Anne's Best Books of 2012

My Top Ten of 2012 list includes books I read this year. Not all of them were originally published this year;  these are the books that stand out in my memory.  Clearly contemporary is my favorite genre.

1.  Willing Victim by Cara McKenna  (contemporary)

2. Beyond Shame by Kit Rocha  (contemporary)

3. Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb (audio, futuristic, mystery)

4.Deep Desires by Charlotte Stein (contemporary, novella)

5. Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy (contemporary, m/m)

6. Delicious (in Cherished) by Lauren Dane (contemporary, novella)

7. Tart by Lauren Dane (contemporary)

8. Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward (paranormal)

9. Riveted by Meljean Brook  (steampunk)

10.Beguilement (The Sharing Knife #1) by Lois McMaster Bujold (audio, fantasy)

 

 

Adrien English series by Josh Lanyon (contemporary, mystery, m/m)

The Witness by Nora Roberts (audio, contemporary)

All He Ever Needed and All He Ever Desired by Shannon Stacey (contemporary)

Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey (contemporary, novella)

Playing for Keeps by R.L. Mathewson (contemporary)

Bear Meets Girl and Howl for It (novella) by Shelly Laurenston (paranormal)

Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor #6) by Jill Shalvis (contemporary)

The Theory of Attraction by Delphine Dryden (contemporary, novella)

Never Have I Ever by Alisha Rai (contemporary/paranormal, novella)

Unleashed by Cherrie Lynn

Grade-C+
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Series-Ross Siblings #1
Reviewed by Kay

Evan Ross is a prosecuting attorney who works very hard to represent his clients. He's a genuinely good guy. Not to mention he's very handsome and comes from money. He has had two best friend's in his life, Todd and Kelsey. He introduced them back when he was in college with Kelsey. Todd was his best friend from his youth. This introduction led to Todd and Kelsey getting married. Evan moved on and got engaged to Courtney. The two couples maintained a friendship and did things together.

Eight years later and six months before Evan's wedding he gets a phone call from a hysterical Kelsey saying she just walked in on Todd and Courtney having sex. From then on life was a whirlwind. Todd and Kelsey's divorce and his break-up with Courtney. Due to the hurt feelings of them both, Evan and Kelsey didn't speak for a while.

These two friends get reconnected and begin their friendship again. Evan has a two week trip to Hawaii he has to use or lose it. It was supposed to be his honeymoon gift from his parents. He asks Kelsey if she wants to go with him. She's a little weary of it but decides to go.

This story was sweet and touching. Two people who have healed or are trying to heal over the pain of the past. It was nice to see their friendship grow into love. You get to see the past from both points of view. It's a moving read about acceptance and forgiveness, not only of others but of one's self.

Kate's Best Books of 2012

When putting my list together, I realized that my favorites came from all sorts of genres. And how can I pick just one to be number one? How can you compare a shifter to a m/m to a historical? You see my dilemma, right? So here is my top ten list of books I've read this year, by genre, in no particular order. Sci-fi: To the Princess Bound by Sara King Contemporary: Sweet Inspiration (Klaus Brothers #1) by Penny Watson (a holiday story) Alternative (m/m): No Souvenirs by K.A. Mitchell Pirate/Seafaring: Castaway Dreams by Darlene Marshall Menage: Southern Seduction (Bride Train #8) by Reece Butler BDSM: To Command and Collar (Shadowlands #6) by Cherise Sinclair Paranormal/Shifter: Bear Meets Girl by Shelly Laurenston Historical: Marry Me by Jo Goodman Short Story: Tales from the Hotel Bentmoore by Shelby Cross (BDSM short stories) YA Romance: Wrecked by Elle Casey Honorable Mention: Kissin' Tell (Rough Riders #13) by Lorelei James for the creative-and unforgettable-use of a trampoline

 

The Recruit by Monica McCarty

Grade-B-
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Series-The Highland Guard #6
Reviewed by Kay

Mary of Mar is a widowed countess. Her son was taken from her when her husband was found guilty and executed for treason against Edward. She has made do with what she has had to her whole life. She was a bride and mother at fourteen, basically abandoned by her soldier husband. She literally had to grow up very fast and she lost very much at an early age. She always wanted to be important to a man and have him love her, something she didn't have from her husband. He viewed her as an obligation and a child, whereas she was in love with him. She had a twin sister Janet, who disappeared after a bridge explosion during the battle for the crown. She is allowed a small amount of time to see her son and she has to try to support herself with embroidery due to the seizing of her late husband's estates.

