In The Moment: Part Two by Rachael Orman

In The Moment Part Two by Rachael Orman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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

In the Moment: Part Two picks up shortly after the end of part one. Ace is biding his time as he tries to figure out how to persuade Alicia to give his ménage proposal a chance. At the same time, Adam is getting tired of being Ace's dirty little secret so he decides to get to know Alicia to find out what it is about her that has caught Ace's attention. The fact that Ace hasn't let Adam in on his ménage idea is what makes Adam's approach effective. Because he's not trying to get into her pants, Alicia is able to relax and she becomes comfortable with Adam. The combination of her comfort and an episode of clumsiness gives Adam the chance to act on his desires that have been building as he got to know her. Ace plays the situation to his advantage and gives Alicia a taste of how good it could be if she were to say yes. Thank goodness mine wasn't the only appetite whetted by that scene! As hot as it was it had nothing on what happened when the three met up at her apartment after the bar closed. With the amount of heat being generated by the MF, MM, and MMF scenes in this installment, I don't know if my Kindle will survive the eventual MFM scene the series promises. Once again Ms. Orman hooked me with the ending because I have to know what happens next.

Check out the In the Moment: Part Two by Rachael Orman is Now Available & Reviewed blog post on Wicked Reads.


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Glitter by Jeff Erno

Glitter by Jeff Erno

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Mr. Erno has once again delivered a well-crafted police drama featuring Detective Chris Nelson. A year has passed since the previous novel and Chris and his work partner, Geri, have become quite the cohesive team. At home, his marriage to Ethan continues to thrive and their sex life seems to have heated up since the last novel – or maybe I’m more accustomed to the cutaway nature of the sex scenes this time around. I should note that while this is the second book in the series, you do not have to read book one to enjoy it. Glitter is a stand-alone book, but readers of Secrets will likely enjoy seeing Alex and Shane again.

As the homicide detective on call, Chris catches a case investigating the brutal murder of a drag queen. While the initial evidence at the scene would seem to make Andrew/Glitter the prime suspect, Chris is able to determine almost immediately that Andrew is not the killer. Much like an investigation in real life, the clues lead Chris and Geri in several directions, thus making it difficult to figure out “who done it” before Mr. Erno reveals who the guilty party actually is. The author does such a good job of laying false leads and creating plausible suspects that just like in Secrets, I didn’t see it coming. This made for a both frustrating and exciting experience for me as in essence, I accompanied Chris as he investigated and solved Roxie’s murder.

Aside from the criminal investigation aspect of Glitter, one of the things I really enjoyed was the look into the world of drag. Living in Key West, I have attended several drag shows and hung out with a few drag queens in the decade I’ve been here. Despite that, learning how Andrew saw himself and the dichotomy of his/her personality was fascinating. Whereas Andrew was shy, reserved and insecure in who he was, Glitter was outgoing, confident, and, as Andrew admitted to himself, she had bigger balls than he did. Donning his Glitter persona enabled Andrew to nurture his feminine side and do so in a way that built his confidence. His romantic dilemma of finding a man who understood his need to be masculine at times and feminine at other times surprised me, yet made a lot of sense when I considered the gay men I’ve befriended over the years; their tendency to be either a top or a bottom would seem to increase the difficulty of finding someone who was open to switching roles. As such, I was so happy that Andrew found someone by the end of the book – even if I never saw that someone coming either. The resolution between Andrew and his family was better than I hoped for. Yet again, Mr. Erno has managed to keep me on my toes with another wonderful read. I’m looking forward to starting Teacher’s Pet next.

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 Glitter (The Full Nelson #2) by Jeff Erno blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Dark Space by Lisa Henry

Dark Space by Lisa Henry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Dark Space is the second book I have read by Ms. Henry and I enjoyed it immensely. Although it didn’t affect me as strongly as Bliss did, I’m actually quite relieved by that fact because the plausibility of that book freaked me out. As I find it much easier to dismiss the idea of aliens (and by dismiss I mean pretend they don’t exist, not deny their existence), I was able to immerse myself within the world she created for Brady and Cam and experience it right along with them.

I really liked Brady and that he was a survivor. No matter what was thrown at him, he kept moving forward regardless of his fear and there was a LOT for him to be afraid of. Although there were times his fear of a situation was nearly crippling, he did what he had to do and, despite his low opinion of himself, he was quite adept at letting his instincts lead him when they should. Were it not for Brady’s instincts, Cam would not have survived his return from their alien enemy. That Brady’s instincts not only saved Cam’s life but also forged a telepathic connection between the two men made for a really interesting twist to the story. Brady had a front row seat to some of Cam’s best and worst memories and their being forced to live together to insure Cam’s continued survival meant they learned a lot about themselves and one another. We quickly learn that Cam is gay and Brady finds Cam’s memories both disconcerting and arousing. Until Cam, Brady had never been attracted to a man and he was at a loss as to whether the attraction was real or a by-product of their connection. Fortunately Brady did not ponder that fact for long and the reader is treated to some hot man-on-man action.

Because Brady had a very fatalistic attitude when it came to the Faceless (the aliens) and their impending arrival, he considered any relationship between him and Cam as temporary. This mindset enabled him to give all of himself to Cam – after all, you can’t suffer a broken heart if you’ll be dead soon. His attitude and their shared connection caused Brady to fall for Cam quickly, even though he knew Cam was hiding something from him. And when the secret Cam was keeping was revealed, I was just as surprised as Brady was, but not nearly as surprised as I was by what Brady endured after that. If anyone had a right to feel like the universe’s toilet, Brady did. The best part of Dark Space is that while the book had a satisfying conclusion, it is only the conclusion for this chapter of Brady and Cam’s lives. Ms. Henry left the story open for the next book without leaving readers dangling from a cliff. I, for one, cannot wait until the next book in the Dark Space series is released so I can find out what happens next to them.

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 Dark Space (Dark Space #1) by Lisa Henry blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Hot Pink Crop by M.L. Montgomery

Hot Pink Crop by Michele L. Montgomery

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Hot Pink Crop is the sequel to Hot Pink Condom and gave me the chance to catch up with my favorite roleplaying couple, McKayla and Kurt. This time around the roleplaying is a bit more elaborate and the novella encompasses a couple of days over a week’s time. It also features McKayla in the driver’s seat so to speak as she plays the Domme to Kurt’s sub. While I don’t typically go in for femdom books, I found myself enjoying the story, most likely because it was role-play and not the normal nature of their relationship. It gave me the chance to learn more about both McKayla and Kurt and the scenes were hot!

