Sun, Sea and Surprises by Larissa Vine

June 25, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Sun, Sea and Surprises by Larissa Vine
Publisher: Totally Entwined Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Summer of surprises…or summer of love?

Tessa feels like pinching herself. She’s going to be a bridesmaid at the wedding of the summer on an exotic island in Thailand. Finally, this is her chance at the A-lister life and the glitz and success that are sure to follow. All she has to do is shape up enough to look stunning in her bridesmaid’s dress. Easy, right? Especially with the super-hot and super-famous fitness star Josh Jordan to train her.

Josh Jordan can’t wait to coach Tessa. Not only will he get to spend time with her, but he’ll be doing what he loves, training people—the grass roots of his fitness empire. His summer’s starting out nicely, apart from one thing. He’s inherited a greedy, slobbery dog that seems hell-bent on shedding hair and chewing up every goddamn stick of furniture in his penthouse apartment.

As Josh and Tessa begin their workouts, their lust for each other blossoms. But with the wedding looming, Tessa still has a lot to achieve, and Josh continues to be at loggerheads with the dog.

Their summer turns out to be one surprise after another…but can they turn it into a summer of love?

If you are looking for a sweet, light-hearted romance to while away a couple of hours on the beach, then this may be just the book for you.

Our two main characters meet and fall into insta-lust, quickly followed by constant over-thinking the other, and trying to arrange “accidental” meet-ups. The reason for this is a wedding – where the bride calls the female MC up after TEN YEARS to ask her to be her bridesmaid. Why? No idea. I’ve got my thoughts, but it is one of the questions that isn’t answered.

From America to Thailand, and back again, this book will give you some summer heat as the two MCs try to figure out their lives and spend time together. Have a read and see what surprises are in store for you.

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

Wake Me by Angela Knight

June 24, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Wake Me by Angela Knight
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Wedding Photographer Chloe Hart has just been dumped when she receives a mysterious gift — a painting of a handsome knight in a heavy gold frame worked with what appear to be magical sigils. She promptly hangs the painting up in place of her cheating ex-boyfriend’s portrait.

That night, she has the most delicious dream of Lord Radolf of Varik, the medieval conqueror who has just seized her castle. He seduces her in a red-hot encounter that makes her forget all about ol’ what’s his name. The next night, Radolf is back, this time as the captain of a pirate ship. Night after night, Radolf and Chloe act out some deliciously erotic scene from her favorite guilty-pleasure romance novels. And every single dream seems utterly real, down to the last scent and taste.

It offers same benefit as 100 mg try for source levitra prices offers its users. It can help you get stiffness of male reproductive organ to accomplish and keep up an erection amid sexual incitement. slovak-republic.org lowest price levitra Run the dose as cialis cheap canada it has been asked for not in over or under amount or more habitual than asked for. Most cialis properien slovak-republic.org psychological causes of impotence can be dealt with immediately before it gets any worse. What Chloe doesn’t realize is that what’s all fun and games for her is desperately serious for Radolf. He’s been a prisoner for eight hundred years in the castle of a witch, and he can’t escape until he can find a woman who cares enough to free him. Is Chloe that woman?

Even as the two begin to fall in love, a new and horrible fear grips Radolf: what will the witch do to Chloe?

Chloe was determined to bounce back after a fairly brutal breakup – and when a mysterious stranger gives her an enticing oil painting of Lord Randolf of Varik the handsome, semi-naked Viking Knight whose image is captured, it’s all the distraction she could possibly hope for. The painting – and the handsome Viking – soon invades her dreams and subconscious as much as her waking hours. Will Chloe and Randolf be able to sort this magic out?

I really enjoyed this steamy and sensual romance novel. While the plotline isn’t very original, I found Chloe to be a relatable and modern character I could easily connect with. I was also really pleased that there was plenty of plot and not just sex between Randolf and Chloe. The author really fleshed out the tricky situation he found himself in and the trappings of his curse – I was so glad it wasn’t just some shady, ill-defined “cursed by a witch and the spell needs breaking” mention that didn’t really get explored. It helped me feel a better connection to Randolf and understand the misery and difficulty of his situation.

This story had a solid and well-defined plot and while it’s fairly magical and other-worldly, I feel readers who enjoy paranormal and faintly historical/magical styles of storyline should find it really appealing. While there is plenty of intimacy between Randolf and Chloe there is also a good balance of plot and discussions outside of the bedroom so I feel readers looking for a book that makes them think and sigh should really find this satisfying.

