Review – Why I Love Geeks By T.A. Chase

Title: Why I love Geeks

Author: T.A Chase

Publisher: Amber Quill Press

Buy Link: Buy Why I Love Geeks Here!

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed by: Layne

Blurb:

Chuck Davidson has an aversion to modern technology. He likes sports, beer, and classic cars. Chuck’s a homicide detective in Boston, and it’s put a damper on his relationships. Hard to find a guy who will put up with his crazy hours. How is he to know that planning the impending death of his newest phone will bring him in contact with a cute geek who just might have a thing for rugged, slightly out-of-touch with the newest gadgets older men?

Herbert Pommerest has never been on a date or even kissed a man before. Oh, he knows he’s gay. He did all the experiments to ensure it was true, not just a rebellious phase or a knee-jerk reaction because women scared him to death. It’s easy to hide himself behind his research and daydream about what having a boyfriend would be like. Saving an expensive phone from an early demise brings him in contact with a street-wise mature detective. Suddenly Herb wishes he knew how to flirt because he’d love to take some lessons from Chuck Davidson of the sensual kind.

Can a geek and a detective find common ground between their worlds before one of Chuck’s cases threatens to put Herb in danger?

Review:

A geek and a cop. Opposite yes, but T.A Chase brings these two together and drama ensues. There were a few things to love in Why I Love Geeks and an equal amount to dislike.

Why is a homicide detective so against technology? That question is never really answered in the story, but it seems Chuck has a thing against all things tech. A cute stranger on the street helps him out. A geeky stranger who can’t stop talking, but doesn’t know much beyond his scientific projects.

I liked Herb in the beginning but he quickly wore me out with the constant yammering. He’s a genius, we get that. Does important work, got that too. And he’s never been kissed. Or had sex. The usual.

Chuck finds him adorable so I guess that’s all that matters. Chuck I liked, he’s genuine and really a big teddy bear who falls head over heels for a man who keeps him on his toes.

I loved Chuck’s huge, meddlesome family. Got one of those myself so I know the urge to just want to run away and hide.

Great love scenes. Didn’t really buy the plot surrounding the case Chuck and his partner were working, but I can overlook that in favor of the love scenes.

Review - Wedgie Tales and Panty Lines By Sandra Sookoo

Title: Wedgie Tales and Panty Lines

Author: Sandra Sookoo

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy Link: Buy Wedgie Tales and Panty Lines Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

When unassuming mailroom worker Kate Little agrees to become an underwear tester for a marketing company, things get uncomfortable fast. Not only has she never worn “fancy” underpants before, she has to work closely with handsome marketing manager Bryan Eddleman, and that’s enough to keep her in a constant state of confusion. Trouble is, Bryan’s competing with another manager for a promotion that hinges on the results of the test group. Kate can’t determine if his sudden interest is really in her or her surprisingly insightful weekly reports on foundation garments. Add a jealous coworker out to sabotage Kate’s budding love life, an overly helpful gay friend with nothing better to do than shove her into Bryan’s arms, and a rambunctious teacup dog to the chaos and you’ll have a typical day in Kate’s less than ordinary life. The last thing she needs is panty lines.

Review:

First off I just have to say that Abby is one nasty piece of work. She really is mean and cold hearted and puts Kate through Hell. I loved Kate especially when she shows her backbone. She is a smart woman and doesn’t give herself enough credit. Watching her begin to bloom was a great read. Kate will become someone to contend with if she continues to grow. It was nice to see a full figured woman like Kate find herself and maybe even love and having a man like Bryan as her love interest made the read all the better. He is a good man who loves with all his heart. The two make a wonderful couple, the heat between them only increases through out the story.

This book grabbed me right from the start and had me turning the pages to see just what would happen next. Not only do the main characters grab your attention but the secondary ones shine as well. I adored Darren and The wardrobe Goddess and hope to see more of them in the future. Abby on the other hand is a villain in every sense and she definitely has you hating her right from the start. She makes quite an impression as you can see from the beginning of my review. The author does a wonderful job of bringing the characters and their world to life making this a book that should not be missed.

Review – Under A Rock By India Harper

Title: Under A Rock

Author: India Harper

Publisher: Amber Allure

Buy Link: Buy Under A Rock Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Layne

Blurb:

When his father crossed a powerful Mexican drug cartel, Keith Lewis lost everything—his identity, his way of life, and the freedom to live in the open. With a new name, Keith is now in witness protection, and his handler has brought him to the last place on Earth anyone would ever look for him: a cattle ranch in Montana. What Keith didn’t expect to find there was a handsome, tempting former Navy SEAL.
Tanner Bruenig retired to the Montana countryside to try his hand at ranching and savor the peace of hard work and few neighbors. When you’re former military and your cousin’s in the Marshals’ Service, however, it’s easy enough to get roped into providing a safe haven once in a while. Keith isn’t the first witness to shelter in Tanner’s house or to join him in his bed. But he may be the first one Tanner wants to keep there...

Review:

With his life in danger, Keith is given a new identity and carted off to the middle of nowhere, dropped in the lap of a former Navy SEAL.

Tanner is a loner, who it seems gets his jollies by sleeping with the men who’s put under his protection. Keith is no different and soon enough, they’re doing the nasty. Amid the forced attraction is the smidgen of a plot that needed to be flesh out but was left forgotten. I didn’t buy the chemistry between the two men for an instant. It appeared India Harper found it a convenient step in Under A Rock for the men to hit the sheets, so they did.

There was nothing interesting about the characters, no deep development. There were a few attempts at funny and even a flash of heat with the sex scenes, but overall Under A Rock was a quick, predictable, and forgettable read.

Review – Time To Live By H.C. Brown

Title: Time to Live

Author: H C Brown

Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing LLC:

Buy Link: Buy Time To Live Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By Gabrielle

Blurb:

Seth Bannock is living a lie. Nothing in his life is working out. He likes women . . . he respects women . . . but when he tries to kiss a woman and she does that tongue thing, he wants to spew.
Confused by his body's reaction to the men at his gym, Seth seeks help from the only gay club he knows—Floggers. Is the man crazy? Seeking answers, the sweet, vanilla virgin marches into the BDSM club to speak to the owner Rio Knight.
Realization that he has been on the wrong team all his life comes in the form of a six-foot-seven Adonis by the name of Matt Duffey. Instantly attracted to the leather-clad alpha male, Seth must leave his old life behind and embrace his newfound sexuality.
Seth thought his life had complications before he met Matt, but nothing comes close to the rollercoaster ride in the big dom's arms.

Review:

Coming out was never so hot. Seth finds himself at a loss and in need of answers but whom can he ask? When he meets Matt a Dom at Floggers there is an instant connection but when Seth doesn’t hear from Matt for days he begins to second-guess what they have together. Can the two work things out or are things over before they even start?

Once again I found myself at Floggers and enjoying my visit. I adore Seth. He is in search of the truth and watching him find himself was a great read. I loved that even though he has some vulnerability he is still a strong man. He loves with all his heart and is more than ready to share it with Matt. Matt is not only a wonderful Dom but a great man as well. He is more than willing to give their feelings a chance. The heat between the two is incredible and turns into so much more as the book goes on. Even as quick as this read is we still get the depth of the relationship between the two men. I really enjoyed seeing the interaction between them. Seth and Matt make a great couple. Not only are they hot together but you can also see that everything that they do is full of love. My only complaint is that this story was over to soon. I hope that we get to see more of Matt and Seth in the future.

