A small poignant interlude at Christmas that offers insight into Soren and Kingsley's relationship and clears the air on some past issues. A small poignant interlude at Christmas that offers insight into Soren and Kingsley's relationship and clears the air on some past issues. ...more
Shari Slade’s fourth and final installment takes us back into the Devil’s Host MC. Noah enforcer for the MC and Star, a waitress with a debt over her head, are waiting to see if the MC will help rescue Noah’s sister from a rival MC. Noah needs Star more than ever now-she is the only one who knows the other MC and who’s behind the kidnapping. These edgy, suspenseful, erotic little niblets are an action-packed surprise that gives readers a decadent taste of the dark side of Motorcycle Clubs and the bikers who give their undying loyalty to this brotherhood. Emotionally stronger this round, Noah and Star have both grown considerably. The intense sexual chemistry blends well with the connection this couple has forged. Noah’s influence on Star has peeled away the fear and shame and a warrior is born. Slade wraps up the conflict and settles the romance perfectly though she leaves enough open to allow her to revisit this serial if she so chooses....more
Home Tears offers fans a look at a different side of Tijan's writing in a contemporary that alludes to love, loss, secrets, forgiveness, and redemptioHome Tears offers fans a look at a different side of Tijan's writing in a contemporary that alludes to love, loss, secrets, forgiveness, and redemption when a young woman returns home after 10 years to heal from a tragedy only to learn she isn't the only one in need of healing....more
Sosie Frost is the queen of secret baby romances but I don't think I've ever seen one where the baby is a secret from the mama. LOL Deja Vu is a cu3.5
Sosie Frost is the queen of secret baby romances but I don't think I've ever seen one where the baby is a secret from the mama. LOL Deja Vu is a cute romance contemporary about a young pregnant woman who is hit by an ice cream truck and wakes up in the hospital with no memory. The book deals with her attempts to recover her memory while struggling to be a single mother and trying not to fall for the sexy cop who wants to help her. Frost does an excellent job with the amenia storyline though I felt it constricted the story in that the heroine could only evolve as much as her memory allowed. The heroine's wit and general good nature is a hit and watching her with the baby is hilarious. The conflict was convoluted and I questioned not only how long it took to resolve but some of the actions of the hero. Not my favorite from Frost but still entertaining. ...more
Favorite Quote: “Magnificent. Irritating and utterly disrespectful. Totally off limits. The enemy.”
Nico Toscani is the Las Vegas crime boss and the bastard son of the former Don. When his father was brutally murdered, the family voted his uncle in as the new Don instead of him. Nico watched his father being gun down in cold blood by the Cardano family and has carefully planned his revenge for years. But all his plans come to a screeching halt when Mia Cardona walks in his office.
Mia Cardano is a mafia princess unlike anyone has ever seen before. An eclectic mixture of punk rock and geek, Mia disavowed her heritage in order to escape her destiny and struck out on her own as a security system hacker. Hired to break into and analyse Nico’s casino for security flaws, a handsy security guard and her retaliatory reaction gets her caught. Taken to meet Nico, Mia is both attracted and repulsed by everything Nico stands for. She has worked to long and too hard to cut her ties with the mafia. Mia leaves with the battle lines drawn and knows despite their attraction, nothing can come of it if they want to survive.
Nico is the first in Sarah Castille’s dark and steamy mafia romance series. Set against the glittering backdrop of Sin City, a couple from rival crime families unwillingly fall for one another and now have to find away to survive the backlash that is coming. Sexy, smart, gritty, and surprising humorous, Castille walks us into the inner sanctum of the Costa Nostra and lays bare the politics and seedy dealings of this complicated world that relies on bloodlines, honor, and antiquated ideals to excuse its horrific crimes.
Heavily character driven, there are three points of view used to tell the story and Castille takes her time to identify all the players involved and their connections to one another. She effortlessly slips in key background information that allows readers to understand instantly the reasons behind the character’s actions without feeling as if we are being crushed by massive amounts of unnecessary information.
Nico and Mia are two of a kind, both having suffered at the hands of their families. Nico was raised to run the Toscani empire but being born on the wrong side of the sheets places him in a precarious position. Forced to kowtow to his uncle and cousin, he has to play nice knowing that at any moment, they could legitimately take him out and the family wouldn’t bat an eye. He has quietly built his own empire, waiting for the day he can take over the family and exact his revenge for his father’s death. Gorgeous, deadly, and seemingly heartless, Nico is everything that the mafia embodies but there is a small part of him that just wants to be free of his responsibilities and ties.
Mia, like Nico, is a product of her environment. Groomed to be a quiet and biddable mafia wife, Mia broke away from the life when her father had her boyfriend murdered right in front of her. Starting her own company has given her the independence she craves though she stays close to her family in order to protect her younger sister, Kat. Mia is such an appealing combination of strength and vulnerability. Strong, loyal, intelligent, and a fighter…Mia stands toe to toe with everyone, demanding equality. Carrying some serious baggage, she isn’t weighed down not discouraged by it. She is a force of to be reckoned with.
The romance, though slow to develop, is fueled by combustible chemistry and intense sexual tension. Unwanted attraction is the best of tropes. Steamy scenes and titillating dialogue with a distant lack of over the top dramatics and episodes gives credence to their feelings. They try to stay out of each other’s path but like magnets, they are constantly drawn back into each other’s orbit. Nico is torn by his attraction to Mia. To fall for her means a possible war and to give up his plans for revenge while Mia has always been firm that she will never allow herself to be drawn back into this world willingly.
“Are you afraid you might fall for me?”
“I’m afraid you won’t let me go.”
She was right to be afraid.
Nico is perfect in his dominance because it is tempered by genuine concern and affection. He wants Mia and her safety and happiness is what drives him. Mia also isn’t one to play games. She is comfortable with her sexuality with no hang ups or distractions to keep her from falling for Nico. Castille catalogs the changes this couple goes through as the succumb deeper to their desires. Nico begins to lose some of his old-fashioned views concerning women and Mia realizes not all men are like her father.
“Mia, tesoro…non era mia intenzione ferirti…I never wanted to hurt you.”
