Review - Unbearable by Jade Buchanan

Title: Unbearable

Author: Jade Buchanan

Publisher: Changeling Press

Buy Unbearable Here

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewer: Val


Blurb:
In the continuing saga of the Bear with Me series... Polar bear Theo has found his life turned upside down thanks to Christopher and Robin, his new pizzly bear mates. Lucky for him, the two have a plan to relax their big, burly man. 
NOTE: ADULT SEXUAL CONTENT

Review:
Unbearable is the second book in the Northern Bears series preceeded by Bear With Me. The characters of Christopher and Robin made me laugh at their witty remarks and cute ways of making the others laugh.
Theo was the more serious of the three and kept everyone grounded. Comical scenes throughout the book, like fighting over who was going to ride shotgun had me giggling at their antics.

Although there was not really a plot per se, Unbearable is a highly sensual book that those who are fans of male/male/male erotic will find a quick and stimulating read. Ms. Buchanan really knows how to write some hot and steamy sex scenes and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Review - A Warrior's Witch (An Otherworld Romance) by Stacey Kennedy

Title: A Warrior's Witch (An Otherworld Romance)
Author: Stacey Kennedy
Publisher: Self Published
Buy A Warrior's Witch here
Rating: You Need/Gotta Read
Reviewer: Wendy



Blurb:
Murder has brought Talon, Master of Guardians, as well as Zia, his witch and Master of Witches, to Chicago. The manner of death appears to be a suicide, but Talon is far from ready to close the case. To avenge the Guardian linked to his past, he agrees to take on the assignment, and find her killer.
As they dive deeper into the investigation, they find themselves entering a world where BDSM is the norm. A lifestyle that Zia is uncomfortable with and, rattled by this new development, she is more than ready to return to the Otherworld. But their investigation quickly takes an unexpected twist when they discover that they’re not only hunting a killer but also someone who is controlling supernaturals in Chicago.
Their mission not only brings danger, but also forces Talon to deal with decades old guilt that corrodes his soul. Every event that unfolds only deepens his fight and pushes him to face an ultimate choice—what is more important—his duty to the Otherworld or the witch he holds closest to his heart?

Review:
Talon and Zia are both Masters from Otherworld, and as such their priority will always be Otherworld and it’s protection. Coming to Earthworld to investigate the death of Whitlyn, a former Otherworld guardian and the mother of Talon’s son, Talon and Zia come face to face with death and must decide if their love is more important than their duty.

Let me just say that Stacey Kennedy has done it again. Outstanding and well done. I was so enthralled with this story from the first sentence, that I did not move until I had finished the entire book. I absolutely loved the fact that Talon and Zia had already been in a long term monogamous relationship for years, and the fact that they were both confident in the other’s love for each other. Wonderfully refreshing. There was none of the game playing, and horrific miscommunications so prevalent in a lot of romance novels. A Warrior’s Witch was a beautifully written and thoroughly entertaining, sensual rediscovery of what made Talon and Zia fall in love in the first place.

The sad and untimely death of Whitlyn forces Talon to examine the guilt his has held for years concerning his son, thus freeing him to recognize where his true priorities lie. As a warrior, he has been more than happy to let emotional matters take a back seat to more pressing security issues. As a gentle Spirit Witch, Zia hasn’t pressed for a bonding or for Talon to speak of emotional matters. Only through trying to solve the mystery of Whitlyn’s death are these issues brought to the surface.

There was a wonderful and varied group of secondary Otherworld and Earthworld characters. It was a story filled with vampires, werewolves, witches and warriors. There is a hysterical scene where Zia is introduced to the lifestyle at a BDSM club. Talon certainly benefited from that little adventure. There is nothing at all I would have changed about this book and it is a sparkling example of what a good paranormal romance should be.

Review - A Question of Murder by Cyril H. Wecht and Dawna Kaufmann

Title: A Question of Murder

Author: Cyril H. Wecht, MD, JD

Publisher: Prometheus Book

Buy A Question of Murder here

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Val

Blurb:
No one has performed more autopsies in high-profile cases than Dr. Cyril Wecht. During the past four decades, he has dissected more than 16,000 bodies to determine how and why they died. He has testified in hundreds of trials and exhumed dozens of corpses. He’s investigated the deaths of presidents and princes, coal miners and Hollywood stars.