Review – This Rough Magic By Josh Lanyon

Title: This Rough Magic

Author: Josh Lanyon

Publisher: Loose id

Buy Link: Buy This Rough Magic Here!

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed by: Layne

Blurb:

Wealthy San Francisco playboy Brett Sheridan thinks he knows the score when he hires tough guy private eye Neil Patrick Rafferty to find a priceless stolen folio of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Brett’s convinced his partner-in-crime sister is behind the theft -- a theft that’s liable to bring more scandal to their eccentric family, and cost Brett his marriage to society heiress Juliet Lennox. What Brett doesn’t count on is the instant and powerful attraction that flares between him and Rafferty.
Once before, Brett took a chance on loving a man, only to find himself betrayed and broken. This time around there’s too much at risk. But as the Bard himself would say, Journey’s end in lovers meeting.

Review:

The setting of Josh Lanyon’s This Rough Magic—1930’s San Francisco—was prevalent throughout the story, transporting me to a time I’d never been, but one that felt infinitely familiar. A testament to the author’s great writing and descriptive style.

Brett is a play boy from a wealthy familiar, engaged to marry into another influential family. His problem though, is two-fold: his family is broke and his sister may or may not have stolen something priceless from his fiancé’s family. Brett hires investigator Neil Rafferty to snoop around and things get way more interesting.

Rafferty is a guy’s guy. He speaks his mind and is quite open about his sexuality. In Brett he sees a man weighed down by his responsibility to his family and their expectations of him. Despite the obvious disparity in their social standings, Rafferty feels a tenderness towards Brett that he can’t hide. I liked Rafferty’s easy demeanor and straight forward attitude. The relationship between him and Brett is sweet to watch, intertwined perfectly between the mystery they’re trying to solve.

There were also some funny moments in This Rough Magic courtesy of the supporting cast of likeable and not so likeable characters.

The sex in This Rough Magic isn’t explicit, yet when Rafferty and Brett come together you can’t help but be party to the desperate need they share. A really great story from Josh Lanyon.

Review – The Unhewn Stone By Wendy Laharnar

Title: The Unhewn Stone

Author: Wendy Laharnar

Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing

Buy Link: Buy The Unhewn Stone Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

When teenager, Stefan Gessler, answers the call to restore his family's honour, he discovers it takes more than superior education and pride to equip him for life in the Middle Ages. His dangerous adventures threaten his courage and challenge his beliefs.

Immersed in the turbulent events of the Wilhelm Tell legend, Stefan pretends to be a wizard when an avaricious sibyl mistakes him for an alchemist. The shape-shifting sibyl and an evil knight have diabolical reasons to want the wizard dead.

Faced with his own demons and those of medieval Switzerland, how will Stefan complete his mission and escape the fourteenth century...alive?

Life in the Middle Ages is a dangerous game, even for Üserwäälti, the Chosen One.

Review:

I’m not sure if this book is too short or has too many sub-plots. Either way, none of them get enough attention to create any real tension. And some of them just seem to be...there. Like Cassandra, as in the Cassandra, the girl cursed by Apollo to see the misfortune of the future but have no one believe her prophecies. How the heck did she get to medieval Switzerland? And, why? She doesn’t contribute anything really.

This leads to a story that drags, as the characters wander place to place always in search of one item or another with a goal that isn’t always clear.

This story also stumbles over a personal pet peeve: random foreign words. The story takes place in Switzerland, I get that, but I don’t speak any of the four languages recognized. And every time I came to a non-English word or phrase, it threw me out of the story, and sent me wandering over to babel fish. This is never good, they are completely unnecessary when there is an English word that makes more sense. While I can see it adding a hint of authenticity and depth to a work, even if the reader is bi-lingual, the change is very jarring.

There are of course exceptions to this: one, when there is no good translation, and two, when there is no translation at all. Take a word like youkai, translated roughly from Japanese you get demon or spirit, but that isn’t really what it means. Or a word like Rhwe, a South African word that means to “fall asleep on the floor without a mat while drunk and naked.” There is just no word in English that means that.

Overall, this story is pretty average. It has plenty of plot-points, but none are given enough attention to really stand out.

Review – The Starlight Rite By Cherise Sinclair

Title: The Starlight Rite

Author: Cherise Sinclair

Publisher: Loose Id

Buy Link: Buy The Starlight Rite Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Her voice is known throughout the galaxy; her face is completely unknown.

Fleeing her monstrous husband back on puritanical Earth and the police assassins he's hired, singer Mella Archer becomes stranded on the frontier planet of Nexus. Desperate to survive, she picks the wrong target--Dain, the head of planetary security.

Dain is amused by the attempted theft, and when Mella is sentenced to serve time indentured as a bedroom slave, he buys her contract. As he introduces the repressed Earther to the pleasures of sex with a dominating warrior, he slowly comes to realize that the little thief has stolen his heart.

When the monster arrives on Nexus and has lunch with Dain, Mella is panic-stricken. Her owner must be part of the conspiracy to kill her, and it will only be a matter of time before the monster discovers that she’s still alive. She attempts to escape. She fails. Embittered by her lies and mistrust, Dain returns her to Indenture Hall to be sold again.

Now the monster has found her. And she has nowhere left to run...

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, BDSM theme and elements (including/not limited to: bondage, caning, spanking), dubious consent.

Review:

This book was a step in a different direction from what I am used to from this author. While Cherise Sinclair is an auto buy for me. I am used to her contemporary books and wondered how I would like this futuristic sci-fi book. I can say that I worried for nothing. I really enjoyed this book. I was so engrossed with the characters and the plot that I stayed up well into the night and finished this story in one sitting.

I loved Dain. He is a man who loves with all his heart and is always ready to keep those that he cares for safe. Mella is a strong woman, who goes through so much in her life and still finds the good in it. My heart went out to Mella and all that she had to endure in this story and only hoped that she would finally trust Dain enough to let him help her. The heat sizzles between these two right from the start and only burned hotter as I turned the pages. They make a beautiful couple so in tune to each other.

I enjoyed watching Mella open up and find herself. She has lived a sheltered life on Earth where sex is only a memory. Seeing her loose her prudish ways and find her enjoyment was a nice read.

The author does a wonderful job of bringing this new world to life and telling Mella and Dain’s story. I was pulled right in to the story from the first page and it did not let me go until the very end. Making me glad that I took a chance on this book.

Review – The Ruby Kiss By Helen Scott Taylor

Title: The Ruby Kiss

Author: Helen Scott Taylor

Publisher: Dorchester Publishing

Buy link: Buy The Ruby Kiss Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

A Powerful Nightstalker: Nightshade hungers to bring the strong and beautiful to their knees beneath the ecstasy of his bite, but he has never known sexual lust--not until he meets Ruby McDonald. The curvy redhead wields attitude and strength like an ax and she would be the perfect mother of his children. Caught in a clash between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, he battles not only for her survival but also for her heart.

