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Archives: Reviews

  • One Night: Promised by Jodi Ellen Malpas

    Jodi Ellen Malpas does it again! I could not WAIT to get my little hands on this new story from one of my favorite authors. If you loved This Man, you will love One Night: Promised. Because of demons in her past, Livy has chosen to live a sort of lonely life. Then super suave, über alpha-ass, M, walks into her coffee shop. You sort of love and hate M, and then re-love him. And Lust. There is definite M lust. Cuz bloody nora, he is hot.
    One Night Promised is intrigue, sex, mystery, sex, questions, more crazy hot sex, and then a major cliffhanger. I CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE!

    Livy and M’s story is smoldering hot, angsty, suspenseful perfection. [August 2014]

    If you love (or love to hate) “The Lord,” then you will love M. By choice, Livy leads a sheltered life. That is until this arrogant ass promises her 24 hours of the best sex she’s ever had. What she gets is a few hours of mind-blowing orgasms, then a neurotic, cold and distant wanker. Livy is mad, then stalked, then sexed, then mad, and the cycle continues. This one has twists that will keep you guessing and a crazy ending I didn’t see coming. I loved every page. [August 2014]

  • The Fall by Kate Sherwood, Audiobook — Narrated by Max Lehnen

    I hadn’t listened to an audiobook in a long time, and I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed it. This was my first audio-romance of any kind, and while it took some getting used to, I was engrossed in the story almost immediately. Max Lehnen brings the characters to life with a real, unique charm, and the book held my attention so much I ended up pretty much listening to it whenever I could get away with it. A fabulous way to multitask, if you ask me.~ Solange [August 2014]

  • The Falconer’s Lure by A.J. Marcus

    There’s something magical about Ren faires, and AJ Marcus manages to capture it in this book. He clearly knows his birds, which by itself makes for an interesting read. Add a love-starved young man whose family rejected him after coming out, and a handsome Falconer who only wants to take care of the injured, and you have the makings of a lovely romance. Despite the heavy issues that come with homelessness, this book is fairly low on angst, which makes for a nice change. The Falconer’s Lure is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. [July 2014]

  • Break the Sky by Nina Lane

    In Break the Sky, we meet two damaged souls, each trying to prove something. Archer, trying to be a better man, a better brother, and not seen as the black sheep of the family. Kelsey, trying to be strong and maintain her career in a man’s world, while also not becoming a frigid excuse of a woman. Archer works on getting Kelsey to let go and relax, even though he can be abrasive and dirty-mouthed, while Kelsey wants Archer to learn his own worth and stop being the wounded child of his youth. Nina Lane has created such complex characters and her writing showcases their flaws, their triumphs, their love not only for each other but for the select few near their hearts. I will admit, I hadn’t read Nina’s trilogy where you can meet these two briefly; they’d been sitting on my Kindle for months. But now, after reading this story, seeing a couple of the characters from the trilogy, and the awesome writing style, I’m ready to jump into the trilogy next. ~ Marissa [July 2014]

  • Meeting His Match by Katee Robert

    After reading Seducing the Bridesmaid, I couldn’t wait to see what was next for Addison, Regan’s BFF, the matchmaker from New York. As it turns out, Addison is a young widow who believes you only have one solemate. This is especially problematic for her when Southern Stud-CEO Caine McNeill moseys into her life. While she’s charged for making a match for Caine, he only has eyes for her, but her mind is made up, she can’t welcome Caine into her life. Katee spins this sweet story in an irresistible way.
    [July 2014]

  • Point of Redemption by Stacey Lynn

    Though we meet Ryker and Faith in the previous book, you won’t be lost starting with this one. The author does a good job of explaining things you may have missed. I thought this one was a darker read, mainly because of what Faith has endured for 5 years until the boys from the Nordic Lords can save her. We are given a front row seat into Ryker and Faith overcoming the lies that split them up, finding each other again, and relearning the love they had 5 years ago is still there between them. We also have suspense, a mystery to solve, and the bad guy taken out before they see a HEA. Plus, I love how the ending starts to set up another book, which I can’t wait to read either.
    [July 2014]

