Not Just Friends by Kate Hoffman

Story: 9.5
Presentation: 9.5
Total: 19
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Erotic
To Purchase

Blurb: Come to Camp Winnehawkee!
For new experiences. (With boys!)
For the great outdoors. (Where you can find yourself in nature. With boys!)
For adults-only activities. (Best shared with men!)

For venture capitalist Adam Sutherland, attending Camp Winnehawkee's reopening was a no-brainer. He's even reuniting with former camp counselors to chip in and help revive the camp. What he isn't expecting is to find a girl sleeping in his bunk. Or that the girl is none other than Julia McKee, who went from shy and awkward Good Girl to scorching-hot babe….

But the good girl is all gone…and she's headed off to Paris! But before she goes, Julia intends to show her bad-boy childhood crush just how to put the "wild" back into the wilderness! And this time, he'll be the one left wanting more….

Review: WHEW!!!! HOT!!! HOT!!! HAWT!!!!!!!! WOW! As I sit here and fan myself I will try to keep my thought coherent enough in my Blaze addled brain so you get a clear enough picture of how rocking this story was that you rush right out and get your own copy cause I ain't sharin' :) First...SMOKIN' hot hero. Second...Heroine who blossomed into a knockout while he wasn't looking. Three...INFERNO SEX THAT WILL DRIVE YOU WILD!

Are you still here? What in the world for? Oh...I get it...You want me to tell you more huh? *sigh* As if the inferno sex wasn't enough...FINE! It's a second chance :) Julia grabs the brass ring and shows that sexy stud everything that she has become....everything she wasn't back in the day. Now, if you know me then you already know that second chance love stories rank right up there with friends to lovers for me so it was no wonder that I snatched this one :) My questions is why are you still here? You really need to check this one out :)

Road to Recovery by Alyssa Fox

Story: 8

Presentation: 8

Total: 16

Publisher: Pink Petal Books

Contemporary Erotic Suspense

To Purchase

Blurb: Dr. Erin Miller’s life was going great; for the most part, anyway. She was single, had a career she loved, and a cherished circle of friends, but something was missing. When a mentorship with the Chief Pediatric Surgeon becomes available, she couldn’t be more thrilled. Maybe this is just what the doctor ordered! That is, until the handsome and charismatic Dr. Kyle Reynolds decides he wants the mentorship as well.

Kyle Reynolds has lost everything including his wife and daughter. With nothing left in his life except for his job, he sets his sights on the new mentorship position with single-minded determination. The only obstacle he faces is the sexy Dr. Erin Miller.

Review: I just love it when a book tugs on my heartstrings, makes me laugh and cry, and keeps my attention. Road To Recovery did just that. I felt very connected with the characters, the pacing was great, and the writing style made it easy to enjoy the book.

Erin and Kyle are great leading roles, and their chemistry together really sizzled. There's so many touching moments in the book, I don't even know where to begin. Ms. Fox dazzles in this wonderful debut. If you're a fan of contemporaries that can steal your heart away, Road to Recovery is one not to miss!

Blazing Midsummer Nights by Leslie Kelly

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Erotic
To Purchase

Blurb: Marketing director/workaholic Mimi Burdette has The Plan—work for her father and date his right-hand man. Problem is, there's no heat in the relationship. Not even a spark. And worse still, Mimi is having some seriously sexy, panties-ablaze dreams—and the star looks a lot like Xander McKinley, the hunky firefighter next door.

Mimi's dreams might be due to the strange tea she drank. Or the predictions from the fortune cookie she ate. Or they could be due to Xander's smokin' hotness. But whether it's magic or just old-fashioned fireworks, Mimi is about to break all of the rules—including her own!

Review:  OY! Can someone please turn down the air and bring on the ice bath!!! My temperature has gone through the roof!

