The Spurned Viscountess by Shelly Munro

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Carina Press
Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: Cursed with the sight and rumors of witchcraft, Rosalind's only chance at an ordinary life is marriage to Lucien, Viscount Hastings. She doesn't expect love, only security and children of her own. Determined to go through with the wedding, she allows nothing she encounters at the gloomy Castle St. Clare to dissuade her.


Recently returned from the Continent, Lucien has no time for the English mouse his family has arranged for him to marry—not when he's plotting to avenge the murder of his beloved Francesca. He has no intention of bedding Rosalind, not even to sire an heir.

Though spurned by her bridegroom, Rosalind turns to him for protection when she is plagued by a series of mysterious accidents and haunted by terrifying visions. Forced to keep Rosalind close—and tempted into passionate kisses—Lucien soon finds himself in grave danger of falling in love with his own wife...

Refreshed version of SECOND SEDUCTION, newly revised by author.

Review: Very well done. I ‘felt’ the emotions more than once. With such well written characters, it’s really hard not to get pulled into the story and experience the feelings along with them. Of course, I am sure that like me most readers enjoy a story that really pulls them in.

Emotional, mysterious, engaging. This is what good historical should be like :)

*SNAPS* Ms Munro, I look forward to reading more from you in the future

Whisper of Scandal by Nicola Cornick

Story: 9

Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: Scandal isn’t just for rogues, as the daring women in Nicola Cornick’s scintillating new series prove…

Lady Joanna Ware has no desire to wed again but that doesn’t stop the flurry of suitors knocking on her door. Desperate to thwart another proposal, Joanna brazenly kisses Arctic explorer Alex, Lord Grant. Unable to deny the blazing attraction that flares, Joanna knows she’s just set the gossip mill turning.

After suffering countless infidelities during her marriage, she’s accustomed to scandal. But nothing prepares her

for the shocking news that her deceased husband has bequeathed his illegitimate child to her and his friend Alex. As rumors run rampant in the ton, Joanna and Alex travel to the Arctic to claim the orphan. Battling blizzards, dangerous wildlife and a treacherous plot, Alex must protect Joanna, but not before he wickedly seduces her…

Review: Be still me heart! What a riveting, wonderful tale from start to finish. Having started this journey, I am very excited to continue it with the rest of this series.

Joanna while at times seems very interested in material things, one would be hard pressed not to understand after you see what type of life she had to endure. Alex? A hero in his own rights. A man that definitely steals hearts, mine among them.

Delicious and a total winner :)

Lady Amberly’s Lessons by Meta Mathews

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Ellora’s cave
Erotic Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: A new bride, the inexperienced Lady Amberly has no idea she isn’t passionate enough to please her husband until she overhears two prostitutes talking about his current mistress. Determined to become her husband’s only lover, Lady Amberly turns to a mysterious man named Jack to learn more about her own body and to find out how to please a man. Jack blindfolds her, then takes her to heights of passion she hadn’t known existed. Now it’s time to use what she’s learned during those lessons to seduce her husband and keep him happy in the marital bed.
Review: WOW!! What a hot, sizzling read.

I was hooked from the start and couldn’t stop until the end. Then I was ready to read it again. Hell, I wish it had been longer. I would have loved to have gotten to know the characters better but I realize that the author did a bang up job and I am totally happy with what I got

Nice job :)

Possessing Hayley by L. Rosario

Story 8.5
Presentation 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Paranormal Erotic
To Purchase

Blurb: Alec has resisted the idea of an eternal bond for six centuries. Now his master has ordered him to save a woman who has been left for dead, and there’s a catch—in order to successfully save her life, Alec must make Hayley his own. In every way…

Hayley was only looking for a good time, but when the good time turns into a strange waking dream full of vampires, bloodlust and scorching sex, she no longer recognizes who she is or what she has become. She clings to Alec, the sexy vampire with possession in his eyes. Without him, she’ll never be able to adjust, but he holds back, denying the bond she craves.

But it’s a bond that cannot be denied for long. Upon returning to the coven, a simple truth awaits. If Alec does not claim Hayley, another will.

Reader Advisory: If it’s bloodlust you want, you’ll get more than your share in this scorcher that offers a little ménage, a little M/M foreplay and a whole lot of bloodsucking sizzle.

Review: It’s hot. It sizzles. And L. Rosaria has delivered a vampire romance with bite! The opening pages set the tone for the story. It’s edgy and fast. There is a sense of urgency throughout the story. The sex is raw and gritty, and because of this the intensity between Alec and Hayley increases with each encounter. (and there is a whole freaking lot of sex—really good sex.) There is male on male action (and oh yeah, it works well in the story). I tingled in all the right places. But there is also jealousy, betrayal, fierce craving and finally total completion. Possessing Hayley delivers!

Must Be Doing Something Right by Wendi Zwaduk

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 8
Total: 15.5
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: If she can open her heart, she'll find he's her naughtiest dream come true. Being mischievous with him is exactly what she needs.


Nate Waterford knows exactly who he wants in his bed and his heart, but he's on guard. When women find out his profession, they see dollar signs. He's been hurt by gold diggers and he's not about to fall in love - until he sees Courteney. She's his fantasy come to life and once he gets her in his arms, he'll be damned before he considers letting her go. Unless she tells him to go to hell first...

Despite her success as a fledgling romance author, Courteney Bennett's had her share of bad relationships. She's attracted to her best guy friend, Nate, and she's not ready to throw a friendship away for one night of passion - even if his idea of desire puts the hottest scenes in her erotica stories to shame.

Is her heart a fair price to pay for an evening to remember or will it be the biggest mistake of her life?

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes including strong language, bondage, anal sex and voyeurism.

Review: Cute, Quick and to the point. There wasn’t much room for lolly gagging in this one but the sex was rockin’. While I wish there had been more so I could have really connected with the characters, I was pleased with the resolution and the progress of the story. Her issues with “men” was plausible so his deception was real and I could understand her issue with it.

All in all, a good short, fast paced read that was worth it :)

Love by Auction by Clarissa Yip

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Contemporary Erotic
To Purchase

Blurb: Intent on leaving the Date for Charity Auction, billionaire Mark Passmore vows not to bid—until he sees the gorgeous blond strut across the stage. Need overwhelms his senses. He has to have her.

With an etiquette drill sergeant and society snob for a mother, Rebecca Hathaway, a.k.a Ice Princess, accepts an extraordinary dare—one that lands her in the arms of her ex, except he doesn’t know it’s her.

After an explosively passionate night with Mark, Rebecca sneaks back to her mundane life of tea parties and book clubs. But she knows she’ll never be the same again.

