His Heart’s Home by Susan Carlisle

July 11, 2022 By Leave a Comment


His Heart’s Home by Susan Carlisle
Modern Masters of Their Castle, Book 3
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When opposites attract…sparks ignite!

Historical architect Jordan Glass moves to rural England in her continued effort to escape an affair gone wrong that included losing a baby while in college. Eight years later still vowing to steer clear of relationships, she takes on a job rebuilding a damaged manor knowing it’s the perfect place to live in solitude. What she doesn’t plan on is Craig Lewis the owner arriving before the work is finished. Worse he brings his daughter along and they must share temporary lodging with Jordon.

Craig is shocked when his ex-wife drops their pre-teen daughter on his doorstep – permanently. He struggles to relate to his angry child and desperately wants to gain her trust. To give her a secure place to live he decides to renovate a wing of his family home Llywelyn Hall. Life is further complicated by him being sexually drawn to the beautiful architect. Equally frustrating is Jordon communicates with his daughter far better than he.
Craig’s family struggle tugs at Jordon’s heartstrings. Against her better judgement, Jordon is pulled deeper into their lives, tipping friendship over into desire.

A world of hurt, lots of money, but lots of love…if they’re willing to take it.

I love the books of Susan Carlisle and this one didn’t disappoint. I think it’s my new favorite. I loved the characters, loved the writing and loved getting swept up in the story. It was a great escape for a few hours.

Jordon isn’t looking to get involved with anyone and Craig has tons of his own problems–including now being a single father. I liked the way the author wrote the push-pull between father and daughter. It was easy to see the characters and know they loved each other, even when they had a hard time of showing it. I liked the wait Jordon helped the situation, too. She’s the perfect ointment. Plus, the chemistry between her and Craig is great.

If you’re looking for a wonderful romance read, then this is the one for you. Recommended.

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Dash by Rae Marks

July 7, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Dash by Rae Marks
Hart Consulting, Book 2
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, LGBTQ. Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Working with the guy who turns him on and pisses him off has Nick in a tailspin.

Nick’s trying to get everything together—his life, his job, his family. After leaving the military, he joined both his brothers at Hart Consulting, but he can’t seem to get his shit organized. His brother still won’t speak to his father, his dad is willing to go to crazy lengths to see his brother and Nick has to train for his new job.

Just when he thinks he might have everything under a bit of control, he’s assigned to work with Ax, the only operator who’s able to get under his skin. Nick needs to put his head down and make a good impression on his first assignment with HC. Too bad Ax is determined not to make it easy…

Opposites attract and can drive each other nuts, too.

I’ve never read anything by Rae Marks and I’m glad I rectified that. This was a cute book, but also fun, too. It’s not a fluff story by any means. The characters get into jams and have to figure out how to get back out again. I liked the suspense in the story and the chemistry between Nick and Ax. The writing flowed well and I got engrossed in the story right away. I had to know what would happen.

The one thing that sort of bugged me was how Nick and Ax tended to snap judge each other and hold onto their negativity. Now, this annoyed me because it’s so human. Other readers might not be bothered with it. It also drove me berserk because I kept thinking, guys, just let it go! But then if they’d have done that, the tension wouldn’t have been so high. So, it worked.

If you’re looking for a story with hot characters, tension and plenty of chemistry, then this might be the book for you.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Runner by Thom Collins

July 6, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Runner by Thom Collins
Success, book 3
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

An Olympic hero faces his longest run – to make up for the past.

Alex Schaefer is a sports journalist and commentator at the top of his game. He hosts a successful weekly podcast has just written the biography of a world class football player. With his career on an upward trajectory, Alex has never been busier. There is no time in his life for love or romance.

Ethan Bower was used to success. As a British sprinter, he won a host of silver and gold medals at the Olympics, European and Commonwealth championships, and spent over a decade at the top. Persistent injuries brought Ethan’s career to an abrupt halt in his mid-thirties. Now he has to start over again. Trying to get his foot in the door of athletics commentary and presenting isn’t easy.

