither Trisha, nor Logan realizes was that their online fantasy lover is really the same person they’re lusting over in real life. Now what happens when the truth is revealed and their fantasies become reality?

While reviewing this string of first books from Temptation/Blaze authors, it seemed fitting to review Lori Borrill’s first Blaze. Even for a Blaze this story is hot and I liked the story twist involving virtual sex over the Internet. This book shows Lori’s potential as a writer and I’m looking forward to her next book.

Details: Blaze, February 2007

Excellence Rating: Very Good

Steaminess Factor: Heat Wave

Untouched by Samantha Hunter

Raised in secret by the CIA, Risa Remington used her superhuman skills to read other people’s thoughts. Six months ago, an accident erased Risa’s abilities and then the CIA cast her aside like a broken piece of equipment. Risa was completely unprepared for life in the real world; she didn’t understand basic concepts like friendship and love. When CIA began to wonder if Risa had really lost her powers, they dispatched Daniel MacAlister to evaluate the situation. Unfortunately, the merest touch by Daniel triggers Risa’s powers for the first time since her accident. Now Daniel must decide where to love Risa or clean up the CIA’s problem – permanently.

This is perhaps Sam’s best book to date. I still don’t have a clear picture of what it takes to earn the Extreme label, as the paranormal aspect of this book ranges from very mild to non-existent. I do know that Sam created some powerful characters, which I’m certain you’ll enjoy when you read this book. The secondary characters also add a lot of charm to the story. If you’re a fan of Sam Hunter, you definitely need to read this book.

Details: Blaze #299, January 2007

Excellence Rating: Great

Steaminess Factor: Heat Wave

Secret Santa by Janelle Denison, Isabel Sharpe, and Jennifer LaBrecque

It’s Christmas time at Connoisseur Magazine where hundreds of workers are ready to celebrate Christmas. Each department in the magazine has its own secret Santa gift exchange where three lucky women will open the gift of a lifetime.

In He’d Better Watch Out! by Janelle Denison, Amanda Creighton gets advice from two imaginary advisers, Devilish Desiree and Angelic Angie regarding the gift she should get for the office hottie, Christian Miller.

In The Nights Before Christmas by Isabel Sharpe, Cathy Ann Johnson receives a special gift from her secret Santa, but when she drops by to show her appreciation, but afterward she learns that she thanked the wrong Santa.

In Mistletoe Madness, by Jennifer LaBrecque, Tatiana Allen finds herself forced to play secret Santa to Cole Mitchell, her arch rival plus learns that she has four days to review four restaurants with him too. Now can Tatiana save herself or will she find herself trapped under the mistletoe with Cole?

With three steamy romances by three talented authors, this Blaze is a very nice Christmas present from the editors and writers at Harlequin. Read it and enjoy

Score: Very good

Details: Blaze #292, December 2006

The Mighty Quinns: Declan by Kate Hoffmann

Someone is stalking Dr. Rachel Merrell, who is better known to her radio listeners as Dr. Lillian Devine. The threatening letters force the radio station to hire Declan Quinn’s private security firm to keep her safe. From the moment Rachel and Declan meet, sparks fly and soon Declan wonders who’s going to protect Rachel from him. But when the threats escalate, Declan is forced to hide Rachel somewhere private, but their mutual attraction may prove to be their undoing.

The final book in the Mighty Quinn series features the middle brother Declan and is just as spicy as the other novels in this series. Kate did a good job at crafting the mystery of the stalker, while creating interesting characters at the heart of the story. I found it a real pleasure reading this book.

Details: Blaze #291, December 2006

Score: Great

The Mighty Quinns: Ian by Kate Hoffmann

Marisol Arantes is new to Bonnett Harbor and has already set Police Chief Ian Quinn’s siren wailing when she displays her explicit artwork in the window of her new boutique. Instead of convincing her to hide the artwork, Marisol convinces Ian to pose nude for a new painting despite Ian’s bet with his brothers to remain celibate. But little did Ian realize that Marisol is mixed up in an even bigger mystery, one that could land her in jail or even worse. Now Ian must find a way to protect his lover or he’ll lose her forever.

Another hot Blaze, featuring the oldest of the Quinn brothers. I loved Marisol and her adventurous style, especially her aversion to underwear ;) . I also enjoyed the way Ian managed to find a way to solve the mystery and save the day. This is a cute adventure, filled with all the sex that made Blaze popular. If you love reading about the Irish brothers, you’ll love this book.

