A Kiss for Luck by Kale Moon

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: Dr. Clara Evans’ life has taken a turn for the worse. With a failed marriage behind her, Clara has only a bottle of wine and a romance novel for company on New Year’s Eve while waiting for the dreadful year to end.

Her lonely celebration is disrupted when her best friend Jackson Philips shows up and she couldn’t be more delighted. Tall, muscular and handsome, what’s not to love about the bighearted firefighter?

It’s not until she steals a desperately needed kiss for luck at midnight that secret desires and hidden heartaches rise to the surface, igniting an inferno of passion that burns hot enough to overwhelm even the most seasoned firefighter.

Review: Nice, quick and to the point. I am a friends to lovers fan through and through. While this one really held no surprises, it was still a good read.

The sex was pretty hot, but the emotions between these two was really good. Totally worth a look :)

Scandalous Seduction by Paige Cameron

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 8.5
Total: 17
Publisher: Siren
Historical Erotic
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Blurb: With her oldest sister married and her youngest sister celebrating her betrothal, most predict that Lady Tabitha Bartley, the bookish, plain sister, is doomed to be left on the shelf. She has seldom been noticed by the town until several bored gentlemen make an innocent wager regarding her and the Earl of Sterling Court.


Lady Tabitha overhears their conversation and decides to beat them at their own game. But she will take it a step further and seduce Lord Sterling. She has read all about seduction from the books in her father's library. Since she doesn't expect to marry, this is probably her only chance to have a tantalizing sexual encounter.

First, she must win the original wager and then make one of her own. Will Lord Sterling accept her challenge? What will be the prize for winning? And more importantly, can a lady seduce a gentleman and still be considered a lady?
Review: What a wonderfully romantic tale for a diehard romantic :)

This story is a perfect example of what I adore about regency historical stories. It whispers, the propriety, the scandal. The men and women who will stop at nothing for love, the Ton be damned. Let them gossip.

I was wrapped up in this tale from the start and have to say that it didn’t disappoint. Pleasing and sweet…even when naughty…it was a total winner :)

Rock ‘n’ Roll Reunion by Georgie Lee

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Contemporary Sweet
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Blurb: When Cindy’s high school crush unexpectedly arrives to play guitar at the retirement home where she works, his presence conjures up a pack of bad memories more embarrassing than her old perm. Propping up her courage, she’s determined to prove she isn’t the same awkward girl he once overlooked.

James can’t ignore the confident, stunning woman Cindy has become but can he overcome a past tragedy and let another woman into his heart?

Brought together by his music and a few feisty seniors, Cindy and James must decide whether or not to put aside old fears and worries to take a chance on love.

Review: This was a cute, sweet story. Totally not what I expected from EC but in a good way. Emotional, quick, and well written, this short tale was just enough without being too much. I am really excited to read more in this line.

I think that most of us have some bad memories of High School. What I liked about this story was how these two moved forward from the past into the now. Really cute story.

More Than Neighborly by Stephanie Adkins

Story: 6.5
Presentation: 8
Total: 14.5
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: How does a woman get past the shock of her fiancé leaving her at the altar—for a man? For Kristen Carter, it involves throwing herself into her job as a journalist and convincing herself that her life is much better without a man in it. That is, until sexy and seductive construction worker Austin McKenzie moves in next door. From the first time she spies him through his bedroom window making love to another woman, she is instantly drawn to him and her voyeuristic tendencies make her crave him in every way.

But Austin’s been around the block—several times. Now he wants the stability that a steady relationship can bring, and once he meets his next-door neighbor he feels he’s finally met the woman for him. The problem lies in turning Kristen into a believer—even after an unexpected visitor turns their world upside down.

Review: Cute but it could have been better. The characters seemed to be in a much more serious relationship than the time line and conversations allowed. Austin’s desperation kinda killed him for me at one point. I realize that since Kristen had her heart broken she didn’t think she needed a relationship with a man. The blurb says that Austin has been around the block a few times…he ain’t the only one. Kristen hasn’t just been throwing herself into her work.

Overall the story seemed to be rushed on the emotional level. I really liked the plot and premise, I just wish that it had been expanded on a bit more so I wouldn’t have felt that the emotions were so rushed.

Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Historical Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: She’s one thing by day, something else altogether by night…


After escaping the slaughter of her clan at a young age, Scottish noblewoman Sabrina Verrick provides for her siblings by living a double life, until the night she encounters the Duke, and her secret and all she holds dear is threatened…

He’s so disillusioned, he’s completely vulnerable…

With his inheritance at stake, Lucien, Duke of Camareigh, sets a trap for the Scottish beauty with the piercing violet eyes, never imagining what will happen when the trap is sprung…

As their lives become irreversibly entangled, Lucien and Sabrina become each other’s biggest threat, as well as their only salvation…

Review: Interesting, intriguing, spellbinding. Sexy? yeah that too :)

This interesting tale had enough mystery and intrigue to keep you guessing and at times shaking your head wondering what in the hell the heroine was thinking. The characters were all engaging and well developed. The story? Yeah it was gooooood :)

This is not the first story by Ms McBain that I have read and I can assure you that it won't be the last. She has a way of sucking you into the story, making you feel like you are really there. It was magical, nail-biting, sigh-enducing...in short...it rocked :)

Wicked Deeds by Jenika Snow

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 7
Total: 14.5
Publisher: Passion in Print
Paranormal Erotic
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Blurb: What if life was not what it seemed? What if vampires were very real?


