Book Promo: Serial Date by DV Berkom

Serial Date

By DV BeRkom

BLURB:

A retired assassin. A serial killer with a social agenda.

A politician with a fondness for free-range livestock.

Determined to leave her old life behind, retired assassin Leine Basso accepts a job working security at one of television's most popular reality shows, Serial Date. When a contestant is found dead in the prop closet, it appears the killer is one of the 'bachelors' on the show- an ex-con billed as a serial killer- but the detective in charge of the case isn't so sure.

Santiago Jensen, a homicide detective with a playboy reputation is assigned to the reality show murder case. There's instant attraction when he meets Leine Basso, but until they catch the murderer, he has to keep his distance.

When Leine's estranged daughter is abducted by a man claiming to be the real killer, she's forced to rely on old skills to find her, and must come to terms with who she really is. She soon realizes the murderer may be a grisly remnant from her past and she'll need to use all of her cunning to stop him and rescue her daughter.

BUY LINKS:
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Excerpt from Serial Date:

He didn't have long to wait. Her green sedan pulled to the curb fifteen minutes later. He watched as she opened the door and climbed out, then shut and locked the car behind her. When she reached the walkway leading to the front door of the house, Jensen got out of his car and crossed the street.

"Leine."

She stopped but didn't turn.

"You need to go." Her voice rippled through the still evening air.

He covered the distance between them and placed his hand on her arm. She turned and he could see by the light of the street lamp she'd been crying. Surprised, he let go.

She turned and walked the rest of the way to her door, fumbling in her purse. Jensen followed slowly, not wanting to spook her.

"Listen, Leine. If there's something wrong, I can help. Just tell me." All of his senses were heightened, being so close to her. He could feel her body heat and smell her hair, her perfume. Something by Chanel, she'd told him the other morning.

"No. You have to leave. Don't ask me to explain." She found her key and slid it into the lock, but didn't open the door.

Jensen edged closer and placed his hand on the small of her back. She didn't move. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling her scent and encircled her waist with his other hand, bringing her closer to him. The feel of her body against his left him unhinged and he bent his head to devour her neck, acting like a man who'd found water after days without. Her breath caught; she offered no resistance.

Her body began to relax into him and a soft moan escaped her. He continued to nuzzle her earlobe and neck, his heartbeat matching his excitement. All sense of time and space vanished. Nothing mattered except Leine.

Without warning she stiffened and pushed him away. Confused, he drew back.

"I can't see you anymore," she said, as she unlocked the door. Before he could protest, she slipped inside and closed it, sliding the deadbolt into place.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the Author:

DV Berkom grew up in the Midwest, received her BA in Political Science from the University of Minnesota, and promptly moved to Mexico to live on a sailboat. Several years and at least a dozen moves later, she now lives outside of Seattle, Washington with her sweetheart Mark, an ex-chef-turned-contractor, and writes whenever she gets a chance. You're welcome to email her at dvb @ dvberkom.com or chat with her on Facebook and Twitter- she loves to hear from readers as well as other writers.
For more information, you can visit her website at www.dvberkom.com.

AUTHOR LINKS:
Website: http://www.dvberkom.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/dvberkom
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/DV-Berkom/e/B004EVOYH6
Smashwords Author Page: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/dvberkom
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/dvberkom
Bad Spirits Book Trailer http://www.blazingtrailers.com/show/1615/

Review: Improper Relations by Juliana Ross

Title: Improper Relations
Author: Juliana Ross
Published: April 23, 2012
Pages: 59 (novella)
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Carina Press
Source: NetGalley
Rating: C
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "It's more than goddamn nice," he growled. "It's bloody perfect, that's what it is."

summary from Goodreads
Dorset, 1858

When Hannah's caught watching her late husband's cousin debauch the maid in the library, she's mortified -- but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she's used to being ignored.

The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she's witnessed, but there's something about Leo that draws her to him.