Details: Blaze #285, November 2006

Score: Great

With His Touch by Dawn Atkins

Sugar Thompson owns Spice It Up, a sex resort, with her partner Gage Maguire. While Sugar feels it’s franchise the business, Gage is reluctant. However, Sugar convinces Gage to consider the idea. So they pose as clients to study the marketing benefits of the resort, and end up sharing the hottest sex they’ve ever experienced. Unable to talk Sugar out of franchising the business, Gage prepares to leave the company. Now it’s up to Sugar to convince Gage to stay.

Dawn creates another spicy romp with a hot adventurous couple, whose relationship is filled of conflicts. You’re certain that they can’t stay together at the same time, you know they can’t bear to part ways. A nice beginning to the Doing It…Better series. If you’re looking for a traditional Blaze with filled with steamy sex, you’ve found the right book.

Details: Blaze #294, December 2006

Bottom line: A great book

Bad Influence by Kristin Hardy

Paige Favreau rushed to her grandfather’s side the moment she heard he was hurt in an auto accident. At the hospital she met bad boy, Zach Reed who was waiting for his grandmother. Little did Paige know that Zach’s grandmother lived next door to her grandfather and that her grandfather’s accident involved Zach’s grandmother. Soon Paige finds herself in the middle of the grandparents’ feud and wishing that she was in the middle of Zach’s arms. Now it’s up to Paige to make her wish come true.

In the first of the final three stories from Kristin’s Sex and the Supper Club, we find an unlikely couple – a conservative interior designer who’s comfortable with her current life and a free wheeling musician, who’s struggling with his career. Both characters are rich and full of depth. I enjoyed how she worked in some of the other characters from the supper club into the story. Definitely worth reading.

Details: Blaze #295, December 2006

Bottom line: A great book

Taste of Temptation by Carrie Alexander

Zoe Aberdeen’s looking for the story behind the lust potion. But when she can’t get any information from the police labs through normal channels, she turns to her nerdy neighbor, Donovan Shane who just happens to work in the police lab. While Shane has been feuding with his neighbor since she moved in, he feels bad about turning her down, so he decides to do a little testing. Unfortunately, the tests are inconclusive until he gets a taste of the potion. Then he finds himself working closely with Zoe to solve the mystery behind Lust Potion #9.

Nerds rule! :D While Shane is a pretty good nerd, I don’t think Zoe is the reformed Paris Hilton-like character the story makes her out to be. The story is full of twists and turns that are completely unexpected. All in all, Carrie created a fitting conclusion to the series and one I recommend to all Blaze readers.

Score:Great

Details: Blaze #296, December 2006

It’s a Wonderfully Sexy Life by Hope Tarr

Officer Mandy Delinski got stuck with guard duty at a Christmas Eve party. The only good thing about the duty was meeting the bartender, Josh Thornton. After the party they spent some time at a coffee shop, but Mandy declined Josh’s invitation to spend the night. The next day, she saw Josh again – in the morgue. She struggled through the next few days wondering what would have happend if she went home with him. But when a New Year’s Eve wish returns her to Christmas Eve, Mandy finds she has a second chance. Now will Mandy choose to relive that week again or will she try to change her future?

After three Extreme Blazes, I’m still confused. This book doesn’t have the same intensity that the first two had, though it does have a bit of a paranormal plot like the first one. While I may be confused about what constitutes an Extreme Blaze, I’m not confused about the story. I loved it. The characters were interesting and I liked Mandy’s efforts to solve the mystery behind Josh’s first death. I highly recommend this book.

Details: Blaze #293, December 2006

Bottom line: A great book

Relentless by Jo Leigh

While Kate Rydell does her best to hide in plain sight, she finds herself the only witness to a gang related murder. Now with two groups seeking Kate, analyzing the data becomes even more difficult. And even more important. When Detective Vince Yarrow’s friend is assassinated in his hotel room, the only witness disappears. But Vince refuses to give up and soon has Kate in his sights. When he promised to protect her, he never realized that the least of his problems are the gang members that want her dead. Now it’s up to him to keep her safe until she finishes her work, even if it costs their lives.

This is the first volume in the In Too Deep… series. I’m very impressed with the story Jo created and the plot is among the most complex I’ve ever seen in a Blaze. It’s a masterpiece and you’ll never know what to expect next. The tension between the characters is great. Though I’m sorry I read the book now, because I’ll have to wait until January to read the next volume. :( If you love romantic suspense at it most dangerous, buy this book now.

Details: Blaze #289, November 2006

Bottom line: A great book

Tell Me Your Secrets… by Cara Summers

Brooke Ashby just learned she has a twin sister – a twin sister who’s been missing for five weeks. Knowing that Cameron may be the victim of foul play, Brooke decides to assume her sister’s identity and make an appearance at her home. But little did she suspect that she’d fall into bed with her sister’s fiancé Sloan Campbell. Sloan knows that the person claiming to be Cameron isn’t, because he’s far more attracted to this woman that his fiancé. Now can Brooke succumb to Sloan’s charms before she finds the person behind her sister’s disappearance or will she suffer the same fate as her sister.

