Review of Smiley by Laurann Dohner

Smiley by Laurann Dohner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



DAY-UM!!!!! That was hot!! Seriously, even knowing that Smiley and Vanni were dosed with the breeding drug didn’t prepare me for the level of sexual intensity that Ms. Dohner unleashed at the beginning of Smiley. Throughout the series, I have adored Smiley. He’s so laidback and personable that he just draws you in (at least me he did). So I must admit that I really wasn’t expecting him to be so … so … sexy. Despite twelve previous books in the series and my familiarity with the possessive and dominating nature of New Species males, I really didn’t expect Smiley to be quite so alpha. Needless to say, Vanni wasn’t the only one that Smiley had squirming. Whew!

As for Vanni, I liked her immediately. Despite knowing people that prove to her that the world has its fair share of a$$holes, she still prefers to look for the good in people. Her fiancé Carl was fortunate in this regard because most women would have hauled off a slapped him during their conversations. Honestly, my palm itched to slap him for her. I felt so bad for Vanni when she learned just how big of a dirt bag he was. But time and time again, Vanni proved that despite appearing as though she were some fragile creature, she was more than capable of stiffening her backbone and taking care of herself when she needed to. I loved that Smiley believed her from the very beginning, unknowingly proving that her habit of seeing the best in people was warranted. That he continued to prove it with each of his actions once she made her way to Homeland just solidified my love for all things Smiley. Of course, I snort-laughed when Jericho told him “You’re Smiley, not Grumpy Ass” when he snarled at the other Species talking to Vanni. It was quite endearing watching Smiley temper his desire for Vanni as he worked to woo her. Of course, the sex just got hotter. I do so love reading Ms. Dohner’s sex scenes.

I really enjoyed the way in which Ms. Dohner had the conflict play out in Smiley. Fans of the series know that there is the always present threat from Mercile as well as that from the hate mongers and religious fanatics as the underlying themes within the series. While the primary focus is the building of the relationship between Vanni and Smiley, the threat, or threats, in this book were doubled as both of these enemies were responsible for the attack this time around. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey to Vanni and Smiley’s happy ending (as if you had any doubt) and am already anxious for the next book in the series. I am especially anxious for Jericho’s story – I really could use another date with a Primate soon. As usual, stellar job Ms. Dohner. My smile muscles thank you for the workout.



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Review of Love Me Later by Libby Rice

Love Me Later by Libby Rice

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

I absolutely loved this book. Love Me Later is more than a second chance romance. It is a seriously steamy romantic suspense novel featuring a hot ex-boxer alpha male and a strong yet fragile heroine. Ethan is everything I like in my hero – sexy, smart, possessive without being stalkerish, protective and open to love with the right person. As expected after the attack, Scarlett is extremely fragile and has a whole host of neuroses that help her deal with the PTSD she suffers (I should note that that is my conclusion, not something the author states). What is surprising is that she possesses a strength you wouldn’t expect to see in someone with her vulnerabilities. Ms. Rice does an excellent job in balancing Scarlett’s two sides, while making her feel real.

Love Me Later opens with Scarlett and Ethan’s first meeting and how Scarlett was so taken by Ethan that she planned to make him her husband. I thought that was quite funny actually because it’s the kind of planning I often see in the male lead and it wasn’t an insta-love reaction. Rather Ethan intrigued Scarlett and she plotted a course of action in order to get to know him with the intention of marrying him should he be the person she hoped him to be. Sadly the games that people play left her vulnerable to an attack. As her attacker’s behavior implicated Ethan and she subsequently accused him of the attack, any chance of a relationship was obviously destroyed, especially when evidence was discovered that proved his innocence.

Fast forward ten years and we find their roles reversed with Ethan being filthy rich and Scarlett working for her paycheck – yes she’s an attorney but the expenses she has to insure her safety are high and she is now dependent upon a paycheck. When Ethan is in need of a corporate attorney to oversee business negotiations, Scarlett’s name comes up and he jumps at the chance for the opportunity to get some legal retribution. What follows is a rollercoaster ride of emotions as the two work closely together – anger, lust, fear, anxiety, love, safety, and betrayal. When the line is finally crossed and they end up in bed together it is H.O.T. hot! I adored the way that Ethan responded to Scarlett’s lingerie issue. When her colleagues get wind of the affair and Scarlett realizes that they need to take a break until she can make the necessary arrangements so that Ethan is no longer her client, my heart broke for her at his reaction. There were actually several times during the book when I wanted to cry for Scarlett. Both she and Ethan were victims in this book, but it was Scarlett who kept taking the punches long after they should have been over.

Ms. Rice has done an excellent job in combining love and loss with romantic suspense and crafting a book that kept me on the edge of my seat. She has created a great cast of characters that I enjoyed spending time with. The manner in which the facts behind her attack were revealed kept the story moving forward and the actual motivation was staggering. This is a definite reread for me and I can only hope that we get to see Scarlett and Ethan again in the next book in the series. And I just have to say that I love, love, LOVED the epilogue. It was the perfect ending.



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Review of It Ain't Me, Babe by Tillie Cole

It Ain't Me, Babe by Tillie Cole

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I cannot put into words how much I love this book. In no way should it work – an abused escapee from a religious cult and the president of a motorcycle club, a stuttering president at that. The motorcycle club itself is an oddity as part of its identity is based upon Greek mythology. Additionally, we have the Russian mob, the Mafia, and government agencies popping up and causing trouble. So much of this story should not work, yet it DOES.

Mae, or Salome, was born into The Order; just as Styx, or River, was born into the Hades Hangmen. They were both raised within their respective cultures, knowing no other way of life. They have a chance encounter as children and both spend the next 15 years dreaming of one another. The Order is an extremist cult that uses and abuses the female members of their population; it is the representation of all the bad things we hear and think about cults. In the same vein, the Hangmen are one-percenters and the epitome of the worst of the worst of MCs.

Despite everything pointing to these two never meeting again, incidents happen that cause Mae to flee The Order. Call it fate, chance or coincidence, she winds up at the Hangmen’s compound. For one raised by the Bible, you can only imagine the shock she endures when exposed to the MC lifestyle. As he did 15 years earlier, Styx’s presence calms Mae and makes her feel safe, despite the many, many things that happen in the novel that should make her feel otherwise; of course, I won’t tell you what they are because that would just spoil the book for you.

I loved that the author was able to write from Styx’s perspective and keeping it consistent with what you expect from a member of an MC, while at the same time, writing from Mae’s perspective and keeping her manner of speech and behaviors consistent with someone who was raised with a strict religious background even if she no longer believed in the teaching. Ms. Cole has produced a compelling story that is wonderfully written. I can only hope that she decides to turn this into a series as I would so love to read more about the Hades Hangmen MC. It Ain't Me, Babe is a definite re-read for me.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Review of Crossing the Lines by M.Q. Barber

Crossing the Lines by M.Q. Barber

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Ms. Barber has created a wonderfully delightful addition to her Neighborly Affection series. In Crossing the Lines we are once again treated to front row seats as the relationship between Alice, Jay, and Henry develops further, much to Alice's dismay. Yes, the poor girl never saw it coming, she didn't understand what we the readers already knew, that she was NOT a new sex toy with a pulse being added to Jay and Henry's Friday night playtime.

