What a mind f*uck. A dark erotic PNR that pushes boundaries and blurs the lines between good and evil. No one is who they say, nothing is what it seemWhat a mind f*uck. A dark erotic PNR that pushes boundaries and blurs the lines between good and evil. No one is who they say, nothing is what it seems, and everyone has an agenda.
Merged review:
What a mind f*uck. A dark erotic PNR that pushes boundaries and blurs the lines between good and evil. No one is who they say, nothing is what it seems, and everyone has an agenda....more
A cute and sexy friends to lovers NA sports romance involving Ty Masters (Knox Master-Sacked). A steady engaging read with low angst and plenty of humA cute and sexy friends to lovers NA sports romance involving Ty Masters (Knox Master-Sacked). A steady engaging read with low angst and plenty of humor and smexy times.
Currently, the whole series is on sale for $.99@...more
Dallas and Lex-the King and Queen of Sector Four-haven’t always been the power couple we see before us today. Once upon a time, Dallas was just startiDallas and Lex-the King and Queen of Sector Four-haven’t always been the power couple we see before us today. Once upon a time, Dallas was just starting to build the O’Kane name and Lex was a runaway Orchid turned thief. This couple took years to craft their relationship; to mold, tame, and understand the dynamics that brought them together and almost destroyed them.
The 2nd in Rocha’s spin-off of their bestselling Beyond series, it not only takes us back into the world we all adore, keeping us abreast of current news but also gives us more insight into the relationships of our favorite couples. I love digging deeper into Lex and Dallas’ beginnings. Beyond Control gave us their story…this gives us their courtship and answers some questions about Lex's attitude in the beginning. Fast, fun, and furious, this novella is 100% pure O’Kane. WARNING: This novella contains spoilers from the Beyond series.
Paradise Simone (Pari) came to Chicago to escape a personal tragedy, never imagining her loss would open the door to love. Max Kulagin is a temperamenParadise Simone (Pari) came to Chicago to escape a personal tragedy, never imagining her loss would open the door to love. Max Kulagin is a temperamental Russian tattoo artist who takes one look at Pari and sees his soulmate. Max sees the damage in Pari, having suffered himself as a child, and takes his time wooing her into trusting him. When Pari’s past rears its ugly head, Max steps in to make sure she knows she will never be alone again.
Max is a sweet, humorous and very sexy romance between two damaged people who have triumphed over evil and find solace in one another. A fast racy read with cameos by almost all our favorite past characters. Hot and edgy chemistry is highlighted with humor, engaging dialogue, lots of sex. :P A mild suspenseful subplot adds a little darkness to the storyline. Grade: B...more
The third book in Crane’s The Devil’s Keeper series is another opposites attract romance with a splash of sexually fueled antagonism. Not everyone dC+
The third book in Crane’s The Devil’s Keeper series is another opposites attract romance with a splash of sexually fueled antagonism. Not everyone dreams of being someone’s old lady, especially one woman whose own experiences with MCs have made them enemy #1 in her world. But when the only man to rev her engine is the enforcer for the local MC, well, it’s always better with the devil you know. Lightly erotic with a nice balance between the romance and the main storyline, this is probably my favorite of the series so far. The heroine is the star of the story. ...more
Best friends to lovers is always a fun trope. Add in some smexy times, a little conflict, and of course, FOOTBALL, and you have a cute and sexy piece Best friends to lovers is always a fun trope. Add in some smexy times, a little conflict, and of course, FOOTBALL, and you have a cute and sexy piece of escapism. I was happy to see Nathan Riley get his own story. We first met him as an awkward 15-year-old in book one-The Perfect Play– when his mother and Mick Riley, star quarterback of the Sabers, started dating and eventually married. Ten years later, Mick is retiring and Nathan is taking over as the quarterback for the Sabers. My my how times flies. :) Mia Cassidy is also all grown up and like Nathan, embraces the family dynasty by founding a sports management company. While I always had my suspicions they’d end up together, I was curious to see how Burton would play this one out.
