Recent reviews
Seduced in the Dark by CJ Roberts
September 5, 2012
Beautifully dangerous and dark! 5 out of 5 Stars!!!
I've waited for what seems like forever to read book two in The Dark Duet series and it finally came. I attempted to drag this out as long as I could but did not succeed because it was that good. Just when I thought I found my mind after I lost it in book one, Livvie and Caleb broke me down again.
In Seduced in the Dark Livvie is recounting the events she experienced while being held captive by Caleb. I struggled for over a week to figure out how to interpret my feelings about this series and if I myself, like Livvie, was suffering from third party Stockholm Syndrome. CJ Roberts created a story that made me feel as though I was Livvie. I never imagined I would cry my eyes out from the pain of not being loved and cherished by my mother and family or want to fight with every fiber of my being to survive, to make it out of the hell hole she found herself. Many times throughout the book I felt raw and exposed like Livvie when she realized that she not only lusted after Caleb but loved him. That while he may have been her captor, he wasn't a beast per se, just a young man that had experienced just as much, if not more pain than she was experiencing. Despite everything she loves him and nothing can take that away... not even Caleb.
"Even Caleb said my love isn't real, but...I feel it. I feel my love for him more strongly and deeply than anything I have ever felt in my life."
The quote above is just one of the many quotes throughout this book that left my head spinning and heart aching. I'll admit that I absolutely wholeheartedly fell for Caleb just like Livvie. If book one didn't get me going then book two got me--sold, lock and key. I'll say that there were some very challenging non-consent scenes that were disturbing, but somehow CJ Roberts was able to write Caleb in such a way that I almost wanted to look the other way. (such a bad idea)
I absolutely can't wait to read more from CJ Roberts
Best Thing:
The characters are some of the best written character profiles I've come across. I loved and hated each character with every possible grain of feeling I could grasp. Despite my best efforts I fell for the bad guy and felt like I would break if they couldn't end up together.
Worst Thing:
The book ended.
Dirty by Megan Hart
September 3, 2012
Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars out of 5 !!!
Megan Hart's Dirty could possibly send nuns running for the hills.
But more than just a combination of hot, blood boiling, steamy and sexy intimate encounters, Dirty shared the story of a woman half herself.
Elle prefers one night stands where anonymity is a must. She's a successful accountant, owns her own home and plays by her own rules. But the life she's been leading has become monotonous since her three year hiatus from sex. It isn't until she meets Dan Stewart in a candy shop, that she is interested in revisiting her sexapades. Little did Elle know that her chance encounter with Dan would change her life forever. Dan agrees to her 'no dating/ no relationship' policy and promises that he won't fall for her. It doesn't take long for their agreement to form into something more exclusive and when it does, Elle attempts to pull away, threatened that this relationship she's find herself in will break down the walls she built and leave her exposed and raw.
As the story unfolds I found myself hot and bothered with some of the delicious sex scenes but seriously concerned by the dysfunctional childhood she experienced. Elle is severely and emotionally screwed, courtesy of her older brother, who forced her into a sexual relationship when she was 15 years old and lasted three years and her self-righteous and self-centered mother who ignored it all. It wasn't until I learned this tidbit towards the end of the book that I eased my assault of her character. I finally understood why she pushed people away, why she refused to participate in certain sexual acts and why she was adamant on not having a relationship. In the end, I love how Megan Hart allowed the characters to face their fears, embraces their strengths and let go of the secrets that caused them so much pain.
This is my first but certainly not the last book that I will read by Megan Hart!
Best Thing:
A GREAT story that offered a reason behind a promiscuous woman's actions. So often people are labeled certain things and no one cares to look at the reason behind why.
Worst Thing: Still thinking.... uh
Naked (The Blackstone Affair, Part 1) by Raine Miller
September 15, 2012
Temperature to boiling point! 4 Stars out of 5 !
This sizzling, sexy and provocative love affair grasped my attention from the beginning. Brynne is a graduate student at U of L studying art/art history. She poses for artistic nudes in her spare time to help a close friend build his portfolio.
Ethan, an attractive, wealthy and successful businessman, exudes sex and power. When he is approached by and old friend, Brynne's father, to guard her while she resides in London he didn't expect his world to be turned upside down.
While attending her friends exhibit featuring her newest nude piece, Brynne captures the attention of Ethan Blackstone. Used to getting whatever he wants, Ethan has set his sights on Brynne and will stop at nothing to have her in his bed and her heart. The seemingly perfect relationship takes a turn for the worst when Brynne learns that her chance meeting with Ethan, her 'Mr. Wonderful' at the gallery that night was anything but chance.
This book oozes sex appeal. With toe curling sex scene that leave you breathless to the easy going banter that Brynne and Ethan share, you can't deny that this couple is hot. Overall I really enjoyed the story and loved the major cliffhanger. I can't wait to read more!!!
Best Thing:
Raine Miller has the ability to create relatable characters. I liked that Brynne was average American girl working hard to establish her career in the art field. And when Ethan was introduced you never knew what you were going to get. He is polar opposite in private than he is in public. It's not too overbearing (for the reader) when he switches it up. Ethan showed his aggressive and authoritative side in public but maintained his sensitive side behind closed doors when with Brynne.
Worst Thing:
I felt like I was reading a relationship that progressed really fast. I couldn't figure out if they had
been dating for weeks or months. I don't know what happened in her past but it sounds like she
experienced some type of sexual abuse/misconduct from an ex. If this is the case I really don't understand how she felt comfortable with Ethan moving so fast. (she was a willing participant). It's evident that she's still dealing with whatever trauma she experienced a few years back.
I would have liked for Brynne to put up a better fight if Ethan was hot on her trail to get her into his bed. It would have been nice to see their relationship develop a little more. If felt as though they went from sex to 'I love you' in a matter of weeks. But I'm sure in book two we will learn more about Brynne and Ethan's past and why she is different when it comes to Ethan. I can't wait.
