Blowback by Lyn Gala

Blowback by Lyn Gala

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I’ve mainly read Gala’s M/M sci-fi romances, with Turbulence being the only M/F romance of hers that I’ve read prior to Blowback. So I was excited to read this book. In fact, I was anticipating reading it so much that I waited until the review was due to read it because I wanted it to last as long as possible because once I finished it, I had no idea how long I would have to wait for another of Gala’s sci-fi romances. I am both kicking my own metaphorical arse for not enjoying Blowback sooner, while at the same time, basking in the afterglow of a story that was so worth the wait that the anticipation was worth it.

This is not your typical romance and not because there are aliens involved. The animosity and distrust Tom has for Da’shay is so strong, you feel it through the pages. When a mission goes bad and a “concerned” party approaches Tom with information about Da’shay that reinforces his ill-feelings toward her, he does the wrong thing for the right reason and ends up having to choose between charges of treason or death. Once he makes peace with his choice, Da’shay steps in and prevents his death, leaving Tom bewildered as he’s made no secret of his feelings toward her. After a series of events ends up with Tom being relegated to slave status with Da’shay claiming ownership of him, Tom’s dislike ratchets up to hate as he tries to figure out whether to kill Da’shay or himself. But when Tom is forced to listen to Da’shay and really hear what it is she is trying to say, his opinion of her takes a 180 and the woman he would have taken pleasure in killing, is now the woman he wants to make happy. But with war looming and Tom, Da’shay and the crew of the Kratos finding themselves smack dab in the middle of it and a possible conspiracy, can Tom trust his newfound faith in Da’shay and his need to protect her outside of the ship, while submitting to her in the bedroom?

I loved this book. Not to spoil the story, but due to a procedure that was performed on Da’shay, her pattern of speech is not normal – not even for a genta. The way she talks in riddles reminded me of the Firefly character, River Tam. As Firefly was one of my favorite television shows, I loved how Da’shay’s character was reminiscent of River – although as the book was written before the television show was aired, it should be the other way around, but I “knew” River first. Once I learned to speak Da’shay’s language, it was much easier to understand what she was trying to communicate. Even though Tom was basically forced to listen to Da’shay, I liked that once she finally got through to him, he was willing to reassess the situation and his feelings toward her changed – for the better. I’m sure that the fact the sex between the two of them was scorchingly hot did not hurt his position one bit. I’m not big on the whole submissive male storyline, but I loved it in Blowback and felt like Gala did an excellent job of balancing Tom’s alpha male tendencies outside of the bedroom, with his willingness to submit to Da’shay inside the bedroom. Blowback was an excellent sci-fi romance with just the right amount of action, intrigue, and erotica that kept me glued to my Kindle.

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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The Subs Club by J.A. Rock

The Subs Club by J.A. Rock

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really, really liked this book. The Subs Club was a two-pronged story for me. The primary storyline is the romance between Dave and David and how both men “find themselves” as they let each other in. The secondary storyline is a more honest approach to BDSM then I typically find in romance novels and whether it was the author’s intent or not, I believe it delves into why BDSM romance novels have become so popular in recent years. Of course, the storylines do intertwine because Dave is a central player in both of them…after all, this is his story.

If you read the blurb, then you know that Dave’s best friend Hal died a year ago at the hands of an incompetent dom and the book opens with Dave and his circle of friends returning to Riddle, the club that Hal died at. Upon discovering that said dom has been allowed back to Riddle, Dave feels as though their safe haven is no longer safe and, in a fit of outrage, establishes The Subs Club – an online community for subs to talk about safety issues, compare notes on their experiences, and rate doms in an effort to identify “unsafe” and “dangerous” doms. A great idea in theory, not so much in reality. But Dave resolves to take on the dom whose Fetmatch profile contains danger sign after danger sign in his opinion – The Disciplinarian aka Pornstache aka David – and reveal him for the heavy-handed irresponsible dom his profile indicates he is. Despite Dave’s antagonistic attitude and a rough start, he finds that The Disciplinarian isn’t as bad as he expected and comes to realize that he severely misjudged David. As David pushes Dave’s limits and “forces” him to open up to the submissive experience, Dave is breaking down David’s walls and forcing him to see a future past the agreed upon six sessions. Rock does an excellent job of showing how their relationship gradually shifts from the strictly D/s sessions to more friendly interactions between sessions until they begin to “see each other” and agree that they want more than the D/s sessions. Of course, it wasn’t a big surprise when Dave’s worst fear about The Disciplinarian learning of The Subs Club was realized, but Dave’s handling of the fallout did surprise me – in a good way.

As for the secondary storyline, I loved what Dave was trying to do with The Subs Club blog. His reasoning behind it was sound and it could have been a great resource for subs in their community. However, he and his friends underestimated how much work would be involved in moderating such a forum and what started out as a resource, quickly devolved into a gossip group that gave the “mean girls” within a place to be snarky with little consequence. But it is during Dave’s presentation at Riddle about what they had intended The Subs Club to be that one of the doms makes a statement that I felt is revealing as to why BDSM romances are so popular: “How about bottoms ask for what they really want?” Even in this day and age when we’re supposedly more open about sex, people still have a hard time talking about sex, especially about what they want from their partner. But in BDSM romances, the dom almost always knows what the sub wants and/or needs and gives it to him or her without lengthy discussions. Obviously we know this isn’t how it works in the real world, but in romances the sub doesn’t have to ask for what he or she wants because the dom just knows and I think this is what most of us want – an intuitive partner who knows us better than we know ourselves and is not only willing to give it to us, but wants to. And while Dave loses control of the meeting a time or two as the audience engages in heated discussions, it serves to point out what we already know about relationships in general and BDSM in particular – the importance of communication by both parties. Although this is not an uncommon theme in BDSM romances, I really like the way that Rock presented it. I thoroughly enjoyed The Subs Club and am looking forward to the next book in the series as I want to know more about this group of friends…and hopefully catch up with Dave and Pornstache to see how they’re doing.

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 Subs Club (The Subs Club #1) by J.A. Rock blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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959 Brenton Street by Thianna Durston

959 Brenton Street by Thianna Durston

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It’s been a couple of weeks since I read this book and being as I usually write my reviews shortly after finishing a book, I wanted to skim back over 959 Brenton Street just to refresh my memory. BIG MISTAKE! I didn’t skim it. I reread the whole book. Considering how much I enjoy the author’s writing, I’m not overly surprised that I found myself sucked back into Trent’s story. And while it didn’t help my review schedule at all, I enjoyed myself immensely on the second read.