The Final Score is number thirteen in Jaci Burton’s racy sports theme romance Play by Play series and not the final book despite the title. This series has certainly come full circle with the next generation of Rileys’ and Cassidys’ riding at the helm. A familiar storyline opens the door to smooth if not repetitive dialogue and some old and new faces as the protagonists, Nathan and Mia, are forced to face head on their professional and personal challenges. The biggest challenge their growing attraction to one another.
Mia and Nathan are best friends and it shows. Their one night stand in college was brushed aside for their friendship and they never brought it up again. Not until they both move to the same city and reconnect. I enjoyed how easy going their relationship. Strong communication and comfortable interactions only re-enforce how tight their bond is. They are way similar makeup; both are intelligent, loyal, and witty with a refreshing lack of emotional baggage or painful secrets that often sparks the tension and must have misunderstandings in these romances. Extremely hard working and career oriented, it was nice that neither were made dependant on the other for their happiness and they each had friends and interests beyond each other.
Steamy chemistry gives credence to the attraction brewing between them. I liked that Mia chooses to wait and think through all the pros and cons of having a sexual relationship with Nathan before falling into bed with him. It gave strength to her argument that their friendship was the most important aspect of their relationship. Sexually, they meshed well and seemed to have a penchant for possible discovery. *wink* I found it hilarious when Nathan proposes hay loft smexy times, Mia sets him straight about hay lofts (they’re hot and itchy) and the fact that no one wants to have sex right after mowing the lawn in 90 degree heat.
The main conflict wasn’t much of a conflict at all. Mia and Nathan are both starting their careers and set on proving to the world and themselves that they got where they are at because of their talents; not their family names. This causes some mild issues; mostly on Mia’s part. Some choices are made that require some groveling at the end but as always, Burton brings her couple through the fire, ready for their happily ever after.
The Final Score doesn’t offer much in terms of excitement or energy but it does offer a sweet and sexy friends to lovers romance that is perfect for a lazy afternoon of reading.
When Amalie Whitfield’s husband humiliates her on their wedding day, she grabs her suitcases and heads out on her honeymoon. Solo. Or so she thought. What are the chances that the bad boy she walked away from in the past is also heading to the same location? And this time...he’s not letting her walk away without a fight.
Our story opens to Amalie at her wedding reception, wondering where her groom has disappeared to. She soon discovers his whereabouts when the room’s PA system suddenly turns on and everyone hears her husband having sexual relations with someone besides her.
Someone other than me is blowing my husband at my own wedding.
Disgusted, humiliated, and angry, Amalie heads to the bridal suite to hide and plot her husband’s slow painful death only to discover the groom’s cousin, Lexington, has been hiding out there to escape his date. Her pride stinging, she propositions him only to have him turn her down. Two rejections in one-day smarts so Amalie runs to her best friend and makes plans to annul her marriage while escaping to a small resort for some much needed R&R.
Once I annul this farce of a marriage I’ll become a spinster. I should probably go ahead and adopt six or seven cats.
Amalie can't contain her surprise when she discovers her seatmate is none other than ‘Sexy Lexy’ himself. He too is headed to overseas but for business. His family owns a chain of upscale hotels and he has been making a concentrated effort to become more involved in the business.
Though Amalie and Lex know nothing can become of them they can’t resist the chemistry that blazes between them and decide to indulge themselves. At least until their time on the island is over. But as the old saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
I’m so sick of polite sex. I want someone to pull my hair. I want my ass smacked. I want fuzzy handcuffs and maybe some wild restraints…
Helena Hunting’s Hooking Up follows on the heels of her bestselling Shacking Up. Overflowing with Hunting’s trademark outrageous humor and madcap scenarios, fans get a brief recap while reintroducing our hero and heroine and moving forward with the ongoing storyline. Amalie (Amie) is Ruby’s best friend and Lexington (Lex) is Bane’s older brother. They first met at a party and clicked instantly. Lex’s cousin, Armstrong, also meets Amie at the same event but warns her away from Lex, claiming he is a player and has a left a trail of broken hearts in his wake. Amie has issues with bad boys and bad decisions so she opts for whom she feels is the safer bet and leaves with Armstrong
“I just wanted to make the right choice for once.”
