Review – Fool Me Once By Lacey Wolfe

Title: Fool Me Once

Author: Lacey Wolfe

Publisher: Beachwalk Press

Buy Link: Buy Fool Me Once Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…

Drew is the last person Skylar wanted to see across from her at a local bar. A month ago he’d wined and dined her all weekend, leaving her feeling fully in love, but then she awoke alone in an empty hotel room and she hadn’t heard from him since.

The weekend Drew spent with Skylar was phenomenal. There had never been anyone who made him feel as complete as she did. He shouldn’t have disappeared, he should have called, but his feelings for her scared him, so he distanced himself. But when he saw her again, he knew he couldn’t stay away any longer.

Skylar’s determined not to give Drew another chance to hurt her, but he’s just as determined to win her back. Although it won’t be easy, he’s up to the challenge, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goal.

Content Warning: Explicit Sex

Review:

Skylar met the perfect man.  And he left her without a word after a perfect weekend.  Hurt and heartbroken, she is determined to not let one man ruin her outlook on love and dating.  When she sees Drew with another woman a month after his disappearing act, she lets anger replace the hurt.  No way will she let herself be drawn back to the man whose charm is addictive.

Drew realized that he had screwed up.  Big time.  Seeing Skylar turn her back on him and walk away was crushing.  One weekend with her had left him dazed and confused.  Too confused to even call her and explain why he’d left her.  But seeing her again just solidified the knowledge that he had to have her in his life.  Permanently.

A short story about two people fated to be together, Fool Me Once is a sweet romance with some hot sex.  Ms. Wolfe's characters were realistic, likable and endearing, the plot was one almost everyone can relate to, and the ending was heartwarming.  A very enjoyable read.

Review – Redeeming Zorus By Laurann Dohner

Title :  Redeeming Zorus

Author:  Laurann Dohner

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Buy Link:  Buy Redeeming Zorus Here!

Rating:  You Need To Read

Reviewed By:  Donna

Story Blurb: 

Book 6 in the Cyborg Seduction series.

Charlie’s brother has put her in the no-win situation of having to rescue a cyborg from Earth Government. It’s dangerous, she’ll become an outlaw on Earth, but it’s the only way to save her brother’s life. The imprisoned cyborg is rude, conceited and probably the biggest jerk she’s ever had the misfortune to meet. His only redeeming qualities are his handsome face and sexy, muscular body. Just wow! Still, she can’t wait to be rid of him.

All cyborgs hate humans, but Zorus is consumed by it. Chained, enslaved and facing death on Earth once again, he vows revenge. To his utter astonishment, a human female comes to his rescue. She’s rude, mouthy and bossy. And very brave. She baffles him almost as much as she arouses him. Zorus cannot deny that he’s fascinated by her. They are about to lock wills and ignite a firestorm of desire that defies every rule he lives by.

Review: 

Zorus is disliked by his own people for the choices he has made, but everything he has done has been for the benefit of cyborgs as a whole.  Charlie must have ‘sucker’ written across her forehead, because she let her brother talk her into another dangerous situation to save his hide.  Sparks fly and tempers flare as soon as Zorus is released, however he quickly realizes that Charlie is not only noble and compassionate, but also brave and…beautiful.

Laurann Dohner has taken sci-fi to another level.  An erotic, riveting arena where cyborgs battle androids and love still conquers all.  Ms. Dohner continues to use vivid descriptions that paint a wonderful picture of life in space and on alien planets.  Her characters have depth and the plot is gripping.  You won’t want to put this book down.

Review – Back To Life By Emma Hillman

Title:  Back to Life

Author:  Emma Hillman

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Buy link: Buy Back To Life Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by:  Donna

Blurb: 

Sara knows she should regret having sex with Jared, her former brother-in-law. But their erotic encounter is the best thing that’s happened to her all year. Thanks to his heady kisses and clever fingers, he’s made her feel alive again, and she can’t help but yearn for more.
Jared has been waiting for this moment for months. Finally Sara sees him as more than a former in-law. He’s a man in love and not afraid to show it, determined to give her everything she needs, in and out of the bedroom.

Their blossoming relationship isn’t to everybody’s liking. With insecurities rising and tempers igniting, Sara and Jared will have to decide what’s more important, making everyone else happy…or making each other happy.

Review: 

Back to Life is a story about Sara returning to the living after suffering the death of her beloved husband.  Jared had always had a crush on his sister-in-law, and after the death of his brother, he allowed his feelings to grow for his sweet, innocent, unknowingly seductive Sara.  When Sara decides that it is time to move on with her life and find someone new, Jared has no intention of letting any man near her but him.

Ms. Hillman's writing is tender and sweet, arousing and poignant.  Her characters were very endearing and it was easy to commiserate with their situation.  The sex scenes were erotic and passionate and the plot very realistic.  Overall this was a great short story.

Review – Stealing Coal By Laurann Dohner

Title:  Stealing Coal

Author:  Laurann Dohner

Publisher:  Ellora's Cave

Buy link:  Buy Stealing Coal Here!

Rating:  You Need To Read

Reviewed by:  Donna

Blurb: 

Book 5 in the Cyborg Seduction series.

Jill has learned the hard way that men can’t be trusted and sex only causes pain. In the lawlessness of space, women are a sexual commodity—to be used and abused. She’s doing a man’s job, with only her father’s brutal reputation and three androids to help keep her alive when she sees a massive, handsome cyborg chained to a freight table. The abusive crew plans to sell him to fight in gruesome death matches. It’s stupid, it’s insane, but Jill can’t leave him to such a horrible fate.

Coal has survived being a captive breeding slave and irreversible damage to his cyborg implants, but his honor is still intact. He’s grateful Jill saved him and he’ll repay her the only way he can. He’ll fix her—with his mouth, his hands and his body. He can teach the little human just how much pleasure she’s capable of feeling.

Review: 

I honestly don't know how she does it...  This is Laurann Dohner fifth book in the Cyborg Seduction series, and all five of them are completely unique.  They all have vivid descriptions, amusing dialect, alternately heartwarming and heart-wrenching plots, but they offer very different characters with varied and diverse personalities, problems and gifts.  I have enjoyed every one of these books, especially the super hot sex scenes and the emotional roller coasters that the characters ride, but the action and adventure themes are present, too.  Everyone who enjoys a little erotica with your sci-fi will thoroughly love these books.  I can't wait to read book 6!

Review – The Last Princess By Stacey Espino

Title:  The Last Princess

Author:  Stacey Espino

Publisher:  Evernight Publishing

Buy link:  Buy The Last Princess Here!

Rating:  You Need To Read

Reviewed by:  Donna

Blurb: 

Pack Seduction, 3

Delia is the last princess.  Since her sisters have chosen mates, it's up to her to continue to wage war against the royal family. She recruits the help of Caleb, a fox shifter, to help find her way to the home she escaped from long ago.

A childhood friend is now guarding the palace, and the male she's betrothed to is determined to have her.  She's in for the fight of her life if she's to remain unmated and change the old customs passed down to every generation.  Will Delia become a martyr for her cause, or give in to the love of three determined shifters?