Steady pacing and a multi-level storyline keeps the story moving at a swift pace and the action at a premium. Castille has an appealing voice that hooks you right into the story. The romance and conflict move in tandem, playing off one another seamlessly. Energetic narrative keeps readers firmly engaged as Castille moves her players around like a champion chess player. Betrayal and revenge are the foundations on which this story is built and everyone has an agenda. Violent undertones only serve to further legitimize the subject matter while interjections of humor help to soften the blows coming.
“Oh. My. God. I can’t believe you did that. Prostitution is illegal in Nevada unless you’re a licensed brothel.”
“Hacking into your husband’s phone to find out his location is also illegal, but I didn’t see you batting an eye about doing that… How’s that black hat feeling today?”
“It wasn’t really a black hat hack. I was doing it for a good reason, so I’d say it was more gray.”
“It’s illegal. Therefore, it’s black. Your Mafioso husband has turned you towards the dark side.”
Dynamic and engaging characters round out the story, adding authenticity to the danger that lurks in the background. Both Mia and Nico’s families are stereotypical wiseguys but they both have a strong network of friends and protectors who watch out for them. Nico’s bodyguards are surprising softhearted for capos while Mia’s bestie-Jules-has no problems donning a black hat when it comes to helping Mia. I do hope Castille chooses to revisit a certain undercover cop whose loyalties are tested.
Nico is a roller coaster ride of action packed drama, intrigue, betrayal, and deception that leaves the reader on the edge as Castille unfolds the arc and drops clues to what the future may hold. Though we end on a positive note for our hero and heroine, the story itself is far from over. The next book is Nico’s capa-Luca- and his fall from grace. It’s set to release May 2017. Though this is my first time reading Castille, it definitely won’t be my last. Fans of enemies to lovers will definitely enjoy Sarah Castille’s newest series-Ruin & Revenge.
LAPD consultant Sophia Ross is handed the opportunity of a lifetime when she comes to the UK to fulfill the terms of a will. Upon arriving, Sophia realizes that there is more at stake than a little breaking and entering. Sophia has landed right in the middle of an ongoing war between the Light and Dark Courts.
Nikolas Sevigny, a Daoine Sidhe knight of the Dark Court, has been in exile for centuries along with his fellow knights. Unable to return home to Lyonesse, he has been searching for a way to reunite his people in order to stop Isabeau, Queen of the Light Court, from destroying them all. He will use anyone and anything to win this war. Even at the expense of his own happiness.
Nikolas sees a way to get what he wants through Sophia though she refuses to be anyone’s pawn. As their animosity rises, so does their attraction to one another. When Isabeau unleashes her fiercest fighters to stop Nikolas and Sophia, they will have to set aside their differences and band together if they want to survive what is coming.
Moonshadow is the first in a new trilogy that spins off of Harrison’s best-selling Elder Races. Set in the UK, Harrison expands on the ongoing dark Fae demesnes storyline that has weaved itself in and out of the main series. Easily read as a standalone, new and long time fans will able to sink right into this new world and character influx with nary a bump.
I’ve been a huge fan of Harrison’s since she released Dragon Bound and introduced us to the Elder Races. This explosive series gave PNR a much needed shot in the arm with its fantastic world building, dynamic characterization, and an arc brimming with suspense, intrigue, humor, and plenty of sexy romance that has kept me enthralled ever since. I was pleased to see Harrison diving into the Fae demesnes and their long standing war. The clues and engaging bits of information she has dropped throughout the series hinted at an epic storyline well worth the wait. Unfortunately, I wasn’t all that impressed with this first installment.
The story opens with Sophia in America. She is doing a reading and in a vision, she finds herself face to face with an unknown, gorgeous man. She disrupts the vision and wonders how and why this man was able to see her and if this is an omen about her future.
Sophia Ross worked with the LAPD as a witch consultant until she was shot multiple times while on assignment. On an indefinite leave of absence and unsure what to do with her life, she meets with Dr. Kathryn Shaw and learns that she has been named in Dr. Shaw’s late father’s will. If she can gain entrance to the Shaw family mansion in the UK within in 90 days, she will own it, all of its possessions, and the land free and clear. Built as a monument of victory on a broken crossover passageway (a gateway between Earth and the other worlds) the family abandoned the home when ‘it’ stopped letting people enter. Sophia jumps at the chance to learn more about her origins and leaves immediately for the UK. Her arrival drops her into the middle of a war when she rescues an abused dog and meets Nikolas Sevigny.
Nikolas Sevigny is the leader of the Daoine Sidhe Knights of the Dark Court. Considered abominations because of their multiple bloodlines, the Queen of the Light Court has made it her mission to destroy them all. Trapped on Earth centuries ago when Queen Isabeau’s Captain of the Hounds, Morgan le Fae, destroyed their only way of getting home, Nikolas and his remaining knights have searched tirelessly to find a way home while avoiding death. When he scents a familiar fae he’s been looking for, the trail leads him to Sophia.
Tempers flare….wills clash…and a destiny awakens…
Moonshadow takes place in a relatively short span of time. It was hard to narrow down an exact time frame because of the time shifts between Earth and the other worlds. I estimate everything occurred in a two week span-give or take a few days. I found this short time frame didn’t allow for the storyline nor the romance to evolve as naturally as I expected. It was very rushed and forced in some places. The development occurs on a singular level, not allowing for any real depth or exploration. We are given the bare bones of the conflict at hand and the characters involved. This book essentially sets up the world and conflict, staying in the present and leaving me feeling there was so much missing. The flow was off , the pace uneven, and the narrative choppy.
The romance also wasn’t a sell for me. I adore the trope of antagonistic attraction, something Harrison excels at, but this is one time I felt it didn’t work. Sophia is very independent and self-sufficient. Nikolas’s autocratic behavior rubs her the wrong way and she reacts in a sarcastic and at times a juvenile manner. The brief background we learn about her does explain the basis of her nature but she goes overboard and by the end, I was exhausted by her.
I couldn’t see why this couple fell in love. From their first meeting to their final declaration of love, I felt they were more infatuated with one another than anything else due to being forced into a volatile situation and having to depend on one another. While I could understand the attraction; both are intelligent, loyal, hard working, and extremely self-sacrificing, there wasn’t enough time for them to get to know one another much less fall head over heels. Sophia repeatedly refers to Nikolas as an arsehole and snarks at him when she feels he is ordering her around. She claims to dislike him and initiates sex with no strings, then gets angry when he agrees and distances himself. Her insults are framed as foreplay.