As much as I enjoyed it, I did find myself a bit baffled by McKayla’s thoughts at one point in the novella. Towards the end of their scene (almost 90% into the book), she looks into his eyes and sees his love for her and freaks out. She starts worrying because she’s realized that she love him back and is concerned that her feelings have crossed a line they drew when they began their relationship five years earlier. What baffled me about her line of thought is that Kurt has already said “I love you” more than once and she spent the first part of the book afraid she was losing him because she couldn’t say it back as she refused to acknowledge that she felt that way. So she went from refusing to acknowledge her feelings, to being afraid she would lose him because she couldn’t say it, to being scared that he’d leave her now that she realized she loved him. Mind you, she still can’t say the words, but can you see why McKayla left me with a bad case of whiplash?

But despite that minor blip in McKayla’s character, I really enjoyed Hot Pink Crop… until I got to the end and Ms. Montgomery left me teetering at the edge of the cliff. It’s not quite a cliffhanger, but I was really hoping for more resolution to their relationship in this installment rather than ending the book with them on even shakier ground than when it started. On the upside, this means I get to read at least one more book in the series, insuring another peek into my favorite roleplaying duo’s steamy scenes.

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 Hot Pink Crop by M.L. Montgomery blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Into the Deep End by Leesa Freeman

Into the Deep End by Leesa Freeman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Into the Deep End has got to be one of the saddest yet most hopeful heart wrenching books I have read in a while. Even knowing what it's like to lose my best friend and soul mate, I still cannot fathom the loss that Luke experienced, especially at such a young age. He lost the best friend he had in his twin sister, his best friend Rob, the use of his legs, his college scholarship, and his future in competitive swimming, including an almost guaranteed spot at the Olympics. The level of depression and anger that Luke exhibits at the beginning of the book is completely understandable. Which is what makes the change he undergoes throughout the course of the book so beautiful.

The book opens with Luke basically being forced by his father to go with Adriana to work as a counselor at a camp for persons with Spina Bifida and spinal cord injuries (SCIs). As the only other survivor of the accident, Adriana’s presence is a painful reminder of all that Luke lost that night. The idea of being stuck with her at a camp for other people in wheelchairs in the middle of nowhere for three weeks is maddening to Luke. That Luke is jealous of Adriana’s inability to remember the accident while Adriana is resentful that he can remember but won’t tell her does not help their situation at all. As much as he didn’t want to be there and despite his attempts to leave, being at the camp was exactly what Luke needed so that he could gain a new perspective on the life ahead of him. Because each week of camp was for a different age group (children, tweens/teens, and older teens & adults), Luke learned different lessons. He also benefited from the physical therapist who seemed to channel her inner drill sergeant when working with Luke. But Luke was not the only one who benefited from the camp – Adriana also showed signs of healing and the two were able to reconnect and begin planning for life after camp.

Despite only being three weeks in length, the time at camp spanned just over half of the novel as it was imperative that Luke, and Adriana, have the chance to begin the healing process. It also gave the reader time to become acquainted with Will and Gina, who play a big part in Luke’s life after camp is finished as he moves into an apartment in their complex at Will’s urging. That Gina grew up with a father who also had an SCI gave her a perspective that was vital to Luke’s continued improvement post-camp. I will admit that I was angry and sad on Luke’s behalf when Adriana began dating. Yet Ms. Freeman provided a resolution to Luke’s love life that was perfect. I was impressed with the way the author addressed Luke’s concerns about his sexuality – or lack thereof in his mind – and the importance of finding that person who accepts you as you are. I absolutely loved this book and stayed up until 2 am to finish it because I had to know how it ended and it was sooooo worth it. But be forewarned, don’t start this book without a serious supply of tissues because I found myself crying both tears of sadness and joy while reading Into the Deep End.

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 Into the Deep End by Leesa Freeman blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Breaking Away by Toni Aleo

Breaking Away by Toni Aleo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



When I’m not reviewing for the blog, I’m a mood-based reader. For the most part, I usually stick to romance genres but tend to read similar themes within that genre, whether it be rock stars, bikers, billionaires, athletes, etc. The last time I was in an athlete mood, I read Taking Shots – the first book in the Assassins series – and enjoyed it but fell out of the mood so I haven’t read anymore of the series. So when the opportunity came up to read and review Breaking Away (and it could be read as a stand-alone), I jumped at it and I am so glad I did. Taking Shots was good but Breaking Away was awesome.

Phillip. How can you not love this man? He finds himself in a tough situation when he takes his niece Claire to live with him after her mother’s death. He does everything he can to try to make her happy and prove to her that he loves her. Thankfully, his teammates and their wives are his family and they step in to help him out as he tries to balance raising Claire and being on the road with the team. This turns out to be a blessing in disguise as it leads Reese to Claire and Claire to Reese’s dance program – a place where Claire can lose herself in the music and dance and begins to heal her heart. This also means the Phillip and Reese began to spend time together and find out that their chemistry is OFF. THE. CHARTS! Good lord when those two get together even my Kindle got hot. As two single people who insist on keeping it light and staying single, they have some seriously hot, no-holds-barred sex that will make you squirm. As would be expected, the more time they spend together, in and out of bed, the closer they get to one another. But nothing worth having is ever easy and their relationship is no different, so there is plenty of drama, lots of laughs, nerve wracking competitions, some heartbreak and steamy sex scenes that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.

I haven’t read books 2, 3 & 4 in the series, but thanks to Breaking Away I will remedy that as soon as possible; in fact, come payday, they will be added to my library so that when my next athlete-reading mood hits, the Assassins will be at the top of the list as I am looking forward to reading about how the other couples got together. Does knowing that they end up together ruin the read for me? Absolutely not. I pick up certain authors expecting a happy ending because it is the journey to that happy ending that makes the read worthwhile and enjoyable for me and Ms. Aleo does not disappoint.

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 Breaking Away by Toni Aleo blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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In The Moment: Part One by Rachael Orman

In The Moment: Part One by Rachael Orman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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

Normally I don’t like to review serials unless I have all of the installments to read back to back. I understand that defeats the purpose of the serial, but I read at least one book daily, so if the installments are released weekly, there will be a minimum of six books read in between and if the installments are released bi-weekly, that’s no less than 13 books read, giving me far too much time to forget the details of the previous book(s). One of the many benefits of being a blogger is that I usually get all of the installments at the same time. However, in the case of In the Moment, even though I’m receiving the installments prior to their release, I still have to wait about two weeks in between as well. Why, pray tell, am I explaining all of this in my review? Because despite my dislike of trickle release serials, I have wanted to read Ms. Orman’s writing for several months now and keep missing out on the review opportunities due to scheduling. So in this instance, the serial format of In the Moment is perfect for me because it is far easier for me to slip a novelette into my review schedule every two weeks than it is a full-length novel.