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

Review: 

A delicious short story about the trials and troubles of being a Royal Princess in the shifter world, The Last Princess is full of passion, chemistry and animal instincts taking over under the full moon.  An arousing tale of belonging and love-conquering-all, this book has plenty of steamy sex, but there are sweet and tender moments, too.  I was glad to see the sweet computer geek Caleb make a return in this book and finally find his princess mate.  Delia is at last reunited with her sisters and they all live happily ever after.  Woo-hoo!  A great end to this wickedly wanton menage series.

Review – Touching Ice By Laurann Dohner

Title:  Touching Ice

Author:  Laurann Dohner

Publisher:  Ellora's Cave

Buy link:  Buy Touching Ice Here!

Rating:  You Need To Read

Reviewed by:  Donna

Blurb: 

Book 4 in the Cyborg Seduction series. 

What can go wrong overseeing a bunch of android sex bots on an automated whorehouse in deep space? Great job, if Megan doesn’t die of boredom. Then she catches sight of the sexiest male she’s ever seen. On her grainy security monitor, she watches all his sexual exploits with the bots, and fantasizes. But that’s all she can do because he’s a cyborg. Then fate steps in. 

There’s a crash and Megan must escape or die. The cyborgs are rescuing the sex bots—taking them onboard their ship. She knows cyborgs hate humans. They’ll kill her if she asks for help so she devises an insane plan—pretend to be the most realistic sex bot ever made. 

His name is Ice, and Megan is now his personal sex bot. He will satisfy every sexual fantasy she’s ever had—and as many more as she can dream up. She just has to figure out how to keep her big, sexy cyborg from discovering that she is all woman.

Review: 

Oh. My. Stars!  Laurann Dohner has done it again with a sexy cyborg novel that makes your heart pound a little harder.  The story evokes emotions that are completely unexpected with vivid descriptions, haunting experiences and, of course, a happily ever after.

There were a few more typo/grammatical errors in this novel than in the last few books, but the story was still awesome.  Sizzling sex (as always) made this erotic, aliens and cyborgs made this sci-fi.  An excellent addition to the Cyborg Seduction series.  I can't wait for the next installment.

Review - The Sacred King By Laura Gill

Title: The Sacred King

Author: Laura Gill

Publisher: Phaze Books

Buy Link: Buy The Sacred King Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

As the Achaean Greeks consolidate their hold on Minoan Crete, the former priestess Ariadne and her husband, the Achaean prince Taranos, struggle with both personal tragedy and political difficulties.

Centuries of Cretan tradition are overturned as a vicious Achaean mercenary becomes Sacred King and takes the new High Priestess as his concubine.

And when a handsome young hero arrives to rescue the beautiful Amaja, he finds he will need Ariadne, Taranos, and the gods of Crete to help him.

Review:

One of the hardest parts of writing a sequel is reintroducing the characters. You want to give enough information so a new reader can get to know them, but not so much that an old reader would be bored with the repeated information. This story falls more on the not enough information side. This makes the first part a little hard to get into, because there are a lot of characters who just appear without context of who they are or why they are there.

That said, the characters and story are wonderful. Everything feels very real and there is a great sense of urgency for the events taking place. The religion, which is large part of the story, has many great rites and rituals, and the characters feel very devout in their belief.

The climatic battle at the end is very intense, but I wonder if it isn’t for the wrong reasons. This is a moment the hero should shine, it is his crowning moment of awesome, but the story focuses more on his father and step mother as they watch the battle from above. The death blow even happens off screen. I just think the scene would be better if the focus had remained on the battle.

Overall, a wonderful story and I highly recommend it.

Review – Her Dark Knight By Sharon Cullen

Title: Her Dark Knight

Author: Sharon Cullen

Publisher: Carina Press

Buy link: Buy Her Dark Knight Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Madelaine Alexander is on a mission. When her boss sends her to the hottest nightclub in town to meet with the owner, she won't be deterred, even if that means standing in line for fifty-eight minutes in torturous heels while she'd rather be home in her pj's with a bowl of popcorn.

A Knight of the Templar, Christien Chevalier was given immortality along with the responsibility of protecting the treasure of the Templars. He's been unwavering in his task for centuries until his one true love—who died seven hundred years ago—shows up in his club, demanding his attention.

Christien couldn't protect Madelaine when they first fell in love. She was married to a lord and he was simply a knight. Now, through some unknown miracle, she stands before him again and they have a second chance. But Christien fears that Madelaine is being used as a pawn in a dangerous game, a game of good versus evil that could affect all of mankind...

Review:

Christien Chevalier was a Templar knight in the 14^th century charged with guarding the Templar’s most holy of treasures and also the means to bring about the Apocalypse Exhausted, sick, and grieving the loss of the woman he loved, he is ready to welcome death with the completion of his task. However death is not to be gifted to the Templar, for he is once again charged with protecting the treasure and now with the added burden of immortality. Now the wealthy and powerful owner of a nightclub in Milwaukee, Christien is totally unprepared when Madelaine Alexander walks into his life. She is the spitting image of his lost love, but she works for the evil who seeks his treasure. Even with all his years and wisdom, Chrisitien is unsure whether to trust his heart or his instincts.

This book was so much darker than I expected. I don’t know why I had lighter expectations because the Templars didn’t have a happy history and this story keeps the dark and tragic tradition going. This book is seriously intense and poses a lot of paradoxical questions. It is eminently obvious that Sharon Cullen put a lot of research into her book in order to maintain the realistic settings of the differing times and habits of the inhabitants. She has crafted a brilliantly overlapping tale of two completely different worlds that fold over and into each other and enable the reader to exist in both with very little effort.

The hero Christien is a hardened warrior and is terrified of hoping for the impossible. He just broke my heart and it was a struggle on my part to understand why so much tragedy had been heaped on this servant of God. It would certainly broken a man of lesser bearing. Madelaine is an innocent and still a tad naive . I’m not talking sexually, but in her outlook on life. She has had some hard knocks certainly, but she still holds onto her values and tries to put a decent face on everything. What I totally loved about Madelaine was even through her disbelief, when she made a situation worse or more dangerous, she accepted her mistakes and tried to rectify them. Christien and Madelaine’s love affair traversed the ages and defeated death. It is also one that will stay with me for quite awhile. Kudos for a job well done, Ms. Cullen.

Review – Freya's Mates By Stacey Espino

Title :  Freya's Mates

Author:  Stacey Espino

Publisher:  Evernight Publishing

Buy Link:  Buy Freya's Mates Here!

Rating :  You Need To Read

Reviewed By :  Donna

Story Blurb : 

Pack Seduction, 2

Freya's on her own, lost in a new city.  Being of royal blood, every male shifter would kill to have her as a mate.  Staying in hiding is her number one priority.

When hunger leads her to the rear of a night club in search of food, she comes across a human who arouses a new desire within her.
Once inside the club, she's caught skipping out on her bill and forced to deal with the club owner and bartender, both sexier-than-sin shifters. Will she be able to submit to the three men? Can there be a future with a human mate?

