Match Point by Cassie Cole

November 17, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Match Point by Cassie Cole
Publisher: Juicy Gems Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Dicentra

For the past decade, I’ve put my love life on hold to focus on tennis.
Now I’m retired and ready to relax.
Until three swoony men from my past come walking back into my life.

First there’s Dominic deGrom, the chiseled all-American boy who stole my heart when we were teenagers.
Then there’s Tristan Carfrae, the tall Australian whose serve is as undeniable as his quick smile.
Finally there’s Gabriel Moreau, the suave French player whose cocky attitude is completely at odds with the softer personality I see behind closed doors.

These three tennis pros are competing against each other at the biggest tournaments in the world,
While fighting for my love off the court.
Can I choose which of them I want to spend the rest of my life with?
Or will all three of them end up winning the match point?

Cassie Cole has always been one of my favorite authors with books available, and her latest release Match Point was another smash hit. The book starts with our four main characters as teenagers at a tennis academy, where the guys all share a single kiss with heroine Miranda during a party game. Sadly, nothing happens at that point and things fast forward fourteen years to where Miranda is a tennis pro who recently decided to retire after earning the #1 ranked spot. By some happenstance of fate, Miranda runs into all three of her past crushes (within days of each other) and they have to figure out how to make things work now that they’re all grown up.

For those who might not be familiar, a reverse harem romance is a book where a single female protagonist has three or more male love interests. It can also be referred to as a why-choose romance. In terms of spice, I would rate this at around a 4 or a 5 (descriptive and explicit intimate love scenes, bordering on intense).

As opposed to other authors in the reverse harem genre, Ms. Cole’s books always include a great plot and show evidence of lots of research being put into crafting a believable story. I don’t know much about tennis or sports in general (outside of what watching the Olympics or playing on the Wii has taught me haha) but Ms. Cole made it easy to follow the scenes with lots of technical descriptions. There were also a lot of names I recognized as other real life tennis pros and real life tennis tournaments (i.e. Wimbledon and the US Open) being referenced in the book which was cool. All of the characters in the book had a part to play and were amusing to read about, and I really enjoyed how the ending turned out for the quartet.

Overall, Match Point was another stellar read from Cassie Cole. Her books are a perfect choice for when you’re looking for a fun and steamy reverse harem romance you can finish in an afternoon. If you’re not into reverse harem stories and are looking for a more traditional romance read, I highly recommend checking out her pen name K.T. Quinn where she writes monogamous happily ever after romance stories (with the same amount of spice).

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Strapped by Lucia Jordan

October 20, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Strapped by Lucia Jordan
Publisher: Wild Hearts Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Life imitates art unlike anything Madeline has experienced before. Madeline Longo is well known in the world of romantic literature as editor of SwanSong Books – the publishers of best selling romance, whose steamy works are popular with readers. Unfortunately what she is not so talented in is transferring that success to her love life, which is practically nonexistent due to the demands of her career. But when she meets Will Bennet—a sensuous romance writer who is not afraid to act on his powerfully seductive imagination—she finds herself for the first time living out her deepest fantasies. He intrigues and excites her, and not before long she finds herself swept up in his world of dark fantasy that’s addictively mind-blowing. But can Will and Madeline’s careers withstand the force of their attraction? With Will on her mind, Madeline is loosing track of work and her competitive streak is fading. And when she gives Will an ultimatum, will she end up losing him to SwanSong’s biggest rival?

Hot times in and out of the pages.

An editor who wants to be bold and a writer who wants to take here there. This was an intriguing book. Who wouldn’t want to have a sexy man sweep them off their feet and romance them? I love reading that trope. This book does deliver. There’s romance and tension.

There were some quibbles with the story. It’s fast and feels fast. The pacing could slow down just a bit. Also, there were moments I didn’t feel like I was in the story. I was just observing. I like immersive stories and this one wavered a bit. I wasn’t always sure who’s point of view I was in and had some troubles following the story. The characters are fun, though. These quibbles aren’t to say this book isn’t enjoyable. It’s quite enjoyable and the right reader will love it.