  • Lead by Kylie Scott

    Kylie’s clever voice shines in this story of Jimmy and Lena. Jimmy is kind of a-hole, but in my opinion, all bands need an a-hole. He’s suave, debonair and damaged. What is Lena to do when she’s developed feelings for the man? This release moves at a slower pace than the others in the series; but that suits Jimmy and Lena’s story perfectly. The couple needs time to discover each other and for their feelings to bloom. Highly recommended. ~ Nelle

    Let me start by saying that Mal is my man and no one will ever compare to him. That being said, Jimmy is delicious in a grumpy, broody way. An awful childhood left him believing he didn’t deserve love. So he numbed himself with drugs, booze and mindless sex…the ultimate Rock Star cliche. He finally gets himself sober and now needs a “sobriety companion.” Enter Lena. She’s everything Jimmy doesn’t know he needs. She fought her feelings for him, and it was hilarious watching their “plan” to make her fall out of love with him. I love that it took a while for them to get together. I hated Jimmy more than I loved him, but it was beautiful when it all finally came together.

    Jimmy is our perfect broody rockstar. All tortured and fighting some serious demons. Lena is our take-no-shit firecracker who is tasked with basically being Jimmy’s babysitter and making sure he doesn’t fall off the wagon. Naturally, feelings get involved. And penises. Feelings and penises. And angst. Who doesn’t love feelings and penises and angst?! And as always, Kylie Scott’s brilliant sense of humor is injected all throughout. Lead is a delicious slow burn that I highly recommend.
    ~ Kyleigh Jane [July 2014]

  • Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley

    Oh, Lady Luck, you know how to grab me, hold on tight, and give me an awesome story ride.
    This is my favorite of the Colorado Mtn series, and Ty is definitely in my top 3 of all KA Alphas. Both Lexi and Ty have had a rough life these past 5 years, and watching them climb walls to burrow into each other’s hearts is so magical. Yes, he screws up, and I get teary-eyed every time I read the subsequent scenes because of how heartbreaking, yet how wonderfully written they are in the book. KA, of course, has a great cast of side characters that add depth, humor, suspense and mystery, all while helping to take you on this awesome ride in Carnal. I can’t recommend this book or series enough.

    Lady Luck is my favorite KA book, it has everything. A beautifully flawed Hero, an independent and sassy heroine, emotions, tears, laughter and, of course, the sexy Alpha-speak we love from KA. I’ve never rooted for a couple more than Ty and Lexi. They’re meant to be together. This really is a story about the healing power of love. It’s simply beautiful.
    [July 2014]

  • Home the Hard Way by ZA Maxfield

    I’m a huge fan of ZA Maxfield and look forward to every single new release. There is just something special about her books–be it the writing, the characters, the setting–every single time I find myself captivated in a way no other author quite manages. In Home the Hard Way, what really caught me was the BDSM theme explored from an emotional perspective, the ‘why’ rather than the ‘how’. Maxfield expertly showed the difficulties someone who has never found himself in the hands of a Master can face in submitting, in facing this foreign need, and slowly accepting it. Aside from the BDSM element, the mystery was heartbreaking and well-thought out. Another winner for sure. ~ Solange [July 2014]

  • The Winter King by CL Wilson

    The Winter King is a wonderful fantasy ride, with magic, legendary heroes and gods, palace intrigue, beautifully written scenes in and out of the bedroom, plus characters you’ll enjoy to love and hate.
    This story of enemies to lovers will have you cheering for Khamsin to finally have a loving family and happy memories, but you’ll also want to hit Wynter upside the head for some of the things he does to avoid his feelings for her. I was sucked into this book right from the beginning, and I only put it down because it was 2am, and I was only 60% done with this lengthy book. It was worth the wait of a year from the author and an extra day to finish the story. ~ Marissa [July 2014]

  • DAIR by RK Lilley

    RK Lilley brings all the sexy back to Iris and Dair right where she left off at the end of Iris. Both The Wild Side and Iris blew *heh* me away with their eroticism and mystery, and with Dair, she manages to keep up both the mystery and the fuckhotness. These three books are definitely must-reads, and now that they’re all out and ready for your 1-click fingers, you should be doing just that: 1-clicking. ~Angie [July 2014]