Be Warned: menage a quatre romance, menage sex, anal sex

Review : 

In Ms. Espino's Pack Seduction series, the strictly forbidden becomes the norm, the wildly wicked becomes the basis for survival of the species. Not only are ménage relationships needed for Royals, they are expected and practically required. 

Freya has been running for too long. She's ravenously hungry, bone weary and just plain tired of being alone. Her goal in life is to simply be wanted and loved for who she is and not what she can bring to her mate. When she finds herself unequivocally attracted to a human, she becomes conflicted.  The human wants her, desires her, and he doesn’t even know that shifters exist.  After letting her guard down just a bit, Freya allows two shifters to mate her, but she is still in love with her human, and he is in love with her.  What’s a wolf shifter girl to do?

Freya's Mate was hard to put down and pleasantly exhilarating.  With bone melting sex scenes, tons of alpha testosterone and a happily ever after, this is an awesome paranormal erotic book!

Review – The Diary of Anna’s Submission By Jenika Snow

Title: The Diary of Anna’s Submission

Author: Jenika Snow

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Buy Link: Buy The Diary of Anna’s Submission Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Anna has dark and taboo desires that leave her feeling ashamed and unnatural. All she can think about is how it would feel to let a man possess her in the most primal of ways. Despite her inexperience, and the fact she is a virgin, she knows she wants to be at the mercy of a dominating man, one who can show her what it really means to submit.

When she is propositioned by Felix, a Dominant at the local BDSM club, Anna has to make the choice to either accept what Felix has to offer, or leave behind an experience that will forever change her life.

Deciding to let Master Felix train her in the art of being a true submissive, Anna takes a journey that will bare her soul, and leave her body deliciously sore.

Be Warned: bdsm, anal sex, sex toys, erotic asphyxiation

Review:

This story takes us on an intense journey. We join Anna on this ride. She is a virginal woman who is afraid and ashamed of her wants and desires until she meets a Dom who wants to teach her about herself and what it means to give in to her desires. Can Anna find it in herself to trust this man with not only her body but her heart as well?

I enjoyed the storyline of this book but found Anna a little to naive for my liking. I understand that she is a virgin and this story shows us how she blooms but she was a little too much for me. I would have also liked a bit more character development in this book. We really do not get to know the characters very well other than their sexual compatibility.  I did however like the way this book shows that Anna learns that it is okay to want what she does and I loved the way that she embraces it. I would caution readers that this book contains strong BDSM play, which does include some asphyxiation play.

Through Anna’s diary we learn about her and the things she feels. Everything is through her eyes and we watch Anna grow with each entry.  I would not mind visiting Anna and Felix again to learn more about them and just where this journey takes them.

Review – The Good Sinner’s Naughty Nun By Georgia Fox

Title :  The Good Sinner’s Naughty Nun

Author:  Georgia Fox

Publisher:  Evernight Publishing

Buy Link:  Buy The Good Sinner’s Naughty Nun Here!

Rating :  You Need To Read

Reviewed By :  Donna

Story Blurb : 

The Conquerors, 4

Thierry Bonnenfant has a mission to fulfill - transport a padlocked casket of holy relics across the sea to Normandy. Sounds easy enough, until he finds that his fellow travelers will be none other than a group of ...nuns.

Thierry was hoping for different company, something decidedly less virginal. Now, resolved to a very dull journey, where his only pleasure is arguing with a naughty, quarrelsome nun named Sister Vivienne, he has no warning of the storm ahead.

Vivienne is also on a mission. The priceless vase hidden inside that casket of relics is her pass to freedom. All she has to do is find the key in Bonnenfant's breeches. Apparently he's all brawn and no brains. Seducing him to get that key should be her easiest task ever.
But she's reckoned without this particular sinner's last remaining scruples. And the reckless, bloodthirsty warrior's only fear. Of nuns.

Be Warned: multiple partners, anal sex.

Review : 

The Good Sinner’s Naughty Nun is a deliciously wicked story of ‘if only’ and ‘what if’ becoming ‘never ending love’ and ‘dreams come true’.  This fourth book in the Conquerors series is the best installment yet.

Thierry Bonnenfant married a harridan to save his best friend from having to marry her, and as a reward, he was given a title and lands, neither of which he wanted.  He is but a soldier out to do the king’s bidding and spread his loving attentions among the appreciative females of the populace.

Vivienne is a captive of her guardian’s schemes and she wishes for nothing more than freedom...until she meets Thierry Bonnenfant.  The horrid things she has been forced to endure have not weakened her spirit, and her dreams are now filled with loving and being loved by that most notorious sinner.

Ms. Fox has written passion and zeal into her characters, making them high energy and lovable.  Twists and turns and unexpected events help these characters find their happily ever after in a book that boasts a tantalizing nun, an irreparable rake, and exhilarating sex.  A few minor grammatical errors were noted, but not enough to detract from the heartwarming (even though erotic) love story

Review – Captain's Virgin Fantasy By Abby-Rae Rose

Title:  Captain's Virgin Fantasy

Author:  Abby-Rae Rose

Publisher:  Noble Romance

Buy link: Buy Captain's Virgin Fantasy Here! 

Rating:  You Want To Read

Reviewed by:  Donna

Blurb: 

He's changed everything . . . but she can't change the fact she loves him.

Victoria refuses to let Ishmael intimidate her. She's faced with a choice. Return to her life of duty, or embrace her spirit of adventure . . . and sail the high seas with the man who has captured her heart.

Captain Ishmael's demands are simple . . . . In exchange for his pleasure, and her body to quell his voracious lust, he will guarantee safe passage.

But, Ishmael plans don't include giving up his lover so easily. And once he gets a taste of Tori's sweet blend of innocence and boldness, he can't imagine living without her.

Review: 

This is a fun, sweet, short story about a couple with empty nest syndrome.  What married couple can't spice up thier love life with a little role playing?  Ms. Rose has shown that a couple can have steamy encounters even after twenty-five years of marriage.  Interesting plot, likable characters, overall a fun read.

Review – Melting Iron By Laurann Dohner

Title:  Melting Iron

Author:  Laurann Dohner

Publisher:  Ellora's Cave

Buy link:  Buy Melting Iron Here!

Rating:  You Need To Read

Blurb: 

Book 3 in the Cyborg Seduction series.

Being a female mechanic on a space station for eight years has taught Dawn a lot of tough life lessons that have hardened her heart. She’s got a temper and a mouth to match her red hair and has never backed away from a challenge. Then she’s kidnapped and blackmailed into agreeing to be a cyborg’s personal sex slave.

Iron is one big bastard with long, fiery red hair, intense, dark blue eyes and a stubborn streak as thick as his dense muscles. If Iron thinks he can tame her, he’s about to learn that “meek” is not in Dawn’s vocabulary. But with that handsome face, a body to die for, a wickedly talented tongue and those magical hands, the guy just doesn’t fight fair.

Dawn is intent on melting Iron’s icy resolve to never fall in love with a human. He’s winning her heart and she’s determined to win his right back. These two redheads have just met their matches. Let the battle for love begin.