A Mortal with a Secret: Plagued by magic inherited from a father she never knew, Ruby wants answers. Nightshade has them. But when he crashes into her bedroom late one night, the Fairy's silvery eyes, dark intensity, and striking black wings tempt her with a whole lot more: a mysterious world waiting to be explored, a dangerous love that binds her in body, mind, and spirit, and the children she thought she could never have. The future offers her a choice between freedom and a power some would kill to possess. Should she deny her desires, or succumb to the seduction of...THE RUBY KISS

Review:

Ruby MacDonald has not lived what anyone could consider a normal life. Having been told by her mother that her father was an Angel, and then watching her mother spend her life searching for that angel, has left Ruby with a strong desires to put down roots and live a normal life. That is until a handsome fairy named Nightshade comes crashing through her roof to land in her bed. Ruby is the first female Nightshade has ever felt an attraction for, and he lets her know of his desire to create a son with her. This was not music to her ears and she sends the fairy packing. This is just the beginning of Ruby’s adventure with Nightshade. It seems that her father wasn’t an angel at all, but a Hunter for the Seelie court, and daddy now wants his little girl’s powers for himself. Hopefully Nightshade doesn’t hold a grudge.

The Ruby Kiss was much more than what I expected when I began to read this story. With layers and layers of story arcs and multiple shades of grey to character motivations, this book was a slingshot into a world of magic and treachery. I just loved Nightshade in this book. He was such a puzzle for me, I just couldn’t get a handle on who he really was because he kept surprising me. There was an absolutely delicious hint of bi-sexuality to his character that drove me insane, though the sneaky fairy kept me guessing through the entire book. I loved the story and the hero, I loved the returning characters, heck I even liked the quasi-villain Twister. The story was expertly crafted, easily capturing and holding my attention until the last page. The emotional range was immense, taking me from laughter to heartbreak in a tumultuous ride. The world created in this series was very detailed and I became immersed in the fantasy quickly. The heroine Ruby was my only sore point. A great many of the mishaps that occurred to the protagonists happened due to something she did or didn’t do. This was a bit frustrating and really almost had me pushing Nightshade in Troy’s direction. She did claim her heroine status in the end and redeemed herself rather nicely. I am still on pins and needles about several of the background characters, so future books in this world are absolutely on my “must read” list. Here’s a hearty thumbs up for a job well done.

Review – The One By Lora Leigh

Title:  The One

Author:  Lora Leigh

Publisher:  Ellora's Cave

Buy Link:  Buy The One Here!

Rating:  You Want To Read

Reviewed by:  Donna Bryant

Blurb:

Brenna's love for Jase has grown from a crush to a soul-searing need, a  painful hunger…and an unrequited ache, because the savagely sexy Texan  doesn't feel the same. A bequest and stipulation in his father's will have hardened Jase, it seems. Now she must endure three months of living under his roof. Three torturous, tension-filled months and Brenna will have fulfilled the stipulation; will be free to attempt to regain the heart lost to Jase so long ago.

Since the age of eighteen, Jase has protected Brenna—from himself, as much as anyone else. Living with her proves too rousing even for his iron will. He'll claim what's his, take Brenna in ways he'd previously only dreamed, sink so deeply inside her luscious body he'll never find his way out. And be damned if he'll let her go.

A scorching Texas summer can't compete with blazing lust as Brenna gives in, gives over, gives all that she is to Jase, to the only man she's every loved…to the one.

Review: 

I must start by saying that Lora Leigh is one of my favorite authors.  However, I was leery of this book because of the disappointment of Midnight Sins, her release just prior to The One.  I was pleasantly surprised to see very few grammatical errors and a fairly decent plot, however I can't give this book a 4 or 5 star rating due to the length (only took about an hour to read, if that) and the fact that there were a few loose ends that I felt should have been tied up.

The epic struggle of a bad boy who is trying to save his woman from himself is a little worn thin, but beyond that, I felt that Ms. Leigh was essentially letting the hero be afraid to love and lose.  This, too, is a common theme, but it worked well for The One.  I liked the characters, despite the man being a typical man (bone-headed) and the woman loving him anyway.  The One was a sweet, short story with some steamy sex thrown in.  All in all, a good read.

Review – The Ever Knight By Georgia Fox

Title:  The Ever Knight

Author:  Georgia Fox

Publisher:  Evernight Publishing

Buy link: Buy The Ever Knight Here!

Rating:  You Want To Read

Reviewed by:  Donna Bryant

Blurb: 

The Conquerors Series

A Saxon Thane’s daughter, born with mystical healing strength, must choose between two lusty Norman knights, half-brothers, each intent on claiming her for their own.  One man has claimed her dowry; the other has claimed her virginity.  One man is dying of a battle wound and the other has scars that can’t be seen by the naked eye.  Both brothers need her healing touch.  Both brothers need her.

And she needs them.
Jisella always knew that one day her Ever Knight would arrive – the soul she’s loved since time began.  Yet he’s taken a long time to find her in this life and now she’s not sure which of these handsome Knights is the one for whom she’s waited. 
The brothers are all too happy to compete for their lady’s favors.  Perhaps there is only one fair decision.  Perhaps she can have both, if they might be persuaded to share.

Be Warned: menage a trois romance, menage sex, anal sex.

Review: 

A short but entertaining tale of a damsel in distress being rescued by strong, handsome knights - minus the shining armor.  Jisella has been locked away in a convent for years, waiting for her father to trade her for power and position.  Finally, after all these years, her husband-to-be has arrived.  But he's a day late and his brother has already claimed her most prized possession. 

Ms. Fox has written an amusing tale of passion and need in The Ever Knight.  The characters were entertaining, but the story was a little too short to have much of a true plot.  While there were a few minor grammatical errors, overall the story was well written and made for an enjoyable read.

Review – The Covenant By Evangeline Anderson

Title: The Covenant

Author:  Evangeline Anderson

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Buy Link:  Buy The Covenant Here!

Rating:  You Need To Read

Reviewed by:  Donna Bryant

Blurb: 

Kaitlyn Richards is a witch with powers beyond the norm. Her unique abilities make her one of the few people in the state of Florida qualified to be an S.E., or Supernatural Enforcer. As part of her duties she uses her home as a magical holding cell for creatures too strong to be contained in normal human jails.

Holden Sumner is a three-hundred-year-old vampire on a mission—he’s been stalking a serial-killing demon for centuries and he needs Kaitlyn’s help to kill it. The problem is, she won’t give him the time of night. But Sumner is determined to get under her skin.

Though Kaitlyn is reluctant to get involved with a vampire, she agrees to help Sumner search for the killer. But in order to drive the demon back to hell and stop the slaughter of innocents, she will have to bind herself more tightly than she ever thought possible to a man she doesn’t want to love.

She and Sumner must form a blood covenant…or die trying.

Review: 

Trusting a vampire is a very hard thing to do.  Especially when the vampire in question has gruesomely killed a man just to get your attention.  But trust is exactly what Kaitlyn will have to give to save Holden, herself, and her new found love.  Ms. Anderson has written a story about vampires, witches and demons and made it engaging and exciting, if a little spine tingling at times.  The characters are well developed, the plot is intriguing and the sex is hot, hot, hot!  If you enjoy paranormal erotic romance, then you need to read this book.

Review – Tempting A Prince By Clarissa Yip

Title: Tempting a Prince

Author: Clarissa Yip

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Tempting A Prince Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna Bryant

Blurb:

Sarah Westfall is on a mission. Living the mundane life of a near spinster school teacher and sick of her parents throwing eligible men at her, she is determined to get over her crush on her best friend’s brother. She wants a prince and won’t settle for less. What better way than a 1Night Stand?