Nikolas is not much though I understood his reasoning better. He is much older than Sophia and has been fighting one war or another for most of his life. He knows the dangers around them and while he tends to react with anger over Sophia’s actions, it’s out of concern for her well-being.
As always, Harrison writes some steamy, chemistry boosted, love scenes and while I enjoy them greatly, I will admit I am prejudiced against the word spurt. It’s a whimsical word that works well (in my opinion) in erotic and or comedic romances but felt very out of place in the seriousness of the storyline and characters.
A cast of interesting secondary characters are brought in to round out the story and I’m looking forward to seeing each shine in their predestined roles. Many new faces and some old ones make an appearance. We meet the other knights and the Puck (Robin) holds a strong place in the story. The most intriguing character to me was Morgan la Fae. Harrison hints a few times that there is more to him than what meets the eye and I’m interested in seeing how and even if she redeems him.
All in all Moonshadow was a disappointment when compared to the jewels I have read from Harrison. I’m hoping this is just an anomaly and the second book in this trilogy takes us back to her normally exceptional works.
Beyond Surrender is the ninth and last installment in Kit Rocha’s Beyond series. Nessa, O’Kane princess and ruler of the distillery, finds her sanity and strength tested when she falls for the one man whose only goal is to see Eden fall. The sectors are going to war and nothing will ever be the same again.
This post apocalyptic series has been a favorite of Smexy Books since its first installment, Beyond Shame, was released in 2012. This dark post apocalyptic world revolves around a walled utopian city-Eden-where the rich and elite live and the outcasts who live outside the walls who have divided the city into gang controlled sections. Heavily character drive, the arc focuses mainly on Sector Four-the O’Kanes. As the series has expanded, we meet the other sectors, their rulers, and the war that is brewing between Eden and the sectors. It’s all rather bittersweet to see the series coming to an end though Rocha has confirmed that their spin-off, Gideon’s Riders, will release its first installment March 2017.
Beyond Surrender is Neesa and Ryder’s story. Nessa, the genus behind the O’Kane Distillery, has been with Dallas since the very beginning. Her family worked for his on his family’s farm in TX. Dallas left the farm to seek his own way and when things got rough on the farm, Nessa and her grandfather followed. All grown up now, Nessa is considered the princess of the O’Kane family and protected like one.
Ryder has been preparing for war for a long time. When his mentor, Jim, was killed, Ryder took Jim’s diary that is a goldmine of information, and became the new leader of Sector Five. Ryder turns up in Sector Four though, to be an ally for Dallas and his leadership. Dallas and company have been preparing for war for a long time and they are ready to proceed. It’s here that Ryder meets Nessa, and there is a definite chemistry between them.
Tori, let’s first talk about Ryder and Nessa’s relationship. I felt it was more quiet than the romances in other books. They had eyes only for each other – and while it was still intense, it was less chaotic. I liked that – since their world was erupting around them.
Tori: I agree. The romance is softer, more intimate, and though it definitely doesn’t hold the erotic edge that we have seen with previous couples, it still maintains a strong hold on the story. Their contrasts-Nessa’s impulsiveness and Ryder’s calm, steady nature-play off one another perfectly. Nessa shows Ryder how to dream beyond his mission while Ryder gives Nessa the dominance and security she craves. Nessa has spent her life unsure if men want her for her or for her connections to Dallas. Ryder doesn’t need anything from her. Not her skills or not her connections. This exhilarates and scares Nessa.
“She’d always wondered what made women bolt like terrified pray in the face of that look. If a hot guy knew what he was doing with his dick wanted to get busy, why wouldn’t you jump on and ride?
Now she got it. Arousal might have made her wet enough to squirm, but the flutter in her chest was closer to panic then excitement.
[…]
Oh yeah. She got it now, why women ran. She also knew that running got you chased.”
Their interactions are infrequent, making the time they do have together more intense as they take advantage. Ryder and Nessa both have their respective roles to play with Ryder on the front lines and Nessa staying behind to man the home fires so to speak. I loved the sense of danger that surrounds them-the possibility of death and the reactions of the O’Kane men who see Nessa as their baby sister.
“As soon as Ace and Jas and Dallas find out, they’re going to make it weird. They always make it weird.”
The romance blends well with the conflict. Rocha jumps right into the fray with no lead up, putting us right up against the wall with our favorite characters. We’ve been waiting for this since book one and I felt Rocha delivers as intended. Allies and enemies alike have played a long game and the time has come to pay the piper. Rocha doesn’t hold back and keep readers in their safe places. War is hell and this writing duo unapologetically shows us the hell the sectors go through to win back their lives and freedom. What did you think Mandi? Were you happy with the way the conflict played out?
Mandi: There was a lot of pressure on this book to deliver a solid HEA for our main couple, but to also deliver on the build up of this war, and to check in on everyone that we have met through the series. It was a lot, but the authors made it all flow so smoothly. One criticism I’ve had with this series is that we don’t always see the violent acts committed outside of Sector Four, and to understand the danger and be immersed in this world, I think experiencing the horrible acts is important for the reader. Not that I enjoy war, but in this book the authors do present it to us and it was a nice payoff. Although I almost had a heart attack when a certain sexy man went down. Good thing when Rocha gives us a HEA, it STAYS a HEA. I did think the first half was a little slow, but maybe that was because I was anticipating the end.
Another thing I enjoyed, not only in this book but the series in general, is Dallas’s rise to power and how others perceived his power. He doesn’t ooze finesse, quite the opposite actually, but he knows how to earn respect. Ryder had been groomed to be the leader of the sectors, and instead of working against Dallas or holding a grudge, he contributes to the war efforts without causing a headache for Sector Four. Dallas is also my absolute favorite character in this series (well – Dallas and Lex) so everyone better bow down! *wink*
Tori: This for me was one of the best scenes. We have watched Dallas and Lex grow within their positions and in here they actually give voice to the changes they’ve made as leaders, O’Kanes, and lovers. I have always found it fascinating that Lex and Dallas are always Declan and Alexa to one another-as if they need that separation between them and the sector.
“I love you, Alexa,” he murmured against her lips. “So let’s settle down and rule our den of sin.”