From the tragic homicides of Laci Peterson and Nicole Brown Simpson to the mysteries that surround the deaths of JonBenét Ramsey and Natalee Hollaway, CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, the New York Times, and scores of other publications constantly call upon Dr. Wecht to provide his expert analysis.

Review:
A Question of Murder is a fascinating read that was difficult to put down. I love reading about high profile cases and not sure what exactly draws me to them. I guess some sort of morbid intrigue. This book goes into detail about the cases of Daniel Smith, Anna Nicole Smith, Stephanie Crow, Danielle van Dam, Laci Peterson (a big reason why I read this book), Nicole Brown Simpson and many more.

I enjoyed being taken behind the scenes and given information that was very new to me. I was surprised how in contact Howard Stern was with the author of this book. The one part that I had difficulties with were the Daniel and Nicole Smith parts of the book. The two cases together were about half of the book and there was so much repetitive information that was unnecessary. I do see though how one might need this information included if they skipped chapters and just read one of the cases.

The repetitive parts aside though, I thought this was one very well research and extremely vivid book that focused on the forensic parts of the cases. I highly recommend this book who is a follower of high profile cases. There are definitely nuggets of information in each story that has not be highly publicized until now. Don't miss out on the opportunity to read this book.

Review - Marooned by Elizabeth Raines

Title: Marooned - Wicked Missions 2

Author: Elizabeth Raines

Publisher: Siren Publishing

Buy Marooned here

Reviewer: Val

Rating: You Gotta Read


Blurb:
Marooned on a tropical moon with two handsome men—one her Earth Bureau of Investigation partner—Betinsa Nungio faces the comchi, the time in her species’ lives when they must take mates or risk death.
Agent Matt Newton has hidden his attraction to his partner. Now, he has the opportunity to explore his feelings. Can he find the courage to share her with another man, one she needs to complete her transition?
Ambassador Drake Keller faces a dilemma—he’s supposed to observe other cultures, not participate in them. Yet Betinsa needs him—as she needs Matt—and the more time Drake spends with her, the more his passion grows. How can he possibly leave her behind when they are rescued?

As the trio explores their growing bond, they stumble across a terrorist group plotting to destroy Betinsa’s planet and must work together to try and save her world.

A Siren Erotic Romance

Review:
Whew, this was one hot book. Marooned is book two in the Wicked Missions series and I must say I am loving this series. I never thought I would be the type of person that fell in love with something Sci Fi but this story is more about the relationships between Matt, Drake and Betinsa than it is dealing with otherworldly characters. Don't get me wrong this story does not lack action in any way. In fact, get ready to go on a fast paced action filled ride because this book has it all.

Betinsa's character was one of my favorites because she is taken right out of her comfort zone and delves head first in one hot and steamy romance between two men. I enjoyed Matt's character in Locked In (book one) and was so glad to see that he got his own romance and with the lovely Betinsa. Matt made me laugh with the little jokes he would crack and no one would think it was funny. Don't worry Matt, I thought you were funny and laughed at every single joke. Drake's character was the typical alpha male. The tall good looking man that was hard as nails on the outside but all soft and mushy inside once it came to Betinsa. *dreamy sigh* I love Drake.

The plot line was fantastic and filled with action. Betinsa is from a culture where the woman is essentially the bread winner in the family. Her culture also expects each female to have two male soul mates, which works out fabulously for Matt, Drake and Betinsa. I can't give away too much of the action scenes but let me just say you don't want to miss the middle of the book and the furry little rat looking creatures. Especially Matt's reaction to them.
Like I said before, I really love this Wicked Missions series and can't wait to read Bounty which is book three. Luckily there are seven books so far in the series so I will always have another book to look forward to. I highly recommend Marooned even if you aren't a fan of alien beings. A fascinating read, Marooned will keep you on the edge of your seat and will certainly leave you satisfied.