Although he ended their relationship three years ago, Mark never stopped loving Rebecca. When he learns the truth of Rebecca’s role in the auction, will he forgive her for her betrayal or walk away once and for all?

Review: Cute, hot and just what I expected. While a couple times I wanted to smack Rebecca for being so prim and proper, my heart ached for her and the expectations that her life and mother had put on her. To be the perfect daughter, hostess and eventually wife. She yearns to break free and be her own woman. Thank God she finally does.

All in all it was a good read and one that I would recommend :)

A Moment Out of Time by Dakota Trace

Story 7
Presentation 8.5
Total: 15.5
Publisher: Written Expressions
Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: It’s been a year since the floods had decimated Cedar Rapids, an urban city in Eastern Iowa. For Noah Martin, a firefighter and rescue worker during the floods, nothing has been the same. After losing his heart to a petite woman he’d tried to rescue, he’d been devastated when the flood waters had took her from him. He’s haunted by her memory and what could’ve been if he’d only been a little stronger, held onto her a little longer.

Unbeknownst to Noah, Alessandra “George” Georgiadis had survived the floods but the memory of her promise to him, has haunted her. She’d promised him their time together would only be a moment out of time. Even though, she longed to see the sexy firefighter once more, she’d told herself it was best this way. After all they hadn’t even exchanged more than their first names; how deep could their bond possible go?

But what will happen to her best intentions when Noah and she cross paths in the most unexpected of places? Will the love and desire they found for only a brief moment rekindle, or will Alessandra hide behind her disability?

Review: Dakota never fails to deliver a thought provoking story. A Moment Out of Time was no exception. I loved the premise of the story, loved that Fate may have had a hand in bringing together two people who needed each other.

Noah is true hero material, risking his life for others. When Alessandra is in danger, he doesn’t think of his own safety. He has a job to do. But alone, scared, she needs more from him than rescued and Noah is drawn to her. It was a poignant moment that made the rest of a somewhat unbelievable story, believable.

The connection for these two is instant and while, I don’t usually buy into the love at first glance or love after a single encounter, I think in this case, when faced with a life or death situation, two people could forge a connection.

Scalded by Desiree Holt and Allie Standifer

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Erotic Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: Book 2 in the Turn Up the Heat series


Reed Brody is head of the geek squad for the local police. At work, he’s intense and driven; after hours, he can’t help but use that same drive in his sex life. Too bad he can’t find a woman interested in a few bondage games.

Halli Wilson is a quiet coffee shop owner who also hosts sex-toy parties on the side. Too bad she can’t find a guy man enough to tie her up and take her down.

Halli only bargained for a month. Reed’s never wanted forever. Two people determined to keep it light make the biggest mistake of all by falling in love.

Review: As a faithful fan of Ms Holt, and a growing fan of Ms Standifer I have to say…..you ladies rock!!

Sexy, hot, titillating. Sex toys, a hot cop, toe curling sex. Add all that with a clean cut story line and you get Scalded :) Cute huh? I thought you might like it. Maybe not as much as you will like the story but hey, a girls gotta try.

These two ladies did more than try, they accomplished. Definitely a worthwhile quickie that will leave you panting for more. You might just have to call for your own sex toy party after reading this one :) Have fun, you can thank me later :)

Rakes and Radishes by Susanna Ives

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Carina Press
Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: When Henrietta Watson learns that the man she loves plans to marry London's most beautiful and fashionable debutante, she plots to win him back. She'll give him some competition by transforming her boring bumpkin neighbor, the Earl of Kesseley, into a rakish gothic hero worthy of this Season's Diamond.

After years of unrequited love for Henrietta, Kesseley is resigned to go along with her plan and woo himself a willing bride. But once in London, everything changes. Kesseley-long more concerned with his land than his title-discovers that he's interested in sowing wild oats as well as radishes. And Henrietta realizes that gothic heroes don't make ideal husbands. Despite an explosive kiss that opens her eyes to the love that's been in front of her all along, Henrietta must face the possibility that Kesseley is no longer looking to marry at all...

Review: HOLY HISTORICAL HOTTIES!!!! Ok, so where do I begin? From the start I was a bit miffed with Henrietta because of the way she kind of used and brushed off Kesseley. Now you would think that if I was on the fence about the heroine from the start that the book would suck, right? Oh how wrong you would be :)

Things really started picking up and getting interesting once they get to London. My heart and stomach dropped more than once while I read. I cringed at some of the comments…though they were justified. I got misty. I loved it :)

While maybe not your traditional hero and heroine, it totally worked in all the right ways and made for one hell of a good read that I have to say I am going to be recommending to my friends :)

Burning Up by Susan Andersen

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: HQN
HOT Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: SHE'S SO GOOD AT BEING BAD

Macy O'James stepped foot in Sugarland, Washington, everyone remembers what she supposedly did. The tiny town is still buzzing about her crime and lack of punishment.

Now back to lend her family a hand, Macy vows to hold her head high-especially at her high school reunion. But forget about the hottest man in Sugarland escorting her. Though she and fire chief Gabriel Donovan generate enough sparks to burn down the town, he's a law-abiding, line-towing straight arrow. So not her type.

But maybe-just maybe-he can change her mind about that.

Review: Everyone has something in their past that they have been and maybe are still judged for. Macy is no exception. Of course, she loves to add fuel to her already spicy reputation every chance she gets. Gabe, like most every other male finds het very attractive.

Spicy, sexy and oh what a read. From the get-go, I was hooked and just couldn’t stop reading…not that I really wanted to :) but you get the picture. Oh it just went from one crazy thing to another and every time I thought I had everything figured out….BAM…something new grabbed me.

376 pages of non stop, super hot, I want you, No I don’t, Screw all of you, kick ass storytelling with a heroine that just takes the cake :) Yeah and a studly man cake that just makes your mouth water :) Hell, I’ve never wanted to be misunderstood so much in my LIFE.


Ms Andersen has done a superb job with this tale. Filled it to the brim with sexual tension that will fog up the windows and leave you panting. Crafted a story and plot that would make a great movie….but a grade A book :) And given me, the reader, everything that I wanted and needed, all in a neat, fresh package that rocked my world.
A totally fantastic romance with sizzle. I loved every lip smacking page :)

Ride of Her Life by Anne Rainey

Story: 6
Presentation: 8
Total: 14
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Erotic Contemporary Cougar
To Purchase

Blurb: It’s been a year since her divorce and Lily Justice is ready to move on—but not with just any man. She’s got a certain drool-worthy body shop owner in mind. It’s almost convenient that her car needs some work. And when she meets Kyle Wolff up close and personal, her inner-slut has to have him, age difference be damned. With the car staying at the shop, Kyle graciously offers to give her a lift home.