When Leo claims he can prove that women can feel desire as passionately as men, Hannah is incredulous. Her own experiences have been uninspiring. Yet she can't bring herself to refuse his audacious proposal when he offers to tutor her in the art of lovemaking. As the tantalizing, wicked lessons continue, she begins to fear she's losing not just her inhibitions, but her heart as well. The poorest of relations, she has nothing to offer Leo but herself. Will it be enough when their erotic education ends?

---

Marq's thoughts:
Hannah is a widow who is living with her late husband's family. She is the poor relation that is being tolerated. Leo is the black sheep of the family and Hannah has always been intrigued by him. When she spies him tupping the maid, she is turned on. While married, Hannah's sex life was less than stellar. Though she's no virgin, she is innocent of what it feels like to feel and give pleasure. She wants Leo to teach her and Leo is more than willing to oblige.

I enjoyed reading Improper Relations. I liked that Hannah was not afraid to give in to the curiosity that plagued her. She was willing to explore her sexual needs and wasn't looking for a commitment in return. The novella is very sexy and steamy. Leo is the perfect teacher; patient, accommodating, willing to be used for practice. I thought the overall relationship between Leo and Hannah was perfect. I started to have a problem when feelings started to develop. Hannah was already half in love with Leo but was content to be with him for sex only. She was 30 years old, a widow, with no money and possessions. For her, her life was over. She didn't have any fantasies of a rich, handsome man sweeping her off her feet and marrying her. Leo doesn't want to be married and has made it clear to his family that he will not marry. I didn't buy the HEA for Leo and Hannah. I would have liked the novella better if there was no HEA. I wanted Leo and Hannah to continue their secretive, sex only relationship.

Improper Relations is a well-written and steamy novella. Even though I didn't like the ending, I still enjoyed it. I looked forward to reading more from Juliana Ross.

Review: Wicked Burn by Beth Kery

Title: Wicked Burn
Author: Beth Kery
Published: May 1, 2012 (reprint)
Pages: 343
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher (Berkley)
Rating: B+
Reviewed by: Tabatha

Favorite quote: “I’m Vic.” 
His hand rose to cradle her chin, lifting her face until she met his gaze. Niall’s pulse throbbed madly at her throat when she saw the heat in his gray eyes as they fixed on her mouth. 
“Now that we’ve got that out of the way…” His head dropped slowly. “Let’s get down to the good stuff Niall.”


summary from Goodreads
A red-hot read from a brand-new voice in erotic romance.

He wanted all of her and did she ever let him have it…

Vic Savian knows what he wants when he sees it. And what he wants is his sexy neighbor, Niall Chandler. When he finds her in the hallway of their building being harassed by an aggressive suitor, Vic steps in and finds himself greatly rewarded…

Sleeping with her gorgeous neighbor when she didn't even know his last name was the craziest thing Niall's ever done. Now, she can't seem to get enough of Vic or the uninhibited passion he stirs in her. Suddenly, with his help, she's opening to sensual pleasures she's never known before. But when Niall's past comes back to haunt her, will she and Vic let themselves venture beyond the bedroom and explore the possibility of the love that's in their hearts?

---

Tabby's thoughts:
Seriously. I think my heart rate went will above normal like 150 times reading this book. I would have read it all in one sitting had I not had to do the mommy and wife thing. Yes, it was that addicting. Within the first 5 pages; these two were going at it.. Not the simple, "Oh you look good, we have sex - cut scene" type of going at it either, but the type that makes you wish you were Niall, instead of the one reading the book.

Niall is a simple girl, yet complex at the same time. She has enough baggage that most men would run screaming, yet seems like she has it all together. She has a past that she hardly shares with anyone, not because she has something to hide, but because, even after almost 4 years, she is still trying to come to terms with it. After a night of "company obligation" she's saved from an over eager co-worker by her, sex embodied neighbor, Vic.