Claret isn't just a little bar; it is also a portal to another dimension, a different world that can hold either ecstasy or agony. Nena soon finds out that once she steps inside Claret, the sacrifice to leave is greater than anything she has ever dreamed.

Nena will realize that if she wants the experience of a lifetime she will have to submit to the vampire known only as Master Erach.
Review: First let me say that the cover does not represent the book very well at all IMHO. But that’s just me. Second, Well, I am not really sure what happened. Yes, I read the story and know what happened but I am not sure I understand what happened.

Hot sex? You bet. As an erotica is was super hot. If you are looking for a good quick read to spice it up…here you go. If you are looking for something with more depth..eh, maybe not for you :)

Don’t get me wrong, I dug it for the most part but I read it as I would an erotica and didn’t expect anything more than to be turned on…and I got what I wanted :)

Devils and Angels by Kate Richards

Story: 6
Presentation: 6
Total: 12
Publisher: Breathless Press
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: Executive Cari Walsh has bad luck with men. Especially her most recent Internet guy. He's handsome—and unexpectedly married. But when Gabriel steps in to rescue her from the lying devil, Cari discovers her luck and her life are about to change for the good.
Review: I am a Kate Richards fan. I look forward to reading her work the second I see her name attached to the end of any review request. I know what to expect. To say that I was a little disappointed in this one might be putting it mildly.

CAUTION: Review may contain spoilers!!!!

I really liked the plot as a whole but had some issues with a few things. Aside from the fact that Gabriel (super hot sweetie) seems to just pop up in very odd places with no rhyme or reason. The blurb neglected to tell me that Cari gets pregnant by her ass of an ex so for the majority of the story she is expecting. While I thought it was sweet that Gabe wants to help her out…two virtual strangers (one of them pregnant) going to Vegas for a quicky marriage that she had no clue about until they were almost there and then she just kind of says….NO!!!!!!! eh well Ok since you are such a nice, hot guy and you seem to always be helping me when I really need it and find myself in a jam…Sure, I’ll marry you and you can be my baby daddy.

I kept wondering about to convenient times that Gabriel just appeared. It was almost like he was stalking her.

There were also some editing issues that I came across. Content warning on the website says that there is a m/f sexual relation first night meeting with a HEA….I didn’t find it. There were some timing issues here there and everywhere where one moment something happened then it happened at a different time.

The writing and descriptions in this one were good in true Ms Richards style but sadly the story just didn’t deliver for me in the end. I will be looking for the next work by Ms Richards as I know that this is not what I can normally expect from her.

Through Hell and High Water by Christle Gray

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 9.5
Total: 18
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Spicy Fantasy
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Blurb: What if your life is nothing but a spell full of lies…?

When Melaina attends her friend’s Halloween party she never expects to be thrust into a surreal world. But she finds herself irresistibly drawn to a broad-shouldered stranger who somehow knows her name. When one of the guests disappears in flames, the sexy hunk whisks her away…and spins a fantastic tale.

Oren knows Melaina is a real-life water nymph under a faery’s memory spell. Melaina is his soul mate and their betrothal restored power to the naiad people--until a demon decided he'd rather have Melaina for himself. Now, the demon has tracked her down and Oren must find a way to restore Melaina's memory before it is too late.

Melaina is astonished. Naiads? Faeries? Demons? But she can't ignore her attraction to Oren--or the way his touch is making her body remember things her brain can't...

Review: If you like reading short romances full of water nymphs, demons, fairies, magic, creatures from hell, magical spells, hot sex, and lots of amusing fun reading; this is a story for you. This is the first story by Ms. Gray I have read and I don't know what I was expecting but this was an enjoyable reading adventure for me. I'm not really into fairies and demons, but this had enough humor in it to be fun reading.

Enjoy !

Convenient Coincidence by Renee Spencer

Story: 4
Presentation: 9
Total: 13
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sensual Historical Suspense
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Blurb: Lady Rosalind Parkhurst's passions lie more with her art than the glamour of society. When famed wax maker, Madame Tussaud, invites her to construct a model of the Prime Minister, Pitt the Younger, she relishes the prestigious opportunity. But her work hits a snag when she falls ill. Fortunately, she meets a handsome and infuriating physician who vows to help her.

Morgan de Gray, 8th Marquess of Esenden is physician-extraordinaire to King George. When the Prime Minister dies unexpectedly, His Majesty declares it murder and demands an autopsy. But his remains disappear. As Morgan begins his hunt for the body, Lady Parkhurst literally falls into his arms, and he discovers she is exhibiting the same curious symptoms as King George.

The stakes intensify as political enemies close in and Rosalind’s illness worsens. Keeping his promise to King George may end up costing Morgan more than his hard-earned job. He may lose Rosalind forever.

Review: The opening pages grabbed my attention with a male sneaking into the manor kitchen to put a white powder into a pot on the stove. And this mysterious figure shows up periodically during the story.

The plot is crammed full of mysterious figures and happenings. There are family rivalries between sister and brother, and between father and son. A main character and major political figures are being poisoned. Bodies disappear and reappear, only to disappear again. There are murders and government intrigues to keep the reader involved.

Personally, I did not enjoy this one. I had to go back and reread too many times to be able to understand what the writer's intent was. I had trouble keeping up with the plot because it seemed like parts were omitted. The historical figures were not in character with what I expected. I just could not "get into" the characters because I did not find them believable as people of this historical time.