Review - No More Mr. Nice Guy by Jennifer Greene

Title: No More Mr. Nice Guy

Author: Jennifer Greene

Publisher: Carina Press

Buy No More Mr. Nice Guy here

Rating: You Need/Gotta Read

Reviewer: Val


Blurb:
Carroll Laker knows she's found the marrying kind in Alan Smith. The pediatrician is everything a woman could want in a husband; he's kind, dependable, patient. Maybe too patient: even though they spend Saturday mornings house-hunting, they've yet to spend a night in bed together. And suddenly Carroll starts fantasizing about what it would be like to be wildly, wantonly, passionately in love...
Alan has wanted to marry Carroll since the moment he met her. When he senses he's on the verge of losing her, he decides it's time to loosen up. If Carroll needs excitement and seduction, that's exactly what he'll give her. From orchids and exotic foods to midnight canoe rides and dancing till dawn, Alan will do anything to sweep Carroll off her feet and into his bed.
At first, Carroll is delighted by the romantic gestures. But she can't help wondering: Will the new Alan love her forever the way the old Alan would have?


Review:
There's nothing quite like an exhilarating read with a strong alpha male. Goodness knows that I look forward to all that dangerous yummy hotness but what about my "good guy" heroes? Give me a good guy any day of the week and I will be happy. However, finding some dependable cute guys is a bit hard to find in a romance novel. That is, until now. Alan's is your ordinary every day dependable, cute and loyal pediatrician. Whoa, wait, he's a doctor? Oh yeah! He's the established good guy who is tired of being so good. Alan wants to give Carroll everything she desires and sometimes that means being a man who brings excitement and passion. I loved Alan's character and my heart melted when he tried to change himself to get Carroll to marry him. Bottom line, he just wanted to marry Carroll. Alan's character was the kind that sticks around and do what it takes to keep his woman happy.

Carroll felt like she was your ordinary "cute" yet average woman. Sure Alan was safe, loyal and dependable but at a certain point, Carroll craved excitement and passion. I loved her reaction when the new Alan stepped forward. It reminded me of the say, "be careful what you wish for". Although Carroll falls in love with the new Alan even more, a part of her wants "her" Alan back. The predictable Alan. One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Alan visits her at work. Carroll is a speech therapist and it's evident how well these two would work together as parents.

Just a side note, how adorable is that cover? Yes, the book is as sweet/sensual as the cover suggests. Okay, back to the review.

No More Mr. Nice Guy was a fun filled read that had me wishing more men would take the initiative to breathe a little bit of life into their romance. The characters worked well with one another and the ending had me saying "awwwww". I love Ms. Greene's writing style because she writes about everyday characters that I can relate to. I highly recommend you pick up this quick read for an exciting escape from an ordinary life. Ladies, when you're finished with the book, leave it around the house as a hint to your man of the little things he can do to sweep you off your feet.

Review – Reincarnated Hunger by Marisa Chenery

Title: Reincarnated Hunger

Author: Marisa Chenery

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy Link: Buy Reincarnated Hunger Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Book five in the Ra’s Chosen series.

Unlike his fellow warriors, Kysen already found his mate—the woman who stirred his blood like no other. But he’d been mortal at the time. When she died, he vowed to never love again. He feared the day Ra’s decree that all his warriors take mates would fall upon him. How could he spend eternity with a woman he could never love? But when he stumbles upon the spitting image of her, he wonders if his beloved has returned.

Cena is disappointed in men. Perhaps reading too many romance novels has done her in, but no man lives up to what she’s read…and dreamed. For years a faceless man has entered her sleep, filling her dreams with passion. Once she meets the tall stranger who stares at her with longing, her dreams come to life. Now she wants him in her bed. But once she has him there her life changes forever. Thrust into a dangerous world she never knew existed, she must cheat death in this life to keep him.

Review:

On a whim Kysen decides to go into the teahouse at the Japanese garden that he often frequents to clear his mind. There he sees a woman that resembles his long lost love. Cena cannot ignore the pull she feels to Kysen and when he asks her to dinner she cannot resist. As the two begin to find each other there is one who threatens to destroy what they have just found. Will love prevail or will evil win?

Reincarnated Hunger is another great book in the Ra’s Chosen series. I have loved every one of the books and this story does not disappoint. This is a beautiful love story. Kysen is a great man who has loved and lost and does not expect to ever find that love again. When he finds it again we see how vulnerable he really is on the inside. He loves with all his heart and fights to keep that love. Cena is a smart woman who embraces everything that fate has thrown at her and she is more than willing to give Kysen and his world a go. The two are a wonderful couple that is so in love.