Kenneth Sutherland is the heir to the earldom of Sutherland. He's a scrapper of sorts. He is a second son but was named his older brother's heir due to the current earl's barren wife. He lost a close friend of his in the last year and has had a hard time dealing with that. His sister is married to his arch enemy and main tormentor. He wants so badly to be one of " Bruce's Phantoms" or part of the Highland Guard. He has one chance to impress Robert Bruce and be admitted into the Guard. He sees Mary and instantly knows he must have her, at least once. This happens and Mary sneaks away. Her act of sneaking causes him to lose focus and the contest, therefore losing his chance. They are then separated for some time, she to try to hide her pregnancy and him to undergo training for the Guard.

This story wasn't bad but I really didn't connect to the characters. Kenneth was introduced in the last book after the death of his friend, Gordon, who was a member of the Guard. I was irritated with Gordon's death in the last book and think Monica McCarty's killing off of a main character was not a great idea. In McCarty's defense, she does mix true events and fiction in her writing, so maybe Gordon's death was a part of history. I just wanted to read about the rest of the original members of the Guard, not a newcomer. I would've liked to know more about him before he got his own story.
Monica McCarty is an auto-buy and auto-read for me. She always delivers and this book is no exception. My issue with the character was a personal preference and should not discourage anyone who has a desire to read this book.

Kay's Best Books of 2012 List

I tried, I really did try to get in to 10 books but i just couldn't do it. Sorry.  (They are listed starting with #1 as most favorite.)

 

1. The Girl's Guide To Manhunting-Jessica Clare

2. Lover Reborn-J.R.Ward

3.Howl For It- Shelly Laurenston

4.Never Seduce A Scot-Maya Banks

5.All Afternoon With A Scandalous Marquess-Alexandra Hawkins

6.All Summer Long-Susan Mallery

7.Lucky In Love- Jill Shalvis

8.Forever And A Day-Jill Shalvis

9.Lothaire-Kresley Cole

10.Infamous-Sherrilyn Kenyon

11.Caden's Vow-Sarah McCarty

12.Playing For Keeps-R.L. Mathewson

13.Perfection-R.L. Mathewson

 

Honorable mentions:

Darker After Midnight-Lara Adrian

The Darkest Seduction-Gena Showalter

Meandros-Sasha White

Hot As Hades-Alisha Rai

Try Me-Olivia Cunning

The Care And Feeding Of An Alpha Male-Jessica Clare

Bared To You-Sylvia Day

Reflected In You-Sylvia Day

Comfort Reads

Grade-A+
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Low
Series-Elite Ops #1
Reviewed by Kay

Noah Blake is a trained killer. Nothing else exists for him now. He's part of a team of elite operatives from different fields and different countries. Sabella Malone is a widow and she's in big trouble by homeland terrorists. She doesn't know that though, she's just trying to move on with her life. She desperately still loves and misses her husband. He is the love of her life.

This story wraps up the Tempting SEALs series and spawns the Elite Ops series. Noah goes into protect Bella and gather information regarding the terrorist cell. Their attraction is blistering and so heartfelt. They both deal with their issues regarding the past.

Characters from the Tempting SEAL series return and help the Elite Op characters. The best of both worlds in my opinion. This is the absolute best novel by Lora Leigh. She hit her stride with this story. I felt every emotion while reading this book. This a tremendous story of second chances for a couple that deserves and needs it. It is also about forgiveness, acceptance, self-redemption and most importantly love. When I finished this novel, my heart was full.

Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley

Grade-B+
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Series-Dream Man #4
Reviewed by Kay

Tyra Masters is at the end of her rope. Mentally, emotionally and financially. She just up and left her life. She's trying to start a new one but sleeping with your new boss probably isn't the way to go about it. Plus her new boss is a biker and her new job is at a biker repair and restoration garage. She knows nothing about either of those things.

Kane "Tack" Allen is a bad ass biker guy. He is the leader of the motorcycle club, Chaos and runs the garage. Over the years he has done all he can to legitimize his club. Now they are mostly law abiding, with the exception of pot smoking and trying to free themselves from the Russian Mafia. He has a crazy ex-wife and two teenage kids. He also has a thing for redheads. He's a major player with the lack of morals to prove it.

This is a busy little story. It has a major love story, a minor love story, two kidnappings, the Russian Mafia, tension within the motorcycle club, a child custody battle and a tragedy in the hero's past. Hero is a misleading title for Tack, he's more of an Anti-hero. He tries to be a good guy but he's so aggressive and forceful, almost to the point of being frightening. The interaction between the two main characters is smoking hot and chilling at times. Tack is crass and rude one minute and sweet the next.Just when you are ready to punch him right in the throat, he does something so sweet you wanna kiss him. I loved both of the main characters in this book. Tyra was reserved when she needed to be but forceful when she needed to be. Tack was by far the most alpha male I have ever read about! Wow!

I enjoyed reading this story a lot. My complaints are that the author's writing style seemed to be as if a conclusion was right around the corner from about 36% in until the end ,which I found a little frustrating. My other complaint was that it was accepted by all characters that it was okay to cheat on your significant other within the club. Married or in a committed relationship, this is a hot button for me. I don't do cheating,ever. I have watched things regarding motorcycle clubs and it seems that this is the norm but it still pulled the rating of the book down for me. All things considered it was a great read and I recommend it.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf - Merry Christmas!

From all of us, to all of you, a very merry Christmas!

Click here to see all the Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf posts.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- Menage on Monday. Again.

Apparently Monday is a day for group sports.

Click here to see all the Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf posts.

Hometown Girl by Robin Kaye

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Series-Bad Boys Of Red Hook #0.5
Reviewed by Kay

This is a novella to start Robin Kaye's new series. It is about two people that grew up together and then lost contact. Elyse is in her early to mid twenties and decides she needs to lose her virginity. The man she's always wanted doesn't even know she's in love with him, which she's been since the third grade. Simon is an artist, who is bar tending until his career gets off the ground. He's estranged from his family because he didn't take a job with his father that his father thought he should.

Elyse's decision to lose her virginity is supported by her best friend, Melissa, who is Simon's sister. Elyse and Melissa used to play pranks on Simon and all of his dates. Basically making his life miserable, but that changed when Simon went away to college. Elyse walks into a bar and there is Simon. She knows that he's the one she's been waiting for. He knows he knows her from somewhere but can't remember where. He is instantly attracted to Elyse and they decide to leave together. Needless, to say her virginity is toast after that night. Simon finds out who she is and thinks it's all a prank. He tells her to leave and throws her out. She's heartbroken but knew there would be a chance of that when she decided on this course of action.

This is a solid start to this new series and I enjoyed reading it. I liked the premise to the story and I feel it delivered. Robin Kaye's Domestic Gods series is one of my all time favorites and I expect no less with this one.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- That's Not Ariel

Click here to see all the Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf posts.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- Visions of Sugarplums

If she's the Sugarplum Fairy, this give a whole new meaning to "visions of sugarplums danced in their heads."

Click here to see all the Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf posts.

Comfort Reads

Grade-A
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Series-Tempting SEALs #5
Reviewed by Kay

This novella is the story and wrap up to the Tempting SEALs series and spins off Leigh's Black Ops series. It is also the story of my personal favorite, Mason "Macey" March and Emerson Delaney. It starts with a blistering scene is the Admiral's study at a party and from there it never slows down.

