The Summoner
By Alisha Steele

Aphrodite’s Apples Press
Paranormal Erotic Romance
Warnings:  MFM and FFM scenes.  Bondage/spanking.  Graphic Language.
364 pages
$6.99
Available Now



Alex Brannigan is having that dream again.  It is the one where she can hear someone calling her name but no one is there.  They call to her, referring to her as the summoner.  Fed up she does the only thing that she can think of.  She calls out to the most persistent of voices, "I summon you.   And those three tiny words change her life forever.

Kasdeya is one of the Fallen, a demon who has been sentenced to punishment by his Prince, Shaitan.  The only one who can release him is the summoner, a mortal woman who doesn’t seem to know the power that she wields.  So now he has a plan. Use her to gain his freedom and then leave her.  But she is more than he could ever have imagined and his decision is not so easily made.

Life for the two of them is only beginning but the complications are piling up around them.  She can control him, but there is a price for that.  Then Shaitan arrives looking to finish his justice by demanding a night with Alex.  And there is the little thing about God’s warrior, Uriel, who it seems has his own plans for Kasdeya. 

The Summoner is a fantastic read with twists and turns on every page.  Ms. Steele managed to portray successfully that life in hell could be fun and that Shaitan might be more than he seems.  Kasdeya is a hero that any woman could and would fall in love with.  Alex is his perfect counter part.  They compliment each other in every way and the sex is hot.  The secondary characters added richness to the story that left you eager for the next book where maybe one of them would be hero/heroine.  I thoroughly enjoyed The Summoner and hope that each of you gets a chance to read it.  5 out of 5 Quills

Reviewed by Debbie H.
June 16, 2007
Cascadia Wolves: Tri Mates
By: Lauren Dane
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
ISBN: 1-4199-0703-4
Werewolf/Ménage
136 Pages
Available Now


There is tension between the Cascadia werewolves and the Pacific werewolves and a mediator from the National pack is called in to help work things out.  Tracy Warden is going to help represent her pack, the Cascadia wolves.  She has just ended a relationship that is going nowhere and is itching for something…More.

Nick Lawrence is the Enforcer of his pack, the Pacific wolves, and it is his job to represent his pack in the discussions.  He is a sexy man with his choice of agreeable women.  The last thing he expects is to meet his mate.

But Tracy and Nick are mates and after a quick tryst in the maze the bond is sealed.  Immediately they are both bombarded with intense feelings of love that come from the sealing of the bond.  Nick is second in his pack and all of the men in his family are already bonded.  But Nick and Tracy need a third to complete the tri-bond ritual that is required of all werewolves mating.

Gave Murphy is the mediator sent from National to iron out this issue.  He is immediately drawn to Tracy and makes a rash decision that changes all of their lives.  He will be their third.  Only it turns out that he is more than their third.  He is their mate as well.  Although extremely rare the tri-mate bond does occur.  And with Tracy, Nick and Gabe it has.

Tri Mates is a well crafted story that goes beyond your average were wolf read.  Ms. Dane doesn’t just give you a glimpse at werewolves mating and changing from form to form.  She gives you real issues that expand the story without detracting from the central love triangle that is forming.  There is money laundering, jealousy, betrayal, and the fear of a werewolf mafia.  While several of these could have detracted or even diminished the story Ms. Dane was able to mesh a well crafted gem that left this reader panting for more.  I’m eager to see where the next story takes us and which of the several brilliant supporting characters will get the starring role.  5 out of 5 Quills!

Reviewed By Debbie H.
March 14, 2007
kissing photo by the saint

Guide to Trek Mi Q’an is a quick reference to all things created and shared in the Trek Mi Q’an series by Jaid Black.  It contains a complete list of the books in the series as well as background information such as Geography, evolution, the planets and moons, royal lineage, the ruling family, political culture, religious life, a glossary of author created terms and phrases and an in depth look at  the main characters.  It is a must have for all fans of this series.