Vic has his own secrets... err past that he has FINALLY began to come to terms with. He is a successful playwright and even owns a ranch. So what was he doing in the city, as her neighbor, saving her butt? He happens to live there half the week to be closer to work. After playing the night in shining armor; for whatever reason, they both throw caution to the wind and get down with the nitty gritty. To Vic, it was a one time thing - yet, when she attempted to up and run - he stops her. Way.To.Go.Vic

The two of them together face not only his past, but hers as well. There are several obstacles that are thrown at the both of them and during a few, you got the feeling that the two weren't going to make it through. What I loved about these issues were that they are real. Real stuff that we all go through, or have gone through at some point in our lives. It helped with connecting with the characters.

This was a well thought out story. Nothing seemed to jumbled for me and everything flowed with an ease. I felt that the back stories more than helped give us an understanding of the characters we were reading about.

The only thing I have to comment on is I wish there was a little more back story on Niall's parents. Aside from that, I freaking loved this book!

Review: Acrobat by Mary Calmes

Title: Acrobat
Author: Mary Calmes
Published: May 6, 2012
Pages: 239
Genre: m/m romance
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Rating: C-
Reviewed by: Marq

summary from Goodreads
Forty-five-year-old English professor Nathan Qells is very good at making people feel important. What he’s not very good at is sticking around afterward. He’s a nice guy; he just doesn’t feel things the way other people do. So even after all the time he’s spent taking care of Michael, the kid across the hall, he doesn’t realize that Michael’s mob muscle uncle and guardian, Andreo Fiore, has slowly been falling in love with him.

Dreo has bigger problems than getting Nate to see him as a potential partner. He’s raising his nephew, trying to leave his unsavory job, and starting his own business, a process made infinitely more difficult when a series of hits takes out some key underworld players. Still, Dreo is determined to build a life he can be proud of—a life with Nate as a cornerstone. A life that is starting to look like exactly what Nate has been looking for. Unfortunately for Dreo—and for Nate—the last hits were just part of a major reorganization, and Dreo’s obvious love for Nate has made him a target too.

---

Marq's thoughts:
I've heard nothing but great things about Mary Calmes's m/m romance novels. I jumped at the chance to read Acrobat when I saw it on NetGalley. Plus I really liked the cover and the fact that the main character is an older man.

When I started reading Acrobat, I really wanted to like it. Nathan Qells is a very likable character. He's smart, gorgeous and everyone loves him. In fact, he's too perfect! He doesn't realize that he's hot or that his students crush on him. I liked that we wasn't self-involved and egotistical but after awhile his, "People like me? They really like me?" spiel started to wear thin. I always found the dialog kind of clunky and there was so much of it. I'm a fan of dialog but I felt that in Acrobat, it slowed down the overall story instead of adding to it. There were a lot of phrases that were used over and over. And I think everyone in the book was a neanderthal because they grunted and groaned a lot during normal conversation.

The first half of the book is spent on Nathan and his former student, Sean, trying to get together for a date. But obstacles, personal and professional, keep getting in their way. In the end, I didn't see the point in bringing Sean, the former student, into the picture because there was a nice built up and then everything just fizzled. Was it just another way to show how hot Nate is and how he's completely oblivious to his hotness?

Acrobat started getting better when Dreo, Nate's mobster neighbor, fully entered the picture. This was past the 50% mark. That's a long time to wait for the central love story to commence, especially since the book is less than 300 pages. Again, too much of the book was spent on "other" stuff which took away from Dreo and Nate's developing relationship.

Acrobat worked best for me when the focus was on the developing relationship of Nate and Dreo. I also liked the scenes with Nate and Michael. Everything else felt like filler and for me, it added nothing to the overall story. Even though Acrobat was just okay for me, I am looking forward to reading more of Mary Calmes's work.

Early Review: His Dark Embrace by Amanda Ashley

Title: His Dark Embrace
Author: Amanda Ashley
Release Date: May 29 (digital) June 5 (print)
Pages: 320
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher (Kensington)
Rating: D
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “While I’ve been here, taking care of my mom and trying to keep my dad’s spirits up, Lance has been out on the town with another woman.”


summary from Goodreads
A VAMPIRE’S KISS. A WOMAN’S SURRENDER.