Reader Advisory: The big cyborg using his “research” on his new captive during a smoking-hot bondage scene. Woot!

Review:

Ms. Dohner has done it again.  Sci-Fi erotica at its finest with cyborgs on spaceships and alien planets.   Dawn is determined, Iron is firm.  She will be his slave and he will only be with her.  Super steamy sex, fantastical plot, not nearly a cookie cutter book from the same series as the first two, I was very pleased to see a whole new spin on the third book in this series.  Awesome series, awesome book!

Review – Fool Me Once by Lacey Wolfe

Title: Fool Me Once

Author: Lacey Wolfe

Publisher: Beachwalk Press

Buy Link: Buy Fool Me Once Here!

Rating:  You Need to Read

Reviewed by:  Brynna

Blurb:

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…

Drew is the last person Skylar wanted to see across from her at a local bar. A month ago he’d wined and dined her all weekend, leaving her feeling fully in love, but then she awoke alone in an empty hotel room and she hadn’t heard from him since.

The weekend Drew spent with Skylar was phenomenal. There had never been anyone who made him feel as complete as she did. He shouldn’t have disappeared, he should have called, but his feelings for her scared him, so he distanced himself. But when he saw her again, he knew he couldn’t stay away any longer.

Skylar’s determined not to give Drew another chance to hurt her, but he’s just as determined to win her back. Although it won’t be easy, he’s up to the challenge, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goal.

Review: 

After meeting what she thought was the perfect guy for her and spending an amazing weekend together, Skylar woke up alone with Drew promising to call. He didn't. One month later she bumps into him at a club and they quickly reignite their relationship. But Sky won't be fooled again, no matter how many happy ever after castles in the air Drew builds. Drew made a stupid mistake, when things got too emotional, he ran for the hills leaving Sky to pick up the pieces. Now he's realized she is the only woman he wants, forever. He just has to convince Sky to risk her heart one more time.

Fool Me Once is a quick, steamy read. These two characters can't seem to get enough of each other and Ms. Wolfe knows how to heat up the pages. The relationship is believable, but Sky did seem to forgive too easily. Still a great book you need to read.

Review – Something Wicked This Way Comes By Various Authors (Anthology)

Title:  Something Wicked This Way Comes - Volume 1

Authors:   Laurann Dohner, Mel Teshco, Desiree Holt, Eliza Knight, Kathy Kulig, Jaid Black

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Buy Link: Buy Something Wicked This Way Comes Here!

Rating:  You Gotta Read

Reviewed by:  Donna

Blurb:

Captain of Nara’s Heart

Laurann Dohner

Nara knew she was taking a risk with illegal trading. Sure enough, she’s been arrested, caged—and will be auctioned as a sex slave. One look at the scary alien buyers and she frantically makes a deal, agreeing to be sold to Captain Vellar, who turns out to be large, sexy and seriously in heat. Offering her body to the captain is a given…but Nara didn’t expect to lose her heart in the process.

Dragon Heat

Mel Teshco

A highly skilled operative, Grace has been trained to track, fight and kill paranormal creatures. Only after she’s in the clutches of her latest target, a devastatingly sexy dragon-shifter, does she discover betrayal in her ranks. Suddenly the hunter is the hunted. Grace will soon uncover her ex-agency’s horrific agenda—but not before seeking solace in all the pleasures of the flesh her new dragon ally has to offer.

Dangerous Addiction

Desiree Holt

Having finally realized his dream to own a ranch, Cord is ready for the next step—settling down with the perfect sub. And he’s found her in Fallon. A single glance from the smart, sultry beauty makes him hard, but abuse at the hands of her ex-Dom has kept Fallon away from the lifestyle she loves. Needs. It will take bondage, mind-blowing sex, a gentle hand and expert flogging for Cord to help her rediscover her favorite dangerous addition.

Highland Tryst

Eliza Knight

Having sworn off love, Kari Howard isn’t adverse to a little lust when a hot Highlander lands at her feet. Literally. Fin has traveled through time, and given what he’s packing under his kilt (good Lord!), Kari expects the sexy Scotsman to make her quake. But she doesn’t expect Fin to shake her very foundation…or cherish her for who she is.

Tattoo Witch

Kathy Kulig

There cannot be good without evil, light without dark… At a seaside resort, lovers Sam and Anita meet a mysterious, heavily tattooed couple who refers them to Sinful Designs. The owner is a witch whose magical tattoos grant scorching, kinky sex beyond their wildest fantasies—but there’s a catch. Each successive tattoo comes with a darker and scarier curse. Sam and Anita can break the spells…but at what cost?

The Addiction

Jaid Black

The long-awaited sequel to The Possession!

John Calder has everything most men would kill for—golden-Adonis looks, endless money, a steely reputation as a savvy businessman and beautiful women throwing themselves at his feet. Then he meets Shelli Rodgers, a quirky, klutzy Ph.D. student who takes John on an emotional and sensual journey, giving him the one thing he’s never attained—happiness.

Review: 

This anthology has something for everyone.  Space aliens, shape-shifting dragons, BDSM, time traveling Scottish warriors, witchy wantons, and good old-fashioned hunky rich guys.  There's enough scorching sex to curl your toes and flutter your pulse for a week.  Grab a tall glass of ice water before reading...that way you won't have to put the book down when your panties catch on fire!

Captain of Nara’s Heart By Laurann Dohner

Ah, the details, the glorious details.  What would a trip to an alien planet with hunky aliens be like if we couldn’t see them?  Laurann Dohner has created a world vibrant with color and imagination and shares that world with her readers through vivid and explicit descriptions.  Sexy humanoid tearing clothes off our heroine (who has been drugged with an aphrodisiac)?  Yep, she’s got that, too. And sex scenes so hot my ears burned!  Ms. Dohner has packed a whole lot of punch into an anthology short story and I can’t wait for the next edition!

Dragon Heat By Mel Teshco

Benson and Grace have chemistry in spades, and the electricity between them lights up the pages.  Romance, excitement, flying on a dragon’s back, this book has it all.  The suspense and intrigue enhanced the romance without taking away from the seductive sex scenes.  While the book was in third person, it was all from Grace’s point of view.  I would have enjoyed getting in Benson’s head a little, too.

Dangerous Addiction By Desiree Holt

Ms. Holt has written a juicy short story about a Dom and a submissive masochist who have an instant connection.  Can they overcome fears and past abuse in order to gain their own happily ever after?  Steamy sex, willing surrender and a dominant male make this a titillating read.

Highland Tryst By Eliza Knight

Fun!  Ms. Knight has written a story of a time traveling warrior whose life had seemed to be over. Given a second chance at life and love, Fin is determined to make the most of it.

The fact that magic is at work makes this short story almost believable and the chemistry between Fin and Kari make it thoroughly enjoyable. Hot sex, interesting conclusion, great read.

Tattoo Witch By Kathy Kulig

Wicked.  Wanton.  Wonderful!  Good conquers evil, and the couple gets to keep the awesome additions to their sex life!  Ms. Kulig has quite the imagination and thankfully, she shares the stimulating details with us!  This short story is full of twists and surprises and kept me reading to the end.