I’ll be upfront and say that I have very little knowledge of the Mormon church and what I did know about it was not very positive. Because of this, I really didn’t know what to expect as Trent tried to reconcile his sexuality with his religious beliefs because I didn’t know the church’s stance on homosexuality. While the religious aspect plays a large role in the storyline, as it is front and center in Trent’s life, it did not overpower the book in my opinion. I think that was because even though Trent was faced with deciding whether or not he could be Mormon despite being gay, the ultimate focus on the novel was Trent finding out who he was as an individual and what he wanted and didn’t want for his life. And when a frankly frightening policy of overbooking at the college’s dorms leaves him homeless – and this really ticked me off because Trent was a scholarship student whose scholarship covered room and board, so he should have had a guaranteed spot in the dorms – Trent’s scramble to find a place to live lands him in possibly the best place for him to discover himself as a man.

I loved the men of 959 Brenton Street. Going in knowing that Trent would find happiness, at least for a while, with Cory, I wasn’t surprised that I loved Cory’s character. What I was surprised by, was how much I came to love the other residents – Alan, David, and Greg. As the blurb indicates, each man has his own identity that would not be considered normal by much of society and that is precisely why they were so accepting of Trent, which made me love them that much more. I especially enjoyed the relationship that Trent and Alan shared. I was also VERY pleasantly surprised when the domestic discipline (DD) element was introduced. I have enjoyed each of Thurston’s DD novels and its inclusion in 959 Brenton Street merely added to my enjoyment. Obviously my absolute favorite part of the novel was the romance that developed between Cory and Trent because not only were the men perfect for one another, but Thurston took her time in developing the relationship and didn’t rush them into anything (and my thanks to the author for not harping on the age difference). My only disappointment in the book was that I made the mistake of reading the excerpt from book two and now have to wait for its release – boo! Excellent start to a new 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 959 Brenton Street (Men of Falcon Pointe #1) by Thianna Durston blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Darker Space by Lisa Henry

Darker Space by Lisa Henry

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really appreciate it when an author can write a series of books in which each book builds upon the last, but each is its own distinct chapter in the characters’ lives. That’s exactly what Henry has done with both books in the Dark Space series. Darker Space continues the story of Brady and Cam’s life together since reuniting with Lucy and resuming their military service, on Earth. While Brady had a possibility of advancement when in space, back on Earth he’s been relegated to janitorial work and as much as he hates it, he comforts himself with Cam and Lucy – the only things in his life worth fighting for. But when residual effects from Cam and Brady’s time with the Faceless begin to reappear, the men are left wondering WHO they will be fighting against.

Henry has a wonderful way with words in Darker Space. With the story being told from Brady’s point of view, his introspective nature sucked me into his mindset. I felt Brady’s fears, his frustrations, and his anger at the military officials, the Faceless, and the universe. Even more, I felt his love for Cam and Lucy. And all of this was magnified when the mental connection between him and Cam was reestablished and expanded. While Brady reiterates in the story time and time again that he was never meant to be a hero, as the story unfolds, we find that he was far more of a hero than anyone ever realized – except for Cam and Lucy, because Brady would always be their hero. We learn that Brady was perfect in his imperfections and Cam and Lucy weren’t the only ones to recognize him for who he was.

There is a LOT that goes down in this installment and I’m trying my best not to reveal any major spoilers. I do have to reveal that after a series of events, Cam and Brady find themselves back on the Defender Three along with a cadre of other officers. While Brady’s self-doubt regularly leads to him feeling worthless, it is his experience as an enlisted man (basically drafted into service) that helps save most of his companions’ lives once things go bad on the ship. When forced to face his biggest fear, Brady also realizes that the fear of losing Cam and Lucy far outweighs all other fears he had – making him numb to them. Cam and the other officers might have been fighters, but Brady was a survivor and he learned just how far he would go to survive for those he loved. Because of this, I felt we saw a huge amount of character growth and development on his part. Although we don’t get the story from Cam’s perspective, we still get to see some of the events play out from his point of view through his and Brady’s connection. I actually loved how Henry made that connection work to give us events from more than Brady’s perspective – even if they were still filtered through his awareness. I LOVED the scene in which Brady flips off Doc and actually laughed out loud. But the best part, the very best part, is that while Darker Space is a whole story that concludes this chapter in Brady and Cam’s lives, Henry leaves the ending open for the next chapter – not a cliffhanger, but rather a whetting of the appetite.

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 Darker Space (Dark Space #2) by Lisa Henry blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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For Real by Alexis Hall

For Real by Alexis Hall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really, really, really enjoyed For Real. At 19, Toby is the perfect combination of teenage angst and assured dominance. At 37, Laurie is a wonderful bundle of maturity, whose relationship insecurities get the better of him from time to time. When Laurie's insecurities emerge, he comes off a bit cold and much younger than his age, but not in the sense that the author lost track of who the character was. And once you learn more about his previous relationship and the reason behind its demise, Laurie’s insecurities make a world of sense. After all, he and Robert grew into adulthood and BDSM together and losing his anchor stunted Laurie in some ways. While at first glance, the characters of For Real shouldn’t work together, they do and do so beautifully.

I absolutely adored Toby. Despite his young age, he knew that he needed more than his previous sexual partners offered. While he may not have been as articulate as an experienced dom, his passionate rant when Laurie tried to send him on his way at the club was mesmerizing – I totally got why Laurie dropped to his knees. That his passion didn't translate into arrogance made Toby’s initial scene with Laurie so believable and sexy as heck. I enjoyed watching Toby grow into his dominance, becoming surer of himself and of Laurie as they spent time together, even if Laurie was a bit of a wanker that first night. That the author tempered Toby's character with behaviors that were age-appropriate outside of their scenes is what made his character so believable. Toby's authenticity made it easy to understand how Laurie fell under his spell, so to say. I also understood why he had reservations about Toby due to their age difference because as a medical professional, Laure would be expected to maintain a higher moral standard and dating someone young enough to be your child is usually frowned upon – unless you're Hugh Hefner. But the age difference was also an easy excuse that allowed Laurie to avoid dealing with his breakup with Robert. As for Robert, I swear I was so angry with that man when Laurie revealed the details about the demise of their relationship because Laurie was not only injured physically, but also emotionally and Robert's insecurities stunted Laurie far more than he and his friends realized. But this is what made Laurie feel so real and made his back and forth introspection feel right rather than petulant.