Hot. Sexy. A thigh tingling tale that will liven up any circumstance. :) I started this one in the waiting room of my kids doctor. Hmmmm. Yeah, probably not the best idea. I found it hard to concentrate on what the RNP was saying during the check up. :)

That is my ONLY warning about this one. When you decide to read it...make sure you won't be interrupted. You won't like it if you are :)

Classic Murder: Mr. Romance by Mary Martinez

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Siren
Contemporary Erotic Suspense
To Purchase

Blurb: Adam enjoys a lifestyle most men only dream of. Then one day he wakes up to find the morning headlines blaring, "Another victim falls prey to Mr. Romance. Who is next?" He suddenly realizes his way of life is not only frivolous, but deadly.

Dubbed Mr. Romance by New York society for his romantic adventures, Adam Fernando Russo loves women. But lately he realizes how lonely it is coming home to an empty house. Can he settle for only one woman? After he makes a list of qualities worthy enough to merit giving up his desirable existence, suddenly recipients of his coveted attention mysteriously fall prey to a murderer. The murders seem unrelated with one exception--all the victims have recently returned from a fabulous weekend rendezvous with Mr. Romance.

Adam’s assistant, Katie Sinclair, knows Adam is innocent with airtight alibis. The police are at a loss so Adam and Katie work together to discover the link between the murders. As luck would have it, their plan to prove the murderer is copying classic Cary Grant movies goes astray just as Adam realizes his perfect woman has been by his side all along.

Review: Fun, suspenseful and witty, Mary Martinez delivers the kind of story that keeps you up all night, tears you away from every day life, and keeps you invested in the book. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres, and adding this book to the collection was a great idea. I loved the story line, the intensity of the tension at times really had my stomach in knots and the pages flying. I read it into the wee hours of the morning because I wanted to know how things would end.

Mary Martinez has a way with characters and style that keep things interesting and surprising. The hero, Adam, has a lot to learn and a long road ahead of him as his world is shaken up in a big way.

Tell Me, Touch Me, Feel Me by Cassanna Dwight

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

Blurb: Club Lexx, 3
Luther Lexington has no clue why his brother John sent for him, but he doesn't question it. What he doesn't expect to find is a mocha beauty in the guise of security personnel. She throws her fists first and asks questions later.

Tanya Babineaux did what she was supposed to do as a Club Lexx security guard—make trespassers leave by any means necessary. How was she to know Luther was the owner's little brother.

As things heat up, Tanya tries to keep her distance. She harbors a secret, and if Luther doesn't stop chasing her…she could lose everything.

Be Warned: light bondage, violence.

Review: This is the second book by Ms. Kassana that I've read (skipping Book #2 in her Club Lexx series) and I'm utterly charmed by her and her characters. For being so short, she certainly builds up a lot of passion and heat between her characters. Former characters were there (the couples from the first two bokos) and several men (and a woman) I hope to see in later books (Tanya's trainer and Donovan, pretty please?!).

I didn't particularly care for the inclusion of just why Tanya chose/needed to do the fighting she did. It seemed barely touched on, a couple of references and the inevitable "why didn't you tell me, I could have given you the money" at the end. Maybe if she'd fleshed this out a bit, made it a serious problem for Tanya (in that it got more page time) it would have meshed better for me.
Still, I enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, good read with lovely, and flawed, characters.

Tonight You Belong to Me by Cate Masters

Story: 6
Presentation: 6
Total: 12
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Erotic Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Danny O’Malley’s screwed. After he and the love of his life, Jillian, moved to Las Vegas hoping to find their big break in show business, she’d tossed him out, thinking he’d cheated. Now he’s in deep with a loan shark to pay for a 1Night Stand—a date he believes is his last chance to win her heart again.

Jillian Jones wants to see Sin City—in her rearview mirror. Agreeing to a blind 1Night Stand date on her last night in Las Vegas as a favor to a friend, she discovers her match is Danny. When he plays their song, Tonight You Belong to Me, she melts. But when two thugs break in demanding money, she finds she might go out with a bang in an unexpected way. Can she save him, and their relationship?

Review: A nice quick little read if you don't have a lot of time to finish a whole book. A sweet little romance short story that's perfect as a quick 'pick me up' if you're feeling a little run down by every day stress. A little too sweet for my taste, normally, but I needed a quick 'pick me up', and Cate Masters delivered perfectly.