Title - Naked
Author - Raine Miller
Publisher - Raine Miller Romance
Genre- Erotica/Romance/Fiction
Edition- ebook
Temperature - boiling
Rating- ****
Title - Seduced in the Dark
Author - CJ Roberts
Publisher - Neurotica Books
Genre- Erotica/Fiction
Edition- ebook
Temperature - boiling over
Rating- *****
Title - Dirty
Author - Megan Hart
Publisher - Harlequin MIRA
Genre- Erotica/Fiction
Edition- original/print
Temperature - hot
Rating- ****
I'll give this book 4 STARS but I'm really on the cusp between 3.5 and 4.
These are the words of a girl determined to find her way home.
"So I wrote the only words I could think of: imprisoned, confined, detained, constrained, incarcerated, locked up, interned, sent down, abducted, kidnapped, taken, forced, shoved, hurt, stolen..."
This is a great story of a young 16-year-old girl Gemma, that was kidnapped and taken away to the desert. While she was never physically hurt by her captor Ty, she suffered from emotional and mental distress. She hated her kidnapper; fought him with everything she had, and even attempted to run away a couple of times. But what Gemma didn't know or understand early on were the feelings of understanding and compassion she would soon develop for Ty.
I didn't feel the need to write a crazy long synopsis for this book. You can basically read the information provided and get the just of what's going on. I will briefly give some opinions about the style and characters though. I heard really great things about Stolen and couldn't wait to get my hands on it, but I'm not totally sold. Something about the development of the story just seemed off to me. It took forever for me to really get into the book and by the time I did it was over. I felt like it dragged too often throughout certain parts and although I'm a sucker for details this book gave way too many details. (maybe that's why I spaced out and it dragged)
The Best Thing:
As for Gemma, she's exactly what I was hoping for. Gemma is strong-willed and a fighter. Not only did she fight physically but she mentally fought and held out against Ty for longer than I would have expected. I liked how as the story progressed, she would acknowledge the fact that she was no longer hostile toward Ty but even began looking forward to seeing and being around him. She may have been struggling toward the end of the story with her emotions and feelings but she never lost sight of knowing and understanding that what Ty did to her, however honest in his intentions, was wrong. She is a strong character and that's always great to read and experience.
The Worst Thing:
While I loved the characters I do have a few gripes with them as well.
Ty had the potential to be so much more than he was. I almost feel like Lucy Christopher was teasing her readers by showing us a glimpse of his past and even the tender side of him. But I would have liked to learn a little more about what caused that final break, when did it take place? Was it when his father stop paying attention to him and things fell apart at home or was it when his father left and never came back? Could it have been when he went to the city to find his mother who sought him out, only to find out that she'd been long gone? I guess I was hoping for a little more information on Ty so that I could experience a better connection.
Stolen: A letter to my captor by Lucy Christopher
September 17, 2012
Title - Stolen
Author - Lucy Christopher
Publisher - The Chicken House
Genre- Fiction
Edition- Hardcover
Temperature - 0
Rating- ****
Seductively-dark and mysterious - 5 Stars
Such a deliciously suspenseful book.
As a school teacher Sara McMillian's life is anything but exciting. The monotony of day-to-day life has her searching for excitement that can come in any form. When Sara's friend Ella leaves the country for a few weeks and hands over the keys to a storage locker her luck changes. Engulfed in the journals of a mysterious woman's past Rebecca, Sara sets her sights on seeking the truth about what happened to her and why she would up and leave her life. This book is FREAKING CREEPY. Immediately Sara is wrapped up in the journals to a point where she feels some type of connection with Rebecca and in turn decides she'll go and find her; by any means necessary even if it means stepping into her life. I'm surprised when Sara decides to except a position with a prestigious art gallery where Rebecca worked and immediately (initially) has some sexual reaction to her wealthy, daringly handsome in a clean-cut-I'm-filthy-rich-sexy-and-will-have-you-bent-over-my-desk type of way boss, Mark Compton. I of course, am a little taken back by how slowly she loses focus on finding out what she can about Rebecca. The journals that she's been reading however steamy and erotic/hot they are, still leave Sara feeling like something terrible has happened to her. With the confusing and increasingly depressing ramblings of a missing woman and a sexy boss that gives her the creeps–eye f**king her (that may or may not have been a part of Rebecca's disappearance), I'm even more surprised when she agrees to a heated SEX ONLY relationship with sexy, deliriously rich but humble artist, Chris Merit who is affiliated with the art gallery she now works for.
The Best Thing:
I like Sara though. I like how even though we don't know much about her past, we do know that money doesn't rule her and after having a bad experience in a past relationship she's determined not to let another man (or person) rule and own her- even if she's not that successful when dealing with Chris. I like her attitude and the don't-take-any-mess response she gives people when pushed too far. She stands up for herself and isn't a total damsel in distress which is a breath of fresh air... Thank God. I really like Chris as well. His fire and ice personality may leave me a little whiplashed like our main character but I totally feel like he's worth the pain! (pun intended) But book one of this series really is an all out tease. Lisa gives us just enough information to get us interested and keep us on the edge.
The Best/ Worst Thing:
But nothing can top the ALL TIME CLIFFHANGER that was waiting for me at the end of this book. Who the hell is in the storage locker with her?? Usually when a book leaves me with a cliffhanger I already have the wheels turning in my head as to what could be the next move, the big break, the climax in the following book. But in If I Were You I'm as lost as the character Rebecca. This is the best and worst thing ever because I have to wait so long for book 2 and I'm left biting my nails until then.
If I Were You by Lisa Renee Jones
September 25, 2012
Title - If I Were You
Author - Lisa Renee Jones
Publisher - (self publish)Lisa R Jones
Genre - Fiction, Suspense,
Heat - steamy
Rating - *****
Title - White Trash Beautiful
Author - Teresa Mummert
Publisher - (self publish)
Teresa Mummert
Genre - Literature & Fiction, Romance, Young Adult
Heat - warm
Rating - ****
4 Stars for White Trash Beautiful
There's light at the end of this tunnel !!
To begin I need to say that I was on edge waiting for Cass' life to continue crumbling until there was nothing left.