I do recommend keeping tissues handy while reading as there is a major scene that nearly ripped my heart out and had me sobbing loudly on Toby's behalf. There were also a couple of other scenes that left me teary-eyed and I do enjoy a good cry while reading. And For Real not only gave me tears, but also laughs, swoon-worthy moments, plenty of scenes to squirm during, and a serious hankering for lemon meringue pie. Hall didn't make Toby and Laurie's journey an easy one, nor did I feel as though their trials were manufactured just to lengthen the book. Everything felt real. I loved how For Real ended and can only hope that the author will give us more Toby and Laurie in the future as this is just the beginning of their relationship and I would love to see how it develops as Toby matures and comes into his role as a dom and sadist. This was a definite 5-star read for me and I will be checking out more of Hall’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 For Real (Spires Universe) by Alexis Hall blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Cowboy Not Included by Em Petrova

Cowboy Not Included by Em Petrova

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Not surprisingly, I loved Cowboy Not Included. I have yet to read one of Petrova’s books and not love it. What did surprise me was the fact that I really didn’t care for Skye. I have a problem with people – male or female – whose knee-jerk response/accusation is that their partner is cheating on them, especially when there is nothing to support it. There is a big difference between a flirt who has a smile and compliment for others and a lech who makes passes by touching, caressing, and engaging in suggestive language. Booker is a flirt and nothing that goes down in the present or their conversations and memories about the past indicate that he was a lech. So while I felt badly for the situation that Skye found herself in – and by no means do I absolve Booker on his failure to do what he should have – she created it with her mistrust and insecurities. I do give her props for her decision to track him down and even more when she decided to avail herself of his employers’ services. What red-blooded heterosexual female doesn’t want a hedonistic week with her very own cowboy…or two?

How do I give a book five stars when I don’t care for the heroine? Because I adored Booker. Did he do the right thing when he walked away from Skye and Findlee? No. But he did what his wife demanded and he stayed away because he didn’t think he was good enough to be a part of his daughter’s life. Although he “abandoned” them physically, he provided for them financially – even more than Skye knew about. I must admit that I found his caveman response at the meet and greet swoon worthy, especially knowing that he was going to get an earful from Skye once he got her squared away. And boy did he ever! But the thing about them being exes was that they knew how to push one another’s buttons – the bad ones and the GOOD ONES!!! Despite their best efforts to shield their hearts because they each realized that at the end of the week they would again part ways, their chemistry was so intense it was impossible for them to keep their walls intact. And the addition of a third partner – one of the other Boot Knockers – made the already hot-as-heck sex scenes scorching.

While I enjoyed the reigniting of the romance between Booker and Skye, it was watching Booker get to interact with Findlee and learn more about his daughter that was sweet as heck. I liked that it gave him the resolve he needed to reinsert himself back into his daughter’s life – realizing how much he’d already missed. I have to hand it to Booker though, because I’m not sure I would have been as forgiving of Skye for again jumping to conclusions that he was cheating on her – it’s certainly not the kind of relationship I would want. The epilogue was awesome as it not only gave Booker a new purpose and a new lease on life, but it also gave him the opportunity to do the same for people close to him. Cowboy Not Included was another great addition to the Boot Knockers Ranch series and I look forward to catching up with all the cowboys again soon.

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 Cowboy Not Included (Boot Knockers Ranch #6) by Em Petrova blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Delivered to Love by Thianna Durston & Jamie Ray

Delivered to Love by Thianna Durston & Jamie Ray

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


While I’m no stranger to Durston’s writing, this is my first book by Ray and I must say that I was quite pleased with the results of this collaboration. Admittedly, any installment which lets me spend a good deal of time with Jonathon (even if it isn’t always pleasant time for Jonathon) is already ahead of the game, but Danny and Phillip’s story was so good that Jonathon’s presence was the icing on the cake for me.

Danny is one of the unseen parts of the community – the suppliers and delivery people who venture in and out of Corbin’s Bend, bringing in the goods they need, making them integral to the community without actually being a part of the community. Danny has been making deliveries to Corbin’s Bend for a while and has befriended several of the residents, especially those working at the businesses he delivers to. So when Danny has an accident that sends him to the newly opened Corbin’s Bend Medical Center (CBMC), he and the center’s administrator, Phillip Scott, find out just how cared for Danny is by the residents. For Danny, this is reassuring considering all that he’d endured that week after his parents discovered that he might by gay. For Phillip, learning that Danny is so well liked makes it that much harder for him to fight his attraction to the young man. I’m not sure who was more surprised by Phillip inviting Danny to convalesce at his home – Danny or Phillip? But it mattered not once Danny took him up on the offer in hopes of learning more about the man he found so intriguing. As they spend the weeks together, getting to know one another and Danny learning more about himself as a gay man, Phillip expresses his interest in pursuing a domestic discipline (DD) relationship with Danny. Although initially hesitant, Danny’s trust in Phillip gives him the courage to say yes to a trial DD relationship. But when his perfectionism and fear threatens Danny’s relationship with Phillip, Phillip must decide if Danny is worth fighting for.

I enjoyed Delivered to Love immensely, despite Danny’s parents’ best effort to ruin Danny’s life (and my reading experience). Thankfully we don’t meet Danny’s parents directly but that doesn’t keep them from meddling in his life even after they kicked him to the curb – and the revelation at the end of the book regarding his parents really shocked me considering how close-minded they were about Danny’s sexuality. What didn’t ruin my happy reading vibe was watching Danny and Phillip’s relationship develop even as they tiptoed around it in the beginning. The chemistry between them is hot and this made for some equally hot sexy fun times – with and without the spanking. But it was watching Phillip teach Danny what it meant to be a gay man, a man who enjoyed erotic spankings, and a man who might want to be in a full-fledged DD relationship that it made it a fun read too, despite the heavier themes. I loved the ending of Delivered to Love and am already looking forward to the next Corbin’s Bend 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 Delivered to Love (Corbin’s Bend Season 4 #2) by Thianna Durston & Jamie Ray blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Hot Pink Passion by M.L. Montgomery

Hot Pink Passion by M.L. Montgomery

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Hot Pink Passion is the third novella featuring Kurt and McKayla – which I have unofficially dubbed the Hot Pink series. I read a book a day, so to be able to pick up a novella and remember a couple’s story when months have passed since reading the last installment is the sign of a dang good series for me. Granted, McKayla and Kurt’s escapades in the first book, Hot Pink Condom, threw me for such a loop that they’re a hard couple to forget and the storyline in Hot Pink Passion has merely cemented their spot in my memory.