I would recommend that you read this for yourself. You might really enjoy; as we all know "one person's cup of tea is not another's."

The Werewolf Upstairs by Ashlyn Chase

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: SourceBooks
Paranormal Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Petty crime never looked so good...


Alpha werewolf Konrad Wolfensen sees it as his duty to protect the citizens of Boston, even if it means breaking into their businesses just to prove their security systems don’t work. But when his unsolicited services land him in trouble with the law, he’ll have to turn to his sexy new neighbor for help.

She should know better...

Attorney Roz Wells is bored. She used to have such a knack for attracting the weird and unexpected, but ever since she took a job as a Boston public defender, the quirky quotient in her life has taken a serious hit. Until her sexy werewolf neighbor starts coming around…

Review: Way Cute!! Witty, Funny, Laugh-Out-Loud and totally worth every second :)

Unique characters and situations that made the story POP for me. Not only was it a really cute plot but the things that happen along the way are so well written that I felt like I was right there with Roz and Konrad for the journey. If you dig a good paranormal with a liberal dash of funny then you should really pick this one up. You won't be sorry :)

More Than a Man by Emily Ryan-Davis and Elise Logan

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Scorched Sheets
Futuristic Erotic
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Blurb: Manporium. It's where women of The Future go to buy the men of their dreams...and where twice-widowed Noelle Lytton is going to buy the third man of her dreams. Like a child crafting a Christmas wish list and checking it twice, Noelle has poured every last measure of hope into the traits she's selected to make up her third husband. She's checked her list more than twice, weighed it against past mistakes and future anticipations, and as she uploads her life's savings to pay the balance, she knows it's this man or nothing.

Sometimes things don't go quite as expected at Manporium, however, and a bride's wish list is, er...subject to interpretation. A man might, for example, come out smelling like gingerbread cookies and possessing extra appendages. All of which Noelle discovers as she comes to terms with the husband who, despite mistakes, is everything she wanted and much, much more.


Review: VERY NICE! Now, I am not usually one for Sci-fi but I am sure glad that I read this one. Sexy, a bit kinky with the tentacles but hey, it worked and not in an icky way either.

This writing team did a really good job with emotion and description. There really wasn’t much left to the imagination and for that I am glad. There were a few Futuristic words but nothing that I stumbled over and they were easy to figure out what the word meant. I like that.

Overall I say that this one is totally worth it. NICE JOB!!!

A Husband for Martha by Raven Starr

Story: 5
Presentation: 7
Total: 12
Publisher: Wicked Nights
Paranormal Erotica
To Purchase

Blurb: Martha Jones was a single woman in her thirties. All of her friends were either married or in a relationship, Martha was left out. Until the night Cade appeared in her life. He’s everything she’s not, mysterious, dashing and dangerous. Can Cade change Martha’s life and show her the meaning of love. Or will he introduce her to world of darkness?

Review: Not sure that I would say he showed her the meaning of love but he showed her something alright.

I felt no connection to the characters. There was just something missing. Sex? Well…..it was there….sort of. What was there didn’t last long and for me held no eroticness. 5 paragraphs just wasn’t enough for me to call it erotic.

This one just wasn’t for me. No connection, no emotional tugs, no sexual tugs. I think that this is one of those short stories that would have been really good if it had been longer so I could have connected and seen the whole picture. Let the characters build and develop. As it is I just felt empty.

Sex on the Beach by Melissa Schroeder

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: Siren
Erotic Romance, Contemporary Menage
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Blurb: Edwina Mitchell, Eddie to her friends, doesn't think she can have a happily ever after. She grew up with multiple fathers and never wanted to do that to a child. The problem is, she's in love with two men from her past. When she runs into them in Hawaii, she thinks it is just another carefree weekend, but the guys have another plan.

Drew Masterson and Sean Childress have served their country and now they're ready to enjoy life. That means opening a dive shop and finding the woman they both love, Eddie Mitchell. When they get a second chance with her, they refuse to fail. With New Year's Eve approaching, they decide to do everything in their power to convince her she is the one for them.

Review: This is one of those stories that was easy to read, characters that were easy to like, the plot wasn’t complicated and the ending was satisfying. And even though I thought 4 years was a little long to walk back into someone’s…bed. And I’m not usually a fan of implausible chance meetings. The writing style was smooth and I found myself just happily reading along. The sex was well choreographed and I could hear the characters, see them, and I knew what they were feeling. So all I can say was reading Sex on the Beach was like a Sunday drive. I enjoyed it even though it wasn’t a high speed chase, and didn’t have many peaks or valleys. It was just a good read that I enjoyed.

Ink Spots by Lissa Matthews

Story: 4
Presentation: 8.5
Total: 12.5
Publisher: Ellora’s cave
Contemporary Erotica
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Blurb: By night, Mandi is a waitress in her best friend’s adult entertainment club, complete with long raven hair and bright blue eyes. By day, she’s a boutique jewelry maker with a flair for the occasional naughty design. She’s shy, quiet, a definitive Plain Jane—and completely in lust with the one man who wouldn’t ever be interested in her. He’s big, menacing, and inspires every one of her dirty girl desires. If birthday wishes came true, he would be hers.

Tattoo artist. Business owner. Lover of vintage cars. Drummer. Jaz is far from the average guy. Built like a brick wall and inked from head to toe, he can scare the faint of heart with just a look, but faint of heart isn’t what interests him, isn’t what fuels his fantasies and keeps him hard from dawn to dusk. It’s her—the waitress, his sister’s friend, the birthday girl.

