Some Sugar by Sam Crescent

August 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Some Sugar by Sam Crescent
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (44 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Faith Bryant has two problems. One, she can’t stand her neighbor, and two, she can’t stop thinking about him. Hunter Graham is sexy, sinful, and totally off-limits. For a year, he’s played the main role in all of her fantasies. Only now, she doesn’t want him there. After seeing a few women—and a couple of men—leave his apartment crying, she knows he’s a bad guy.

Then he even wants to borrow some of her sugar. How dare he?

All he wanted was a cup of sugar!

Hunter is a life coach. He breaks all the rules to help his clients any way that he can. When it comes to his beautiful, curvy neighbor, he’s played the gentleman, even though he wants to do nothing more than fuck her.

Now he thinks she’s a bitch, and she thinks he’s a womanizer. When the truth is revealed, who will cave first? Can two people overcome their first impressions to find passion beneath, and maybe even love?

Faith’s apartment was on the same floor as Hunter’s. Even though the man was seriously handsome, she was sick and tired of seeing women coming in and out of his place at all times, some of them even sniffling or crying. He was a pig, clearly. Hunter had been interested in Faith for far too long. Finally deciding to bite the bullet, he pops over to ask for some sugar, only to seriously screw up the whole situation. Can they find their way together?

This is a fast-paced story that I really enjoyed. I was particularly pleased that Hunter called Faith out on her being so judgmental. Instead of asking what was happening – or even checking if the crying women (and men) were okay or needed help – she just assumed Hunter was a jerk and monster and stewed in her own resentment of him. I was glad when Hunter and Faith hashed out those assumptions and cleared the air. They were also both clearly attracted to each other, so their confrontation helped them both look at things from the others perspectives. For such a short story, I was pleased that there was a decent amount of plot and growth before they both jumped into the bedroom.

When Hunter and Faith finally did make it to the bedroom there is some super steamy sex. Dirty talk and two grown adults not afraid to ask for exactly what they want – Faith and Hunter really scorch up the pages. Some readers mightn’t like the insta-love style of progress of Faith and Hunter’s relationship, but considering the short length of the story I didn’t mind it too much. I loved the classic “happy ever after” style of ending and found the story overall well rounded and lots of sexy fun.

For a short, really fast read that has plenty of steamy sex and a good moral about not making snap judgments on your neighbors, this is a good short story that ticked a lot of boxes for me.

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Patron by C.B. Lewis

August 1, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Patron by C.B. Lewis
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (78 pgs)
Other: M/M
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Theodore Wentworth, who possesses little more than a sharp and well-educated mind, is trying to solicit a sponsor for his studies of Greek antiquity by performing recitations at gatherings of collectors. Desperate for luck and better skills in oratory, in jest, he places a coin at the feet of a statue of Hermes. It seems like coincidence when his fortune turns and a gentleman calling himself Alexander becomes his benefactor. Despite his friend John teasing him about it, Theodore continues to offer tokens to Hermes and sinks himself into his study of the classics.

Alexander encourages Theodore’s interest, prompting Theodore to face desires he tried to put aside years before. As Theodore embraces the knowledge, he must also resist his attraction to Alexander—knowing his feelings are a serious crime in Victorian England.

But the secret Alexander keeps will change everything in a love story for the ages, steeped in taboo, temptation, history, and myth.

Theodore knew it was crazy but, enraptured by a statue, he gave in to whimsy and made an offering – softly requesting for clear speech and good luck in the presentation he was about to make. Succeeding beyond his wildest dreams, Theodore embarks on a literary journey, pleased beyond measure when he finds a new friend along the way.

I really enjoyed the whimsy in this story. While historical and set roughly in the Regency period, I found the undertone of almost paranormal luck throughout the story delightful. Theodore is an avid student of Greek – the history, religion, gods and heroes – and so his monetary offering and quiet plea for help, both clarity in his speech and presentation as well as assistance in acquiring a patron really struck me as fresh and different. I thoroughly enjoyed it and don’t think the story could have had the same impact had it been a contemporary story.

While I did enjoy the pace of the story, part of me wished that the first half or so of the story wasn’t so completely focused on Theodore. I could certainly appreciate getting to know his character so well – and his position, dreams and goals, but I was a little disappointed that for an erotic romance that it was almost half way through the story before there was any romance – or passion – between Theodore and Alexander. That said, once the two men became better acquainted, the chemistry sky-rocketed and all but burned off the page. Readers looking for an explicit story might not find exactly what they want here, but personally I found the chemistry and build-up perfectly satisfying. I was also really pleased that the author didn’t skirt (or ignore) the implications of having a homosexual romance in that historical setting. The ramifications were discussed and at the fore of Theodore’s thoughts, but also not dwell upon to a depressing degree. I felt the author did an excellent job of balancing this reality along with the romance and fantasy of the story itself.