Emerson has lusted after Macey for years but knows he is the love 'em and leave 'em type, so therefore not for her. Macey has lusted after Emerson for the same amount of time but waited until he felt the time was right.

These two characters just delighted me to no end. My only complaint was it was too short and ended one of my favorite series of all time.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- Ribbons of Love

I think Snow White is now my favorite princess.

Click here to see all the Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf posts.

Magnus by Jambrea Jo Jones

Grade-B-
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Series-Semper Fi #1
Reviewed by Kay

Joe "Magnus" Rivers is a Colonel in the Marine Corps and a capable leader of his team. He has a cross to bear with one of his team and her name is Emily Patterson. She's the worst Marine he has ever seen and it tries his patience. His thinking she's beautiful certainly doesn't help things.

Emily Patterson is undercover as a Marine to uncover a human trafficking ring with the military. To maintain her cover she has to be a screw up, which she does well. She is examining her team as she goes along. She's not sure who she can trust. She sure hopes she can trust the Colonel but she can't let her attraction to him get in her way.

This story was pretty fast moving, suspenseful and hot. I enjoyed it a great deal. The suspense of the story was very good. I had a good time trying to figure out whodunit. Reading the villain's further descent into madness was a little scary also. I would suggest this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense. Not for Anne.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- Interlude with Prince Charming

Click here to see all the Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf posts.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- That IS Snow White!

Another Wednesday, another princess. 

Devoured by Emily Snow

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Series-Devoured #1
Reviewed by Kay

This book is about Sienna Jensen and Lucas Wolfe. Sienna is a wardrobe assistant and Lucas Wolfe is the lead singer of a rock band called Your Toxic Sequel. Sienna worked on a video of his band's two years ago. It lead to the two of them going home together. The night however did not go as planned because Sienna would not submit to Lucas and allow him to tie her to the bed. Lucas told her in no uncertain terms to leave.

Fast forward two years and Sienna is asked to come home to Nashville and help her grandmother whose house is in foreclosure. She comes home and goes to the foreclosure hearing only to find out that the person who bought the house out of foreclosure in none other than Lucas Wolfe. Neither of them were aware of the other's involvement in the house. Lucas notices her and he flashes her a very predatory smile.

He later shows up at her grandma's house with his builder to walk around outside and go over renovation plans which causes Sienna to go crazy with rage. She screams and yells. She is later tricked into dinner where Lucas make her a proposition, work for him for 10 days seeing to his every need and he'll give her the deed to grandma's house. No sex involved unless she begs for it.

Sienna is cautious but will do anything for the grandmother that raised her. The story goes through the first eight days and the activities that take place during those days and nights. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- Pretty Pretty Princess Elf

 I do believe those are the fairy doll's clothes, which means she must be naked somewhere.  I looked, but couldn't find her.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- The More the Merrier

It's a Merry, Merry Christmas!

Love's Rhythm by Lexxie Couper

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Series-None
Reviewed by Kay

Nick Blackthorne is a rock superstar. He's at the top of his game even after 16 years. He's had some personal tragedies, but none the less, he is still very much the man. That is until he gets an invitation to his friends' wedding. The invitation sends his mind back to a time when he truly had it all. Love of his music, love of the life he was living and the love of Lauren.

Lauren Robbins is a kindergarten school teacher who was once the girlfriend of Nick Blackthorne. She is happy with her current life and doesn't really discuss her old one. She has a fifteen year old son, Josh and their home. Life is good for her.

Then Nick shows up at her work to invite her to the wedding, because he can bring a PLUS ONE. After all this time, he wants that PLUS ONE to be Lauren. She gets scared when he calls her name and she swings her satchel around and hits Nick, knocking him unconscious. When he wakes up he starts his campaign to win back the only woman he has ever loved.