Mandi is given the best present ever—Jaz. And she’s got one night to make every wicked thought and erotic dream she’s had about him come true.

Review: When I saw this one come through my inbox and I read the blurb I immediately requested it. The blurb really pulled at me and tempted. Then I got it and began to read. *sigh* I wish that they story had been as good as the blurb.

From the beginning I just didn’t feel connected. The use of hyphenated descriptions, the non use of protection, the copious amounts of wetness. The sex gave me no tingles or tugs. The characters didn’t reach out to me no matter how much I wanted to connect with them, and the story just didn’t grab like I had hoped.

I have read other works by this author and really enjoyed them. For some reason this one just didn’t stick for me.

The Look of Love by Rosemary Indra

Story: 9.5
Presentation: 9.5
Total: 19
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Contemporary Romance
To Purchase
Blurb: Scott Denton always thinks of Penny Herrington as his best friend, a co-worker in the Forest Ridge Fire Department. She tricks him into helping her with the decorations for the Sweetheart Banquet. During their discussion about love and romance, Scott starts to notice Penny as a desirable woman.

When Penny hurts her ankle, Scott feels responsible and decides to move in with her. Spending time together, they share intimate discussions about love and marriage. Penny, a widow, feels guilty when her relationship with Scott becomes romantic. Devastated after a nasty divorce, Scott no longer believes in love and vows he’ll never remarry. He denies his feelings for Penny until he realizes only she can comfort him after he assist the fire department at a tragic car accident.

Review: Scott and Penny are both members of a fire department and most of the story involved their related activities. Scott is a survivor of a tumultuous divorce and Penny is recovering from the death of her husband. If readers have ever dealt with either of these situations, they will feel the pain and emotions that these two have to overcome in the development of their own love. Ms. Indra describes their feelings with such description that I could believe I was sharing them. I feel like I really know Scott and Penny

Even the relationships of secondary characters, like Scott's dad and his lady, were dealt with in such detail, that they were more than just people to add more detail to the main story. Their lives and families added much more interest to the main plot.

I really liked this story. Part of it made me stop and think about different aspects of life.

Read and enjoy this one. Overall, this story gave me happy thoughts about life and love. It gave me many things to think about.

Hush by Amarinda Jones

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: Evernight
Contemporary Erotica Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Eliza McQuade is tired of her boring existence. She wants more out of life. She craves dirty sex with strangers. The way to get it? Give in to her wildest desires and let go of the good girl inside.

Tobias Renfrew is more than happy to help Eliza smash her inhibitions with a little help from his friends. He sees nothing wrong in guiding the insatiable lust Eliza has in order to make her happy.

Review: This story is hot. The setup is like saying hello...and then let the fireworks begin. Tobias is a sexy…ass. But he was giving Eliza everything she wanted so even though at first he came off as a bit of creep, I still liked him. And she was a good match for him because she was running on lust as well. She wants to get laid and he’s willing. The book is a string of sexual encounters that were so well written that I felt every delicious tingle. If you’re looking for story with titillation, then yep, this had steam coming off the ereader. The insight into their thinking is there, the action, dialog, all good. And although stranger encounters are a bit grittier, edgier, I liked these two. They knew what they were getting when they met. Hot sex. No commitment. It was pure erotica and I wasn’t looking for a happily ever after because I just wouldn’t have believed it without any “romance substance” to this story. It was just sex. And on that the story had merit and would have been good for what it was, hot sex between strangers. So I was a bit surprised when Ms. Jones pushed the characters into love. Strong, determined-to-get-good-sex Eliza went needy. It did detract in the ending for me because it was unbelievable.

I’m On Fire by Sommer Marsden

Story: 9.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 18.5
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Cotemporary Erotic
To Purchase

Blurb: What better way to exorcise an ex than by burning all his stuff in the kitchen sink using his favorite whisky as fuel? Um…yeah, until your kitchen drapes catch fire.

Turns out they send a handsome fireman with a huge chip on his shoulder to deal with that. The last thing Melissa Valley needs is another complication in her world, but there he is—Jackson Goodman—larger than life, hotter than hell. Coming off a bad six-year marriage and resentful of the fact that he’s attracted to her. Logical much?

Fate has plans, it seems. Like it or not, what Jackson and Mel feel for each other might burn hotter than any fire either of them has ever seen. If they let it.

Review: “I know you are but what am I?” Yeah, the heroine pegged it in one part of the story when she said that was all that was missing.

I laughed so hard. This was a great mix of funny as hell, smoking story, super stud…turd-ish-ness :) that I have read in a long time…and I freaking loved every second of it :)

HOT DAMN, Sommer!!!! THIS is why I am so freaking stalker-ish when it comes to your stories :) It’s not just that I want to read every one of them…I HAVE to!! I never know what to expect when I grab one. I know it will kick ass but they all have such a different flavor. That Sommer flare that just drives me wild :)

**SNAP-A-LICIOUS** ;)

All That's True by Jackie Lee Miles

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Contemporary Young Adult
To Purchase

Blurb: "My life was close to being perfect until my brother Alex got killed. Then my mother started drinking and my father started having sex with Donna, my best friend’s stepmother. She’s not even thirty years old."