Cass' story is one of sucky reality. She's stuck in a trailer park (her own personal hell) by circumstance and just trying to make the best of it. Her mother, who turned to the bottle and the needle after her father left, has lost the fight to give a damn and depends on Cass to take care of her. But Cass is strong, she didn't stop believing in a better life. She met Jackson 'Jax' her boyfriend when she was still in high school. He was the kid that bullied others but stood up for her and they've been together ever since. Things were actually good for a while. Jax worked a few jobs to help pay the bills and put food on the table, but life has a way of throwing a few curve balls every so often and Jax's curve ball came when his car broke down preventing him from working. In Jax's case I guess life is easy when you have someone always willing to pick up the pieces. That's what Cass was to her makeshift family. When Jax's dreams dried up and he too turned to drugs and Cass' mother continued neglect her responsibilities, Cass was left to figure out how to hold it all together.
As young girls we are told that a good girl, a princess will find her knight in shining armor. We grow up believing that whether life deals us a crappy hand or not there is someone out there that gives a damn about you and all you have to do is hold out- stay the course. But like Cass, once we grow up we see that the world is anything but a fairy tale. People up and leave you, parents stop parenting, boyfriends stop protecting you and being your confidant. Luckily for Cass her strength and self worth out weighted her depressing life. She realized that she didn't want or deserve the life she was living.
When Tucker was introduced in the story I thought like Cass, that he was just there for fun– the lead singer in a band he would be in and out of town in a blink of an eye. I so love when I'm proven wrong. In this case it seems as though Tucker was looking for something as well. Not totally satisfied with his life, Tucker sets his sights on Cass. There is something different about her; maybe it's the fact that she doesn't know who he is initially or maybe it's the attitude she puts out to keep people away and her heart safe. Whatever it is Tucker can't seem to stay away and is determined to have Cass in his life. The more time they spend together it becomes obvious to both of them that they have stronger feelings than just a few visits. So Tucker and Cass decide to take a chance and fight for what they both want despite living in different worlds.
The Best Thing:
I really liked the characters in this story. Teresa does a great job building the personalities in this story. Some of the character I really hated, but then again I was suppose to. It isn't often that we get a chance to have a happily ever after and I certainly didn't think Cass would, but when you have an opportunity to fight for what you want and you don't let fear and circumstance get in the way it can definitely pay off. Life may not always be rainbows and butterflies but if you stay the course you never know when your life may change and if your happiness is around the corner.
The Worst Thing:
I would have liked a little more background on Cass' life before the diner, before the boyfriend. What gave her the strength not to turn out like her mom and Jax?
White Trash Beautiful by Teresa Mummert
October 17, 2012
In this instance those words could not be truer. Book one of the Original Sinners blew my mind, but book two pushed the limits of what I thought my mind could handle. Tiffany Reisz I have no words for the creative genesis that you are. This story definitely challenged my beliefs and morals.
The Angel picks up with Nora Sutherlin totally committing herself to Soren again and is loving every minute of her life, despite that pang in her heart that she feels now and then when she thinks of Wesley. It's been over a year since Nora kicked Wesley–-the young and attractive, virgin intern that worked and lived with her--out of her house. But just when she thinks life can't get any better than Soren finds out that he is on the short list for a promotion in the Catholic church, which in turn will put him under the microscope. Her involvement with Soren, their extra-curricular activities in the 'underground' and her anniversary present from last year 'MICHAEL' all stand a chance of exposure should someone come sniffing around. Now Nora is faced with the impossible, leave Soren behind while she disappears from public view. She packs her bags brings Michael along for the ride and disappears to her extremely wealthy, attractive and uninhibited friend Griffin Fiske's house. While there she struggles with the need to be near Soren, she fights with the little hole in her heart that reaches out to Wesley. She knows that it'll only be a matter of time before she can't hold out on what she now knows is real, she actually loves Wesley. Meanwhile, Griffin (always the player) can't believe he's fallen for Michael; the young and beautiful teenager being trained by Nora to be a submissive. Despite his best efforts to stay away he falls each day that Michael resides in his house. He has to make a decision whether to continue being the player of the underground or finally commit and give his heart to another.
This is a whirlwind story of love, lies, cover-ups, pain and lots of sex. In this series we get to experience love in all forms: mother and daughter, sister and brother, lovers and close friendships. The lies that are told almost seem justified because of the means––telling a lie or not explaining the entire truth in order to protect an innocent. There are so many cover-ups in this story, some for the greater good and others for personal protection or gain. But the most intense issue that stood out in this book for me was the pain that all the characters experienced at some point in their lives. Pain and how you handle it definitely shapes the person you will be in the future.
I really love how Tiffany Reisz not only introduced new characters in this book but found a way to connect them in so intensely with the older characters that you feel as though you've known them all along. I enjoyed how each character was written with their own horrific story but told in a way that any reader could find something from one of them to relate to and understand. The story weaves a web that takes you back to the past and explains why certain things are happening in the present.
At some points throughout the book I feel as though the reality of what could/should have happened was lost. Example- The investigation from the reporter and how she totally fell of her path to retrieve information (for a brief moment) because of her attraction to Soren. And some of the cover-ups just weren't believable (Soren and his sister).
'No safe words can protect the heart.' 5 Stars
The Worst Thing:
The Best Thing:
The Angel (Original Sinners series) by Tiffany Reisz
October 23, 2012
Title - The Angel
(The Original Sinners)
Author - Tiffany Reisz
Publisher -Harlequin MIRA
Genre - Erotica, Romance, BDSM
Heat - Sizzling
Rating - *****
Rules Are For Breaking by Imelda Evan
November1, 2012
3 out of 5 STARS **NO SPOILERS**
"This was the kind of kiss that makes clouds part and rays stream down from heaven like a blessing, bathing the kissers in such brilliant light that, beside them, everything else looks flat and grey..."
After reading the quote above I had to agree with the main lady in the story Jo–this must be what love feels like.
The very intelligent, strong-willed, exquisitely beautiful and successful art gallery owner, Jo has a major problem on her hands. After years of dating the same men–good looking but boring, decent looking but not attentive, good looking and attentive but clingy–Jo finally decides that her world of dating has become a huge let down. Setting down the gloves and her 'three strikes and you're out' rule, she accepts the challenge of her good friend Kate to forgo me for six weeks. That means no dating, no kissing and definitely no sleeping around. In return, it should help her find her own happiness [bliss].