While she accepts a ride on Kyle’s hot motorcycle, Lily’s inner-slut wants a hot ride on Kyle.

She’s about to get what she wants. And it will be the ride of her life…

Review: Well, what can I say about this one? I read it. The sex was pretty hot, but it didn’t feel like a quickie to me.

Other than the “I’m too old for you” there really wasn’t much of a conflict or story. They want each other so they get together. No major conflict, no black moment. It read more like an Exotika for me. Not a bad thing, just not what I was expecting.

Golden Lady by Roberta CM DeCaprio

Story 9
Presentation 9
Total: 18
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Spicy Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: Loving someone is hard…especially if they're supposed to be your enemy!


Willow Creek, Arizona saw its share of Indian attacks. Amanda Gregory witnessed the sorrow first hand with her father's murder. Refusing Reverend Joshua Holmes' proposal, Amanda decides to stay on her farm and run it alone. When she saves Proud Eagle, a wounded Apache warrior, he wins her heart, calling her his golden lady, and Amanda's hatred of Indians begins to change. The night the Chiricahuas attack Amanda's farm, Proud Eagle helps her to escape, taking her back to his tribe to become his wife. But their love is forbidden, and Amanda finds herself fighting the biggest battle of her life . . . the right to love her enemy.

Review: This story is about a white woman and an Apache man who fall in love in the 1860s in Arizona and all conflicts they have. Proud Eagle and Amanda have to solve problems with members of both cultures. Reverend Joshua Holmes wants to marry Amanda; her Aunt Kaylene comes all the way from London to take her back to inherit an estate; Running Doe is a conniving, jealous Apache woman who will do anything to get Proud Eagle. The cavalry officer hates all Indians and captures both Amanda and Proud Eagle (at different times) and wants to kill each of them.

There was never a dull moment, this story is cram-packed full of adventure from the very first page when Amanda is covered with her father's blood and can't remember saddling her families' old horse and riding to town for help.. There are opposing Apache tribes, evil Mexicans, and bad white guys; all wanting to kill, assault, or otherwise destroy the two lovers. Ms. DeCaprio has written a classic American West romance that will keep the reader entranced, wanting to know what problem will happen next for these two to overcome.

The character's personalities are well developed. We can actually get into their minds and understand their reasons for doing what they do. This is true of even the protagonists and other secondary characters. The dialog is well written, informative , emotional, and sometimes even down-right humorous.

I enjoyed this story; I just wish I had read this one first instead of reading book II in the trilogy to start with. Book II continues with the stories of Amanda's and Proud Eagle's children. I can hardly wait to start on book III.

Any reader who likes reading romance stories about white and Indian people will thoroughly enjoy this charming tale.

Exhibition by Kate Poole

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Erotic Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: She can’t even look at a picture of Michelangelo’s David without wishing he would come alive and make love to her. So while her husband goes off to his boring conference, she goes to the erotic art exhibit at the gallery…and lets her imagination run wild.


A nude thinks of her lover and masturbates with his image in her mind. A lady on a swing tempts a young swain as her skirt flies up. A god ravishes his virgin sacrifice. And a new concubine must think of a unique way to please her master.

When she meets her husband at the end of the day, he reaps the rewards of her vivid fancies…and enjoys what she bought in the gift shop.

Review: A little story filled with erotic fantasies.

I enjoyed the way Ms Poole used the erotic arts to fuel fantasies, to rev her character up, it worked. While I really didn’t connect with the main characters…and it felt more like an exotica than a romance, I dug it. :)

I got to follow the heroine on her way through the exhibit and peek in on the fantasies that the art brought about. I have to say that the little fantasies were pretty hot.

Binary Stars 6 -- Butterfly's Effects and Jewels of Desire by Michelle Houston and D. Musgrave

Story: 7
Presentation: 9
Total: 16
Publisher: Phaze
Contemporary Erotic BDSM
To Purchase

Blurb: All work and no play? Not in their offices.

Elaine's relationship with her office assistance went from a normal friendship to lovers, and they are both struggling to find the balance between their professional and personal lives together. Steve wants to take things public, but Elaine is worried about possible complications. So he decides to show her who's boss, with a little help from her submissive nature and a sexy new toy in Michelle Houston's "Butterfly's Effect."

In D Musgrave's "Jewels of Desire," Sabrina receives a special set of intimate jewelry. Intrigued by the possibilities, she decides to wear it to work. Can she maintain her composure while fighting the urge to give in to the desires the jewelry inspires?

Review: Butterfly’s Effect was as hot as it was entertaining. The sexual tension rivaled the fear of discovery. The sex was hot, the story solid and the D/s aspects contributed the needed elements to invest this romance reader in the emotional connection between Elaine and Steve. I thought Steve was deliciously naughty.

Jewels of Desire was a little more difficult for me to get into but once the story took off, I was feeling every little sensation of the jewelry. The story was like a string held taut and I kept waiting for it to snap. There were a few bumps along the way—places the story felt a little forced, but those few scenes didn’t ruin my overall enjoyment.

Binary Stars 5 The Partners And The Guardians by Stevie Woods

Story 8
Presentation 9
Total: 17
Publisher: Phaze
Erotic M/M Paranormal
To Purchase

Blurb: The Heliotrope is a club run by two vampires, in a world that knows about their existence.

The Partners: Rick, a young human, visits the Heliotrope because he’s curious about the accepted arrangement between vampires and humans where vampires receive blood in exchange for providing humans with sex.

The Guardian: David’s a Guardian, a vampire who has taken on the duty of protecting the humans from the rogue vampires who hunt for blood rather than obtaining it in amicable exchange. David’s on his way to the Heliotrope when he discovers a young human, Rick, being attacked and saves him. David is drawn to the young man.

Review: The Partners

This story begins as a hot sexy story, but becomes so much more. The history and details were great for giving insight into the characters. I found I cared less about Rick and wanted to more about Antoninus and Bohdri. Happily the story doesn’t disappoint. I could feel Bohdri’s longing. Antoninus is a character I’d love to see more of. Their passion in the end was palpable. Loved it.

The Guardians

The story started with action. The words on the page sucked me in and never let me go. It’s strange that I liked this story more of the two even though I felt like I knew the characters better in The Partners. I felt like I didn’t get the whole story. I loved everything that was written. Loved the connection. Loved the almost desperate need David has for Rick. But in the end, I’m not sure I know exactly where that desperation came from or what, in the end, it will mean for him and Rick. But what I did learn about these two engaging characters makes me want more.