Readers looking for a fun and sexy book with a strong plot and a strong hint of magical twists should really enjoy this quick read.

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

In Too Deep by Kira Sinclair

June 23, 2021 By Leave a Comment


In Too Deep by Kira Sinclair
SEALS of Fortune, book 1
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Action/Adventure
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

He didn’t want to need her…

Trouble just walked onto Knox McLemore’s ship—trouble with lush curves, red hair and an uptight attitude that both grates on his nerves and heats his blood. But former Navy SEAL Knox knows all about control. Especially when this sexy nautical archaeologist is the only thing standing between his diving team’s claim on a famous shipwreck…and utter ruin.

Dr. Avery Walsh is grateful her icy persona hides the effect intimidating (and way-too-hot) Knox has on her. For two people who don’t trust—or even like—each other much, the physical chemistry between them is unbelievable. But getting in too deep with Knox is the last thing Avery needs. Because she has a job to do…and dark little secrets to hide.

Friends to lovers and so much more.

I like stories that are enemies to lovers and this one, while they start out on friendly terms, goes to enemies to lovers quickly. It’s okay because the story plugs along at a good clip and the writing is fun, so I had to know what would happen. I’m glad I read this book. It’s hot, but not too hot, and sweet, but not saccharine.

Dr. Avery wants to help with the shipwreck and identify which it is, but Knox has other ideas. He wants to keep her away from the wreck. Unfortunately, there are forces that want these two together, no matter how much they want to stay apart.

I liked the extra threads running through this story—redemption, trust and action–, but I won’t give too much away as to not ruin the plot. Knox and Avery have chemistry, which is great because they get thrown together, but there were times when I thought Avery could’ve cooled it a little. She tried too hard to keep him away. That said, it was relatable. She came across as very human and when she does get with Knox, it’s hot, hot, hot.

If you want a beach read that’s fun, then this might be the one for you.

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

Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

June 23, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
Publisher: Park Row
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Cholla

People don’t just disappear without a trace…

Shelby Tebow is the first to go missing. Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, vanish just blocks away from where Shelby was last seen, striking fear into their once-peaceful community. Are these incidents connected? After an elusive search that yields more questions than answers, the case eventually goes cold.

Now, eleven years later, Delilah shockingly returns. Everyone wants to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they’ll find…

When one woman goes missing, it’s an awful event. But when two women and a six-year-old go missing close together? It becomes a local tragedy. Just when the town thinks it’s starting to move past it all, to heal and grow, the missing child shows up out of nowhere, throwing everything and everyone into turmoil again. However, not everything is as it seems.

Leo, Delilah’s younger brother, is probably my favorite character. He was very young when Delilah and their mother disappeared – he was four, I think – so he has no memories of his sister at all. There are times when he doubts her, thinks she’s making things up, and yet, he still finds ways to make her feel at home. He’s probably the most honest of them all, even when he’s being awful about the situation at hand.

Kate is the kind of neighbor you want to have. She’s smart, friendly, and goes above and beyond to help when you need her. When Delilah and Meredith go missing, she’s on the front line searching and helping care for Josh and Leo, the father and son that are left behind to deal with the fallout. Her partner, Bea, is a musician and more of a free spirit than Kate, but she’s generous with her time and makes the perfect partner for Kate.

Meredith’s point of view is one of the more intense since she’s got a lot going on in her life, even before she goes missing. She’s caring for the two kids she has with her husband, Josh, running her business as a doula, and everything else that comes with motherhood. Plus, she had a few unpleasant things she was dealing with as well – an arrogant doctor and mysterious bruises that keep showing up on her son, Leo. I felt her struggle in my soul. Despite not being a single mom – she was very happily married – so much of her kids’ care fell on her and it was wearing her out. Something I could easily relate to. Still, she somehow managed to find a way to get it all done.

I’ve read several books by the author and she has a great way of making you want to believe everyone while not trusting anyone. I thought I knew who was responsible at least six times and each time, I was so wrong. The twist at the end threw me completely and was not something I was expecting at all. Sometimes, her twists aggravate me, but this one left me with my mouth hanging open. I can’t see where she goes next since each book seems to get better and crazier.

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

Naughty & Sweet by Megan Slayer

June 23, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Naughty & Sweet by Megan Slayer
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: Three stars
Reviewed by Fern

Kelly Fenn came to the Honey Dripper seeking what she thinks is an easy way to make cash to pay off a loan. Martin Malachi is the one man she never expected to find, let alone fall in love with.