Evan Hunt needs to figure out his enemy’s game plan. Chasing his nemesis to Las Vegas and signing up for Madame Eve’s service and masquerade, he never expected the woman he’s desired for years to appear before him…as his princess.

When their attraction fires the night, the inevitable happens. Her prince isn’t as charming as she’s hoped, but he does save her from trouble. Would he be willing to fulfill her fantasies also?

Review:

Tempting a Prince is a short story with a fairytale ending.  After being in love with her best friend's brother for years, Sarah decides to play out one of her fantasies with a dating service that specializes in one night stands.  Since Evan will never look at her as anything other than a surrogate sister, she's going to get her Prince Charming fantasy and then move on wth her life.

Evan is in Vegas to track down his nemesis.  The only way to find him is to follow through with the same crazy dating scheme his enemy is playing in.  What he didn't expect was to find out that his super sexy date for a one night stand is none other than his little sister's best friend, and the one woman he's lusted after for years.

This book was very short, but it was well written with likable characters, a humorous plot and a happy ever after.  Not much could be better than that, except perhaps for it to be a bit longer.

Review- Strip For Me By Amarinda Jones

Title: Strip For Me (Sex Odyssey series)

Authors: Amarinda Jones

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Buy link: Buy Strip For Me Here!

Rating:  You Could Read

Reviewed by:  Donna Bryant

Blurb:

Rett Cameron is stranded in Resort City without a cent to her name. She wants to go home to Australia but how does she do that without money? When one of the locals offers to pay her for her sexual services, she's stunned. Sex with strangers? For money? Or is there more involved?

Hamish Clark, the local strip club owner, has a suggestion for Rett.  Strip for me and I'll pay you. The minute he saw Rett he wanted her. He soon discovers she has other needs than just money. But Hamish has a problem. Not all women like him. One wants him dead.

Review: 

Stranded in a foreign country, Rett needs cash to make it home to Australia, but how can she get cash? The oldest profession in the book...sex.  This is a very short story that doesn't have time to build on the characters or much of a plot. Ms. Jones does throw in a little suspense, but there just isn't enough story there to pull it off well. All in all, an enjoyable read, but I have to list this as a complete erotic short with a happily ever after thrown in to the mix.

Review – Strangers No More By Lynne Connolly

Title :  Strangers No More

Author:  Lynne Connolly

Publisher:  Ellora's Cave

Buy Link:  Buy Strangers No More Here!

Rating :  You Want To Read

Reviewed By :  Donna Bryant

Blurb : 

A book in the Skin Deep series.

Strangers in the dark, meeting for anonymous, hot and dirty sex. That was the way it was meant to be. But Whitney is increasingly drawn to her Stranger, more than she should be. Even if once he sees her face, he’ll run screaming. Then Whitney receives an offer from the Durban Trust for cosmetic surgery. Although she knows looks don’t matter, they’ve cost her too many promotions. She has to change her face to change her life.

Her colleague Jay—reporter and thriller writer—has a secret to match Whitney’s. He’s her Stranger. He doesn’t give a damn about her face, but how does he tell her? Now Jay has two secrets. He put her forward for the surgery. Once he tells her, she’ll kick him out of her life, but he has to take that chance. He only wants her to get the job. Because she already has him. Hook, line and sinker.

Review : 

Strangers No More is a contemporary erotic romance with a relatively believable plot and likable characters.  Ms. Connolly's writing is easy to read and follow, her sex scenes are steamy and sultry, and her story had a unique twist that kept me reading to the end. 

At 76 pages, this was a fairly short read, but it was enough to give the characters a little time to develop.  Some of the twists felt a little forced, such as the budding chemistry between Whitney and Nev, or the relationship with Whitney and the "multimillionaire". 

And, I was almost surprised to find, at the end of the story, that Jay had a problem great enough to land him in a mental institution for a few months. Despite these minor stretches, I enjoyed the book and am glad to have it on my ebookshelf.

Review – Sins Of The Highlander By Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe

Title: Sins of the Highlander

Author: Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Buy link: Buy Sins Of The Highlander Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Abduction

Elspeth Stewart’s gift of Sight hadn’t warned her of the dark-haired madman who charged into her wedding and bore her away into the wild Scottish highlands. Pressed against his hard chest and nestled between his strong thighs, she ought to fear for her life. But her captor silenced all protest with a soul-searing kiss, giving Elspeth a glimpse of the pain behind his passion—pain only she could ease.

Obsession

“Mad Rob” MacLaren thought stealing his enemy’s bride would be the perfect revenge. But Rob never reckoned that this beautiful, innocent lass would awaken the part of him he thought dead and buried with his wife. Against all reason, he longs to introduce the luscious Elspeth to the pleasures of the flesh, to make her his, and only his forever.

With two clans against them burning for battle, they must find a way to join—body, breath and soul. Or both will be made to pay for the … Sins of the Highlander.

Review:

Laird Robin MacLaren, otherwise known as Mad Rob, had not known a moment’s peace since the death of his beloved Fiona, less than a month after they joined as man and wife. Kidnapped and sorely abused at the hand of Lachlan Drummond, Fiona had escaped her captor by the only means available, by throwing herself out of the tower window. Rob has accomplished the ultimate in justice. He has stolen Drummond’s intended from the altar as the priest was conducting the wedding. Elspeth Stewart had just laid eyes on her betrothed on the day of their wedding, but she knew her duty as a good Scottish lass and lady-in-waiting to the queen. When the woad painted warrior burst into the kirk atop the massive black steed, she fought for herself and her future husband. Little did she know that Rob had just done her a huge favor, but she would find out.

Excellent read! I enjoyed every second of this action packed novel. It had all the elements I look for in a keeper. A damaged but salvageable hero, a strong determined heroine, humor, action, intrigue, betrayal, and some steamy love scenes to ratchet up the tension, and enough scurrilous villains to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. There was absolutely no down time in this book. It is an absolute “one sit” book. I was held captive by this story as surely as Elspeth was held captive by Rob. The characters were flawless, no irritatingly drawn out issues to worry over, each road block was handled quickly and in a wonderfully fulfilling manner. I also appreciated the light paranormal touch to the story and nail biter of an ending it provided to Sins of the Highlander. The weaving together of all the threads of the story culminated brilliantly and I was sad to see this story end.

Elspeth regally earned her title as heroine. Though a sheltered, noble Scottish lady, she reacted with courage and intelligence, everything I demand from a heroine. Rob was damaged, yes, but honorable and at a heart a very loveable man. (the kilt thing was an attractive bonus) The secondary characters were just as intriguing and handled with the same care as Elspeth and Rob. Even the animal participants were well developed and given great personality. The villains ranked highly on the despicable scale and did not suffer near enough in my humble opinion. I give this wonderful book my highest recommendation and think it would be a magnificent way to start off your literary year.

Review – Pleasing The Boss By Emma Shortt

Title:  Pleasing the Boss

Author:  Emma Shortt

Publisher:  Evernight Publishing

Buy link:  Buy Pleasing The Boss Here!