Hunting dips deep into her emotional well and pulls out a romance that is bittersweet in its reveal. The humor can’t hide the pain that Amie feels and it flows off the pages in waves as you absorb everything that has happened. I loved meeting the real Amie. She is a fantastic heroine who has been dealt a bad hand. Creative, sexually mature, and a genuinely good person, her parents have never let her forget one mistake involving a bad boyfriend and a Mexican jail cell. A mistake that she struggled to overcome by becoming the perfect daughter and eventually landing the perfect husband.
“No relationship is perfect. [...] I thought I could make it work and it didn’t even last a night.”
A natural born protector, Lex steps up and does all he can to help Amie recover. He spends time with her helping to rebuild her self-esteem after Armstrong shredded it. Their chemistry blazes white hot but there is more to the attraction. They are two peas in a pod and watching them together is both sweet and funny.
“I think I cracked the nail.” She brings her knee to her chest so she can get a better look, giving me, once again, an excellent view of her panties.
“Amalie.” I close my eyes. Fuck. My dick is pretty goddamn desperate to get out of my pants right now and into what’s under that pale pink satin and lace.
“Oh yeah, the nail is definitely cracked. Ooooh. It’s pretty gross. Why’re your eyes closed? Are you afraid of blood?”
I motion to her with one lid half-open. “Your panties.”
“You're afraid of my panties?”
Lex doesn't want to be Amie’s rebound. He wants more but chooses to do what is best for her. Hunting not only focuses on the physical aspects of their relationship but softly develops the romance alongside. She takes it slow, allowing them to become friends while exploiting the sexual tension to max levels. Dual points of view allow readers an intimate view into their thoughts and feelings towards one another. Both of them have legitimate concerns about their future. Neither of them wants to lose the friendship they have built yet the attraction between them is impossible to ignore.
“I know what I want, and I know exactly how I feel about you. As soon as you figure it out, we can figure it out together.”
Helena Hunting continues to solidify her place in romantic comedies. I wholeheartedly recommend her stories to everyone who enjoys their romances hot, funny, and pure unadulterated fun. ...more
Favorite Quote: “I won’t judge you for your coffee choices.”
When Sol DuMont asks his brother Alex to be his best man at his wedding to socialite Adrianna (Rain) Barrington, Alex is at a loss as to why but reluctantly agrees. Alex and Sol are like oil and water; Alex is uptight, devout, serious, and regimented in his professional and personal life while Sol is…Sol. Alex figures he can keep from killing Sol for a week before heading back to Dallas and his life.
Theresa Ivarson is Rain’s best friend, maid of honor, practicing Catholic, and professional photojournalist. She flies into New Orleans with the intention of celebrating her bestie’s nuptials only to discover she and the best man are tasked with sorting out all the wedding details after the wedding planner sells them to a tabloid then is hit by a bus; leaving them in a lurch.
Alex and Theresa’s relationship starts out on a rocky note and only goes downhill from there, and being forced to work together doesn’t help matters. When Alex finds himself torn between his attraction to Theresa and his faith, he will have to make a decision before he loses everything.
Thea deSalle continues to delight and entertains their readers with their strong and unapologetic characters who grab onto life and all it has to offer with both hands. Lively and erotic, I enjoy the energy that flows through this series. That being said, the couple in here didn’t enchant me as much as the first two did. The story takes place in a week’s time, causing the romance to feel rushed and the characterization under developed to a certain point. deSalle only scratches the surface of this couple’s potential, giving us the bare bones and using sex and manufactured drama to push forward their agenda.
Alex DuMont is a dye in the wool Catholic whose intense faith and strict lifestyle helped him cope when his father passed away but is also used as an avoidance tactic. He broke up with his long time girlfriend and quit medical school after she let him know in no uncertain terms that his problems weren’t hers. The youngest of three boys, he is easily wound up and repeatedly puts his foot in his mouth with everyone he comes into contact with. I like that he is different from the other man we have met in here. deSalle does an excellent job of diversifying her characters in personality to ensure we aren’t inundated with the same person over and over.