“For life, Declan.”
Mandi: Up next is a spin-off series, titled Gideon Riders (you spend a little time with them in this book) and they will take us to Sector One. The first book will be Ashwin and Kora and wow did they have some intense scenes in this book.
Even watching for it, Cruz didn’t see the explosion coming.
One second, they were on opposite sides of the alley. The next, Ashwin was slamming Cruz into the brick wall hard enough to know the wind out of him. Ashwin’s hand closed around his throat, pushing him up onto his toes, and his rational mask shattered. “Where is she?”
Oh boy. Their story is going to be HOT.
Are you excited, Tori?
Grade: B
Tori: Excited may not quite be the word for what I’m feeling. I’ve been completely obsessed with Ashwin since first meeting him. A genetically altered soldier who’s become so obsessed with a woman to the point where he needs to hide her from HIM? WHAAA???
They were both what their creators had intended. Perfectly formed tools meant for a single purpose. Trying to change that was a futile act that led to malfunction. He was proof of that.
[…]
He’d forget how to feel again. And she’d be safer without him.
I want to know the whys, wheres, whens, hows. *grabby hands* Also very interested in seeing who is the heroine for Gideon and how she’ll help him to accept his destiny.
Beyond Surrender is the perfect ending for this portion of the arc. A soft romance combined with an intense conflict closed some doors but left others open to ensure we are well prepared for the next adventure to come.
Favorite Quote: “Tell me what you need.” “An orgasm would be nice.”
The 12th installment in Jaci Burton’s best selling Play By Play series gives readers a sexy, sweet, and humorous romance between two people whose trust has been broken by those they cared about. More laid back than previous books in terms of conflict; food and family are the main ingredients that are used to create this spicy/sweet romance.
Our protagonists, Flynn and Amelia, are extremely similar in their character makeup. Both are intelligent, loyal, and witty with a lack of the usual deep seated emotional baggage that often sparks tension and misunderstandings in these romances. Hard working and well liked, their personalities and humor mesh well together throughout the story, helping to push their blooming romance along at a smooth and steady pace. Flynn appreciates that Amelia seems to enjoy his company for him-not what his career can bring her. Amelia likes that Flynn respects her, trusts her, and doesn’t feel she needs changing.
Dual points of view allow us insight into their thoughts and emotions concerning the developing romance. We learn more about Amelia’s divorce and how it affected her views on relationships. Burton doesn’t make it easy for Flynn to convince Amelia to trust him, which pushes him to bring in his secret weapon-his family.
The storyline is relatively straightforward and predictable. Burton’s smooth writing and engaging helps to balance the daily ins and outs of the restaurant and the football team with Flynn’s low-key courtship of Amelia. I never felt as if the story was being rushed or crammed with information. He wants Amelia to give them a chance and he spends his time teasing, cajoling, and subtly pushing his way into Amelia’s life and bed. Amelia isn’t sure she can trust him. Fear for her job and her heart if things go bad keeps her walls up. She slowly begins to open up to him; first in bed then in her heart.
The love scenes were more playful and less scripted in this installment, though I’m still seeing a continuation of repetitive phrases during sex. Amelia’s dirty mouth was a pleasant shock as it strikes a nice contrast against her polite and reserved outer persona.
“You’re very beautiful, Amelia.”
“Thank you. Now fuck me.”
Burton uses the family fueled atmosphere of the Sabers and the Cassidy’s to draw Amelia out and help Flynn press his suit. We get to spend time with previous couples along with Flynn’s siblings, significant others, and parents. They are a warm engaging group who embrace Amelia whole heartedly, giving her the sense of family and stability she’s been yearning for. The sibling’s bickering offers readers some amusement as does Amelia’s relationship with her bff-Laura.
A misunderstanding towards the end pushes Flynn finally face his own issues but it was very melodramatic and seemed to come out of nowhere. The grovel is well done but again, the whole scene felt tossed in at the last moment and didn’t seem to mesh with what we had seen of Flynn or the story’s overall tone.
Burton’s Play by Play series continues to offer amicable, low key escapism with sexy sports heroes and the woman who steal their hearts.
Heidi Cullinan revisits Logan, MN and a favorite couple when a newcomer to town and finds an invitation to more than just the holiday festivities. The last installment in Cullinan’s Minnesota Christmas series gives readers the gift of erotic delights when a committed couple decides to add a third to their relationship. What first starts out as a physical connection that allows for some hot and heavy playtime soon turns emotional when love enters the equation. Cullinan addresses the various issues surrounding polyamory relationships in a frank and respectful manner though she didn’t completely sell me on the legitimacy of this relationship. The relationship centered on Gabriel being the common denominator. I never felt the connection between Arthur and Dale went any further than mutual affection. A faint suspense subplot adds tension to the story and helps to cement Dale’s place in Logan. Regardless of my issue, I felt Cullinan did an excellent job with the romance and showing that love is what we need it to be. I enjoyed my visit back to Logan and look forward to visiting again soon....more
You always know you’re going to get a dark, gritty, sexy, angry and complicated romance when you pick up a M. O’Keefe book. Damaged men and women who carry more baggage than Samsonite reluctantly find one another and embark on a journey towards their redemption…if they’re brave enough to accept it. She doesn’t always offer her readers a HEA, but she does offer enough hope to assure readers the couples involved have a very good chance at making it. O’Keefe’s newest venture-Bad Neighbor- embraces all that and more when an angry illegal back room fighter falls for a shy illustrator whose life has taken a turn towards the unknown.
Charlotte, a professional illustrator, is forced to downsize tremendously when her twin sister, Amber, gets into some trouble and goes on the lam. After selling her condo and giving most of the money to her sister, Charlotte moves into a run down apartment complex in a seedy part of town and attempts to reestablish her life as best she can. Shy and introverted, Charlotte is shocked when she meets her neighbor-the rude, grumpy, and utterly gorgeous Jesse.
Jesse, a backroom fighter, also lives at the apartment complex. His first meeting of Charlotte tells him three things. She’s beautiful, she’s hiding something, and she’s not for him. He’s also hiding a few secrets of his own. Secrets that could hurt them both if discovered. Jesse pushes and pulls at Charlotte, blowing hot and cold with each new encounter. So Mandi, what did you think of the initial setup?