Tall, dark, mysterious—and with a faint scar on his cheek that only makes him more gorgeous—Kaiden Thorne is one schoolgirl obsession Skylynn never forgot. Now, returning to her childhood home after eight years, she can’t believe her reclusive neighbor is still living across the street—and hotter than ever. Skylynn doesn’t know how Kaiden manages to stay so young, virile, and impossibly attractive. But she knows she wants him…even if he harbors a fearful secret he refuses to tell her.

When Kaiden sees the beautiful young woman Skylynn has become, he can no longer control the bloodlust that is his true nature. Once he pulls Skylynn into his arms, presses his lips against hers—and accidentally draws blood—he longs for more. Only she possesses what he wants and what he needs. Only she can save him or destroy him. But once Skylynn agrees to help Kaiden battle his darkest desires, there is no turning back…

---

Ellie's thoughts:
Skylynn McNamara has returned to California after her grandfather’s death to sort out all of his belongings and settle his estate. Skylynn hasn’t been home since she left for college and is shocked to see her neighbor and childhood crush Kaiden Thorne still living across the street. Kaiden hasn’t aged a bit and Sky is shocked when he asks her out fulfilling her childhood fantasy. But Kaiden is not what he seems and the more time they spend together it becomes obvious Kaiden is not what he seems.

Kaiden Thorne has been a vampire for over four hundred years and with the help of his neighbor Mr. McNamara he was able to be a normal person and not a creature of the night. With McNamara death, the formula for keeping Kaiden able to walk in the sunlight is lost and he is desperate to find it. Kaiden is shocked to see Skylynn all grown up and as important as the formula is Kaiden cannot walk away from her. Kaiden is not the only one looking for the formula and soon old enemies are back in Kaiden and Skylynns life and together they must set things right.

I wanted to like this book but I have finally accepted that I am not a fan of this author’s work and need to just stop trying . I found this book to be very cheesy and the dialogue had me spending a lot of time rolling my eyes. The quote I used is the perfect example of the corny things characters say and it made it so hard to read this book. Kaiden and Skylynn aren’t bad characters and I really liked them at first but after awhile they got very annoying. Neither could make up their minds about anything and Sky would run and hide when anything bad happened. Sky seemed very naive and very young, which is not something I look for in a heroine. I don’t think her and Kaiden are a good match and it made it very hard to root for them to have a happily ever after.

I don’t want to give too much away and I don’t want to be super negative. I personally am not a fan of this book or it’s characters and this will be the last book I read by this author out of fairness to her and her fans.

Two Reviews: Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

Title: Lethal Rider
Series: Lords of Deliverance, #3
Author: Larissa Ione
Published: May 22, 2012
Pages: 444
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: NetGalley
Reviewed by: Ellie and Marq

summary from Goodreads
They're here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Born of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday...or let it ride...

Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, Regan Cooper, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he's about to become a father.

Demon-slayer Regan Cooper never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he's ever wanted-a family.

---

**The reviews contain spoilers if you haven't read the previous two books in the series**

Ellie's thoughts: 
Favorite quote: “You have no say over who I have in my bedroom. If I want to invite the entire Miami Dolphins team into my bed and have a big orgy while covered in chocolate sauce, you have no say in that whatsoever.” “My house, my rules. No chocolate NFL orgies in my keep.”

Lethal Rider picks up roughly eight months after Immortal Rider ended. Thanatos, also known as Death, is one of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse and has been frozen for months by his brother and sister. Thanatos always thought his seal, the one if broken would trigger the Apocalypse, was his virginity but that was proven wrong after one night of passion with the sexy Aegis Guardian Regan Cooper. It’s been months since but Thanatos hasn’t forgotten and he will stop at nothing to get revenge on the sexy Guardian who has haunted him since that night.

