Dance of Love by Sandra Carmel

May 10, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Dance of Love by Sandra Carmel
Intertwined Love, Book 3
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

An unexpected dance into virgin territory…

Jeb, a hot, late-twenties virgin is plagued with guilt and a history of heartache. Issy, his passionate physio patient is the first woman he’s fallen for in forever but she’s travelling overseas in a month to advance her dancing career. So why does he still want her so bad? After what he’s endured, he must be crazy. Although he shouldn’t pursue her, he can’t ignore his heart’s desire.

Issy has craved Jeb for months and plans to proposition him following her farewell drinks. But instead of flirting back, he wants to chat. What straight, hot-blooded man refused guaranteed sex? Surprised and intrigued, she indulges him and he relays his heartbreaking story. Touched by Jeb’s admission, combined with her incredible attraction to the guy, she offers to teach him how to be a great lover before she leaves. With their feelings deepening each day, can they work out a way to stay together before time runs out?

They weren’t supposed to happen, but what if they do? Would that be so wrong?

This is my first story by Sandra Carmel, but it won’t be my last. This book stayed with me long after the last page and had me thinking about the characters. I liked the way the author allowed them to be relatable and fun, but heartbreaking, too. I read this in a matter of an afternoon and it was time well spent.

Issy is sweet, but she knows what she wants–Jeb. She wants him so much, but when he puts her off a bit, she’s got a choice to make. Help him become better in the bedroom or leave him alone. I liked how she handled the problem and how the book seemed to unfold rather like a TV movie–I could see what was happening and felt like I was there. Jeb is so sweet, too. He feels like he’s the last of the virgin men. I liked his fumbling and his confusion. I also liked his interactions with Issy. So good.

This book is part of a series, but I wasn’t lost. Not at all. I’ll read the others, but if one picked up this book without reading the others, it’s not a bad thing.

This book has steam, heart and I can’t wait to read the others in this series. If you’re looking for something hot for the afternoon, then this might be good. It’ll sear your ereader!

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

The Last Hard Boy by Sam Crescent

May 6, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Last Hard Boy by Sam Crescent
The Hard Boys, Book 3
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Rome Hard is in love with his ex-teacher, Andy Evergreen. She entered his life ten years ago, and he’s tried to deny his feelings for her, but they won’t disappear.

There’s only one way to solve this: get her to fall in love with him.

She’s never fallen for a student, but Rome isn’t a student anymore. He’s a full-grown man, and he’s intent on making her realize it.

One date, that’s all it’s supposed to be. She never expected what could come next. One look, one touch, and it all leads to more. She should resist him, but how can she turn away from him? He’s everything, and no other man has made her heart race.

Rome’s all in, knowing this woman will be his wife and the mother of his children. But how far is he willing to go?

Will Andy fall for the last Hard boy, or will her fears keep her locked up in her cage?

He’s been waiting for her and she’s been looking for a man like him. Should be an easy pairing, right?

Wrong?

I like the work of Sam Crescent. I know I’ll get a hot story with plenty of interesting characters and will be transported to their world for a while when I read one of her books. This one was no different. It’s quick, hot and full of passion.

I’m a sucker for teacher/student stories. These can be tricky because it can be taboo, but not in this sense. They’re both old enough that the taboo isn’t so bad. I liked that she’s the older character and he’s the younger one, too. The author writes them with an authenticity that’s hard to find and they’re both relatable. She wants to be loved, but she’s afraid and he’s ready to go all in, but he doesn’t want to push her. It’s a well-used trope, but still nicely done in this book. I haven’t read the others in the Hard series, but that isn’t so bad. This book stands alone well, but I do want to go back and read them. I mean, how can you say no to a hot guy–in a book? I can’t.

If you’re looking for something hot, romantic and great for a chilly afternoon, then this is the one for you.

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

Across Everlasting by Beth D Carter

May 5, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Across Everlasting by Beth D Carter
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Kellen Tavist has had the same dream most of her life. A dream of battle. Of war. Of loss. During a Halloween séance, she and her friends try to conjure the spirit of a departed loved one. Instead, they conjure a ghost from Kellen’s past life.

Unnerved, Kellen’s life soon begins to unravel. Not only are her dreams growing stronger, but someone seems to want her dead. She turns to freelance journalist Raney Williams to help her figure out what she saw that warrants her silence.

The past and present are intertwined, and she can only have a future if she can figure out the conflicting feelings that have come across everlasting time.

Spooky, suspenseful and hot!

I love the work of Beth D Carter. Her writing flows well. It drew me right in and made me want to know what would happen next. This story was no exception. I flew through this story in an afternoon and only wish the story had been longer.

I liked the characters of Raney and Kellen. They’re hot together and the descriptions of them made them pretty much leap off the page. I liked the suspense in this story. The spookiness of the story helped, too. I also loved that Kellen is a strong heroine. She might be in it up to her eyeballs, but she can take care of herself.