Spice It Up by Jennifer Labelle

Story: 7
Presentation: 7
Total: 14
Publisher: Secret Cravings
Erotic Menage
To Purchase

Blurb: Heidi Taylor has fallen in love with a man who is off limits. He’s her best friend, and she’s afraid to tell him how she really feels. So when she hits a dry spell in her romantic life, Nathan makes it his duty to spice things up for her, shocking her, and making her true feelings known.

Nathan De Costa met the most amazing woman alive three years ago when he placed a roommate wanted ad in the newspaper. He’s secretly loved Heidi for almost two years, and decides to make his move once her love life hits a rough patch. The problem is that his sexual tastes are risqué and he’s not sure that Heidi would be able to keep up. She shocks him by becoming everything he’s ever wanted and more, but it’ll take almost losing her for good before he finally makes her his, permanently.

Review:  I loved the storyline and enjoyed the 3 main characters. My only issue with this book is that since it's so short everything is rushed. The storyline has so much potential to be a full-length novel. That being said, I did enjoy it and would still recommend it. The scenes were hot and I loved the chemistry between Heidi and Nathan. So, if you're like Heidi and have a best friend you'd enjoy doing naughty things to, this is the book for you.

Just One Kiss by Isabel Sharpe

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Erotic Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Nestled in the heart of Seattle, A Taste for All Pleasures is a warm hub of decadent baking delights. Sweet buttery cookies with melted chocolate, yummy cupcakes with creamy soft icing…and the owner, Angela Loukas, is about to meet a mouthwatering morsel of a man—one she can't resist!

Unfortunately, Daniel Flynn is officially celibate. No sex. No dating. It's criminal, really. But once he steps into Angela's shop, he remembers what temptation—in the form of chocolate icing and a mischievous set of chocolate-brown eyes—feels like.

Now he wants to have his cupcakes…and Angela, too!

Review: HOT HOT HOT!!!!

This is a perfect example of what I love about the BLAZE line. Super sexy and sizzling :) And when you pair a great story with sweet treats? Well, that is a shoe in for a ringer for me :)

It's one of those where I was so torn apart and emotional for the hero that at times I found myself wondering what I really wanted to happen. Ms Sharpe pulled everything together and made it work like a symphony :) Well done :)

Lucie's Two Step-Brothers by Jenika Snow

Story: 5
Presentation: 9
Total: 14
Publisher: Evernight
Contemporary Erotic Menage
To Purchase

Blurb: Lucie not only has to share her house with her new step-father, but also his two sons. Emery and Quentin aren’t the typical boys Lucie goes to school with, not with their towering heights and muscular frames. As her annoyance for her two step-brothers slowly diminishes, and a fierce arousal settles in, Lucie knows that she isn’t going to be able to resist their advances for long.

Be Warned: anal sex, menage sex, violence, incest (not blood related)
Review: A delightfully wicked little erotic story, with a little bit of a plot. The sex scenes are steamy and plentiful. Lucie’s mom remarries when Lucie has 1 year of school left. Edward and his 2 sons, Ethan and Quentin move in, which Lucie resents. Edward is hiding a secret about his late wife, and he’s an abusive alcoholic. He began beating Lucie’s mother while on their honeymoon. Lucie and her two step brothers begin their affair almost as soon as Lucie’s mother and their father leave for their honeymoon. The only thing I will say about the ending (so I don’t ruin it), is that almost everyone has a HEA.

Claiming Her Geeks by Eve Langlais

Story: 10
Presentation: 10
Total: 20
Publisher: ARE
Contemporary Paranormal Menage Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: How does an alpha she-wolf who can snap a man in half, learn to love and accept a pair of males who can only beat her in a game of chess?

Deena’s searched a long time for a man she can claim, but nobody’s ever stirred her interest, until Simon and Frank. The moment she meets the nerdy friends, she wants to mark them as her own, but as alpha of her pack, she can’t settle for a pair of geeks as her mates even if in the bedroom they make her submit.