While I as the reader may have already known that Alice's status was far more than she thought it to be, that did not make her discovery of it any less anxiety riddled as I have become fully invested in this trio. Nor did it mean that there were not revelations to be made that the reader was not fully aware of; after all, Henry is a Dom and he doles out information on a need-to-know basis and we, dear reader, did not need to know before Alice.

But Alice was not the only one to struggle with self-realizations in Crossing the Lines. Jay and Henry both had their own demons and self-doubt to deal with. Because the biggest impetus for Jay and Henry’s moment of doubt is a definite spoiler I will not discuss it directly, but I will say that the incident is vital to the future of the trio's relationship moving forward. How it ultimately affects their relationship remains to be seen, but I will be waiting impatiently for the next book in the Neighborly Affection series to find out.

My appreciation goes to Ms. Barber for yet another well written ménage book. The precision with which the author writes makes it practically impossible to not know whose thoughts and words are being shared and she accomplishes it without interrupting the flow of the story. I've had the misfortune recently of reading a ménage in which I frequently got confused as to which "he" was speaking and was forced to reread passages in the book multiple times in order to figure it out, thus interrupting the flow and reducing my enjoyment of the book. My only complaint is that the book is now over but at least I can reread it as many times as I want while I await the next installment in the series, so please write quickly.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Review of Breathe Each Other In by Thianna D.

Breathe Each Other In by Thianna D.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



After reading the first two books in the series, I was excited to see how the author would wrap up Christian and Logan’s story. I knew I would enjoy Breathe Each Other In as I enjoy Thianna D.’s writing style and adore these two men, I just wasn’t prepared for how much I was going to love the book and spending more time with the Darringer and Mannette clans. I mean seriously, my face hurts from smiling so much at the end of the book.

Considering the amount of angst and emotional upheaval these two men endured in the previous books, it was nice to see them have the opportunity to grow as a couple – even if much of it occurred long-distance – and feel out their different roles in their relationship. I found it fascinating that the author was able to balance Logan’s desire to spank and Christian’s enjoyment of sexual spanking with their DD relationship in which Christian took the position of Head of Household and was responsible for disciplining Logan. It is a relationship dynamic I have never before encountered in my reading and merely illustrates how each couples’ relationship really is individualized. Both men had a need to be spanked but for entirely different reasons and their story indicates that they have managed to strike the correct balance in their relationship.

There are sooooo many good scenes in this book that I want to mention but I can’t because with this being the third book in the series, they are definitely spoiler-ish. But I can say that their chemistry has only gotten better and there are some really hot sex scenes this time around. That they have wonderfully supportive parents on both sides and a wonderful support system is just the icing on the cake in my opinion. Suffice it to say, I think that fans of the series will be pleased with how the author brought their story to a close – but I for one would be happy to see the series extended and to be able to spend more time with Christian and Logan (HINT! HINT!).

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Review of Took My Breath Away by Thianna D.

Took My Breath Away by Thianna D.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



As the second book in the All They Ever Needed series, we continue on the journey with Christian and Logan as their relationship deepens and they learn to adjust to a long-distance romance. Whereas in the first book, a large part of the focus was on Christian adjusting to life after returning from war injured and coming to terms with his sexuality, this time around it was Logan who faced a HUGE crisis of identity.

With the commencement of summer break, Logan is excited to return home and spend time with Christian before going to New York for four weeks to meet his father’s family. It was a joy to watch Logan and Christian together as they found just being around one another and being able to spend time with one another a blessing. Of course, the date that Christian takes Logan on is too sweet (excluding the unfortunate run-in in the dance club). And while I expected it from the last book, I was relieved with Derrick’s reaction to Logan and even more so the way Derrick stood up to Brian on his brother’s behalf – THAT was a priceless dinner scene.

Sadly, the good times came to an end when Logan went to New York to spend time with his uncle and meet his grandparents. It surprised me that with as gregarious and assertive as Logan could be, he caved so totally under his paternal grandparent’s scrutiny. I kept waiting for him to stand up for himself and was surprised when it didn’t happen – that is, until the conversation between Logan’s father and Christian about DD and how much like his mother Logan is. That was a major ah-ha moment that revealed far more of Logan’s personality than readers were previously privy too and made Logan’s reactions in New York make far more sense. And it was that conversation and the way in which Gregory accompanied Christian to New York so that he could deal with his family while Christian took care of Logan that made me fall in love with him.

I suppose that if As Natural as Breathing is the book that I fell in love with Christian and Logan, then Took My Breath Away is the book in which I fell in love with their parents, especially their fathers. While I can discuss why Logan’s father impressed me so much, I cannot do the same about Christian’s father – suffice it to say, there is a conversation that takes place between Christian and his father that proves just how much Christian’s parents have accepted Logan as his partner and it nearly had me grabbing for the tissues. As with book one, I absolutely love this book and cannot wait to start Breathe Each Other In to see where their relationship goes next.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Review of As Natural As Breathing by Thianna D.

As Natural As Breathing by Thianna D.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



My first exposure to Thianna D.’s writing was her M/F Domestic Discipline books in the Corbin’s Bend series. As I enjoyed her writing style and found DD to be a fascinating subject to read about, I was excited for the opportunity to read this book and to see how an M/M DD relationship would work. What I didn’t remember when I started reading As Natural as Breathing was that it was the first book in a trilogy surrounding Christian and Logan and so I was torn between wanting their happy ending now (which it better be) and enjoying the fact that I get to spend 3 books with these lovely characters.

I was absolutely enamored by Christian’s character. In case the fact that he has returned home from the military after suffering permanent physical injuries due to “friendly fire: wasn’t enough, he had to deal with questions regarding his sexuality, coming out to his family, and dealing with the rantings of a religious fanatic (aka his brother). Logan’s arrival in his life was pivotal to Christian being able to deal with everything going on around him. That Logan found Christian just as handsome, scars and all, was a bonus as their chemistry was electric. Because this is the first book in the trilogy and because Christian is confused about his sexuality, there is no actual sex; instead the two men engage in heavy petting and make out sessions that reminded me just how much fun two people could have with their clothes on.

As Natural as Breathing is an excellent beginning for the series and I cannot wait to begin book two, Took My Breath Away, so that I can spend more time with Christian and Logan. These two guys make a wonderful couple and I cannot wait to see how their romance unfolds and develops over the rest of the series. Thianna D. has done an excellent job and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Review of Claiming Ecstasy by Madeline Pryce

Claiming Ecstasy by Madeline Pryce

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Thank you Madeline! Knowing it was an Ellora’s Cave Quckie, I cued up Claiming Ecstasy last night to read before bed. As expected, I got an extremely erotic read that was the perfect fodder for sweet dreaming. Nicholas is a seriously hot alpha male with off-the charts sex appeal, who also happens to be the vampire king. Jolie is the Seelie Princess who was promised to Nicholas centuries before her birth and while she wasn’t to become his until her 21st birthday, the same day her mother had conditioned her since birth as the day she would kill him, he began visiting her on her 18th birthday and seducing her with pleasure and pain. Claiming Ecstasy takes place on Jolie’s 21st birthday as she struggles with who her allegiance is to – her dark lover who gives her pleasure with pain or her people, the Fey, who hate and shun her. Of course, this entire mental battle rages on as Nicholas proceeds to give her the best orgasm of her life, claiming her both mentally and physically. Does Jolie kill Nicholas or does she join him as his dark Queen? If you enjoy erotica, then give Claiming Ecstasy a read to find out … but be sure to do it in private, because Ms. Pryce’s sex scenes will leave you squirming.