Kurt and McKayla have one of the longest lasting long-distance relationships I’ve ever encountered in a series. But Kurt wants more. He wants a permanent spot in McKayla’s life and vice versa, but McKayla is happy with their relationship as it is and doesn’t want to rock the boat because she knows that will only lead to it sinking. In her world, LOVE is a dirty word that she can’t say, choosing to show Kurt how she feels about him through her actions. But Kurt needs more. He needs to hear McKayla say “I love you” and her refusal to utter those three words is driving a wedge between them. After a fight that had Kurt leaving McKayla home alone so he could figure things out and a failed attempt to get her best friend to see why she was right and Kurt was being unreasonable, McKayla heads out for some retail therapy. On her way home she finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, being thrown into the back of van – bound and gagged, and not in the way she liked to be. But McKayla’s worst nightmare brings her the clarity of mind she needed to see that she was being the unreasonable one, resolving to tell Kurt she loved him if she made it out of the situation alive.

Like the previous books in the series, there was a twist to Hot Pink Passion. Because these books can be read as standalones, new readers won’t see it coming whereas Kurt and McKayla fans probably will. I figured out the twist, but not because it was predictable. Rather it was well within character for them and the series, and I would have been shocked had it not turned out as I expected. While McKayla’s kidnapping was all kinds of frightening, it forced her to realize who and what was important in her life. That there was something good to come out of the situation was a nice touch by the author and made the McKayla’s abduction palatable. As always, Kurt and McKayla’s bedroom time was off-the-charts steamy. But it was the ending of Hot Pink Passion that had me swooning. I enjoyed the heck out of this installment and can only hope that the author will write more about this couple now that life has given McKayla the metaphorical spanking she needed.

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 Passion by M.L. Montgomery blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Ropes & Dreams by Bailey Bradford

Ropes & Dreams by Bailey Bradford

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was quite excited when I learned that Ropes & Dreams was Drake’s story as he managed to worm his way into my heart in Chaps & Hopes. Considering the news he got at the end of that book, I was curious to see how Bradford would have him find his match. As it turned out, the author handled a tough subject with sensitivity and a strong, informed dose of reality that made me admire her writing even more. In addition to Drake’s romance, fans are also treated to a bit of intrigue and suspense as an arsonist appears on the scene.

Toward the end of the previous book, Drake received a call from his ex-boyfriend telling him that Rigo had tested positive for HIV. Obviously Drake was devastated by this news and continued to worry about his status even after the first negative results knowing that it could still be too soon for a positive result on a test. Considering his history of poor choices in men, Drake swears off men deciding that he’d rather be safe and alone than with someone and abused. But Officer Ian McCain soon has him rethinking his new vow, because despite the man’s cold eyes and stoic personality, Drake finds himself attracted to the man. Once Drake finds out that the attraction runs both ways, he knows he has to reveal his possible HIV exposure and is surprised when it doesn’t send Ian running. It was Ian’s initial reaction to the news and the way in which the men embarked upon a SAFE sexual relationship that left me admiring Bradford’s writing even more. Rather than treating Drake as a diseased and unlovable being (as his ex was attempting to do), Ian shares his personal history with an HIV+ individual and not only explains to Drake that a sexual relationship isn’t off the table, but proceeds to show him that he is not only lovable and touchable, but also deserving of love. I really liked how Bradford used Drake and Ian’s relationship as an opportunity to educate readers within the context of the story, keeping to the flow of the storyline and avoiding the “soapbox” feel that can too easily occur. If the sex scenes weren’t hot enough, the added BDSM elements ratcheted the eroticism up as Drake learned even more about himself under Ian’s guiding hand.

There was actually more than one romantic suspense angle in Ropes & Dreams. The main one involving the arsonist certainly shocked me as I was not only surprised by the arsonist’s identity but also the way in which his arrest scene played out. Bloody heck that scared me! The minor suspense elements involving Drake’s ex and Ian’s stepbrother not only helped to explain why both men behaved the way they did, but they both served as plausible suspects for the arsonist, and this kept me guessing as to who it was. Watching Drake and Ian fall in love and in bed, the BDSM elements, the sensitivity regarding the subject of HIV, the romantic suspense angles, and catching up with Carlos, Troy, and Will made Ropes & Dreams a thoroughly enjoyable read for me and secured it a spot on my reread shelf. I’m ready for Saddles & Memories.

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 Ropes and Dreams (Mossy Glenn Ranch #2) by Bailey Bradford blog post on Crystal’s Many Reviewers.


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The Man She Needed by Ruth Staunton

The Man She Needed by Ruth Staunton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The fourth and final season of Corbin’s Bend is off to a solid start with Staunton’s The Man She Needed. After spending a decade in a vanilla marriage, never telling her husband of her desire for a domestic discipline relationship, Norah has moved to Corbin’s Bend to start her life anew three years after being widowed. As a lover of books, I was excited for Norah as part of her new start was opening a bookstore in Corbin’s Bend and living in the apartment above it. I was also excited for the community because the new businesses that I recall from previous books have been almost exclusively restaurants, and between the schools and book clubs in Corbin’s Bend and the plans that Norah had for her store, she was filling a hole in the community. Add to that Norah finding herself attracted to yet another vanilla man, Caine, and that spelled good things for the novel.