Martin’s not looking for a girlfriend, but Kelly needs a job. When he suggests an offer Kelly can’t refuse, she’s got a choice to make. Will she risk her heart for a chance at forever with a man fifteen years her senior, or walk away?

Kelly is looking for some serious money to pay off her loan, and from what she hears stripping is one of the fastest way to make it. When Martin makes her an offer Kelly is tempted enough to take him up on it. Despite the age gap between them is she willing to risk her heart or will she give in and walk away?

I found this to be an interesting short story. While I felt there wasn’t initially really any chemistry between Kelly and Martin I did enjoy the slow burn as they each came to appreciate and grow more attached to each other. While the deal Martin offered Kelly really did seem too good to be true (and needs a healthy dose of suspending logic and disbelief) as a plot device it was great and certainly put both Kelly and Martin exactly in the right positioning for the rest of the story to flow smoothly.

I was pleased with the slower pace of the romance growing between Kelly and Martin – it helped that the author sprinkled in a lot of plot between the three Malachi brothers and let things progress at a more realistic and natural pace. There’s a bit of BDSM and light kink between Kelly and Martin that readers who like their stories a bit on the spicier side should enjoy. I didn’t feel anything too envelope-pushing was included and readers used to modern erotic stories should find it spicy and explicit but not too much.

With an intricate plot and some very sexy shenanigans I found this to be a fun and interesting quick read. I’ll be very interested in the next installment (revolving around another brother, I suspect) and will keep an eye out for it.

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

Killing the Reapers by Jeff Debing

June 22, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Killing the Reapers by Jeff Debing
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Paranormal, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Ross is a young paramedic whose world takes a sudden tragic turn on what should be the best day of his life. Just before he can propose to his girlfriend, he suffers a massive heart attack and dies.

He awakens in the afterlife and learns that the Grim Reaper actually does exist. But not as the skeletal creature of mythology, instead it’s an organization of non-living individuals who look and act like ordinary people. Essentially undead civil servants, they walk among the living, unnoticed, as they perform their grim work of reaping the souls of people when they are destined to die.

He is shocked to learn that he died decades before he was supposed to, due to a tragic mishap. As Ross and the reapers seek a solution for his premature demise, fatal accidents suddenly begin to plague the reapers. Ross discovers that though the reapers aren’t truly alive, they can be killed.

When the growing number of mysterious reaper fatalities prevents Ross from getting his life back, he suspects they may not actually be accidents. He realizes that to have any chance to return to the life he was destined to live, he’ll first have to discover and stop whatever is killing the reapers.

Death isn’t the end.

The world building was complex and well done. I actually paused at one point to do an Internet search to find out if I’d accidentally stumbled into the middle of a series. The fact that it appeared to be something new and not connected to any other stories only impressed me even more. There were so many little details about the characters, setting, and unique rules of magic woven into every scene that I truly felt as if I’d stepped into another world. It was exciting to have this introduction, and it made me hope for a sequel.

There was only one thing holding this tale back from a much higher rating, and it had to do with how the characters were written. Mr. Debing introduced the audience to a large number of characters quite quickly in the early scenes. When combined with how little information we were given about the appearances or personalities of the majority of them, I had a lot of trouble remembering who was who. This was especially true when it came to the various grim reapers, although I would also struggle to describe Ross’ personality to anyone. Other than his love of his work and his desire to save every sick and injured person who crossed his path, I never got a strong sense of who he was as an individual.

I was pleased with how the mystery portion of the plot was written. The author did a good job of throwing a few clues out there for the audience without giving away so much information that it was easy to figure out the identity and motive of the killer. He struck a nice balance between developing this portion of the storyline and allowing the fantasy themes to take precedence when needed.

Killing the Reapers was a fast-paced novella that I’d recommend to anyone who loves urban fantasy.

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

Devil’s Own by Suzy Shearer

June 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Devil’s Own by Suzy Shearer
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

By 51, Miranda Fleming had become a world famous artist. She lacked nothing, except a relationship. In fact, in her entire dating life not one man had ever asked for a third date. She often joked she was the oldest living virgin.

But that was about to change and not in a way that she could’ve ever imagined—or desired.
He was The Devil. Satan. Lucifer. The Beast. So many names, the list went on and on. A taker of souls, a dealer of desires and greed, the ultimate evil.

And now it was time to collect on the deal made about Miranda years ago. He’d kept her pure since then, just so he could torment and torture her.

That is, until he tired of her.