If I click my heels three times, do I get to go home? No, I’m not that lucky
Theresa is also a devout Catholic though she has a better balance between her life and her faith than Alex does. Born into a large family, Theresa had a wonderful childhood and grew into a well-adjusted adult with a fulfilling career. Engaged to be married, she broke it off when she fiancee was cheating on her. His repeated apologies lost their meaning after evidence of all his affairs came to life one after another. Theresa, like all deSalle’s heroines, is strong, opinionated, and more than aware of her self-worth. She tries to understand Alex’s issues but refuses to allow him to lay his issues at her feet.
“I don’t want anyone watching out for my soul. I watch out for my soul, and that has to be okay. It’s nonnegotiable, Alex. You make decisions for you and your soul. I make decisions for mine.”
The sparks fly when Theresa and Alex meet. Similar in all the ways that matter, their chemistry is a combustible and heady mixture that explodes in all the best ways. No squishing this time around. I enjoyed the path deSalle takes in helping Alex find a comfortable balance between his spiritual and sexual love. Religion and sex are touchy subjects but often go hand in hand and it’s nice to see more authors embracing it in romance. This couple has no issues in the bedroom and deSalle has a gift for writing steamy intense scenes that reveal organically.
We fit so well together, she and I. We’re a matched pair….it’s been so long and she’s so perfect. My God, if this is wrong, I never want to be right.
Alex sees the potential for so much with her but screws up left and right as he attempts to wrangle his sexual attraction to her under control. Theresa has no idea of the intensity of Alex’s internal turmoil and thinks that she’s to blame for his hot and cold attitude. Both Theresa and Alex have been hurt by those they thought they loved, fracturing their trust. They used their faith to help them through the pain only Alex seems to take his religion more at face value. His anger and rigidness speaks of intense past trauma yet nothing in his background reveals that-his father’s death aside. His brother Nash, a very interesting figure, helps Alex see that God end game is our happiness. That bothered me a little. The impression given is Alex has been in a crisis of faith for years yet all it took was one conversation with his brother to help him sort it out?
“There’s only so much God’s going to do for you, my man. He helps those who help themselves.”
What helps to save this story for me is the inclusion of the secondary characters and storylines. Sol and Rain’s attempts to get their wedding back on track are hilarious, aided by cameos from Maddie, Darren, and various other familiar faces. I enjoyed meeting Nash DuMont, Rain’s brothers, and various friends. The humor flows freely and with the effervescence of expensive champagne as everyone pitches in to help get the engaged couple married and offers advice to Alex and Theresa as they struggle to move over the speed bumps Alex keep putting up.
“Are you alright? Do I have to kick him? I will, you know. Right in the dingdong. Hos before bros. Bro-in-laws. Whatever.”
The Lady of Royale Street certainly entertains though the main storyline and those involved was rushed. Especially at the end. While deSalle convinces me of the sexual attraction of Theresa and Alex, she never fully develops them for me and never convinces me of the romance or why they fell in love. I am looking forward to reading more in this series in the future. I hope Nash DeMont’s story is next.
The first in Weatherspoon’s erotic Beards and Bondage series introduces readers to a sexy dominate recluse who embarks on a relationship with the younThe first in Weatherspoon’s erotic Beards and Bondage series introduces readers to a sexy dominate recluse who embarks on a relationship with the young woman he saved after she and her brother were attacked on a trip. The intense erotic interludes blend well with this couple’s eager exploration of the unknown and their unconscious need for understanding and forgiveness. Humorous and slightly awkward dialogue only adds to this romance’s appeal....more
Favorite Quote: “One of these days you’re going to say my name, and you’re going to say please, and then you’re not going to be able to say anything at all.”
Awkward can’t even begin to describe this couple’s relationship. Anne Calhoun brings the heat when she reconnects Riva Henneman with the man she fell in love with seven years ago. Ian Hawthorne. The only problem is he was the undercover cop who busted her for selling drugs on the local college campus and then blackmailed her into becoming his CI.