Ethan and Alex have history. Eight years ago, at the height of Ethan’s success, Alex was chosen to ghost write his autobiography. An experience they would both rather forget. Ethan hated what Alex wrote about him; a fact he’s made very public. When Ethan attends the launch of Alex’s latest book, they meet again for the first time in years and something becomes apparent to both of them – they have each improved with age. Now in their thirties, they are older and more mature.

Can they put the past behind them and their ambitions for the future to take a chance on each other now?

Enemies to lovers…what can be better?

I knew when I picked up this book that it would sizzle, but it’d also have a certain polish to it. I’ve read other books by Thom Collins and have loved them. This one was no different. The characters were engaging and the story really shined. I didn’t want to put it down.

I loved how the author made this about running, but not overpoweringly so. Alex and Ethan have history. They’ve got some not so fun history that they have to deal with. I liked how the author made that enemy chemistry become something more. The author let the characters find their way to their eventual HEA. I loved it.

Alex has misconceptions about Ethan and Ethan isn’t fond of Alex. It’s a well-worn trope, but it was written well and with the added heat, it’s a great read. I hope you try this book, too. I’m heading out to find the others in the Success series.

Recommended.

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From Florida Fling to Forever by Susan Carlisle / Secret from Their LA Night by Julie Danvers

July 4, 2022 By Leave a Comment


From Florida Fling to Forever by Susan Carlisle / Secret from Their LA Night by Julie Danvers
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

From Florida Fling to Forever by Susan Carlisle

Soak up the Floridian sun with Susan Carlisle’s latest Harlequin Medical Romance as two surgeons try to resist their greatest temptation: each other!

Rule number one? Forget their fling
If only it was that easy! Pioneering transplant surgeon Lily Evans is always cool under pressure. So why does the idea of working with ex-fling Max James have her so hot under the collar? Max is just passing through Florida, after all, and maintaining a professional relationship is top of their agenda. Yet Lily’s sensible head is being overruled by her unusually reckless heart as she begins to fall for more than just Max’s roguish charms…

Secret from Their LA Night by Julie Danvers

It started with one night…
…and led to a nine-month secret!
Dr. Emily Archer would rather be anywhere than Los Angeles! Arriving to offer her sports medicine expertise to an international dance team, she’s immediately confronted by the memories of her turbulent childhood in the spotlight. Fortunately, on her first night, she finds the perfect distraction—charismatic Dr. Daniel Labarr. Neither can resist when instant passion takes over… And neither realize that their passion has been life changing!

Two great stories to warm the heart.

I love a good romance and these two stories deliver. I already knew I liked Susan Carlisle’s books and now I’ve discovered Julie Danvers. Both books made me happy, left me satisfied and I can’t recommend these enough.

In Susan Carlisle’s From Florida Fling to Forever, Dr Lily and Dr Max have a fling. They should work out and be together, but that’s too easy. I liked how the author wrote the twists and turns for this couple and had me rooting for them right away. They’re both likable characters and easy to envision. I also felt like I was there in the sweltering Florida heat. Kudos.

In Julie Danvers’ Secret from Their LA Night, Dr Emily and Dr Daniel have a one-night stand that results in a pregnancy. I liked that Emily is flawed. She’s been through a lot and wants someone to take care of her. Is that Daniel? Well, this is a one-night stand and those don’t always work out. Now throw in the pregnancy. Things get sticky, but also adorable. I rooted for these two, too. I liked the way the author wrote the characters and will look for more by this author.

If you want something great for a couple afternoons of reading and packed with heart, then this is the pair of books for you.

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No Easy Catch by Jaqueline Snowe

June 30, 2022 By Leave a Comment


No Easy Catch by Jaqueline Snowe
Cleat Chasers, Book 4
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

A jock and a party girl teaming up—makes total sense, right? Actually, maybe…

Ambar Henderson is a senior communications major who has no idea what she wants to do in life. She spends most of her time working on her blog after gaining a lot of readers with a story she wrote junior year and…never followed up on. The last thing she expects is an angry jock accusing her of involvement in a scam that could shake the college to its foundations.