Rating:  You Want To Read

Reviewed by:  Donna Bryant

Blurb: 

Office Seduction, 1

A chance meeting in a bar leads to the most erotic night of Pam's life. Only when she awakes, Gabe is gone, and naturally she doesn't expect to see him again. Until Monday morning that is, when she arrives at the office...and meets her new boss.

For Gabe, one night was never going to be enough. He wants Pam again and intends to have her. Will she be able to look past their working relationship? And if so, will she be able to please her boss?

Review: 

Pleasing the Boss is a fun short story that is long enough to show some character.  Pam is a girl who's not afraid to get her slut on, but all in all, she's a hard worker who loves her job.  Gabriel is a super hot guy who comes to her rescue in a bar...and takes her home to light up her night.  In the light of morning, Pam finds a note that leaves her confused but hopeful of seeing the sexy Gabriel again.

Ms. Shortt has written a witty story with fun twists and turns.  The characters are solid and there's enough interaction for the plot to seem quite realistic.  There are a few grammatical errors here and there throughout the story, and the author gets a little bit carried away with phrases that this American reviewer had to guess the meaning of, but overall I enjoyed the book. 

Review – Obsessed By Lisa Sanchez

Title: Obsessed

Author: Lisa Sanchez

Publisher: Loose ID

Buy Link: Buy Obsessed Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Layne

Blurb:

The victim of both a brutal attempted rape and now a serial stalking, Halley Davis is broken, and desperate to glue the shattered pieces of her life back together. Tormented by a psychopath and battling a heavy dose of anxiety, sex and dating are the last things on Halley’s anxiety-ridden mind. That is, until she meets the man who rescued her from the hands of a would-be rapist. With a body made for sin, a wicked, sexy tattoo and an aura that screams “badass,” her rescuer not only calms the storm of terror raging inside her mind, he ignites a passion within her she’s never known before.

Tired of using meaningless sex to drown out the horrors of his past, Nick Ackart has sworn off women. In fact, if women were classified as meat, his ass is Vegan. Despite his determination to remain unattached, Nick is unable to stay away from the emerald-eyed beauty he rescued from a sadistic pervert. Immersed in a tangled web of sexual desire and deep emotion he was certain was long dead, he vows to protect Halley from the monster hounding her, even though he stands to lose his heart in the process.

Review:

Halley is no stranger to violence, she’s been through enough pain, until a stranger attacks her one night at a bar. It’s the last straw that breaks her, pushes her over the edge and leaves her a scared and emotional wreck. She tries to focus on her bakery and the companionship of her best friend, but it’s only the presence of her savior, Nick, that soothes her aches.

Nick has had his share of heartache, of pain, and his doing his own hiding. He’s nobody’s hero, just a man with a rough and tatted exterior covering the turmoil within. Halley brings out the protector in him. He wants to ease all her troubles, wrap her up in his arms and block out the world. Unfortunately that’s easier said than done.

The intensity of Obsessed leapt off the pages from the first word, grabbing the reader’s attention. Lisa Sanchez delivers a suspenseful read with twists at every turn. Someone is stalking Halley and no one around her can be trusted. I couldn’t figure out the culprit until right up to the reveal and I give kudos to Ms. Sanchez for a tightly written plot.

Amidst all the mystery and whodunit is the burn-your-face-off heat generated by Nick and Halley’s chemistry. Nick is my kinda guy, hot, hard, scarred on the inside and tatted on the outside, with a vulgar tongue and mad bedroom skills. I loved him. He’s at times confident and sexy, and charming and hesitant. Halley is no shrinking miss, she gives as good as she gets and nothing made her come alive as being with Nick.

The sex in Obsessed was scorching. No other word but scorching. It was my distinct pleasure to watch those two fight their demons and finally come together.

Review – Make Me, Sir By Cherise Sinclair

Title: Make Me, Sir – Masters of the Shadowlands

Author:  Cherise Sinclair

Publisher:  Loose Id

Buy Link:  Buy Make Me, Sir Here!

Rating :  You Gotta Read

Reviewed By :  Donna Bryant

Blurb : 

Her job is to make his life miserable. His job is to make her submit. Whose heart will surrender first?

Across the country, rebellious BDSM submissives are being systematically kidnapped, one from each club. When her friend falls prey to the slavers, FBI victim specialist Gabrielle volunteers to be bait in a club not yet hit: the Shadowlands.

She finds that being a bratty sub comes naturally, especially when she gets to twit the appallingly conservative Master of the trainees. But she soon discovers he’s not as stuffy as she’d thought. Or as mean. She’d expected punishment, even humiliation, but she sure never expected to fall in love with a damned lawyer.

Courtesy of a prima donna ex-wife, Marcus loathes disobedient submissives. When the club owner insists he admit an incredibly bratty trainee, he’s furious. But as he comes to know Gabrielle and sees the alluring sweetness beneath the sass, he starts to fall for her.

Unfortunately, Marcus isn't the only one who believes the feisty redhead is a prize worth capturing. And in the world of the slaver, such treasure is worth a hefty fee.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, strong BDSM theme and elements, violence.

Review : 

Cherise Sinclair has built an entire world where dominant men make women beg to submit to them.  In Make Me, Sir, Master Marcus is a lawyer with southern charm and and a full training program.  Gabrielle is both a joy and a pain, but her bratty attitude in the club is confusing, especially once Marcus finds her submission to be unbelievably sweet in private.  The harder he pushes her to drop the attitude, the more she throws it in his face.  Ms. Sinclair has built the Shadowlands over four previous novels, and this one is the best yet.  Very believable characters, imaginative plot, exciting sex that makes this reviewer melt and enough cliff to make me hang on for the next edition to this awesome series.  You Gotta Read this book!

Review – Leap Of Faith By Kristin Daniels

Title :  Leap of Faith

Author:  Kristin Daniels

Publisher:  Ellora's Cave

Buy Link:  Buy Leap Of Faith Here!

Rating :  You Need To Read

Reviewed By :  Donna Bryant

Blurb : 

When her grandmother bequeaths her a black pearl choker, Mia's intrigued. Even more mysterious is the note accompanying the gift, telling Mia her heart will know when she should wear the necklace. And it does. As she dresses to attend a company party, Mia somehow knows it's time to don the choker.

When Mia meets Logan at the party, their mutual lust is instantaneous.

Only after the man gives her an unexpected, mind-blowing orgasm under the full moon does Mia learn Logan is vying for the same promotion she's worked so hard to win. Despite that, their smoldering attraction remains, urging them to indulge in further pleasures of the flesh. Then they discover the small charm hanging from the choker's clasp—a charm engraved with a love spell.
Are their sizzling desires nothing more than a magical push from her grandmother? Mia will have to take a leap of faith to discover if Logan is The One.

Review : 

Do you believe in magic?  Love at first sight?  Is there even a difference between the two?  Mia has just met the man of her dreams, literally, and experiences an inexplicable mutual attraction that draws them together almost against their will.  Neither Logan nor Mia have ever felt anything so powerful as the pull that makes them completely unable to resist each other.  Ms. Daniels has woven a story with enough scorchingly hot sex to label it an erotica, enough romance to label it a love story and just enough magic to make me want to read more!  I didn't want to put this book down.  The only thing that could have made it any better would have been to make it a little longer, but for a novella, this was an excellent read.