The thread of reincarnation and understanding the past is a great addition to the story. I’m glad I picked up this novella.

If you want something that’s sexy, a little spooky, suspenseful and smooth reading, then this is the book for you.

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

A Time for War, A Time for Peace by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

May 2, 2022 By Leave a Comment


A Time for War, A Time for Peace by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Action/Adventure
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Nick is a soldier from Eastern Europe, making a life in America. Tina catches his eye as a customer in the diner that he runs. Attraction leads to love but before they can enjoy their newfound relationship, the fight for freedom in Kosovo draw Nick back to his homeland.

At first, he plans to go alone to protect Tina, but he can’t leave her so she comes with him to face a world fraught with danger, fear, and hardship. When she becomes pregnant, he sends her home and plans to follow. If he survives, if he returns to her, then they have a chance at their happily ever after in the United States.

If they can make it, they’ll be golden, but can they make it?

I’d never read anything by Ms Sontheimer Murphy until this week and I’m glad I rectified that problem. This story flows well. The characters are captivating and I couldn’t put it down. I rooted for the couple to make it and have a happy ending. Boy, I got emotionally involved and that’s a good thing.

Tina and Nick are fascinating characters. He can’t handle the fact that his homeland is in danger. He also can’t leave Tina behind. He’s in a truly rough place, but he’s determined not to give up. That’s what I liked about him. He’s strong, but he’s not so strong he can’t show a sensitive side. Then there’s Tina. She’s strong, too. She is relatable and I could see her as someone I knew. I liked that because it helped me get involved with the story. The heat between them is great, too. I knew they had a connection because I could feel it.

If you’re looking for a read that’s not always easy, but it’s got a lot of heart and heat, then this might be the one for you. Give it a try.

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

Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe

April 28, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe
Publisher: Oni Press
Genre: Contemporary, Non-Fiction, Memoir, Graphic Novel
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last autobiographical comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Now, Gender Queer is here. Maia’s intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma and fundamental violation of pap smears.

Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity—what it means and how to think about it—for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.

A touching read that will stay with the reader far after the last page.

I saw this book listed on a banned books list and had to know more. I’m glad I did. This book is touching, sweet, saucy and even has moments that made my heart ache for Maia. The book deals with Maia’s journey to accepting who they are. They were born a female, but always felt male and eventually just wanted to be themselves. This is a journey to finding acceptance with family, society and self.

The art in this book is frank, too. If you ever wondered what it was like to be in Maia’s shoes, then this is a no-holds-barred look. It’s a good way to understand Maia’s journey, too.

I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with identity, who wants a strong story, who wishes to understand the journey of someone coming to terms with their identity and those who want a good story with great art. Recommended.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Cowboy Gladiator by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

April 27, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Cowboy Gladiator by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Action/Adventure
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

After a near fatal rodeo injury, Asher McCard is determined he’ll ride again and compete, especially now he’s decided that cowboys are modern day gladiators. His fiancée, Charlotte, doesn’t agree and she breaks their long engagement. As he gets back in the saddle, Asher is out to win back Charlotte as well as his manhood. When he learns she’s carrying his child, it’s not enough to change his mind but when the first rodeo of the season proves deadly for another rider, it’s a game changer for Asher. His priorities shift toward marriage and family if Charlotte will agree.

He wants her, but she’s afraid to give him a second chance.

This is the first book I’ve read by Ms Sontheimer Murphy and I’m glad I did. I got right into this story and the writing flowed well. I finished this in an afternoon and it was time well spent.

Asher loves being a rodeo rider and he’s determined to be great again. Charlotte, his ex-fiancée, isn’t sure she’s willing to be with a man who puts his life in danger. I had to know what would happen next for this couple. I liked their stubbornness because it was so realistic. I could identify with both characters.

If you’re looking for a sexy afternoon read, then this is the one you should try.

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

Frosty the Snow Dom by Angela Knight

April 25, 2022 By 2 Comments


Frosty the Snow Dom by Angela Knight
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Steaming up the ice…

When ice artist Judith Dane is hired to create a kinky version of Michelangelo’s David, she thinks the ice sculpture is just another Christmas party centerpiece. But when she delivers the work she’s nicknamed “Frosty the Snow Dom” to the BDSM club Valhalla, the party turns out to be a lot stranger than she expects.

When Frosty comes to life just like a certain snowman, she discovers just how hot ice can be. But what happens when the spell breaks?

Hot guy in ice and a hot time for a spell…read this book!

I picked up this book because I wanted something steamy for an afternoon. This doesn’t disappoint. It’s hot, steamy and the writing leaps off the page. Ms. Knight has always been a favorite author of mine and this one was another great story.

Judith thinks she’s making an ice sculpture of Michelangelo’s David, but this isn’t just another ice guy. Oh, no. There’s a ritual, spell and things get heated quickly. I liked the interplay between Judith and the other characters, but especially Tor. He romances her in such a short time that I loved it. I wanted to see what would happen next and rooted for them to be successful.