Seeing the length that Kysen will go to save Cena from Mot was a great read. He truly cares for her and will do anything to save her.

This book is definitely my favorite book in this series. The emotions are so raw and overwhelming in this story that you cannot help but feel for Kysen and hope that he and Cena will get their happy ever after in the end. Marisa Chenery weaves a wondrous world full of gods and demons in this book and series as well. Every book is a wonderful visit with old friends and has me wanting to come back again and again.

Review – Breathe Me In By Lex Valentine

Title: Breathe Me In

Author: Lex Valentine

Publisher: Pink Petal Books

Buy Link: Buy Breathe Me In Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Layne

Blurb:

Life is good for vampire Wilson North.  His family left him well off. His job as an estate attorney is prestigious, well paying, and non-demanding.  He’s gay and out and never had any issues being either. In fact, until the day he ended up beneath his car, bleeding out and only a few pints of blood from a sure trip to the Afterworld, life had never been a challenge.

When Will meets his destiny in the form of an enigmatic Magia named Garrick Forrester he finds the challenge of his life. Garrick’s gay but doesn’t live an openly gay life.  Instead, he hides his nature behind his ownership of a BDSM club.  The two men instantly know they are mates, but that doesn’t smooth the path to their bonding.  Garrick wants Will but threats from his past convince him that the only way to protect his lover is to leave him. Shocked by Garrick’s ability to walk away, Will struggles to understand why his mate doesn’t want him.  For the first time in Will’s life, something isn’t easy and he must fight for what he needs or give up his chance for happiness.   

Drawn together by destiny. Torn apart by self-doubts and fear. Two men on the cusp of a dream must set aside the lives they’ve always lived for a chance at a new and brilliant future.

Review:

Lex Valentine’s amazing Darkworld series continues with Breathe Me In. Such a great read, delving into Wilson and Garrick’s lives. Old characters make guest appearances and love triumphs. No complaints, just great reading.

Vampire Wilson North is watching his friends—and one-time lovers—marry each other, envious of the bond and love they share. After surviving a car crash he’s faced with his immortality and wishes for someone to spend his life with. Enter wizard Garrick Forrester, a Dom with some dark secrets.

Their bond is immediate, attraction is explosive, and it’s over before it ever really began. I enjoyed this story—the twists, as each man reveals a side of himself he never knew existed, and Will’s sudden Alpha persona. He’s the one who takes charge, fighting for his bloodmate who walked away without explanation. In Will’s darkest moment as Garrick leaves, I teared up. Ms. Valentine wrote that scene very well and I felt all the emotions Will did. Garrick has his reasons for what he did, and while I didn’t agree with the way he dealt with them, I understood.

I especially loved the love scenes. Until they met, each man thought their sexual tastes were written in stone, but the appearance of their bloodmate shakes things up. To say the least. I look forward to the rest of this series with bated breath.

Review – The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood

Title: The Ideal Man

Author: Julie Garwood

Publisher: Penguin Group Inc.

Buy Link: Buy The Ideal Man Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Dr. Ellie Sullivan has just completed her residency at a large urban hospital. While jogging in a park nearby, she witnesses the shooting of an FBI agent in pursuit of wanted criminals, a couple identified as the Landrys. The only person to see the shooter's face, Ellie is suddenly at the center of a criminal investigation.

Agent Max Daniels takes over the Landry case. A no-nonsense lawman, he's definitely not the ideal man that Ellie has always imagined, yet she's attracted to him in a way she can't explain.

Ellie heads home to Winston Falls, South Carolina, to attend her sister's wedding. Shortly after she arrives, though, she receives a surprise visitor: Max Daniels. The Landrys have been captured, and she'll be called to testify. But they've been captured before, and each time the witnesses are scared into silence-or disappear before they can take the stand. Max vows to be Ellie's shadow until the trial, and it isn't long before sparks fly.

Review:

Dr. Ellie Sullivan has not had an ideal life. A child prodigy, she is targeted by a mad man at age eleven, sent from her home for reasons of safety, had her fiancé stolen by her sister, and now less than a week before her return home for her sister’s wedding, she witnesses the shooting of an FBI agent and makes herself a target for a hit man.

Agent Max Daniels is a gruff, “facts just the facts ma’am” type of guy. So he isn’t prepared for the attraction to the beautiful surgeon who may be the key to solving his case. This is not an ideal situation for either of them.