The Addiction By Jaid Black

Talk about an emotional roller coaster!  I laughed, I almost cried, I got hot and horny, and dang if I didn’t fall in love with John Calder!  The women of the world love a tortured hero, and Shelli is no different.  The chemistry between these two characters was sizzling and the plot was very believable.  A fairytale story between the poor, struggling PhD and the rich, lonely businessman.  Of course, this isn’t your mom’s Cinderella story...  There’s way too much hot, electrifying sex for that!

Review – Very Much Alive By Dana Marie Bell

Title: Very Much Alive

Author: Dana Marie Bell

Publisher: Samhain

Buy Link: Buy Very Much Alive Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Her destiny rests in their hands…

True Destiny, Book 1

Kiran Tate and Logan Saeter have been on the run from Oliver Grimm for so long they’ve forgotten what it’s like to be free. Ending Grimm’s power games won’t be easy, but this time they have an ace in the hole. PI Jordan Grey, Guardian Investigation’s resident hot shot—and Grimm’s step-granddaughter.

Jordan Grey has her doubts when Logan and Kir show up in her office with a tall tale of how her step-grandfather has framed them for murder. And to top it all off, they’re claiming that they’re really the ancient Norse gods Loki and Baldur, and that Grimm is Odin!

When the two lovers see the sexy detective for the first time, stopping Grimm suddenly takes a back seat to seducing her into their arms. But Grimm never rests, and when his anger spills over onto Jordan, it sets them all on a collision course with a destiny that will rock their world…

Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, some violence, and hot male/male/female action. In fact, it could be considered a religious experience.

Review:

Very Much Alive is a sensual, seductive book about two Norse gods who have been betrayed and beleaguered for centuries.  Finally, it is time for them to bring justice to their betrayers.  Jordan has no idea that Norse gods exist, much less that they are still alive and that she is one of them, at least partially.  Now she has to help her two new lovers save themselves from the very people who should have loved them most.

Ms. Bell has written a fantastical story about magic and myth, woven in characters with electrifying chemistry and passion, and added intrigue and suspense for good measure.  With sizzling sex and thrilling action, this is a stimulating read.

Review – Bunny Club By Stephanie Beck

Title: Bunny Club

Author: Stephanie Beck

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Bunny Club Here!

Reviewed By: Donna

Rating: You Want To Read

Blurb:

When rumors about a sex club lead them to the real thing, Jarrod and his cousin Alex think they’ve found nirvana. Filled with bubbly blondes and luscious brunettes, the Bunny Club is any man’s wet dream. Surrounded by their sexual fantasies, they settle in for an unbelievable night filled with women, sex and pleasure unlike anything they’ve ever dreamed.

When the sex turns weird and men start dying at the hands of the gorgeous women, Jarrod’s and Alex’s plans to get laid are put on the back burner in favor of escaping the Bunny Club with their lives—if they don’t die with smiles on their faces first.

Review:

Hmmm.  Very interesting story without the happily ever after.  Jarrod and Alex thought they had hit the mother load when, in fact, they had hit rock bottom.  Going into what they thought was a sex club, Jarrod and Alex soon find themselves surrounded by wererabbits who simply want to get it on, and vampires who simply want to suck them dry -- and not in a good way.

This quickie was full of imagination, but not exactly what I expected.  The writing was good and the story was an easy, quick read.

Review – Top Guns By E. Jamie

Title: Top Guns

Author: E Jamie

Publisher: Sugar and Spice Press

Buy Link: Buy Top Guns Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

It all started with a bet. Now Allie has to fulfill her partner Jimmy's every desire. Being Allie's partner on the force at the NYPD, Jimmy's greatest desire is for Allie to be his partner in life as well, and this by the book cop is not above getting down and dirty to convince her.

Review:

Sex, sex and uh, more sex!  Top Guns is a super short, super hot quickie.  On the police force, Detectives Allie Harris and Jimmy McCullough have been partners for years.  After losing a bet, Allie decides that being partners in life would be no more dangerous than being partners on the job.

E Jamie has pumped a whole lot of steam into 17 pages, and while it is way too short to have very much plot or character development, it was great while it lasted.  If I could change only one thing...  Big, tough guys do not "giggle".  If I could change two things, I'd want more of it!

Review – The Peacemaker By Jianne Carlo

Title: The Peacemaker (Viking Warriors Book 3)

Author: Jianne Carlo

Publisher: Etopia Press

Buy Link: Buy The Peacemaker Here!

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Can the Peacemaker tame a warrior bride?

When Njal the Peacemaker meets his bride-to-be, she’s dressed in breeches, flaunting a crossbow, and covered in boar’s blood. What he needs is a woman skilled with words, a woman with exquisite manners, a cunning woman capable of maneuvering the political intrigue of a king’s court. Not this rough country lass whose skill with a crossbow rivals his.

Bettina has no desire to wed a peacemaker. She needs a Viking warrior who’ll strike fear into the hearts of her enemies, a man of strength who can thwart her step-uncle’s theft of her castle’s treasures. But Nyal the Peacemaker wields words, not weapons—until their wedding night proves he’s also a man of passion. Neither can resist the heat of their coupling, but can a man who values peace be enough for a warrior bride?

Review:

Njal, the Viking warrior, is a peacemaker among his people.  Bettina is to be his bride, and is quite the opposite of a peacemaker.  The Peacemaker is the third short novel in the Viking Warriors series by Jianne Carlo, and is an entertaining read.

There are some steamy sex scenes in this book, some excellent moments between the characters, and the plot has potential.  However, I feel that there are a few too many vague references to various happenings that left me feeling as if I was missing something significant.  Some examples are when one of Njal’s brothers had to stay with Luca who had broken his leg, but we have absolutely no idea why Luca broke his leg, or how this relates to the brother watching Bettina.  How did the step-uncle finally meet his end…or did he?  Another example is the moment when Njal first meets his bride-to-be.  I wasn’t sure if he saw her killing a boar, or if he was there afterwards or something else entirely.

Ms. Carlo has the potential to write some excellent stories.  I would only hope that they are given a little more depth in the future to flesh out some of the “thin” sections.  Overall, an enjoyable read.

Review – White Knight By Mari Carr

Title:  White Knight

Author:  Mari Carr

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Buy link:  Buy White Knight Here!

Rating:  You Need To Read

Reviewed by:  Donna

Blurb:

A sequel to Black Jack.

Shea Landon knows this is a bad idea. But when you’re broke, tired and homeless, you do crazy things. She decides to crash in her new place of employment, a fetish club, borrowing the big, comfy bed that’s used as a stage prop. She doesn’t realize she’s not alone…

Travis Knight knows this is a bad idea. As he views his new waitress sneaking around the club after hours, he realizes he should fire her, call the police. Instead, captivated, he watches her on the same security monitors that separate him from the world. Until watching isn’t nearly enough…

Two people—one desperate, one broken, both hopelessly alone. Two people assuaging their needs through spanking and sex games, bondage and taboo fantasy. It’s enough. It has to be—when the biggest secret between them might be a tragedy neither can overcome.