With an equal mix of joy and sorrow, All That’s True follows Andi’s poignant—and sometimes laugh out loud—journey to young adulthood, where she struggles with the elusive nature of truth and the devastating consequences of deception.

Review: LOL! All I can say is WOW. I love to read. I don't box myself into one genre, I like to read a variety. My main thing is the blurb. It has to grab me. With this one, not only did the blurb catch my interest but the story was a hoot to follow.

I really enjoyed tagging along on this youngsters journey and seeing how she dealt with all the things that came her way. A wonderful, insightful story that really captured the "feel" of youth and what it is like to grow up when things are not all peaches and cream.

Ms Miles has done a wonderful job sharing this youthfull tale with readers. Not only did it capture...and keep my attention, but it was totally entertaining and hit on many points that can and do face our youth. Great Read!!!

Unwrapping Lily by Chloe Cole

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

Blurb: Gabriel Sandoval is crazy in love. His life with his wife Lily is everything a man could ask for. She’s beautiful, funny, smart and sexy. She even swallows. There’s just this one little thing…

Lily Sandoval is wild about her man. He’s strong, supportive and gorgeous. There’s no one in the world she would rather spend time with, and their sex life is off the charts. But she knows that deep down, Gabe has a secret wish. And this Christmas, Lily will let go of all her inhibitions to make that wish come true.

Review: This was a cute story. It definitely shows that even married couples have room to grow, explore and overcome obstacles in the bedroom.

These characters were well written with believable emotions and “real” issues. While I might not totally understand the reservations they felt, I can see how it could be problematic in a relationship.

I feel that the author really did a good job showcasing the emotions and showing that with love, understanding and patience you can overcome :)

The Mistress' House by Leigh Michaels

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: SourceBooks
Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: Three beautifully intertwined love stories…


The rules are made to be broken…

When the handsome, rakish Earl of Hawthorne buys the charming house across the back garden from his town home, he never expects the lovely lady he installs there to ensnare him completely…

Again…

After Lady Anne Keighley marries the earl, it seems a shame to leave the house empty, so she offers it to her childhood friend Felicity Mercer, who discovers that the earl’s gorgeous cousin is precisely the man she’s been waiting for…

and again…

Finally, feisty Georgiana Baxter moves into the house to escape an arranged marriage, and encounters the earl’s friend Lord Julian Silsby late one night in the back garden. The handsome soldier is more than willing to give her the lessons she asks for…

There is plenty of gossip, scandal, and torrid speculations surrounding the “mistress’ house”, but behind closed doors, passions blaze…

Review: I enjoy reading regency romance. It has held a special place in my heart for years...and stories like this are the reason :)

With characters that lept off the pages, plots that sucked me in, and romance that made my heart do a little flip...it was a total winner. Deliciously decadent from start to finish. Emotional and frought with heart tugging scenes. Characters so real that I was sorry to see the stories end. My only saving grace was that I will be able to visit them again as often as I want...and rest assured that will be quite often.

Each story is different enough from the others but with enough of a common thread that this trio was all pulled together in a wonderful way that just flowed like a work of art :) You really should check it out. It rocked :)

Flawless by Jana Richards

Story: 9.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 18.5
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Recent Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: France, 1942. The world is at war. The Nazis have stolen the infamous blue diamond, Le Coeur Bleu, intending to barter it for weapons that will destroy the Allies. Jewel thief Hunter Smith is given a choice: help the French Resistance steal back the diamond and avenge the death of his best friend, or stay locked up in an English prison. He chooses revenge.


Resistance fighter Madeleine Bertrand’s husband died when he was betrayed by Hunter Smith. How can she now pretend to be married to the arrogant American? How can she betray Jean Philippe’s memory by her passionate response to Hunter’s kisses?

Neither is prepared for the maelstrom of attraction that erupts between them. To survive they must uncover the mysteries of the past and conquer the dangers of the present. But first Madeleine must decide whether her loyalties lie with her dead husband and the Resistance or with the greatest love of her life.
Review: I did not like the cover when I first looked at it. The shades of grey and black, the blurred top, and the swastika almost made me decide not to read this book. I'm glad I did because it proved the old adage; "You can't judge a book by its cover" was definitely true in this case.

When you get ready to start on this thrilling, action packed love story, make sure you have a comfy spot and all the snacks and other necessities you need; because when you start reading you won't want `to stop for anything.

Hunter is in a prison in London when the story starts. A man comes in and tells him if Hunter will agree to steal a diamond, He can have Hunter released. Of course Hunter agrees to steal the le Coeur Bleu which is over 30 carats and flawless. He will avenge his friend Jean Philippe's death also.

Hunter is dropped into Nazi occupied France in World War II. Madelaine, a member of the French Resistance, meets him. Jean Philippe was her husband and she blames Hunter for his death. With lots of sneaking around, lots of Nazi bad guys, dreary rainy weather, lots of night time meetings with other members of the French Resistance, and romance make this a book that will make you tell the hubby and kids to go away because you are busy. The bad guys are horrible vicious villains. And the good guys are true blue heroes. Of course, there had to be a fake diamond to add to the intrigue. A former lady friend who turned out to be a thief shows up with a not so nice man who wants to buy the Blue Diamond from the Nazi general who had it. The main man, Hunter is handsome and the main lady is beautiful, just like they should be in a love story. You will like the ending... both of the bad guys and the heroes.

All the elements of a really good story make this one a keeper. The plot was well developed with lots of twists and turns. The characters acted like real people, even the immoral vicious ones. The situations Hunter and Maddie found themselves in were believable. And from what I know from studying World War II, I think the actions and events were accurate.