Regan Cooper should have been killed as a baby for being half demon but the Aegis took her in and raised her giving her the only family and life she’s ever known. When the Aegis asks her to seduce Thanatos and get pregnant with his child to save the world she does what has to be done. Now eight months pregnant, Thanatos has come for her and is shocked to find her pregnant with his child. The spark between the two is still there and grows strong the longer they’re together. The life they have created could be the key to their future but it’s up them if it’s the beginning or the end.

To say that I liked this book is like saying chocolate is just okay. Lethal Rider is my favorite of the Lords of Deliverance series so far and Thanatos is going on my all time favorite book boyfriend list. With that being said I was very hesitant to start this book because of my feelings about Regan coming off Immortal Rider. Regan was very annoying and I was not happy about having to read four hundred pages about her but she slowly redeemed herself in this book and I found myself actually liking her by the end.

There is a lot going on in Lethal Rider as the fate of the world rests with Thanatos and Regan’s unborn child. It seems that everyone, even Thanatos usually faithful servants, want the child dead and the Apocalypse to begin and no one can be trusted. As Than and Regan fight to save their child the more they realize they need one another. I always love stories where the woman is pregnant and I think that really helped me like Regan and Than together. I find few things more beautiful then a man being excited to be a father and stopping at nothing to save his family.

What I love so much about Larissa Ione is that you never know what to expect with each book except the return of some gorgeous Sem brothers. I love Shade and Wraith so much and always get excited when they make an appearance. I love how this book ended and is true Larissa Ione fashion I am now left with just as many questions as I started with. Add in my growing excitement and anticipation about Reaver (Who is he? Will he remember his past?) with the fact that I have no idea what’s going to happen with Reseph I might drive myself crazy waiting for Rogue Rider.

Larissa Ione is one of my favorite paranormal romance authors and each book just gets better and better. I am so happy with Lethal Rider and it was everything I wanted and even things I didn’t know I wanted. I am actually planning on rereading this book just to hold me over because Rogue Rider and November are very far away.

Marq's thoughts:
Favorite quote: "No. I'm pissed. There's a difference. If I were crazy, you wouldn't have nearly as much to fear."


Larissa Ione left us with a mother of a cliffhanger at the end of Immortal Rider. Lethal Rider picks up 8 months later. Than is being held against his will by his siblings by being injected with hellhound venom to keep him immobile while Regan is at Aegis headquarters, waiting to give birth to their son. Pestilence is in even rarer form and is getting more deadly and vicious and powerful.

I will admit that I was not happy with Regan at the end of Immortal Rider. I know that she was manipulated and what the Aegis did was based on planted information, but I was angry with her and the Aegis. When I started reading Lethal Rider, I still wasn't happy with her or Than's siblings. Everyone was doing  what they thought was best for Than without asking Than what he wanted. So when Than was able to escape and went off, they have no one to blame but themselves. Hee hee!

I was on Than's side from start to finish and was pissed at everyone else. Haha! I wanted Than to hold onto his grudge for as long as possible. And whenever someone said they were doing something for Than's "own good", I wanted to grit my teeth and throw my Kindle. Poor Than! They had him trapped in his own mind for 8 months! All that did was manage to fuel his anger and his thirst for revenge. Maybe not the best move.

It took me a while to warm up to Regan, like I didn't really like her until almost the end. It was hard for me to get over her deceit even though she was remorseful and apologized for her part in taking Than's virginity. I'll admit, I wanted her to bleed. Is that wrong? Regan has her own issues with trust. The Aegis is the only family she's truly had so her loyalty to them knows no bounds even when evidence is presented to her that they are not forthright and honest. She is pretty much brainwashed and what the Aegis says is golden. I never liked The Aegis since The Demonica series and my dislike for them as increased with each book in both series.

Like the previous two books in the series, Larissa Ione does a great job of having you at the edge of your seat during the entire ride. The fate of the world rests on Than and Regan's son. That's a lot to put on a newborn baby. While Than and Regan wait for the birth of their son, Pestilence is doing whatever he can to make sure that his nephew does not live.