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Review of For Ben by Kate Richards

For Ben by Kate Richards

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



If you read the blurb then you know that Roy and Teri must travel to Corbin’s Bend to take care of their nephew after Teri’s sister and brother-in-law die. As such, you won’t be surprised to learn that you will likely need to keep a tissue or two handy while reading For Ben. This was an emotional read for me and I definitely made use of a tissue several times while reading this novella.

When the story opens, the reader gets to meet Teri and it’s easy to see where her goals and priorities are at and it’s not family. Teri is career-driven and money-oriented, and this makes her come off as rather cold in the beginning of the book. Her husband Roy has done well for himself at the law firm he works for, but is ready to start a family … a family he is beginning to think will not happen as his wife keeps putting it off. But fate forces their hand when they must assume guardianship of their nephew. As they spend time in Corbin’s Bend, waiting for Ben to adjust to his parents’ death, they are forced to slow down – or I should say, Teri is forced to slow down. While the Domestic Discipline elements in this book are limited, I must say that Teri definitely deserved the first spanking in the book and I could certainly sympathize with Roy’s need to reintroduce DD into their marriage.

I enjoyed that For Ben was in a large part more about the relationship renewal between Roy and Teri and their building of a family than it was about Domestic Discipline. Rather than making DD the primary focus of this novella, the author weaved a story in which DD served as a tool that helped to strengthen their marriage. This was a very well-written book and I look forward to checking out more of Ms. Richards’s books as well as other books in the Corbin’s Bend series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the For Ben by Kate Richards blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.



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Review of Burning Down the House by Allie Gail

Burning Down the House by Allie Gail

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



OH. MY. GOD!!! This book was amazing. When I read the blurb, I knew I had to read the book. Suffice it to say, the blurb does NOT do this book justice. I expected an angst-filled read about a troubled teen and the girl who tried to save him. Although that is one of the themes of Rob and Sara’s story, it is not the sole focus of the book. We not only get a wonderfully written coming of age romance, Ms. Gail gives us a tale with murder, arson, abuse, affairs, hot sex (thank goodness Rob and Sara are eighteen), and a closet full of skeletons.

It’s difficult for me to write a review about a romantic suspense novel as so many of the things I want to comment on are spoilers and I prefer my reviews spoiler free. Burning Down the House kept me engaged from beginning to end. I found myself laughing at the teens’ lunch-time conversations, getting hot and bothered when Sara did her short stint as a Peeping Tom, cringing when Rob got hit by a bad tackle, near tears when Rob told Sara the story, and getting all giddy when Rob’s romantic side starts to show up as their relationship develops.

Burning Down the House is a well-written novel with an awesome storyline, great characters, and an ending I never saw coming. Ms. Gail did an excellent job in combining romantic suspense and coming of age to produce this novel and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Review of Wildcard: Volume Three by Missy Johnson

Wildcard: Volume Three by Missy Johnson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Wildcard: Volume Three is the final book in the Wildcard series and it is full of drama. Full to the point that there was a time or two when I felt another Moonstruck moment coming on. You know the scene where Cher slaps Nicolas Cage, yelling at him to “Snap out of it!”? Yep, that’s the one. Scar and Ryder were seriously annoying the crap out of me. I understood the lying and the secrets. They were both trying to protect the other. But when they learned of the police investigation while they were in England – a whole ocean away from the mess – and were petrified, I actually yelled at my Kindle: “Hello…you’re in England. They’re not going to extradite you for questioning. Even if they had evidence, the US would look like the biggest arse in the international community for trying to extradite a single mother while her severely ill son is under treatment and that’s not gonna happen!!!” <= SEE!!! Moonstruck moment.

Sadly, I really thought the book wasn’t going to do the series justice. Thankfully Ms. Johnson proved me wrong with Scar’s epiphany in the hospital at about 74% into the book. While it may or may not have been the author’s intention to lighten the mood of the book, that’s exactly what it did for me. I burst out laughing and sailed through the remainder of the book. There was still plenty of drama and excitement to be had, but I found it much more palatable – likely due to the fact that by this time Scar and Ryder began to show more of a united front against Tony and his machinations. All in all, Wildcard: Volume Three was a great ending to the series and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Johnson’s work.


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Review of Nordic Lessons by Christine Edwards

Nordic Lessons by Christine Edwards

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I was really excited about the prospect of reading this book. I’ve read dozens of MC books, but they have all been US-based, so I found the idea of a non-American MC club intriguing. Don’t think I am so naïve as to believe that motorcycle clubs are a strictly American phenomena, because I don’t. I’ve just never encountered an MC book set anywhere other than in the US and I must admit that Norway never crossed my mind as a potential setting. And this is where I make the even more embarrassing admission that I failed to put two and two together to realize that an MC club in Norway meant … VIKING BIKERS!!!!! OH! MY! GOD!!!!!!

If you think bikers are hot, wait until you meet Mikkel. Freaking heck, I was in heaven reading this book. There is not a thing about it that I didn’t like. Mikkel alone makes Nordic Lessons a 5-star read for me, but then Ms. Edwards makes the book a complete reading pleasure with every other element. I adore Elora. She is sweet and after getting over her initial shock of encountering a modern-day warrior, she sees past Mikkel’s exterior to the man within. She is as drawn to him as he is to her. They complement one another beautifully and this makes for some seriously hot sex scenes, especially as Mikkel teaches Elora to tap into her submissive nature.

Add to the beauty that is Mikkel, Ms. Edwards includes a great cast of characters – including one uncomfortably realistic bad guy. There is just the right amount of drama between Elora and her brother. And while THE incident that occurs is remedied rather quickly, that nature of it called for a quick resolution and the author delivered it without the scene feeling rushed. I found Nordic Lessons to be an extremely enjoyable read, and while not as gritty as some of the other MC books I have read, in no way did it feel less than. This is a definite re-read for me and I intend to add the first book in the series, Naughty in Norway, to my reading list and cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Nordic Lessons Tour Stop! blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Review of Taken by Her Alien Warriors by Doris O'Connor

Taken by Her Alien Warriors by Doris O'Connor

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Too short. Actually it's not a short read, it's just that I would like to have read more of Gemini, Zorran, and Ornack's story. And yes, that's three names there so if you've read many of my reviews you know that I was in mini-heaven reading a ménage book. What's even better is that the men are bisexual, so that made for even more steamy reading. Yummy.

Gemini is human and was rescued by Zorran when she was a child. Despite the way his species treats alien women as no more than a convenient sex toy, he has never slept with her. In order to protect her from being taken from him and abused by other males, Zorran decides to give her to his lover Ornack. As his and Ornack's people are at war, Zorran must sneak Gemini away in order to deliver her to safety. Because Ornack's species is dying out due to conception issues, Zorran knows that Gemini will not only be safe, but she will be honored as she is capable of having children. Despite his desire to insure her safety, Zorran refuses to acknowledge his feelings for either of the people he loves and vows to himself to never return so that they can have a life together. Ornack spends the next few months earning Gem's trust and affection, until they finally consummate their marriage in one heck of a steamy scene. Of course, as hot as that scene is, it was outdone by their ménage mating scene ... oh my!