Riva ends up leaving college after her arrest and now manages a farm to kitchen restaurant that teaches urban kids how to eat and cook healthier. She is shocked when Ian walks through her door. When she learns he has arrested one of her kids and wants to use him like he used her, she jumps in and offers to give Ian the bust of a lifetime. The top man behind the drug ring.
Ian Hawthorne knows what it’s like to have his dreams derailed. A former navy seal candidate sidelined by cancer, he is now a Lieutenant in the Lancaster PD and up for a promotion. The guilt he feels over his actions concerning Riva seven years ago rides him hard. He knows he strong armed her into being his CI and put her in danger in order to boost his own career. He also fell in love with her but knew the power dynamics were all wrong and he refused to lose his job over her.
She’d always been his, the power he had over her as close to owning another human being as possible, and therefore never his. Riva had never chosen him.
Now seven years later, he’s surprised to see her and even more shocked when he learns she’d held out on him. He agrees to her terms, only this time they will go undercover together. And when he gets what he needs, he will once again have to turn her loose and this time hope she comes back to him.
Turn Me Loose is the 6th book in Anne Calhoun’s Alpha Ops series and continues with the drug running/corrupt law enforcement subplot from book five-Going Deep. Each book can be read comfortably as a standalone though there is character and scene cross over from previous books. I found this one more balanced and emotionally tight then the last book. Well written with an intriguing suspenseful plotline and enlightening dialogue; it’s the main protagonists and their journey of growth and second chances that is the main theme of the story. Calhoun works her magic in creating two characters whose inability to act on their feelings for one another is more than a just stubbornness or a few simple issues to overcome. Calhoun interjects pieces of their past into the story, showing readers exactly what happened and where they stand now.
“Would it make you feel better if I crossed that line? Give you plausible deniability?”
Riva Henneman learned at an early age to never show fear and to do as her father bid her to do. When she was arrested and her father washed his hands of her, she handled it all on her own. A born protector, Riva sacrifices herself again in order to help one of her kids, Riva will have to go back under Ian’s thumb again which brings to the surface all the resentment and distrust she has harbored towards him since the arrest. Though she understood and agreed with the arrest, she freely admits she was breaking the law, she chafed at the leash he put on her and the subservient role she was forced to play.
He pointed, she walked. He insisted, she gave in. He judged, she swallowed her pride. Seven years ago he held all the power in his hand, because helping him was the only thing that stood between her and prison. She’d resented him with every cell in her body, and wanted him just as badly.
Ian Hawthorne was raised in a law abiding family. A police officer with a chip on his shoulder, he used what and who he had to as he made his way up the chain of command. Older and wiser, he is a mess of emotions when he and Riva connect again. He’s thrilled to see her again, their attraction rearing it’s head as if they had never parted, but angry she kept something this important from him. He feels betrayed though he knows deep down he’s reacting more from the heart than the head.
The lie of omission stung more fiercely than it should have, and not just because she withheld critical information about known illegal activities. She’s withheld a key piece of information about herself. […] He’d taken care of her and she’d lied to him.
The romance is deliciously slow-burning and brimming with angst and anger as Ian and Riva delightfully poke and jab at one another in attempts to hide their fear and longing. The chemistry smolders heavy as they each struggle to deal with the changes in their relationship. It’s a strong part of the storyline and complements the conflict It was very easy to get caught up in the emotional currents of these two lovers. Calhoun gives this couple plenty of time to work on their issues; attempting to heal and move on from their past relationship and dealing with the imperfect power balance that still exists. Snark tinged humor and lushly satisfying sexual scenes help to offset the razor sharp edge of tension riding this couple and give them a push when they got a little mired down in their thoughts.
“You have to call me Ian. Say my name.”
The only sounds in the apartment were the soft hum of the ventilation system and her heart pounding in her ears. Their strange, strained relationship was so intimate in so many ways, but she’d never used his first name. “Ian.”
“Again.”
Her head snapped up. “Ian.”
“Again.”
“IAN.”
“Good. Now use it conversationally.”
“Fuck you, Ian.”
[…]
“Wow That sounds different when I use your name. Lieutenant Hawthorne has the right to coerce. Ian doesn’t.”