Pestilence is a super nasty bugger in Lethal Rider and he manages to recruit some allies that will surprise you. Once again, the Horsemen are always two steps behind Pestilence and by the time they figure out their next step, Pestilence has already done his damage and has moved onto the next thing. It was driving me crazy! I'm like you guys are thousands of years old, you should be able to figure this stuff out! Let's get ahead of the program for a change.

When I started reading the Lords of Deliverance series, I wondered how Larissa Ione was going to redeem Pestilence/Reseph. Well, at the end of Lethal Rider, we find out. And it is genius. And with how Lethal Rider ended, I have some theories on who Reaver really is. Ugh I hope we don't have to wait too long for Reaver's book.

As usual, Larissa Ione does not disappoint. She could publish her grocery list and I'd read it. Lethal Rider is another great addition to the series and I can't wait to read Rogue Rider! I love this world so much and I loved that some of the characters from the Demonica series had a bigger role in this book.

I highly recommend this series. Larissa Ione is beyond fantastic. If you don't believe just check out the acknowledgment below. Squeee!!!

And we still can't remember the Big Spoilery information that Larissa told us! Grrr!

Early Review: Shades of Desire by Virna DePaul

Title: Shades of Desire
Author: Virna DePaul
Release DAte: May 22, 2012
Pages: 384
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Harlequin
Rating: C
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “They say that when a person loses one of their senses, it enhances the others. That leaves us at least four we’ve got to work with. And they’re pretty damn good ones, if you ask me.”


summary from Goodreads
WHAT SHE CAN'T SEE COULD KILL HER.
Natalie Jones is the lucky survivor of an elusive killer who preys on young women and then disappears from view. And since her harrowing ordeal, the once gutsy photojournalist has remained isolated in her home, paralyzed by fear and her failing vision. Special Agent Liam "Mac" McKenzie has scars of his own. But despite his efforts to ignore the attraction that simmers between him and Natalie, he needs her help to catch a predator. Soon, they will forge a tentative alliance-charged with desire. Through a soft-focus lens, Natalie dares to envision a future with Mac beyond the investigation...never guessing that the clues hidden within her photographs are drawing them into an explosive confrontation with a madman.

---

Ellies' thoughts:
Natalie Jones was a world renowned celebrity photographer until a genetic disease took away most of her vision. Before she lost her vision Natalie may have witnessed something she shouldn’t have seen and now someone wants to make sure she’s no longer alive to talk to the police. Special Agent Mac McKenzie is one of the most successful detectives in California and he has a knack for catching bad guys others can’t. When Mac meets Natalie sparks fly and Mac soon finds a woman more important than his career and he will do everything it takes to keep her alive.

I am a huge Virna DePaul fan but I really struggled with Shades of Desire. My reading tastes tend to run along the romance line with some mystery, suspense and paranormal aspects thrown in. Shades of Desire does not follow this line and I would not classify it as a romance novel at all. I felt at times that I was reading a James Patterson novel with some sex scenes thrown in towards the end. This is not my type of book and is not what I am used to reading from Mrs. DePaul.

Apart from the non romance Natalie, drove me crazy. Natalie is blind and wants everyone to know it and wants everyone to stay away causes she’s fine on her own. She is one of the most frustrating characters I have come across in a very long time and she rubbed me the wrong way. Natalie also is one of those silly females who likes to put herself in stupid and dangerous situations and then gets mad when she has to be rescued and people are worried about her. I honestly wanted her to get really hurt and stop being stupid.

My biggest issue was that Mrs. DePaul lets you know why everything is happening and who the killer is half way through the book. After that you’re just sitting around twiddling your thumbs waiting for everyone else to find out what you’ve already been told. I found this highly frustrating and really annoying. I believe this is going to be a new series and I might give the next book a shot but I need some more romance if I’m going to spend my time reading almost four hundred pages.