At first Deena terrifies them, but as Simon and Frank get to know her, they realize that beneath the tough exterior is a woman who wants a man—or two—to take control. When it comes to fistfights, they might not have the strength to prevail, but in a battle of the mind and heart, they’ve got the smarts it takes to emerge victorious, to her screaming pleasure.

Trust fate and two men, to show this she-wolf that with a little bit of bondage, teasing and pleasure, she can claim the geeks who draw her, because after all, even a bitch can’t fight fate and her need for love.
Review: Eve Langlais has a way of mixing romance, humor and erotica in ways that I’ve not seen many authors able to duplicate. She makes you feel like the characters could be you, or someone you know. Claiming Her Geeks is about a female alpha wolf looking for her mate. Deena, the alpha, thinks that her mate has to be just like her. It takes Simon and Frank, her ‘geeky’ mates to show her what she needs. Frank and Simon are scholars in their pack and therefore have the knowledge that Deena doesn’t. They know that what makes the rare female alpha’s different, is that they usually take two or more mates. While Deena must be tough on the outside, Frank and Simon know that she needs someone that will love her in private, and maybe even let her be the submissive one. 

Seduction Creek by Avery Flynn

Story: 7
Presentation: 8
Total: 15
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Romantic Suspense Erotic
To Purchase

Blurb: Dry Creek County Sheriff Hank Layton is the stuff of dreams. Nasty, steamy, delicious fantasies that leave Beth Martinez weak-kneed and desperately wanting the man she can never have.


Hank can’t stop thinking about Beth to the point where he’s afraid of becoming permanently bowlegged. And even though the sexual tension between them is thick enough to trip over, she runs every time he chases.


But when a mysterious developer forces her neighbors off their land, Beth becomes the one person standing between the scoundrel and millions of dollars. Only Hank can help her uncover the truth. Together they risk their lives exposing decades-old secrets and learn that everything is not as it seems in their rural Nebraska town.

Review: Welcome back to the Dry Creek Series. This time, the story focuses on Beth and Hank. It seems the whole town is after the two to start dating, seeing as they've known each other forever and it only seemed fitting.

It was great to get a chance to come back to this town. a Dry Creek Bed follows after Up a Dry Creek. The characters and setting that the author has created gives readers a sense of a small town feel. It's an escape from the every day life. There's a suspense element to this book as well, which puts the reader on edge and makes them guess. I was glad to see that Beth finds happiness after all the trouble she's seen throughout her life.

If you like contemporary romantic suspense, then a Dry Creek Bed is a great book you may enjoy.

Sweat Equity by Liz Crowe

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Sizzlin Books
Contemporary Erotic Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Jack Gordon thought he’d finally made it. He had a wildly successful career, money in the bank and even returned to his life as Dom, putting an end to a string of unfulfilling sexual encounters. Now that he’s made the ultimate commitment to Sara Thornton, he believes all is right in their world. However, a series of misunderstandings and a dose of self-fulfilling prophesy bring his perfectly crafted house of cards tumbling down around him, forcing him to confront lingering misgivings about marriage and trust. Could those be the only two things he can never achieve?

Sara struggles with her intense need for Jack and her desire for less volatility in her busy life, two goals which appear to be mutually exclusive. Although willing to put in the time and emotional effort to make their relationship work, she finds it futile and frustrating, littered with clashes thanks to near-identical personalities and temperaments. Given Sara’s history, easing back into the comfortable status quo becomes easier than fighting a war with the one person who should be her safe haven. But will the easier choice satisfy her the way only Jack can? Is her “war” one that comes from without or within?
Buffeted by circumstance, temptation and distraction, Jack and Sara’s tenuous relationship crumbles, sparking a continuous quest for the ever elusive: trust, love and acceptance. By the time they rebuild a foundation for renewal, fate has other plans. This leaves them both reeling, once again questioning their destiny.