I really enjoyed the soap opera writer heroine and how she managed to tie everything back to the stories she wrote. I also liked seeing Pepper again from When She Was Bad… (Blaze #239). Cara did an exceptional job with the mystery and the ending was very powerful. This book would definitely be worth reading a second time. If you enjoy complex Blaze stories, then I know you’ll love this book.

Details: Blaze #286, November 2006

Bottom line: A great book

A Scent of Seduction by Colleen Collins

When the San Diego Times book editor Kathryn Walters dabs a touch of the magic elixir behind her ear, she attracts the attention of hunky sports editor, Coyote Sullivan. But does Kathryn really want his attention? After all they’re both competing for the Crest of the Wave prize for best editor on the paper. And the prize money would go a long way to rebuilding her life after what happened three years ago. But she can’t help herself and neither can Coyote. But the real problem is can she hold on to Coyote, even after she runs out of Lust Potion #9

Interesting characters, some tension and a lot of hot sex add up to a very nice story. I think Colleen did a very good job of tying Kathryn’s past problems to Coyote’s current problems, plus using quotes from an erotic murder mystery really made things interesting. If you’re looking for a hot read, you definitely need to check this book out.

Details: Blaze #290, November 2006

Bottom line: A very good book

Infatuation by Alison Kent

Milla Page reviews dating hot spots for MatchMeUpOnline.com. Despite all of the men she’s taken to these places she still hasn’t found a replacement for Rennie Bergen, her college lover. However when his business card shows up in the “booty bowl”, Milla decides to go for and arranges to take him out on her next date. Soon Milla and Rennie are back in bed (and many other places too ;) ) reliving their time in college. But both Milla and Rennie need something else to form a real relationship. But is Milla ready to bare her soul to her lover, or will she have to suffer through a second breakup with Rennie?

Alison based Rennie’s character on from Jessie James who stared in Monster Garage (a cool show broadcast on The Discovery Channel for four seasons :) ). The story is filled with hot sex and sexual tension and you’ll also see glimpses of their past, which explains their actions in the present. Unfortunately, she didn’t share all of the details on Rennie’s project car. I know at least one reader that would have enjoyed reading that part too :D . Still, if you’re an Alison Kent fan, you’d better have this book

Details: Blaze #287, Novvember 2006

Bottom line: A great book

Decadent by Suzanne Forster

Ally Danner’s sister has run away and she fears that she’s inside Club Casablanca, a private men’s club catering to only the extremely powerful. She knows from personal experience that inside the club the women are treated as property and men can use, trade or even include a girl in a poker bet as they see fit. While staking out the club, Ally finds someone else trying to get inside. Sam Sinclair has been working his way into the club for days, but now he finally has his gold key, which gives him complete access to the club. But when Ally turns up in his bed, his plans go to hell as she convinces him to sneak her inside. Now that she’s inside, just how far is Ally willing to go to rescue her sister?

Suzanne also wrote the first Spice novel, and this story has a lot of the same flavor, but is far less explicit that you might expect. Instead she pushes the tension between the characters right to the limit. I really enjoyed the book, though I would have enjoyed seeing more inside the club, along with watching Sam play a game of poker with Ally as the stake. But then again, this is Blaze – not Spice. Guess I’ve got to track down some of her other books. If you’re interested in a story that pushes the limits of what you can do in a Blaze, you definitely have to read this book.

Details: Blaze #288, November 2006

Bottom line: A great book

The Maverick by Rhonda Nelson

Julia Beckham agrees to repay her father’s debt to Colonel Garrett by using her skills as a relationship therapist to help forge a new team to replace Project Chameleon. Garrett also calls in a favor owed to him by Guy McCann, the former leader of Project Chameleon. Together Julia and Guy are given just one week to forge the bonds between the members of the team so they work together as a single unit. But how can the team function as a unit if their instructors can't work together. When the couple finally resolve their differences, they find that they can’t get enough of each other. But at the end of the week, will their new bonds break as the couple goes their own ways or will they remain together.

In the final book of the Men Out Of Uniform series, sparks fly the instant Julia and Guy meet. But each has their reasons for remaining uninvolved. Also, Guy is convinced that Project Chameleon can never be replaced as the new team is filled with conflict also as leader of the new team, Richard Rutland, was the main responsible for Guy, Brian and Payne owing favors to the Colonel. Unfortunately Rutland didn’t play a significant part in this story and I really would have loved to see how the conflict between the two would have been eventually resolved. Still, I really enjoyed this book. If you’re looking for a very hot read, Rhonda’s book won’t disappoint you.