As the first novella in the series, The Warriors is off to a great start. Ms. O'Connor has combined the right amount of relationship development and hot sex for a truly enjoyable read for ménage and sci-fi romance fans. Taken by Her Alien Warriors has been added to my reread list and Ms. O'Connor has been added to my watch list. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Review of Taming Ryder by Nicola Haken

Taming Ryder by Nicola Haken

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Taming Ryder is the second book in the Souls of the Knight series and it is by no means a light read. This book is filled with emotional landmines and potential readers should take note of the warning as there are several issues that may serve as triggers. While there were no triggers for me, this did not mean that Taming Ryder was not an emotional read for me because it most certainly was. There are incidents that occurred in Ryder and Mason’s lives that I was able to relate to, thus enabling me to connect with their characters.

Ryder found his way into the porn industry at the end of the previous book. It was a career choice he made purposefully and he enjoys his job and the family that comes with it. Mason responds to an open casting call and Ryder is immediately struck with his air of innocence. While Mason’s choice to go into porn was purposeful, it was also a way to make money so he could go to college. The two are drawn to one another from the first day – a concept that scares the ever loving h*ll out of Ryder.

Although there is a LOT of drama and several serious hurdles Ryder and Mason had to overcome as they pursued a relationship, they do eventually maneuver their way through. I enjoyed taking that ride with them. I definitely recommend keeping your tissue handy as your read Taming Ryder because there were several scenes that left me teary-eyed. I’m looking forward to Matt’s story and reading more of Ms. Haken’s work.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Review of Being Sawyer Knight by Nicola Haken

Being Sawyer Knight by Nicola Haken

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I really had no expectations when I started this book. I knew it was an M/M romance involving the front man of a rock group and his former friend who is now a security expert, but other than that I just picked up the book and began reading. From the Prologue I was sucked into Sawyer’s story and I knew it was not going to be your run-of-the-mill rock star romance. This became more apparent when Jake re-enters Sawyer’s life and Ms. Haken proceeds to weave a thoroughly enjoyable romance with a touch of suspense and a whole lotta love (yep, I went there).

Being Sawyer Knight is the first book in the Souls of the Knight series. As the lead singer, it’s no surprise that Sawyer is the subject of the first book and I pretty much adored him instantly. From the outside, he has the perfect life, he’s rich, he’s famous, he’s hot and he’s adored by millions world-wide, but Sawyer knows that while adoration is great, it doesn’t fill that hole in his heart and he longs to find that person who is destined to make him whole. Little did he know, he’d already met and rejected that person, but luckily for Sawyer and the reader, Jake is dead-set on making Sawyer his this time around. And Sawyer learns what we readers already know, there is nothing sexier than a confident alpha male who is set on getting what he wants, especially when what he wants is you. This makes for some extremely intense scenes as Sawyer is confronted with indecision regarding his sexuality. As for the sex scenes, they are OH! MY! GOD! hot once Sawyer embraces his feelings for Jake.

Ms. Haken has kicked off her new series with a beautifully written and equally sexy romance about two men who get a second chance at love. The cast of characters that are included are an added bonus that enrich this book and make you want to read the next book in the series just so you can spend more time with them. I know I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Review of Hearts of Ishira by Bethany Aan

Hearts of Ishira by Bethany Aan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

I freaking loved this book! As a fan of Evangeline Anderson's Brides of the Kindred series and Tracy St. John's Clans of Kalquor series, I have found another sci-fi erotica author to love.

Hearts of Ishira starts with a bang and just keeps on getting better. Initially I was concerned that the 600+ page book would be unable to maintain my interest as I have found few authors who can successfully write an epic novel. However, Ms. Aan has crafted a well-written storyline the develops continuously and maintained my interest fully throughout the entire book as the two species integrated, relationships flourished, and challenges were encountered (and bested).

While the primary focus of this novel is the relationship between Arianna, Hunter, and Jace, we also get to experience the adventure that is Ishira as the women acclimate to their new home and new societal norms. I thoroughly enjoyed how the women learned to let go of their Southern Bible Belt upbringings to embrace the Thorsani culture, especially the "team" relationships of 1 female to 2 or more brothers.

This is the first book in the Hearts of Ishira series. So while there is an ending and not the anxiety producing cliffhangers so popular in books of late, it is an end that hints at events in the next book of the series. I look forward to reading the next book and spending more time on Ishira.

Please note: This book is erotica, so there is sex, M/F and M/F/M. Do not buy this book if you are uncomfortable reading these scenes.





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Review of A Simple Misunderstanding by Kathryn R. Blake

A Simple Misunderstanding by Kathryn R. Blake

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A Simple Misunderstanding was the most difficult to read of the Corbin’s Bend books for me so far. Not because of the writing, but because of the subject matter. In this installment in the series, we meet Elly and Jerry. Elly and her husband Arthur moved to Corbin’s Bend a few months ago and she’s learned that she is not fond of the Domestic Discipline relationship she agreed to with her husband. What makes this book difficult to read is that the reader quickly learns that Elly isn’t in a DD relationship with her husband, she is in an abusive relationship with a man who is using DD as an excuse to beat his wife. Reading as Elly takes several beatings and believing that she deserved them is a huge part of why I found this a tough read. What put it over the top for me was that her mother’s actions and responses to her just seemed to reinforce Elly’s notion that she deserved the abuse her husband doled out.

Elly only has two “lights” in her life: her dog Mitzi and the local vet Jerry. Due to his naturally protection nature, Jerry finds himself drawn to Elly and frustrated by his helplessness in her situation. Sadly, it isn’t until Arthur nearly kills her that she finally decides to accept Jerry’s help. While I did indeed find this to be an emotionally draining read, I feel that Ms. Blake handled the topic with care and did an admirable job in helping her characters grow and bond in the short time of the book. That Elly learned her worth and that her neighbors in Corbin’s Bend would support her in her time of need is a message that many women need to receive.

A Simple Misunderstanding is an excellent addition to the Corbin’s Bend series. Ms. Blake’s talent as a writer is obvious as she takes a delicate subject (i.e., abuse in DD and/or BDSM relationships) and handles it with care. Elly and Jerry are wonderful characters and I do so hope that I get a chance to catch up with them in future Corbin’s Bend books.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the A Simple Misunderstanding by Kathryn R. Blake blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Review of Temptation to Submit by Jennifer Leeland

Temptation to Submit by Jennifer Leeland

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Temptation to Submit proved to be a fast-paced read that lived up to the secrets and intrigue that the blurb promised, which I found quite impressive considering that it is a novella. I’ve read full-length romantic suspense novels that didn’t pack the punch this did. And it quite literally packed a punch from the very beginning as the introduction to Tori is her arguing with and taking a swing at her new supervisor. Her male supervisor. Her male supervisor who is a Dominant. Yeah, not a good way to impress your new boss. So it was not the least bit surprising when Atticus deems her a brat sub – what was surprising was her reaction to it. It gives us a glimpse into Tori’s psyche and helps the reader understand her better. With the sh*t storm that was her life, it was surprising to me exactly how well she kept it together.

