Love and Rockets by Gavin Atlas

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: Excessica
GBLT Erotic
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Blurb: Toby is a young, insecure college counselor by day and a sex slave by night. When he meets Leo, the massively built and gorgeous guardian of his new student client, the mutual attraction is strong. Even though sexually they are a match made in heaven, Leo is frustrated with Toby’s refusal to promise Leo they can get his nephew into Princeton. But there’s a bigger problem: Can Leo rescue Toby from his cruel, unloving master, Mike, and claim Toby for himself?

Warnings: This title includes graphic language, m/m sex, bondage, wax play, and a description of rape. (Note: This story previously appeared in Stuck On You)

Review: The story has a nice easy flow. The characters are memorable, the sexual tension thick, and there is plenty of conflict in the dynamics between Toby and Leo. With any story, there is the goings on the characters do, their jobs, etc, but it’s all just really backdrop for the real story unfolding--the story of a relationship. The relationship aspect of the story I loved. I loved the Leo is a really man’s man and Toby, at the heart of who he is, is a pleaser. He wants everyone to get what they want…eventually even for himself. When he decides Mike isn’t the man for him, (and I hated Mike with good reason) he does show his mettle. The scene will steal your breath and make you ache—almost too much. But then, Leo is there to claim his man. Mr. Altas is a great writer with an easy style. The story pushes buttons and was an entertaining read.

A Winter Tale: With Marshmallows by Stephanie Beck

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Paranormal Shapeshifter
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Blurb: No winter night is complete without marshmallows.

Pregnant and on the run, Mona Renalds is a werewolf with trouble nipping at her heals. She wants a new life for herself and the twins she’s carrying. Embracing the future can’t happen until she finds an alpha male strong enough to take on her former pack leader.

Chris Meyters is alpha of Haven Pack. Mild mannered and progressive, he tries to reverse the archaic methods of his pack’s previous leaders. When Mona comes into his diner requesting sanctuary, his primitive instinct to claim her nearly consumes him, but he fights himself to give her the choices she was denied in her former pack.

Surrounded by the Pennsylvania winter of snow, sledding parties and creamy cups of hot chocolate, Chris and Mona are prepared to do whatever it takes in order to maintain the domestic bliss they’ve found with each other.

Review: This is a sweet and charming werewolf story…but with amazing depth, action, risk, treachery, and love. Ms. Beck knows how to develop a character. Mona is strong, skilled, a survivalist…who knows when to seek help. Chris is devoted, patient, and everything an Alpha of a pack of werewolves should be. But when it comes to Mona, he’d risk everything to protect his mate.

The story unfolds without lagging sections. The book is enjoyable. The woman in jeopardy storyline was well done then add in that she’s pregnant, and the stakes were raised. There isn’t any graphic content in this book, yet it’s ripe with sexual tension so readers of paranormal are going to enjoy this story. It’s smooth just like hot chocolate with just enough sweetness to make you want another cup.

Beyond Friends by Xondra Day

Story: 7
Presentation: 7
Total: 14
Publisher: Evernight
m/m contemporary romance
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Blurb: Long time friends and one time lovers, Jack and Rain, are now at a crisis in their relationship. Polar opposites, each harbour romantic feelings for the other, but are afraid to own up to them.

When a tragic event happens in Rain's life, he looks to Jack to help him pick up the pieces, realizing there has only ever been one man in his life that he has truly loved-Jack. But will Jack return his love? Can they ever be more than just friends?

Review: Beyond Friends has many good points. Good development of the characters. There was never a boring part in the story. It’s fast paced. The characters have flaws and needs so there is a nice conflict building between them and that makes the ending all the more satisfying. There were times when I wanted to smack both Jack and Rain for not seeing what was right in front of them. But I think that showed how the author was in tune to men so young. They tend to leap before looking and Rain is a perfect example of this. So for a short story Beyond Friends has a lot of depth. But not without a few bumps along the way for me as a reader. Fast shifts in POV and short choppy scene breaks had me wondering if I was missing paragraphs in the story because of the abruptness. But on the whole this story is worth reading.

A Duke's Desire by Liz Cole

Story: 6
Presentation: 6
Total: 12
Publisher: Breathless Press
Historical Erotic
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Blurb: Anna Carrington is no longer a child, but a marriageable young woman who has loved the Duke of Fairmount for years. She has kept her love for him well hidden, sure that even if, by some miracle, he did return her feelings, his dedication to propriety would never allow him to marry his ward.

