Book Review for: Innocent Deception

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Book Review for: "Innocent Deception"
Written by: Tami Dee
Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-61252-085-8
Avail as ebook only
5 Stars

Dee pens a suspenseful tale fraught with lies, greed, betrayals, and love with "Innocent Deception." Since the night Ceana and Sorsha were born, lies have dictated the path their lives have taken. When Scotland's Silent Scourge must take a wife, will something finally good come out of a lifetime of deception?

The story opens in Scotland, 1030 AD. It's a tough time with Viking raiders attacking the coast, and surviving depends more on a man's fists than kindness. The night Ceana and Sorsha are born, the twins are separated from their mother. Sorsha is raised as the laird's legitimate daughter while Ceana is forced to serve as her maid. Several miles away, at the MacLean Castle, the laird does not find favor with his legitimate first born son, favoring his illegitimate son. After a night of heavy drinking, the laird beats his wife within an inch of her life. Secretly, she sneaks away to her father's estates to keep herself, and her sons, safe.

Royal Ethan MacLean finds safety with his mother's family. He grows into a strong, strapping lad, earning the reputation of the Silent Scourge of Scotland for his fierce fighting skills and his silence. Ethan, however, is quiet for a reason. He suffers from a stuttering problem.

Ethan is forced into taking a wife when Sorsha's family kidnaps his brother, Sionn, holding him hostage until the wedding. Reluctantly, Ethan agrees.

Sorsha and her maid, Ceana, are escorted to Ethan's home, by Diarmard, Ethan's cousin. During the escort, Diarmard discovers Sorsha's temperament is despicable and her behavior toward Ceana is abusive. When Sorsha has an accident and "dies," Diarmard concocts a plan to save Ceana's life. Will Ceana's innocent deception save hers and Sionn's life or result in bloodshed?

Dee weaves a tight, fast-paced plot which will surprise the reader and keep them guessing. The dialogue brings a nice authenticity to the story. The descriptions allow the reader to picture Ceana's world without lingering.

Both Ceana and Ethan have obstacles to overcome. Ceana has to learn how to deal with her shyness due to Sorsha's abuse. Her inner strength is something to be admired. Ethan discovers that at times kindness is a better way to handle a problem than with his fists. His perseverance and loyalty are qualities that bring out the heroism in him. The supporting cast is interesting as each learns to deal with deception in their own way.

The love scenes are sensual, hinting at an emotional intimacy deeper than the physical. "Innocent Deception" will have the reader on the edge of their seat wanting to learn about Ceana's ultimate fate. The story promises to linger long after the reader puts it down.

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.

Book Review for: "Claimed by the Highlander"

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Book Review for: Claimed by the Highlander
Written by: Julianne MacLean
St. Martin's Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-4229-6532-3
Avail: in print and eBook
5 Stars

MacLean pens a story filled with adventure, suspense and romance. Angus MacDonald storms the gates of Kinloch Castle intent on claiming his family's home, only now the MacEwens are there and in order to claim the heart of the castle, he'll need to earn Gwendolen MacEwen's love.

Set in 1718 Scotland, Gwendolen's family was given Kinloch Castle for their support of the English Hanoverian King. Unfortunately, her father has recently passed, leaving the castle vulnerable. Enter Angus MacDonald. His father previously held the castle. He storms the gates and asserts his right as the new laird. He also announces his intention to wed Gwendolen.

The MacEwen lass is mortified by Angus' plan, but strikes a deal to marry him to keep the peace when she witnesses his leniency toward her clan. Still, she betrays him by sending a letter to the local English garrison asking for help.

Angus is furious to learn that his intended betrayed him, but he holds firm to his promise not to bed her until their wedding night.

Despite all the initial anger and hurt between Angus and Gwen, there's no denying the raw, primal attraction between the two. Gwen softens toward her intended when she observes little acts of compassion from him. Angus awakens Gwen's sensual side and soon learns that he enjoys his wife's lovemaking. Angus and Gwen come together over common ground, but can they build the trust needed to keep Kinloch from falling into the wrong hands?

MacLean grabs the reader in the opening chapter with a suspenseful and intense fight and the plot never lets up. The vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue make Angus' and Gwen's story spring into life.

The most enjoyable part of the novel is the rich characterization of Angus and Gwen along with a strong supporting cast.

Angus is a warrior who has made mistakes. He doesn't think he can atone for them, but Gwen's growing affection give him something he's never known before - hope. The scene with Angus and Gwen in the chapel allows Angus to really grow as a character as well as lets the couple shine romantically.

Gwen is proud and haunty. Angus shows her unexpected compassion which softens her edges. Gwen must learn to trust and prove to Angus she means what she says.

The love scenes are sensual and romantic and allow for Gwen and Angus to really connect as a couple. "Claimed by the Highlander," will leave the reader breathless. You can't put it down.