I am always excited when I pick up a Julie Garwood book, whether it’s one of her excellent historicals or exciting contemporaries. I know I am about to embark on an exhilarating journey of romance and intrigue. Ms. Garwood is like the sun rising every day, you know that her books are going to be excellent, it’s guaranteed, no exceptions. I love her characters strength and deep down sense of right and wrong. I love the wit and humor used to temper sometimes dire situations, and I especially love how the chemistry and passion come alive for the reader in Ms. Garwood’s books.

The Ideal Man brings together a heroine, who despite a very tragic life, is strong, intelligent and sometimes just a bit too nice.,(I really wish she had decked Ava just once) with a damaged hero who fights his deepening attraction to Ellie. Oh, he doesn’t mind a little time between the sheets, but both he and Ellie make it clear that this is NOT a long term relationship. Max is just such a MAN. That’s what makes this such a wonderful read. You see the internal struggle going on in Max, and know he’s fighting a losing battle. Ellie, bless her proud little heart, doesn’t chase after him (thank goodness). Does Max crawl back? Read it and see. You’ll be very glad you did.

Review – Love In Ruins by Erin Grace

Title: Love in Ruins

Author: Erin Grace

Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Buy link: Buy Love In Ruins Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Eager to escape a disastrous relationship, archaeologist Ellie Harper jumps at the chance to travel to the remote Scottish Highlands and excavate the ruins of Castle MacKinnon. However, no matter where she goes, the shadow of her ex follows her, promising she will never be free of her painful past.

But when a mysterious stranger turns up half dead on her doorstep in the middle of a violent storm, Ellie is thrust into a realm of ancient secrets and impossible magic that challenges everything she holds dear.

Faced with a heartbreaking decision, Ellie must put her emotions and logic aside to help Laird Ewan MacKinnon find a way home to the thirteenth century—if a way exists. What she doesn't expect is to journey to a past more astounding than history, find a love more precious than ancient treasure, and survive the deadly wrath of an evil man's revenge.

Review:

Seeing the chance to finally prove herself as an archeologist, Ellie Harper is more than eager to get started excavating the ruins of Castle MacKinnon in the highlands of Scotland. What first appears to be a dying bear stumbles into her cottage, but turns out to be an injured man by the name of Ewan MacKinnon. Ewan professes to be the son of the Laird MacKinnon and Ellie immediately thinks Ewan had his eggs scrambled a bit too hard. With an ancient mystery to solve, Ellie has to learn to let go of the past while Ewan has to return to his.

The first part of the story is set in modern day Scotland, I admired Ellie’s determination to prove her expertise in her field and reclaim her tattered reputation. I think any woman would question the sanity of a man claiming to be from the 1300’s, so Ellie’s obstinace in refusing to believe Ewan’s story was entirely believable. After that, Ellie and I part ways a bit. While I adored Ewan (for some reason I always get along better with the heroes in a story), Ellie began to make me grit my teeth a bit. Either you believe he’s crazy and needs medical attention (and perhaps a restraining order) or you believe his story entirely. There is no middle ground there.

Sent back to the 1300’s, the duo must find each other and also find the source of the clan’s misfortune. Ewan is a typical highlander, believing his word is law, and questioning him is an insult to his maleness. Now I ask you, who wants a insecure warrior? Highlanders were arrogant and often dictatorial, but those were savage times, so his overall chauvinistic views weren’t surprising, and Ellie stood up for herself magnificently. The romantic sparks set off by Ellie and Ewan was a spicy compliment to the treachery and betrayal that threatened to tear them apart. The love scenes, while not overly graphic, portrayed enough passion between the two, as to make the readers heart race and skin flush. Lovers of men in kilts will find this an enjoyable read.

Review – Undercover Heat by Judy Mays

Title: Undercover Heat

Author: Judy Mays

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy link: Buy Undercover Heat Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Fifth in the Heat series.

Nick thinks his asshole CIA boss has sent him on a wild goose chase. Hunting a fellow agent who’s a werewolf? What a crock!