Jared St. James is known for his strict adherence to the rules of society and respectability, even though he finds himself lusting after Anna. Having struggled against his desire to his young ward, he decides the only way to right the situation is to marry her off, but will she accept the man he has chosen for her or stake claim to her innocence?

Review: The taboo attraction between a young lady and her older guardian is a classic story line, add in a duke as the guardian and the appeal increases. Sizzling hot sex scenes should have made this a must read. However, a long lead-up with little to no sexual tension, poor word choice and incomplete character development failed to hold this reader’s attention.

The Cougar Meets Her Master by KyAnn Waters

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 7.5
Total: 16
Publisher: Audio Lark
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: Taylor Davis is turning 40. Her high powered job leaves little room for romance outside of her high powered vibrator that sleeps under her pillow. No pillow talk allowed. And no complaints from her. The rabbit never quits before she's done, doesn't complicate her calendar, and Taylor doesn't have to concoct excuses to make it go home when she's through.


Enter Colt Foster. Has the bitch of the Beau Monde Hotel and Casino met her match? The hot, young detective has his own rules...and expects Taylor to play by them. Can she say no when Colt slaps on the cuffs? Does she want to?
Review: The story was sexy, witty and hot! Yet another sample of Ms Waters ability to sexify a rocking story and create a totally knockout tale. Aside from the fact that I think this audio book would have been better with a “younger” sounding reader, I think it was done well. There is just something not so sexy about listening to a grandmotherly sounding woman talking about screwing a hot younger man that just…..well….eh. I kept having to remind myself that the heroine was only 40 and not in her 60’s.

Overall I really loved the story. Another sexy tale by Ms Waters. I can’t wait to read another from this author.

Bucking Hard by Darah Lace

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: All her life, tomboy Bradi Kincaid has wanted two things—a career as a veterinarian in her hometown of Grayson, Texas…and Mason Montgomery. Problem is, he’s her best friend and, according to him, she’s “one of the guys”. Convinced he’ll never see her otherwise, Bradi comes up with a sure-fire plan to get over Mason—flirt a little, dance a lot and get laid.

What Mason imagines doing to Bradi is just all kinds of wrong. But the woman on the dance floor isn’t the girl he grew up with. She’s hot and sexy and turning him on. Him and every other man in the bar. She’s also had too much to drink and is unaware of the trouble she’s inviting. He does what any friend would—he steps in, then sets out to teach her a lesson. But before the sun rises, Mason discovers Bradi has a thing or two to teach him.

Review: hot hot hot!!! Ms Lace has done another bang up job with this story. Sassy, Sexy and the fact that it is friends to lovers is an extra added bonus for this reviewer. Filled with emotion, angst and fears, the reality of this story nearly jumped off the pages with intensity. Well done Darah!

Love Revisited - Nick & Tetsuji from BCII - Such a Good Boy by Barbara Sheridan

Story: 7
Presentation: 8
Total: 15
Publisher: Noble Romance
M/M Erotic Romance
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Blurb: Tetsuji Nabeshima is every bit his father's son in terms of attractiveness and determination. Set to graduate at the top of his law school class, qualifying early for--and passing--the New York bar exam, the Japanese transplant's career star is on the rise.

Yet one thing holds him back, the mad crush he's developed for his mentor and boss, Nick Denison, his father's best friend.

Review: There are many positive things to say about this story. The motivation behind the characters is fully explored. Without reading the Beautiful C*cksucker Series, you’ll still be able to enjoy this story. The gap in ages didn’t bother me. I think because the characters relate so well. I’d forget that Nick was so much older and Tetsuji has a maturity about him that makes him seem older. The story doesn’t have any winding turns or surprises. It’s simply about “wanting”, but afraid of what “getting” would mean. I love the questions I was left with? They work together and how will that change now they are involved. The book leaves us with a promise of more and with the strength of the characters, I’m sure they’ll be able to live happily ever after.

Back in the Closet by KevaD

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Noble Romance
M/M Contemporary Comedy Romance
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Blurb: Sometimes the best-laid plans don't mean you get laid.

Chaz and Mike are inaugurating their life together as an openly gay couple. Bliss is inevitable, until a dead relative rises up and brings their plans to a screeching halt.

Chaz's not-so-dearly departed Amish Uncle Silas has bequeathed his nephew his farm . . . and a $60,000 tax bill if Chaz doesn't play by the rules.

With empty wallets, the duo and their kitten, TCT, head off for Iowa to live on the farm for ninety days - without electricity or plumbing . . . or sex.

While Mike finds trees to climb, horses to ride, and a big ax to play with, and TCT discovers a wide array of critters to chase and capture, Chaz faces a past veiled in mystery.

