Out of Control by Desiree Holt

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

Eight Second Ride by Desiree Holt

Story: 8

Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Contemporary Erotic BDSM
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Blurb: Jessie Wade is a tough as nails sheriff until bull rider Kyle Mitchell ends up in her jail. With his bone-melting good looks and seductive voice, he knocks Jessie's defenses down one by one and awakens the sensuous woman she's hidden beneath her uniform. But Jessie can't afford to be soft. Or allow herself to fall for a cowboy who's never in one town longer than it takes to ride a bull.


Kyle never backs down from a challenge, but after a passionate night with Jessie, he realizes there's a hell of a woman behind the handcuffs and badge. Can Kyle convince Jessie he can take her for more than an eight-second ride?
Review: As a follower of Ms Holt’s work I have to say that I have come to expect certain things when I pick up one of her books. Hot men, rocking sex and emotion. This kinky little title had it all.

While I thought that the “I love you” can a bit fast, I was able to roll with it. These two characters each have a need and they were able to find someone who not only shared their desires but someone who they truly liked. Another good story from this author :)

Singed by Allie Standifer and Desiree Holt

Story: 8
Presentation: 7
Total: 15
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: Book 3 in the Turn Up The Heat series.

River Brody knows love exists, but every woman he dates seems to be lacking that special spark. Until he attends an engagement party for his brothers and sees the woman of his dreams.
Kendra Jacobs is coming out of a bad relationship. When she sees River, Kendra thinks he may just be the guy to try her new wiles on. As long as she leaves before he does.

After spending one memorable night together, River knows he’s found the one person he’s meant to spend the rest of his life with. However, convincing Kendra proves far from easy.

Review: Let me start with the issues so I can wrap up with the good :) There were a couple of editing errors like Kendra telling River “That’s why I didn’t tell you my last name” when in fact she DID tell him her last name right when they met. Because of that it made a few points in the story seem a little odd like why was he calling her family asking who she was and where she lived. As a cop I assumed since he had her name he could get that info but I now think it was just an oversight that she did give her name in the beginning.

I am not sure that I buy the “we met for the first time last night, boned. Boned again this morning and now there are feelings and we want a future together.” It makes for a good fairytale but not a super buyable romance.

I have read this series, all of them, and I have to say that some of the actions in this one do not match with things that happened in STEAMED which is book #4. If you are going to read this series in order just be aware of the inconsistencies and likeness of the storylines in book 3 and 4.

As a stand alone, Singed was really cute. I enjoyed the characters and the hot sex. As a follower and reader of both of these authors I have to say that the story reflects well on their ability to craft a tale.

Steamed by Allie Standifer and Desiree Holt

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 8
Total: 15.5
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: Book 4 in the Turn Up the Heat series.

Kira Jacobs is sick of always being the bridesmaid, never the bride. Sick of dating hot studs who have no more depth than the water in her sink. She’s determined to find a lasting meaningful relationship with a mature, suit-wearing man. But her goofy, stay-at-home neighbor sends her all kinds of hot signals.

Grant Havers left the high finance rat race after having a heart attack at thirty-eight. He’s done with living up to everyone’s expectations but his own. It’s time to go after what he wants. What he wants most is sexy Kira. He’s convinced her to try him out in bed, but she’s determined to leave it as sex only.

Review: I have been reading the works of this duo for a little while now, so this is not the first of their stories for me. Aside from a few places that tweaked a personal icky for me, it was pretty good. The sex was hot and there was plenty of it. The story and characters were easy to relate to. The plot was solid.

My only real issue, like I mentioned before, were only in a couple spots and it was just that for me personally I am not big on copious amounts of feminine fluid pouring into open mouths and descriptions of curly pubic hair glistening. In my mind it doesn’t paint a pretty picture, but again that’s just me and it was only in a few spots.

As for the story, like with any of the other works I have read from this pair, it was cute. Hot and totally enjoyable. I liked his motivation and reservations and I thought that she handled the situation very well. A story like this one is one that I haven’t seen too often and I enjoyed that HE has reservations about how she would handle his problems. Made for a very REAL hero. NICE!!!

Scalded by Desiree Holt and Allie Standifer

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Erotic Contemporary
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Blurb: Book 2 in the Turn Up the Heat series


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

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

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

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

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

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

Trouble in Cowboy Boots by Desiree Holt

Story: 7
Presentation: 8
Total: 15
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Erotic Contemporary
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Blurb: Book one in the Sequins, Saddles and Spurs series.