Good at her job as a private investigator thanks to her werewolf-heightened senses, strength and speed, Melody Gray is happy and content with her life. Until a CIA agent shows up searching for her brother. What can a girl to do to keep this gorgeous, chocolate-skinned guy away from her brother? Keep his attention on her, of course, and what better way to accomplish that than with sex. Especially when her werewolf soul is howling that this sexy hunk is hers, her mate, even if he’s human. Or is he?

Unable to resist the fire between them, Melody and Nick turn to his aunt, a powerful Vodun priestess, for help figuring out what happens when human, werewolf and voodoo are mixed with an overwhelming urge to claim each other in every sexual way possible.

Review:

Nick Price thought his world was going crazy. As an agent for the CIA, he was used to facts and just the facts. He was not used to being sent after a fellow agent who his boss thinks is a werewolf. Melody Gray knows when Nick shows up at her office, that her day is in the crapper. Not only is she a lycan shifter, it’s her brother that Nick is looking for.

OK, I admit it. I wanted to see what all the hubbub was about when I requested this book for review. I had never read a work by Judy Mays before and the scandal had made me curious as to what she could have possibly written to cause such a ruckus. Much to my consternation I did not find any deviant or abhorrent perversions. What I did find was a well written, intelligent, sexy book about werewolves and their mates. ( oh, and their mating practices as well ) This was book five in Ms. Mays Heat series and I had no problem following the story or the characters.

The plot was entertaining and well thought out, the characters had depth and well developed personality, the dialogue was quick and witty, and the sex, while being smoking hot and very graphic was not even close to the raunchiest thing I have read this week. In addition, she also includes themes of tolerance and compassion in her books. Maybe this is what bothered people. I think perhaps this scandal gave Ms. May’s writing career a huge advantage because now I am well aware of her talent and will continue to read and tout her books. What a lucky break for the Romance community at large. Go, Judy.

Review – Forever Broken by Evangeline Anderson

Title: Forever Broken

Author: Evangeline Anderson

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy Link: Buy Forever Broken Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Layne

Blurb:

As second wolf in the Lunas Locas pack, Paul Kraskowski has power and prestige. He also has a dark secret, one he hides and won’t admit even to himself—until the night he meets Laurent.

Born to one of the oldest families of his kind, Laurent Montcrieve is vampire royalty. He stands to inherit massive wealth and the title Viscount of the Blood. But he would give it all up to find the one man who can complete him—his Coeur de Sang, or Heart’s Blood.

Two worlds collide when Laurent and Paul meet and form an accidental blood bond. But the instant spark between them ignites a raging bonfire of conflict. Their people are enemies who would rather see them dead than together and Paul refuses to admit his attraction to another man. Now the clock is ticking as they agree to explore what lies between them. Their search may end in true love or death. But they must be careful…for if they sever the tie that binds them, the bond they share will be forever broken.

Review:

I adored Forever Broken from the first word to the last. Having read—and loved—a couple of Evangeline Anderson’s works before, I anticipated her particular flow and voice. She outdid herself with this story. Amazing characters, angst and conflict like you wouldn’t believe, and sex hot enough to make me want to blush. I didn’t, though.

I did giggle when she introduced Paul…Krackskullsi?? Too cute. Paul’s an outsider from the get-go. He’s a Polish werewolf in an all Latino pack, yearning in silence for his best friend and pack leader, Angel. An early scene showing the interaction between those two brought Paul’s frustrated need and disgust at himself off the pages. He wants something unattainable—no way can he be with his pack and have the desires he does. Not when male on male anything is used as punishment, to shame and humiliate, by the pack leader. An encounter with a Vamp he’s supposed to kill changes his mind and upends his world.

The heat between Paul and Laurent is intense from the second their eyes meet. Laurent’s open about what and who he is. We know Paul isn’t and can never be. There’s much at stake for both men, they each have major hurdles to overcome. Laurent accepts Paul as his immediately and tries to open Paul’s eyes to what they can be, what they can have together. It’s not that easy and it’s a revelation to watch that journey unfold as Paul goes from straight anger and denial, to lust, need, acceptance and ultimately love.

Review - Steamed by Desiree Holt & Allie Standifer

Title: Steamed

Authors: Desiree Holt & Allie Standifer

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy Link: Buy Steamed Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by:  Brynna

Blurb:

Kira Jacobs is sick of always being the bridesmaid, never the bride. Sick of dating hot studs who have no more depth than the water in her sink. She’s determined to find a lasting meaningful relationship with a mature, suit-wearing man. But her goofy, stay-at-home neighbor sends her all kinds of hot signals.