Review: 

White Knight contains a story within a story, and both of them were excellent.  Shea feels very bad about taking advantage of her employer, but her situation is quite dire.  Travis is ready to call the police but he realizes that his employee is not stealing from him, just simply trying to survive.  After watching Shea on the large bed night after night, never taking anything that isn't hers and making sure that her job is well done, Travis is hooked.  He just has a tiny little problem.  He can't be touched.  Even though he wants Shea's touch desperately.

Ms. Carr has written characters with oomph and pizzazz that are sexy and alluring.  The plot is fresh and unique, the grammar is (almost) flawless, the sex scenes are exhilarating...  Overall an excellent read that was hard to put down!

Review – Yellow Ribbons By Caitlyn Willows

Title: Yellow Ribbons

Author:  Caitlyn Willows

Publisher:  Loose ID

Buy link:  Buy Yellow Ribbons Here!

Rating:  You Need To Read

Reviewed by:  Donna

Blurb: 

Congratulations to Caitlyn on her 100th Story!!

He saw her across the room, a beautiful offering strung between the pillars awaiting a master to bring her the rush of bliss. That’s when Greg Landess knew no one was going to have his captain but him.

Lani Hollister didn’t have a clue what release was like until that night Greg claimed her. Calling it magic didn't come close. He’d captured more than her body that night, he cradled her heart in his big, wonderful hands. 

Their relationship was a secret they kept from the world. Their love a secret they kept from each other.  Fraternization between officer and enlisted, between supervisor and subordinate, are strictly forbidden. Neither expected a call to a murder scene would jeopardize their affair and make them the enforcers of the very rules they’d broken.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: some BDSM elements, including bondage and spanking.

Review: 

The passion and raw emotion of the characters in Yellow Ribbons were riveting, the plot was mysterious and full of suspense, the sex was stimulating, and the end result – an excellent read.

Ms. Willows set a fast pace from the first page and kept it up the whole time.  There were no boring moments in this erotic suspense, and enough chemistry to fill up this and a few more books.  Lani and Greg have love enough to conquer all that life, and the Marine Corps, can throw at them.  I’d love to see Jordan get his perfect woman in a sequel!

Review – Lumina By Georgia Fox

Title:  Lumina

Author: Georgia Fox

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Buy link:  Buy Lumina Here!

Rating:  You Want To Read

Reviewed by:  Donna

Blurb: 

Misadventures of a Wanton Hussy, 1

Isabelle is about to have her virginity auctioned off to the highest bidder. Only stern, sensible Salvatore, her cruel aunt’s solicitor, can rescue her. While he’s been her tutor, she’s fallen deeply in love. But Salvatore has dark secrets that keep him from temptation. Their futures seem destined to be apart.

Her pride wounded by his rejection, and trust broken by a shocking discovery, Isabelle tries to forget him. Determined never to endanger her heart again, she finds another man to satisfy her sexual needs.

Until a surprise inheritance brings her back to Salvatore.

Now named “Lumina”, she wants two things from him – the cock he once denied her. And vengeance.

Salvatore, now a free man, has other ideas. He bitterly regretted losing her before and he’ll do anything to keep her this time, even sharing her with other lovers.

Until she’s ready to commit herself solely to him.

Be Warned: menage sex, m/f/m, f/f/m, f/f, anal sex, public exhibition.

Review: 

Okay, there are hot books, and then there are hot books.  Lumina is the story of a young girl who is taken in by her aunt to learn.  What she is to learn is not what she originally imagined, and she doesn't want to be auctioned off to the highest bidder as his mistress. 

Ms. Fox has written a very arousing story about a young woman who defies her fate to find the only happiness she believes possible.  The interactions between Isabelle and Salvatore is titillating, the sex is...well...very stimulating.  Have a cool glass of water handy when you read this book!  Minimal grammatical errors were noted, but I was so busy fanning myself while reading that I didn't care.  ;-)

Review – Hide From Evil By Jami Alden

Title: Hide From Evil

Author: Jami Alden

Publisher: Hatchette Book Group

Buy link: Buy Hide From Evil Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewer: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

Like a chess master, he carefully weighs his next move . . . advancing slowly until he is sure he can capture his helpless pawn. For in his mind, there’s no way to . . .

Sean Flynn should feel lucky he’s alive. But his betrayal by a close friend—and two years on death row—have left him feeling only numb. When his conviction was overturned, Sean retreated to a quiet woodland cabin, far away from prying eyes. There, he believed the past couldn’t come back to haunt him . . . until she showed up.

Overcome with guilt, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Krista Slater can’t forgive herself for convicting an innocent man. But when another brutal murder reveals chilling, new facts about his case, she must turn to Sean for help. She’s ready to face his anger, but the desire in his eyes ignites a need she’s never felt before. Shadowed by danger, Sean and Krista uncover a twisted maze of deception and betrayal—all under the dangerous gaze of a cunning mastermind who will do whatever it takes to keep his evil secrets safe.

Review:

Krista Slater is the prosecuting attorney who got Sean Flynn convicted and sentenced to death row for a murder and rape he didn’t commit. She was also instrumental in getting him released, but after three years in lock up, that didn’t go too far in making Sean feel a lot better. Krista is about to put Sean’s life in danger again. Despite warnings from her boss and mentor, Krista is still investigating the unanswered questions left by the Seattle Slasher, like why many of the people who testified against Sean or were connected to the case are disappearing or turning up dead. Not aware of the powerful players that hid the monster, Krista has unwittingly unleashed their ire and now Sean and Krista are both in deadly peril. With no one but each other to trust, Sean will have to put aside his animosity to protect them both.

It had been a while since I finished Beg For Mercy, and I had actually forgotten the powerful impact Jami Alden’s writing can bring. That was brought home to me before the end of the first chapter in Hide From Evil. Brilliant, simply and utterly brilliant! I can’t believe Ms. Alden improved when there was almost no room for it, but she did. Maybe it was because I knew the characters and the story going into this book, but whatever it was…. It worked. This book moves Ms. Alden into the big leagues and most definitely onto my “Must Read” author’s list. I love the fact that Sean didn’t emerge from prison hunky-dory. No one does that, and it would have been unrealistic. Sean had tremendous trauma to overcome and deal with. Krista is forced to reevaluate her entire belief system, which is a jarring trauma in and of itself, so the pairing up of these two strong but wounded characters took work and a lot of talent. And maybe it’s because of the time factor, but I don’t remember the first book being this smoking hot. Hide From Evil is a flat out scorcher. Even with the threat of death hanging over their heads, (or maybe because of it) the chemistry between Krista and Sean is incendiary. The seedy side of Seattle’s power structure begins to further unravel and the villains become exposed forcing them into desperate and unwise maneuvers. The dramatic finish to this book leaves me absolutely rabid for Talia and Jack’s book. If it’s better than this one, it’ll have to be written in gold.