As a young boy, Chaz spent time on the farm. Why can't he remember the giant oak tree or the ancient barn? Each time he tries to enter the barn, terror stops him cold.

Chaz will need courage he's never had before, along with all the strength in his partner's lusciously muscled body, to solve the riddles plaguing him. Keeping Mike and his ax from chopping off the wrong piece of lumber might not be a bad idea, either.

Review: What can I say, I’m a fan. The story was delightful, witty, funny, and so well written you forget your reading words and simply enjoy. This is why reading is such great entertainment. The romance in Back In The Closet is never in question. Chaz and Mike have chemistry and their learning to be a couple is part of the charm in this story. With a cat that will keep you grinning, a farm with secrets and a community in need a healing, this story has everything to tug on your emotions as at the same time, KevaD creates situations that will tickle your funny bone. I suggest reading Out of the Closet first, only because you’ll know Chaz and Mike better. They have history. However, this book is perfect on its own so treat yourself to a book worth reading with Back in the Closet.

Rock Hard by Olivia Cunning

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: SourceBooks Inc
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: Trapped together on the Sinners tour bus for the summer, Sed and Jessica will rediscover the millions of steamy reasons they never should have called it quits in the first place…


Review: Rock hard? You betcha!!!! To say that the second in the Sinners on Tour series kicked it hard would be an understatment. Hot men, rocking music and explosive sex? What could be better?

Ms Cunning has done it again with this facinating peek into the lives of her rock band. Men and women who are a little different but in all the right ways. Ways that only make me want to get to know them better. Kick ass Ms Cunning, I can't wait to read more about your boys :)

**Check out Olivia's interview **

Cowboy Fever by Joanne Kennedy

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: SourceBooks Inc
Contemporary Cowboy
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Blurb: Miss Rodeo Wyoming Jodie Bryce is back from the big city to find that her childhood friend Teague Treadwell’s rugged cowboy charm never looked better. But Teague thinks Jodie’s success lifted her out of his reach, and now he’s got to shed his bad boy image to be worthy of the girl next door.


Review: I am just not sure where to start. Telling you that I loved it just doesn't seem to be good enough. Telling you that this story really struck a cord with me gets a bit closer but still doesn't nail it. Combining Therapy riding with Special Needs kids just pushed it over for me. Not only was the story about Jodie and Teague super but everything else, the details, the passion...was so wonderful that it left me breathless. I couldn't put it down.

You can bet that this is a book that I will be reading many more times. No doubt one of the best contemporary stories that I have read in a long time. Thank you Ms Kennedy

**Check out Ms Kennedy's Interview**

Demons Are a Girls Best Friend by Linda Wisdom

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: SurceBooks Inc
Paranormal
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Blurb: A bewitching woman on a mission…


Feisty witch Maggie enjoys her work as a paranormal law enforcement officer—that is, until she’s assigned to protect a teenager with major attitude and plenty of Mayan enemies. Maggie’s never going to survive this assignment without the help of a half-fire demon who makes her smolder…

A hotter-than-sin hero with an agenda…

Declan is proprietor of an underground club and busy demon portal. No way he’ll allow his demon race to be blamed for the malicious acts of some crazy evil Mayans. But he’s already got his hands full when the sexy witch offers him a challenge he can’t refuse…

Review: YOWZA! Smokin hot and action packed. If you like to be kept on the edge of your seat then let me recomend this one :) With enough totally funny things to keep the story ...well not light exactly but it sure kept me entertained :)

A winner for me for sure. You can be that I will be waiting for the next work from Ms Wisdom. I have not nejoyed a book like this in a long time and I am so glad that I was able to review it and let enveryone that I know hear that this one ROCKS!!!!

**Be sure to check out Ms Wisdom's interview**

Seducing Cupid by Karen L. Syed

Story: 6
Presentation: 7
Total: 13
Publisher: Echelon Press
Contemporary
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Blurb: Aphrodite Albright is very good at what she does. So when Rusty Arrow comes to her catering business to plan the perfect engagement party, she has no idea what she's getting into. Until she discovers the truth and turns the tables on the man determined to seduce her into his future. Will Cupid's Arrow hit its mark?


Review: While I found the premise for the story cute I had a few issues. I had a bit of a time with the believability of the seduction and the passage of time. The story seemed to FLY across three weeks and I never really knew how much time was passing until almost the end.

Now, considering all of this and the fact that I just couldn’t Really get connected to the characters. I understood the love at first sight but the bet and the things that Rusty “schemed” and got Cupid to do while she thought it was for someone else just kinda irked me. Then when she found out she sticks it to him by spending money in a big way to teach him a lesson.