The Man She Needed offered a plethora of ideas, notions, and incidents that the psychology student in me gorged on. Rather than having Norah set off on her new life shortly after the death of her husband, Staunton allowed three years to pass. While we didn’t see those three years play out, this choice shows an understanding of the grieving process and how much time Norah would have needed to come to terms with it and overcome any related depression before she would have been “up to” the challenge such a move and new venture would pose for her, no matter how excited she was about it. Although we don’t learn the extent of abuse that Caine suffered until much later in the book, I enjoyed watching him and Norah dance around the dating issue once he made it clear to her that he was not interested in such a relationship. I liked how they worked on building a solid friendship instead, even if they both seemed like emotional masochists as they fought their attraction for one another. The manner in which their relationship played out over the course of the book – friends, dating, breaking up, dating – felt right considering the nature of Caine’s issues. While at times it may have felt as though the author was dragging out the relationship to the inevitable ending, considering the characters’ personal landmines it wouldn’t have felt as authentic had the breakup and makeup been skipped.

As for Caine, his flashback scene was astoundingly realistic, from the auditory trigger, to how the memories played out, to his physical responses, all the way through to the difficulty Ben had in pulling him out of it and dealing with the aftermath. It was Caine’s weakened emotional state which enabled him to tell Ben about his past because the wounds were still raw and, while painful for him to tell (and me to listen to), it was the best opportunity for him to be able to talk about it. That Ben insisted on Caine getting therapy and then working with him on the mechanics of spanking was fabulous. As Ben and Jonathon have held a special place in my heart from the beginning of the series, I was tickled pink at how much of a part they played in The Man She Needed, especially when Caine practiced his first real spanking on a live spankee. Staunton has penned another enjoyable installment in the Corbin’s Bend series and I’m looking forward to the next book already.

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 Man She Needed (Corbin’s Bend Season 4 #1) by Ruth Staunton blog post on Crystal’s Many Reviewers.


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Chaps & Hope by Bailey Bradford

Chaps & Hope by Bailey Bradford

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Although I haven’t read Bradford’s Love in Xxchange series in which Carlos, Troy, and Will met, I wasn’t all that worried about being lost as my experience when reading this author is that the books within a series stand well on their own and when needed, the pertinent information is shared. Chaps & Hope reaffirmed my faith in the author’s ability to write books that are related to others without you having to read all of the prior ones in a series (or the series it spun off of). That said, as a fan of Bradford’s work I do hope to go back at some point to read the Love in Xxchange series as I can only imagine just how hot it is.

Being as it was made clear in the blurb that Carlos, Troy, and Will were already in a well-established ménage relationship, I was only mildly surprised with just how quickly the author opted to show the reader why their relationship has been successful. Boy howdy! These are some seriously hot cowboys that have no qualms about letting one another know how much they love each other and just how much they are attracted to one another. And there is a LOT of horse saving going on in Chaps & Hope and I loved it! But all that cowboy lovin’ doesn’t take away from the fact that the guys are there to resuscitate the Mossy Glenn Ranch and due to the nature of their relationship they decide to make it a safe haven of sorts for the LGBT community. While they don’t hide their relationship, the guys also don’t go out of their way to publicize it when in town – but the bigots always seem to know and the guys find the ranch being targeted by vandalism. When Troy is attacked by a local business owner, the guys find out that their community is far more supportive than a few bigots made it seem.

I really enjoyed Chaps & Hope. Despite the fact that Carlos, Troy, and Will had met and fallen in love in Where There’s a Will, Bradford showed the continued development of their relationship. Not having read the previous book didn’t prevent me from seeing how their relationship continued to progress as there was still obvious baggage from their pasts that was addressed in this novel. With this being the first book in the Mossy Glenn Ranch series, the author does spend some time laying the foundation for the series through the everyday tasks of repairing the ranch, hiring staff, interacting with townsfolk, dealing with the vandalism, and each man finding his place on the ranch. I loved Drake and cannot wait to read his own book (at least I’m assuming he gets his own). I will admit that I was surprised when the identity of the vandal came out and my heart actually broke for the guy; I really hope that we see more of him in the series. I also enjoyed how the townsfolk rallied around the guys after Troy’s attack and I’m looking forward to seeing how that bodes for the ranch’s future. Chaps & Hope was an enjoyable read and I’m ready for Ropes & Dreams – which I just peeked and saw is Drake’s story. YAY!

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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A Collar for Christmas by A.E. Lawless

A Collar for Christmas by A.E. Lawless

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I absolutely loved A Collar for Christmas. It’s an odd thing to say about a BDSM romance, but it was an unbelievably sweet story and one I can see myself reading many, many times again. Ms. Lawless created an extremely powerful Prologue that served to illustrate the devastating effect that Liam’s panic attacks had on him, while at the same time showed where his relationship with Aaron started. While momentarily awkward when the book jumps ten months forward with the first chapter, Liam’s reaction to an online article and his subsequent actions filled in the pieces rather quickly as to how their relationship had evolved over that time. Any remaining gaps were filled in as the book progressed through memories, musings, and conversations between Liam and Aaron.

As the story is told from Liam’s point of view, the reader gets a firsthand look at how the changes in their relationship have both helped Liam and exacerbated the situation. While Aaron’s presence and his ability to exert the control over Liam that he needs have helped reduce Liam’s anxiety in dealing with the world at large, his increasing dependence upon Aaron causes a separate set of anxieties for Liam as he worries about what will happen to him should Aaron ever refuse to be a part of his life. Add to that Liam’s ever increasing need for “more” from Aaron despite Aaron having clearly stated that there could be nothing more, well it’s no wonder Liam is a confused bundle of emotions. While the scene in which Liam finally tells Aaron that he needs more than what they’ve been doing was heartbreakingly devastating, it was good to see Liam confront Aaron about what he wanted and needed.

The emotional rollercoaster ride that A Collar for Christmas took me on was heightened by how fully I connected to Liam. I felt his anxiety, fear, and heartbreak when he confronted Aaron; I felt his calm seep in when he went home for Christmas and spent time with his family; I felt his anger and worry when Aaron called him with his drunken confessions; I felt his hope when Aaron showed up at his house on Christmas day; I felt his submission during THE sex scene that was off-the-charts hot; I felt his relief and happiness at his family’s easy acceptance of Aaron; and I felt his love for Aaron. The author has managed to encompass a ton of emotion within the pages of this novella and I loved every bit of it. I cannot wait to check out more of Ms. Lawless’s writing.