Review – Hell Hath No Fury By Anne Kane

Title: Hell Hath no Fury

Author: Anne Kane

Publisher: Changeling Press

Buy Link: Buy Hell Hath No Fury Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

If there was one thing guaranteed to piss off Fury, it was a man who didn't know how to treat a woman. One that actually hurt them on purpose, well, they'd better hope she managed to rein in her inner Hellhound when she came calling.

Women had been disappearing for months now, the kind of women that no one really cared about. Later, they'd turn up dead, and they didn't get that way easy. Then the killer made a mistake. The woman he'd been torturing escaped before he finished her off, and she called in the Hellhounds.

Now, the suspect is hiding behind a web of tech and Fury needs the help of a Tech Wizard to help to run him to ground. Axe finally gets the chance to prove that a werewolf-Hellhound cross is just what she needs for more than just work.

Review:

The only element keeping this from being a Gotta Read is the fact that the author never dropped the other shoe. We are told Fury has a hard past, that she has trust issues due to events in said past, that these events have a profound effect on her present. But what these events are, her revelation, and acceptance of her past, have all been left out of the story. Giving characters a background helps make erotica more immersive, but they require an emotional pay off.

The sex is a lot of fun, with both parties being very playful and not taking their budding relationship too seriously. There is very light SM, but nothing that will scare anyone away.

Overall, this story is a lot of fun. If it had followed through with the backstory, it would have been perfect.

 

Review - The Healing Powers of Honey By Cal Orey

Title: The Healing Powers of Honey

Author: Cal Orey

Publisher: Kensington

Buy Link: Buy The Healing Powers of Honey Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Discover Honey’s Amazing Bee-Healthy Powers

Did you know?...

Known as Mother Nature’s “nectar of the gods,” honey was praised for its healing powers as far back as 5,000 years ago by Egyptians.

Eating honey can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes—even help reduce body fat and unwanted weight!—and increase longevity.

Pure, raw, unprocessed honey is a healthier sweetener than table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. It’s chock-full of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins—and only has 21 calories per teaspoon.

Super “bee foods” (including nutrient-rich bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly) are used and touted for their healing powers by beekeepers and medical experts in the present day.

Honey can relieve a variety of ailments, including allergies, coughs, fatigue, pain, and stress, as well as boost libido.

The honey bee pollinates about one-third of the food we consume (including nutritious fruits and nuts).

Drawing on the latest honey buzz and interviews with medical doctors, beekeepers, and researchers, this charming and enlightening book (sweetened with stories about honey bees and humans) reveals 30 healing honey varieties paired with cinnamon and teas, tells you how to incorporate honey into Mediterranean-style, heart-healthy recipes such as Honey Custard French Toast, Honey-Glazed Game Hen, and Filo Pear and Honey Tarts, and provides more than 50 home cures that combat digestive woes to skin woes. You’ll also enjoy Cleopatra’s milk-and-honey beauty treatments and eco-friendly beeswax household uses—all made with the amazing honey bee’s gifts!

Review:  

Do you like honey? I know I do, actually you could say I love honey. There are so many things that can be done with honey and this book gives us a glimpse at some of them. From adding sweetness to food and drink to helping to heal and relieve some ailments honey does it all.  I really enjoyed the recipes in this book. There were so many delicious sounding ones to try.

I found some new ways to use my honey as well even some different ways to heal some of my common aches and pains. While I would check with your doctor before trying any of these cures, it is still an interesting look at what honey can do. This book also contains a nice addition in a listing of some of the major honey companies around the world. It is not every company but it is a start. A quick and interesting read on some of the uses and facts on honey makes this a great addition to my bookshelves.

Review – The Bear and The Bride By Jianne Carlo

Title: The Bear and The Bride

Author: Jianne Carlo

Publisher: Etopia Press

Buy Link: Buy The Bear And The Bride

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Jarl Torsten glimpses Ainslin of Durham, a recent widow with two sons, and immediately covets her for his wife. He outmaneuvers his rival, Ainslin’s neighbor Earl Sigrid, and receives the king’s blessing to marry her.

Ainslin fears Torsten reaction when he discovers she’s a virgin. How to explain her maidenhead and twin sons?

Her worst nightmares are realized when Earl Sigrid arrives in Norway for King Cnut’s coronation. What does he suspect? Will Torsten cast Ainslin and the boys aside when he discovers the truth?

Review:

Ainslin has been married twice now.  Both times by proxy.  She has twin sons, and she is going to her second husband’s bed…a virgin.  To say that Torsten is surprised when his new bride turns out to be a virgin is a huge understatement, but he is pleased as a cat in cream.

Ms. Carlo has written a very short story about a Viking warrior claiming the bride he desires above all others.  There is not a significant amount of depth to the plot, perhaps because of the brevity of the story, and there are a few points that I felt were left hanging (such as Sigrid just giving up his desire to see Ainslin’s boys or his quest to have Ainslin for his own, and was Martha part of Sigrid's plan).  However, it was an enjoyable “quickie” that was both sweet and entertaining.

Review – The Dragon Slayer By Jianne Carlo

Title: The Dragon Slayer

Author: Jianne Carlo

Publisher: Etopia Press

Buy Link: Buy The Dragon Slayer Here!

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Ruard, the Viking warrior known as The Dragon Slayer, has no great hopes for the wife he’s to take as the lord of Dunnsmuir Castle, so long as she’s a biddable wife, with all her teeth, who doesn’t drool—a plain, humble woman. He has no use for the flame-haired nymph with breasts as ripe as melons and whose supple hips beckon a man’s hands. Nor for a maiden with a stubborn chin and flashing eyes that speak of naught but trouble.

Catriona hopes for a husband ‘twill be easy to poison. Lord Ulfric holds her sister captive and demands Catriona do his bidding: poison his Viking rival, the man they call the Dragon Slayer. Catriona hopes for a cruel warrior, a man easy to hate, not this Thor god come to life with golden hair, sky blue eyes, and a laughing smile. Her sister’s life depends on it, but how can she slay this Ruard, her new husband, who makes her heart pound with joy?

Review:

Ruard is The Dragon Slayer - a Viking warrior claiming his bride and, thereby, her castle.  Catriona is a woman torn between saving her baby sister and sparing the man she was sent to poison.

When Ruard arrives at his castle awarded to him by the king, he finds filth where wealth should be, rot where riches once were.  Nothing is as it should have been, but he is hopeful that his wife-to-be will be able to set things aright with the household once she arrives.  He didn’t even wish for a pretty wife, so when the siren walks into the hall, he is stunned.  As she takes charge and makes the castle not only habitable but homey, he is thrilled.

After Catriona sees how much her new husband values her as a wife and a person, she cannot go through with the evil plan to murder him.  She decides to offer him her trust in getting her sister to safety and she unveils the treacherous plan his enemy has put in motion.

Ms. Carlo has written a sweet short story about two people who fall easily in love.  The plot is a little thin (i.e. wouldn’t Ulfric have been prepared for an ambush in the event Catriona didn’t follow orders?) and their wasn’t much conflict, but the characters were enjoyable and it was an easy read.

Review – One Chance By Clarissa Yip

Title: One Chance

Author: Clarissa Yip

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Buy Link: Buy One Chance Here!