But what I enjoyed the most where the glimpses of the woman behind the series, Jaid Black.  I love the story behind the story that she shares with readers.  I love her sense of humor and the way that she shows no fear in telling you what she was thinking or not thinking when she wrote something.  I enjoyed the different looks of her evolving covers for the first book in the series.  This Guide gives an intriguing look at a woman many try to emulate but none can compare to.  Jaid Black’s Guide to Trek Mi Q’an is definitely a required addition for fans of this series.
5 out of 5 Quills

Reviewed by Debbie H.
June 10, 2007
Guide To Trek Mi Q’an
By Jaid Black
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
ISBN:  9781419911774
Series Guide
40 pages
Available Now
Jessica Ballinger just wanted a cup of coffee but what she got was so much more.  First she was stabbed and killed, only to find that her spirit was still here.  She had no idea what to do or where she was supposed to go. That is until Deacon Chance happened on her crime scene. Turns out that he could see her. So Jessica stuck to him like glue determined that he would help her find out who killed her. What she found was a talking cat, a soul mate, a voodoo priestess, the devil and angels.  Plus there is the small fact that she just might be some descendent of Satan’s former lover. Just when life starts to feel boring, death brings a whole new dimension to her life. Or should we say death?

Ghost of a Chance is a funny book that takes you into the death of Jessica Ballinger.  It is filled with twists and turns that take you on an adventure straight into the hollows of hell.  J. Morgan is excellent at witty humor and the inevitable laugh out loud moment. It was a fun story to read and with the set up complete for a second installment, I'm watching for more on the adventures of Jessica, Deacon and Church.
 
3 out of 5 Quills

Reviewed by Debbie H.
June 9, 2007
Ghost of a Chance
By J. Morgan
Triskelion Publishing
ISBN:  1-60186-159-1
Paranormal
137 pages

Gina Ryan left the life of a cop behind and stepped into the role of chef on a luxury cruise ship.  Never once did she miss the past with all that she encountered in this new job. There was always something going on the ship and it certainly didn't hurt that a big producer wanted her for a cooking series. To bad that Blaine, the head of beverages, was willing to do anything to take that limelight for herself. But even Gina never realized just how far Blaine would stoop to get what she wanted. That is until Gina met one man who made her question everything she thought she was willing to give up.

Trace O'Halloran was hurt badly enough on his last mission that all of his chips were deactivated and removed.  Not a good feeling for someone who is used to his accelerated abilities thanks to the government Foxfire program.  He could deal with that though.  What he couldn't deal with was the new assignment Ryker sent him on, as a passenger on a luxury cruise ship. 

But it was more than a pleasure cruise.  This ship was carrying something very important to the future of Foxfire and it was up to Trace to make sure that nothing happened. When he saw Gina on board there was no denying the sexual chemistry that ignited between them, no matter how hard they both tried.  With the sudden appearance of an old enemy they are forced even closer and there will be no guarantees for either of them.

Code Name: Bikini is yet another masterpiece of romantic suspense by Christina Skye.  The mixture of suspense, intrigue and sexual tension in her books is always guaranteed to take you on a roller coaster ride filled with twists and turns at every corner.  Her stories are always filled with rich scenery and such a tapestry of secondary and background characters that you are always anticipating the next adventure. And adventure is definitely what she gives you. We've been given glimpses of Trace O'Halloran in other Code Name books and his story has been much anticipated. She is one of the few writers who is a master at unfolding the intricacies of well crafted plot so that you are just as absorbed on page two hundred fifty as you were on page six. Christina Skye is one author that I feel safe buying anything she writes. No matter what the storyline, it will never disappoint me. I can hardly wait for the next in her Code Name series and as many of her fans, am keeping my fingers crossed for the one story we all want. Izzy Teague.  5 out of 5 Quills.


©Reviewed by Debbie H.
June 9, 2007
Austin Green hasn't been back home since he left at eighteen. His father wanted nothing to do with his gay son and refused to acknowledge him.  Now Austin is back for his sister’s wedding.  Can he avoid a scene with the father who still can’t accept him and the mother who did as his father told her?  Then Austin steps into the elevator and everything changes in just a matter of moments.

The man in the elevator is none other than Tony Rumalati...the father of the groom.  Although openly gay, even Tony doesn’t want to cause a scene at his son’s wedding.  But what do you do when you finally meet the one that you’ve been waiting your entire life for?  Hide in fear or embrace the gift handed to you?  In one brief weekend Austin and Tony will have to decide.