I did like the characters. Madeline’s smart, cunning and not afraid to get what she wants. Will is the same way. The combination of them together is fantastic.

If you’re looking for a story that’s tempting, sexy and different, then pick this one up. You’ll be glad you did.

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A Billionaire Ex by Alexia Austen

October 19, 2023 By Leave a Comment


A Billionaire Ex by Alexia Austen
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Maria Lawson is 32 years old, and divorced. Just when she thought things couldn’t get any worse, she learns her ex-husband, Jack Styles, is now a billionaire. He enters her life again in the most unexpected of ways, but is he a friend, or an enemy?

One night that led to more, but will it always?

I knew this story would be a cliffhanger and I wasn’t disappointed. The author certainly left me wanting more. The writing was good and the characters interesting. I had to keep reading to see what would happen next.

Maria and Jack are exes who have chemistry, but a lot of problems, too. They need each other, but don’t. I liked the push-pull between them, but there were moments I wasn’t a fan of Maria. I wanted her to stand up more, but the ending was satisfying. I’m glad I read it.

If you’re looking for a story that’s short, leaves you wanting more and will satisfy for a lunch read, then this is the one for you.

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Office Toy by Cleo Peitsche

October 18, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Office Toy by Cleo Peitsche
Publisher: Pouch Productions
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Elle’s job interview starts with Cunningham throwing away her cheap clothes and sending his assistant to buy new outfits.

He’s got her naked, so of course he’ll lay her out on the conference table and claim her mouth. Soon Elle is trussed up, all of her holes stretched full while three hot men have their wicked way.

She loves her first tastes of liberated, naughty sex. But she’d better not start falling for her boss—no matter how safe he makes her feel—because while office sex is encouraged, romance is strictly forbidden.

A chance at the job of a lifetime, but will she take it?

I knew when I picked up this book that it’d be hot. It was and I got so much more than I bargained for. This is a short story, but there’s a lot in it. If you’re looking for menage, three men and one lucky gal, submission and taboo, then this is the book for you.

The writing is a bit simple, but it still drives along well. I couldn’t put it down. The characters are dominant and sexy, but also fun. I liked them all.

If you’re looking for a HAWT lunchtime read, then this is the one for you. You’ll be glad you did.

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Blue Star Boy by Gavin Atlas

October 16, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Blue Star Boy by Gavin Atlas
Publisher: JMS Books
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LBGTQ
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Jerry’s goal is to fulfill as many sexual fantasies as he can before he starts graduate school in the fall. The next fantasy on his list is topping a surfer, and with the help of the internet, he’s discovered a submissive young man on the Texas coast who is famous for giving up his incredible rump on the beach at sunset.

But when he meets Adriano, Jerry is stunned, and not just by the surfer’s beautiful body. The combination of Adriano’s sweet essence and natural sex appeal have Jerry wanting much more than a one-night stand.

Two hot men, one chance meeting and a hot time to ensue?

I didn’t know what I’d get when I picked up this book. Sweet romance? There is some in there. These two men are trying to find something in this crazy world, so yes, that part is sweet. Something saucy? There’s that, too. There is certainly spice. This is a short story, but there’s a lot in it and it’s fun.

Adriano has been embarrassed by his ex and his name placed online as a Blue Star Boy–there for someone’s good time. He’s not interested, until Jerry comes along. Jerry just wants a one-nighter. Then he meets Adriano. I liked the pairing and the pacing of this story. It’s good. I’ll read more by this author.

If you’re looking for a quick romance that will satisfy for a lunchtime read, then this is the one for you.

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Nanny for the Firemen by Cassie Cole

August 21, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Nanny for the Firemen by Cassie Cole
Publisher: Juicy Gems Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Dicentra

I finally landed a date with the swooniest, most gorgeous fireman in town.
But just when our date was going well, he got called back to the firehouse.
Turns out, a baby was left on the fire station doorstep.
And since they’re clueless about taking care of a baby, they recruit me to help.