Though we aren’t inundated with a lot of action in terms of the main conflict, we already know who the villain is, Calhoun still ratchets up the tension and intrigue as Ian and Riva work to bring down a drug kingpin. One whose connections to Riva spell danger and possible death to more than just these two if Ian’s cover is blown. I enjoyed seeing some familiar faces from previous books and learning of some possibly new couple hookups in future books.
Once again Calhoun writes a romance that digs deep into your heart, creating a relationship between you and the couple, making the outcome personal. Turn Me Loose is a must read for those who love their romances sexy, dark, and uncertain.
Not bad for first in a series. A solid sexy PNR with an interesting world and storyline though I wish the world building and character development hadNot bad for first in a series. A solid sexy PNR with an interesting world and storyline though I wish the world building and character development had been stronger. Both stall at a certain point. Looking forward to the next in the series which looks to be about the hero's brother.
Favorite Quote: “Hey, stop touching my vibe.” […] “You know, you can get your own on the internet. You don’t need to go around stealing them.”
Winnie Masters works at the local library and is raising her younger sister after their mother walked out on them. A recent STD scare convinces her to take a two-month leave of absence from sex. A leave of absence that didn’t even four days before she falls off the wagon at her best friend’s wedding. The next day she does the walk of shame from his hotel room to hers and hightails it home before he even realizes she’s gone. When she is laid off from her job the following Monday and pressed into working at the family law firm, she is dismayed to discover her new boss is none other than her one night stand from the wedding.
Mark Bishop never expected to see the woman from the wedding in his office. And he certainly never expected her to be his new administrative secretary or the granddaughter of a founding partner. A hard working lawyer currently on his way to becoming a partner, Mark knows playing ‘spank the naughty secretary’ with the very sexy and delicious Winnie could get him fired. Though he wants to. Very very much.
Winnie wants Mark but only in bed. Or on his desk. In a car. On their lunch breaks. She doesn’t do relationships. Mark also wants Winnie in his bed, but also in his life. He wants every part of her. But with all the mistakes they are both making in this relationship, he’s not sure either of them will get what they want.
Fans of Elizabeth Brown’s Off Limits series is sure to enjoy her latest couple-Winnie Masters and Mark Bishop- on their bumpy journey down happily ever after road. This humorous and emotional romantic comedy features two strong, opinionated, intelligent people whose intense attraction to one another is highlighted by their initial animosity and complicated work relationship. Engaging narrative, magnetic chemistry, witty dialogue, and a cast of dynamic aka very nosey secondary characters will keep readers on the hook till the very end.
The Mistakes is a journey of growth, reflection, and perseverance as told in dual points of view. Brown’s enticing voice that lends credence and realism to her characters and their actions. Both protagonists flesh out well; Brown unapologetically revealing their flaws and strengths with clarity and conviction.
“You are so dick-centric that you even give your STDs male nicknames. Don’t you see how messed up that is?”
Winnie is a contradiction of snark and strength that sheaths a very fragile and loving heart. She is both appealing and appalling. Winnie struggles to support her younger sibling on her own while proving to her family and herself she is nothing like her irresponsible mother. She likes sex. She likes men. She lives her life on her own terms and makes no apologies for that.
“So what if my new job’s biggest benefit was frequent sex with my boss? I could deal with that.”
Luckily for her, Mark is the most patient of heroes. His playa’ image is corrupted by the love and respect he gives his family, friends, and Winnie. He’s just really a sweetheart whose drive to succeed slowly killing him. Sexy, funny, and forthright, he fights for Winnie both sexually and emotionally. Every roadblock she places in front of them he pushes against them, using any means necessary to strengthen their connection.
“You are all I ever wanted. I need you in my life, so please, just tell me what I need to do to fit into yours.”
Mark and Winnie’s romance is littered with some deep belly laughs and heartfelt bittersweet moments as they attempt a clandestine sexual relationship only to discover to their horror they have fallen in love. I enjoyed watching Mark chase Winnie. She certainly puts him through his paces. He puts up with so much. A little too much at times. I’m all for finding oneself and taking all the time you need but Winnie has what I like call Scarlett O’Hara moments. That is where the heroine or hero just decides not to think about the problems at hand and deal with other things. Though the romance is slow to develop, their chemistry and love scenes blaze bright and hot across the pages. Mark has a dirty mind and mouth to match. *wink*
“Problem?” he asked, looking down at me as he sheathed his perfect erection.
