Bookshelf

Samhain Publishing
Released date June 9, 2009 ebook

Print Release scheduled 4/1/10
Contemporary Romance/Romantic Comedy

When opposites attract, they are screwed three ways from Sunday.

Frannie learned the hard way that a McHottie doesn’t always equal marriage material. Besides, she’s happy with her vanilla life. She has friends, a career and a double-D-powered vibrator. Then Fate shoves her, literally, into Prince Charming’s lap. His declaration of love at first sight is cute—and spikes her bullcrap meter into the red zone.

She’s more than willing to give in with her body. But she’s barricaded her heart behind castle walls—and permanently welded the gates shut.

Tragedy taught Jinx that time is too precious to waste, so when a series of uncanny coincidences thrusts Frannie into his life, he holds on tight. He knows she thinks he’s several fries short of a Happy Meal, but he’s determined to breach the fortress around her heart and give her a Happily Ever After.

Even if he has to carry her fanny-first into his kingdom.

WARNING: Includes jelly shoes, a narcoleptic cat, and meatloaf. The steamy sex scenes may lead to fogged windows and wet panties, so proceed at your own risk. Do not attempt to read without the following items: tissues, napkins for spewed beverages, and a booty call on speed dial.

ROMANCE STUDIO give JINXED FIVE HEARTS!!

And Nominated for a 2009 Cupid and Psyche Award!!!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Karin
October 7, 2009

Erecting brick walls around her heart is Frannie Sullivan’s way of coping with the pain from her past. When she finds the attention of an attractive stranger focused on her, she’s willing to have a sexual relationship but refuses to get emotionally involved. Jinx has dealt with his own pain in the past and knows what a luxury time can be. He is unwilling to waste a second with Frannie, even if his insistence that he loves her makes him seem crazy. Using their physical attraction, Jinx hopes to break down Frannie’s walls and get her to acknowledge she loves him too.

Misunderstandings and odd coincidences open this story, but it’s the personality of the characters that really draw the reader in. Both Jinx and Frannie are strong characters, with his wacky behavior balancing out her pragmatism. His unwavering belief that he and Frannie belong together endears him to the readers while it wears down Frannie’s resistance. And what draws readers to Frannie most is the way she blossoms through her relationship with Jinx.

The sexual relationship between Jinx and Frannie is a large portion of the story, especially since that’s all Frannie thinks she wants in the beginning. Every sex scene between the two of them is passionate and intense because it is packed full of the emotion Frannie tries so desperately to deny. Only in bed does Frannie let her defenses down and accept the love and tenderness Jinx offers.

Inez Kelley has written a wonderfully touching story about two people who help each other heal from the wounds in their past with humor and love. There was nothing about this story or the characters that disappointed me. I was equally moved and amused by Jinx and Frannie and their willingness to fight for what they want. The ending is completely satisfying and left me with a warm heart and a smile on my face.

ROMANCE JUNKIES gives JINXED 4 Blue Ribbons!!

Reviewed by Contessa

Rating: 4 Blue Ribbons

When Fate stepped in – there was nothing anyone could do to change it’s laid out path.

Jinx Sullivan and Frannie Sullivan were destined to be together. But there was one problem. Past experience had taught Frannie that a “Plain Jane” type like her was never meant to be with a very wealthy, handsome man like Jinx. Yet, no matter how hard she tried to push Jinx away, he kept forcing his way into her life and into her heart. Nevertheless, Frannie was determined to stick to her vow of not fantasizing about a “Happily Ever After” life with Jinx. Which proved to be easier said than done.

From the first moment he saw her on the plane, Francis “Jinx” Sullivan knew that Frances “Frannie” Sullivan was going to be his wife. Because he was use to getting whatever he wanted whenever he wanted it, Jinx proposed to Frannie immediately. But instead of saying YES Frannie kicked him out. Not about to be deterred from having Frannie, Jinx set out to slowly charm his way into Frannie’s heart because one way or another Frannie was going to be his wife.

JINXED was a story about learning to trust again. Because of her emotionally hurtful past experience, Frannie was very reserved when it came to commitment, especially with a very handsome, rich man. In essence, she had built a brick wall around her heart. But, fear not, Jinx was determined to chip away at each layer until Frannie was willing and able to love again. I truly admired Jinx determination and compassion when it came to handling Frannie. The passion showcased between the couple was spicy hot and the sex scenes were lustful and scorching. In addition to the great chemistry there was also some wacky, laugh out loud moments between Jinx and Frannie. There were numerous times where I was rolling over with laughter and then in the very next I was breathless with great desire. Oh, what a great mixture for a novel! I sincerely enjoyed JINXED!

The Good, The Bad and The Unread scores JINXED a B!