As for Part One of In the Moment, I enjoyed the heck out of it. This installment serves to introduce the reader to the main characters of the series – Alicia, Ace, and Adam. Being as the novelette is only 35 pages and the serial format is intended to introduce the reader to the characters while sparking their interest enough that they want to read the next installment, there is not a huge amount of character development. While I picked up on bits and pieces about each of the characters, I felt like I learned the most about Alicia. I’m not sure which surprised me more about Alicia – that she capitulated to Ace as quickly as she did OR that she ran when he told her where he wanted to their “relationship” to go next. Ace is the quintessential bad boy biker – tatted up, growly, and alpha-male dominant. I liked his steamrolling attitude and that’s why his telling Alicia that she was his dream seemed out of character. Granted, his character is still developing and future installments may show him to have a bit of a soft side, but as he presents in this part it just felt off. I will say that Ms. Orman can certainly write a hot sex scene – both MM and MF. Because I won’t know until I finish all five parts whether or not this series will be added to my reread list, I am giving In the Moment: Part One 4 stars, but if I find that the series is one that I plan to reread, I will adjust my rating accordingly. Now, I’m off to take advantage of being a blogger and I get to read In the Moment: Part Two now because I want to see what happens next. Well done Ms. Orman, you definitely hooked me in.

Check out the In the Moment: Part One by Rachael Orman blog post on Wicked Reads.


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Falling by Barbara Elsborg

Falling by Barbara Elsborg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Falling is a very compelling tale of two men trying to find their way in life now that they’ve each been released from the prisons they lived in. Harper’s prison was literal, while Malachi’s was symbolic and yet their experiences had many things in common. Before I get any farther I need to note that this book is set in the UK and the author uses terminology that is used within the British justice system; however, I will be using the American terminology (e.g., probation officer instead of offender manager) so that I don’t muck it up and use the wrong term.

Harper spent ten years in prison after being wrongly convicted of the sexual assault of two minors. Even though he’s no longer in prison, he is on probation for two years and will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life. Knowing that Harper was innocent, my heart wept for him every time he had to interact with the police and his probation officer. Dealing with the police is stressful enough, but knowing that you’re innocent and there’s nothing you can do about it had to be torturous for Harper. The hopelessness of his situation is made worse by the fact that his charges don’t specify that the supposed sexual assault was of two 16 year-olds, only that they were minors. So he not only has to deal with the stigma of being a sex offender, he also has the deal with having the word pedophile hurled at him. Because I felt so badly for the situation Harper was in, I was so very, very happy when he and Malachi began to interact.

I won’t go into Malachi’s symbolic prison because it influences too much of the way in which their story unfolds. But Malachi was exactly what Harper needed as his quirkiness forced Harper to open up and let someone in. It was also Malachi’s unfailing belief in Harper that gave Harper hope for the future and the courage to move forward. I adored Malachi because despite the raw hand he had been dealt in life (which was not as bad as Harper’s), he maintained a relatively optimistic outlook on life. I loved that he was able to make Harper smile and laugh, even during sex. Even after the desperation of their first time together – because Harper hadn’t been with anyone in ten years so he had a lot to make up for – the sex between them was hot and quite often playful despite the intensity. The author does a wonderful job of conveying the depth of emotion between the men, both in and out of bed. The added romantic suspense elements merely enriched an already brilliant book. Falling is one of those books that I might or might not read again, but is so moving that I can’t not give it five stars. Ms. Elsborg has set the bar pretty high with Falling, so I am already looking forward to the next book in her Fall or Break Down 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 Falling (Fall or Break #1) by Barbara Elsborg blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Clockwork Pirate by Lyn Gala

Clockwork Pirate by Lyn Gala

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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

This is the first steampunk novel I have ever read. It’s a genre I didn’t know much about and had no strong feelings about either way. However, I am a HUGE Lyn Gala fan, especially of her MM Sci-Fi romances, so I was more than happy to give the genre a try. Because of all of this, I cannot even begin to comment as to whether or not Clockwork Pirate is consistent with the steampunk genre because I have nothing to compare it to. What I can say is that I finally understood what it is as the descriptions of Aster’s contrivances enabled me to relate it to the Will Smith movie The Wild Wild West. Eureka! Finally a frame of reference. What I can say about the book is that it is consistent with the previous books of Ms. Gala’s that I have read and so I absolutely loved it.

I quite enjoyed the combination of the lorded class, high seas pirates, and astonishing inventions, even if it was all coupled with the prejudices, severely limited civil rights, and slavery consistent with what I am assuming to be the intended time setting of the 1800s. Much like Beche, I found Alex’s behavior to be uncharacteristic of the British aristocracy. His quick thinking allowed him to activate his sister Aster’s lock changing mechanisms, thus giving him a position from which to negotiate the freedom… of his crew. Alex’s unexpected behavior intrigued Beche enough that he spared Alex’s life. Although it caused Alex some distress, I enjoyed watching Beche come to terms with Alex’s gentle nature and found the womanly spirit discussion quite humorous and apt. What I found extremely intriguing was that while Beche had never before considered being with a man, he did not deny that he was drawn to Alex’s nature. Even though Beche did not fight his attraction for Alex, he did not push it either. Rather he allowed Alex to come to terms with the belief that his father’s “cure” was no longer effective and that there was nothing wrong with a man lying with another man, especially aboard the pirate ship. It is because of this that we are well into the book before there is any sexual intimacy between Beche and Alex and it does not occur until Beche is confident that it is what Alex truly wants. And it’s hot.

Aside from the well-crafted romance aspect of Clockwork Pirate, Ms. Gala does a fantastic job of creating a cast of characters that make up Alex’s family (by blood) and Beche’s family (by choice). Even though Alex’s presence on the pirate ship gradually shifts from captive to unofficial crew, the fact remains that he is being held and the author maintains a serious tone for that portion of the novel. However, when Alex’s sisters reappear in the novel, Ms. Gala infuses hope and humor into the storyline, which serves as subtle cue that Alex’s say over his life has been returned to him and she subsequently lightens the storyline accordingly. I loved Alex’s sisters – Philla for her strength of character and Aster for her intelligence – and I would love, love, love to see Ms. Gala write a sequel or two to this novel to give them their own stories, as well as Fabrice and Manuel. Will I continue to read steampunk? I don’t know. But if Ms. Gala writes it, it’s an automatic yes for me.

Check out the Wicked Reads Reviews – Clockwork Pirate by Lyn Gala blog post on Wicked Reads.


