View All Titles by Lara Santiago

REVIEWS for Just One Embrace [The Tiburon Duet 2]

5 Kisses: "Lara Santiago once again mixes two erotic essentials – a hot sexy man and the taste of chocolate. The depth of emotional pain individually experienced by both Crag and Ellie was tangible which only caused their union to be more beautiful and powerful in its ability to heal and give hope. Just One Embrace is an amazing love story coupled with action, adventure and a bit of intrigue. The love scenes epitomize the strong bond developed between these two incredible individuals and are hot enough keep you craving for more. It was also a lot of fun following the story of Gabrielle and Keller from Just a Kiss – both of the stories in this series are exceptional and I highly recommend reading." —Kerin, Two Lips Reviews

5 Cups: "Ms. Lara Santiago has written a sexually charged story of inter-species attraction. Ellie demonstrates all of the qualities of an independent woman faced with unbelievable obstacles, while Crag displays all of the signs of a man in touch with his feelings. I enjoyed their wordplay, and their sexual encounters were out of this world. I found myself cheering for Ellie and felt all of the suspense and drama of the events that befell her in her quest for the man with the chocolate kisses." —Kathy, Coffee Time Romance

5 Angels: "Brace yourself, Ms. Santiago has written another wonderful story that’s not to be missed. Just One Embrace has steamy erotic scenes and a touch of Sci-fi elements that keep you addicted until the very end. Crag and Ellie spend one passionate night together and now she must decide if she can handle life on Tiburon, or if she wants to be alone on Earth. A manipulative woman wants what Ellie has and would do anything to keep Ellie away from Crag. I enjoyed watching Crag and Ellie fall in love and work their lives out. Thank you, Ms. Santiago, for another super story; I can’t wait to see more." —Becky, Fallen Angel Reviews

4.5 Kisses: "Lara Santiago penned wonderful characters with real emotional depth in this poignant, spicy read that tugs at the heartstrings. From the opening page, she gives the perfect amount of background information so you can't help becoming emotionally vested in her characters. Her world of Tiburon and the physiology of its inhabitants engulf the reader with each exquisite detail. Just One Embrace demands more than just one read! This dreamy book of pure romance and chocolate kisses has earned a definite place on my 'keeper' shelf." —Shawn, Romance Divas

4.5 Stars: "Just One Embrace tells the story of Crag of Tiburon who was introduced in Just A Kiss. A powerful man on his home world, Crag had to come to terms with a personal tragedy before he could find happiness, especially with a woman from Earth. Even after deciding that he was willing to risk his feelings, he and Ellie are confronted with a vindictive woman, out to steal Crag's power. I really liked these two, especially Ellie. Here was a woman who had all of the disadvantages of life, yet still made a lot of herself. I so enjoyed it when she finally stood up for herself with those around her who wanted to put her down and I fell in love with Crag myself when he helped her. This tale actually addressed several different ideas; the fear that Crag and Ellie felt in regard to falling in love, the struggle that Crag faced when deciding just what was important in his life, and the distinctions of different classes and how Crag and Ellie overcame the beliefs of others and finally learning about their different backgrounds and beliefs and how they came to terms with them. Lara Santiago's Tiburon tales are great stories that I highly recommend, especially for readers who enjoy a little fantasy, a little conflict, and a whole lot of love." —Trang, Ecataromance

4 Stars: "Reading about this alien world with its funny and unusual societal rules was great fun. Even the anatomical differences were humorous. Orgasms occur while touching lips and males secrete a chocolate flavor. Could anything satisfy puny human females better than sex with chocolate? Crag and Ellie are perfect mates, but this poor couple had so much to overcome to be together. I couldn’t help rooting for them as they bravely went about jumping every hurdle placed before them, knowing success wasn’t likely even if they defeated every challenge. They couldn’t resist each other sexually and their trysts burned up the pages. The story is endearingly touching and will leave its imprint on your heart as well as your face, so be prepared to smile ‘til it hurts. I was delightfully entertained and undeniable aroused from beginning to end. While it was obvious the first book was about Keller and Gabrielle becoming a couple and undoubtedly contained a lot of world building, I wasn’t aware of missing anything while reading this one. Certainly, Just One Embrace by Lara Santiago is a book you won’t want to miss." —Karen H., Just Erotic Romance Reviews

4 Stars: "Santiago blends sci-fi and steamy erotica in this two-book collection [The Tiburon Duet]. The stories will captivate readers looking for something imaginative and different. Cleverly written dialogue brings the characters to life in this entertaining read, and the alpha aliens are out of this world." —Romantic Times Book Reviews

STORY EXCERPT

Ellie managed to knock on her hero’s door before losing her nerve. She hugged closer to the doorframe to hide from other nosey tenants who might pop out and catch her. Her ankle was still tender, but she could walk on it without limping. She still trembled from the orgasm she’d experienced in the muscular arms of a total stranger.

He rescued her from humiliation, carried her home, kissed her until she came, and she let him walk out without a word. She hadn’t found Gabrielle’s new number, so she still didn’t know his name. The man who gave her the most powerful orgasm in literally a year walked away after her petulance, and she’d let him go. She was probably a fool to be chasing him, but she couldn’t stop herself.

After several minutes of severely berating herself, she’d gathered her courage and trailed him down to her friend’s old apartment,. A smart woman would have already tackled him at the front door, hauled his unconscious body into the apartment, and chained him to the nearest bed.

She raised her hand to knock again, but he opened the door abruptly. His eyes registered surprise. He motioned her inside while grunting brief responses into his cell phone.

Whoever he spoke with on the phone seemed to be doing all the talking. He closed the door behind her and leaned on it, effectively barring her escape should she change her mind.

Ellie pretended serenity and stepped further into his apartment, looking around the austere room. The furniture was sparse and obviously left from the former tenants. She recognized Gabrielle’s old sofa. The rest of the space was neat if not full of worldly possessions. This man had ‘temporary resident’ practically stamped on his forehead. Ellie tried to back off on her judgment of him. She had no right to judge. He’d saved her from the humiliating result of her break up with Brandon, a pompous snob born with a silver spoon crammed in his mouth. The man who’d told her he loved her, and in the same breath, actually expected her to live as his mistress because he needed to marry someone more worthy of his social station.

Ellie glanced around her hero’s space again and relaxed slightly. She was here to apologize, not rate him on the austere decorations of his apartment.

His seemingly temporary life only registered because, in some ways, she was reminded of the men who had shared her mother’s life on a regular basis. Ellie never knew her real father, and her mother never talked about him.

Motorcycles, sparse furnishings, leather, and especially dangerous dark looks encompassed many of the traits her hero shared in common with the men frequenting her childhood in the form of ‘Uncles.’ If this stranger possessed a tattoo and planned on leaving in the near future, the picture would be identical.

Although she did notice his temperament was less abrasive than any of the men in her mother’s past. And he was sexy as hell, too.

He completed his call and turned his ferocious gaze to her. His expectant look filled the space between them. She didn’t know who looked more uncomfortable.

“I…um…wanted to say…sorry…”

“Don’t. You owe me no apologies. I’m sorry if I acted inappropriately.”

“No, it was rude of me to chase you off. I don’t even know your name.” She felt a blush warm her cheeks and looked away.

“That’s because when I watch your mouth, I forget what my name is,” he said with self-deprecating humor.

Laughter bubbled through her.