Review - Roxie's Protectors - Kye's Heart By Marisa Chenery

Title: Roxie's Protectors - Kye's Heart

Author: Marisa Chenery

Publisher: Summerhouse Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Roxie's Protectors - Kye's Heart Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Kye’s idea of fun doesn’t include toting Roxie’s three-month-old daughter to the zoo, but like the good little Protector he is, Kye travels to the land of exotic furballs with pup in tow...and then smacks himself for not heading to the zoo ages ago. There, dressed in drab brown and looking more gorgeous than any woman he’s ever seen, Kye knows he’s finally found his mate.

Being a zookeeper, Michaela is used to soothing savage beasts...not screaming babies. Feeling sorry for the hottie who’s looking more panicked by the second, she’s quick to offer her assistance in calming the little bundle of adorable he’s holding. Of course Kye doesn’t hesitate to show his appreciation by asking her out and giving her a kiss that sends her heart racing.

While Kye struggles to tell Michaela about his penchant for howling at the moon, he manages to toss her right into the middle of his secretive life as a Protector and all the fangs that it entails. The question is: Can Michaela tolerate any more fur in her life, or is she going to trample all over Kye’s heart?

Review:

When Kye takes Roxie’s baby to the zoo he never thought he would find his mate but that he does. Now he must not only win her heart but also explain to her just what he is. Will Michaela let him into her heart and let him stay or will it all be too much for her?

Those of you that are familiar with my reviews will know that this series and author are one of my favorites and will probably guess that I enjoyed this book. Well you would be right. Although this book is not as intense as the previous books in this series it is still a great read. Kye’s Heart is more of a fun and entertaining read. It is more focused on the relationship aspect of the main characters than any thing else. I loved Kye he is a wonderful man and when he puts Michaela’s high school nemesis in her place he won a place in my heart. Michaela is a good woman with a big heart and how could I not love that she is a zookeeper. The two make a great couple. I enjoyed the trust and love that developed between them.

The bond Kye is forming with Nevaeh is a wonderful read as well. The scenes with her, Kye and Michaela were too cute. She is an adorable little baby and I hope that we get to see more of her. Having Nevaeh adds another dimension to an already interesting story and I cannot wait to see where the rest of this series is going to go.

Review – Know Thine Enemy By Rosalie Stanton

Title: Know Thine Enemy

Author: Rosalie Stanton

Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing, LLC

Buy Link: Buy Know Thine Enemy Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

He’s a vampire with a story. She’s a woman with a past.

The second Ryker spots the girl with midnight hair, he knows there’s more to her than meets the eye. She boasts the title of vampire hunter, but something’s off, something’s missing, and that something pulls him close…until backing off isn’t an option.

For years, Izzie has lived for the night, outrunning ghosts from home that seem to find her wherever she lands. Alongside her friend and mentor, who rescued her when she was at her lowest, she destroys creatures she once thought couldn’t exist. But Izzie doesn’t have what she needs to be her best, and doesn’t know if she ever will...or if the life she has is the one she wants.

When a shadow from Ryker’s former life surfaces to collect a forgotten debt, vampire and hunter are thrust together in a strange world of eroticism and servitude.

They must trust each other if they mean to escape, but when trust turns into something more, the real enemy becomes harder and harder to pick out.

Review:

Ryker was following the skinny human female at the request of his one and only friend Connor, owner and proprietor of the demon bar the Wall. She was easily made as a demon hunter and Connor just wanted to make sure she wasn’t a threat to his clientele. Izzie Bennett was good at her chosen vocation, not that she had a lot of choice. In this situation it was kill or be eaten. She and her partner Wright cleaned the streets of the evil vermin who preyed on the innocents. Ryker was proving to be a different sort of vampire. He was just trying to survive. Izzie couldn’t find anything overtly evil or sinister about the irritating stalker. Ryker is just as mystified by Izzie, she doesn’t wantonly kill vampires without good cause. In fact she’s the first hunter he’s found for who the hunt is not personal. When a ghost from Ryker’s past captures and imprisons Ryker and Izzie for an unknown government agency, they discover they are not so very different after all.

This book blew me away. It is not what I expected at all. It is so much darker and intense than anything I have read from Rosalie Stanton’s previous works. It still contains her trademark graphic sensuality. I have yet to run across anyone who can touch Ms. Stanton’s gift of sexual dialogue. She turns dirty talk into an art form. The characters in this book are all so incredibly damaged, it is just heartbreaking at times, and the only true villains were the government scientists. Izzie and Ryker’s captivity at the government facility is very hard to read at an emotional level. By this time, I was attached to both characters and their torture and humiliation was hard to stomach. I felt like I was literally there with them. As painful as that experience was, I would not have changed one second of this journey. It was masterfully crafted, and though it had a very Urban Fantasy feel to it, the romance, humor, (and I can’t stress this aspect enough) sexual dynamite kept it from being too overwhelming. It was perfectly balanced. Izzie was a fantastic heroine. Strong when it counted, but not so hardheadedly stubborn that it endangered anyone. She definitely could offer instruction on how not to be a weenie heroine. I loved Ryker because not only was he strong and alpha (all the things we expect from a good hero) but he was very analytical. He studied and plotted like a master chess player. Very sexy. Probably my favorite character though, was the owner of the Wall, Connor. He was just adorable! Zack Wright, Izzie’s partner and mentor needs further exploration. I would love to see him with his own story (maybe with a visit from Izzie, Ryker, and Connor). I really, really need Rosalie Stanton to hit the grindstone a little harder. Her books just aren’t coming fast enough for my taste.

Review – Ink Illusions By Val Kovalin

Title: Ink Illusions

Author: Val Kovalin

Publisher: Amber Allure

Buy Link: Buy Ink Illusions Here!

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed by: Layne

Story Blurb:

As a gay man, Aaron never dreamed he'd end up in Houston, Texas, helping a female friend raise her child. Then he learns that the child's father has just been released from prison. Will Travis threaten Aaron's new family? To find out, Aaron conceals his identity and meets Travis during the chaotic splendor of Mardi Gras, when no one is what he seems. Travis is ruthless when it comes to locating his child. Otherwise, he's not the criminal Aaron expected. Aloof and intuitive, he works as a tattoo artist. The intricate tattoos on his body celebrate his commitment to Asatru, a Norse pagan religion. Meanwhile, Aaron is his polar opposite, a talkative Jewish sales rep from Las Vegas, who never misses a chance to have fun.
What they have in common is neither man can turn down a fight. Neither can resist their affair, which turns into an intensely erotic struggle as each seeks to master the other. As their lust deepens to love, Aaron knows he must tell Travis the true reason they came to meet. Meanwhile, he fears that the darkness inside Travis's soul may lead him to break the law and end up back in prison.

Review:

Val Kovalin introduces the readers into the world of Mardi Gras, Norse paganism, and even some Viking mythology in Ink Illusions. Opposites Aaron and Travis meet at a masked ball and it’s attraction at first sight. Only Aaron is keeping secrets and those directly impact Travis.

Breathtaking descriptions and flawed characters make Ink Illusions a great read, but I couldn’t pin down a time frame. Ms. Kovalin had the characters jumping around from weeks to months, leaving this reader feeling as though something important was missed during the time jump.

Blocks of dialog with no action tags, or speech tags for that matter, bogged down the flow of the story and had me skipping pages.