If you’re looking for something that’s hot, sexy, Christmassy and a little quirky, then this is the story for you!

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

In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox by Carol Burnett

April 21, 2022 By Leave a Comment


In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox by Carol Burnett
Publisher: Crown Archetype
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Non-Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In In Such Good Company, Carol Burnett pulls back the curtain on the twenty-five-time Emmy-Award winning show that made television history, and she reminisces about the outrageously funny and tender moments that made working on the series as much fun as watching it.

Carol delves into little-known stories of the guests, sketches and improvisations that made The Carol Burnett Show legendary, as well as some favorite tales too good not to relive again. While writing this book, Carol re-watched all 276 episodes and screen-grabbed her favorite video stills from the archives to illustrate the chemistry of the actors and the improvisational magic that made the show so successful.

Putting the spotlight on everyone from her costars to the impressive list of guest stars, Carol crafts a lively portrait of the talent and creativity that went into every episode. With characteristic wit and incomparable comic timing, she details hiring Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner, and Tim Conway; shares anecdotes about guest stars and close friends, including Lucille Ball, Roddy McDowell, Jim Nabors, Bernadette Peters, Betty Grable, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme, Gloria Swanson, Rita Hayworth, and Betty White; and gives her take on her favorite sketches and the unpredictable moments that took both the cast and viewers by surprise.

So many stories and plenty of pages to tell them!

I love the Carol Burnett show and this book reads a lot like one of those episodes. Carol Burnett writes this about her time on the show and interactions with her costars. There are quite a few tidbits about the actors and actresses and even a few discussions of the bits on the show.

The chemistry between the principals on the show stand out in this book. I felt their love for each other, even when they quarrel. What drew me to this book was the story about Harvey Korman being fired from the show. I had to know more and I’m glad I did. I also had no idea how many people helped bring this show to life. It’s funny, witty and touching. I’m glad I read it.

If you love to laugh and learn about television shows, then this one is for you.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Her Relentless Bratva by Winter Sloane

April 20, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Her Relentless Bratva by Winter Sloane
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Action/Adventure
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Katya: Some people call me an ice princess. There’s a reason for that. I survived the massacre of my entire family. When the Kotov Bratva took me in, I swore I’d do anything for my daughter and my new family. Aleksander is off-limits. He’s also relentless, persuasive, and addictive. I lean into his touches and kisses even though I should be staying away. I’m a survivor. I don’t just open up my heart to anyone but with Aleksander it’s easy. If being with him is so wrong, then why does it feel so right?

Aleksander: I know Katya Kotov inside and out. Under all that ice, lies a passionate and fiery woman I can’t wait to own and possess. I waited, hoping she’d find a better man, a decent man to settle with. But I’m not that generous. I’m a selfish and possessive bastard. Katya’s mine to tame and I’d kill anyone that gets in the way.

A dark, gritty story of love and survival.

I’ve read a few books by Winter Sloane but this was by far the darkest. I knew it would be, being it’s a mafia romance and it didn’t disappoint in the darkness aspect, but it also succeeded in the romance aspect as well. The writing flowed well, with a few errors, but it’s nothing that took away from my enjoyment of the story.

Katya has been wounded by life and the family. I understood her need to be icy to Aleks. She’s trying to stay sane while she’s a survivor. She’s strong and gritty, which is what I liked the best about her. Then there’s Aleks. He’s pushy, alpha and relentless…hence the title. I liked how he instantly took care of her and refused to let her get away.

If you’re looking for a dark story with a lot of romance and intrigue, then this is the book for you. Check it out now!

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

Melissa by Alex Gino

April 19, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Melissa by Alex Gino
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Genre: YA, Middle Grade, Contemporary, LGBTQ
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

BE WHO YOU ARE.

When people look at Melissa, they think they see a boy named George. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl.

Melissa thinks she’ll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte’s Web. Melissa really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can’t even try out for the part… because she’s a boy.

With the help of her best friend, Kelly, Melissa comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte — but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.

You have to be who you are, no matter what.

I loved this story. I did. I loved reading about Melissa coming into her own and finding who she was always meant to be. The writing was authentic and empathetic, too. I read this in one day and recommend it strongly.

Melissa was born George but she’s never felt like a boy. She feels like a girl. This is her story of coming into her own and being the girl she was always meant to be. This book won’t be for everyone, but it would definitely help a young person understand that the feelings they have—wanting to wear a dress or be a tomboy—isn’t bad. This is a young person’s story. It’s told like a young person would tell it. There are moments where things are awkward, where there’s acceptance and where Melissa shines. I loved the portrayal of Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web. That was the best.

If you’re looking for a book that explains how a young person sees themselves and how one young person born one way can feel another, then this is the book for you. I recommend it highly.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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