More Than a Mistress by Debra Glass

Story 9
Presentation 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Siren
Erotic Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: She knew she was playing with fire...and was eager to burn.

The very thought of an innocent young woman donning a man’s uniform and joining the Prussian Army is scandalous. But on the run from an arranged marriage, Erika von Ecker’s destitute circumstances have left her little choice. She expects to earn enough money to buy her way out of the marriage. She does not expect to fall in love with Gregor Altmann von Breidenbach, the handsome heir to a vast duchy.

Prussian law forbids Gregor to marry beneath his title, so he seeks to make the brash beauty his pampered mistress. Erika’s refusal only stokes a fire within that spurs them both toward ever-greater heights of sensuous abandon. But as war looms, Gregor realizes he must do anything in his power to get Erika out of harm’s way--even if it means making her more than a mistress.

Review: A story worth reading and reading again. Characters you wished you’d known, and after reading the book, you feel as if you do.

She endangers him, falls in love with him, will sacrifice all for him but in the end, can she save him? As her journey began, I knew I was reading something intriguing. The story captured my imagination, kept me riveted and scrolling the pages. I couldn’t wait until the next scene so I could catch my breath. But when the next scene began I realized the stakes had only increased and the tension thickened.

The sexual attraction between Gregor and Erika is thick from the beginning. But Debra didn’t rush the magic of their sacrifice—and their love does come with a high price. You’ll be swept into an epic historical romance that takes you from intimate private encounters, to the edge of your seat battle scene. The story made me warm, made me shiver and even made me cry. More Than A Mistress is a story I won’t soon forget.

Rekindled by Rosemary Indra

Story 9
Presentation 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Rogue Pheonix Press
Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: When Forest Ridge, Oregon is terrorized by an arsonist, Fire Chief Mitch Chambers vows to do whatever it takes to protect the community—even work with the woman who left him four years ago.


Professional sketch artist Abby Denton, still loves Mitch and hopes to regain his trust and respect by working with him. However, she fears when he discovers the truth about their daughter, he will never forgive her.

As they work together, Mitch once again falls in love with Abby, but this time he refuses to let her walk out of his life. Can they rekindle the love that burned between them and uncover the identity of the arsonist before he turns their dreams and the town to ashes?

Review: The cover and the prologue both grabbed my attention .Cover is a sizzler and the prologue is from an anonymous arsonist's view and he is incensed the firefighters don't think much of his fire. He'll show them.

Mitch Chambers is the arson specialist who is going to work with Abby Denton the sketch artist who just happens to be his ex- lover who left him for someone else several years ago. She has a big secret. When she left him, he didn't know she was expecting his baby. She went because she thought he would resent her and the child. After all, that was the reason her father blamed her. Abby still loves Mitch, but he was devastated by her betrayal.

To mix things up even more, Abby's brother Scott works at the fire station and he likes Mitch.

There are several love stories going on among minor characters. The head of the fire department and his wife Millie are having problems dealing with the loss of their daughter and it is affecting their marriage. Scott and Penny, a fire fighter also, have the eye for each other.

There are several areas of conflict in this story. Obviously, the anonymous arsonist is lighting more serious fires each time. He hates the growing relationship between Mitch and Abby. Meyers is a councilman who seems to be constantly confronting Mitch about the slowness of solving the fire problems and he thinks hiring Abby as an arson specialist is a waste of money. When Mitch responds, "She is the answer to our needs. I'll stake my job on it." Meyers has a look of triumph on his face when he responds,"You heard him. If she doesn't solve the case, he's out!"

Another conflict is between Mitch and Abby having to work together; then when Mitch realizes the child is his daughter, the "poo-poo" hits the fan. When she is served papers notifying her of a custody lawsuit, the situation looks hopeless for these star-crossed lovers.

Abby goes to see her father to settle their differences and is shocked to find him thinner and frail looking.

The arsonist is constantly in the story, either expressing his thoughts or phoning Mitch, and showing up at a fund-raiser.

I liked the writing in this story. The details are sometimes very painful; when Millie talks to Hank about losing their daughter and her fear of losing him, I wanted to cry with her. The description of her feelings makes the reader feel the fear and hurt she is going through. Fireman Steve has a big ego and wants to be the best at everything, the center of attention. Comments about him could fit a description of many people we know. Even the men in this story aren't afraid to show and talk about their love for their families. The dialogue was great, sometimes making me laugh and sometimes making me cry, but isn't that like?

I can't think of any thing I didn't like. It was a moving story that kept me turning the pages.

Law and Ardor by Jack Greene

Story 7
Presentation 9
Total: 16
Publisher: Phaze
Contemporary M/M erotic romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Nicholas is shaken up by a prowler in the middle of the night, so he calls 911. Help arrives in the form of big strong policeman James, and they can't deny their mutual attraction.

James is more than happy to take care of Nicholas . . . all night long.

Review: Great hook. James is a hot alpha hero and Nicholas is an endearing character that had me smiling from the beginning. In great short story form, Law and Ardor drops you right into the action. The sexual tension was palpable and the anticipation of an erotic encounter kept me flipping through the PDF pages. The story escalates quickly. After James arrives to assist Nicholas after a late night scare, Nicholas initiates a personal call. The connection between Nicholas and James is strong and the sex is hot. This isn’t a complicated plot or deeply emotional storytelling. What it is, is a chance encounter, intense lust that leads to hot sex and the promise of a potential relationship for James and Nicholas.

Bannon’s Brides by Loretta C. Rogers

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Spicy Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: Jail or prostitution?


Fiona Quinn chooses neither. On a wagon train bound for Oregon , the newly-contracted mail-order bride braves rattlesnakes, Indians, and depraved buffalo hunters who kidnap her. But nothing tests her mettle like Cordell Bannon, the wagon master poised to steal her heart.

Cordell Bannon signed a contract to safely deliver thirty mail-order brides to their husbands. Yet one bride stirs his emotions, threatening his oath of celibacy and making him choose between his job and his passion. Can he stand by as she marries another, or will he claim her as his bride?

Review: A great plot and even with a few minor slips it still read well and delivered with a bang.

I found the heroine’s urgent desire to become a mail order bride very realistic. My heart ached for her and many of the other women on the journey. Bannon…he worked into my heart from the start. That brooding, handsome, silent stud that you just can’t help but be drawn to.

Emotions ran free and raged through the story from a number of characters. All of them tangible and described in a way that allowed me to “feel” them along with the characters. I found the entire journey a breathless ride that was well worth the trip

Ms Rogers has done a really good job crafting and telling attention grabbing story *SNAPS*

Power Struggle by Kelly Jamieson

Story 8.5
Presentation 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Contemporary BDSM
To Purchase

Blurb: Tori is the vice president of her company. Her career is all about being in charge, solving problems, making decisions. But in the bedroom she likes to give up control. She likes to be taken to the edge, likes the heady pleasure of pain, likes how it sets her free.