Grant Havers left the high finance rat race after having a heart attack at thirty-eight. He’s done with living up to everyone’s expectations but his own. It’s time to go after what he wants. What he wants most is sexy Kira. He’s convinced her to try him out in bed, but she’s determined to leave it as sex only.

Review: 

While at his cousins' engagement party, Grant Havers meets Kira Jacobs, a cousin of the brides to be.  After suffering a heart attack he left the stress of the finance world and his reputation as a ladies man behind to live a sedate life and settle down. Kira seems to be just what he's looking for.

Kira Jacobs is thrilled her cousins have found happy ever after, but after escaping a verbally abusive man, she isn't quite ready to sink into another relationship. Grant seems to be just what she is looking for, fun for a night and farewell in morning light. After heating up a boardroom in the hotel where the party is held, they go their separate ways only to learn later they are neighbors. Grant isn't about to give up on winning Kira's heart.

I loved Steamed!  The dynamics of these two characters seem to be a constant force of push away, pull closer making this book a page-turner. Another You Gotta Read from Allie Standifer and Desiree Holt

Review: Agency of Extraordinary Mates Volume 2 by Aubrey Ross, Willa Okati, Stephanie Burke

Title: Agency of Extraordinary Mates Vol 2

Author: Aubrey Ross, Willa Okati, Stephanie Burke

Publisher: Changeling Press

Buy Link: Buy Agency of Extraordinary Mates Vol 2 Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

The Agency of Extraordinary Mates

Not your average dating service. This one caters to creatures of the ether… Weres, Vampires, Elves, Faeries, Satyrs, Incubi, and much more.

It’s a world of fantasy, of lust and love, but most of all, it’s a world of dreams-come-true for the lucky few who arrive on the pristine shores of Chimera Island…

Chelsea has a past she’d as soon forget… and two temptations she cannot resist. Erotic dreams come true in Aubrey Ross’s Dichotomy.

Journalist Jamie seeks adventure and intrigue. His instincts are right -- he’s the sorcerer Niko’s erotic prey in Willa Okati’s Under Your Spell.

Talcor, an Elemental Fae, is still a virgin. Chimera offers him a woman. Could he be… straight? Join Talcor’s quest in Stephanie Burke’s Taboo.

Review:

Aubrey Ross’s Dichotomy:

Tall, dark and mysterious, or blond, tanned and fun loving. The terrible choices some women have to make. But what if there is no need to choose? Such is the non-dilemma of Chelsea when her trip to Chimera gives her not just one dream mate, but two. During the day she finds herself in the playful arms of Ray, and by night the passionate embrace of Delano.

This is definitely a best of all worlds story. Every girl wants to be desired by a hot guy, two guys is even better; getting to keep both is just having your cake and eating it too. Luckily the guys are of the same mind...and the same body.

This story is fun because the reader knows the secret that Chelsea does not, leaving them feeling like a conspirator rather then a passive observer. The sex is varied and spicy, which keeps it from feeling too repetitive in such a short story.

Willa Okati’s Under Your Spell

This story does not take place on the island proper, but above it. It is also worth noting that the main characters do not actually meet until the very end. These two factors combine to make a story with a rather different dynamic.

Also, this story is rather...preachy, with one characters teaching the other a lesson in relationship in a rather heavy handed fashion. While a story that teaches something is not in and of itself bad, it really should not be so boldly spelled out for the reader.

Stephanie Burke’s Taboo

Of the three stories, this one is by far the funniest, with most of the story taken up by the main characters getting smashed while trying to get laid. They subsequently run into every mythological creature the author could think up, including a Were Bee. And for fun, see if you can spot the nod to continuity.

Like the previous story of this anthology, this one also has the characters learning about themselves, but in a fashion that is far more enjoyable to read about.

Overall, I enjoyed this anthology far more than its predecessor.