So, in summary, put aside your book markers because you won't need them; turn off the phone because you won't want to be interrupted, lock the door, and ENJOY this one by Jana Richards.

Ellie's Song by Ginger Hanson

Story: 6
Presentation: 9
Total: 15
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sweet Contemporary
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Blurb: Take one heroine and hero gripped in relationship limbo. Stir in a possible media scandal. Sprinkle lightly with a three-year-old child. Add one potential mother-in-law, a former boyfriend, a celebrity reporter hot for a story break and a Hollywood starlet. Knead above ingredients. Cover and let rise in a warm place. Bake for 31 chapters. Yield: Ellie’s Song, the story of shy folk artist Ellie Kellson who loves country singer Lane Walker, but abhors the media attention he needs to be a successful singing artist.


Review: I wish I could give this story a higher rating. The plot had great possibilities, but Ms. Hanson just did not keep my attention. The opener is a tear-jerker with unwed mother, Ellie, seeing her baby's father's wedding announcement to another woman. Lane shows up and does not know about his daughter. At this point, I really expected a great story. This story could have been great, it had all the characters, all the relationships, all the necessary elements, but it just didn't do anything for me. The characters and their personalities were pretty well developed, but they just didn't leap off the page and come alive for me. The other man, Joshua, is a nice guy, but I found him to be wimpy. Ellie's mom was caring, but intrusive. Her younger sister is a star-struck teenager, sweet and nice, but just not "alive" for me. I guess that is what I could say about all the characters; they were nice, but just bland like mashed potatoes are nice but baked potatoes are better.

The three year old daughter is cute, but I had problems with her dialogue. I have a three year old granddaughter, and the difference in their vocabulary was striking. The section about the little girl being lost was terrifying for a mother to read. It makes us realize just how fast a little one can get out of sight and be lost.

I enjoyed the descriptions of food and the aromas, especially the cinnamon used in her bread. In fact, cinnamon was mentioned many times. That and the cardamon, hmmmm , were enough to almost make me drool. The references to food like chocolate pie, fried chicken, green beans sautéed with Roma tomatoes made me go to the fridge several times.

It is a good story, but, for me, it could have been great with more work. I would suggest you read it and decide for yourself. This story might really appeal to you. We all know that what one reader likes, another will not care for. Give it a chance, you might really like it.

Captivations: To Err Is Human by Julie Lynn Hayes

Story: 9
Presentation: 8.5
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Wicked Nights
Paranormal Erotic
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Blurb: While Avery’s pole dance seems to have driven Jillian to drink, he can’t deny that she’s had an effect upon him as well. Wohali gives Jillian the guided tour of Captivations, while Avery waits for outside news, which isn’t forthcoming. He needs a distraction before thoughts of Jillian drive him crazy.


Review: Okay so here is where I tell you that when I selected this title for review, Wicked Nights was kind enough to send me the first two books in this series so that I could get the full feel. THANK GOODNESS!!!!!

What a kick ass series! I just can’t wait to see what happens next. These little shorties by themselves are just enough to tease and keep you coming back. It’s almost like watching one of those little mini series shows they have on TV every so often…you know the ones that they space out and when the first one ends you chomp at the bit until the next one gets aired. NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can bet your keester that I will be keeping my eyes peeled for the next installment. And you? What are you waiting for? GO!!! You have to try this series!

Awaken to the Night by Nicki J Markus

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 8.5
Total: 16
Publisher: Wicked Nights
Horror
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Blurb: A girl wakes to find herself in an abandoned house in the middle of the Australian bush with no idea of how she came to be there. Now she must travel though the night to find help before someone ... or something ...finds her first.

Review: This was a very interesting little bite. Definitely gets the blood pumping. The author did a really good job relaying everything that the heroine was seeing, feeling and smelling. I got all the creepy little feelings right when I should. Nicely done in such a short span of words :)

Twice is not Enough by Emma Lai

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 8
Total: 16.5
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Historical Erotic
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Blurb: After several disastrous engagements, Lady Minerva Peters is an expert at suppressing her own needs. Only in the darkness of night does she give in to her wanton desires with a fantasy lover.


In the middle of a crowded ballroom, she learns her father is not yet ready to let her fade into spinsterhood. Humiliated, she ducks into a dark alcove only to find out she's not alone. Her hiding spot is occupied by a captivating stranger. Before she can escape, the two become voyeurs to another couple’s sexual rendezvous. The atmosphere heats up and so does her body, especially with the tempting offers whispered in her ear.

Will Minerva deny her needs once again or will she embrace the anonymity of their seclusion and finally explore her basic impulses and the startling attraction to the compelling mystery man?
Review: WOW! Ms Lai has penned a wonderfully written story that just popped off the cyber pages. Well written and creative, I have to say that this little story went beyond my expectations.

I have read a lot of Regency stories lately, and this one was well worth the read. No doubt that Ms Lai has a knack for writing love scenes that are both titillating and sexy. I found myself riveted and wanting more when the story ended.

The Gatekeeper Series: Lynn by Stacey Thompson-Geer

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Wicked Nights
Futuristic
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Blurb: I have been a warrior my entire existence. From the very first life I lived, I knew this to be true. My purpose is not my own. I’m to save people that are not ready to see the truth, not ready for the world that seems to have unraveled around them.