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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Master of Freedom by Cherise Sinclair

Master of Freedom by Cherise Sinclair

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Can I just say that I love it when Sinclair writes a “novella” for the 1001 Dark Nights series? Why? Because fans are treated to a full-length novel (over 200 pages here) for the price of a novella and the author does not skimp on the action, the domination and submission, the erotica, or the romance just because it’s called a novella. And Master of Freedom was an excellent addition to the Mountain Masters & Dark Haven series and the 1001 Dark Nights series.

Because Master of Freedom was written for inclusion in the 1001 Dark Nights series, it can be read as a standalone (like most of Sinclair’s novels). That said, fans of the Mountain Masters & Dark Haven series will enjoy it even more because we get to find out more about Atticus, whom we met in Edge of the Enforcer when he assisted in finding Lindsey after she was abducted. A bonus being that we get to catch up with many of the doms and subs from the earlier books in the series. I will readily admit that while I understood the mental components of sadism and masochism due to my degree in psychology, when I first began reading BDSM romances years ago I had a similar mind-set to Gin’s – this can’t be real. Of course I was quite jealous of Gin in the way she found out just how real BDSM was. Holy heck! Between Atticus’s dominant nature, military background, and assuming the mantle of adulthood at too young of an age, the natural submissive in Gin did not stand a chance when he began issuing commands. Boy howdy was she a lucky girl. But Gin’s daddy issues and Atticus’s well, daddy issues, made for several misunderstandings and miscommunications that nearly derailed their fledgling relationship more than once. Thank goodness doms are all about the communication [insert sarcastic eye roll there because Atticus needed a swift kick in the rear at times] and they power through the incidents to come out the better for it. Yet the greatest threat to their relationship comes from outside forces and Sinclair kept me hanging for far too many pages before I found out what kind of happy ending she had in store for the couple. I’m glad I can always count on this author for a happy, if somewhat unconventional, ending

I loved the chemistry between Atticus and Gin. Despite their mutual hang-ups, when they let go and relaxed they were such a comfortable couple to read about. Their banter had me cracking up regularly throughout the book. This is what made their misunderstandings so intense – it was as though I could feel the anxiety, hurt, and distress rolling off my Kindle. Of course this made for a couple of really hot bouts of make-up sex on top of the already steamy BDSM scenes. As for the events that made up the action and suspense part of the storyline, I saw part of it coming but I didn’t expect Sinclair to take it quite as far as she did, which kept that part of the storyline from being predictable. Needless to say the author crafted the perfect ending for Gin and Atticus – one that had me laughing out loud, jealous of Gin, ready for the next installment in the Mountain Masters & Dark Haven series, and praying that it’s already in the works. Another enjoyable read.

I reviewed my personal copy of this book.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Edge of the Enforcer by Cherise Sinclair

Edge of the Enforcer by Cherise Sinclair

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


There is nothing like finally reading a book that you bought and never got around to reading when it first came out. It’s an awesome feeling. It’s an even better feeling when it’s a Sinclair novel. Truth be told, I’m kind of baffled that I hadn’t made time to read it yet, but Edge of the Enforcer was well worth the wait – even if I didn’t know what I was missing.

Having met both Lindsey and deVries in previous books, I loved getting to learn more about them. I was shocked by the opening scene because I had no inkling about deVries’s extracurricular activities. But the scene was vital in making me understand his mindset in how he played and why he rebuffed Lindsey’s attentions – it didn’t excuse the unnecessarily harsh way he did it, but at least I understood it. It also made his collection of her debt from the Masterson’s picnic believable. And freaking hot as heck. However his freeze out the next day nearly gave me (and Lindsey) whiplash and once Sinclair gave the reader access to deVries’s thoughts, I was shocked by just how judgmental the dom could be. Yikes! Talk about frostbite. Thank goodness the Xavier and Simon don’t limit their meddling to just the subs and deVries got the kick in the pants he needed. And just in time as Lindsey’s past catches up with her and she finds herself in a life and death situation that doesn’t look good at all.

I must say that I’m not sure whose character surprised me more – Lindsey and her secrets OR that deVries, Dark Haven’s resident sadist and enforcer, had such a soft side to him. I’m not suggesting he was a pushover for Lindsey. Oh far from it. But when things got tough, his instincts and desires were in sync when it came to protecting the little submissive who showed him that life with a pain-intolerant sub might be a worthwhile venture after all. As for Lindsey, her secrets threw me for a loop. I was astounded by the predicament she found herself in and even more so that she managed to keep a lid on it considering who she worked with. It certainly added far more suspense and action to the novel than I expected and I loved how it gave us the chance to catch up with so many of the characters from the previous books in the series. But I cannot believe it took them so long to figure out how to have a relationship and still give deVries the outlet he needed for has sadism. At least they were both equally shortsighted when it came to identifying that solution. Regardless, I absolutely loved Edge of the Enforcer and am ready to sink my teeth into Master of Freedom in a few days.

I reviewed my personal copy of this book.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Theirs to Take by Natasha Knight

Theirs to Take by Natasha Knight

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


So this was a much better read than I expected. That sounds awful and isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement, but bear with me as I explain. Four months ago, when I signed up to review Theirs to Take I was in and out of the mood for dark books. For the last month (possibly longer) I haven’t had any interest in reading books featuring dark subject matter and as this book neared the top of my schedule, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to do it justice. Heck, I even read another book out of order on my schedule to delay reading Theirs to Take because I wasn’t ready to face it. No one wants to read a book in a genre that they’re not feeling at the moment, especially when a review is expected, and I really don’t like to do it because it’s not fair to the author. So it was with great trepidation that I queued it up on my Kindle last night.

Fortunately for me (maybe), Knight managed to suck me into the story so fully that I was up until 2am reading and only stopped then because I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer. While Theirs to Take certainly contains dark subject matter – we are dealing with human trafficking after all – the author didn’t take it too dark. Human trafficking is a story element that can be used to show the redemption of the trafficker or slave owner via love, to show human cruelty and suffering through the unnecessary abuse of the slave, to show criminals brought to justice, or, in the case of Theirs to Take, to show how a relationship that begins as Stockholm Syndrome can become a “real” relationship. When Eva suspects her fiancé of an affair and follows him to a meeting, she soon learns that his love was all an act as he has her added to the shipment of women with instructions that she is not to be there when the truck reaches its final destination. I cannot imagine the terror she felt as her life was turned upside down by the man who was supposed to love and protect her. But her situation gets worse when the “shipment” is hijacked and the women trade one set of captors for another.