A lovely short story set in the Regency era. I loved how there was a really solid plot, a hint of paranormal/Greek god whimsy and deep, interesting characters. Recommended.

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Taking Her Innocence by Sam Crescent and Stacey Espino

July 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Taking Her Innocence by Sam Crescent and Stacey Espino
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure
Length: Short Story (110 pgs)
Other: M/F, Anal Play
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Viper has always been a bastard, a nightmare, death for hire. He’s known for his swift kills, so he isn’t surprised when he’s offered seven figures for a new hit. It’s supposed to be a quick find and eliminate. When his mark turns out to be an innocent twenty-year old with big blue eyes, he shouldn’t care one way or another, but he does. Viper wants to keep her for himself.

Viper was part of an elite team “Killer of Kings”. Usually an assassin, if the price was right, Viper would do whatever to whomever he was asked. It was just business. Pepper knew she was in a world of trouble, but when she opened her door to the assassin her life changed forever. Will he take just her innocence, or much more?

I found this to be a fast-paced, action-orientated erotic romance. I was a little nervous in the beginning as I found some of Pepper’s thoughts were a bit strange – for example when she’s attacked by another assassin, when Viper comes upon them and she finds out he’s there to kill her as well, she decides to throw her lot in with him because he hadn’t *actually* hurt her the instant he saw her. I know there needed to be a reason she found herself on Viper’s side rather than the other character – but I really felt there needed to be a bit more thought and a more understandable/logical reason behind it. I was grateful that the action and pacing moved quickly enough this small bump didn’t detract from my enjoyment either of Pepper or Viper’s characters or voices and I promptly found myself swept up in their story and carried quite willingly along with them both. I also really liked the small twists that happened throughout the plot – in particular the reason why Viper didn’t kill Pepper immediately was refreshing and an excellent plot-turn to my mind.

There is plenty of steamy sex between Viper and Pepper and I really enjoyed it. Nothing was too envelope pushing – just some delightfully steamy sex between two very willing parties. The action and plot twists kept the feel of the story moving along at a good clip and with regular intimate scenes I felt this story had a really good balance.

With excellent, layered and generally well thought-out plotting, vibrant and interesting characters and a great, fast paced series of events, I really feel this is an excellent blending of action and steamy romance. I am eagerly waiting for more books in this series.

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Owned By The Club by Sam Crescent

July 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Owned By The Club by Sam Crescent
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (60 pgs)
Other: Multiple Partners, Anal Play, M/F
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Rosie needs money, and she needs it fast. She took a loan out to install a café for her dream book shop, and the money was stolen. The only way she can save herself is to go to the Old Boyz, who own the local bar. They’re dangerous, and she knows it will cost her, but there has to be something she can do for the five men who could be her saviors.

Pops has wanted Rosie for years, and he knows his friends do as well. The Old Boyz are not like other men. There are five of them, all best friends, and they have a craving to share one woman. With Rosie needing their help, Pops knows he finally has a chance to claim her for all of them. She is the one woman they all want. Now they just have to convince her that being with five men will be the best thing that has ever happened to her.

But how can Rosie love five men? She hasn’t had the best experience when it comes to relationships, and she doesn’t think she’s right for them.

It’s up to Pops, Billy, Marshall, Gavin, and Ethan to prove to Rosie they mean business. Surely there’s no chance of her saying no. Who could?

Rosie has heard the stories about the Old Boyz – “you take one you take them all” – but the guys had never been anything but good to her. So Rosie swallows her embarrassment and goes to see Pops when her little book shop is in desperate need of an infusion of cash. Pops, Billy, Marshall, Gavin and Ethan all make their thoughts crystal clear. They’ll help her out with the loan, but she’ll belong to them – completely and totally. Is Rosie up for it?

I really enjoyed this story. In some ways it’s like a mad fantasy – five men loving on one woman – and who wouldn’t want that? But a part of me wasn’t too sure to begin with. I mean, logistics alone had me curious how it would actually work. I was pretty happy that I gave this story a shot because it really did work out well to my mind. The guys weren’t cardboard cut outs, they were each fairly distinctive and particularly as the story progressed I found I liked them all for different reasons. I fell in particular love with Gavin. He reminded me a little of Eeyore, gloomy and pessimistic but soft, caring and really tender underneath it all. And in his own way Gavin was even more in love with Rosie than anyone except possibly for Pops. The characters in this story were vibrant and really made the story shine to my mind.

The sex was also pretty hot. It was a little convoluted, with so many characters present, but I really didn’t feel like it was Tab A, B and C with Slot D – often one or more of the guys were happy to watch, or merely touch as they waited their turn. It read to me as sensual and sharing – not like a gang-bang or at all crude. This really helped save the story for me and eased all my earlier worries. I definitely felt like the romance and tenderness was present and that kept the story from being what it could have turned into – more pornographic than romantic.

Certainly a different style of story, I really enjoyed this and was delighted to find Rosie get her groove on with the five Old Boyz. A happy ending rounded it all out and I really found this a satisfying, hot and sexy read.