Review: As always, Ms Crowe delivers a powerful punch in her new series. While these stories may not be for everyone, I am really enjoying the journey between Sara and Jack. The good and the bad....oh yeah...and the sex :)

The Beer Wench has done a great job...of course those who have read her work before know what a great writer she is and this series is a whopper :) Naughty, sexy, heartbreaking, POWERFUL!!!!A 'take my breath away' ride that will leave you gasping and perhaps a little moist :)

Wicked Weekend by Gillian Archer

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Carina Press
Erotic Contemporary BDSM
To Purchase

Blurb: Why did Lauren Vaughn introduce her sister to the man she herself was crazy about? Now Lauren is watching the happy couple at their combined bachelor/bachelorette party--while Lauren sits all alone at the bar. Until she spots a hot stranger with the telltale black handkerchief in his pocket: the signal for "seeks no-strings affair with sexy submissive." Lauren can't take her eyes off him. So when he comes over, she kicks her inner good girl to the curb and follows Jamie Forman to his room, where he makes her scream with pleasure all night long.

But Jamie is a complicated man. He can't handle how desperately he wants her in his bed--and his life. It's up to Lauren to teach him how to make all night last forever.

Review: This novella is one that I enjoyed. A nice "sit down and in an hour your down" title that not only gave me some naughty BDSM but a sweet promise at the end.

Don't get me wrong, at one point I wanted to pummel Lauren's sister into a quivering pulp...No doubt you will too. One of the things that I enjoy about characters like hers....even though she was a bitch and a half...is the real emotion they are able to pull from me. HATE :)

As for the H/h...totally sexy and coupled in a story that really worked for them both :) Well done :)

Floor Time by Liz Crowe

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Tri Destiny Publishing
Erotic Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Jack Gordon is Ann Arbor's most delectable bachelor. At age thirty-five, he's made millions as a top-selling Ann Arbor real estate broker and has the right connections to close a deal by any means necessary. With his rugged good looks and compelling personality, he has a virtual black book most men would kill for and he uses it often, never settling for one woman for very long.

While his D/s past remains buried, exactly where he wants it, an undercurrent of boredom and dissatisfaction runs through his life now. A disastrous experience years earlier made him swear off the whole scene, but the more Jack suppresses his natural Dom, the more his frustration grows.

Sara Thornton, a rookie in the real estate game, has fast-tracked herself to the top of the Ann Arbor market. Her life reflects a disciplined and focused routine, exactly the way she wants it. However, as her career takes off, the fulfillment she seeks remains inexplicably out of reach. The one thing she knows for sure, she will not join the Jack Gordon groupies in her company, no matter how tempting that might seem.

A chance encounter, then a difficult transaction, throw Jack and Sara together and the sparks fly high and hot and often. Forced to confront the compulsions that gain momentum with each sizzling encounter, their relationship seems to spiral out of control until Jack finally admits what he needs, and shows Sara what she's been missing. 

Review: A total single sitting read, Ms Crowe has done it again with the start of her new series :)

Talent just doesn't seem like the word that can fully describe this beer wench and her amazing ability to weave a touching, emotional tale that will warm your heart and take you back to the blush of new love.

Rockin' is pretty close though :) And Floor Time was. Over and over I "felt" Sara's emotional turmoil and wanted to embrace her. Occasionally I wanted to slap the shit out of Jack.... then fuck him silly :)

While I always enjoyed Ms Crowe's Brewing Passion shorties, this new turn really has me hooked. I feel like a crack head needing another fix already and my Kindle is still hot from reading this one :) I can't WAIT to crack the  next one open and see what happens :)

Here's to the kick ass beer maid and her ability to brew nothing but the best :) Liz, you rock!!!

Time Out by Jill Shalvis

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Erotic
To Purchase

Blurb: Sign up for recreational adult programs now!
Class: How to Drive Him Crazy
Instructional program for women unexpectedly facing the totally dishy guy from their past. Everyone welcome!NHL coach Mark Diego's plan to spend his off-season volunteering in his hometown goes awry when he learns that not only is he coaching teenage girls, but that the program is coordinated by energetic (and five feet two inches of trouble) coordinator Rainey Saunders, his childhood friend—and the woman he could never stand to see dating any other guy….