Dev is a physician. In his career, he has sworn to do no harm and was taught that raising a hand to a woman is wrong. And he is nearly a decade younger than Tori.

The attraction between Tori and Dev is more than just physical-they both feel a connection of spirit. They begin a relationship that seems to work despite their age difference. But when Tori reveals what she really wants in bed, Dev's not sure if he has it in him to give it to her. And Tori isn't sure she can have a relationship with someone who can't accept her for who she is. It's a power struggle.

Review: Initially I thought Power Struggle was going to be like many other BDSM stories I’ve read. A little kink, a bit of fun, tie me up and spank me, tell me what to do and I’m yours kind of story. Wow! Put away the cookie cutter BDSM stories because Power Struggle takes typical BDSM to a new level. Yes, there is all the great titillating kink, but the way Ms. Jamieson took me into the story was personal and emotional. Dev and Tori’s thoughts, motivations and actions are intimately revealed. The slightest shift in thinking had monumental influence on the way they responded to each other. Both with flaws and struggles that made them real. Both with fears and expectations and not sure how to ask the other for what they wanted. Secondary characters added to the flavor but didn’t diminish what was happening between Tori and Dev. So Kelly, will we get a story for Gabe? If so I’ll be first in line for a copy!

The story is crammed full of deliciously naughty sex. Each encounter brings on new revelations for both Tori and Dev. The character growth in the story makes this book one to add to your must read pile. If you love BDSM with an emotional connection to the bondage, Dom/sub play, than this is a book for you.

One Small Step by Stevie Woods

Story 8
Presentation 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Phaze
Contemporary M/M erotic romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Stephen has known since he was a teenager that he was gay, but Gary has only recently accepted that he loves Stephen as more than just a friend. Accepting his feelings is one thing, acting on them is another and Gary pulls back at the intimate moment.

Stephen is not about to give up on a relationship with the man he loves and decides to woo Gary, to help ease him into that one small step that will lead to the sexual relationship they both want. Gary agrees to go on a date with him, but Stephen plays a more subtle game that Gary realizes.

However, Stephen's plan is interrupted when he becomes ill following a business dinner. Will it be enough to derail the dinner date Stephen has planned with Gary for the coming Friday night?

Review: This was a great friends to lovers story. Stephen is determined to take his relationship with Gary to the next level. But he’s also patient. The passion and compassion he has for his best friend is the stuff fairy tales are made of.

My heart broke for Gary. To love a man but fear what that love would mean. One Small Step is the baby steps taking them toward a sexual relationship. It was emotional, with well-developed characters. I was right there with them, forgetting they were words on a page because I was absorbed into the story. I enjoyed reading One Small Step.

Serendipity by Mallory Path

Story 8
Presentation 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Silver
Contemporary Gay (M/M) Romance
Silver Publishing
To Purchase

Blurb: Jake Brown has always been content with his life on the family farm.

When he learns his rock idol, the legendary Russ London, is making a tour stop nearby, Jake sneaks off to the city, planning a simple night of music and fun--but everything changes when a chance encounter in a coffee shop brings him face to face with Russ London himself.

Review: Super hot- super fun. Jake gets the opportunity to screw his idol. The setup, while a bit cliché, worked. Happenstance encounters are great. I love instant attraction and power of lust. The story had a nice pace. The action and dialog was a pleasure to read. The sex scenes were hot. Although a few times, I had to remind myself that Jake was over the age of consent. His character occasionally comes off as juvenile. This story is an erotically graphic, turn-up-the-heat read, but it’s also a stranger hookup. A fantasy encounter. I wish Jake would have worn a rubber. It made me pause in the story. However, I set aside that, I was able to lose myself in the story again and enjoy it. It’s a short story and had all the components for a naughty way to spend a bit of my afternoon

Trey #3 by Bryl R. Tyne

Story 8.5
Presentation 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Noble Romance
Contemporary M/M/M Erotic Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Trey wants his job.

Drew wants Trey.

Travon wants them both, but must avoid the law.

When boyfriend Drew and twice a month fuck buddy Travon decide to go in together on a local Las Cruces pawnshop heist, neither expects to find Trey working behind the counter. Funny, both Drew and Travon figured the accountant-degree-holding Trey to be a safe bet. Both are fiercely protective. None expected to meet.

With the loot bagged, the ironic love triangle exposed, and the cops on the way, what's there to do but drag Trey along for the ride?

Trey discovers sometimes choosing between the lesser of two evils is all but impossible.

Review: Get a tall glass of something cold before beginning this story. There is no warm up. It’s straight into hotter-than-hell, rough and gritty, OMG, sex! Bryl has such a raw way with words. It’s edgy and hot and damn, but I felt each word in all the places I’m supposed to when reading erotic fiction. This story was a pleasure to read. The characters were distinct. I adored Trey from the beginning. Drew had potential and I thought Travon had all the makings of a jerk. As the events unfold, the relationships change and truths are revealed. The plot was fast and the twists and turns kept me scrolling through the pages. The writing has an edge of humor, which I loved. The sex is hot, the risks are high, and in the end, I found that I’d become invested with all three characters. And Travon surprised me the most. This story had everything I love in a hot short story. A definite story to recommend.

His Darling by Ashley Elizabeth Ludwig

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sweet Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: The Flower Basket Series


Love can bloom at any age…But, will it wilt under the spotlight?

Former fifties Hollywood starlet—Nona Darling—fell in love onscreen over and again. In her granddaughter Misty’s opinion, true love only exists in the movies and too often, she falls for the villain. Running from a failed relationship and her film production company turned tabloid, she returns to Almendra, California to care for her grandmother, and hide from the world.

Cain Trovato, a small town jack-of-all-trades, finds Misty and refuses to let her escape into obscurity. Blocked for years from songwriting, he starts putting words to music as a way to define his growing feelings.

When the Almendra Film Festival spotlights Nona Darling, Misty’s former fiancée makes a claim to reveal her grandmother’s secret past. No amount of editing will spare the coming scandal. With Cain at her side, can Misty believe in a happily ever beyond the rolling credits?