What's started out as an easy and innocent bet turns into the challenge of a lifetime when Declan, Jo's new houseguest, enters her life. For six weeks this super sexy and irresistibly charming man will be staying with Jo until his home is completed and he has set his eyes on Jo. Ready to settle down and create a family of his own he sets out to make her fall in love with him and prove that he isn't like any other man she's ever been with.
The Best Thing:
I really liked the flow of the book in the beginning. Imedla Evans cuts straight to the point and introduces the major players (characters) and the bet. Jo's personality like so many women today, embodies strength with a touch of tenderness. Declan is almost a dream come true. He is persistent to a fault but knows exactly what he wants and won't stop until he gets it. He's patient and understanding and is willing to work hard to get what he wants. What woman wouldn't want that package. It's a nice light-hearted romance that makes all the non-believers think twice about love at first site and true love!
The Worst Thing:
The story dragged at some points. Jo's reasoning for her feelings and decisions with relationships became repetitive. I realized early on that this was purely romance and not erotica, however I would have liked to read a little more about their physical connection. The story had great potential and I'm sure others will find rate it as a great story, but for me it just fell a little short.
Title - Rules Are For Breaking
Author - Imelda Evan
Publisher -Penguin Books Australia
Genre - Romance/Fiction
Heat - Warm
Rating - ***
A SOLID 4 out of 5 STARS!! Garrick is every girls' wet dream.
In her last year of college Bliss has only one thing on her mind...study hard and get out. It's with this mindset that she now finds herself 22 years old and still a virgin. Ready to get it on and over with, she agrees to go out with her girlfriend to the local bar in search of the perfect candidate who will do the honors. She isn't prepared to meet someone that sends her blood rushing in all the right places, so when walks past Garrick–a hot twenty something guy with a smile that clouds her mind and an accent that makes her heart stutter–she's at a lost for words. Deciding not to back down she takes him up on his offer of a drink and soon they are headed to her apartment. Once things get intense (Garrick butt naked) Bliss realizes she doesn't want to lose her virginity on a one night stand and bolts.
A few days later, to her horror, she comes face-to-face with her 'almost one night stand' Garrick, her new teacher for the acting seminar class that she's taking. [How freaking awkward is that?? I think I probably would have had to get up and leave]. Realizing that Bliss is his student Garrick decides he can take the professional route, after all it's just 5 months. Except of course they can't seem to stay away from one another or their hands off of each other. [Hmmm..I had a professor I had a crush on but nothing like this. lol] They begin a secret affair and before long stronger feelings develop forcing Bliss to make a choice about her personal life. She has to first, deal with the fact that one of her best friends (Cade) is crazy about her although she doesn't feel the same and secondly, decide if she's willing to chance her education on a romance/relationship with Garrick. The decisions that she makes threaten to end long friendships, her role in the play she's starring in and even possibly expose her involvement with Garrick to her fellow classmates.
Without spoiling the end of the book, let's just say 'Thank God' this charade that Bliss and Garrick had going on didn't end up being the remnants leftover of a hurricane. I guess sometimes you can have your cake and eat it too!!
The Best Thing:
This cover was freaking smokin'. I will say that the guy on the front looks a little too feminine for my taste, however it definitely peaked my interest. As for the story I really enjoyed it. I like that fact that Cora Carmack didn't jump right into some heated sexual relationship between Bliss and Garrick; she used a gradual build that I feel like we rarely see now days. Character breakdown: Bliss is really cool. I loved the language and how she would have these internal arguments with herself as to 'WHAT THE HELL' she was thinking when dealing with her teacher. Having a HOT teacher that you almost make-out with is no easy task and it was nice to see her hold out as long as she did... I can't say that I would have been as strong as she was, and for so long. Garrick is every young girls wet dream. Great hair, great face, beautiful smile, tone chiseled body and a sexy accent that is all wrapped up in the ' boy/man next door' persona that probably has girls and women around the world dropping their panties. Clearly the chemistry between these two can't be dampened by the fact that he's her teacher, they could be breaking a few rules, she's got a best friend that's crazy about her... no. There is no denying that they are fit for one another. Finally, although I love my far share of angsty type books, it was a relief that this didn't go too far down that road. I appreciated the short-lived love triangle and the pushing the limits with student-teacher relationships, it wasn't over down nor was it underwhelming.
The Worst Thing:
Some of the things I liked about the characters I also dislike so I guess you could say that I'm on the edge. Bliss definitely irritated me sometimes throughout the book with her indecisiveness. One minute she agrees she needs to leave Garrick alone and the next she's ready to jump his bones, allows him to jump her or let's things get carried away (a little too far for comfort). Some may even call her a *ick tease. Again, although I liked Garrick overall I didn't necessarily agree with him taking a risk with his career and Bliss' education because he couldn't hold out for 5 months.
Title - Losing It
Author - Cora Carmack
Publisher -Self publish
Genre - Contemporary Romance /Fiction
Heat - Warm
Rating - ****
An Unconventional Love with enough steam to blow your top off!
4 out of 5 STARS
In the last installation of the Long Shots series we get a better look at one of our favorite characters, Josh and some close-ups of Beth and Oliver. Josh, the owner of a sex club– has known since a young age that he was bisexual. Discovering his sexuality at this young age brought a lot of anxiety and heartache with it when his own mother lashes out at him. In hopes of helping those with similar interest or experiences as his own he builds the club as a safe haven for those to explore their sexuality in private. Over the past few years he's come to depend on his right hand 'man' [in this instance it's a lady, Beth]. Beth, his assistant manager has been working with Josh for a few years and has become one of his closest friends, someone he can depend on. The only problem is that he's developed a severe crush. Meanwhile, Josh has also hired Oliver. He's the young, hard working and totally oblivious about his looks– head bartender that has recently joined the team and Josh just can't seem to keep mind off of him. Again, despite his better efforts, he's formed a crush on Oliver as well. In an effort to make sure that someone can find happiness, Josh sets out to setup Beth and Oliver, but he never expected that one or for that matter both would want him and are willing to fight to make sure that they have him.
During this story things get a little bumpy. Everyone is scared with the possibility of more; wondering what will people say about a relationship like theirs. Their baggage and insecurities threaten to break the relationship before it's even started and they each have a secret that they haven't shared with one another. This story had so much drama it felt like a soap opera. I don't understand how they could forget about all the drama long enough to participate in their little sexual extravaganzas.