Jeff Maddow should be focused on his senior season of baseball and not the suspicious activity happening on the team. It’s his time to shine and get drafted, but after seeing incriminating evidence, he can’t not investigate. And his first lead is the campus blogger…who’s related to a name in the document he saw.

Ambar’s been coasting, writing about campus fashion and hook-ups rather than politics and economics, but when Jeff shows up at her place spouting wild accusations, she agrees to help him just to prove the stubborn athlete wrong.

Long nights, impassioned arguments, close quarters…both Jeff and Ambar find opposites more than attract when things heat up.

Two people who, on paper, shouldn’t out, but in the real world…they’re perfect for each other.

I love a good enemies to lovers story and this one fit the bill. Ambar isn’t exactly trying hard in college. She’d rather do her thing her way. Blogging and having a good time. Then there’s Jeff. He needs to do well and isn’t about to let a scandal or Ambar get in his way.

Right? Wrong.

I love the way these two characters clashed and rooted for them. Ms. Snowe has written a great story that flowed well, and I couldn’t put down. This is the fourth book in the series, but I don’t think I missed anything by picking up right here. I’ll be looking for the other books, though, as this one oozed with chemistry.

If you’re looking for a sizzling book for the weekend, with great characters, college life and baseball, then this is the one for you.

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

Hothouse Bloom by Hannah Morse

June 28, 2022 By 1 Comment


Hothouse Bloom by Hannah Morse
Ramsbury Estate Book 2
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Historical. Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Noah Tenbey’s body and soul were torn asunder during a cavalry charge at the battle of Waterloo. A year later he’s still suffering. Fearful, his family calls in Dr. James Byrd from London, who not only helps Noah with his injuries, he also brings Noah’s heart back to life. But what life can James, the bastard son of an Earl, and Noah have together when all of society doesn’t see them as they truly are? Will they find a way to keep their love blooming, or will it wither on the vine?

Their love is forbidden, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have it.

I love a hot historical m/m story and this one fit the bill. The writing is good, and the story moves along at a good pace. I felt for each of the characters and wanted to see them get their happy ending. It was satisfying.

James is a physician who wants to heal. He also wants Noah. He’s tender, sweet and ready to be there for Noah. He knows they can’t have the traditional happy ending others have, but is that what they need? Noah has been injured in battle and he’s not only physically wounded, but emotionally as well. He’s hurting and it’s James’s tenderness that just might be the tonic he needs.

I got emotionally wrapped up in this story and I’m glad I read it. I’ll be looking for more from this author. Recommended.

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

Tidings of Joy by Margaret Daley

June 27, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Tidings of Joy by Margaret Daley
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Inspirational, Holiday
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

He came to Sweetwater to repay a debt. Chance Taylor didn’t expect to have feelings for his new landlady, Tanya Bolton. He could see newly widowed Tanya had worked hard to put the pieces of her world back together, caring for her wheelchair-bound daughter and taking a job at the local bank.

Chance’s arrival interrupted Tanya’s routine…and brought unexpected happiness to her life.

But the secret obligation he struggled with meant Chance could lose Tanya—and his chance for a fresh start—forever.

A man with baggage, a woman with different baggage, but a pull that’s undeniable. Oh, and it’s Christmas.

I picked this book up because of the dog on the cover. I won’t lie. I like a good black Labrador book. This one didn’t disappoint. It’s cute and sweet. I liked the characters, and I wanted them to have a happy ending. I also wanted to know if the dog got a happy ending, too. Thankfully, everyone did.

I liked the friendship between Tanya and Chance. They hit it off right away, even when they didn’t realize it. It was cute. It also showed that sometimes the best things are worth waiting for. I liked the side story of Tanya’s daughter coming out of her shell and Chance showing them both they weren’t alone.

If you’re looking for a cute holiday read, then this is the one for you.