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.

The Joy Of Erotic Novels

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Novels blended with eroticism are not a new phenomenon. But the way they are gaining so much attention is definitely new. The main reason erotic novels are loved by so many is the fact that these novels do not miss out on the details of sex that are customarily ignored. Sex is natural and hence forms an integral part of everybody's life. So, at times, it makes perfect sense to get to read the details of explicit sex as this completes the theme and plot of the novel. But if you do not want to go into the details of sex, then such novels are not your cup of tea.

Erotic novels are usually mixed with various themes that you can choose from. You can get an erotic novel that matches exactly what you would normally enjoy. Doesn't that sound awesome? If it does, its time you put aside all that embarrassment and browse the internet or a bookstore for your erotic novel. Some of the themes that are integral to these novels are romance, women's erotica, and any other theme that you can find in traditional novels. Crime, mystery, supernatural phenomenon, vampires and so on are some of the popular themes explored by these novels. In fact, such novels can be a perfect way to get away from the monotony of regular novels that deliberately avoid details of sex. If you want a novel to show the relationship as it is then such a novel is good for you. Keep in mind that though erotica is typically written by women, there are many prolific male writers who come up with excellent details of explicit sex.

So are you wondering which of the erotic novels you might want to read? Well, among the most established writers, Nora Roberts, Alexander Pushkin, Barry N. Malzberg, D. H. Lawrence, Mark Twain, and Susie Bright have a few excellent contributions in this area, with soft and hard erotic actions detailed. However, this list is just an example for you to get started. You will learn more once you garner a little more experience after reading a few of them. Then you can set the tune for yourself.

With hundreds of writers and thousands of erotic novels available, you will find that there are some that will meet your specific needs. Whether you want a novel to read alone and excite yourself or you want to share it with a friend or partner. You can get such novels for all purposes. When alone, you might not bother about the amount of details about sex being explained. However, when you want to share, you might want a soft but quality detail of the sex. And there are novels for both of these situations.

Finally, just have an open mind while reading erotic novels. As the term implies, they are supposed to be erotic and sexually arousing. If you don't have an open mind, you will not get the most out of it.

Reading erotic novels offer a great solution for boredom and even a break from the realities of life. Erotic stories inspire good feelings and can take you away to a world that is funfilled and exciting. Join the fun at barbieseroticbooks.com today!

Book Review For: "No More Lies"

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Book Review for: No More Lies
Written by: Mona Risk
Published by: Mona Risk
Avail as: ebook
5 Stars

Risk explores the damage lies can do to love in "No More Lies." Dr. Olivia Crane is a successful psychiatrist. Her world is turned upside down when her old boyfriend, Lucien George is invited to her university to consult. Will Olivia's lifelong lies interfere with her efforts to rekindle her relationship with Luc?

Set in contemporary Ohio, Risk places the reader in the middle of Olivia's problems right off the bat. Ten years prior, she had an intense romantic relationship with a French doctor, Luc George, but she called it off when she thought it interfered with her ability to keep her daughter, Melissa, safe. Luc is back now and all of Olivia's old feelings for him are rekindled.

Adding to Olivia's confusion is Melissa's father, Jeremy Rutherford, Olivia's ex-boyfriend. He showed no care or concern for her when he found out she was pregnant, so Olivia raised Melissa on her own with the help of her parents. Rutherford is now forced to seek psychiatric help for mental health issues. Olivia told her daughter her father was dead and a war hero in order to keep her safe from her abusive father. Now, however, as Olivia's lie threatens to unravel when Melissa expresses interest in her father, Olivia needs Luc's strength and support more than ever.

Luc is stunned to learn that Olivia never told him about her daughter. When he realizes the magnitude of Olivia's lies, he urges her to confess the truth to her daughter. Can Olivia find the courage to tell the truth and give Luc's love a second chance?

Risk's engaging plot pulls the reader effortlessly into the story. Risk handles the subject with grace and sensitivity.

The characters are wonderfully complex and dynamic. Luc is noble and honest to a fault, but his inner strength never fails Olivia when she needs him the most. Olivia has made a successful career for herself, but her determination to protect Melissa has driven her to lies which threaten her future. The supporting cast is a delightful compliment to Olivia and Luc's story and really demonstrates how rich and full their lives are.

Risk's writing is easy to read and pulls on the heartstrings. "No More Lies" presents a problem many face today. How Olivia handles her issues will offer hope to those who are dealing with similar circumstances.

The love scenes are sensual and tasteful, embodying a sweet hunger that has simmered between Olivia and Luc for years. "No More Lies," will resonate with readers and make them believe that love can overcome even the most challenging of obstacles.

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

Steph B is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. Steph B is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.