Written by Laura J – August 9, 2009

I think every woman wants to find a man who is “perfect” (and it’s okay if your idea of perfect is different than mine, etc) and in this light-hearted romance I think Ms. Kelley has managed to get at least several “perfect man” qualifications on most women’s checklists in the hero Francis “Jinx“ Sullivan. Yes that is his name and how he got the name is quite cute, especially if you are the older sister of younger brothers.

Seriously, Jinx is the dream man we all want. He is handsome, has a great job, has money, says all the right things, is patient, kind to children, he’s funny and charming, takes care of those he cares about, and he willingly shops for feminine products for the woman of his dreams. He has suffered pain in the past and when he meets Frances “Frannie“ Sullivan, he believes that he has been given a second chance at love and he is willing to give a reluctant (very reluctant) Frannie all the time she needs to realize that she is “the one” for him.

Frannie, however, believes that Jinx is “a few fries short of a happy meal” (also a fruit loop, nut job, whacko and a few other terms used to describe crazy people). How could someone possibly fall in love at first sight and then propose marriage almost immediately (don’t worry, I’m not giving away any plot spoilers–it happens very early in the story)? Frannie feels that she is just plain, ordinary and someone like Jinx could never fall in love with her. She thinks that, just like her ex-husband, Jinx will get bored with her eventually and move on leaving her to nurse another broken heart. Eventually Frannie begins to fall for him, but she still thinks she can guard her heart. Break his before he breaks hers. But Jinx hangs in there, trying patiently to wait for Francis to come around and believe that he does truly love her.

Like I said, Jinx is the perfect hero, but really not in a overly obnoxious way. Frannie is also very likeable. You can understand her hesitation about getting in a relationship. Her ex-husband (we see him through “flashbacks” of things he said to her) was emotionally abusive and Frannie hasn’t gotten past that yet. Frannie keeps from Jinx why she is so hesitant about getting serious with him. He wants it all with her, but he never pushes her to reveal why she is so hesitant, but waits patiently for her to open up to him.

Although at first the story was lively and upbeat, it hit a spot that seemed to be a little long and dragged a bit, but soon I didn’t care because I really enjoyed Jinx and Frannie. Towards the end I also thought Ms. Kelley was going to let me down with the ending, but I’m very happy to say after reading it, she handled the ending very well.

I hope I see more books like this one by Ms. Kelley in the future.

Long and Short Romance Reviews gives JINXED 4.5 books!

Length: Full Length (197 pgs)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 4.5 Books
Review by Water Lily

Jinx (Francis Sullivan) falls in love with Frannie (Frances Sullivan) the first time he sees her. She doesn’t. Of course, he calls her “dollface,” so what does he expect? He’s too hot for his own good and she’s been burned by a hot ex-husband. There’s no way she’s going to fall for his slick lines—and he’s slinging those lines everywhere. He even has the nerve to blurt out the dreaded three words (I love you) when they are about to get naked for the first time. The liar. He’s known her all of an hour and, while Frannie may think it’s fine to hit the sheets, she knows he doesn’t love her. She certainly doesn’t love him.

She will though. But he’s going to have to work at it.

I fell in love with Jinx when he “purchased a plethora of period paraphernalia.” Who wouldn’t? My darling hubby will pick up “the necessities” if he must, but he’d really rather not. When Frannie admits she needs tampons, Jinx gets tampons and pads and Midol and zit cream (she admitted to having a humungous zit) and chocolate and potato chips and tissues and a heating pad and anything else he could think of to make her feel better. Both Frannie and I laughed aloud. I fell in love. Frannie already had, but she was still fighting it.

Jinxed is a fun book that will have you panting and laughing on alternating pages. It’s the perfect steamy read for that weekend at the beach. The passionate love scenes will have you sweating even if the weekend turns cold and rainy.

Just Erotic Romance Review gives JINXED 4.5 stars!!!

Reviewer: T.S. Peters
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Heat level: Simmering

This is truly a book you should not judge by its lackluster, deceptive cover. What you will find beneath it is a man fighting to convince the woman he loves that they are meant to be together; meanwhile she is running as fast and as hard as she can away from commitment. When you are not laughing over their antics or the strange coincidences between them, you’ll be in tears over Frannie’s narcoleptic cat. I know that this really shouldn’t be funny…but it really, really is! If that isn’t enough for you, the well written cast of characters, which include Jinxes family, will definitely win your heart. Granted Frannie’s ex is a complete jackass who should be put down, but he is still very well written. I recommend that you do not read this book for the sex, which is just a bit on the vanilla side. I could have stood a lot more dirt and heat during these scenes. But honestly, between the characters, emotions, and cat moments there is never a dull scene. The pace flows so fast and seamlessly that before you know it their story is told. It’s not very often that you see a man work THIS hard to get the girl. It’s refreshing. Like many stories Jinx has its faults. But overall it is a book that I would feel good recommending to anyone.