Of course without fail, the issues blow up when they decide to take the first big leap and have unbelievable mind-blowing sex. It starts with Josh; too caught up in his own pain from when he was younger, he feels as though being in a relationship is the last thing that will be good for any of them. It would be best just to let Beth and Oliver be together while he goes to set up a new life somewhere else. Beth, still trying to recover from her ex-boyfriend cheating on her, is deathly afraid of being rejected again and this time by two men that she's falling in love with. However, she can't seem to push them away. (If only we all had two men to choose from or just keep them both.) Then you have Oliver, who's still in denial about his ex-wife [or should I say wife]. He's afraid of rejection as well and now has issues with trust since his wife cheated on him and ran off with all his money. [such a Lifetime movie] This story is jammed packed full of raw emotions. You get to see people dealing with acceptance, learning how to trust again, learning how to love again, being open to experience love in any form and finally allowing the hurt and pain from the past to fall away and leave a clear path for the opportunity of a great love and great relationship.
The Best Thing:
I really loved the teasing and playfulness of all the characters in the story. I also loved how when they decided to take their relationship to the next level, they all seemed to understand the severity of the decision they were making...it wasn't just a game. Of course the sex between these three was undoubtedly some of the best sex scenes I've ever read.
The Worse Thing:
The story seemed to have a steady flow up until the end. I felt as though I was rushed through the last two chapters. Yeah there was a lot of drama in this book but it was consistent and then I felt a forced rush at the end.
Title - Calling the Shots
Author - Christine D'Abo
Publisher -Carina Press
Genre - Adult Fiction/
Erotica Romance
Heat - Steamy
Rating - ****
Book Provided by:
NetGalley - Carina Press
Where's the BAD GIRL - A solid 3 out of 5 STARS
It's been years since college rivalries Travis Morgan and Alicia Davis have seen one another, and for at least one of them their departing left a sour taste behind. But when Travis needs to get out of town for a college trip and realizes that Alicia is the contact to help him, he's ecstatic to see the girl who sent a thrill through him all those years ago. Seeing her brings back the old rivalry and all his fantasies that he never got a chance to share with her.
Alicia's surprised to hear from Travis and knows this is the opportunity of a lifetime to set her plan in motion to take revenge on him for cheating during a college assignment and leaving her high and dry afterwards. But she never imagined that her own needs and temptations would take front seat and change the game for both of them. Now that Alicia has spent one night with Travis she questions if she should pursue something more or call it was it was– a spectacular one night stand. Now that the gloves are off it seems as though their very heated encounter is more than just sexual, but the opportunity for a deeper relationship.
The Best Thing:
I thought this book was a very cute lighthearted romance with a dash of erotica on the side. This is a good book and/or if you are looking for a quick read.
The Worst Thing:
From the beginning of this book I was looking for more background information on Travis and Alicia. Understanding that this was meant to be a short story I still felt as though I there wasn’t enough information to have a real connection with any of the characters. Also, it's my understanding that this book is part of the 'Bad Girls Know' series however I do not feel that Alicia filled the shoes of a true 'BAD GIRL', maybe she should have played Travis a little longer before bowing out.
When I first saw the cover for this book I just knew the story had to live up to the cover. Oh! How one does fall from the illusion of ‘judging a book by its cover’. Such a sweet romantic short story but not sure it lived up to be anything special. I’m sure many will find it to be quite satisfying, but as for me I was a little let down.
Title - No Reservations
Author - Lilly Cain
Publisher -Carina Press
Genre - Romance/Fiction
Heat - Warm
Rating - ***
Book Provided by: NetGalley/
Carina Press
THE disPLEASURES OF WINTER - 3 out of 5 Stars
When research on a story turns too dangerous, reporter Abbie Marshall will agree to almost anything to get out of Honduras. Her only available way out is to interview Hollywood A-lister, Jack Winter on his private jet. But the handsome man known for his playboy ways may be too much for Abbie as she finds herself falling for him once their plane goes down in a remote rainforest.
Front row to the complicated man before her, she sees more than what the camera captures, and begins to form an attachment. It doesn't take long for Jack to realize there is something more between he and Abbie when they can't seem to stay away from one another. Two people obsessed with their strong connection decide to explore if they can have more than just another heated relationship or if Jack’s past and Abbie’s career will be too much for their intoxicating love affair.
The Best Thing:
This story had the potential of a lifetime, or so it seemed. With the title The Pleasures of Winter and the ambiguous cover image, I just knew I could expect something wonderful. I will say that despite the overall let down I liked the change-up with Abbie and Jack being stuck in the rainforest. The creative beginning for the plot gave the story a twist of something other than the same old office setting that we see in some of the newer “Fifty Shade follow-ups”.
The Worst Thing:
There were so many things that bothered me about this book. First, the book started off with leading lady Abbie Marshall stranded in a Honduran rainforest with leading man Jack Winter after a plane crash. For the first part of the book we get to see their interaction with one another in an intense and stressful setting. I’m guessing we were suppose to see them slowly create a bond with one another ––understanding what others seem to miss at first glance and then fall for one another–– but I wasn’t sold. During their time in the forest fell short of convincing me that they had some connection other than the typical physical attraction. Secondly, after reading for what felt like ‘forever’ in a rainforest we are thrown back into civilization where the two jump into a sexual relationship. Note, I didn’t say a D/s relationship yet because anyone who reads BDSM books knows that in order to enter into a relationship of this magnitude one should to introduce rules, soft and hard limits and of course safe words. [unless you’re dealing with non-consent] *NOTE* I was bothered by the fact that Abbie––being a virgin to the D/s world––was fully aware of her rights in the relationship and wasn’t even educated on the simplest of things such as certain toys that they would be playing with. The author seemed to be so eager to jump into the scene, that as a reader following the story I missed the details that tie everything together and leave no room for questions like mine. (Abbie and Jack not discussing their sexual history/partners, yet not taking proper precaution during their relationship) I understand this is fiction, but good fiction is always best when you can incorporate as much realistic detail as possible. Thirdly, is the strength of characters. Abbie is suppose to be this strong, intelligent go-get-her type of woman [in her career], but has a submissive side to her in the bedroom. I was confused with this description of her. It seemed to me that Abbie was submissive across the board; with friends, family and her relationship with William; the ex-fiancé. However, if Abbie is submissive ––understanding that Jack has the ability to get her riled-up and excited–– how is it that she thrives in taking control as well? Is she really a SWITCH instead? If so I can’t truly see it, or maybe I need a little more character building. As for Jack, again I wasn’t fully convinced in his ‘ALPHA male’ act. He was missing something that I can’t seem to put my finger on. He would have been better in just a regular erotica novel without the D/s side. Lastly, the story didn’t tie up some of the lose ends. Who was sending the threats to Abbie? [ we can assume the obvious from the hints in the story that it was from her research for the Honduras story] If it wasn’t that important why dedicate so much time to it initially. Kit and Kevin decide to get married... what? This change of events was just weird. They were barely in the story and when they did appear they had just started dating, and that was after Kevin attempted to date Abbie. Overall the story was detached in a lot of areas for me.