If you are looking for romance, then I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong book. There are some soft and tender moments in it but heavily disguised amongst the sadism and masochism.

Miranda has been having dreams since her twenties about a faceless man whipping and torturing her, giving her the orgasms she doesn’t have in real life. When her grandfather dies, she finds out that it is true, and she belongs to the Devil.

Although dark, this book doesn’t go into too much detail, skimming along the surface of what S&M consists of. Time passes with the blink of an eye, first weeks, then months, then years. Because of the jumping, I didn’t feel like I got to know Miranda or Hell as much as I would like. I certainly wouldn’t name romance as a genre, but instead, say there are romantic elements.

This was a quick read, filled with dark erotica, so if that’s what you’re after, then I can recommend it.

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

Only the Good Die Young: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Billy Joel by Josh Pachter

June 21, 2021 By 2 Comments


Only the Good Die Young: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Billy Joel by Josh Pachter
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

From Cold Spring Harbor in 1971 to River of Dreams in 1993, Billy Joel released a dozen studio albums that remade the face of American pop music, produced twenty-six Top 10 singles (on Billboard’s Top 100 and Adult Contemporary charts), and earned the Piano Man six Grammys. Although he hasn’t released a recording of new songs in almost thirty years, Joel’s live performances continue to electrify audiences around the globe—and until COVID-19 put things on hold he had sold out New York’s Madison Square Garden for a record-shattering seventy-four consecutive monthly shows!

In this collection, twelve award-winning writers of short crime fiction tackle the Joel catalog, and the result—edited by Josh Pachter, whose The Beat of Black Wings: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Joni Mitchell earned rave reviews in 2020—is a journey down life’s mean streets with a soundtrack by one of the great singer-songwriters of our time, and contributors Michael Bracken, Jeff Cohen, David Dean, John M. Floyd, Barb Goffman, James D.F. Hannah, Richard Helms, Robert Lopresti, Jenny Milchman, Terrie Farley Moran, Richie Narvaez, and Pachter himself are donating a third of their royalties to support the work of the Joel Foundation.

In the Gospel According to Billy, only the good die young. Within these pages, though, Death is an equal-opportunity exterminator, and the stories you’ll find here don’t just hit the charts: they go all the way to Number One … with a bullet!

Some mysteries demand to be solved.

“The Entertainer” told the tale of Mercy, a single mother and aspiring singer who worked two jobs to make ends meet. I loved this character from the moment I met her. She’d lead a difficult life and could be a little rough around the edges at times, but she occasionally shared such brave and loving parts of herself with the audience that I couldn’t stop hoping she’d have a happy ending. While I can’t say anything about the mystery portion of the plot for spoiler reasons, I was pleased with how it was revealed as well as resolved.

I enjoyed reading this quite a bit in general, but there were a few stories that I thought would have benefitted from more development. “A Matter of Trust” was one of them. Sergeant Turner’s investigation of a website that claimed to be able to get rid of troublesome spouses once and for all was intriguing, but I was as puzzled by the personal interest he took in the topic as I was by the fast-paced ending that didn’t tie all of the loose ends together as tightly as I would have liked to see. It took me a moment to figure out what happened there. I’m fairly certain I came up with the right answer, but I would have gone with a full five-star rating if these moments of doubt had never occurred for me.

Rick was hired to play an elaborate prank to discourage investors from developing a rural patch of land in “Easy Money.” As soon as I realized this gig was going to be anything but simple for him, I eagerly began waiting for the next plot twist. There were so many things going on behind the scenes that could have changed what happened to Rick. I enjoyed piecing everything together and trying to come up with plausible guesses about how it might end that took all of these possibilities into account.

Only the Good Die Young was a solid anthology that I’d recommend to anyone who is a fan of pop rock music or, better yet, Billy Joel in particular.

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

The Way to a Man’s Heart by Ann Marie James

June 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Way to a Man’s Heart by Ann Marie James
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

The heart wants what the heart wants…

Christian Diaz grew up as the best friend and unofficial bodyguard to the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Corazón. After an incident left him questioning his place in the castle, Christian joined the military and didn’t return for ten long years.

Now he’s been assigned to the castle as Royal Military Liaison to investigate the source of some recent threats against the crown. The annual Midsummer’s Ball is the perfect place for the anti-monarchy group to make their next move, so that’s where Christian will be too. If it gives him a chance to reconnect with his friends in the castle and make a play for the man he has compared all others to, it’s even better.