When their tempers flare, Mark and Rainey discover their fireworks don't just burn angry—they burn very, very hot! But that'll just sweeten the victory. Because Mark always plays to win. And with Rainey, he's planning on playing very dirty, too…

Review: WOO HOO!!! Smokin Hot with plenty to spread around :)

There is no doubt that those of us who snap up the Blaze titles know what we can expect. Solid writing, interesting characters and scorching sex. Time Out is no exception. A wonderful story that was commented well by the inferno these two ignite :) I enjoyed being there to watch it all play out.

Not the first of Jill Jarvis' works that I have read, I'll tell you that this won't be the last :) I can't wait to tell more folks about this one while I await the next :)

Chase's Love by Wendy Smith

Story: 6
Presentation: 6
Total: 12
Publisher: Rebel Ink Press, LLC
Contemporary Erotic Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Rachel wasn't looking for love. As a matter of fact, she'd written off men altogether as the last thing she wanted in her life was another controlling jerk.At least that was the plan until the guy of her dreams walked into her life.

Chase Jamison had just got out of the military and was working toward expanding the business he started with his brother and best friends.He had a goal and he was focused.Never in a million years did Chase expect to find the sexiest woman on earth at his club.

As Chase and Rachel come together and try to find happiness, one question remains. Will Rachel's ex-lover step in and keep the pair from finding true love?

Review: This story was choppy to read. I was easily distracted by the unrealistic dialogue, cookie cutter insta-romance, and the main character’s whiny inner voice. Although the plot touched on the serious topic of domestic violence the sense of urgency didn’t translate from the authors words.

This lack of plot development maybe okay considering that it’s a short erotic novella but the sex scene wasn’t descriptive enough for the erotic tagline. The chemistry between the main characters was nice, and had enough affectionate scenes to make any live studio audience sigh and awww. The supporting characters lack development and often cause more of a deviation from the plot instead of enhancing it.

 Overall the story was okay. The average rating is due to a couple of factors. First, the plot is a bit exaggerated, rushed and unpolished. Second, the dialogue was too melodramatic for any late 20’s something adult to realistically use. I would lend this novella to a friend who was looking for a quick read that contained witty comments sprinkled sparingly throughout, and a lukewarm sex scene. But if my friend failed to return the book, it wouldn’t be missed on my bookshelf.  

Out of Control by Desiree Holt

Story:8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher:Wild Rose Press
Erotic Suspense
To Purchase

Blurb:  Twenty five years ago Carrie Nolan was the only victim to survive the killing spree of a pedophile. Her life has been frozen in time, and not even a move to a distant city and a name change has healed the wounds that left her emotionally and sexually scarred. Determined finally to reclaim her life, Carrie returns to High Ridge as multi-published crime novelist, Dana Moretti, in hope of asking the questions that would lay her nightmares to rest.

Sheriff Cole Landry, came to High Ridge to escape the horrors of Iraq and Afghanistan, but soon after the sexy author arrives and starts poking her nose into matters best forgotten, his town once again becomes the hunting ground of a ruthless killer. She's sure it's the same man, and he's not all that convinced she's wrong. Keeping Dana safe means keeping her close--very close--under his protection, under him.

Between her sexual need for Cole and the danger lurking behind every stranger's face, her world is spinning out of control.


Review: The cover art for this book is really good, really making you want to read what’s inside the cover. I will admit I do not read very many suspense books, but found right from the start I was hooked on this book. The subject matter could be daunting, but this is such a well written story-line that it really does make the book what it is.

The scenes are well written, with compassion and feeling. The sex scenes are descriptive yet leave enough to the imagination to make them believable. Carrie/Dana is such an amazingly well written character with depth, feeling and believability. With everything that she has been through and all the baggage that she carries around with her also gives her the lovability factor.

Cole is an amazing character always giving and supporting Dana through her time of self discovery allowing her to open up and live again. The twists and turns keep the reader captivated, while the characters make the reader feel everything that is happening. Put that with amazing writing and a great story-line and who wouldn’t want to read it.

All credit to Desiree I will definitely be checking out more of her work.