Knight does an excellent job of combining Eva’s first person point of view with the brothers’ side of the story being presented in the third person. Had you asked me if an author could successfully combine first person and third person points of view in a book I would have said it was doubtful. Yet it works wonderfully for Theirs to Take as the main focus of the book is Eva and how she handles her abduction and falling in love with not one, but both of her kidnappers, and the first person POV is crucial to making it work. In the same vein, enabling the reader to see what the brothers were doing kept them from seeming evil and made Eva’s feelings toward them make sense. And while we were privy to some things before Eva, there was much we didn’t learn until Eva did which kept me connected to her plight. Most of the ménage scenes are heavy on the BDSM elements and I found them to be quite hot, again mainly because I knew the brothers’ intentions. I really enjoyed Theirs to Take and will be adding Knight to my shortlist of dark authors so I can check out more of her work the next time I’m in the mood for the genre.

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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My Liege of Dark Haven by Cherise Sinclair

My Liege of Dark Haven by Cherise Sinclair

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


You know how they say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”? Although I bought My Liege of Dark Haven three years ago, I know it’s the book’s cover that caught my eye because seriously that man’s muscled back and long braid are freaking HAWT! The fact that I had finished my master’s degree the year prior with a heavy emphasis in data and research made Abby’s plight speak to me … LOUDLY. I was intrigued by the idea of a well-educated, professional woman learning more about BDSM for research purposes and finding out more about herself in the process. As My Liege of Dark Haven was my first such novel, it set the bar for this particular theme and while I have found some that I liked, so few have met the Sinclair-standard that I was beginning to question if I remembered my enjoyment of the novel as well as I thought. After rereading it I realized that nope, the standard is set that high because the book is that freaking good.

Besides understanding Abby on an intellectual level, I connected with her in regards to her believed physical shortcomings as well and this is why I so was so amused by the wardrobe issues that arose throughout the book. It’s also why Xavier’s unapologetic appreciation of her curves upped his appeal for me (if that was even possible). While their chemistry is intense and this makes for some seriously hot BDSM scenes that just get hotter throughout the book, it is their non-sexual relationship that begins to break down their walls and blur the lines of Xavier’s well-established boundaries for his women. Because Xavier still loves his deceased wife he doesn’t feel that he can offer Abby an emotional commitment. While he does tell her this and she accepts the arrangement, his actions as their relationship progresses belie this. This is what makes his seeming betrayal so devastating to Abby and even knowing what I knew as the reader, I couldn’t blame her for her reaction. That of course is what makes the ending that much sweeter.

One of the things I liked about My Liege of Dark Haven that led to me read the previous books in the series was the intelligence and maturity of the heroine. This holds true for all of Sinclair’s leading ladies (at least that I can recall) and gives them an inner strength that helps them stand up for themselves and others when needed, yet still submitting to their man’s sexual dominance in the bedroom. This strength is what sees Abby through the trouble that her ex causes her when he blows the whistle on her research project. It’s also what enables her to see her punishment through for violating the club members’ trust. I also enjoyed getting to know Xavier outside of the club and finding out how compassionate the man was and the programs he ran in memory of his mother’s struggles. Learning of Xavier’s background showed why he and Abby were so well-suited for one another, thus making the progression of their relationship feel right – detours and all. I still love My Liege of Dark Haven and am so looking forward to reading Edge of the Enforcer, which I apparently bought when it came out but never read. DOH!

I reviewed my personal copy of this book.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the #WhipIt: My Liege of Dark Haven blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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A Good Family Man by Thianna Durston

A Good Family Man by Thianna Durston

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I have been looking forward to Jack’s story since meeting him in Safe Under Protection. While Jack might not be the spanko his little brother Brent is, he had his own secret to reveal and boy was it a good one. Jack is bisexual. And it just so happens that one of the newly hired nurse practitioners might be just what the doctor ordered as Jack must come to terms with life after the U.S. Marshall’s Service. At a loss for how to start the next phase in his life, Jack goes to Corbin’s Bend to spend some time with his brother, sister-in-law, and niece and while there he meets Josh. Not knowing where he’s headed in life at the moment, Jack strikes up a friendship with Josh and as the men spend time together, Jack finds himself feeling more for Josh than he expected. The attraction between the men is intense and makes for some passionate moments throughout the book. But chemistry aside, can the non-spanko Carmichael be the man that Josh needs?

I liked that Durston decided to make Jack’s character bisexual rather than gay. Despite his string of failed relationships being with women, beginning with the mother of his child, it wasn’t because he was trying to be something he wasn’t (i.e., straight). Rather Jack’s biggest obstacle in the past was his job and he’s well aware that it led to the demise of more than one relationship over the years. And yet, Jack isn’t out to his family and this means that as Jack comes to terms with his feelings for Josh, he not only has to figure out whether or not he can be a Head of Household, he also has to figure out how to tell Brent and their parents without it coming between them. Can I just say that I LOVED how Brent took that news! And thank goodness for little brothers who aren’t afraid to tell their big bothers when they’re mucking up a good thing and Brent does exactly that when he finds out about the premature end of Jack and Josh’s relationship. After Brent’s Introduction to Being a Head of Household and Spanking 101, Jack sets out to get back his man and prove that he really can be A Good Family Man after all. I loved watching Jack and Josh reconnect and move forward in the DD relationship Josh always wanted and Jack never knew he wanted. And I really liked how the Corbin’s Bend family grew in this installment. As much as I loved A Good Family Man I am sad that its release marks the end of this season of Corbin’s Bend, but oh what a way to go out!

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 Good Family Man (Corbin’s Bend Season Three #8) by Thianna Durston blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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When to Hold Them by G.B. Gordon

When to Hold Them by G.B. Gordon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of the Bluewater Bay series. There hasn’t been a book in the series yet that I haven’t loved and When to Hold Them is no exception when it comes to my enjoyment. However, unlike the previous installments in the series (excluding book eight which I haven’t read yet), I could not put this book down. It was not a matter of simply enjoying the story or being enamored by the characters or being caught up in their unfolding romance. No. I was, for lack of a better word, addicted to this book and it took every bit of self-restraint I had to put it down for a few hours to attend to prior obligations before I was snatching my Kindle back up and reading into the wee hours of the night to finish the other half. And it was so worth the lost hours of sleep.