While it is not the main element of the story, there is an underlying romantic suspense element and an entire plotline I cannot discuss without risk of spoilers. I will say that when the criminal activities were discovered I liked that Atticus did not fall for the obvious trail of breadcrumbs that pointed to Tori as the guilty party. He trusted his instincts and all that he had learned about her and asked for her help. Granted he set the situation up to confirm what he knew about her, but that merely showed his skill as a business man and a Dom. It is his skill as a Dom that puts him in the position to help Tori emotionally via punishment when she is unable to ask for help. As Tori’s personal life encroaches upon her job, she finds herself submitting to Atticus’s punishment in order to keep her job but quickly finds that it does so much more for her. It also ratchets up the sexual tension between the two so much that I was amazed with how far into the book we were before they finally had sex, but boy was it worth the wait.

Although not marked as a series, this is actually the second book about the employees of ConFed and Sunsoon. Temptation to Submit easily stands on its own but definitely made me want to go back and read Declaration to Submit so that I can get Nell and Mark’s story. It also means that Gina’s story is most likely up next and I will admit that I am quite intrigued about what may be going on between her and her boss Reena. Or maybe Dimitri’s story will be the next to be revealed. Either way, I’m looking forward to reading more of Ms. Leeland’s work.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Temptation to Submit by Jennifer Leeland blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Review of Tied by Emma Chase

Tied by Emma Chase

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Oh to be back in Drew’s head! What a glorious place to be. Drew is actually one of my favorite character’s heads to spend time in, quite possibly the very top of the list. Why? Not because he’s a guy and we’re treated to the male’s perspective. Nope. It’s because Drew is bluntly honest in his assessment of situations and people (including himself), he is sarcastic, and he is a smarta$$. Put most simply, he is of my people – those of biting wit for whom sarcasm is an art form. And Tied proves that while he is still all of these things, he has also grown up a lot since Tangled as his impending nuptials to Kate close in.

Most of the action in Tied occurs during the Bachelor and Bachelorette weekend in Las Vegas a week before the wedding. In case I thought the antics of this crew couldn’t get any crazier, they proceeded to prove me wrong … again. From Drew giving Billy pick-up lessons, to strippers (at both parties), to fist fights (again, among both parties), and enough alcohol to insure their level of drunkenness achieved being completely effing obliterated (thanks Drew for that handy breakdown), the Tangled crew kept me laughing almost the entire time. For goodness sakes, Drew has a mini-argument with his two-year-old son as to whom mommy’s breasts belong to … and, yeah, Drew won that argument. LOL.

As implied by the title of this book, Tied is the wedding fans of the series has been waiting for. And as much as I love Drew and the way he keeps me laughing, it is his love for Kate that is his most endearing quality. When he wakes up with a hangover the day after the bachelor party, the devastation he experiences when he realizes that the woman in his room is not Kate is heartbreaking. Of course the revelation of the preceding night’s events immediately thereafter is as funny as ever, it is Drew’s love for Kate that gets me every time and the wedding and reception are no exception. Ms. Chase has done a wonderful job of wrapping up the series with Tied and I can only hope that Drew invades her head and forces his way out so I can spend more time with my favorite smarta$$ – even if it is just for a novella. But until that happens, it’ll be rereads for me.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Tied by Emma Chase blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Review of Tamed by Emma Chase

Tamed by Emma Chase

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In Tamed, Ms. Chase gives us Matthew and Dee’s story – from Matthew’s perspective. Can I just say that being inside Matthew’s head was almost as much fun as being inside of Drew’s? Tamed occurs concurrently to Tangled and while it gives you a little bit of a peek into what happened when Kate and Billy broke up, the focus of the book is on Matthew and Dee and what Matthew had to do in order to get his girl – and I’ll just say that Dee kept him on his toes the whole time.

Matthew is funny, he’s sarcastic, his sense of humor mirrors my own, and when he cares, he cares deeply. He set out to show Dee how much he cared and how much she could trust him – unfortunately for him, Dee’s history is not conducive to trusting men and this makes his job that much harder. But Dee is not the only one with ghosts from past relationships – his just happen to make an ill-timed appearance that nearly ends everything before it really had a chance to start. Fortunately for Dee, Matthew subscribes to the belief that something worth having is worth fighting for and he refuses to go down without a fight.

Tamed is a great addition to the Tangled series and is chock full of laughs. I have never before found food poisoning funny but the author managed to make it hilarious. Ms. Chase’s talent as an author is impressive. I’ve spent time all day in the heads of three different characters of her creation and never once felt like I was in the same character’s head. There was never any confusion as to which character’s perspective I was experiencing. While I typically don’t enjoy books or movies in which the character addresses the audience, she somehow manages to pull it off. Sadly, my time with the Tangled crew must come to an end … well temporarily, as I must wait for the release of Tied, when I can once again spend time in Drew’s head (YAY!!!).

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Tamed Tour Stop! blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.



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Review of Tangled by Emma Chase

Tangled by Emma Chase

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



It's been a little over a year since I've read this book. After rereading it I really don't understand why I've only read it the one time. I absolutely love this book. I don't usually enjoy books in which the main character talks to the reader, but Ms. Chase does an excellent job with the way she has Drew tell his story. And there is no doubt about it, this is Drew's story and his unflinching honesty is what makes it so enjoyable.

Drew has no qualms about how he lives his life. He plays hard because he works harder and he's honest about his intentions with the women he hooks up with. While I understand that Tangled is written by a woman, the book's dedication makes it clear that Ms. Chase obtained the male perspective when developing Drew's character and my experience with my male friends is why I found Drew so believable. And for the record, yes it is possible to have male friends – I tend to bond well with my friends’ husbands and because I don’t shock or offend easily, they get rather comfortable in what they say to and around me and it has made for some rather enlightening conversations over the years. Drew’s unflinching honesty is what makes him so realistic – he says and does stupid stuff, he will make you laugh, he will frustrate you to no end, he will excite and stimulate you, he will make your heart ache, and he will make you fall in love. Or at least that’s what he did for me.

I had so much fun watching Drew fall in love with Kate that I cannot believe that I forgot how much I enjoyed it the first time around. Tangled has been added to my re-read list and I can only hope that I enjoy Twisted just as much as I will begin reading that momentarily. As much as I loved being in Drew’s head (and I REALLY did), I am looking forward to getting Emma’s perspective. Scratch that, Holy Frigging Matrimony: A Tangled Series Short Story is up next – I thought I could skip the short story but it appears that I cannot, but I’m not complaining because I get to spend a little more time in Drew’s head.




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Review of Finder Fees by Kelly Gendron

Finder Fees by Kelly Gendron

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Ms. Gendron certainly knows how to write an alpha male that makes me swoon. J.T. is arrogant, confident and cocky and all are well-earned characteristics. His persistence has made him successful at what he does … finding things. Between that and the fact that he is worth millions, he is used to getting what he wants, when he wants it; fortunately he does it without an air of entitlement, so much like Sloan, I was drawn to him immediately. However, as the story progresses and we learn more about J.T., it was easy to understand why Sloan was doomed from the beginning – especially when he breaks out the alpha male claiming his female explanation or when he gets all growly. In a word, SEXY!