Max Ramirez is now the head chef for the castle. He started as a sous chef at age twenty when Christian was just an awkward teen. Now that Christian’s back at the castle, all grown up and interested in Max, the chef is determined not to let an opportunity with Christian pass him by.

When someone tries to sabotage the Midsummer’s Ball, Max and Christian need to work together to track down the people determined to make this event their last.

Being sent back to the palace he grew up in is a mixed bag for Christian. He gets to be with his best friends again, plus the man he’s been crushing on for years, but he also has to be with his father, and that’s never a good thing.

This is the first book in the Kingdom of Corazón series and we are introduced to a warm and caring Royal family, plus a bunch of guys that I can’t wait to hear their stories about. It isn’t a deep and meaningful story, not going into much depth about any of the issues raised. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t any good! I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and it was exactly what I needed at the time.

The downside to this story is that it is over far too quickly. I felt there were relationships, issues, and questions left unresolved. Small things, possibly classed as insignificant, but to me, it would have helped round out the story and give it that added oomph.

On the whole, this was a fast-paced, warm and fuzzy story, about how a long-term crush can become the love of your life. I found it to be a great read, and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

Trigger Warning: A memory of attempted rape is discussed due to the unknowing consumption of GHB.

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

The Magic of Christmas by Christi Barth

June 17, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Magic of Christmas by Christi Barth
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Holiday
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Holiday parties and gift-buying will have to wait this year. Rowan West is up for a promotion to advertising manager. All she has to do is come up with a campaign to stream people back into a struggling, Christmas-themed adventure park and resort. She’s more of a big city-bright lights girl, but hey, anything to hop up to the next rung on the ladder. And in this case, anything is right. Because she’s stuck with a horrible partner as she treks out to see the park for herself.

Jeremy Kincannon doesn’t so much love his job. But he’s doing his best to excel at it. He has to, in order to shut down the, oh, entire rest of the company that believes he’s only there because his step-father owns the business. So when he finds out he’s a finalist for the advertising manager position, he’s ready to fight tooth and nail to get it. Even if it means spending a week with the annoyingly perfect—and even more annoyingly pretty—other finalist.

They begin the trip as office adversaries. But spending so much time together, away from rivalries and rumors, reveals the truth of who each really is. Or maybe it’s the magic of Christmas working on them? Because the adventure park neither cared about turns out to be exactly what helps them find what they truly need in life…each other.

Now, Kamagra is offering lower cost cialis no prescription uk https://unica-web.com/ENGLISH/2016/pia-kalatchoff-member-of-the-jury.html made by Sildenafil citrate after the omission of patent act from the capture of Pfizer. So it generic pharmacy cialis is better to take it before an hour of the possible intercourse. This may work for others but for generic cialis online unica-web.com majority of men, if you one among them you should opt for a certified online pharmacy for effective and quality satisfaction. Accepting the new reality, being proactive, setting a course and cialis generic purchase leading your team forward is essential to coming through this period. I was in the mood to read a Christmas story in the month of June. I was lucky to find this Christi Barth book. I recently enjoyed a book by this author so I decided to give her a second try. I was not disappointed at all. In fact I wanted to put up my Christmas tree and play some holiday music.

My mom likes to read what she calls, “smut free” romance books. This book was so sweet and innocent that I just have to buy it for her to read. It’s the perfect book to read at Christmastime with some hot cocoa, or in my case, during the summer. It hit all the feel good spots. When I finished reading this book I noticed that the Hallmark Channel is playing Christmas movies in June. Apparently, I’m not the only one who needed to feel a little Christmas spirit.

While I was reading The Magic of Christmas, it brought me back to my childhood. The Christmas-themed resort that the hero, Jeremy, and the heroine, Rowan, are trying to revive is very similar to one that actually exists in Putney, VT. Of course it’s not the same resort but it was easy for me to visualize the setting in which this story is set.

The writing style is easy on the eyes from beginning to end. The synopsis pretty much sums up the plot which is fine with me because the story-line was creative and ingenious for a contemporary romance. It makes for a light, fluffy and easy read without any surprises. The characters are well developed and relatable.

Jeremy and Rowan made for a heartwarming romance. Just as the synopsis states, “their rivalry wanes and attraction grows, will Jeremy and Rowan embrace the magic of Christmas?” I sure did.

This was my second Christi Barth book and I know it won’t be my last. There is a book that I’m waiting to read in one of her series. I’m going to officially put Christi Barth on my new favorite author to-read list. I hope others will enjoy this book as much as I did.

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