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Hot Pink Condom by M.L. Montgomery

Hot Pink Condom by Michele L. Montgomery

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Role playing. These are two very important words I missed when skimming over the blurb for Hot Pink Condom prior to starting it this evening. Generally speaking, cheating is not a deal breaker for me when reading a romance; I tend to judge its presence in a book on a case-by-case basis. However, when the partner being cheated on is in love (not obsessed) with the cheater and the cheater is messing around just because they can, it tends to make me uncomfortable. Yes, in the world of fiction I have no problem justifying cheating – it’s fiction and face it, in fiction, some characters deserve to be cheated on. And because I missed those two very important words – role playing – I was getting uncomfortable with Hot Pink Condom as McKayla and Conner flirted back and forth until a possible misstatement in their conversation sent me back to the blurb, where I finally saw those two crucial words that allowed me to dig in and enjoy the heck out of this book.

Despite living in separate cities due to work, McKayla and Kurt have been together for five years. One of the reasons their long-distance romance has endured is because they both share the same kink – role playing. As you read Hot Pink Condom you will learn that they have a few other kinks in common that make their weekend together hella hot. After an extremely long week at work, McKayla heads out to her favorite bar for a drink or two. Within a few minutes of her arrival the barstool beside her is occupied by a man who makes her mouth water and other body parts tingle, all of which go into overdrive when he starts talking to her. When “Conner” tells McKayla exactly what he wants to do to her, let’s just say that McKayla wasn’t the only one panting at his suggestions. And things only got hotter when they left the bar and went back to her apartment. Good grief these two are freaking hot together. As McKayla is so deep into the role playing that even her thoughts don’t betray her, I was relieved when I realized that Conner was actually Kurt. The chemistry between the two is intense and that intensity ratchets up when Kurt’s dominance comes out during their scene. Although Hot Pink Condom is only about that night and there are certainly unresolved issues, the author sets the stage for the next book without leaving you on the edge of a cliff. I enjoyed Ms. Montgomery’s writing and am looking forward to reading Hot Pink Crop to see what happens to Kurt and McKayla next.

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 Hot Pink Condom by M.L. Montgomery blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Asylum by Lily White

Asylum by Lily White

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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

Asylum is an intense read that appealed to my love of romantic suspense and psychological thrillers. In the same vein as Ker Dukey’s Empathy series and the Serial series by Jaden Wilkes and Ms. White, Asylum delves into the mind of psychopaths and the criminally insane. What is truly terrifying about this book is that it quickly becomes apparent that not all of the crazies at the Statham Institution for the Criminally Insane are patients, some of the employees are just as certifiably insane as the patients.

We meet Alex on the day that she meets her new psychiatrist. While Alex believes that she has only been at Statham (or the Asylum as the patients refer to it) for a month, we learn that she has been there for a year and has almost no recollection of the past four years of her life, including the two men she is accused of murdering. Although her previous psychiatrist, the staff, and a good number of the patients believe Alex to be faking her amnesia, Dr. Hutchins questions the accuracy of her diagnosis and current treatment regimen. What follows is a brilliantly crafted journey into a troubled mind using a combination of hypnosis and drug cocktails that enable Dr. Hutchins to unlock parts of Alex’s memories regarding the circumstances of her alleged victims’ deaths. Between the investigative efforts of Dain, her police detective brother, and the progress Dr. Hutchins makes during Alex’s therapy sessions, more facts regarding the deaths are revealed and while some point to her innocence, others do not.

While I do not and cannot condone doctor-patient relations in real life, the same does not hold true in fiction because Jeremy – Dr. Hutchins – was about the only bright spot in Alex’s life in the Asylum. Not only did he care about her wellbeing and made her feel safe, the man was apparently sex-on-a-stick hot and their chemistry was undeniable … when they were alone. Just in case her mental health issues and an inappropriate relationship with her doctor are not enough, Alex is being targeted by several of the staff, bringing her safety into question on a near daily basis. When things come to a head, I must admit that I was relieved that the friends Alex made over the course of the book came to her aid and resulting carnage couldn’t have happened to a more deserving guy. And despite ALLLLLL that happens in the book, I still found myself floored by the Epilogue. Even with my graduate level abnormal psych classes, I never saw THAT coming. Well done Ms. White.

I appreciate that Ms. White clarifies in her Author’s Note that she has taken liberties with the psychological diagnoses, symptomology, and treatment include in Asylum. That said, as a student of psychology, I loved the way she dealt with the psychologies of the various patients – some of the patients presented with textbook symptoms while others’ embellished symptomologies were skewed ever so slightly that they maintained a feeling of realism while scaring the bejeezus out of me (freaking eyeballs!). While the facility described is nearly nonexistent today (I haven’t been to every facility so I can’t say they’re completely absent), it is reminiscent of the early years in psychiatry and every freaking horror movie ever set in an asylum – again, scaring the bejeezus out of me. My only real concern about this book is that it’s classified as a “Dark Erotic Novel.” While the book is indeed dark and it is erotic, it’s not what I would consider dark erotica. So if you’re looking for dark erotica (e.g., Pepper Winters and CJ Roberts) you’re probably not going to find what you’re looking for in Asylum. However, if you’re looking for a dark psychological thriller with erotic elements, well buckle up and enjoy the journey into madness.

Check out the Asylum by Lily White Blog Tour post on Wicked Reads.


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They Call Me Crazy by Kelly Stone Gamble

They Call Me Crazy by Kelly Stone Gamble

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Every once in a while I like to pick up a book that’s outside the normal genres I read and They Call Me Crazy definitely fit the bill. I’m really not sure how to classify it as far as genres go because it’s not really a romance, although there is a teeny bit of romance in it; it’s not really a paranormal book, despite the fact that Cass’s grandmother is psychic and Cass sees dead people; it’s listed on Amazon as a mystery/thriller/suspense read, but with the way Ms. Gamble writes the story from multiple POVs it doesn’t really feel like a mystery because the reader is privy to most of what is going on. What it was, was an unearthing of family secrets of epic proportion with a big ole’ side of crazy.

Okay, so maybe it is a bit of mystery because as I try to think of what details about the storyline to include in my review, I keep hesitating as I don’t want to include a spoiler that ruins the book for someone else. The crux of the book is whether or not Cass killed her husband Roland. Even though Cass outright admits to the sheriff that she did it, we quickly learn that they don’t call her crazy for no reason because she is … or is she? The question of Cass’s sanity is just one of the aspects that made this such an enjoyable read for me. Ms. Gamble manages to address some major issues regarding mental health treatment in a very succinct matter and does it in such a way that its importance is highlighted without overshadowing the storyline.