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

Their Love Deal by Helen Walton

June 23, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Their Love Deal by Helen Walton
Billionaires’ Reluctant Brides Book 1
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

What started as a way to keep her mom from nagging her about marriage ended in more…

Recent college graduate Tiffany Herringer never expected to fall in love with her two boyfriends. After three years of loving Dieter Brant and Dex Munroe, she can’t let go of either of them. Everyone seems content with their arrangement, until the graduation party when Tiff discovers they know each other—and they’re friends—friends who talk about her and the things she likes.

When they suggest merging their relationships, Tiff doesn’t think she can be with two men at once. Sure, she dates them both, but together? If she agrees, she’ll never have to choose between Dieter and Dex, but then she’ll never get married. Not that she wants to get married … or does she?

Does she have to choose between the men she loves?

I love a good hot story and this one sizzles. Tiffany has been with and dated Dieter and Dex, both. She likes them both. Heck, she doesn’t want to choose between them. So, what’s a girl to do when she’s confronted with the idea she might not have to?

I loved this story because it burned and sizzled, but it also built slowly. It gave the reader, me, time to get to know the characters and feel their connection. I loved the heat to it, too. It’s a great story. There’s tenderness between the characters and a genuine connection. No lopsided love here!

I liked this trope–friends to lovers–and am glad I read this story. It was so worth the read. Check it out!

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

His Novice by Arabella Sheen

June 21, 2022 By Leave a Comment


His Novice by Arabella Sheen
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Nathan Stockman controls his own destiny and answers to no one. But when Summer Jenkin erupts into his life, he finds it hard to resist the temptation to bed her. She’s everything he’s not. She’s classy, she’s young, and she’s … virginal.

Dare he be the man responsible for awakening her to the pleasures of lovemaking, or should he walk away before they become emotionally entangled?

Summer doesn’t care that Nathan is older than she is, and it certainly doesn’t stop her from wanting a night of passion in his arms. Offering to be his novice is no guarantee he will teach her everything he knows about love, but she’s ready and more than willing to learn how to please him … both in and out of bed.

He’s hot for her. She’s hot for him. But are they right for each other?

This is somewhat of a slow burn story, but if you’re looking for heat, then this one will singe. Arabella Sheen has written a hot story, packed with heart. I couldn’t put it down.

Summer needs a bit of education in the bedroom and she’s not afraid to ask Nathan for it. I liked how she wasn’t afraid to be what he wanted. I also liked that she had some backbone. Nathan wants a novice. He’s a bit older, a bit wiser and he’s attracted to her. They don’t fall into the romance part right away and that was refreshing.

This trope – older brother’s best friend and the virginal heroine – has been done before, but this time it’s fresh and hot. I liked it a lot.

If you’re looking for something hot, short, but worth the read, then check this one out.

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

The Layover by Gale Stanley

June 20, 2022 By 1 Comment


The Layover by Gale Stanley
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Inside the cockpit, Captain Paul Miller is always in control. But on the ground, he constantly feels adrift. His marriage is crumbling, and life has become much too complicated.

Jamey Conley has worked hard to make his café in the Frisco airport a successful venture. He loves his work – and especially the airport scenery. He goes gaga over guys in uniform, but when he meets Paul, sparks really fly. Too bad his ideal man is married — and straight.

A bit of taboo, a dash of romance and a layover…this will be hot.

When there’s a story with a pilot involved, I’m there. I love a good flight romance. Now, this one takes place mostly on the ground, but hey, it’s still hot. I love the work of Gale Stanley and I knew I needed to read this book from the moment I picked it up. I’m glad I did.

This story is hot, but’s it’s also sweet. Paul isn’t sure he’s happy in his life. Sure, he’s a hotshot pilot, but he’s in a rocky marriage and knows things aren’t right. I’m not usually one for cheating stories, but the way Paul and James get together is cute. I liked James, in particular, because he’s patient with Paul, even when they’re heating the sheets.

Paul goes on a journey in this story and it has nothing to do with the plane. I liked the way he evolved and hope to see more of him. I want to see him with James, too. Can I have another story with these two? Please? I’m ready! The chemistry was off the charts.

If you’re looking for a hot story that’s got a little bit of taboo in the cheating aspect, then this might be the one for you.

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