As for Sloan, I just gotta say she was awesome. The family loyalty among this clan is amazing. When faced with a rather intimidating J.T., her concern for her twin sister, Max, has Sloan holding her tongue and letting him think he’s found the right person so that she can meet Max’s boyfriend and figure out why her sister is missing. I enjoyed the back and forth between J.T. and Sloan. As much as he wanted her, he refused to cross that line because she belonged to someone else. Sloan’s last boyfriend has left her raw, so she refuses to acknowledge any possibility with J.T. Once J.T. learns that Sloan is not Max and Sloan is not spoken for, all bets are off and he intends to claim her as his own, something he never expected to happen. It is this aspect of the story that I truly appreciated. J.T. and Sloan had an instant attraction – one they both fought – but never did they pretend it was love, rather they acknowledged it for the physical attraction that it was. Even as the relationship progressed quickly, they didn’t fall into the insta-love that is so prevalent in novels lately – it was still attraction with an added aspect of caring for the other. When J.T. laid his claim on Sloan, it was just that – super hot sex marking her as his and vice versa, but still no words of undying love were uttered. Yet as they spent more time together and incidents forced them to face a life without the other in it, they realized that their feelings had progressed to those of love. While it was quick considering the timeline of the book, it wasn’t instant and it was consistent with Sloan’s family’s history of falling hard when they do fall.

The main factor that tips a book from a 4-star rating to a 5-star rating for me is whether or not I think I will reread the book and Finder Fees has definitely hit that mark. That I still need to go back and read books 1 & 2, which will lead to a reread of Lucky Numbers merely increases the likelihood of it happening, especially with Fallon’s book being released next. Thank you Ms. Gendron for sharing another enjoyable book in the TroubleMaker series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Finder Fees Release Day! blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Review of Lucky Numbers by Kelly Gendron

Lucky Numbers by Kelly Gendron

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Can I be Nobody? Please? But seriously, where can I find my real-life Lucky?

Luke “Lucky” O’Conner is the perfect alpha male bad boy – he’s all tatted up, sexy as sin, protective, and has a heart of gold. Kaley Harlow compliments him perfectly as a former child-star all grown up, who is trying to get out of a movie contract she was tricked into when she was younger and she attempts to do this as she sheds her reputation as a goody-two-shoes by taking a walk on the wild side – the first step being to get a tattoo. Although the initial tattoo artist turned out to be a bad idea, when Lucky is forced to take over the chemistry is instantaneous between the two. Interestingly, Lucky has to record the combination to his new safe before he forgets and because the situation with the now-fired tattooist kept him from doing so in an appropriate place, Lucky is forced to improvise and works the numbers into Kaley’s tattoo. While the two were definitely putting out some heat, Lucky has seen enough nice girls to know that Kaley isn’t the kind of girl he should be messing with, so he writes the combination down once her tattoo is finished and sends her on her way. The combination (pun intended) of Kaley’s tattoo’s secret and Lucky’s indiscriminately cleaning cousin who throws away that slip of paper sets the stage for the rest of this amusing, heartwarming, and sexy romance.

While Lucky Numbers is the third book in the TroubleMaker series, it can be read as a stand-alone. That said, after meeting Lucky’s cousin Dusty (from book one) when he and Kaley go to Texas for a visit, I do intend to go back and read the other two books in the series as I enjoyed Ms. Gendron’s writing style and love the characters she creates. She made me laugh, fall in love, turned me on, broke my heart, and kept me entertained the entire time. Lucky Numbers left me with a literal smile on my face and was just what I needed – it has definitely made it onto my re-read list.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Lucky Numbers Tour Stop! blog post at Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Review of McFarland's Farm by Cardeno C.

McFarland's Farm by Cardeno C.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Oh my stars that was HOT! Cardeno C. has done what I would have considered impossible and made farmers sexy with Jared McFarland. And I have to agree with Lucas, there is most certainly something about a big, built, mountain of a man that gets me going too. But as with all of CC’s books that I have read, no matter how sexy the characters and scenes are (and this one does not disappoint), McFarland’s Farm is first and foremost a romance.

Lucas has upset his father one time too many and finds himself shipped off to Hope, Arizona where he must straighten out or be cut off from his father’s money for good. As Jared contributes much of his organic farm’s success to Lucas’s father, Paul, he feels he has no choice but to accept Lucas being thrust into his life. But his reluctance at having Lucas in his home is not due to the reasons Lucas’s family suspects. Jared has been attracted to Lucas for years and finds himself even more tongue tied and self-conscious than usual because he doesn’t feel that his scared face and over-sized frame can compete with the beautiful people that an even more beautiful Jared normally socializes with. As the men spend time together and Jared takes a hard look at his life, he comes to some surprising (for him) conclusions about where he wants to go (or should I say, stay).

Always insightful, Cardeno illustrates how we all have our own insecurities and that part of finding love involves finding and loving oneself. This was a journey both men had to take. While I was thrilled that Jared found happiness, I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing Lucas learn that the important things in life are worth working for. And don’t let the length of this novella fool you – you get a full story packed into its 56 pages. McFarland’s Farm is the first in the new series and I am already looking forward to my next visit to Hope, Arizona.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the McFarland's Farm by Cardeno C. blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Review of Perfect Imperfections by Cardeno C.

Perfect Imperfections by Cardeno C.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



So I have a HUGE problem with Perfect Imperfections. Actually, it’s a MASSIVE problem.

The book is not long enough. Yes, I realize that it’s 205 pages, but I want more. I want more JJ. I want more Reg. I want more JJ and Reg. I love these guys – both as individuals and as a couple. I loved the way in which Reg and Jeremey met and how at ease Reg made Jeremy feel, never letting on that he knew who Jeremy was – and yes, there really are people like that in the world. I found it humorous that Jeremy unknowingly gave credence to his sudden claim to be gay by entering into a pretend relationship with a man who was actually gay. The fact that Reg enjoyed being around Jeremy so much that he was willing to agree to a pretend relationship to help Jeremy out just cemented how good of a person Reg is – he’s the kind of person you want to be able to call a friend. That he was a bit snarky and clearly a master of sarcasm just made me love him that much more. And if that weren’t enough of a reason for me to love Reg, the patience and slow seduction with which he approached JJ once he realized that JJ was gay was the final nail in that coffin. The elevator scene was hot; the Fleshlight scene hotter; the shower scene would have been up in flames were it not for the water; but the actual sex scenes nearly made my Kindle melt. The chemistry, the passion, and the love JJ and Reg have for one another is beautiful.