Now I’m crashing at the firehouse with them.
Three hulking, chiseled heroes in suspenders.
And even though I came here to take care of the baby, they soon turn their sights on me…

I spend my days taking care of the baby,
And at night, the firemen take care of me.
Can we control the attraction spreading through the station like wildfire?
Or will our entire situation go up in smoke?

NANNY FOR THE FIREMEN is a scorching Reverse Harem love story filled with humor, emotion, and enough excitement to leave you sweaty and breathless. HEA guaranteed!

Cassie Cole’s books have always been some of my favorite romances available on Kindle Unlimited, and Nanny for the Firemen was no exception. Clara has come home for a while to help her mother at their restaurant after the passing of her father, and one of the highlights of her week is the weekly delivery to the three hunky firemen at the fire station. She’s thrilled when one of them asks her out on a date. However, their night out is interrupted after a baby is surrendered at the station. Clara gets roped into helping take care of the baby while the four of them do their best to get him into a good home. Lots of fun relationship growth ensues, as Clara and her firemen lovers work to hide the baby from everyone (including her overbearing Italian mother who is desperate for grandbabies).

As opposed to other authors in the reverse harem genre, her books include a great plot along with the steamy scenes, and I really connected to this one in particular. I really appreciated and took note of how much care went into researching the safe haven laws, as well as highlighting some of the current failings of America’s foster care system. All of the characters were fun (especially Clara’s mother) and I really enjoyed getting to see Billy get what was coming to him.

Overall, Nanny for the Firemen was another great read from Cassie Cole. Her books are a perfect choice when you’re looking for a fun and steamy reverse harem romance you can finish in an afternoon. If you’re not into reverse harem novels, I also recommend checking out her pen name K.T. Quinn where she writes monogamous happily ever after romance stories (with the same amount of spice).

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Honey & Ice by Dorothy F Shaw

June 30, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Honey & Ice by Dorothy F Shaw
Publisher: Red Queen Publications
Genre: Contemporary, Erotica
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Desi Profit has had her eye on the tall and delicious biker, Griffin Sinclair, for a while now. A little too tipsy one night, Desi confesses her obsession to a mutual friend and asks him to relay her fantasy to Griffin.
Having no idea if the message was delivered—and half praying it wasn’t—Desi runs into Griffin a week later. And when the hotter than hell biker puts her on the back of his motorcycle, Desi has no idea she’s in for the wildest, most exciting ride of her life.

Hot, quick and sexy.

I picked up this story because I wanted something for a lunchtime read that would be hot, quick and had a bit of raunch to it. I mean that in a good way and this short story delivered. The writing clipped along nicely and there was just enough story to keep my interest while being hot and fun.

Desi wants to be with Griff in the worst way. She’s just gotta have him. Griff wants her, too. This isn’t a romance, per se. It’s an erotic story, but that’s fine. It’s a snippet of their story and I know there has to be more, which is good because it made me crave more. I wanted to know what would happen to these people after this. That’s pretty great. I liked that this was hot, too. It hit the right points.

If you’re looking for something hot and short for a break or lunchtime read, then this is the book for you. I recommend it.

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Aiden’s Charity by Lora Leigh

June 15, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Aiden’s Charity by Lora Leigh
A Novel of the Breeds, Book 11
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The forces of survival and destruction swirl in the darkest corners of men’s minds. The nature of the beast cannot be harnessed, and survival is the purest of all instincts. Survival of the species itself goes soul deep. But can the human heart accept and adapt as easily? Can Charity bestow the love and the acceptance that has always been a part of her, to the man whose very survival depended on the hardening of his heart, of his soul? And can Aiden maintain that cruelty now, in the face of the sacrifices she made? Only time and nature will tell…

A story of the Breeds, but also the struggle between the head and the heart.

I love the Breeds and have been asked recently who my favorite is. I can’t say I have a favorite because I’ve loved all the stories so much. This one was pretty good; I have to admit. Leigh writes captivating characters, even in a few pages. This story zinged along well, and the bedroom scenes were…HAWT.