The Pleasures of Winter by Evie Hunter
November 6, 2012
Title - The Pleasures of Winter
Author - Evie Hunter
Publisher -Penguin Books Ltd
Genre - Romance/Erotica/BDSM/Fiction
Heat - Warm
Rating - ***
Book Provided by: NetGalley/ Penguin Books Ltd
Never Let Me Go: Best friends, lovers and soul mates - 5 out of 5 stars
Ella's new life stands the chance of shattering when she leaves college and heads home for summer break. Leaving behind her broken family, best friend Micha and her old personality in order to put the past 8 months and more behind her, she isn’t ecstatic about her reunion with her ‘old life’. It doesn't take long for Ella to realize once she’s home, that she can't out run her past and she can't escape Micha, especially since he lives right next door and has been searching for her.
Micha, who’s been desperately searching for Ella ever since she ran away after that night on the bridge when they kissed, can’t believe she’s finally back. For months he’s been aching and pining for Ella, worried that something happened to her. Finally, she comes home but she’s so different from who she use to be. He’s determined to try to bring back the old Ella–his friend and the girl he loves.
Ella’s afraid she won't be able to resist the urge of her old life and Micha. Slowly Micha begins to wedge himself under her skin again–blurring the lines of their relationship– with his sexy voice and piercing eyes. She has to decide to deal with the pain of her past, address her true feelings for Micha, and embrace her new future with the real Ella, but the path to recovery isn’t easy and she'll need the person who knows her best to help her along the way.
The Best Thing:
There are so many great things about this book: the severely damaged characters that are struggling to make better lives for themselves, the intense emotional connection between Ella and Micha, the realistic reaction of how Ella attempted to deal with the lose of her mother and the lack of presence from her brother and father and so much more. Micha is a dream come true–the perfect combination of bad boy with a heart of gold. For anyone reading this book it’s so evident that Ella needs someone to help her through all of her issues despite the fact that she has pushed aside most of her feelings of that tragic night with her mom. The fact that Micha was stubborn enough to wait her out and then push her to open up again and confide in him, to trust him and help her admit that she loved him, puts Micha at the top of the list for best male character for YA/NA Contemporary Romance stories. Jessica did a great job building the suspense of what happened with Ella’s mom, why Ella ran away from home–her best friend Micha– deciding to re-invent herself. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two characters and experiencing Ella’s walls slowly tumble down as she admits that Micha is more than just the past. Overall I really loved this book and all the characters; they really lived up to the personalities that Jessica created for them.
The Worst Thing:
I would have loved to learn a little more about Ella’s roommate and brother. Okay, maybe I missed it but why her brother so pissy to Ella since...like forever. As you can see I’m really stretching it to find something wrong with book but I can't. The writing was good and the overall storyline was good WTH!
Of course I’ll continue to read about what comes next for Ella and Micha (how could I not when so much is left up in the air)
Title - The Secret of Ella and Micha
Author - Jessica Sorensen
Publisher -self publish
Genre - Contemporary Romance/ New Adult/Fiction
Heat - Warm
Rating - *****
On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
November 9, 2012
NO REAL SPOILERS
The perfect romance book! 5 out of 5 STARS
Let’s see how many words can I use to describe this book... steamy, angsty, sizzling, delicious, witty, emotional, HOT, sexy, provocative. (And yet that still doesn’t sum it up)
I am slowly becoming a huge sucker for romance stories (that aren’t cheesy) and this book kinda put the nail in the coffin. I always get a kick out of couples that have the whole tug-and-war thing going on with their feelings–denying the attraction they have towards one another or what kind of relationship they want to have (feelings or just sex). Joss and Braden were the perfect combination of ‘I-hate-that-I’m-so-addicted-to-you’, that is until they finally admitted to themselves that their agreement was more than just great sex.
Jocelyn aka Joss moved to Scotland four years ago after a tragic accident involving her family and later losing her close friend. Nearly destroying her, she embraces the storage box of emotions that hides all her important feelings; burying her grief and detaching herself from feeling anything for anyone. I think it’s safe to say denial can be your best friend for a while until it’s not, then you find yourself struggling to gather pieces of yourself and slowly work them back together again. In this case Joss’ denial (or eventually, the lack of denial) came in the form of two very special and important people; her roommate Ellie and Ellie’s brother Braden. Little did she know that both characters had hearts as big as the ocean and slowly break her wide open, changing life as she knew it. Of course she struggles the entire time to open up and share pieces of herself but in the end she finally comes to realize that whether she wants it or not people form attachments to one another and feelings develop, she can no longer run from her past and extricate herself from her present.
Ellie wedged herself into Joss’ life showing her that friendship is just as important as family when you can open up and trust. As for Braden, well he made it clear the entire time that ‘Jocelyn’ was something he wanted, but he wasn’t content with just half of her. Braden wanted the whole package and was willing to slowly learn and understand her, to fight her stubbornness and give her what she needed in-spite of herself. So of course Braden and Jocelyn’s relationship–what started out as just sex and then quickly formed into more–was as heated and intense as any romance I’ve read recently.