    Iris and Daire are back, and mother of God, are they hot. This mysterious and sexy series has been one of my summer favorites, and Daire did not disappoint. At last, all of our “WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING” questions are answered in this final(ish) installment. I am SO looking forward to the spinoff stories. HOT. ~ Kyleigh Jane [July 2014]

  • Let It Ride by L.C. Chase

    I haven’t read the first book in this series, but after reading Let It Ride, I am definitely going to. This is exactly the type of book I want to read when I’m in the mood for a sweet, easy-going romance. That it’s about hot cowboys only means extra bonus points, amirite? Let It ride is a Lambda Literary Award Finalist for Gay Romance.
    ~ Solange [July 2014]

  • A Risk Worth Taking by Heather Hildenbrand

    Sweet and sexy describes this story and the gorgeous Ford. He’s a traveling man, content to experience all life has to offer by moving from place to place, never settling down anywhere or for anyone. Until he meets Summer. She’s returned home after graduating college to help her Dad run the family farm. She’s been devastated by her parent’s sudden divorce and is rethinking her views on love. A fling with Ford is exactly what she needs. This is the perfect summer read…it’s sweet, cute, and has enough sex and drama to make it interesting. [July 2014]

  • Secrets of Neverwood by Libby Drew, Diana Copland, and G.B. Lindsay

    You know that feeling when you’re reading a book so perfect you could just vomit rainbows? Yeah, Secrets of Neverwood is exactly that. I wasn’t even halfway through the first story when I knew I’d come across something really extraordinary. Everything, from the very original set-up, to the writing, to the atmosphere, to the amazing characters drew me in from the first page. I love these brothers, I love the house, I love how they fought for what’s important to them despite the (many) setbacks. I don’t even want to call this an anthology, even though the three stories are written by three different authors, because they flow together so seamlessly. Dare I say it? This is my favorite new release of 2014 so far.
    ~ Solange [July 2014]

  • Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh

    Nalini Singh is a master at building a vivid world around her characters and drawing the reader right into their lives. She leaves said readers wanting more (and more and more)! I’ve read the whole Psy-changeling series and it just kept getting better and better. I was at the point where I thought nothing could top Heart of Obsidian (book 12), but then I got my grabby hands on Shield of Winter and Nalini proved me wrong. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put the book down until I got to the last page.

    The characters were real and flawed, and easy to relate to. Even though they lived in such a different society and, in some cases, had powers we do not possess (sadly for us), I felt so connected to them and held my breath waiting to see how their plight would be resolved. I also loved that there was a perfect balance between the plot moving forward and the developing romance between the main characters, Vasic and Ivy. And, of course, Nalini brought the heat in the bedroom, or in the desert…which is also pretty hot. You know, heat-wise.

    This is a must read series and, trust me, I don’t say this lightly. This is paranormal romance at its finest – beautiful world building and tension-filled romance, adventure, and hot sex!

    ~ Lina [July 2014]

  • Give Me Grace by Kate McCarthy

    Once again, Kate has upped her game with Give Me Grace, the latest addition to this series. It has everything I love: romance, humor, great characters, sexy times and suspense, plus a few sweet moments.
    I have been waiting for Casey’s story since I finished Give Me Strength last year, and it was definitely worth the wait. Not only did we get to reminisce with the whole gang from the previous two books, but we’re introduced to a couple of new characters that I believe we’ll see their stories at some point. Casey and Grace together are explosive, even if they aren’t trying to piss each other off or avoiding their non-relationship. We also received a nice, healthy dose of suspense and thrills, just like the previous books, and it only enhanced the plot to my enjoyment. But, even though they started out together as temporary sex partners, it ended with a HEA, and an epilogue leading into Book 4 which I needed yesterday. This story (and series) is worth picking up, especially if you enjoy Kristen Ashley, Skye Jordan, or Nicola Claire. ~ Marissa [July 2014]

  • Never Been Kissed by Molly O’Keefe

    It’s a second chance a romance that could never happen. She was 17 and in lust with her family’s bodyguard. Now she’s 27 and he’s come to her rescue again. She still wants him and now he can finally admit that he wants her, too. If it were only that simple. This is the story of a very broken man and a very strong woman determined to give him her love. A lovely, unique story and a great cast of secondary characters make this a fantastic read. [July 2014]