Feels So Right by Carol Lynne is another winner.   Always one to tug at your heart strings, Ms. Lynne’s newest release deals with the issue of bigotry and how it can destroy families.  Austin is exiled by his father and as a result doesn’t get to speak or see his mother.  His contact with his sister is limited as well.  What hurts the most is to hear his father claim that he doesn’t have a son. 

Tony is at the other end of the alternative lifestyle spectrum.  Once married, Tony is now openly gay.  His ex-wife is a good friend and his son is accepting of his father’s life choice.  Of course Tony also has money and that opens doors for him that might not be otherwise.  Feels So Right does an excellent job of revealing the good and bad side of family life when it comes to gay members.  As always, the sex is so hot it scorches the pages.  A great read for fans of this genre.
4.5 out of 5 Quills

Reviewed by Debbie H.
June 16, 2007
Code Name:  Bikini
By Christina Skye
HQN Books
Romantic Suspense
ISBN:  0373772092
ISBN-13:  9780373772094
375 Pages
On Sale June 29, 2007
Feels So Right
By Carol Lynne
A part of the
Naughty Nuptials Series
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
ISBN:  9781419909993
Quickie/ Gay/ Contemporary
45 Pages
Available Now
There is tension between the Cascadia werewolves and the Pacific werewolves and a mediator from the National pack is called in to help work things out. Tracy Warden is going to help represent her pack, the Cascadia wolves.  She has just ended a relationship that is going nowhere and is itching for something…More.

Nick Lawrence is the Enforcer of his pack, the Pacific wolves, and it is his job to represent his pack in the discussions.  He is a sexy man with his choice of agreeable women.  The last thing he expects is to meet his mate.

But Tracy and Nick are mates and after a quick tryst in the maze the bond is sealed.  Immediately they are both bombarded with intense feelings of love that come from the sealing of the bond.  Nick is second in his pack and all of the men in his family are already bonded.  But Nick and Tracy need a third to complete the tri-bond ritual that is required of all werewolves mating.

Gave Murphy is the mediator sent from National to iron out this issue. He is immediately drawn to Tracy and makes a rash decision that changes all of their lives. He will be their third. Only it turns out that he is more than their third.  He is their mate as well.  Although extremely rare the tri-mate bond does occur.  And with Tracy, Nick and Gabe it has.

Tri Mates is a well crafted story that goes beyond your average were wolf read. Ms. Dane doesn't just give you a glimpse at werewolves mating and changing from form to form.  She gives you real issues that expand the story without detracting from the central love triangle that is forming. There is money laundering, jealousy, betrayal, and the fear of a werewolf mafia.  While several of these could have detracted or even diminished the story Ms. Dane was able to mesh a well crafted gem that left this reader panting for more. I'm eager to see where the next story takes us and which of the several brilliant supporting characters will get the starring role.  5 out of 5 Quills!


©Reviewed By Debbie H.
March 14, 2007
Cascadia Wolves: Tri Mates
By Lauren Dane
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
ISBN: 1-4199-0703-4
Werewolf/Ménage
136 Pages
Available Now
Sheala is a Drakan, sexually trained in the art of pleasure.  And when the time comes for her to choose her first lover she can't help but be attracted to the visiting Gattan, Marljas.  The sexy lion man fascinates her especially when he forms a bloodbond with Sheala's sister by marriage, Brianna. Now Marljas sports a dragon clan tattoo on his shoulder with a roaring lion just beneath. He is sex personified and she intends to have him.

Marljas, much to his dismay, is just as attracted and intrigued by Sheala.  As much as he fights her, the outcome is undeniable and on the night of her party he takes her to his bed.  Sheala had cur him on the throat with one of her knives and in Gattan culture this means that she has made her intention known that she wishes to mate with him.  Marljas finds himself wanting her for wife, and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants.

But a sinister plot is unfolding, involving more than they realize, and Sheala is kidnapped facing torture and rape.  When Marljas and her family rescue her she initiates the Gattan blood rite that will unite her and Marljas as husband and wife.  And dealing with the after affects of her capture is just the tip of the iceberg for what is in store for them.