Mandi: OMG this set-up is my candy. Innocent heroine in hiding. Intimidating, grumpy – wait – asshole hero next door who just happens to be an illegal fighter. He is described as “thick” with sweaty abs.
*peeks out window and looks at elderly do-gooder neighbor* Damn it! I don’t have a “bad neighbor.”
I feel like O’Keefe not only sets-up a bad boy hero, but she goes there with him. He has depravities. He is not nice. He can be a SUPER jerk. But at least he admits it:
This was sex, Sex the way it was in movies. And books.
I felt primal all of a sudden, and I realized that I was kissing the way he was kissing me. My hands were fisted in his shirt. I sucked on his tongue. Bit his lip. I ate him like he was an avocado and I was starving.
My back hit the fridge because he’d pushed me there. His hand cupped my chin, lifting my head as he backed an inch away from my mouth.
“I’m sorry I’m a dick,” he whispered, his breath washing my lips, my face.
Apology accepted, Jesse!
And on the other side, Charlotte, although in hiding and a little scared, is so cute. When she sees Jesse, she is a little fearful by how masculine and raw he is – but her fantasies start coming to life in her head. Leading a safe, romantic life, Charlotte is not used to being near and attracted to such an intense person. Her safe little fantasy about the fruit stand boy down the street gets thrown out the window.
“Bedroom?” he asked, jerking his thumb toward the shadowed doorway beside my kitchen.
I opened my mouth to say what but nothing came out.
Was this the fruit stand fantasy coming true? Was this…possible? He said bedroom and I just led him in there and we went at it? Was that how these things worked?
(He just wanted to fix her doorknob – like her actual, metal doorknob!)
Tori, did you like the chemistry between Jesse and Charlotte and how their romance plays out?
Tori: I love the sexual tension that O’Keefe begins building from the first time Jesse pushes Charlotte’s futon threw her apartment door. It’s a hot, pulsing, earthy entity that screams (or maybe that was me) DO ME!! DO ME NOW!! Jesse pushes Charlotte’s boundaries; locking onto the sexuality she keeps buried and gives her an outlet in which to embrace and express herself with no shame.
“I was right, he whispered. You’re so fucking soft.
It’s …they’re…” I made some gurgling sounds of despair and tilted my face away.
“Fucking perfect,” he said.
The romance itself blossoms almost under the radar; completely unconventional but no less uninspiring. Seeing Charlotte and Jesse slowly open up to one another is both sweet and sad; neither thinking they have anything to really offer one anyone. It’s here where the similarities between them shine the brightest. Both of them have spent their lives being dragged into their siblings messes; caring for them instead of themselves. Though Charlotte is more forthright in her attempts to care for Jesse (OMG-the curtains-I DIED), he does things that alert us to the fact that Charlotte isn’t just a novel new flavor for him.
“I want to see you again, and you’re hungry, So, I can feed you.”
Even though the story has a darker tone overall, with all the secrets and the slow reveal in just how intertwined Charlotte and Jesse’s lives are, I love the bits of humor and spontaneity that interject themselves in an organic manner. Charlotte is such a shy, introverted woman yet they have the such dynamic chemistry, the dialogue just flows right along. When she boldly makes sexual demands of Jesse, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the vision in my head. It was akin to seeing a cute blond-haired cherub suddenly start cursing like a sailor in the middle of church.
What did you think, Mandi? Did you appreciate the humor and spontaneity that was added? Did it feel natural to you, too?
Mandi: Yes! For what I would categorize as a “dark erotic” there are a good number of scenes that made me smile and chuckle. I thought O’Keefe did a nice job with the illegal fighting atmosphere and although the suspense may not have been my favorite part, it was light and didn’t overshadow the story. I am excited for the next book which will feature Jesse’s brother. Oh, do I have questions!!
Before I go, I have to mention the orgy! Well – what I call an orgy. Jesse says there must be five people for it to be an orgy and there were only four – two and two participating. But damn it – it was a fun scene. You’ll have to read it to enjoy it – but I will leave you with a naughty quote (put under spoilers because naughty)
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There is a HEA although it’s kind of abrupt and I maybe not the most solid of HEAs. But I definitely recommend this one.
Grade: B
Tori: I agree, Mandi. I think O’Keefe did an excellent job of blending Jesse’s fighting and the reasons for it with the suspense plot line though I felt it was a little weak. The romance is definitely the main focus of the storyline and I loved that we had plenty of scenes to laugh at while watching this couple find their place together in the world. Staying in the present keeps the story moving at a solid pace but I felt we lost something by not really getting to know the other two players in this story whose actions put Charlotte and Jesse in the place we met them. I too felt the ending was rushed I personally felt Charlotte forgave Jesse to easily for what he did but she does make her point in cheer worthy manner so all is well. While we aren’t given a solid HEA or even HFN, I am looking forward to book two and hope we see more of Charlotte and Jesse.
Favorite Quote: “Six months is nothing when considering the potential of forever without you”
Soccer goalie Rachel Jameson is in her last year at Glendale College. After surviving an abusive home life, Rachel has her sights set on graduating and moving forward with her life.
Until she meets Mack.
With his gorgeous looks and flirty smile, he pushes his way past her boundaries and into her life with a speed that surprises them both. Rachel finds herself falling in love for the first time in her life.
Until she discovers exactly who he is.
Forced to abandon their romance before it really starts, Rachel’s carefully structured life begin to spiral out of control as she struggles to repair her broken heart. When it looks like she may lose Mack for good, Rachel has to decide whose future means more. Hers or theirs.
Jillian Liota’s debut book, The Keeper, is a contemporary romance with a faint NA feel that flirts with a taboo romance and other serious subject matters. Fans of Zapata’s Kulti will enjoy as it has a similar premise. Told in the first person narrative, Liota builds a humorous, engaging, and bittersweet story that focuses on a college student whose carefully scripted life is blown to pieces when she unknowingly falls for an unsuitable man. While I’m not fond of 1st person narrative, Liota does an excellent job of not only characterizing Rachel but also the supporting characters. Solid writing, a strong cast, and addictive dialogue keeps you engaged as you watch this young woman’s life fall apart in a way that forces her to finally deal with issues she buried long ago.