  • Addicted by Tracy Wolff

    We pick up right where Ruined left off, and boy are the revelations damaging to Ethan and Chloe’s relationship. Tracy throws a couple of twists at you, and you are feeling the heartbreak right along with the characters. I like how she explains each character’s motivation when the twists occur, but also their thoughts during the groveling process. And it’s not just the man, or Ethan, in the wrong all the time. We also see plenty of the sweet, hot, sexy times between Ethan and Chloe to balance out the heartbreak, because there is definitely more angst in this book than the last one. Don’t worry, we get our HEA with an epilogue. (I love those!) Though, I do wish the “bad guys” in the series got more of a comeuppance than described during the secondary plot element.
    ~ Marissa [July 2014]

  • Tamed by Emma Chase

    When a female writer can write the male point of view with authenticity, I believe it shows real talent. This is a talent Emma Chase demonstrates again with Tamed. Tamed follows the same timeline as Tangled and gives an alternate view of Drew and Kate’s story, while exploring the new relationship of Delores and Matthew. I love a bitter, damaged heroine and Emma delivers Delores in a package tailor made for me. Matthew has to work exhaustively to earn her trust, all while keeping his own identity. Highly recommended.
    ~ Nelle [July 2014]

  • Ricochet by Skye Jordan

    Skye Jordan’s Ricochet delivers the trifecta: Heat/Humor/Heart. The characters are nuanced and likable, but flawed. It’s a superb example of the Contemporary Romance genre and demonstrates a creative, intelligent story and blistering sex in one fantastic package.

    This book ranks in my top 3 of hottest books ever. Seriously. This book is smoking hot. But it’s so much more than just great sex scenes. The hero is a swoon-worthy military man, the heroine is strong, independent and isn’t afraid of going after what (or who) she wants. The story is unique and very well-written. Kudos to you, Skye Jordan! This is my favorite of the series.

    I had never read Skye Jordan when I was told I really really needed to read Ricochet. “It’s so hot. Like major hot. You’ll love it. READ IT.” So, read it I did. I was consumed. I plowed through it like a woman starved, and when I finished? I dove into the first two stories. Ricochet set my kindle on fire. Ryker and Rachel are blistering hot, but my favorite thing of all is that Skye writes strong women. No wilting flowers here. These women are smart and gutsy. Skye is now one of my new favorite authors, and I can’t wait for more from these Renegades!
    [July 2014]
    So, I went into this book with half of me thinking, “No way can Skye meet or top the previous books” and the other half listening to my friends singing its praises. But, I should have listened to both halves, because not only did it live up to the hype, but also meet my high standards of a 5-star read. In short, it was awesome. From the minute Ryker and Rachel met, it was a non-stop rollercoaster of ups and downs as Rachel tried to push him away and Ryker pulled her right back into his bed, or the beach, or the shower, all while dealing with their own side issues that were affecting their lives. All of the characters were well written, the plot never had a dull moment, and the sexy times were once again original and so very, very hot. If you buy nothing else this month, this is the book and series for you.
    [July 2014]

  • UnBeloved by Madeline Sheehan

    I love a good down and dirty motorcycle club book, and again, Madeline Sheehan brings the dirty. Though not as sexually charged as the other three in the series, UnBeloved continues the story of the Hell’s Horseman MC and tells the history between the love triangle between Jase, Dorothy, and Hawk. As they figure out how to move forward together — or not — more of the MC’s story develops.

    If you’ve loved the other three UnDeniable series books, you’ll want to catch up with the characters and all of their dirty relationships. [June 2014]

  • Hell’s Hilltop by J.A. Dennam

    Hell’s Hilltop is the best of the trilogy as we not only get everyone’s happy ending, but all the secrets and lies are exposed to a fulfilling conclusion. We see Ty and Rena start their relationship, working through so many trust issues while also dealing with the danger of bad guys coming for them and Rena being arrested for something she did not commit. This was a definite adrenaline rush, with some good sexy times, heartbreak, and twists thrown in for good measure. I’m so glad I took a chance on this series and author.