Review: Another fine addition to this series. Almendra is begining to feel like home to me :)  I feel so connected to the characters and the stories. Can I move there? ;)

A witty, sweet wonderful story that really bounced for me. A sassy movie star, her lovely granddaughter and a hometown man who does just about everything. They all made this story come to life. Of course the wonderful women at the Flower Shop added their spice to the story :) as they always do :) 

With not one, but two romances playing out in this one, Love is certainly in the air and really hard to ignore. And let me just say that I will never look at olive oil the same....Oh I wish Cain was the one I was buying it from. CUTIE!!!!  And a musician to boot :)

Rest assured that I will be waiting for the next installment of this series. Ms Ludwig's addition makes the collection shine just a bit more than it already did :)

Where There’s Heat by Grace Hood

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 16.5
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: Darren Kelley loves his town, his job as a volunteer firefighter, and working at a shelter for abandoned horses. He couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Until the cute girl from high school returns to town, all grown up.


Angie Davis is a pastry chef working at a popular restaurant in Boston. When her mother runs off with her latest toy boy, Angie rushes back to her small hometown in Maine to rescue the family pasta factory. Not content to return to the boonies, she decides to sell the business, fast, and get back to her real life. But before she can escape, she meets up with the man of her high school fantasies, and questions whether she needs the bright lights and big city to be happy.

Review: A cute coming home story.

Coming home isn’t always what we might think it will be…sometimes it’s even better and that point is nailed in this story. Home town, old school mates, the house you grew up in. Memories can be found around every corner and not all of them are good. Hell some you forgot about but now realize how great they were.

Mom was one that I wanted to shake a couple times but then again, she should be allowed to be happy too.

I really liked the way these two got "re-introduced" to each other.  Made me smile.

All in all a worthwhile read that at times may have been rushed, it was still really cute and one that I can say I would read again. While at times I thought Cripes was a bit over used and made Angie seem young, the story resonated with me and I was able to look past it.

Treasuring Evie by Tessie Bradford

Story: 7
Presentation: 8
Total: 15
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Erotic BDSM
To Purchase

Blurb: “So let’s recap. You screwed like bunnies in the yard and then went inside to make omelets and get to know each other?”

Evelyn Ashlyn is living a life she’s struggled hard to achieve. Her business is thriving, as is her career as an artist. Success, however, always comes with a price. For Evie, the price is her personal life—and sex life. She’s not had any for two years. Dalliances with the summer tourists are against her code of ethics and the few bachelors in her small town are single for a reason.

Matt Carstead, recently retired Detroit police officer, thought his dream come true was to move up north and spend his days woodworking, fishing and relaxing. That was until he met Evie, his fantasy woman come to life. Especially when he discovers his new neighbor swims in the nude—and has a mouth like heaven on earth.

Neither of them ever imagined what was about to happen.

Review: Cute? Yes. Sexy? Yes. BDSM? Not a lot but enough to whet your whistle. Had there been more I might have questioned why a newbie was willing to go hardcore 

Though I never really figured out what the other guy had to do with the story other than allowing Matt to get a little ALPHA “stay away from him”, it all worked. The sex while fast between them, worked for the story and they both acknowledge the speed at which their relationship progresses.

All in all everything about this one worked well. The characters were well depicted, the story was easy to follow and it all played out rather nice 

Love in the Afternoon by Diana Hunter

Story 4.5
Presentation 8
Total: 12.5
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
BDSM
To Purchase:

Blurb: Naked. Alone. She sits on the floor in quiet meditation, awaiting her lover. He will tie her, dominate her, caress her skin with the stinging thongs of his flogger. She struggles to settle the anticipation that builds with each passing moment. To master the smile that belies her calm façade.

In another room, he prepares the tools of her pleasure. Their pleasure. Though they have done this before, it is new every time. The bindings will chafe her delicate skin. The lash will mark and burn her luscious ass. He will tightly wrap her body in rope, spread her wide and play with her as she hangs helplessly within his control.

Bondage. Passion. And a love that binds more tightly than the strongest cord.

Review: The BDSM aspects of this story are phenomenal. The author gave me a new look into the D/s relationship and also the pain play from bondage and punishment. On those aspects this story is brilliant. However, when it comes to the characters, the plot, the action between these two characters, the story fell apart for me. Perhaps some will find stories with little to no dialog, deeply introspective. I found it a bit boring.

Managing Maggie by Kate Sterling

Story: 7
Presentation: 8
Total: 15
Publisher: Cobblestone Press
Erotic Cougar Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: Maggie was devastated when her husband divorced her because she couldn’t have children, but she eventually moved on and started her own graphic design business. When her business partner Jason indicates he wants their relationship to be personal, Maggie is tempted by the sexy young designer, but she thinks she's too old for him.

Yet an unexpected encounter featuring fuzzy handcuffs and a pink flogger leaves Maggie feeling he may just be “The One”. She’s riding a wave of happiness until a younger woman shows up claiming to be pregnant by Jason. Can Maggie and Jason’s relationship handle the strain?

Review: Well written with a solid story and characters, my only issue was with Maggie’s constant thoughts of Jason as an employee and not a business partner.
Aside from that one nick for me, the story, the sex, the rest was good. Ms Sterling has a real way with making images POP that as a reader I appreciate and love to see when I read. The conversation between characters flowed well and all in all I had a good time reading this one :)

What more could I ask for? A smokin' hot guy and steamy sex? Sounds like Christmas to me ;)

Shadow of the Hawk by Judith Rochelle

Story 8
Presentation 9
Total: 17
Publisher: Audio Lark
Contemporary Western
To Purchase

Blurb: Hawk Riley’s life was in a downward spiral until his truck fell on him and he met Maggie Devereaux.

Maggie had problems. Lots of them. A stranger was out to destroy her. She was on the verge of losing her famous cutting horse ranch, Mercy Creek. And she needed help to prepare for the Wayback Grand Rodeo, her make-it-or-break-it moment.

Can Hawk help Maggie save Mercy Creek… and save himself, as well?

Review: Maggie has a quarter horse breeding ranch and she also has lessons and practice supervision for riders on their own horses. Her ex-husband wiped out all of her bank accounts and left her in dire circumstances. She also has a neighbor who wants her land because he is involved in a secret billion dollar development .He causes a lot of trouble; cutting fences to let the horses out, and calling the feed store and changing her delivery orders for example.

Hawk is a former rodeo cowboy who is down on his luck, a drinker, a brawler, and has a poor reputation for everything except his training ability with horses. He has very few possessions except his beat-up pickup, his horse trailer, and his quarter horse Jocko.

On his way to her ranch to ask for a job, he has a flat tire. When he is changing the tire, the truck slips and falls on him. He wakes up in a hospital with a broken leg, a broken arm and other injuries. Hawk has no insurance and no money to pay the bill.

Maggie offers him a job, to act as her fiancee and give her support in running her ranch. He reluctantly agrees and the romance is on. They are attracted to each other from the star.

