Julie's ARe Cafe staff pick for the week of 3/10/13. ( )

The second novel in the paranormal m/m erotic romance series Ariel Estates is an intriguing hot and steamy read.

Lion shifter and Secretary of Ariel Estates, Eli Novak is torn and confused, he’s always been straight until a strawberry blond human male stumbles onto their land and has him questioning everything he thought he knew about himself. Lost in the Smokey Mountains, Shayne Matthews sees a light in the distance that he thinks might lead to rescue but instead he ends up in a world he never knew existed. Fear turns to lust and an adventure that puts him in the middle of a battle for dominance and power. Forced into a triangle of options, Eli must choose between his best friend, the human who’s claimed his heart and the pride’s best interest.

This fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps the reader on their toes with suspense and romance. The author brings the story and the characters to life with vivid imagery that makes the reader feel as if they are part of the story. The strong compelling characters grab the reader’s attention and doesn’t let go, ensuring that the reader wants to know more.

The forbidden attraction between Eli and Shayne explodes with passion and the blazing hot sex scenes leave the reader scorched. Relationships between shifters and humans being forbidden adds spice to their rocky relationship keeping the reader engrossed in the outcome.

The tension building suspense created by a greedy and revenge seeking shifters adds lots of depth and action to this already entertaining story. I love the shifters of Ariel Estates and I can’t wait to about of them. ( )

Bad Choices, Bad Choice, So Where’s the Right Choice?

This is the first book of Jessica Lee that I’ve read. It was beyond my ‘normal’, ‘vanilla’ romance realm, way beyond. So I really wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. I’m glad I chose to read her book, In the Pride’s Best Interest.
I started the book right after lunch on a dreary spring day, perfect for putting your feet up and relaxing with a good book. Before I knew what hit me, I was transported to the Smokey Mountains engaged in a story that provided action, adventure, mystery, revenge, and romance. What more could a girl want?
It was a wonderful afternoon learning about the world of shifters and their interactions with ordinary humans, the blooming of a new romance, and the revenge of a lost mate. The characters captured your heart as their reality tested their relationship and loyalties to the pack and friends.
In the Pride’s Best Interest is definitely an adult book with plenty of sizzle, as the main characters explore their budding relationship. ( )