As for Cass, she’s a hoot and a half. It’s not so much that she lacks a filter between her brain and her mouth as much as it is that doesn’t really care what others think. I found myself snickering in several places at her antics and the things that would come out of her mouth. Her spitfire attitude came in handy as she learned more and more about her husband posthumously. The man was no saint, not even close, and I’m surprised that someone didn’t off him years ago. Even though Cass can count on one hand the number of people who don’t hate her – she is an acquired taste kind of person after all – those that are truly close to her rally around her when she’s arrested and the rumors being to fly, including her husband’s brother Clay. Clay was just as enjoyable of a character and I absolutely loved the secret ingredient for his apple-spice cake. As one of the only people who knew how Roland really was, he never hesitated in his support of her. They Call Me Crazy was an outright enjoyable read for me as I was glued to my Kindle, waiting to see whose secret would be revealed next. Ms. Gamble has been added to my watch list.

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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Garrett by Sawyer Bennett

Garrett by Sawyer Bennett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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

Well bully for you Ms. Bennett, you made me cry. Several times. Are you happy now? I know I am because despite bawling like a baby, I loved every page of Garrett. Admittedly, I knew going in that this was going to a have sad moment or two because the blurb pretty much tells you that Olivia is dealing with a potentially fatal medical condition. So yeah, tears were anticipated. What I didn’t expect was for Ms. Bennett to rip my heart out, stomp it on the floor, and then shove it in a blender and turn it on high. This is a sports romance for heaven’s sake – angsty sadness is okay, total emotional annihilation, not so much. But Garrett was worth every single tear I cried, including the full-on blubbering that occurred when I read the subheading for the Epilogue.

Just like not all my tears were sad tears, not all of the emotions that Garrett elicited from me were sad. On the contrary, I found myself laughing quite frequently as both Garrett and Olivia had a wonderful sense of humor and had no problem whipping it out when the situation called for it, and even when the situation didn’t call for it. And a sense of humor wasn’t the only thing being whipped out… (Oh yeah, I went there). The chemistry between Garrett and Olivia is intense and as Olivia concluded, the sex scenes are “off-the-charts mind-blowing.” Whew! I really must start watching hockey because hockey-based romances have become my favorite type of sports romance.

Add a bit of angst and a whole lot of romance to the tears, the laughs, and the sex, and it’s no wonder I loved this book. I do enjoy an emotional rollercoaster ride when it’s the result of a good book and Garrett certainly took me through my emotional paces. I should note that while this is the second book in the Cold Fury Hockey series, it can be read as a standalone. That said, I am stoked that I snagged a copy of Alex on sale a few weeks back and now have to find time to read it because I loved Alex and Sutton and so want to read their story to find out how they got together. Reading Alex will also give me an excuse to reread Garrett, especially if I do so right before the release of the next book in the series, Zack.

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The Fear That Divides Us by M.N. Forgy

The Fear That Divides Us by M.N. Forgy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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

I have been anxiously awaiting Doc’s book since finishing The Scars That Define Us and it was far more than I ever hoped for. By her behavior, it was apparent that she endured a lot before she got involved with the Devil’s Dust MC, but the level of depravity and abuse she suffered at her husband’s hands was horrifying. Equally as shocking was how she came to be the MC’s physician on call. In the vast majority of MC romances that I have read, the club’s doctor is almost always either a doctor who has lost his medical license or one who charges the club an exorbitantly large amount of money to NOT report services rendered. Jessica aka Doc meets neither of those criteria and she is a woman – which I can’t say I’ve ever encountered in my reading either. However, as I read the Prologue I was in awe of her as she negotiated an exchange of services with the Devil’s Dust MC that did not put her on her back.

I will straight up admit that I have read so many books since reading books one and two, that I really didn’t remember Bobby. That said, Ms. Forgy wrote The Fear That Divides Us in such a way that I could read it without having read the previous books in the series and still enjoyed it – which is kind of how I approached Bobby’s character. I liked how he was protective of Doc from the very beginning, but his possessiveness wasn’t revealed until he learned of Doc’s engagement – what a clusterf*** that was! I enjoyed watching the shift in Bobby’s personality from the hungover guy who wakes up in a sorority sister’s bed in chapter one to the faithfully monogamous man who stepped up to the plate when he realized that he wanted and deserved more from Doc. Even if it didn’t end well (<= massive understatement), I loved the date that Bobby took Doc on and that she enjoyed the boat ride as much as he did.

Whether she wanted to admit it or not, Doc was just as much of a part of the MC as the old ladies. At one point in the book, Bobby was the only one who knew how far she would go for the club. However, by the end of The Fear That Divides Us everyone in the MC knew that Doc was willing to go to bat for Bobby and the club. While the sex is scorchingly hot between Bobby and Doc, what kicked up the level of intensity was when Bobby set out to help Doc overcome her fears during sex that her husband conditioned her to so very effectively. The Fear That Divides Us is my favorite in The Devil’s Dust series to date and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Doc and Bobby. I look forward to catching up with them and the rest of the gang in the next installment.

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Wish List by A.R. McKinnon

Wish List by A.R. McKinnon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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

Wish List has a great premise. Lucy convinces her best friend Allison to compose a letter to Santa, but it’s not your typical letter to Santa – thanks to a bottle of wine, it’s a sexual wish list of Allison’s secret desires. Lucy decides to get the ball rolling and bring her best friend some holiday cheer by making sure the letter ends up in the hands of the man who can make it happen – Marcus. To say he was flabbergasted by the letter would be an understatement, but Marcus is “up” for the challenge and he knows that he is just the man for the job, well at least one of them and he knows who can help him fulfill Allison’s racier Christmas wishes.

One of things I enjoyed about this book was that while Marcus suspected Allison was attracted to him, no one ever suspected that Allison was attracted to Jackson. Even though Allison kept her distance from her co-workers, that the three worked together and had a mutual respect for one another kept this from being an insta-love situation. The letter served more as a catalyst for Marcus and subsequently Jackson to act on their feelings for Allison, feelings that she reciprocated. But even when they embarked upon the ménage relationship there were no claims of love made, Allison accepted it as a chance to expand her sexual horizons with two men she was deeply attracted to, two men who more often than not shared a woman due to their brother-like bond. While Allison isn’t the first woman they’d ever shared, she seems to be the most important and the chemistry between the three is intense. The reader is not only treated to some sizzling ménage scenes, but also some intense one-on-one scenes between Allison and Marcus, and Allison and Jackson.