BOOKWENCHES give JINXED 4.5 Stars!!!

Reviewed by: Teagan S. Boyd
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4.25

Jinxed will tickle your funny bone while giving you a warm fuzzy feeling. It combines humor, romance, and steamy sex to create a memorable story, and I found myself giggling out loud on numerous occasions as I read it. The narcoleptic cat is one of my particular favorites. Frannie is a complex character; she has emotional scarring that stands in the way of her and Jinx’s happiness. Jinx, on the other hand, is a fabulously colorful and delightful character, and his happiness is infectious. There are particular parts of the book that stand out and that I won’t forget soon. Jinx buying feminine products for Frannie is downright hilarious. While the humor is wonderful, I can’t neglect to mention the sweet, romantic aspect of the story. This is an entertaining book that I would recommend to anyone wanting a humorous, sweet romance. Ms. Kelley has a wonderful knack for telling a tale.

Read Excerpt

Fantasy Romance
SAMHAIN PUBLISHING

MAGIC BITES…and its name is Myla.

Created at Prince Taric’s birth, Myla is a spell, an enchantment designed to appear and protect him when he needs it most. She has always been content to do her duty…until one night of forbidden passion leaves her longing to experience life—and love—as a mortal woman. Yet the risk is too great. Even if her blood runs as red as his, she can never give him the one thing he needs: a child.

Taric’s blessing—and his curse—is knowing the kingdom’s future depends on his producing an heir to continue the bloodline. His bond with Myla has always been that of protector and protected. When it suddenly becomes something much more, he unwittingly sentences his people to certain death.

An old enemy is plotting to destroy all he holds dear: his lands, his people, his father, and his lover. And this time, even if they fight tooth and blade, their shared magic may not be enough to save them…

COFFEE TIME ROMANCE AND MORE give MYLA BY MOONLIGHT 4 Cups!!!

Reviewer: Maura

Rating: 4 Cups

Myla was created for only one reason, to protect Prince Taric. She loves and protects him but is only a spell and cannot give him the heirs necessary to a crown prince.

Prince Taric is fortunate to have both a devoted supernatural guardian and a loyal best friend. The court is full of intrigue and danger, and he needs all the help that he can get..

Prince Taric has been given a gift at the cost of his mother’s life. Myla is a guardian whose only purpose is to protect him. She feels much more than protective towards him, and he feels the same, but the kingdom’s future is dependent on his producing an heir. Myla cannot do that, and Taric cannot give her up. There are evil forces that want to take over and destroy all Taric’s values, and somehow he has to save them all.

This is a very interesting and entertaining tale. I loved the idea of an immortal guardian who protects a prince from every danger. The opening scene is particularly illustrative of that and very exciting to boot. The plot is well written and full of action and hot love scenes. Aside from the two main characters, there is a great cast of secondary characters led by Bryton, Taric’s captain and best friend. Readers will love this action-packed fantasy adventure.

LONG AND SHORT REVIEWS gives MYLA BY MOONLIGHT

BEST BOOK,

Voted BEST BOOK OF THE WEEK(Dec. 20-26, 2009)

and nominated for BEST BOOK OF 2009!!!

Heat Level: Hot
Rating: Best Book
Review by: Lavender

LASR BEST BOOK best book of the week LASR LASR Best BOOK 2009 NOMINATED copy

Myla by Moonlight is one of the best books I’ve read in a quite some time. The author has brilliant talent. Not only was I drawn in completely by this magical story as it unfolded, but I was impressed with how beautifully it was composed. This author could teach a class on showing vs. telling with her flawlessy written sensual details.

A queen casts a spell shortly after she gives birth, summoning a protector for her newborn son. Myla will stay with the prince and look out for him, appearing whenever he is in danger. This protector can appear as a gorgeous woman or a sleek jaguar, and does both in fascinating episodes as the story develops.

Taric, the prince, is to die for, and when he falls in love with Myla, you are likely to cheer for him to get a woman he truly deserves. The two share some very passionate, well-described love scenes, and the beauty of their love will melt your heart.

They have enemies, and danger threatens Taric’s life and his kingdom, but that’s not the only thing. Taric must have an heir, or his kingdom will fall to a distant relative, his enemy who happens to be a butcher. But Myla can’t have children, she being a magic spell and all, and as Taric’s captain so humorously puts it to his prince, unless he can knock up a cloud, the kingdom is doomed. The funny moments in this book were something.

The pacing is excellent, and I found my heart aching for these two, then cheering, and back again. I have never read this author’s work before and am so glad I chanced upon it. I have nothing negative to say about this book and will eagerly look for more works penned by Inez Kelley.

Read an excerpt

WIPS AND UP-AND-COMING STUFF

JINXED

MYLA BY MOONLIGHT

WITCHMARK