Rachel Jameson is a college goalie whose older brother plays professional soccer. A born athlete, she grew up playing male dominated sports which only served to fuel the abuse her father heaped on her. Finally out from under his thumb, thanks to an athletic and academic scholarship, Rachel keeps her head down and focuses on her goals.
At a party her brother throws, she meets a mysterious man who pretends she is his girlfriend to help guard him against an overzealous party goer. They strike up a conversation, the witty banter between them and they end up on a balcony screaming to the stars. This meet cute sets the stage that begins to bring Rachel out of her shell and show us the real Rachel.
Mack is everything Rachel likes in a person and that scares her to death. Their chemistry is soft but potent, illuminating that instant zing some couples get at first meeting. Only one date and Rachel is hooked until she discovers he’s been hired as one of the team’s new soccer coaches. Liota handles this reveal well. She expertly voices all that Rachel is feeling.The hurt, pain, sorrow, anger, confusion, and sense of betrayal all flows true. We feel it right along with Rachel.
“I know that it’s way to fast, way to soon to let my heart get this emotionally involved. I don’t let my heart get involved. I’m not this person. We went on one date. We kissed one time. But God, there was something special there. Something really special.”
I will admit I was a little skeptical that Rachel didn’t recognize this man when they first met. He was a former soccer star who not only played on the same team as her brother but is good friends with her brother.
Rachel was very easy to relate to. A bit of a nerd; her intelligence, common sense, and dry snark shines through in all her actions and dialogue. Though introverted, she doesn’t roll over for anyone. She speaks her mind quite often. She’s a fighter-a bet a quiet one. Her strength is phenomenal but it’s the flashes of vulnerabilities she reluctantly shows that grab hold of the reader. Liota captures the essence of a 22/23 year old perfectly.
“Jeremy thinks you can go pro.” “Jeremy also thinks the Black Eyed Peas are the Beatles of our generation. He’s been known to think stupid things.”
Mack is the perfect guy. As we see everything through Rachel’s eyes, her views of him are flavored by prejudice. He comes off gorgeous, kind, funny, and seemingly very into Rachel. I liked how she was with him. More open and self-confident. He makes her feel safe and wanted, something she didn’t even realize she wanted or needed. Liota doesn’t give their romance an instant fix nor fuel it with heavy bouts of angst and over the top dramatics. Rachel and Mack both have issues that need addressing and some tough decisions to make. Especially Rachel. But they communicate this to one another with all misconceptions clearing up in a reasonable amount of time. Rachel finally opens up completely about the abuse and her resulting behavior. I liked that Liota not only brings in a therapist but we get to see some of their sessions. Often the subject is broached but it fades to black and suddenly the person in question is fixed.
A strong and dynamic cast of friends and family are all on board as they offer advice, laughter, a shoulder to cry on, and some needed kicks in the butt. Rachel’s bff Charlie is a vivacious addition who always has Rachel’s back along with Rachel’s fellow team mates.
“You have to get it out of your head your worthless, RJ. You’re anything but, and it sounds like this guy knows it.”
Her brother Jeremy is a good guy and your heartbreaks a little when he realizes just what Rachel went through when he left home. Apparently, there is a little something-something between Charlie and Jeremy and their story will be told in Keep Away.
Liota’s debut The Keeper is definitely a “keeper.” Some mild grammar issues aside, I’m looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
Lucy Miller and Chanoch Evans have worked together for years but have done nothing more than pass each other in the hall, murmuring the occasional sorry and excuse me. Lucy, a transplant from a small ultra-religious town, came to California seeking fame and fortune behind the camera. When that didn’t pan out, she took a secretarial job and slowly worked her way from coffee maker to the boss’s right-handwoman.
Chanoch Evans, whom everyone refers to as just Evans because they can’t pronounce his name correctly, works for the same company and has always had a bit of a crush on Lucy but his innate shyness has him keeping his feelings well under wraps. He doesn’t feel he has anything to offer her at this time in his life, especially since his time and paycheck goes towards helping his family.
When a once in a lifetime chance appears...will Lucy and Evans be brave and seize the moment? Or will they let their fear overrule their desire?
Office romances are a dime a dozen, but in the right hands they can go from commonplace to extraordinary. Tamsen Parker proves this, and more, in the fifth installment in her Compass seriesm, Due South. Parker gives a reader humorous, sincere, and erotically adorkableromance when she pairs together two office colleagues who are asked to stay and work through the holidays
While this series is normally high in energy with intense personalities and heart-pinching angst, Parker takes a decidedly different approach by introducing us to two quiet and shy individuals who find themselves sharing a voyeuristic moment when they inadvertently catch their employer indulging in some afternoon delight with her husband.
“You know I’ve always wanted to fuck you at your office.“
“Yes, sir.”
“But you’re such a hard task master whenever I do come to pick you up, there’s always someone still here, and when I drop you off, you’re raring to work. I know you’d bite my head off if I suggested it.”
“There’s no one here now, sir,”
Yes, there is. There so is.
From that illuminating moment, our couple learns something about the other. That the shy, retiring persona they project at work hides the sexual creatures they really are. They decide to take advantage of their attraction and the relative seclusion of the empty office to be the adventurous, bold people they feel they can't be around everyone else. “What if you...weren’t you?”
He starts, but then it seems as though the sun comes up and shines on his face. “You mean like pretend?”
“Yeah. Pretend. Like we could still be Lucy and Evans, but braver.”
“Bolder.”
My breath speeds up and I bite my lip. “Yeah. Sexier.”
Lucy and Evans are a couple for whom the reader will develop a soft spot for almost instantaneously. Using witty dialogue and the perfect blend of awkward sensuality, Parker builds a charming and outrageously sexy relationship that gradually blossoms into something far deeper with each new encounter. We first met Evans when he has to call Reyes Walter for help on how to get his boss, India Burke, on a plane to New York. Reyes offers Evans some interesting advice on dominance which ignites a small flame in Evans.
Evans is an entertaining mixture of a gangly teenager experiencing his first lustful thought and a quiet, intense man who is comfortable in his own skin. His bouts of insecurity only further serve to endear him to you.
“If I kept a sword in my office, I’d throw myself on it. As things are, I’ve only got some pencils that are in desperate need of a sharpening, a ruler, and some paperclips. I couldn’t even injure myself in a dignified manner.”