I know I’ve gone on and on about Reg, but as I said before I love JJ just as much. Seriously, how can you not love a man who tells his no longer pretend boyfriend “you have to help me because I don’t know how.” He looked at Reg beseechingly, “Will you help me keep you?” That line nearly made me cry because JJ is so worried that his neediness, his high maintenance personality, and his single-minded focus on his music career will cause him to drive Reg away. But everything that JJ considers a flaw in himself is what makes him perfect to Reg. Perfect Imperfections reminds us that for all of our flaws, there is someone out there who finds our imperfections perfect. Love isn’t about finding someone perfect, but rather about finding that person who is perfect for you. This is a beautifully written love story with plenty of humor and super-hot meaningful sex. I know I will read this book again … many, many times. Cardeno has definitely made a new fan and I cannot wait to read more of this author’s work.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Perfect Imperfections by Cardeno C. blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Review of The Billionaire Cowboy by Mandy Baxter

The Billionaire Cowboy by Mandy Baxter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



The Billionaire Cowboy is a quick read the combines the right amount of conflict, humor, and sexy fun times, along with just a dash of action. You know a book is going to be good when it starts with one brother (Jason) warning his other brother (Ryder) that he may have a bit more of a “pissed-off female” headed his way than he can handle. And Lara arrives on the scene spitting mad, full of fire and enough gumption to tell Ryder off when no one else in their town would dare talk to him like that if they weren’t a blood relative. It was a great opening scene that left me chuckling and ready to dive in for more.

Ryder and Lara are both determined and passionate people who have far more in common than either know. The chemistry between the two is burn-the-house-down hot and makes for some steamy encounters. Over the course of the weekend they find their common ground and realize that a weekend may not be enough for them. It looks like this cowboy may have finally met his match. All in all, The Billionaire Cowboy was an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours and I’m looking forward to reading more of Ms. Baxter’s work. I cannot wait for the next book in the series and learning more about Jason’s story – and maybe meet the third brother.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out The Billionaire Cowboy by Mandy Baxter blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Review of The Silk Tie by Lily Harlem

The Silk Tie by Lily Harlem

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I have read several of Ms. Harlem’s book in the past, so I expected The Silk Tie to be a very enjoyable read. What I didn’t expect was the extreme level of heat that she would infuse into Hayley, Gabe and Brent’s story. I knew she wrote good sex, but my goodness this book was so hot it left me squirming several times. As if that weren’t enough to recommend the book, it is the relationships that develop between the three that keep this book from being just a sex-a-thon and makes an erotic romance.

Hayley and Gabe have been happily married for years and they’ve never lost their spark. Their love for one another is apparent immediately and theirs is a clearly committed relationship. But Gabe has a new client that intrigues him and he’s not sure how to deal with his unwanted thoughts, not because they cause him to question his love for Hayley (because that never wavers) but because the client is a man and Gabe has NEVER been attracted to a man before. When Gabe finally admits his attraction to Hayley, she is taken aback. She doesn’t doubt his love for her or worry that he’ll leave her, but rather she is surprised that she is excited about the idea of her husband with another man – this excitement quickly becomes arousal when she meets and gets to know Brent. I loved the scene when Brent stormed into her office after Gabe tells him that Hayley has given him permission to explore his attraction to Brent; and the second time was even better. Fortunately Brent’s insistence that Hayley be present insures that the reader has a front-row seat to some seriously hot man-on-man action.

As I said before, The Silk Tie is an erotic romance, so as the three spend more time together, it becomes clear that feelings are developing between Gabe and Brent. I liked that Hayley was secure in her relationship with Gabe and she didn’t feel threatened by their developing relationship. On the contrary, she began to open herself up to Brent to foster more of a relationship with him because her husband’s happiness was so important to her. As the relationships between Gabe & Brent and Brent & Hayley begin to deepen, a relationship between the three evolves and we move from duos to ménages – both MMF and MFM! Gabe’s commitment to Hayley never wavered once throughout the book nor did hers him, instead, they both opened their hearts to encompass Brent into their relationship. Ms. Harlem has created a sexy love story between three interesting characters that was a delight to read; that the Epilogue was from Brent’s point of view was a wonderful touch and a perfect ending to the book.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out The Silk Tie by Lily Harlem blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Review of In Distress by Caethes Faron

In Distress by Caethes Faron

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In Distress is an excellent sci-fi romance. Set in a future when Earth is still trying to recover from the Great Destruction, a class system has emerged similar to that of medieval times with Zeds being the lowest class (slaves), Betas being a middle serving class who are owned but rank higher than Zeds (serfs), and Alphas as the upper class (nobility). While there was no “crown” to whom they all pledged their allegiance, they all were lower than the Geneticists whose role was to “fix” the human genome that was mutated during the Great Destruction. The establishment of the caste system was part of the way they did this. Genetic testing at birth was used to determine to which class an infant belonged and as Zeds were not allowed to procreate, they would eventually die out and the human genome would repair itself as weakness was bred out of the human race. Not only were Zeds sterilized to prevent procreation, they were also denied access to all forms of medical care, including simple pain relievers.

Knowledge of the system within which this book is set is vital to understanding the significance of the relationship that develops between Malcolm (Alpha) and Will (Zed). Will has been owned by several Alphas throughout his short life. However, due to a horse riding accident, he is no longer a desired Zed because his leg was severely broken and did not heal properly due to denial of medical treatment. If a Zed remains unowned for 30 days, they are slated for destruction and Will is only a few days away from that marker. Will’s anger over his situation does not allow him to act defeated and his pride forces him to make eye contact with Malcolm when he comes to the market to purchase a new Zed. I was in awe of Will’s character from the very beginning. His situation would cause most to wallow in feelings of hopelessness, yet Will refuses to let “them” take his dignity, he will not stand down and he will not go easy when his time is up. Will is a fighter through and through, which is why he refuses to believe the happiness of his new owner’s home is real. ALL of the other Zeds Malcolm owns are damaged in some way. As he gradually adjusts to his new life, he finds he cannot reconcile the family he is now a part of with the Alpha who gave it to him – mainly because Malcolm is avoiding him, but also because of his past experience with Alphas. When Will forces a confrontation with Malcolm, Malcolm realizes the disservice he has done to all of his boys (his affectionate term for the Zeds he owns) and is determined to stop avoiding Will. Malcolm’s return to routine lets Will see the man behind the Alpha and he is determined to give something back to Malcolm.

This determination is what takes the story in a direction I didn’t see coming, despite hints at it in the synopsis. Malcolm is a masochist and the only thing that Will feels he can offer Malcolm is the release his masochistic tendencies require – even if Will no longer wants to “beat on the Alpha.” As Will works to balance his desire to serve Malcolm while not giving into his own anger, the two men become close and their relationship begins to develop. I enjoyed watching Will come into his own sexual identity as he helped Malcolm. Will is not a sadist and because he got to know Malcolm and came to care for him, he didn’t want to hurt Malcolm in his effort to help him. As Will learned Malcolm’s physical cues, he began to take his own pleasure in meeting Malcolm’s needs – he found satisfaction in being able to help Malcolm find his pleasure and not in the implementation of the pain itself. Of course, this led to some steamy sex scenes, but it is the love that develops between the two men that is so powerful.

I thoroughly enjoyed In Distress and was quite sad to get to the end. Ms. Faron has created a wonderful family unit in Malcolm’s compound that is set in the middle of an equally disturbing society. While this is a sci-fi romance, there is also a subplot that focuses on the caste system itself. There are hints throughout the story regarding the legitimacy of the system and as Will learns more about Malcolm’s business, it causes tension in their relationship and leads to an extremely heartbreaking scene. As the book progresses, many questions are answered but even more are raised. Needless to say I was quite excited when I got to the end of the book and learned that there would be a sequel. I loved that the author ended the book in such a way that it serves as a complete story, yet is open-ended enough to make a sequel plausible. And as I enjoyed spending time with Malcolm, Will and the boys, I’m excited at the prospect of In Pain and look forward to unraveling the mysteries and secrets behind the class system that defines their world.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the In Distress Tour Stop! blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Review of Skating on Thin Ice by Jami Davenport

Skating on Thin Ice by Jami Davenport

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Skating on Thin Ice is a great start to Ms. Davenport’s new Game On in Seattle series. Being a fan of her Seattle Lumberjacks series, I was excited for the opportunity to read this book. I enjoy sports romances and am finding that hockey-based sports romances are becoming a favorite – despite my lack of actual exposure to the sport. Fortunately, this book does not disappoint.