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Dancing With Fire by Maia Dylan

July 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Dancing With Fire by Maia Dylan
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (77 pgs)
Other: M/F/M, Ménage, Anal Play
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

There is always a risk of being burned when you dance with fire…

Lucabella Strand is tired of waiting for the Firestone playboys to honor her request for a meeting. Raising rents, and hiring a musclebound douche-bag as a building manager to threaten and torment them is not how reasonable landlords treat their tenants.

Zac and Hayden Firestone have no idea they even own a residential building, and when Bella accuses them of unfair treatment they immediately deny it. Until she shows them her proof. She leaves both men reeling, but believing that she might be the one meant for them. Seeing her for the second time leaves them in shock.

A misunderstanding and a hidden secret quickly comes between them, and finding a way back together proves difficult. Will taking a chance and dancing with fire lead Bella to a future she had never thought she’d have, or will she be burned by love and left alone?

Zac and Hayden Firestone are completely taken about when firebrand Lucabella storms into their office and refuses to leave until she has some answers. Firestone Real Estate generally only owns business buildings, but they seemingly bought out the apartment complex she lives in a short time ago and have not been even close to good landlords. Lucabella won’t leave without her answers and the two brothers are completely stumped by her beauty and fiery passion. When she becomes involved with the two brothers, things become even more complicated.

I found this to be an interesting ménage story with a good amount of plot. While I found the clichéd response of the brothers when they found Bella doing some exotic dancing a bit disappointing, I couldn’t really blame them for taking everything at face value. Bella’s behavior was of course for a good reason and the brothers should have entertained that notion – but thankfully all that miscommunication was dealt with fairly early on in the story and acted as an excellent conduit for the three of them to learn about each other before the relationship really started to blossom.

Once all the doubting and frustration was over, the chemistry and sex really took off and the book became far more enjoyable to my mind. The ménage sex was wonderfully hot and I enjoyed the pacing of the relationship that grew between Hayden, Zac and Bella. I was a little surprised that once they all became intimate neither Hayden nor Zac seemed miffed at some of the “omissions” Bella had with them about her work. I felt some of that potential conflict was skimmed over because it happened right at the very end of the story and there was an awful lot of things happening all at once. I did like how the three of them really started to trust each other and while I felt the depth of love might have been a little soon it was lovely to see they were all on the same page and really getting emotionally – not just physically – committed to each other.

For a hot and action-packed threesome story this one was quite good. I enjoyed the sex and felt there was plenty of interesting plot to keep the pace and action moving forward at a good speed.

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Recon By Fire by Maia Dylan

July 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Recon By Fire by Maia Dylan
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure
Length: Short Story (115 pgs)
Other: M/M/M, Ménage, Anal Play
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

A sniper will employ a recon by fire technique when the position of their enemy is unknown. It can also be a tactic for two men looking to convince the man they both want for their future to take a chance on them.

Nick Jones and Aiden George are committed to each other. When they meet a marine medic who ignites a passion within both of them, they’re determined that he’s the third they never knew they were looking for.

Sam Wilson is plagued by doubts instilled within him at a young age. When he gives in to one night of passion with two servicemen he meets during an attack on the base, those doubts make him run. When he meets them again eighteen months later, the three must overcome Sam’s past, defeat an unknown enemy, and pursue the future Aiden and Nick are convinced they can all achieve together.

Will they be able to find their target in time, or will the fire of their love be left to burn out completely?

Aiden and Nick have been a committed couple for years now, but both men agree there’s just something about Sam that sets them both off. Neither Aiden nor Nick though know how to bring Sam to them without scaring the Marine off completely. Sam, for his part, can’t help the hot fantasies he has about both Nick and Aiden – but his difficult past makes it hard for him to trust that he’s enough for the two spunky men. Can they work this out together?

There’s nothing I love more than a hot military romance, and a M/M/M threesome just makes it all the more better. There’s an awesome and strong cast of secondary characters – the rest of Sniper Team Bravo. I loved the easy camaraderie between them all both out on the battle field and settling down to a “normal” life. I also found that there’s plenty of good plot for readers who don’t like their erotic romance to just be a string of hot sexual encounters. This book really felt like it ticked all the boxes for me – loads of character back story and emotional plotline, arson investigations, nefarious villains from people’s past. Add on hot ménage sex and this was a delicious read and one I will thoroughly enjoy for multiple re-reads in the future.

I was delighted by how layered and deep each of the characters were – not just Aiden, Nick and Sam, but also the other members of Sam’s team. It’s clear there are more stories coming up, and having missed the first two stories didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this at all. I loved the author’s tone and voice and really found myself swept up in the story and eagerly turning the pages. There was an interesting lead-in to the next story that I’m sure will hook a number of readers into getting the next story too.

A fun, sexy and hot ménage romance full of delicious military men that I feel is sure to appeal to many readers.

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