Trouble Brewing in Thunder Creek by Lorraine Nelson

Story: 7
Presentation: 7
Total: 14
Publisher: Evernight
Erotic suspense
To Purchase

Blurb: Trouble comes to Thunder Creek the moment authorities arrest Winnie's son for stalking and terrorizing Lucas' daughter-in-law. Winnie feels guilty and withdraws from the Manning family. But a threatening phone call disturbs their lives even more as Winnie becomes an unexpected target.
Can Lucas convince Winnie of her worthiness and save their marriage? Or will danger and loyalty to her son further drive a wedge between them?

Review: In this second installment of the Thunder Creek series  we learn more about the older Mannings, Lucas and Winnie. It is a more in depth story of how they met and their life together. This continues from Zakia and The Cowboy immediately following Zakia's kidnapping and the imminent arrest of Leroy Williams.

Leroy is actually Winnie's son. A scoundrel to the highest degree, he is charged with kidnapping and currently sits in jail awaiting trial. Claiming he is innocent, Winnie believes him. A mother's love will transcend even the most damning evidence. Who could blame her?

The love she has for her son starts to put a strain on her relationship with her husband, Lucas. Though they love each other deeply, we see the turmoil they both feel and it is heart wrenching. They are both torn between protecting their children and maintaining their marriage at the same time. To say it is a difficult situation is putting it mildly. The stress eventually takes its toll, but this family will not give up. The love they share is infinite and enables them to get through anything together.

Being the second book in this series, I am glad I had the opportunity to read the first one. Though it isn't necessary to read them in order, it does help. Either way, once you arrive in Thunder Creek you won't want to leave. This family is full of hard working, hard loving, no nonsense people. Their world revolves around family and they will do anything to protect each other.

Lorraine Nelson has given us a real ranch family. She shows their humor, heart and determination in every aspect. She even manages to make you feel a bit of compassion for Leroy, and he is truly no good. Lorraine captures the true essence of a mother's love and shows us there are no boundaries to it. We have Zakia protecting her children and Winnie protecting her son, yet these women never clash. Winnie is filled with insecurity of her place in this family because of her son's crimes, but the family emphasizes she will always be accepted. It wasn't her fault, it was Leroy's. It is a wonderfully well written book from all points of view.

Come on in, put your feet up and rest a spell. Winnie loves visitors and there's always room for one more.

The next book in this series is Covert Mission and I cannot wait to read it!!

Forbidden Fruit by Rosalie Stanton

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

Blurb: Ashlynn Sweeney has been in love with Reese for ten years, which would be no problem if he were not her stepbrother. Being near him is unbearable, but Ashlynn likes to think she plays it cool, and his living on campus definitely makes life easier.

When Reese comes home for spring break, Ashlynn does her best to avoid him. Yet temptation’s hard to resist, and discovering the object of her affections masturbating to pornography is about as tempting as it gets. Though she flees before they can lock eyes, Ashlynn finds Reese isn’t about to let her off that easily. Instead, he suggests they watch the rest of the movie together.

Ashlynn’s low on options. She can either face the forbidden with her head held high or brace herself for uncomfortable family gatherings. Either way, her life’s about to change . . . she just doesn’t know how much.

Review:  Not bad :) Naughty and sexy all at the same time. While I personally found the virginal sex a bit more pleasurable than what I think most women experience their first time, it was still well done and a story worth reading. A bit more than erotica, this one has a bit of a story and a nice resolution. There is more than just the hot sex...though not much more. But the sex is HOT HOT HOT :)

What Daughters Are For by Ana Star

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 8.5
Total: 17
Publisher: Written Expressions
Contemporary Erotica
To Purchase

Blurb: A year after the death of her mother, Karine developed a crush on her stepdad, Martin. Recently, she’d been spying on him as he masturbated to porn movies and dreams of being intimate with him. This time, she’s decided to make her move. Will they get it on or will it be an epic fail?


Review: For a hot erotica daddy/daughter theme, this one was worth the read. Now, when I read erotica I am not expecting romance. Hell, most of the time I am not even expecting solid writing but what I do expect is for the actions and launguage to cause certain "stirrings" Mission completed.

This dirty little tale did exactly what is was designed to do  :)