I liked Aaron. I understood his dilemma in wanting to protect the little girl he loved and his growing feelings for Travis. Who I didn’t like was Rosemary, her attitude and her choices. I still don’t have a reason for why she thought Travis wasn’t fit to be in his daughter’s life.

Travis I loved. He was so misunderstood and really a softy who’d learned from his mistakes. I wanted more on his relationship with Aaron. I felt there could’ve been a bit more in depth fleshing out of those two. Still, Ink Illusions is filled with flawed characters and great love scenes.

Review – Hold Me If You Can By Stephanie Rowe

Title: Hold Me If You Can: Soulfire #3

Author: Stephanie Rowe

Buy link: Buy Hold Me If You Can Here!

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Without her passions, she has no magic…

It's unfortunate for Natalie that Nigel Aquarian is so compelling. With his inner demons, his unbridled heat, and his "I will conquer you" looks, he calls to her in exactly the way that nearly killed her.

But losing control means losing her life…

That he's an immortal warrior and that her powers rise from intense passions would seem to make them a match made in heaven, but unless they embrace their greatest fears, they'll play out their final match in hell.

Review:

Nigel used his art as a way to control the deadly warrior that lived inside of him, and for the most part it worked. Until the subjects he drew started returning to the Den Of Womanly Pursuits, or Hell. He had to find a way to retrieve his fellow warriors that he had unknowingly sent back, and he had to do it while controlling his inner warrior, but without his art it seemed impossible. Natalie was a Mystic, she should be able to use her power of voice to influence his mind and control the warrior, but Natalie has lost her power source and doesn’t believe in her ability. Plus she is being used as a smut receptacle by black magic users, which is turning her into a murderous demon. Just when it all seems as hopeless as it can get, a dream genie is intent on ridding the world of love by stripping away everyone’s dreams.

I do enjoy Stephanie Rowe’s sense of the whimsically bizarre. She uses the terminally cute to paint over some seriously dark and disturbed characters. She is a master of literary illusion, and by that I mean, while I’m thinking yummy chocolate and flowers, I’m actually absorbing mass murder and unfettered soul rending. I am at a loss for how she does it. She is either brilliantly gifted or just a tad psychotic. If it’s the latter, the world is in serious trouble, because she is insidiously devious. She has created this sparkly, incredibly detailed magical world that would be absolutely perfect if not for a few heinously evil villains, who mostly feel they are trying to do good in the form of torture and murder. There are a few who just want to eat other beings, but mostly there are the evil misguided do-gooders. Thankfully, Blaine, Jarvis, Nigel and Christian are always consistently wonderful. They have their little manly quirks, but they are like touchstones of lickable hottness. Their continued quest for freedom and peace is what drives this addictive series and keeps me coming back time after head scratching time. Every time I finish one of these books, I always ask myself “How did she do that?”. How did she take me from point A to point Q without me realizing it? It still remains a mystery. Maybe I’ll find out in Christian’s book.

Review – Envy By J.R. Ward

Title: Envy: Fallen Angels, book 3

Author: J.R. Ward

Publisher: Signet

Buy Link: Buy Envy Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

As the son of a serial killer, homicide detective Thomas "Veck" DelVecchio, Jr., grew up in the shadow of evil. Now, on the knife-edge between civic duty and blind retribution, he atones for the sins of his father---while fighting his inner demons. Assigned to monitor Veck is Internal Affairs officer Sophia Reilly, whose interest in him is both professional and arousingly personal. And Veck and Sophia have another link: Jim Heron, a mysterious stranger with too many answers...to questions that are deadly. When Veck and Sophia are drawn into the ultimate battle between good and evil, their fallen angel savior is the only thing that stands between them and eternal damnation.

Review:

When your father is prolific serial killer, Thomas DelVecchio, and you have a butchered mass of barely breathing male at your feet, the logical conclusion is the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Especially when it had been your intent to kill said barely breathing male. The problem is that Thomas “Veck” DelVecchio, Jr. doesn’t remember actually doing the deed. This is not the position a homicide detective with the Caldwell, NY police force should find themselves in. Sophia Reilly, an officer with Internal Affairs, is well aware of who Veck’s father is, and she’s kept her eye on the detective watching for sign’s of his infamous sire’s madness, but what should be an open and shut case just doesn’t add up, and Sophie doesn’t believe in snap judgments. With the balance of good and evil hinging on the outcome, Veck and Sophia are in a race against time to find out if Veck’s worst nightmare is fact his reality.

This book literally destroyed me. It was fantastic, the best book in the Fallen Angel series so far, but it is a wrenching experience. For the first time, since I became a fan of J.R. Ward, I had to walk away from the book and let it rest for awhile. It was just that emotionally powerful. I could not finish this book in one sitting and remain a functioning, rational person. The fight between the Fallen and Devina reaches new lows, and I really, really need to see some consequences leveled on her evil tail. There are some major developments with the Archangels that shake the foundations of the story arc as well. Veck has intrigued me since his first appearance in the world of Caldwell, NY and this story is completely worthy of his character. Sophia was a terrific heroine except for an issue near the end that sent my blood pressure into the stratosphere, but it did ensure that Veck will always win any argument they ever have for the rest of his life. All of the Fallen Angel books are stand alone reads, but with Envy, in particular, you will get so much more impact from the story if you have read the previous books. If you haven’t indulged in this series yet, you are missing out on one of life’s rare gifts. Though at times painful, this is something that shouldn’t be missed.

Review – Embracing The Wolf By Catherine Bybee

Title: Embracing The Wolf

Author: Catherine Bybee

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy Link: Buy Embracing The Wolf Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Werewolves come in two categories, good and evil. Although Richard Ritter's family has encouraged him to make the change for years, he never considered embracing his wolf until he meets Kate Davis. One night with her, however, and his life changes forever.

After a horrifying evening of violence, Kate Davis' life is turned upside down. Richard offers more than security; he offers her passion, something she hasn’t experienced in years. Falling in love with him was easy, but once she learns what he becomes every month her fear of the unknown threatens their future.

Review:

When the restaurant that Kate works at gets held up and she is unexpectedly shot Kate finds her world turned all around. While she and her son need protection from the hold up man who is still on the run Kate does not know what to make of her feelings toward her protector. Richard claims to only want to protect Kate and Joey but they both know that more is going on. Add in the fact that there are werewolves out in the night and the chaos begins.

This book was an enjoyable read. Not only does it have a wonderful romance in it but it also has a good storyline. The characters are full of emotion and depth and bring this story to life. Kate is a strong woman who finds out that it may be stronger to learn to lean on others for help. I loved seeing her open up and let Richard in. He is a good man who loves with all his heart. Watching Kate and Richard’s relationship grow was a nice read. The attraction begins right from the start between the two and blooms into so much more as the story goes on.

I enjoyed the way Kate was portrayed. Being a mother myself I connected with Kate and her emotions throughout the story when it came to Joey. She always has Joey’s feelings and safety in the forefront of her mind.

The author did a good job of pulling this reader into the wondrous world of the paranormal. I enjoyed the story from start to finish and hope that we get to see more from the Ritter’s in the future.

Review – Dreaming Of The Wolf By Terry Spear

Title: Dreaming of the Wolf

Author: Terry Spear

Buy Link: Buy Dreaming Of The Wolf Here!