Aiden knows there’s something about Charity that he can’t forget. He wants to believe it’s because he can’t stand her, but it’s more complicated. Charity has done something for Aiden to save his life, but it’s complicated because neither wants to give any. Seeing the push-pull and the crankiness was great. Leigh writes pretty darn good bitchy women and that’s completely a compliment. Her women are strong and steady, even when in unsteady situations.

If you’re looking for a book to singe the screen and features a great pair of characters, then this is the book for you. Recommended.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,

Wicked Intent by Lora Leigh

June 6, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Wicked Intent by Lora Leigh
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Control has meant everything to Tally Raines. Control of the office she ran as Jesse Wyman’s secretary, and now control of Lucian Conover’s office as well. But Lucian isn’t content to be controlled by his fiery secretary. As a matter of fact, Lucian thinks she needs to loosen up and let the sexy, sensual woman hiding beneath her cool exterior free.

And he will dare her to do just that… with a little help.

Three hearts and a lot of tension. Oh boy!

I knew when I picked up this book that it’d be hot. It’s a Lora Leigh and they’re always hot books. This one didn’t disappoint. I raced through this book because the pace was so quick. I liked that there weren’t any extra pieces. The story is tight and the pace just as tight.

Tally is hard to relate to because she’s so strong willed. I wasn’t a fan of her right away, but I did like her transformation and growth. I liked it because I can see myself and others in her. She had to go through hell to get to the point where she could grow, and I liked it. Dev and Luc are just drool-worthy. I could see them in my mind and oh boy, oh boy. I wanted a pair for my own. I liked the test of wills between them. It was a great game to see how it’d play out. No spoilers at all.

If you’re looking for a menage story that’s hot enough to burn the pages, has some kink and will keep you turning pages, then this might be the one for you. Luc, Dev and Tally are fantastic. Give it a read.

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Solids And Stripes by Julia Talbot

May 15, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Solids And Stripes by Julia Talbot
Publisher: Turtlehat Creatives
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

One of the new guys at the young Apex Security company, Lucas loves his work as a bodyguard, and he’s pretty fond of his work family too. When they send him out to protect jaguarundi shifter movie star Cash Weatherby, Lucas figures he’s going to get a spoiled, bored actor who has way too much time and money on his hands. Cash’s reputation bears that out, too, but Lucas soon finds out nothing could be farther from the truth.

Cash is easy to work with, good to his team, and is under threat from someone who sets off a bomb on one of his movie sets. As Lucas tries to keep Cash safe, two things begin to become clear: the threat to Cash is not political or professional, it’s personal, and that Cash might just be the one this tiger shifter has waited for all his life. Can they keep Cash safe long enough to make a life together?

Lucas loves his work as a bodyguard at Apex Security, and while he figures the young movie star he’s sent out to protect will be some spoiled, bored kid he’s pleasantly surprised to find Cash isn’t like that at all. Sparks fly between Lucas and Cash, but can they both stay safe long enough to see if they might become more together?

I thoroughly enjoyed Talbot’s Apex Investigations series so was pretty happy when I stumbled on this – the first book in an offshoot series. While Lucas and Cash are new characters, Apex Security is a side-line for the old Investigations crew and so there are decent cameos from all the gang there. I feel this was a really smooth move by the author – it helped bring me in as a reader, and once Lucas and Cash were introduced, I was solidly on board for their adventure together.

Much of what I loved about Talbot’s previous books are still on show here – strong friendship links and a sort of pack mentality between the characters, and a decently paced plot. Add in some smoking chemistry and two shifters who are both strong willed but crazily attracted to each other and it’s a brilliant formula that I greatly enjoyed. The sub-plot of the dangerous stalker was a little bit cliched, but I still felt it was handled quite well by the author – keeping tension and some conflict in the story but not leaning too heavily on the trope and being boring.

Readers looking for a sizzling paranormal romance story with some different shifters and a lot of strong ties and emotion between the characters and a hint of adventure/danger should find this to be a good and interesting read. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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