This is the first audio book I have listened to and I found it to be much more enjoyable than I expected. The reader put a lot of feeling into her reading and presentation of the story. The varying inflection she put to each character's talking added a lot of interest. It was not just a dry monotone reading that I expected.

The Outlaws by Anna Leigh Keaton

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: Cobblestone Press
Erotic Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: Patty Fitzgerald decides it’s time to get back on the horse—so to speak—after three years of celibacy following her failed marriage. And what better way to do so than to be ravished by a cowboy, or two? She joined The Pleasure Club and is set for her fantasy night.


She just hopes the Pleasure Guardians got it right. When she stumbles across the rugged cattle rustlers, she’s more than willing to let them have her. The surprise though, is the sweet, shy hero who saves her and shows her a passion she’d forgotten could exist in her life.

Review: Ms. Keaton, you naughty girl you  This shorty is just another example of why I adore this authors writing. Super hot, fast paced and in the end…no not a HEA and there is a glimmer for more.

Cowboys? Yes please. I just love them. Everything about them and when work rough hands and jean encased butts are paired with the flow of Ms Keaton’s writing….heaven for me. Smokin’ and sexy this Wicked was just what I needed for a short late night read just before bed. Well done :)

Inestimable Blessings by Amanda Young‏

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
ALY Books
m/m erotic contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: Lee Calder’s life is right on track. He has a small circle of close friends, a career he loves, and a baby on the way via a surrogate. Mr. Right is nowhere to be found, but Lee isn’t about to let that little tidbit rain on his parade. He’s more than willing to thrust his other needs aside and focus on fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a father.

With his love life in the gutter, Lee turns to fantasies of his hunky neighbor, Finn Alexander. His daydreaming is merely a harmless diversion until Finn comes to Lee’s rescue on a dark and stormy night.

To Lee’s surprise, the chemistry they shared in his imagination is nothing compared to the real thing. Finn is as hot between the sheets as Lee always envisioned. Better still, they get along famously outside the bedroom. The only things standing in the way of Lee having it all are the bundle of joy due any minute and Finn’s apparent aversion to children.

Review: This story has it all. Sexy men, good friends, great buildup, hot sex, a bit of insecurity and a happily ever after. But the happily ever after doesn’t come easy and that’s what made this story such a pleasure to read.

I’m usually a bit leery of kids in erotic romance but this title perfectly blends Lee’s need for family with his desire to find Mr. Right. Tired of waiting on one, he makes a solution for the second via a surrogate. The baby factor was such a fabulous foundation on which Ms. Young built a story that goes to the heart of who we are as people. Lee wants to be a dad. He wants love…or at least sex before his life becomes complicated with nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Enter Finn, the hot neighbor feeding his lustful fantasies—and mine too. The relationship develops gradually but neither is being completely honest. Lee’s is cautious. Hot sex doesn’t equal relationship. And Finn has a bit of baggage. He was hurt by his ex and his ex hasn’t exactly moved on.

All the pieces of this story come together like a puzzle. As truths are revealed, the picture of possibilities between these two men becomes clearer. The sex is hot yet emotional. Just when it seems that Lee will have love and family, Finn struggles to accept all that a relationship with Lee would entail and Lee questions whether Finn is really the man he can trust and believe in. Ms. Young has created relatable characters, with real life problems. Inestimable Blessings is a poignant story that was a pleasure to read.

The Sweetest Deal by Mary Campisi

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Carina Press
Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: An impossible demand...

Max Jernigan is ready to close the most important business deal of his life—all he has to do is agree to one request from Grayson Crowell: impregnate the mogul's daughter.

No way can Max do this. He's a decent guy. But he would love a child. He just doesn't want a wife.

An impossible man...

C.C. Crowell gave up on dreams of a family after Mr. Worse-Than-Wrong broke her heart. Hiding behind spreadsheets, boring suits and an icy attitude, she's more than a little suspicious when arrogant, handsome Max is suddenly chasing her. But she can't deny their chemistry. Until she learns about the deal and plans to pay Max back in kind....

Review: VERY NICE!!!!

I just love this kind of story. One of those that tears you up, pulls you in and spits you out…then leaves you wanting to read it again  While at one point, I had a major dislike for the hero, it was quick to disappear as his true nature started to show. He was between a rock and a hard place and made the most of it the best he could. This story ROCKED!!!!

This caliber of writing and storytelling is one of the reasons that I love to read as much as I do. SNAPS!!!!

Only in Novels by Laura Briggs

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 16.5
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Contemporary Inspirational
To Purchase

Blurb:When a simple mistake lands bookstore owner Lannie Maxwell with the wrong author for her book signing, she wonders if her tiny business is destined to fail. Instead of Ms. Modern Homemaker-an author sure to multiply the bookstore's gross revenue-Lannie finds herself stuck with D.E. Hensen, an unorthodox and infuriating adventure novelist. The dashing D.E. is determined to help Lannie rescue her struggling business, but his outlandish ideas threaten to turn her world upside down. Can the two put aside their differences to save the store-and find their own version of happily-ever-after?
Review: This was a cute little story. The emotion that she felt about her bookstore literally jumped of the pages at me from the beginning. While I thought there were some…silly ideas :) suggested by the hero, I think the author did a really good job making it all work. In the end I was pleased with the journey I made.

The inspirational aspect of the story was not over the top, but a pretty steady influence throughout. All in all it was a story that had likeable characters, a cute plot and story line and a good conflict that I found to be believable.

Good job Ms Briggs :)

Fiction by Parker Ford

Story 9

Presentation 9
Total: 18
Publisher: eXcessica
Contemporary Erotica
To Purchase

Blurb: Julianne just wants that old spark back in her marriage. Her husband Logan is too preoccupied with making their business bloom. When she's rebuffed one too many times she does some soul searching. Her search leads her accidentally to a very handsome man with a dominant streak a mile wide. Who wants her. Really wants her in a way that excites her to no end.

Julianne is shocked to see how far she will go for Max and how readily she falls under his spell. Even from the first moment where she admits that she's looking for something and she thinks it's him, she acts with a pure lusty reckless streak she's never experienced. Max pushes her to a place, both emotionally and sexually she's never imagined. Julianne would do just about anything to please him. Even after her husband finds out.

The ultimate question becomes will her affair with Max bring Julianne and Logan closer together or be the final straw in their struggling marriage?

Warnings: This book contains instances of m/m sex, ménage, bondage, anal sex, corporal punishment and infidelity.