Review: Explosive by Beth Kery

Title: Explosive

Author: Beth Kery

Publisher: Berkley Heat

Buy Link: Buy Explosive Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

His touch would consume her—if it didn’t kill her first…

Dr. Sophie Gable wasn’t expecting her peaceful getaway to be shattered by the arrival of a half-dazed, dead-sexy guest. Thomas Nicasio has obviously been traumatized, and Sophie thinks she knows by what. There’s something about Thomas’s father that he can’t—or won’t—remember. Something that could get them both killed. Still she can’t resist Thomas’s electrifying seduction—or her instincts to help him…

An ex-Navy explosives specialist, Thomas has never felt this type of volatile need for a woman. Even while he’s grieving the deaths of his brother and nephew, something in Sophie makes Thomas want to overtake her, and each time he does, her willing submission makes him want her all the more. But danger is lurking close by, and if he can’t face the demons of his past, he and Sophie could be the next victims in a pattern of meaningless violence…

Review:

When Thomas Nicasio showed up dazed and obviously concussed at Dr. Sophie Gable’s vacation home, she didn’t know what to think. They had flirted casually in the elevator of their shared office building and in her office while he was waiting for his brother, but he had never given Sophie any indication that he was interested in her at all. After an unexpected and shattering night of passion, Thomas had disappeared from Sophie’s home as if he were a dream. The next morning at her office, Sophie is astounded when Thomas shows up as if nothing has changed. He has no memory of the previous night at all.

Beth Kery writes phenomenal erotica, and for quite a few chapters, I was convinced that Explosive was just a long erotic novel with not much of a story attached. ( very red faced) I was sooo wrong. My apologies to Ms. Kery for my precipitous judgment. This is a staggeringly brilliant suspense novel that just happens to contain some excellent erotic passages. I was becoming extremely frustrated with Sophie for her tolerance of Thomas’s erratic and borderline abusive behavior, concussion or no. I just couldn’t understand it, physicians are not known for their passive or submissive behavior. Ah, but revelations were made and plot twists revealed. It all came together like red beans and rice.

Thomas became less of someone I wanted to bean with a tire iron, and more of a sympathetic hero. Weird behavior aside though, Thomas always had it going on in the bedroom, oh and the dock, and the hammock, and about half a dozen other places. Head injury not withstanding, Thomas wasn’t a man that let anything keep him down. ( pun intended) If you enjoy being totally surprised by what you are reading, grab this book.

Review: Gabriel’s Redemption by Roslyn Hardy Holcomb

Title : Gabriel’s Redemption

Author: Roslyn Hardy Holcomb

Publisher: Loose ID

Buy Link: Buy Gabriel’s Redemption Here!

Rating : You Could Read

Reviewed By : Valentina C.

Blurb :

When Ryannon shows up on Gabriel’s doorstep claiming that he is an archangel with the power to trigger the Apocalypse and that he’s in danger from an End of Days cult, he thinks she’s crazy -- crazy hot -- but still crazy. Despite being a trumpet player named Gabriel, the life he’s led has been anything but angelic. But with the cult already in hot pursuit, he has no choice but to accept it for now. He and Ryannon must go on the run to save themselves and dozens of others from the cult leader’s diabolical schemes.

Even the desperate circumstances are not enough to dampen the fiery lust that pulls them together. Gabriel knows that Ryannon is the one for him, but he’s a player and always has been, and Ryannon has no intention of being just another woman in his bed. Will they survive long enough to develop trust, find love, and somehow avoid inadvertently setting off the Apocalypse?

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content and graphic language.

Review :

The story started out with a strong fight scene, with a punch into the middle of the action (pardon the pun) that captured my attention instantly. The main character, Gabriel, was unusual enough even from those first few moments to make me wonder what was going on with him. A trumpet player getting assaulted by people who know who he is? That’s a catchy beginning.

Unfortunately, that’s probably the best scene in the novella. The writing is haunted by inconsistencies and coincidences that move the story forward in what I call “lazy writing”. It’s easy to craft a story when all your characters have supernatural powers that can fix pretty much everything.

Even the central relationship is a bit of a disappointment, the energy between Gabriel and Ryannon is tepid at best, even in the more intimate scenes. There is not nearly enough suspense, moving too quickly to the pants-off moments.

Ok, it’s not awful. It has a myriad of weak spots but also has some quirky dialogue that made me smile and a feline side-kick named Geometry that stole the few scenes she appeared in. So, in my opinion, if you have some time to kill and you don’t expect an earth-shattering story, then sure this one could very well do.