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Werewolf pack leader Jake Silver is an acclaimed photographer. He sees a beautiful woman at the art gallery where his photos are on display, and his intrigue turns into wolfish protectiveness. Alicia Greiston has never met anyone like Jake-he’s sexy, alpha, and totally irresistible, and he calls to something primal in her soul.

Review:

Jake Silver was dropping off some of his photographs at an art shop in the quaint tourist town of Breckenridge, Colorado when he spies a young woman covertly taking pictures of a license tag. With a curiosity inherent to the lupus garou, he is instantly intrigued and more than a little attracted. Following her into the restaurant across the street, he becomes alarmed when she is threatened by a seedy looking man who obviously has a gun under his jacket. Coming to her rescue, Jake finds out his mystery woman, Alicia Greiston, is a rookie bounty hunter out to capture a couple of big time mobsters. More than half in love with her by now, he becomes concerned for her safety and is determined to offer his protection, whether she likes it or not. After two failed marriages, Alicia has sworn off men, and she is too focused on making sure the man responsible for her mother’s murder is punished, to spend anytime starting a new relationship. Still, her would be hero is awfully charming and really good looking. Maybe lunch would be okay, and he could offer a decent cover while she tails her mobsters. With both Jake and Alicia hiding big secrets, the situation becomes explosive quickly. When a threat is made against Jake, Alicia knows she has to let him go, but Jake isn’t willing to give her that option.

Wow! I’m so glad I read this book. I now have a new “Must Read” series to love. This was such a fun and easy book to read. It was like a good single malt scotch, smooth as silk with a pleasant burn leaving a lovely tingle behind. Jake was alpha to the bone, but a more laid back version. Alicia was totally unaware of any type of supernatural occurrences going on, until it bit her on the butt…. literally. Alicia, while having some minor insecurities, was still a terrific heroine determined to save the day by any means necessary. The action was fast and continuous, keeping the readers attention glued to the pages until the very last sentence. The humor and sizzling romance relieved the tension brought on by the danger stalking our furry couple. This group of shifters have a more realistic make-up than others I have read. Yes, they are supernatural, but they still have weaknesses and aren’t all that different than humans. This group, as a whole came off as very affable and I wouldn’t mind having a few of them as neighbors. (wink, wink) Dreaming of the Wolf combines a great story with interesting, very detailed characters in one thoroughly entertaining book. I am definitely on board the Terry Spear bandwagon now. I can’t wait for the next stop. Hint- ( this wolf is also a SEAL).

Review – Dicking Around By Amarinda Jones

Title: Dicking Around

Author:  Amarinda Jones

Publisher:  Evernight Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Dicking Around Here! 

Rating :  You Could Read

Reviewed By :  Donna Bryant

Blurb :

Sex to Carlisle is like breathing. She needs it. She craves it. The three horny men in her life each bring a delicious element of excitement to her. To love, submit and obey becomes her world and Carlisle delights in every dirty, sexy moment of it.

Her soon-to-be married sister thinks Carlisle should be more responsible and stop dicking around. But that’s not about to happen any time soon. Especially not when there are two thieves, an irate ex-girlfriend and a sexually explicit video to deal with.

Be Warned: multiple partners, menage sex, anal sex, forced seduction, public exhibition, sex toys.

Review :

Carlisle is what most people would simply call a slut.  Sex in public, sex with multiple partners, sex with strangers and no shame at all.  Finding the right man to settle down with is not something that she is interested in, but she finds him anyway in this short story.  It is "fantasy" material all the way around, and unfortunately not a very believable story.  There were a few grammatical errors in the story, and it was way to short to develop the characters beyond the equivalent of a naughty nooner. 

Review – Cowboy Obsession By Sineth Killiri

Title: Cowboy Obsession

Author: Sineth Killiri

Publisher: Amber Quill Press

Buy Link: Buy Cowboy Obsession Here!

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed by: Layne

Blurb:

Librarian Braden Hollace wasn’t open about being gay in a small Texas town, so whenever he saw the gorgeous cowboy across the street from the library, he refused to approach him and shatter his fantasy about the man. Instead, he put his focus on stopping the town council from banning gay literature.
Mayor and handsome, irresistible rancher Eric McCaffrey kept his sexual preferences to himself. He devoted his time to things he found important, and the impending literature ban wasn’t on his list. And he told that very thing to the librarian who called him to protest.
But when Braden and Eric hook up at a nightclub in the city, they never imagined their night of passionate sex could turn into an affair of the heart

Review:

For a quick read, I enjoyed Sineth Killiri’s Cowboy Obsession. Librarian Braden is going up against the town council who wants to ban gay literature. An out and proud gay man, Braden reaches out o the mayor but gets shot down. He’s not giving up though. After a night out with his girlfriend, she sets him up with a sexy cowboy and the two get down and dirty. No names are exchanged, but you see where it’s headed.

The story is predictable, but the sex remained on a high burn so as a result I kept reading. I still don’t understand the role of the shrewish girlfriend, who seems to make a habit of falling for gay men.

Eric’s in the closet but not all the way as he mixes his business with his pleasure. Self preservation really isn’t a top priority there. There was little to no character development in Cowboy Obsession, what you see is what you get, but I didn’t mind it much. Like I said, it was quick.

Review – Assassin’s Haiku By Cynthia Sax

Title: Assassin’s Haiku

Author: Cynthia Sax

Publisher: Loose ID

Buy Link: Buy Assassin’s Haiku Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Layne

Blurb:

Twice a week, every week, Haiku sits beside Diego in the dimly-lit underground poetry-sex bar. As they listen to the poets read, she basks in the warmth of her genetically-enhanced assassin's body, and longs for the smack of large, leather-clad hands against bare skin. No other male, human or otherwise, makes her thighs tremble like Diego can with one dark look. Her heart, body and soul are his, if only he'd ask.
Diego won't ask, because he knows a killer doesn't deserve love. Instead he sits in silent torment, watching Haiku, wanting Haiku, yet unable to touch her. She is poetry and light, embodying all that he fights for, and when Agency operatives attack the bar, putting Haiku in danger, he must protect her. He takes her to the safest place on the planet, his underground bunker, and then realizes he has made a deadly mistake. Haiku may now be safe, but Diego's heart has been put in jeopardy.

Review:

What a delightful and delicious read Assassin’s Haiku turned out to be. Cynthia Sax pulled me in from the first page with crisp descriptions, free flowing dialog, and riveting characters.

Genetically-enhanced Diego considers himself not good enough for the gentle Haiku, even as he prolongs the torture of being near her. He guards her body as he yearns to claim it. His inner monologue was fascinating to read. His need for Haiku burns off the pages but he denies himself the pleasure.

Haiku for her part sees no one but Diego, wants no one but him. When he spirits her way to his safe house, all rules are left at the door.

I enjoyed this story immensely. I adored the chemistry between Diego and Haiku. He’s my kind of guy, bad ass but a total softie for the woman he loves. Assassin’s Haiku was a short read, with no added fillers to bog the story down. It’s all about Diego and Haiku as they battle the people intent on harming Haiku, and opens Diego’s eyes to what matters most.

Burning love scenes, so hot and explosive I could not get enough of them. I really wished the story was longer, but Assassin’s Haiku is an automatic re-read for me.