Stranded in Mesa Blanco, Texas, with no money and no prospects, Emily Lathrop hires on as the cook at the Lazy Aces Ranch. Two problems—she can’t cook, and owner Wyatt Cavanaugh is so hot she nearly burns herself just standing near him. Trying to keep her hormones under control is a problem when Wyatt seduces her into his bed and teaches her the real meaning of erotic love.

Now proper Emily finds herself shockingly addicted to the BDSM games he likes to play, her body craving the bondage and domination that pushes her thermostat past the point of combustion even though she suspects it’s all going to come crashing down any moment with a big, painful thud.

Review: OK, though not quite what I expected it was a cute story. I have read a number of works by Ms Holt and plan to read more in the future.

While maybe not my favorite of all her titles it sure didn't suck. I thought the premis was really cute and the lust and sex was HOT!!  Even though at one point I didn't care for Wyatt too much, he was able to redeem himself and won me over. Smoking stud that he is :)

I am looking forward to reading the others in this series :)

Scorched by Desiree Holt & Allie Standifer

Story: 7
Presentation: 9
Total: 16
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: Book one in the Turn Up the Heat series.


Kasey Jacobs spends her days as a bookkeeper for a discount furniture store and her nights writing erotic romances, still waiting to meet the man who could ring her chimes. Maybe her new neighbor, Skyler Brody… Too bad she hasn’t seen him since the day he moved in.

Then Skyler, a cop recuperating from a gunshot wound, spies Kasey pleasuring herself in front of an open window and nearly trips over his tongue rushing to introduce himself. The sex is instantaneous and hot, with all the explosiveness of fireworks.

But Kasey wants something Skyler isn’t prepared to give. Perhaps they can find a way to each other’s heart—if they don’t burn themselves out with their nightly erotic activities.

Review: Oh a totally hot voyeur scene :) Sparks fly from the first page and the flames are HOT!! Though I thought the "feelings" came a bit fast for these two, it didn't take from the titillation.

The characters were well written and relatable. The situation believable. The story well put together. It flowed, gave me tugs and though I wish it had been a bit longer, all in all it was well done :) Readers of Ms Holt's work have come to expect certain things from her writing. Even as a writing team, both authors talents are visible in the stories they work together.

Eagle's Run by Desiree Holt

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 16.5
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Erotic Contemporary Cowboy
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Blurb: Book 1 in the Texas Passions series.


Her father was murdered by an unknown killer. Now Leah Morgan, the half-Comanche daughter of the owner of White Eagle Ranch, is faced with his unsolved murder, as well as two illegitimate half brothers who have each been left a share of the ranch. If not for Shane Duffy, the hot-looking, hot-blooded veterinarian, she’d be falling apart completely.

As she fights to retain control of the ranch and considers her heritage, Leah finds comfort in long nights of sweaty sex with Shane. And then there’s Grant Fallon, the geologist who wants to show Leah he can bring her more screaming orgasms than the hunky vet if she’ll just give him a chance.

But someone has an ulterior motive. Is it Shane? Grant? One of her half brothers? Leah might find the answer…if she’s not too busy chasing away the shadows in the arms of her lover.

Review: As an avid reader of Ms Holt's work I knew I had to snap this one up :)

Filled with hot sex, mystery and intrigue, this fast paced story is action packed. Not only with a who-done-it but with typical Ms Holt smokin sex :) Though I found myself a little bothered by some of the actions displayed by the heroine in the beginning, I was able to enjoy the story and find her as a like able character before it was too late :)

This is a story that you just don't want to miss if you like sex, action, sex, mystery...did I say sex? YEAH BABY!!

Kidnapping the Groom by Allie Standifer and Desiree Holt

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 8
Total: 15.5
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Contemporary Erotic
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Blurb: Cameron Greeley had spent a lot of years trying to put the memory of Gabe Holder behind her. But now he’s getting married to the wrong person and, despite the way they’d parted, she can’t let that happen.


Kidnapping Gabe and taking him to an isolated cabin, she treats him to hours of the hottest sex either of them could imagine. In one all-too-short evening they indulge in every erotic act she can think of—and then she dumps him back at his house, the memory of those hours eating at her. Will he let her go, or will he come after her, taking her into his bed and into his heart?

Review: There are certain thing that I have come to expect in life...that my carpet will not stay clean no matter how many times I vacuum. That when my husband uses my car, he will not put gas in it. And that Desiree Holt can craft some WICKED sex :)
Here is a shorty about two folks who have a past, have never quite been able to move on, but are able to....yeah, you're going to have to read it to find out :)  But what I will tell you is that the story flows, the characters are well written and engaging and the sex....Oh yeah!!!!!!