Details: Blaze #283, October 2006

Bottom line: A great book

The Specialist by Rhonda Nelson

Emma Langsford is not exactly your average individual – not after eight years in the Army. When family responsibilities forced her to leave the military, Emma put her future on hold to take care of them. Unfortunately taking care of her family meant that money was always tight and meant she couldn’t afford to turn down any opportunity to earn extra money. So when a former commander offers her a lot of money to retrieve a civil war era antique, Emma agreed even before he could change his mind. Little did she know that another Army officer wanted the same object and had called in a favor to get ex-Major Brian Payne aka The Specialist to retrieve the same object. From the moment they meet, Emma and Brian understood that only one of them would end up with the object. Now can Emma win the competition despite the sexy hunk, or will she succumb to her passions and give up the money that could save her family and her future.

This is the second book in the Men Out Of Uniform series and it’s just as hot as the first. I loved the little traps they set for each other and how they each tried to distract the other while searching for the antique. The ending is well done, even though you could see it coming for most of the book. If you like Rhonda’s other books, you’ll definitely like this one.

Details: Blaze #277, September 2006

Bottom line: A great book

The Mighty Quinns: Marcus by Kate Hoffmann

Born to billionaire parents, Eden Ross’s childhood left only one thing to be desired – love. As far back as she could remember, Eden found herself a pawn in a battle between her parents. And given their money and materialistic attitude, it’s no wonder that Eden turned out to be the tabloid’s favorite party girl. The one that everyone wanted to sleep with. Except for Marcus Quinn. While restoring a boat for Eden's father, Marcus found her on board, trying to hide from the world. While he was tempted to throw her overboard, he decides doing so would ultimately cost him his job, along with any prospect of future referrals. But when Eden finally shows him a glimpse of the real person inside, Marcus must decide whether it’s worth risking her father’s wrath or give Eden the love that she so desperately needs.

I was a little apprehensive about this book when I picked it up as I hate jumping into a middle of a series. And starting out the story with a bunch of Irish kids only compounded things. However, it turned out that I really loved Eden. I enjoyed reading about the arrogant woman, who’s totally filled with self doubts and who’s self destructive behavior is practically explosive. Add to that, Marcus - a text book example of a gamma male, you have the makings of a very powerful couple. Which translated into a great book for me to read. I’m curious to see how the next book in this series turns out.

Details: Blaze #279, October 2006

Bottom line: A great book

The Pleasure Chest by Jule McBride

Tanya Taylor loves artwork as only an artist could. When she sees a painting of a pirate dating back to the 1790’s, she just has to have it, even though her credit card says she shouldn’t. Then one evening she finds a mysterious stranger in her bedroom that bears a striking resemblance to the pirate in the painting. Stede O’Flannery enjoyed taking human form for the first time in years, though he knew he had exactly one week to fall in love or the curse will return him to the painting. And without love, he’ll have to wait patiently until his next opportunity to take human form arises. But love requires two people. Now can Stede convince Tanya that he’s in love with her, or more importantly can he convince himself?

This is a cute story about an interesting couple. I really enjoyed Stede’s personality and how he had adapted to modern life. Tanya was also an interesting person too. But I really wish that Moon Beam played a larger role in the story. She's too interesting of a character to have just a walk on role in the story. The basis for the story shows that Jule has a very creative mind and I’m looking forward to reading her next book.

Details: Blaze #281, October 2006

Bottom line: A very good book

Asking for Trouble by Leslie Kelly

Lottie Santori left the safety of family in Chicago for a small town in Pennsylvania where a serial killer once lived. She arrives at the old Seaton House hotel only to find that it’s no longer rents rooms, but is now the private residence of Simon Lebeaux. Simon is a troubled person, who wants to be left alone with the ghosts of his past, but Lottie refuses to go away. Lottie on the other hand, needs the information that’s buried inside the hotel and sees its sexy owner as a bonus. When some accidents force the couple together, the sparks fly. But the sparks don’t change the man inside and Lottie must choose to wait for the man to make peace with his pat or walk away from potentially the most important person in her life.

This Dark and Sexy Night story is written in a mix of first and third person, with point of view changes each chapter. I love the way that Leslie announces the character’s point of view at the start of each chapter. This book is a little on the dark side, which is 180 degrees out of phase when compared to Leslie’s previous Trouble book (HQN). In fact it was very hard for me to believe that both books were written by the same author, which merely shows how talented she is. If you like dark books, then this one should be at the top of your reading pile.

Details: Blaze #280, October 2006

Bottom line: A great book