The Best Thing:
The personalities of the characters gave shape to the book. Braden’s personality was ALPHA with a touch of honey (very smooth). He knew how to give and take which a lot of Alpha male characters seem to be missing. Of course Jocelyn was a ‘no touch zone’ for anyone other than himself, he was very demanding but always there for her and giving and concerned–waiting and wanting to take care of her. Jocelyn’s personality was that of a confused and hurt woman (based off of her past) yet she was strong on the outside but definitely in need of someone who cares and loves her, to push her to open up and trust on the inside–was easy to like in this story. With the magnitude of the tragedy that she experienced early in life, it wasn’t a surprise that she lost herself when she was younger, but I have a lot of respect for her for trying to hold it together the best way she knew how. It really could have turned out much worse. In the end I really loved all the characters.
The Worst Thing:
Obviously I couldn't find much wrong with the story. I would have however loved to learn more about Ellie. Hopefully (book2) will elaborate!
This book has made it to my FAVORITES LIST, I’ll probably read it again before the year is out!!
Title - On Dublin Street
Author - Samantha Young
Publisher -PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW
Genre- Contemporary Romance/ New Adult/Fiction
Heat - Hot
Rating - *****
Provided by: NetGalley
All In (Blackstone Affair 2) by Raine Miller
November 16, 2012
ALL IN... and totally HOOK!! 4 out of 5 Stars
This was such a great follow-up for the Blackstone Affair series.
In the second installation of The Blackstone Affair, Ethan Blackstone has broken the trust of the woman he loves, Brynne, resulting in her breaking his heart by leaving him. But Ethan refuses to give up getting her back. Their passionate relationship opened a door to his heart and now he wants more––more than he's ever wanted from any woman. Groveling has a new meaning when Ethan is determined to get Brynne back, and of course he does! After only a week Ethan and Brynne find themselves back together again but it won’t be easy.
We finally get to learn more about Brynne’s past and boy is it freakin’ horrible :-( Now it seems that her past has caught up to her and is threatening her well-being. (Ethan to the rescue) I couldn’t believe what I was reading––the very tragic and horrifying event that so reminded me of an episode on SVU (Law & Order). Despite all the craziness in Brynne’s life she never fails to surprise me. She shows us that she can be strong despite her past. She embraces her submissive side with Ethan a lot more and we even get to see her passionate side. But with Brynne's secret that threatens her well-being and Ethan's frightening past the question stands, can their love out weight the dangers that are fighting to make an appearance. Is Ethan willing to risk everything in order to have Brynne in his arms again?
The Best Thing:
This sequel has turned up the steam a few notches with all the hot and sexy scenes involving Brynne and Ethan. I didn’t think I would be that turned on by his dominance especially since he absolutely went from 10 to 20 in a blink of an eye, but I was. I freaking looooove the fact the Ethan is a changed man :-) In fact he is so changed that it borders on psycho possessiveness. His 180 degree change had made me fall head-over-heels for him though. I found myself laughing a lot at this inner dialogue when thinking about Brynne and how men can’t help but to gawk at her. In the second book Ethan also becomes more realistic showing several sides of his personality. We get to see that he isn’t perfect and actually has some demons of his own that he definitely needs to work through. We get to see the sensitive side of him; almost always on edge and worried about Brynne and her happiness in their relationship and safety when she’s not around him. The reformed ‘playboy’ has an epiphany about his feelings for Brynne and can’t seem to keep his hands off of her (or any other part of his body for that matter)!
The Worst Thing: (Not so bad actually)
Raine... you have left me hanging again!!! Although this cliffhanger isn’t as big as the one in Naked it still left me with a few questions. Just like last time we are left to our own devices (letting our imaginations run wild) waiting to find out what is going to happen to Brynne and Ethan. Is she pregnant? Did the stalker follow them out of town? Anticipation doesn’t began to describe my feelings.
Title - All In
Author - Raine Miller
Publisher -self published
Genre - Contemporary Romance/ New Adult/Erotica
Heat - Steamy
Rating - ****
Provided by: NetGalley
This is the story of one semi-innocent young woman, Lucy Delacourt, and a crush that turns into an unbelievable reality in just a blink of an eye.
A temp at a prestigious company, Lucy knows she’s not at her dream job, but needs to keep this position to save more money to land on her own feet. The best moment in her day is when she GETS OFF every morning!
Right out the box, Lucy and this 'sexy stranger' LIT ME ON FIRE with their ‘little’ activity in the elevator. Never could she imagine that she would become this crazy WANTON woman with her sex dream, and in an elevator at that. Caught totally off guard by their impromptu activity in the elevator, this sexual deed leads into a more vivid voyeuristic opportunity when the sexy demanding stranger pulls Lucy into the shadows of the parking garage to ‘take her’. ABSOLUTELY SHOCKING!
Of course things change drastically when Lucy is called into ‘a meeting’ only to find that the sexy stranger is Jeremiah Hamilton, CEO of the company. Dazed and confused, humiliated and scarred, embarrassed and yet still hot and aching, Lucy can only imagine that type of trouble she’s in. But Jeremiah proposes a lucrative option that could leave them both happy. Instead of being laid-off with the rest of her department, she can agree to being his personal assistant and doing 'WHATEVER HE WANTS'–where ever he wants. Now she struggles with the excitement and anxiety of that meaning.
Never did she imagine that being his assistant would put her in the line of fire for those that would literally do anything to take Jeremiah Hamilton down. Life as she’s known it has changed drastically in just a blink. Private jets, luxurious hotels, extreme mind-blowing orgasms, threats on his life, threats on her life and of course a sexy man that she can call her’s–even if just for a moment– have changed her. There’s enough action, betrayal, horrible characters and sex in this story to keep you completely occupied. You have an intense shoot out at the Hamilton compound, I WAS SCARED SH@*LESS SOMEONE I LIKED WOULD DIE. Then there was the sex. Sex in the elevator, sex in the garage, sex in the boat house, you name they’ve probably had sex there [SEX EVERYWHERE].
Of course you have those that you despise; Mrs. Hamilton [MEDUSA] hateful queen B. I kinda wish she was the one that was poisoned. Celeste–Lucas' assistant– really got under my skin and I wanted to introduce her face to the pavement!!
But I gave her some leniency once I got her whole story.