I found numerous errors which is why the presentation score is low. Some were as simple as we’ll being in the place of well. Things that should have been caught by editing and a bit of ! overload. There were times when it was used that I wondered about the necessity of that particular punctuation.

Bull Handler by Morgan Sierra

Story: 4
Presentation: 8
Total: 12
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Ménage Erotic romance
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Blurb: Courtney and Nils have brought a bull into their bed for a one-night trial. One night to see if this man can take charge and bring all their darkest fantasies to life. Nils wants to submit—to both his wife and another man. Courtney wants him to submit to her, but she also wants something a little more intense and a little less mainstream. A long night of kinky, no-holds-barred sex with their powerful bull will give them what they’ve been dreaming of.

Review: The blurb makes this sound a perfectly naughty little story. And it had the makings of just that. The premise is fantastic, but the story failed to deliver for me and here is why.

The opening is too abrupt. This is a super short story but a few more words should have been used to introduce us to the characters. The opening is confusing. The roles aren’t defined and what I did get I didn’t like. While they might have wanted to spice up their marriage, I couldn’t get past Courtney and her emphasis on the fact Nils can’t satisfy her. I thought the bull they brought to their bed was actually a jackass and when I do eventually learn that he’s just playing a role that Courtney and Nils need from him, it’s too late. I spent three quarters of the story disliking him. The blurb led me to believe that I’d get some yummy manlove in this story. That isn’t what I took from the book. A bit of a blowjob, that I’m not convinced Nils even wanted to give, doesn’t equate to Nils wanting to submit to another man. I got that he was really doing this for Courtney and he does get into the ménage. But what also contradicts his character is that he has a moment after the main event where he is angry and a bit jealous that the bull could please Courtney and she “never looks like that” for him. She gives him some feel good words and then okay let’s go for another round of sex. The cover is nice, but a little more attention should have been given to the editing on this one. It was not up to the usual standard of Ellora’s Cave.

Semipro by Kit Tunstall

Story: 5
Presentation: 8
Total: 14
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: A chance encounter and a misunderstanding have Jake thinking Sandra is a professional escort. She should be angry. She should set the record straight. She should definitely not be accompanying him to his hotel room for an erotic night of fun.

Review: When I read the blurb I was pulled in. I usually enjoy stories that start with misunderstandings. While I thought that the idea for this one was cute, the story fell flat for me with all the telling. I felt like I was being “told” everything rather than experiencing it with the characters. The emotions, the actions…everything. I saw it but did not connect at all.

Captivations: Sins of the Past by Julie Lynn Hayes

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Wicked Nights
Paranormal erotic
To Purchase

Blurb: Things are heating up at Captivations. First Serena catches Avery kissing Jillian in his office, in the dark. Then the handsome vampire tells Serena he can’t play with her, he has things to do. Do those things include taking Jillian outside of the nightclub? Where are they going and what are Avery Deacon’s intentions?

Review: Ok, so this is book 4 in this little series. The first 3 I read back to back so there has been some time passage since I read the last ones. Don’t get me wrong, as a whole I think that this collection is totally rocking…but spaced this far apart? Not so much.

I still like the story and you can rest assured that I will be reading the rest that come because I just HAVE to know what happens. I just wish that they were being released a bit closer together. I recall what the other stories contained but if I wasn’t in the review business, I am not sure that I would have remembered to go out and look for the next installment.

Don’t let my frumpy-ness get you to thinking that you don’t want to waste your time with this set…Definitely not a waste of time, just be prepared to have a bit of a wait until the next section is released 

The Genie of the Portrait by Misty Burke

Story: 6
Presentation: 8
Total: 14
Publisher: Evernight
Fantasy Erotic
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Blurb: Three nights of pleasure…will it be enough?

Amanda had always been forgiving, until the night of her engagement. It was at that moment, when she found her fiancé banging the waitress in the bathroom, that she changed. Never again. Men were not going to use her ever again.

So when she found William’s portrait and learned that his sole purpose for existing was to please her, an electrifying relationship resulted. Her genie offered her three nights of pleasure. And Amanda quickly realized she wanted more.

Review: A sweet idea but the final product just didn’t have enough for me to believe the story. She was way too okay with a man appearing out of a drawing and being a genie. The next morning she is falling for him and then is going to set him free because she has all these feelings and love for a man she doesn’t really know.

The believability wasn’t there for me. Had this been a longer tale with more time spent between the characters I might have been able to buy it but as it is…I just couldn’t.