I turned back to the desk and shook my head. “Uh-huh.”
“You sure?”
I nodded. “No, it’s fine. I just… forgot how big you are. You sure you wouldn’t rather have a blow job?”
He leaned into me again, his lips against my ear. “Believe me, as much as I’ve fantasized about shoving my dick in your mouth to shut you up, I’m not entirely convinced you wouldn’t bite it off.”
A kaleidoscope of dynamic and interesting secondary characters add even more love, humor, and advice to the mix from a very opinionated grandmother who only wants the best for her grandson to a best friend who not only through Winnie’s issues but also her fears. Family plays a very strong role in here as shown when Winnie’s family’s interference almost destroys Mark and Winnie’s chances at happiness.
The book does slow down considerably in the last 25% as Winnie deals with a game changer and tries to figure out what it is she really wants from life. It felt as if Brown just stops everything and lets Winnie strings Mark along for a while longer to keep the conflict and anticipation alive. < The Mistakes is perfect for fans of opposite attraction and forbidden office romances who enjoy fun, smart, and sexy couples who have to work at their happily ever after. Some may find the stubbornness of the heroine draws out for far too long but it’s an enjoyable romance overall. Though part of a series with previous character cameos and interaction, you can read this comfortably as a standalone.
One can always count on Stacey Kennedy for a tantalizing erotic romance with strong dynamic characters and a smooth well-built storyline. Add in a bosOne can always count on Stacey Kennedy for a tantalizing erotic romance with strong dynamic characters and a smooth well-built storyline. Add in a boss and subordinate storyline and I'm melting like cheese on nachos. The first installment in her newest series-Filthy Dirty Love-introduces readers to a very dominate lieutenant and a young rookie police officer who discover their one night stand from the past didn’t even put a dent in the passion and desire that surrounds them. Now working together, this couple will uphold the law during the day and break it over and over every night. ...more
Fans of the hit show Empire and deliciously outrageous soap operas will gobble up Lisa Marie Perry’s latest erotic offering like it’s their last suppeFans of the hit show Empire and deliciously outrageous soap operas will gobble up Lisa Marie Perry’s latest erotic offering like it’s their last supper. Featuring a hip hop record company on the brink of failure, a pair of siblings reunite to take back the company that was stolen from them by their so called friends and lovers. Though the romance is a strong element, readers will willing ride this crazy train through all the drama of heartbreaking betrayal, firefueled revenge, blistering hot erotic sex, and a crazy cast of characters who you will love to hate and hate to love....more
Favorite Quote: “Whatever this is that’s unfolding between us…it isn’t casual and it isn’t temporary…at least not on my part.”
Tori despises Miles. This rich party girl been trying to clean up her act since graduating college but when a mistake from past reveals itself to the press, her parents cut her off completely, leaving her homeless and broke.
Surprisingly enough, Miles is the one there to catch her when she falls from grace and soon these frenemies go from hot and angry to hot and heavy. But Tori’s need for independence batters against Miles need to protect her. When Miles pushes Tori too far, he realizes that he will have to admit to his own flaws if he wants to keep her in his life.
I haven’t read the first three books in this contemporary romance series though it didn’t take away from my understanding of the story or the character dynamics. The story starts off on a humorous note as we watch Tori’s blind date unfold in a series of bad cliches and commentary.
“This is what I get for trying to clean up my act. I’m stuck with the nerd version of the Marquis de Sade.”
Laughter erupts as Tori is forced to sit there while her date channels his inner Christian Grey and seeks to ‘command’ her into his dungeon. Tori’s inner monologue is hilarious; broadcasting the perfect amount of horror and exasperation with his antics. Extracting herself from the painful date, Tori hightails it home to make an appearance at a friend’s engagement party then off to bed. Unfortunately, her arch nemesis, Miles Girard, is also in attendance and the sparks fly.