    I admit going into this trilogy, from a new author, with low expectations, so imagine my surprise when I found myself unable to stop reading until I had books 1 and 2 completed in 24 hours. This series will definitely go at the top of my list for 2014.
    ~ Marissa [July 2014]

  • Nowhere but Here by Renee Carlino

    I absolutely adore Renee Carlino’s writing. I fell in love with Kate the minute I started reading. She was so sad and lonely and, according to her boss, had lost her spark. She is sent to a winery in Napa to interview it’s elusive owner. Before pulling into the property she literally crashes into the man of her dreams. Jamie is not only sexy, he’s smart, sweet, works hard and makes it impossible for Kate to not fall for him. I loved how Jamie took the time to make Kate fall for him. While it happened in just a few days, he really showed her who he was…or so she thought. [July 2014]

  • Hostile Ground by L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Vionov

    This is an action-filled, cling to the edge of your seat, filthy dirty read that you won’t be able to put down. It’s dangerous from the very first page, with some unexpected twists and turns that make sure this hot-as-fuck book packs a punch. When these two authors come together, they basically can’t go wrong. A must read. ~ Solange [June 2014]

  • Extreme Measures by Elisabeth Naughton

    If you’re looking for a change of pace, maybe non-stop action with shoot-outs, plot twists, smexy times, and a second chance at love, then Extreme Measures has it all. This was a great rollercoaster ride, focusing on Eve and Zane’s fight to clear their names and to love each other, with a few side characters to round out the plot. There is history between these two, some pleasant and some not, so they are both fighting the demon of mistrust. Plus, it was great seeing a strong female lead character, or as Zane calls her at one point, “Jane fucking Bond.” Also, with the side characters and plot, it leads to the set-up for book 2, and I cannot wait. [July 2014]

  • The Dare by Rachel Van Dyken

    This could, quite possibly, be the funniest book I’ve ever read. The love story itself is a hilarious fairy tale driven by the best Fairy Godmother ever, Grandma Nadine. This feisty 86-year-old will do anything for her grandsons and their friends, and she stoops to new sneaky lows to get the gorgeous Senator and his nerdy soul mate together. There’s drugging, kidnapping, sex therapy, cookies and a crazy donkey. What else do you need in a love story? [July 2014]

  • Until We Fly by Courtney Cole

    Courtney hits a home run with Brand and Nora’s story. From the inventive way they reconnect to the myriad issues that they have to overcome. As always, Courtney paints a beautiful landscape in Angel Bay. Nora and Brand’s journey is so amazing. Courtney can really bring out the emotions and this is strongest of the series. Additionally, Courtney might win the award for most awful villain of all time. Highly recommended.
    ~ Nelle [July 2014]

  • If It Drives by L.A. Witt & Aleksandr Vionov

    This is my favorite Market Garden installment yet, and that’s saying something. I absolutely adored the lovely development between the rich guy and his driver. Sometimes it was smooth, sometimes hilarious and often quietly heartbreaking. If you haven’t read any of this series set in and around a brothel in London, If It Drives is a great place to start. Other characters pop in here and there, but you don’t need to know their back story to follow along. (But you’ll want to know, trust me.) Highly recommended. ~Solange [July 2014]

  • Take by Ella Frank

    It’s nice to see the boys back! Logan and Tate are still at it and hot as the hinges of hell. M/M isn’t my typical scene, but these guys are great for a detour into that world. In Take, we peel the layers back on Logan and Tate and see a bit behind the curtain. Our Tate has problems reconciling his new life with his family; and our Logan is still scarred from a long dead relationship. I can’t wait for the next step in their journey.
    ~ Nelle [July 2014]

    Logan and Tate are back, and fogging up your kindles! Take leads us through the real life ups and downs of their new relationship. The good, the bad, and the devastatingly sexy. Take is a steamy, erotic, heart wrenching sequel, and I’m looking forward to more.
    ~ Kyleigh Jane [July 2014]

  • Harder by Robin York

    Harder continues the love story of West and Caroline. It’s heartbreaking, sad, beautiful and full of love. The story is beautifully written, real and not always pretty. It’s about forgiveness and knowing that everyone deserves a good life, even if their circumstances say otherwise. It’s got all of the angst meant to be in a NA novel, and it will make you feel all of the feels. Simply amazing. [July 2014]