At the end... We are left with a CLIFFHANGER THAT MAKES YOU WANNA SLAP YOUR MOMMA! A TOTAL WTF moment. Sara has to finish the story.
The Best Thing:
This story was a like a fairy tale gone nightmare. You dream about your man and obsess over him from afar and then one day your dream comes true. Your dream man notices you and you beginning an ‘affair’ or ‘relationship’ [what have you] with him. Nightmare; you are now in danger just by being with him. This was a creative way to capture the reader and I really enjoyed it. Every girl/woman out there has, at one time or another, dreamed or obsessed over a man that she doesn’t really know but wish she could. Jeremiah was great in the sense that [I love Alpha men] and he was definitely one. He fit the standard character in books like this; wealthy, intelligent, possessive, in control and a hard ass. Lucy was good in the sense that she was just your average girl that got dealt a rough hand at and early age because her family died. (Who couldn’t relate to her in some way)
The Worst thing:
Tying up the lose ends could have been done better in this series. (unless I’m waiting for another book!!). There are a few things that don’t really make sense (if we are suppose to refer to reality). I really didn’t like that half way through the book with everything happening in Paris; the poisoning, the sex, the dates, the sex and more sex, nothing else seemed to be happening with Jeremiah’s work anymore. When they arrive back state side the extremely busy Jeremiah (or so we are told)–who always works and rarely takes off– hasn’t been back to the office. He hasn’t really concentrated on work at all. (I get that he’s concerned for Lucy’s safety but still weird habit to drop cold turkey). Also, Lucy has been been gone for at least a couple of weeks now. First, taking off to Paris with Jeremiah and then coming back but being stuck in his mansion until the threat is over. Please note:Never once did she contact her roommate and let her know what happened (even the part where she was ‘promoted’)WTH. Toward the end of the story when the truth comes out about Lucas, Jeremiah, their mom and even Celeste, some of their individual stories aren’t wrapped up. Lucas is ‘supposedly’ taken into custody for his involvement in selling illegal fire arms (we know where he really is). Celeste meets her unfortunately and frankly shitty end after she admits her intentions and feelings for Lucas. Jeremiah realizes the truth about his mom and brother. And lastly, their mom is outed for stealing the money from the company, but what the hell happened to her?? So what she just gets off and Lucas takes the fall...that’s BS.
Most of all, I hope that this isn’t the last book. I hate that I am left with my imagination to figure out why Lucas has kidnapped Lucy again and what Jeremiah will do. It’s so confusing especially because he’s been outwardly indecisive with his feelings toward Lucy. As a reader of this story I still feel like I don’t really know Jeremiah and definitely have no idea how he feels for Lucy.
Author - Sara Fawkes
Publisher -St. Martin's Press
Genre - Erotic Romance/Erotica
Heat - Steamy
Rating - ****
Provided by: NetGalley
December 28, 2012
WORD FEUD!
Where your favorite reviewers duke it out
Hunk for the Holidays by Katie Lane
Cassie McPherson is a hard worker. Always putting business before the wonders of pleasure and family before a fulfilling relationship, she decides it’s easier to hire the perfect date for the family business Christmas party. Of course things never seem to go as planned, especially when she mistakes the company's biggest competition for her hired date.
The gorgeous and charming James Sutton has one thing on his mind when he goes to the M&M Construction office: meet with Mr. McPherson and settle this rivalry. But when he bumps into Cassie and she assumes that he is her date for the Christmas party he can think of nothing else but to go along with the beautiful lady in front of him. Immediately his charms, good looks and extensive knowledge of the construction industry throw Cassie of kilter and ready to fall into his bed. James can’t believe he’s falling for the strong and beautiful woman that’s his competition. Not only do they have a strong physical connection, but their personalities and aspirations for work and family have him head over heels for her. Now he just has to figure out how to tell her who he really is before someone else does. The question remains, will she still want him once she learns the truth?
The Best Thing by Deidre D.
Hunk for the Holidays definitely lived up to the expectations of a light, but romantic read that would leave me warm and fuzzy inside. (I know that probably sounds really cheesy)
One of my favorite parts of this book was the relationship Cassandra (Cass) had with her family. Being the only girl in a family of 5 kids it was interesting and fun to see how Katie Lane connected each family member to the family business and their role in the family. I also appreciated how her brothers each served a specific role and had clear personalities that emerged, but were all connected in their desire to protect the family’s interests, especially if it has to do with someone messing with their sister.
Although I was not completely sold on the connection between Cass and our leading man James Sutton, I did appreciate how their quick relationship unfolded. I may not be a believer in love at first site or people falling for one another when they barely know each other, but I decided to push my own personal feelings aside and enjoy since this was a little taste of romance.
Overall: 3.5 stars out of 5
The Worst Thing by Liz B.
My first issue with this book is the time line. I know that this is a whirlwind romance over the holiday season, but I have such an issue with people falling in love in the span of a few days. It seems to me that about 80% of that is lust and 20% is actual knowledge of the other person’s character. I’m not saying that miracles can’t happen, because they can. I’m sure there are some people who just “know” when they meet that special one, but I was not convinced in this case.
In a lot of stories where there are two strong main characters they fight regularly, but it’s just part of how they engage with one another and show their affection and care. In this case, I didn't think their fighting was reflective of that. It seemed that both of them were so prideful that they didn't want to apologize and that neither was very in-touch with their emotions. To me, that doesn't seem like a very solid basis for a life-long commitment.
Another issue I had was how men and women were presented in this book. It felt like Cassie was an independent woman who had goals that she wanted to accomplish and had control of her life. It was obvious that some of that control needed to be relinquished and that she required a push to take some bigger strides to accomplish her aims. However, it felt like James was set up as this paragon of Alpha-Male manhood that would come and save the little woman. Maybe I was reading too much into it? I don’t know. But there was something about the ways in which he was taking over control of her problems that I didn't appreciate.
Overall: Now, enough of me being a scrooge! I thought, all in all, the book was a great holiday read. Funny, light, and full of characters who were bursting with life. 3 out of 5. Not a literary break-through by any means, but entertaining nonetheless.
Author - Katie Lane
Publisher -Forever Publishing
Genre - Romance
Heat - Hot
Rating - ***