While I didn’t particularly enjoy the secondary storyline involving her grandfather’s attempt to marry her off, that had more to do with her grandfather being an arse than the actual story. However, I did enjoy the business secret that Marcus and Jackson had, even if its discovery did play out in a predictable fashion – but that’s what happens when people try to keep secrets they have no hope of keeping and shouldn’t be keeping. My only actual complaint about Wish List is the Epilogue. I am a reader who enjoys an epilogue that gives me a glimpse into how the characters’ lives are going, but in this case the epilogue itself felt rushed – as if the author tried to put too much into it. Ultimately it didn’t prevent my enjoyment or rating because I found Wish List to be a delightfully stimulating read. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series as it looks like Lucy may have struck the fancy of the guys’ friend Grayson.

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Give Chase by Willa Okati

Give Chase by Willa Okati

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Give Chase had a different feel to it than the other books I have read by Ms. Okati. I think the combination of two really intense doctors, them finding an abandoned baby, and Declan having to deal with a past he’d much rather forget made this a far more serious read than I’ve experienced in the past. There was still some playfulness between the two men, but it was not nearly as light-hearted as Take Heart or the Mighty Casey series was. That said, I absolutely enjoyed Give Chase just as much as her other books.

Initially I kept getting the two docs confused, but I think that has more to do with external interruptions I was dealing with than the book itself, so I recommend reading it when you can ignore the rest of the world. Then again, that’s my preference when reading Ms. Okati. Not only does she create characters that I enjoy getting to know and spending time with, she creates characters who have amazing chemistry with one another and Isaac and Declan are no different in that respect. Where they differ from my past experience with the author’s writing is that Declan is determined to keep his distance from Isaac, emotionally and physically – he doesn’t even seem to want to be friends but concedes to it in an effort to minimize pressure from Isaac for more. Declan’s resistance is in spite of the fact that he is drawn to Isaac. When they discover the abandoned baby – I loved that Isaac called her their foundling – Isaac takes the opportunity to wedge himself further into Declan’s life. What Isaac didn’t pick up on during their first liaison but learned quickly was that Declan responded better when Isaac took charge of a situation, especially in the bedroom. This hint of D/s made Ms. Okati’s normally hot sex scenes even hotter!

I’m not sure what I enjoyed more about Give Chase – watching Declan “run” from Isaac or watching Isaac “chase” after him. I do know that I enjoyed the way that their relationship developed, even if it did take someone abandoning their infant to give Isaac the opening he need to wedge himself into Declan’s life. Although I didn’t get to see as much of the actual relationship development as I would have liked, Ms. Okati does a wonderful job with the Epilogue and gave me the closure I needed for Isaac and Declan’s story to be complete. Once again the wait begins for the next book in the St. Hawk’s Medical series and I can only hope that we get an update on Declan and Isaac at that time.

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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Invisible Curtain by Alex Morgan

Invisible Curtain by Alex Morgan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Corey Shaw is back! This time our favorite psychic detective has toned down his man-whoring and turned up his psionic sleuthing. Invisible Curtain finds Corey on a cruise of the Baltic Sea to celebrate his mother’s 70th birthday. Spending two weeks on a cruise ship with your mother and five siblings is bound to put the damper on one’s libido, but Corey still manages to find a willing partner among the ship’s dance staff. Despite his best intentions and incurring his sister’s wrath, he also finds himself drawn into the investigation of terrorist bombings that seem to be connected to the ship.

While Invisible Curtain is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone as the references to the previous books are minimal and don’t relate to the storyline of this book. That said, Corey is a delightful character and reading the prior books give you more of a glimpse into his personality and the improvement in the author’s writing style from book to book. Having read Breathless and Murder at the Green Lantern, I can easily say that I love Corey Shaw and the world the author has created. Corey’s character is fun, outgoing, and unabashedly sexual. He takes his job as a Psionic Detective seriously without taking himself too seriously. I enjoyed the introduction of Oleg and that Corey got to meet one of the individuals who inspired the creation of the agency he works for. And while being stuck with his siblings for two weeks was almost more than Corey could take, I liked that we got to see the toned-down family side of him. It is clear that he loves his family, especially his mother, so it was nice to see those interactions and to learn that Corey’s psychic abilities came from his mother. The Al-Qaeda/terrorist bombing plotline lends a level of realism that provides even more suspense to this book. However, the fact that homosexuality is against the law and punishable by death is completely ignored in the story and renders one of the plotlines a bit too fantastic for my taste. I have no problem suspending belief when reading paranormal and sci-fi romances, but ignoring an established religion’s belief system or a country’s laws is problematic for me unless the author specifically addresses how it has changed in the world they’ve crafted. That said, I still enjoyed the heck out of the Invisible Curtain and hope that Mr. Morgan is busy working on the next installment in the series because I need me some more Corey Shaw.

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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This Dom by Alaska Angelini

This Dom by Alaska Angelini

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This Dom picks up where Dom Fever left off and we find Devlin drowning in guilt as he and Victoria wait in the hospital to find out whether or not her fall caused a miscarriage. As he grapples with his guilt and fears, Victoria must deal with the emotions that seeing Justine’s bruised body have unleashed – betrayal being the main one and fear that Devlin hasn’t changed his playboy ways being a close runner-up. Fortunately Devlin is just as stubborn as Victoria, so when the doctor assures them that the baby is fine and puts Victoria on bed rest he refuses to move out as she demands and takes on the role of being the one to tend to her. However he does move out of her bedroom to reduce her stress, but the time he spends caring for her and Ava gives him to opportunity he needed to prove to her just how much being a family means to him. It also gives them time for cooler heads – and motherly advice – to prevail and allow Victoria to come to terms with Devlin’s actual sin … lying. No matter how she looked at it, Devlin did not cheat on her. Yes, he dommed Justine, but there was no sex and even if there had been, they were not together when it happened. With Victoria’s constant refusals and proclamations that they would never be a couple, it’s surprising that there was no sex, but Devlin maintained his sexual celibacy even when he gave his sadistic Dom free rein.

I absolutely loved This Dom. Victoria was forced to give Devlin a chance to prove his commitment to their family and she had no choice but to witness his devotion to their children and her, a devotion he was able to prove in spite the constraints she put on him. This is one of those times when actions spoke louder than words and Victoria was finally able to see how life could be if she accepted Devlin’s love and the life he was offering. So many issues are resolved in ways that were perfect for Dev and Victoria – the contract, Daniel, their family, and Blaise. While I would love to read more of their story and find out if they ultimately get their happily ever after, Ms. Angelini has written a wonderful ending to their tale. I must admit that while I expected the books to have more sex and BDSM scenes, I loved them because they didn’t. Rather than focusing on the erotica, they focus on the romance and love between Devlin and Victoria. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and look forward to reading more of Ms. Angelini’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 Devlin Black Spotlight! blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Hey There, Delilah by M.D. Saperstein & Andria Large

Hey There, Delilah by M.D. Saperstein & Andria Large

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Delilah has had the worst birthday ever. Her boyfriend turns down morning sex and then fails to remember her birthday. She returns from lunch early to find her boyfriend of eight years schtupping her boss … over her boss’s desk … while wearing nothing but chaps. Despite this unbelievably devastating blow, she handles the situation with class by handing her boss her ripped panties and resigning her job and kicking Ryan to the curb in a cool, calm, and collected fashion. That scene was EPIC!