NOTE: this is a short story to build anticipation for the novel release of Dark Magick in June 2010.

Review: Now THIS is a series that I think I can get on board with. The world isn’t like it is now. There are things out there hunting and killing humans. Fast paced, action packed. If this little tease is anything to go on, Ms Thompson-Geer might have just written my new fascination :) There are very few series that I follow like a stalker. Ok fine, really only 2 come to mind. I am a Kenyon minion to the bone. I like action. Hard core action with not much time to draw a breath between action. Be it ass kicking or sex, I want it fast and seat gripping.

Ms Geer, I think I love you :)

In The Flesh by V.J. Devereaux

Story: 6
Presentation: 8
Total: 14
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: Mikaela has daydreamed about movie star Travis Donovan since she was a teenager. One night she dreams about finding him unconscious behind his beach house. He awakes and kisses her. Mikaela just enjoys it as a magical moment that can never be real.

But Travis is dreaming about her too. He’s kissing a woman he’s never met, feeling happier than he’s ever been. Travis feels battered by his sagging career and an unexpected divorce but the effervescent woman in his dreams picks up his low spirits and seems to be bringing him good luck.

They share the same dreams. Every night they make love, feel the same erotic touches, taste the sweat on their skin as they explore each other’s bodies and soar together to heights of ecstatic bliss beyond anything either has ever experienced. Those dreams have become their reality. Now Travis wants it all, wants Mikaela—night and day. But there’s a shadow looming over her. He has to find her. Where is she? Is she even real?

Review: Did you read that blurb? Damn! I must confess that the blurb NAILS the plot head on…unfortunately I just didn’t dig the way it was written.

If you like lots and lots and lots and lots of hot sex then knock yourself out :) The sex rocked. For me, though, the constant switching of POV got to be way too much. There were times when the POV changed after just a couple of paragraphs…again and again.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I have read other works by this author and enjoyed them immensely. I was just left in the dirt with this one. I got no real connection to the characters, no emotion, no ties, lots of sex.

And the sex? It was well written, descriptive and knock your socks off hot…and there’s plenty of it.

Sexy Secret Santa by Paige Tyler

Story: 9
Presentation: 8.5
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: Hollie Kerr has lusted after hot architectural engineer Dirk Fraser ever since they started working together, so she’s thrilled to discover he’s her Secret Santa at the office Christmas party. What she doesn’t know is that her friend has led him to believe Hollie prefers a good spanking over a boring old present any day.

Though Hollie is surprised when Dirk puts her over his knee, she can’t pass up the opportunity to get spanked by a hunky guy like him. Her upturned bottom isn’t the only thing that gets hot, however, and soon they’re having sex right there in the office. By the time they come up for air, the party has wrapped up, their coworkers have left and the building is locked tight.

What’s a girl supposed to do when she’s trapped all night in the office with a gorgeous guy? Oh, I’m sure they’ll think of something!

Review: Holy Horney Hotties, Humphrey!!!

I am such a sucker for a sexy office hook-up…all the better if it actually happens IN the office :o This fast paced sexy romp was a total winner for me in all the right ways. Sexy, seamy…dreamy! With just a touch of naughty…okay fine! There was more than a touch :) There was spanking :D So all in all this story kicked ass!

**SNAPS**

With a Cherry on Top by Dee Carney

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: Cobblestone Press
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: When sexy consultant Emory Dawson puts plump executive chef Keira Bronley's job on the chopping block, she’s not going to take it lying down. Err...


Obviously, he's never tasted the delights she offered. Or her food either. Now, alone in a kitchen with decadent novelties at their disposal, she’ll get him to try both. But can she get Emory to understand that their erotic encounter is not about saving her job, but instead about putting out the fires of desire he’s sparked?

Review: I am not sure that I will ever be able to look at my kitchen the same…especially some of the products that I have in said kitchen. Never knew some had some many uses :O

Any-who, this hot, tasty treat was exactly like I figured it would be by the blurb. Sinfull and sexy. A total winner in just a few pages :)

Good Job Ms Carney :)

The Truth About Vampires by Theresa Meyers

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Paranormal Romance
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Blurb: All her life, Seattle reporter Kristin Reed sought her breakout story. She never thought she'd find it in the crimson lair of a real-life creature of the night. Kristin never believed vampires existed—until with dark brooding eyes and a decadent chocolate scent, Dmitri Dionotte called out to her….


Dmitri and his clan's true nature was cloaked in secrecy until a warring vampire order threatened their existence. Kristin was just the woman he needed. She couldn't resist their story…or Dmitri. Her blood pulsed hot and furious when he touched her, and with his kiss, all logic fled. But each night she spent with her vampire lover brought her closer to death and destruction. A death not even an immortal could triumph over.
Review: HOLY CRAP!!!! I have read a lot of vamp stories and I am always thrilled with a new spin. Ms Myers has totally nailed it with her view of vamps and their creation. I LOVED IT!!!