Sheala is a wonderfully written novel that exams the complexity of inter cultural marriage and all the implications and complications that come with it.  Sheala and Marljas faced real issues, one of which was the sexual relationship in the after math of rape.  It contained assassin plots, family betrayal, cross cultural sexual taboos and much, much more.  Although I worried that the complicated plot would divert the reader in too many directions Ms. May did a phenomenal job of creating a real world that pulled you in and kept you there anticipating each new turn of the page. Although I did not read the first book in this series I was still able to understand and fall in love with the characters.  I look forward to reading the first and hopefully many more in this amazing series. 
4.5 out of 5 Quills.



©Reviewed By Debbie H.
March 16, 2007
Celestial Passions - Sheala
By Judy Mays
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
ISBN:  1-4199-0485-X
Futuristic Plus Size
212 Pages
Available Now
to page 2 of Debbie's Reviews

Guide to Trek Mi Q'an
By Jaid Black
Ellora's Cave

Ghost of a Chance
By J. Morgan
Triskelion Publishing

Code Name: Bikini
By Christina Skye
HQN Books

Feels So Right
By Carol Lynne
Ellora's Cave

Cascadia Wolves: Tri Mates
By Lauren Dane
Ellora's Cave

Celestial Passions - Sheala
By Judy Mays
Ellora's Cave

How About Tomorrow?
By Jenna Bayley-Burke
Wild Rose Press

Anchor and Storm
By Kate Poole
Ellora's Cave

page 4's reviews
Jack is going out on his first date since he lost his wife to cancer five years ago and his daughter is all for it.  He is meeting friends for dinner and they are bringing a friend along.  Turns out she is a single mom with two teenagers as well.  They find that they have common interests and goals and seem to hit it off really well.  When he takes her home at the end they both realize that they would like to see each other again.

How About Tomorrow? is a quick snippet of a story that gives an intriguing look at a generation of people starting over whether it be because of divorce or death.  You see the anxiety, nerves, and fear of approaching the dating pool again.  Ms. Burke has the makings of a great novel in these pages and I hope that she continues the story. 
3 out of 5 Quills.

Reviewed by Debbie H.
March 23, 2007
How About Tomorrow?
By Jenna Bayley-Burke
The Wild Rose Press
Sweetheart Rose Edition, Rosette
10 pages

Emily Sinclair is a Highland Scot who finds herself in a situation no lady ever desires.  She has lost her home and her family in the fierce battle that has led to the defeat of her people and now she must find work where she can.  She counts herself lucky when she procures the job of governess for a family but her boss desires more than her help with his children.  She finds an unlikely ally in the Uncle of her boss.  The Earl of Callander, Edgar Armstrong is her knight in shining armor and when he offers to sweep her away she gladly agrees.

Lord Callander, Edgar, fears that he has fallen in love for the first time in his life.  He wants nothing more than to marry Emily and spend the rest of his life making her happy.  But he is plagued by a disease that may inhibit his ability to please her in all the ways of a husband.  Although Emily has no qualms about that, Edgar longs for one last wish before his time ends.  He wants a child with the woman he loves.  But when he is told that his illness will be past on to a child everything changes and he comes up with the only alternative he can.  Emily must take a lover and through him provide Edgar with a child and heir.

Angus MacNeill is a Highland Scot who has lost everything, his title, his lands, his family.  Sentenced to indenture his servitude is bought by Lord Callander and Angus is put to work as the groom.  He is shocked when he meets the new wife of his boss.  He is even more shocked when they ask him to become the surrogate father of the Earl's child. They have no idea just what they are asking of him for they have no idea of just how he feels about Emily.

Anchor and Storm is an emotional roller coaster ride that will in turns make you laugh, cry, and scream with anger and frustration.  These three amazing characters call to you each in their own way and tie you into the story.  Ms. Poole has delivered one of the best books that I have read in a long time and I eagerly await more from this author.  Anchor and Storm is a must read that will leave its mark on everyone who reads it.  5 out of 5 Quills!


©Reviewed by Debbie H.
April 20, 2007
Anchor and Storm
By Kate Poole
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
ISBN:  9781419910050
Ménage A Trois or more/ Historical
145 Pages
Available Now