Lucy is his perfect match. A delectable treat made of sugar and spice with her prim and proper attire that masks her inner strength and sexual confidence. Intelligent and forthright with a sweet personality, Lucy opens up to Evans, wanting to explore all her desires and fantasies with him. “You said more. Like more kissing or more other stuff? What else can I do, Lucy?”
Oh. My mind races with the possibilities. Everything. He could do everything.
“Anything.”
Due South is a fun and lighthearted erotic romance that allows two introverts the freedom to step outside of their perceived roles to explore their sexuality and life choices without judgment or censure. Fans of Tamsen Parker and adorably awkward couples will undoubtedly fall in love with Lucy and Evans; cheering them on their journey from beginning to the end.
“I get the feeling Lucy and I are the same in some ways. Like we’re both nervous and shy and it’s hard to find a place in the world where that’s okay. But I feel as though it would be okay with each other.”...more
Favorite Quote: “He’s an asshole, but he’s my asshole.”
Quarterback JR “Ace” Anderson has made a successful transfer to Southern U to quarterback for the Renegades after the showdown between him and his old coach at Western State. With his reputation preceding him, he has a long road ahead of him in trying to gain the trust of his new teammates. The only person who seems to believe in him is the one person who he needs to stay away from-his coach’s daughter.
Bryant Johnson, a student at Southern U, has one goal in her life-to make people happy. Using her southern charms and proper upbringing, Bryant has spent her last 3 years of school taking rough young men and molding them into the perfect boyfriend. Ace promises to be her greatest project to date though she wasn’t expecting his resistance or her attraction to him.
When the gal everyone loves falls for the guy everyone hates, the biggest battle of the year will be off the field.
Downed is the 3rd installment in Jen Frederick’s highly popular Gridiron series; a sports romance contemporary that follows a champion college football team as they navigate the stress of school, sports, and women. Though part of the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Humor and mild growing pains create the perfect canvas on which to capture the growth and redemption of a man who must come to terms with his past and learn how to be the leader he’s destined to be.
Fans will remember Ace from the previous books. A two-time championship winning quarterback with a disreputable reputation, he hit the skids in book two-Jockblocked–when some of his antics come back to haunt him. He made some bad choices that led to his having to transfer to another school and the loss of his best friend. Rude, obnoxious, loud, and toting around a huge chip on his shoulder, this self-proclaimed arrogant jerk has been given a second chance but is unsure how to move forward.
“No girls, head down, trying to fit in with my new team as best as possible. It’s not working.”
Redemption stories can be a fun ride if the author not only shows readers that the object of redemption is worthy but makes the journey a believable experience. Frederick’s achieves this by slowly drawing out our hero’s demons and allowing us to see the real reasons behind some of his behavior. She doesn’t attempt to manipulate readers by creating a storyline that magically uses Ace’s past to excuse all of his bad behavior but rather uses some outside influences to show him that he has the ability to achieve all his goals if he just learns to trust himself and his team.
Enter Bryant Johnson.
Bryant is the poster girl for the proper southern belle. Blonde, beautiful, and bubbly, she looks like a pampered princess but marches through the world like a 5 star general. To her there are no problems that can’t be solved…you just have to find a way around it. The daughter of the Renegade’s coach, her time is split between her family, her sorority, and her projects. One of those projects is based on a tragedy from her past. She has spent years using every trick in her impressive arsenal to redeem bad boys into perfect boyfriends. And she has decided Ace will be her last and possibly greatest makeover ever.
“Each encounter with Ace drives home the universe’s message that I need to save him from himself…”
Ace and Bryant’s romance starts out incredibly odd and funny. Bryant essentially insinuates herself in his life, declaring he is her boyfriend, and he’s at loss on how it all happened. Of course, the team is all for it as Bryant is beloved by all and she is the goddess of baked goods. Yes, the team is all for pushing Ace into a relationship he doesn’t want for unlimited access to yummy baked treats.
“Don’t fuck this up for us,” a stern voice tells me. The warning comes from the left tackle, the guy who guards my blind side.
[…]
“Yeah,” Carter agrees, frowning deeply at me. “I’ll lay you the fuck down if you screw this up for the team.”
I admit I wasn’t completely on board with Bryant and her manipulations. There is a self-righteous smugness to her in the beginning that was off-putting. She essentially goes out with men who are jerks in order to make them better people. An admirable goal, however, she isn’t honest about her intentions. These men think they are dating her because she is interested in them-not because she wants to make them over then release them back into the wild.
“My program is a catch and release one, not catch and keep.”
Frederick’s keeps the storyline relatively lightweight as she works her magic around Ace and Bryant. Strong chemistry, witty banter, and a playful attitude in and out of the bedroom entertains readers as Ace keeps Bryant on her toes and refuses to be just another project to her.
“If I date you,” I mutter, breaking our mouths apart, “I have a rule, too.” “What is it,” she asks breathlessly. “You don’t hold back on me,” I say roughly. “You don’t lie there with your eyes closed while I fuck you like you’re doing me a favor by letting me drill your pussy.” I grasp her chin, tipping her head so she’s forced to look at me. “I either turn you on or I don’t. And if it’s the latter, then I’m not wasting my time here, Bryant.”
As we watch this couple date not date, both mature along with the relationship. Frederick doesn’t attempt to change either of them at their core but rather helps them smooth out some rough spots. Bryant grew on me somewhat and you see her heart is in the right place. She eventually learns that she can’t hold herself responsible for other people’s actions and how perfection won’t stop the bad things in life from happening. Ace matures in both thought and deed; learning how to be a functional part of a team and a relationship. Both of them become each other’s biggest cheerleaders which is something they need. Some bridges are repaired and some are crossed with no looking back. Though there are some minor external conflicts, they’re low key and easily resolved.
A charismatic and rambunctious cast of secondary characters helps to keep the story from becoming too internalized with their unsolicited advice, observations and attempts to help. The team’s rally moment where they finally accept Ace as one of their own was ridiculously funny while Bryan’s sisters killed me with their outrageous neediness. The Renegade’s coach (Bryant’s dad) is a pivotal character who provides Ace with the support he doesn’t get from his own parents. A variety of new faces are introduced while some old friends drop by for a visit to help expand the world while solidifying the bridge between the two settings.