While these sexy beings retain a lot of the “traditional” qualities, there is something else in the way that Ms Myers pens them. Something dark and sexy. Mysterious and tempting. All I can say is “I want to know more about your vamp world :)”

The emotion, push and pull, and raw sexual power behind these characters leapt off the pages. Sucked in from the start, I found myself irked when I was pulled away by life and other pressing matters. I so did not want to stop reading. Why is it that petty things like potty breaks and sleep seem to interrupt me when I find a book that I just can’t get enough of? Drat them :)

So aside from the irritating need to be pulled away from this ubber kick ass tale, I was smitten from the beginning and really want more about this clan and those who dwell within. I think, IMHO, that this could make a really great series and feed the need for new, unique vamp stories :)

Moving Toward the Light by Rick R. Reed

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: eXcessica
Horror, Suspense
To Purchase
Blurb: Miranda had been through it all in her young life: homelessness, the victim of a crime that made national headlines and losing those closest to her. Now, she barely gets by in a rat-hole apartment in uptown Chicago, drowning her sorrows in alcohol she’s too young to buy, and making ends meet by turning tricks.

And, just when she thinks it can get no worse, it does. With the lure of easy cash before her, she blows off her shift at McDonald’s and heads home with an older guy she met in a bar. But when she gets there, she finds the guy has a party all set to go, when what Miranda had in mind was one-on-one. After a brutal assault and rape, Miranda winds up in the hospital, clinging to life.

In the half world between life and death, she finds Jimmy Fels, her dearest love, the boy who had died years before to save her. His appearance is enigmatic, but comforting and Miranda is just beginning to discover that he has returned to avenge her.

The men will pay. And Miranda finds, through her connection with a long-lost love, that vengeance is truly sweet.

Warnings: This title contains graphic language, violence, and rape.

Review: Is it violent? Yes. Is it emotional? Yes. Will you turn the last page and wonder how Rick Reed pens such disturbing stories? Yes. And then, like me, you can’t wait for him to write another one.

This is a short story and every page takes you faster down Miranda’s unpleasant journey. Her life spiraled out of control before she ever had a chance at normal. She broke my heart. This is her story and it is a tragic one. From the opening paragraphs, my belly began churn. The descriptions of her alcohol addiction were so vivid, I was able to put myself in her shoes and it’s more than uncomfortable. It is gut-wrenching. I can’t even put into words the scene with the men. Thankfully I don’t have to because Rick has done a disturbingly good job of taking his reader into dark, vile places.

For lovers of horror, this is an intense read. The paranormal elements are believable and the story is gripping.

Wolfe’s Lady by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

Story: 6
Presentation: 6
Total: 12
Publisher: Evernight
Paranormal
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Blurb: Stella Raines was looking for a change. She moved to the small town of Riverville to begin her first year of teaching history. She quickly learns that teaching in such a rural high school is no picnic, but the math teacher in the class down the hall makes her first week all the more intriguing….


Darien Wolfe is a staple of Riverville High School, with his rule-breaking hair and attire. He seems to have taught there since, well, forever. However, Darien never knew how much his long life might change until he notices the new history teacher down the hall.

Their attraction is instant and for eternity, like the stars under the full moon. But can Stella survive Darien’s secret?

Review: I have to admit it was a good plot but I think the story and the love was way rushed. I didn’t really connect with the characters at all. There was a great deal of editing issues including missing and duplicated punctuation throughout.

I think this plot would have worked well without the I love you so fast. Perhaps an I have feelings and want to explore. I found Stella’s acceptance of expensive gifts so soon after meeting him a bit odd. She really didn’t waver at all about the expensive broach or Waterford crystal vase.

Aside from that I have to say that the author certainly has a way with words and the descriptions in this tale were very vivid.

Tis the Season to be Kinky by Jenna Reynolds

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Contemporary Erotic Ménage
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Blurb: Melissa enjoys indulging in spicy roleplay scenarios with her sexy lover, Colin. Doctor, patient. Professor, student. Plumber, housewife. When Colin dresses up as Santa, Melissa is surprised by the visions of naughtiness that dance through her head. After sharing one of her more risqué roleplay fantasies, she has a pretty good idea what he has in store for her following his firm’s holiday party.

What she doesn’t know, however, is that Colin has invited one more person to take part in her racy roleplay scenario. His good-looking, lusty and very hot friend, Jake.

It’s definitely the season to be kinky.

Review: And kinky it was!!!!

There is a warning that should be had with this one. One of the roleplay fantasies that gets acted out is of her being accosted by a robber. While in the story she is aware that it is all in play, some readers might find this unsettling and should be warned before reading.

Aside from that the sex was hot and while I found Jake to be all about the fucking, I still liked him. There was no shortage of roleplay kink in this one. Written well and very descriptive. Totally worth a look if you like it kinky :)

One Final Attempt by Emma Hillman

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: eXcessica
Romance, Rubenesque
To Purchase

Blurb: Simon said some really hurtful things to his wife, and now she won’t forgive him. She’s even asking for a divorce. A divorce! She won’t talk to him, so he can’t even apologize properly. So, what’s a husband to do?

Reese wakes up the next day to find herself handcuffed to the bed. She has no choice but to listen to him.

Intent on proving to her that he really does love her and her curves, Simon pulls out all the stops. But will it be enough to capture his wife’s heart yet again?

Warnings: This title contains graphic language, light bondage, toy and anal play.

Review: I loved the way Ms. Hillman told Simon and Reese’s story. My problem was is that I didn’t really like the characters. At least not at first. But keep reading because their story only gets better as you read.

Insecurities are beginning to negatively affect their relationship and Simon says a thoughtless comment during a fight which sets into motion a series of events that just might bring them back together.

The story is written in a way that really appealed to me. Deep insight into the characters, flashbacks that gave needed history without holding back the story from moving forward. Sex that you feel right along with the characters. On these points, Ms. Hillman proves again why she’s on my must have list.