As I neared the halfway point I finally realized why I couldn’t put this book down – Gordon had literally seduced me with Doran and Xavier’s relationship. I connected with Doran without actually realizing it because what I had in common with his character was not an obvious trait and it was this connection that led to my seduction. Doran is sexually submissive – he craves a strong partner to care for him and take control of his pleasure. Ashamed of his actions that led to him being on probation, he has avoided a romantic relationship because he feels unworthy of love. Yet this doesn’t keep him from fantasizing about the park ranger who fills up at the gas station across the street every week. When he finally works up the courage to cross the street one Sunday so he can talk to the ranger, Doran chickens out when it comes time to speak to him. Unbeknownst to Doran (and the reader at the time), he makes an impression on Xavier and when their paths cross again Xavier takes the initiative to chat with Doran. Although Xavier is relieved when he learns that the age difference is not at large as Doran’s youthful appearance would suggest, he still feels that five years is a tad too much so when Doran flees he doesn’t pursue him. Until their paths cross again. And this is where my seduction began, because as Xavier began to respond to Doran’s signals and needs, I found myself falling under his spell right along with Doran. Xavier’s dominance is subtle and this is likely due in part to it being in response to Doran as well as his personal need to temper his desires because he’s not comfortable with them. But once Xavier came to terms with his needs, I was done for – the sensual domination and submission that occurred between the couple made for a perfect reading experience for me.

I feel I should note that while both characters are quite introspective, their personalities balance out in such a way that it wasn’t overdone angst. Doran is an addict (gambling) and he’s only twenty-two, so his inner thoughts are a tad chaotic between his guilt over what he did, shame for how his behaviors affected his aunt and uncle, resentment about the religious nature of the program he’s been ordered to attend, and fear of being found by the people he owes money to. While this is tempered by his attraction to Xavier, the sense of calmness he experiences in Xavier’s presence, and occasional bursts of joy when good things happen, the positives are quickly overshadowed by his negative thinking. This all made Doran’s character feel so real to me just as Xavier’s self-evaluation did the same for his character. What was truly impressive was that as the author is creating layers upon layers to the two characters and developing their relationship, Gordon also includes a realistic romantic suspense angle that plays out when Doran’s past shows up in Bluewater Bay to collect on his debt. Fortunately Xavier’s knowledge of the area and Doran’s throwing arm meant that the worst-case scenario was not realized. When to Hold Them was an absolute pleasure to read and an excellent addition to the Bluewater Bay series. While it is my first Gordon novel, I plan to check out more of the author’s work in hopes of being seduced 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 When to Hold Them Tour Stop blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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An Author's Angst by Maggie Ryan

An Author's Angst by Maggie Ryan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed An Author’s Angst. Venia has been an ever present force within the community, always ready to mentor new Taken in Hands and help out wherever needed, so to see her get her own book was an absolute treat. I don’t know if it escaped my notice or it was never revealed before, but I had no idea that Venia was an author. As a blogger, I have “met” several authors via social media over the course of the past two years and I loved getting to see how Venia dealt with every author’s fear – writer’s block.

Jeffrey was the perfect match for Venia – a well-educated dominant who was not only willing to take her in hand, but he was also willing to tell her the truth when it came to her work in progress. I liked that he wasn’t embarrassed or too manly to read her bodice rippers and took the time to get a feel for her work. It made his feedback on her writing that much more meaningful because he knew what she was capable of. I also appreciated the fact that he took Venia’s lead in the beginning when it came to administering punishment when she technically met her daily writing goal but didn’t complete it on the piece she had to present him. That the author gave us a chance to get to know Jeffrey through his connection with Dina at work and at the science fair made the book that much more interesting – as did getting to catch up with Dina and Brandon. An Author’s Angst was a great addition to the series and I cannot wait to read more from Ryan and Corbin’s Bend.

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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Melissa's Saving Grace by Corinne Alexander

Melissa's Saving Grace by Corinne Alexander

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I hate to say it, but I don’t like age play books – they’re just not my cup of tea. I really didn’t read the blurb before I started Melissa’s Saving Grace, but even if I had I’m not sure I would have picked up on the subtle suggestion within it that points to age play. Truth be told, I’m glad I didn’t because if I had this probably would have been the first Corbin’s Bend book I opted not to read and I would have missed out on a really great book otherwise.

Ms. Alexander throws the reader in the deep end as we watch Melissa have what appears to be a bit of a breakdown in the middle of a night club – this scene was both sad and terrifying as I felt Melissa’s pain as well as the danger she faced when she passed out in the club while she was alone. Fortunately, Melissa owns a rather distinct vehicle and her friend Jason sees it in the club’s parking lot, goes in to check on her, and comes to her rescue. While still new to Corbin’s Bend, Jason has developed a close friendship with Melissa and the danger she put herself in upset him a lot, so when she mouths off about him spanking her he picks up the gauntlet – or should I say paddle – and proceeds to show her that he’s not afraid punishing her will ruin their friendship. The next day Jason does something I did not expect – he actually initiates the conversation with Melissa about how the spanking made him realize he wanted more from their relationship.

I have to say that I really liked how the author approached the age play aspect. When it first appeared in the book, it occurred so subtly that neither I nor Melissa realized it was occurring. But when the subject is purposefully introduced, it occurs initially through Melissa’s researching the subject and primarily as conversations between her and Jason and not until about 75% into the book. Because the focus of the novella is on Melissa, her PTSD and related issues, and the Domestic Discipline relationship she is building with Jason, the age play is actually a very small element within the story and this made it easier for me to read. I loved the chemistry between Jason and Melissa and found their sex scenes to be very steamy. What really fascinated me was Melissa’s PTSD and how it affected her life. Despite the serious nature of this book, Ms. Alexander did manage to make me laugh in the scene when Melissa comes to the realization that there is nothing sexy about having one’s mouth washed out with soap. Although I did not enjoy all aspects of the book, I found Melissa’s Saving Grace to be a really good read and a great addition to Corbin’s Bend Season Three.

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 Melissa’s Saving Grace (Corbin’s Bend Season Three #6) by Corinne Alexander blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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