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Shy tomboy, Jenna Faulkner has been in love her whole life—with her best friend. Except he’s marrying the wrong woman, and he doesn’t know it yet. But she’s determined to save him…

Instead of the normal bachelor party, Jenna decides to throw a different type of gathering…with just her. Alone. Will Cade finally come to his senses and see Jenna for more than a friend or has she ruined their friendship, once and for all?

Review:

Jenna has been in love with Cade her whole life. Cade is in love with Jenna, but he's marrying another woman... Ms. Yip has written a short story about the foibles of lack of communication between friends. This is an old theme, but it is a well written quickie with steamy sex and a happily ever after. It is a little too short for much character development, but the grammar is good and it is entertaining.

Review – Tempting A Cowboy By Clarissa Yip

Title: Tempting a Cowboy

Author: Clarissa Yip

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Tempting A Cowboy Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

A 1 Night Stand Story

Clueless when it comes to women, Shane McCormick only talks geek.

On a business trip to Vegas, he attends a masquerade dressed as a cowboy under the persuasion of his sister, only to find out he’s been set up by Madame Eve.

On a dare with her friends, Mia Hunt asks for the impossible: A 1NightStand with a hot cowboy, except her date is the one person she shouldn’t be seen with.

When their attraction fuels the night, trouble follows as desire collides. Will their time together end in calamity or a promise for more fun?

Review:

Fly to Vegas for a one night stand…on a dare…  Sure!  Sign Mia up.  That’s sarcasm, in case you didn’t notice.  Mia is not happy with her friends Brenda and Sarah, but she’s determined to prove that she is not a wallflower, so she goes along with their insane plans to visit the city of sin for a one night stand.

Shane has been lassoed by his sister into attending a dating service's masquerade ball…as a cowboy...in Vegas.  This is so not his thing, and if geeks were meant to wear chaps, they would have been available with pocket protectors.  He’s determined to meet his “date” and let her down easy.  That is, until he gets a taste of her.

Ms. Yip has written a fun short story about three friends determined to experience a one night stand, Vegas-style.  The characters are quirky, the plot is fun and the sex is spicy.  Quite an enjoyable read for a quickie.

Review – Full House By Jess Dee

Title: Full House

Author: Jess Dee

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Full House Here!

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

A full house beats a pair any day.

It’s been a long, lonely business trip for diamond dealer Max Ashberg. He’s missed his lover like crazy, and he’s come to the realization that he’s ready to take the next step: nominate himself to be Trev’s new housemate. Except when he gets to Trev’s place, there’s someone living in “his” room. A woman—with the face of an angel.

Six weeks shouldn’t make a huge difference in a man’s life, but in that time lawyer Trev Greenfield has realized two things: He wants much more than a standing Friday night “date” with Max. And he’s falling heart-over-head for his new housemate, potter Grace Miles.

Grace never meant to fall for Trev, but when a power failure turns their chemistry into live electricity, there’s no denying the spark. There’s also no denying the shock when Grace discovers a naked man in her new home.

With Grace poised to run and Max teetering between confusion and growing lust for the delicious possibilities, Trev has his hands full trying to hold the two loves of his life together…before it all slips through his fingers. Leaving them all with shattered hearts.

Warning: There’s a lot of sex in this book. I mean a lot! Hot sex. Sweaty sex. Gay sex. Straight sex. Ménage sex (M/M/F and M/F/M).  Oh, and romantic sex. Lots of romantic sex. Hot romantic sex. Sweaty romantic sex. Gay romantic sex… You getting the picture?

Review:

Full House is a story about two men who are finally ready to declare their love for each other after two years of being friends with benefits, but Trev doesn't want to leave it at that.  Max and Grace both apeal to Trev in the most basic way, and while Trev has been with both men and women in the past, he has never been in love with anyone from either sex before.  Now, he is in love with one of each.

Max is in love with Trev, and after being gone on business for six weeks, he is ready to move to the next phase in their relationship.  As he is showing Trev just how much he means to him, a startled cry breaks the mood.

Grace can't believe what she has seen.  Trev, the man she has been falling in love with for the past month, is making love to another man.  And they have each declared their love.  In a bit of a panic, Grace tries to get away with a little dignity still intact, but to her surprise, both Trev and Max want her to join their kinky love triangle.

Ms. Dee has written a ménage story with much more m/m action than the previous books in this series.  It is a short story with a continuing theme of poker buddies falling in love with each other.  The characters, especially Trev and Max, have chemistry in spades, but since it was so short, there wasn't much room for any kind of character growth or development beyond the basics.  The book contains m/m, m/m/f, and a little bit of m/f action.  There were very few grammatical errors, and the book was an easy read.

Review – Joy Ride By Desiree Holt

Title: Joy Ride

Author: Desiree Holt

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Joy Ride Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Emma, the good girl poster child, is running from a life she suddenly sees as gray and suffocating—a life where she’s successfully buried all her hopes and secret dreams. Until the night she wanders into Aftershock and is immediately drawn to the hot bass player. The electricity of his performance, the powerful music he coaxes from his guitar, the heavy vibration of each note reaches out to something deep inside her and wakes an Emma she didn’t even know existed.

Marc doesn’t much care for the groupies who hang around the band. He needs a woman he can create a future with that’s a counterpoint to the craziness of the rock music business. When he sees Emma for the first time, something inside him cracks wide open. Just one sizzling glance between them, and he’s sure he’s found the woman to complete his life.

But as the relationship grows, there’s a huge stumbling block: Emma won’t tell him her name. The sex is fabulous but he wants more….

Although Emma is finally finding her true self, her fear of everything falling apart builds a barrier she can’t seem to cross. Marc is taking her on the joy ride of her life, but will her own insecurities destroy everything?

Review:

Joy Ride is a novel about starting over, shaking things up and looking for the magic in life.

Too much self deprecation from Emma, way too little understanding from her parents and an overwhelming control issue from her ex-boyfriend leave Emma emotionally shaken and conflicted.  When she has an epiphany and realizes that there are more experiences out there and excitement just waiting to be had, she snaps.  She wants to change, to finally begin to savor life, if only her ingrained insecurities will allow her to let go of her inhibitions.

The beautiful blond is as out of place in the rock club as caviar at a fast food joint, but Marc is enthralled by her aura of innocence.  She is not a groupie, that much is obvious, and she has such magnetism that he literally has to follow her out into the parking lot after his set is finished.  And kiss her.  And take her home.  She’s perfect for him, exactly what he’s been looking for in a woman, but there’s just one problem.  He doesn’t know her name, and she won’t tell him.

Ms. Holt’s characters come to life with emotion and charisma.  The plot has a unique twist and makes the story very compelling.  There were a few grammatical errors scattered throughout the book, but for the most part, it was well written and easy to read.  If I could change anything, I would probably cut down on the amount of whiny moments that Emma suffered and let her get on with enjoying her new adventurous life sooner.  I loved Marc’s character and wouldn’t have changed a thing.  The excitement of a new relationship, fiery passion and explosive sex make this book very entertaining.