Lauren hails from a hockey family and would be considered a legacy if not for the fact that she was born female. But like everyone else in her family, she lives and breathes hockey, she just does it the only way she can, as a member of the Giants’ staff. Sadly, the handicap of being born female (yes that was sarcasm) means that she’s still not taken seriously by the “old boys’ club” that pervades the sport, even in management. That is, until Ethan walks in the door. While the full level of his involvement is concealed, Ethan makes it clear that he is there to evaluate the Giants for investors looking to purchase the struggling hockey team and his research sends him to Lauren as the person with the most useful knowledge of the Giants despite her current position within the franchise. He quickly learns that she’s even more knowledgeable than he suspected and finds that her brains and passion for hockey only intensify her attractiveness. When he realizes that the attraction is mutual, well that makes keeping it “professional” that much more difficult. Between the gag order the league has him under and the relationship baggage both Lauren and Ethan possess it’s clear that things will not end well, but that isn’t enough to deter either of them from getting involved. Let me just say … steamy! Inevitably, the $h*t hits the fan and Ethan is unable to prevent the fallout that sends Lauren running. Ethan has to decide how far he’s willing to go to keep Lauren in his life.

Ms. Davenport has created a great cast of characters, many of whom are clearly poised for their own book as they make their new home in Seattle. As much as I enjoyed Ethan, it was Lauren’s character that I absolutely loved. The strength of character and independence she had to possess in order to work her way up in such a male-dominated field is impressive, especially considering that she works for the same organization as her father and it’s fairly easy to deduce that he did little to support her career choice. Then to find herself in the precarious position between Ethan (whose organization could offer her and the team better opportunities) and her father (whose group would not) was not an enviable one, especially when her father tries to use “family” as a way to guilt her into feeding him information. Thank goodness for Brad and his crazy idea! Not only does Skating on Thin Ice give Lauren the resolution she deserves, it also sets the stage for the series and I for one am looking forward to the next book already – so Ms. Davenport, please write quickly.



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Review of I Hate Summer by H.T. Pantu

I Hate Summer by H.T. Pantu

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



To start, I would love to see the creation that is Idrys in the flesh. He sounds like an amalgamation of features that should not work, yet do to create an ethereally beautiful androgynous man. And my response is exactly the kind of attention that Ide has dealt with most of his life – excessive attention, both good and bad, because of the way he looks. We are well into the book before he shares this information and by the point it occurs you know that this is not a matter of Ide being conceited or arrogant, but rather a fact. It’s one for which I couldn’t help but feel badly for him because as his story unfolds we learn that it has caused him pain in the past and is preventing him from finding happiness.

Even though Ide can be an arse and an all-around P.I.T.A., he’s a rather endearing character and I found myself sucked right into his story, hoping he got his happy ending. Surprisingly, it is Trystan, his childhood nemesis, who gradually works himself into the position to be the one to provide that happy ending. I was quite relieved that Trystan ended up being someone who didn’t scare off easily and cared for the person that Ide was and not the persona his looks often led him to be. While I pick up a romance with expectations regarding it ending in a certain way (i.e., happily), it is the journey to get there that makes the story worth reading. I Hate Summer has plenty of drama, sex, insecurities, “coming outs,” and love – it even included several laugh-out-loud moments – and it all combined perfectly for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Ms. Pantu has penned a well-crafted novel that ended up being a much more emotional read than I anticipated and a lovely one at that. I absolutely loved Idrys – flaws and all – and loved watching the way his relationship with Trystan evolved. I also found the way he took Josh under his wing (so to speak) quite sweet. The author has created a wonderful cast of characters and, oddly enough, I would have liked to see more of Echo because the brief appearance he made in the book left a rather striking impression. I Hate Summer has made it onto my reread list and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Pantu’s work.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Review of The Fifth Day by Kaia Bennett

The Fifth Day by Kaia Bennett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

The Fifth Day is a quick read that does an excellent job of balancing a sweet love story between two best friends and a seriously sexy story when said best friends finally decide to risk it all and take it to the next level. I absolutely loved the relationship between Justin and Alyse. The chemistry between the two was such that I could feel the bond between them and was able to take the plunge with them without feeling like their story was rushed. Ms. Bennett has done such a good job of creating her characters that I connected with them both and felt their apprehension as they moved forward, Alyse’s fear that their actions had ruined their friendship, and Justin’s frustration as he tried to get Alyse to “see” him and that this could be a good thing. Because the love was already there after years of being friends, it made the sex that much hotter. But the extreme to which Alyse drove Justin as she attempted to “run” from their “mistake” was both funny and sexy as sin. If only every girl could find her Justin, the world would be a much happier place. If you’re looking for a quick and sexy read, especially with the holiday season fast approaching, give The Fifth Day a chance, I doubt you’ll be disappointed.



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Review of A Most Unlikely Countess by V.L. Locey

A Most Unlikely Countess by V.L. Locey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



That was fabulous! I love, love, love Lizzie. She might be a shy and withdrawn introvert around most people, but she has a wit that is sharp and sarcastic and kept me laughing throughout the book. Her internal monologue was just as funny as her external dialogue. While she might allow some people to walk all over her, they better watch out when they are inappropriate toward those close to her because she defends them with vigor. That she is in lust with a six-foot-plus Viking god just makes her that much more relatable. Her shyness is painfully hilarious when faced with said Viking god aka hockey goalie Veikko Aho. Case in point, “My brain was screaming for someone in my cranial language department to make words. Obviously they were on a coffee break. Some weird gurgle happened in my throat.”

As for the Viking god, Veikko is HOT. As much as I liked the way he treated Lizzie, I loved the way he was with Lizzie’s mom. It spoke volumes about his character and made is so easy to fall for him … Lizzie never stood a chance. Of course there’s the icing on the cake … the sex was superb. Ms. Locey wrote some panty-melting scenes between Lizzie and Veikko. I’d like to order me up my own Viking god hockey player. While there was not a lot of external drama, what did occur made my heart hurt for Lizzie. Granted, after reading Pink Pucks & Power Plays I expected a happy ending so I wasn’t ready to fling myself off a roof along with Lizzie, but I still hurt for her.

A Most Unlikely Countess is a great sports romance that kept me laughing throughout the entire read. Ms. Locey’s writing flowed smoothly and I enjoyed spending time in Lizzie’s head – again, killer inner monologues. I liked the first book in the series, but I absolutely LOVED this book. While I think it’s going to be tough to out-do this one, I am looking forward to reading O Captain, My Captain – Maggie and Derrick’s story should be a blast too.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the A Most Unlikely Countess by V.L. Locey blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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