Review: Parker has a way with words that endears the reader to the characters even when the characters are flawed in a way that might make them unlikeable in normal circumstances. The words on the page are seductive. The story unfolds in aching clarity. I felt Julianne’s frustration yet my heart broke when she allowed herself to be swept into an affair of the body while her love remained with Logan. I wanted to smack Logan upside the head. Taking Julianne for granted, thinking marriage protected what was his, could cost him more than he even realizes.

The tale sizzles, but the tension of the situations had me on the edge of my seat. I felt as if I was having the affair, waiting for the secrets to be exposed and wishing Julianne would be more careful because I didn’t her to betray Logan—I didn’t want her to get caught. But Max is so damn appealing. I wanted to have sex with him! I wanted to be Julianne yet I couldn’t stand her. I wasn’t sure about the ending, but I thought the emotional responses of Logan and Julianne were realistic. To read this story is to soar over peaks and plummet into valleys.

I love a story that makes me forget I’m reading, makes me feel like I’m part of the characters a leaves me longing for more well after the final page is turned. I want to feel a story, even when it makes me uncomfortable. Fiction is just this kind of story. This was a book I found impossible to put down.

Don’t Tell by Eve Cassidy

Story: 7
Presentation: 9
Total: 16
Publisher: eXcessica
Gay Male Contemporary
To Purchase
 
Blurb: For Jeff Ward, keeping his sexual preference a secret from his platoon was of utmost importance. But being celibate was never in his plan. So when tension and frustration are at the breaking point he takes some advice and heads out of town for a quick chance to blow off steam.

On the brink of super stardom, Finn has sworn off getting involved with anyone. Especially the tall, muscled Marine that just walked into the pub. He has a career to think of and he’d already been burned once by the infamous ‘Don’t Tell’ policy of the Corps.

Despite their differences, one song later both men realize some rules are meant to be broken, sudden lust can’t be denied and random encounters aren’t always as random as they seem…

Review: From the first lines of the story, you know Jeff’s inner struggle is going to be emotional. I liked him immediately and was quickly invested in his story. Finn has concerns and worries. Although a rising star, he isn’t shallow or unfeeling. The attraction between them is strong and as a reader, I felt the longing from both characters. The chemistry was instant and I couldn’t wait for the fireworks.

Don’t Tell is hot. There is plenty of vividly described sex. The characters are likeable. I thought this was a good story.

Dangerous Exposure by Lina Gardiner

Story: 7
Presentation: 9
Total: 16
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Spicy Paranormal
To Purchase

Blurb: If Angela Grace, reporter for The Postulator, hadn’t seen the gorgeous naked man with her own eyes—and shot some rousing photographs to boot—who would have believed her? Yet, there he stood in all his glory staring up at the full moon in the deep woods of the Colorado foothills. It wasn’t until the tabloid ran the titillating photo on the cover that she found out, Blaze Trent, reclusive millionaire in question, took issue with his privacy being sold to pay Angela’s rent. Worse, the article in her paper not only exposed him, but her wild speculations exposed the vulnerable wards he protected and put her life in unthinkable danger as well. But over night, Blaze changed everything Angela believed in and her world would never be the same again—without him.

Review: When I cracked this one open I was super excited. The blurb made my mouth water. I read…I got sucked in…I wanted more…then I got a bit of a shock.

The beginning and middle of the story flow very well. They move at a good pace and everything seems…logical :) Ok, at least as logical as a paranormal is supposed to be  I hit a snag later in the story, though when it seemed to me that all of a sudden I was surrounded by emotions that for me seemed to come from nowhere and without a very good explanation. I think had it been a bit longer and if she had been at his home longer, perhaps had I seen a bit more interaction between them after that I might not have felt so rushed to get to the “I love you’s”.
Even though the end left me wanting, the story was still cute and one that I enjoyed.

Wedgie Tales and Panty Lines by Sandra Sookoo

Story: 8.5

Presentation: 9

Total: 17.5

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Spicy Contemporary

To Purchase

Blurb: When unassuming mailroom worker Kate Little agrees to become an underwear tester for a marketing company, things get uncomfortable fast. Not only has she never worn “fancy” underpants before, she has to work closely with handsome marketing manager Bryan Eddleman, and that’s enough to keep her in a constant state of confusion. Trouble is, Bryan’s competing with another manager for a promotion that hinges on the results of the test group. Kate can’t determine if his sudden interest is really in her or her surprisingly insightful weekly reports on foundation garments. Add a jealous coworker out to sabotage Kate’s budding love life, an overly helpful gay friend with nothing better to do than shove her into Bryan’s arms, and a rambunctious teacup dog to the chaos and you’ll have a typical day in Kate’s less than ordinary life. The last thing she needs is panty lines.

Review: LMAO!! OMG what a rush. It has been a long time since I enjoyed a book this much. Usually I am not big on first person stories, but Oh Ms Sookoo! What a good job you have done. There were times I thought I was going to laugh so hard I would wet my pants (thank goodness that disaster was skirted)

I loved the little “rules” at the beginning of every chapter. NICE TOUCH!! And I have to say that I agree with most of them. As the reader, I got to follow the heroine on her journey as a panty tester. Oh My Word! WOW does she have some wardrobe malfunctions that would have sent me to my grave. (Shhh don’t tell anyone but I too have experienced a couple of her snafoos. Which ones? I ain’t tellin :) ) And even as mortifying as they were when I experienced them….They were funny as hell to read about….so long as it wasn’t me. Terrible I know. But hey, it’s the same reason we all laugh at America’s Funniest Videos. :)

The only thing that I can say is that the blurb does not reflect that the story is in first person.

The Game in Spain by Lydia Nyx

Story 5
Presentation 8
Total: 13
Publisher: Noble Romance
Contemporary Gay Erotic Romance (m/m/m)
To Purchase

Blurb: In Madrid, Spain, during Carnival, gorgeous Spanish gymnast, Alejandro Salvador, leads his trainer, Gabriel, and his ex-boyfriend Sebastian on a wild and sexy chase through the streets. Promising the one who gets to him first gets him as their prize, he thinks he runs the game he's playing. Little does he know, the two men, both in desperate lust with him, will realize competition isn't necessary when they can have twice the fun working together.


Review: The Game in Spain had a great hook, but I wished I had enjoyed the story more. I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a scene without knowing what had happened up to that point. It was action packed and exciting, but confusing. I never really had a good grasp of the characters. The description of the surroundings was perfect. I could picture where they were just fine. I didn’t feel like I knew any of the characters, therefore I didn’t care about the passion between them when the sexual aspects of the story begin.

The sex is hot, but without feeling the romantic involvement, without the buildup from sexual tension, it was just words on the page. Ms. Nyx can write a hot love scene, but I want to feel it with the characters. This story failed to pull me in and therefore didn’t deliver.