This team did a good job with this hot little number. I hope to see them pair up again in the future :)

Switched by Desiree Holt

Story: 9

Presentation: 9

Total: 18

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Erotic BDSM

To Purchase

Blurb: Emma is prepared for another boring lawyers’ conference until her suitcase gets switched with Luke Borelli’s—a man who has as much interest in BDSM as he does in torts and contracts. Wet and horny from the moment she lays eyes on him, she accepts his invitation to introduce her to the pleasures of BDSM.

The feeling of helplessness the handcuffs create only enhances Emma’s pleasure as his mouth devours every inch of her body, his hands teasing and tormenting. When he introduces her to the switch and the edge of pleasure-pain it brings, her orgasms reach a plane of undeniable intensity.

But what about afterward? Emma wonders if she’ll ever see him again. How is she going to satisfy her now permanently aroused body?

Review: Have you been naughty? You might want to be once you read this story :) Spankings never sounded soooo good :)

Totally rocking story with super hot sex, as is to be expected from this author. Ms Holt delivers with a punch in this one. If you are an avid follower there are elements in this story that you will expect, but still a worth while steamy read and it doesn't detract from the "POW" power :). Never again will I look at my luggage the same way.

Thank you Ms Holt for such a tasty treat :)

Rodeo Heat by Desiree Holt

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

Blurb: Maybe it’s the animalistic heat of the rodeo—or the pin with special powers that the old woman all but forces her to buy…

Whatever it is, within seconds of meeting rodeo rider Ben Lovell, Grace Delany’s safe world crumbles in a voluptuous explosion of lust. Every night is something new. From the handcuffs to the intriguing sex toys, Grace gives in to it all, relishing her body’s responses to this younger man. As Ben leads her from one earth-shattering climax to another, as her body softens and opens to him, all she can do is hang on for dear life and follow his lead.

But when the rodeo is over, it may prove impossible to walk away from the man who’s taken her on an outrageous journey of self-discovery…a man with no sexual limits or boundaries.

Review: Rodeo Heat is a captivating tale that tugs at the reader’s heart from the first page. Ms. Holt doesn’t just give us a glimpse in to Ben and Grace’s life, she makes us a part of the story. You’re swept in, holding your breath and finally able to exhale when you see both Ben and Grace are willing to take a chance on love.

The rodeo scenes were vivid and believable. The sex was hotter than an August afternoon. A cast of characters that added to the story without taking it over. I think what I loved most about the story were the flaws within each of the characters. Just broken enough to need the right partner to heal their wounds. Ben does get a little domineering. I wasn’t bothered by the D/s elements, but they aren’t classic D/s. Ben and Grace play at it. As wonderful as Ben is, I don’t believe him when he thinks he needs it. But in saying that, I think it adds to his charm. He’s a tough guy, knows what he wants, is stubborn, but if Grace put on the pants in the relationship, I think he’d play along.

This story is exciting, emotional, arousing and satisfying. Ms. Holt shows just how sexy a cowboy is. Yee Haw!

Dancing With Danger by Desiree Holt

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Erotic
To Purchase


Blurb: Rachel Windsor knew nothing about Gabriel Peralta except that he was walking sex appeal. He blew into her life without notice, here today then always gone on a puff of wind. But each time he appears, he does things to her body that even her fantasies haven’t conjured up, driving her to orgasms that shake her like a raging storm. His mouth knows every inch of her body. The imprint of his intimate kisses linger long after he disappears.

Now he’s back again, his life unexpectedly on the line. But even in the danger zone his sexual demands are more scorching than ever and this time, Rachel is determined not to lose him—or the erotic lifestyle that binds them.

Review: There is nothing more engaging than sex with danger. And nothing more desirable than a dangerous, mysterious sexy as hell hero. I loved that Rachel was a real woman. She questions her appeal, but can’t deny the desire simmering in Gabe’s eyes. She might be curvaceous, but that is exactly the kind of woman he wants beneath him…and wrapped around him…and pressed up against the shower wall…and sprawled out on a bed….oh damn, did I tell you that Ms. Holt writes incredibly engaging sex that sizzles on the page.

The action and suspense is a non-stop thrill ride. Believable, deeply engaging characters, unpredictable twists and turns and a satisfying ending. For this romance reader, I was so glad to see the conclusion didn’t come flying out of left field. The story was believable from page one. Now I just need to find a Gabe for myself. He’s such a tough, Alpha male with an endearing soft side when it comes to Rachel. Ahh. He made me swoon. Kudos to Ms. Holt for delivering another solid story to take to bed.