“We’re gonna win back your girl, right?” “Yup.” “Count me in, but only if there are ninja stars and zip lining involved.”
Downed is a fun sexy romance that will delight romance readers who enjoy watching the redemption of a seemingly unrepentant hero.
**spoiler alert** I picked up this book for review because I do enjoy the redemption of a grumpy hero. I didn't even get 16% in before I realized the **spoiler alert** I picked up this book for review because I do enjoy the redemption of a grumpy hero. I didn't even get 16% in before I realized the hero was beyond grumpy-he was an arse. There is also a rape scene that is presented more as dubious consent though I didn't see any consent. All I saw was resignation. The hero verbally expresses he doesn't want what is happening and the other man continues to engage in sexual congress with him. The hero ends up just letting the other man get him off and nothing is said. When someone says get off me, leave me alone and you don't stop what you're doing-it's rape. ...more
Book two in Vale's sexy action packed PNR series-I like Big Dragons-picks up where book one left off. This series revolves around the Vassage family. Book two in Vale's sexy action packed PNR series-I like Big Dragons-picks up where book one left off. This series revolves around the Vassage family. While the romance is self-contained, the storyline is on going and I don't recommend these are standalones. I liked this one even more than the first story. The development is tighter and the dialogue flows better. The couple is better developed and even though the mating bond is prevalent; they aren't absorbed by it to the extent of ignoring life around them. I really enjoyed the heroine who strives to maintain her independence and choices despite the events happening to her. She stands up for herself and doesn't stop until she knows she's being heard and taken seriously. We are given more insight into Ian-a dark horse-and I'm looking forward to his story. The ending wraps up the main conflict but leaves us wondering what's coming next. ...more
Skye Warren takes us back into The Grande with this sexy steamy holiday novella where she gives a lost soul a chance at redemption in the arms of a maSkye Warren takes us back into The Grande with this sexy steamy holiday novella where she gives a lost soul a chance at redemption in the arms of a man who will do anything to save her. Drenched in sexual tension and suspense, fans will cheer the hero’s determination to save the young woman he has grown to love from the worst possible danger-her parents. Hints of the darkness that cloaks this series is present but the general overall premise is softer and deliciously tender. Each installment is set up in the same world with bleed over of characters and previous scenes though they can be read as standalone.
Favorite Quote: “Once she looked out at the world and never seen any darkness. She’d trusted blindly, dumbly. Not anymore.”
Bailey Jones is the only known survivor of a serial killer known as the Angel of Death. Except Bailey saw another woman there. One who Bailey helped to escape and then she just disappeared. From the deputy who rescued her to the shirk she’s been seeing, no one believes her. But Bailey knows the woman was there and has come to LOST for help in locating her. She never expected to be attracted to the agent assigned to her.
LOST agent Asher Young knows all about the fear, pain, horror, and guilt that Bailey carries around inside her. His own experiences have left a darkness in him that he fears may strike out at Bailey should he give in to the burning attraction that is slowly consuming him.
As more bodies turn up, all marked with the same tattoo that the Angel of Death used on his victims, Asher fears that whoever is playing games with them will not stop until they claim their final victim-Bailey.
Taken is the fifth installment in Eden’s dark romance suspense thriller series-LOST. Based on the LOST agency (Last Option Search Team) that uses their considerable skills to help law enforcement find people, each story revolves around a couple who helps one another to keep from tumbling into the abyss. Though each book is loosely based on the agency and the arc bleeds over a little, each one can be comfortably read as a standalone.
Dark, gritty, and intense, Eden gives life to our worst fears as she slowly builds a harrowing tale of intrigue, suspense, deception, and horror that all revolves around one person-Bailey Jones-and a memory that no one is sure is even real. The heavy atmosphere pulls us into the story instantly as Eden jettisons the reader in the past and we experience Bailey’s kidnapping through her eyes as it happens. The fear, pain, confusion, and horror all blend together as she tries to understand what is happening. When Bailey is able to escape her bonds and surprise the killer with another woman. The woman escapes, leaving Bailey with the killer, and Bailey finds herself once again at death’s door. When she is saved by the police and assured her tormenter is dead, we skip forward to the present and her hiring of LOST.
Taken is easy to follow romance wise; Eden uses dual narrative and internal memory flashes of the protagonists’ pasts in order to flesh them out and help build on the chemistry that ignites upon their first meeting. The mystery itself is a little more complicated. Though somewhat formulaic overall; two damaged people, a vicious series of crimes, a race against time; the always smooth presentation and intriguing clues dropped gives rise to intense emotions as the plot picks up speed, leaving the reader tense with anticipation till the very last page. Eden methodically maps out Bailey and Asher’s investigation and the police interactions, creating a solid base on which to build this decidedly convoluted mystery.
Bailey and Asher are an interesting mixture of contrasts and similarities, adding depth and background to the main storyline. The romance holds an integral place in the story and Eden uses the investigation to help draw out their developing emotions for one another. Strong sexual tension only adds to this couple’s appeal.
Bailey has lost so much since her kidnapping and torture. Her whole life has been turned upside down and she is merely a shell of who she used to be. She fears everything and is constantly harassed by the media. Her reaching out to LOST is two-fold. She wants to find the other survivor and take her life back. Asher Young is an ex-navy seal who joined LOST after he was discharged; much to the relief of his friend and the owner, Gage. He and his twin sister were also the victims of a kidnapping as teenagers…only their story ended a little differently with Asher killing the kidnappers. Asher is a natural born protector. The kidnapping affected him deeply and he has spent his life in dangerous situations to make sure no one suffers like he and his sister did ever again. Both he and Bailey are scared that their pasts now define them but together they learn differently.
A diverse cast of secondary characters keeps the suspense and mystery flowing smoothly. Each person adds personality, drama, and insight into the story. Through them we finally get the full truth behind what exactly happened to Bailey and why. The events leading up to the reveal is quite a twisted journey. At times I did feel that the story dragged in the areas. There was a lot going on and it seemed to stumble over itself as Eden began to untangle all the threads and lead us towards the end.
Eden wraps up everything nice and neat in a climactic finale that answers our questions and wraps up all the loose ends. Bailey and Asher are left in a good place and Eden gives us a preview of the next story, Wrecked, and heroine, Asher’s twin sister, Ana.