Fortunately for Delilah, her mother knows someone who knows someone who is looking for a new assistant, so despite the sh!tstorm that is her life right now, she dusts herself off, dons the best outfit fitting of the “frump girl” she is, and sets off to interview for a job bright and early the next morning. Sadly at 5’2” she doubts she has a chance at the job when she sees all the statuesque blondes vying for the position. But what does she have to lose? It turns out, it’s her breath when she first lays eyes on Nick. What she isn’t privy to is that Nick needs a secretary he isn’t attracted to and her “frump girl” outfit makes her the perfect choice – the fact that she is actually intelligent and educated is a massive bonus for Nick. Within a week, Nick knows that Delilah is a godsend because she not only gets the job done, she does it while doing the little things for him his previous assistants didn’t – like getting his coffee in the morning. Although she is lusting after her boss, their relationship remains strictly professional but as time goes by Nick begins to notice her more and decides that he is overdue for a trip to Club M. I loved the idea of Club M. We of course know who Nico and LaLa are but they do not, so as the two strive to keep their work relationship strictly professional, their personal relationship flourishes even if they don’t know it. Through a series of events, Nick realizes who LaLa is but is so thrown by it he keeps the secret, so when the secret is revealed and Delilah realizes that Nick knew, the proverbial excrement hits the fan and Delilah once again finds herself unemployed and Nick finds himself oddly heartbroken. Nick must decide whether or not he is willing to do what it takes to win her back and exactly how far he is willing to go to do it.

I loved the chemistry between Nick/Nico and Delilah/LaLa. Their work relationship becomes friendly and Nick enjoys her sense of humor and company – something that doesn’t happen with women. I found myself laughing out loud while reading their banter. When they’re at Club M. the chemistry is off-the-charts hot. They push one another’s buttons and boundaries so perfectly that I could feel the heat coming off my Kindle. Hey There, Delilah was an entertaining read and I enjoyed Ms. Saperstein’s writing style. I’m looking forward to reading Unmasking Charlotte because I really liked Charlie and Calvin and cannot wait to see the sparks fly between those 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 Hey There, Delilah by M.D. Saperstein & Andria Large blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Unmasking Charlotte by M.D. Saperstein & Andria Large

Unmasking Charlotte by M.D. Saperstein & Andria Large

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Having read Hey There, Delilah, I was already familiar with Charlie and Calvin and was really looking forward to reading their story. As funny as those two were in book one, I never imagined that I would be bawling like a baby while reading the Prologue of Unmasking Charlotte. The way in which Charlie and Calvin’s lives intertwined long before the ever met one another was heart wrenching. I was devastated for Charlie to learn what she went through at 16, yet relieved to learn that her family’s support and love for her never wavered.

Unmasking Charlotte is exactly that, the tale of how Charlotte became the Charlie we met in the first book and how the tap dance she does with Calvin helps her to recover Charlotte – and no, I’m not making mental health references to split personalities here. Rather the traumatic incident that is revealed in the Prologue forced Charlotte to leave her innocence of youth behind and reinvent herself as Charlie – the spunky, feisty spitfire that says what she means and means what she says. I adored Charlie before, but I fell in love with her character is this book. Despite all that has happened to her, she refuses to live her life as a victim, but rather lives her life to the fullest. Her sense of humor and antics kept me laughing throughout the book – although it was the scene in which Calvin meets her cat that had me laughing so hard I nearly peed my pants. As for Calvin, when his initial attempts to get close to her are shot down, he tries to keep his distance from Charlie in order to avoid temptation. This becomes more and more difficult as their best friends are involved and social events keep putting them in one another’s paths. When Charlie realizes that her feelings toward Calvin are more important than her fears, all bets are off and the sparks fly. Calvin and Charlie have some serious chemistry going on and that made for some scorching sex scenes.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Calvin and Charlie fall in love. And when Charlie’s past came back to confront her, I was freaking out because I really didn’t know what to expect. Yet Ms. Saperstein managed to give that scene an unbelievably satisfying resolution. As the blurb states, Unmasking Charlotte can be read as a standalone. However, if you read book one you will be pleased to know that you will get to catch up with Nick and Delilah and see how their relationship continues to develop. This was a great addition to the Taboo Love series and I am looking forward to reading Crossing the Line because I cannot wait to read Parker’s story – and get an update on all the other characters.

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 Unmasking Charlotte by M.D. Saperstein & Andria Large blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Crossing The Line by M.D. Saperstein & Andria Large

Crossing The Line by M.D. Saperstein & Andria Large

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



With each book this series gets better and better, and it was pretty dang good from the start. With Nick and Delilah’s story, the authors addressed the taboo of boss and employee relationships. They then weaved a beautiful tale of interracial relationships with Charlie and Calvin’s story. In Crossing the Line, Ms. Saperstein and Ms. Large tackle the taboo of same sex relationships and round out the gang with Parker’s story. And who better to be Parker’s love interest than the actor he does not get along with, Chance Steele. It truly is a fine line between love and hate.

As Parker is close friends with Nick and Calvin, he has been a fixture in the previous books. Despite this, the reader discovers just how little they knew about Parker as his story unfolds. While we knew he was an actor, the level of disdain his family (excluding his grandmother) has for his career choice was unreal. I have to say that I loved that Chance realized that his childhood belief that having any family was better than having no family was patently incorrect after accompanying Parker to his grandmother’s 100th birthday. Parker’s family is atrocious, which is why he is so close to his “family” of friends. And Chance finds himself drawn into this circle of friends after a fight between him and Parker causes their boss to sentence them to spend time together and work on their animosity – otherwise they would be fired from the film. As neither of them wanted to lose their role in the movie, they begrudgingly begin to spend time together and become friends. As they are playing lovers in the film, Chance suggests to Parker that they “practice” kissing and groping so that they’re more comfortable on film. After initial refusals, Parker relents and their “practice” becomes more heated until eventually they become intimate. I have to agree with Delilah, the idea of Parker and Chance together, well “That’s hot!” and they deliver repeatedly.

As Crossing the Line is about the developing relationship between Parker and Chance that is still considered taboo by some segments of our society, the couple faces multiple obstacles – including themselves – as they try to find their way. Because the series revolves around the three guys’ friendship, we get to catch up with Nick & Delilah and Calvin & Charlie’s relationships and there’s plenty going on on both fronts. While the Epilogue was over-top dramatic, it was perfect for Parker and Chance and I loved it! I really hope that the authors write at least one more book in this series as I would love to see how everyone’s lives continue to play out.