“Miles Girard is an asshole. A total and complete Asshole.”
The metaphorical blood flows as they par and thrust their words with the skill of fine swordsmen. As the night deepens, Tori winds up talking to an ex-lover whom she caught cheating on her. He propositions her which she shoots down quickly and firmly. The next morning brings shame, disgust, and guilt when she discovers her ex-lover did not take kindly to being turned down and humiliates her online while furthering his own career. Tori’s father furthur embarrasses her by implying she brought it on herself and kicks her out-leaving her with only what she could gather in five minutes. Tori runs to Chloe’s beach house only to discover Miles is living there indefinitely. From there the story becomes more serious and zeroes it focus onto Tori and Miles.
The pacing of the story is smooth and the writing engaging as Wolff chooses to blend the two conflicts and use Tori’s misfortune to push her and Miles together. Antagonistic romances can be fun and this couple is the definition of the term. You don’t have to read the first three to understand this couple’s history. Wolff embeds just enough of background into the storyline so that you get the gist of this couple’s animosity and the reasons behind it.
I enjoyed meeting Miles and seeing his evolution. Miles is an intelligent man with the body of a GQ model and the heart and brain of a geek. He currently works for Ethan Frost (the husband of his sister, Chloe) as a researcher. Fully vested in anything he works on, this level of commitment left him oblivious to his parent’s manipulations concerning Chloe and he carries that guilt around with him. Struggling for ways to make it up to her, when Tori arrives on his doorstep and he learns what happened, he sees the similarities between her’s and Chloe’s situations and is determined to not fail again.
“No way in hell is he getting away with this. No. Way. In. Hell. Hell, I couldn’t stop Brandon-then my parents for hurting Chloe. But this? I can definitely do something about this.”
Tori comes off harder to read. She is the stereotypical poor little rich girl-living her life off her trust fund without a care in the world while looking for the love and attention her parents never gave her. We learn of her previous wild hedonistic ways though we are informed she is trying to settle down and grow up. Having grown up with the world at her fingertips, wanting for nothing, there is a vulnerability to Tori that is revealed when her father rips it all away. She is left with nothing-no money, no home, no support. Her new found bid for independence and maturity starts with wanting to deal with her problems on her own. This creates more problems when Miles tries to step in to help without consulting her.
“This man who has no faith in the system and almost as little in me.”
Wolff does a great job of building the sexual tension to nail biting levels between this couple without pushing them prematurely into a sexual relationship. It reveals organically with Wolff peeling back their layers, letting them get to know the real person buried under their protective barriers. Unfortunately, the storyline stagnates on the conflicts and we are stuck rehashing the same issues over and over-both in deed and thought. I would have loved to have seen the humor from the beginning continue throughout. The singular focus on the couple and their journey from enemies to lovers left some important aspects unresolved.
Sexually they discover their compatibility easily enough and it is extremely hot and engulfing but the romance is harder to pin down. Their immense attraction to one another doesn’t cross over to love in a satisfactory manner for me. Core issues seem to circle around with little resolution and the short time length of the story doesn’t allow for any real moments of epithimies. Tori comes off brash at times and I found myself both sympathetic and annoyed with her-especially her habit of dishing out insults then playing the wounded party when those insults are tossed back at her.
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Of course, on the flip side, she has been blindsided pretty hard and her emotions are all over the place. Perhaps if I had read the first three, I would have gotten a better feel for her. As it was, Tori’s claims of wanting to stand on her own two feet doesn’t bear much fruit as she spends more time moping and raging at Miles rather than taking any steps to actually fix the problem at hand.
The ending is ambiguous as Tori runs and Miles chases, realizing he must let Tori sink or swim on her own terms regardless of his need to play the white knight and save the day. I’m not sure if Tori learned anything beyond that Miles isn’t the complete jerk she has always pegged him to be. A small epilogue gives our couple their HEA but leaves too many unanswered questions and we just have to take the author’s words for it that everything is resolved.
Fans of the series are sure to enjoy this latest installment though I found myself not as enamored as I had hoped to be.