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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Crashing the Net by Jami Davenport

Crashing the Net by Jami Davenport

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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

Having read Crashing the Boards and seeing how Cooper and Izzy met, I was excited to be able to queue Crashing the Net up on my Kindle and begin it immediately. I have to give Ms. Davenport her due for introducing scenarios within this book that I don’t typically encounter in a sports romance. They not only kept the book from being formulaic, but also kept me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, and glued to my Kindle. I’m accustomed to my pulse racing while reading this genre because testosterone fueled athletes tend to engage in some rather aggressive sex scenes – and Cooper did not disappoint – but I am not used to my pulse racing in fear for the characters’ welfare, anger on their behalf, or concern that they’re not going to get the happy ending.

One of the many things I enjoyed about Crashing the Net was that the author was able to fully develop Cooper and Izzy’s characters – despite them breaking up within the first few pages of the book. As their stories unfold, we learn that both have baggage from their past and it’s caused them both to be so fearful of getting hurt that they’ve held back emotionally, including within their fledgling relationship with one another. While pride and trust issues prevent them from trying to repair their rift, the arrival of Cooper’s nephew Riley gives Cooper the opening he needs to get Izzy back into his life. I loved how feisty Izzy was and that she refused to fawn all over Cooper. She had no problem calling him out on his actions, especially those regarding Riley. Even though Cooper kept reminding himself that he wanted to settle down with a woman like his mother (quiet and agreeable yet strong), it was Izzy’s independence and feistiness that drew him to her. That she matched him sexually was icing on the cake for Cooper and the reader because those two are hot enough to melt ice.

Oddly enough, their on-again, off-again relationship status didn’t drive me bonkers. For this particular couple, it works. I’m not sure if it was because circumstances kept them in one another’s life and thus on friendly terms that caused it to work, or if it was because their breakups didn’t feel like one of them was being overly dramatic about a situation, or what. Or maybe it was because when push came to shove and one of them really needed the other, they were there. The introduction of new characters and the continued development of Cooper’s teammates provide a plethora of candidates for future installments in the Game On In Seattle series and I am hoping that Cedric will be featured sooner rather than later. But regardless of who the next book is about, I know I’ll be reading it because Ms. Davenport has secured her spot on my must-read author list.

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Barely Undercover by Sarah Castille

Barely Undercover by Sarah Castille

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Barely Undercover was a REALLY good read for me. I adored Lana’s character – she’s strong, she’s sassy, she’s vulnerable, she faces her fears as much as possible, and whether she wants to admit it or not, she loves James completely. As for James, what’s not to love? He might be an undercover cop, but he is an alpha male through and through and has no problem pulling off the biker persona. The two together are explosive.

As the story progresses, we learn that Lana has had a tough life and when she thought she had found her way out, she only ended up trading one devil for another. Eventually, she did make her escape and now owns her own PI business. Her current case hits a bit close to home and brings her face-to-face with bikers and more importantly James – the only man she ever loved and the only man who ever broke her heart when he walked away without saying goodbye. Needless to say, it was quite a shock when she ran into him (literally) and the reunion was quite amusing. As their cases intersect, Lana and James find themselves spending more and more time together. When their passions are ignited, it makes for some extremely stimulating reading. But it’s not all hearts and flowers as there is quite a bit of danger faced by both James and Lana and Lana finds herself dealing with old demons that excel at cruelty.

Although not an actual MC book, Barely Undercover is an action-packed read full of bada$$ bikers, club conflicts, illegal activities, and one surprisingly intimidating old lady (Angel + lead pipe = one snort-laugh inducing scene for me). I am so looking forward to the next book in the series and am really hoping that it’s about Jacki – that woman is a hoot and she deserves to find The One. Even though Ms. Castille’s series is entitled Legal Heat, the path that Ryder envisions for the club and the former occupations of some of the new club members could potentially fall under this heading. If not, I certainly hope she develops a spin-off series as I would really enjoy reading more about them.

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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Eternal Brand by Sami Lee

Eternal Brand by Sami Lee

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I absolutely loved this book. Not only does Eternal Brand feature my favorite type of ménage – MFM in which the men are bisexual – but it included just the right amount of the ABCs of romance (angst, brokenness, and conflict). Add to that some of the hottest ménage sex I’ve read in a while in every combination (MF, MM, MMF, MFM) and it being set in Australia, well it’s no wonder this one went straight to my reread shelf.

Brand is the primary male hero in this book and by that I mean that he is the reason that Jet meets Emily. Brand did not have a good childhood and while there are allusions made to it throughout the book, we don’t learn until near the end of the book what it was that happened that broke his spirit and made him feel unworthy of love, much less the love of two people. And while Brand’s past is heartbreaking, it’s made worse by the PTSD he suffers from serving in the military. All of this makes for a man who does his best to avoid relationships, but he never expected to encounter the likes of Emily. Although we meet Emily and Brand two years into their relationship, her love for the man is apparent even though she knows almost nothing about his past. Emily is happy with Brand and avoids broaching subjects that she fears will send him running, which is quite insightful on her part considering she doesn’t actually know that it’s Brand’s MO to run when faced with too much emotion. When Jet arrives, Emily not only learns more about Brand’s past, she also learns that he has been keeping a big secret from her and when she walks in on Brand and Jet kissing, she’s not sure which emotion to focus on – betrayal, anger, or arousal. Thank goodness arousal won out in the long run and the three embark on an obstacle and pitfall rich journey to forming a long-term triad relationship.

One of the (many) things I liked about this book was that each character learned more about themselves as they learned about each other. As expected, Brand’s journey to self-realization was the most complex and pivotal to the relationship. While Emily and Jet’s love for him helped immensely, it didn’t prevent things from falling apart and was actually the catalyst for Brand running… again. Fortunately fate intervened and Brand ended up getting the advice and sense of purpose he needed from an unlikely but influential front – a Vietnam vet. Jet’s self-realization was a bit more subtle as he came to understand that he too was running from Brand as he used his job to run from the devastation Brand’s rejections caused in him. It took Jet falling for Emily and the home and family the ménage relationship offered to lead to his awareness. As for Emily, the woman found the backbone she had put away during her two years with Brand and she made Brand and Jet prove to her that they were serious about a future together before she was willing to consider giving them another chance. One loving woman + two sexy-as-sin men + tons of hot sex = one stellar novel that I am already looking forward to reading again.

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 Eternal Brand (Wild Crush #3) by Sami Lee blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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