This story is not all sunshine and roses. Nick, Lauren and Josh have all got to come to terms with Nick's decision to leave all those years ago. This story never comes out and says Nick cheated but it was certainly implied by mentioning groupies and his wondering what else was out there. I hate cheating! A lot! I somewhat enjoyed watching Nick suffer a little over that. I also enjoyed one of my personal favorite story lines in romance, second chance at love and the baby one of the characters doesn't know about. I know some people don't care for it but I do. I hope that many of you read this very sweet, very emotional and yes, very hot love story. It is always a wonderful thing to be somebody's PLUS ONE.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- Under the Sea II!!

I always wondered how that worked with a mermaid.

Gone Country by Lorelei James

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Series-Rough Riders #14
Reviewed by Kay

This is the latest installment in Lorelei James' Rough Riders series. It is about Gavin Daniels and Rielle Wetzler. Gavin is the child of Charlie and Violet McKay that was given up for adoption. He looked them up earlier in the series and they have been trying to build a relationship ever since. This story is also about Sierra, Gavin's sixteen year old daughter and Rielle's daughter, Rory who is twenty four.

Let's start with Gavin, the most un-McKay man ever. He's not a rancher, artist, ex-military man or a man whore. For those of you who have read this series, you know what I'm saying. He is very likable and hot in his own way. You feel for him and his quest to get to know his family. You also get to see his dealing with his issue of getting put up for adoption. His relationship with Charlie seems more at peace than his relationship with Violet.

Rielle is a single mother and has her own self made business. She has always had to work hard not only at her business but as a single mother and a child of the town hippies. She was a very young mother at age sixteen, but she kept her baby and has worked her butt off ever since. She stayed in Gavin's house he bought in Wyoming several years earlier. She also owns land next to Gavin's she was saving up to build her own place on.

Sierra and Rory are typical only children in that they are selfish and oblivious to anything that doesn't center on them. That being said, I still liked them both. You get to experience first love with Sierra and a West boy! Sorry I love the Wests! Sierra and Rory both have to deal with some loss of their parents' attention which is emotional.

I really forced myself to read it because I had no interest in Gavin. It wasn't personal but I still had McKays I'd heard about to read first in my opinion. I went ahead and read it obviously because Lorelei James is an auto-read for me. Especially this series. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I also got to learn about the McKay/West feud which was exciting. I highly recommend anybody to read this book. I would have to say you must read the series in order though to totally understand it.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- Fairy Dreams

That's a fairly flexible fairy!

Comfort Reads

Grade-A
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Low
Series-Tempting SEALs #4
Reviewed by Kay

Ian Richards is now going by his father's last name of Fuentes. He made a deal with his father that I don't want to tell about, but suffice it to say, it was a doozy. Ian moved in with his father and is helping him run his cartel. Quite a change for a former SEAL. His former teammates are stunned, his mother and stepfather also. No one can believe he's a traitor, especially not Kira Porter, who shared an encounter with Ian in Hidden Agendas.

Kira Porter is down in Central America to see for herself about Ian. She basically bulldozes and schemes her way into Ian's life. Never mind that he tries to push her away. Kira is a force to be reckoned with. She's a double agent kind of girl. She wants Ian and he better be accepting of it.

Kira made me laugh with her antics. Ian made me smile with his alpha tendencies. This pair was made for each other. The suspense of whether Ian is guilty or not is definitely in question, but I'm not telling. You'll have to read the blazing love story for yourself.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- Quite the Beast!

Evidently the elf wears the ribbon as well as he ties it!

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- Some Day My Prince Will Come

No Souvenirs by K.A. Mitchell

 
Grade-A
Hotness Level-inferno
Kink Level-No kink
Series-Florida Books #3
Reviewed by Kate
Jae Sun Kim is an emotionless trauma surgeon who goes on a dive trip where he meets dive master Shane McCormack. Shane, a commitment-phobe, has flitted his way from one job to another after nine years of college. Like all polar opposites, they are attracted to each other. A vacation fling seems right to Kim, and since Shame is planning on moving onto the next job after this dive trip, he's all for it too. Hotness ensues, much hotness. Often. I really enjoyed their story on the dive trip. And then it got so, so, so much better. And did I mention...hot.

Other notes:
1. This book has characters from Collision Course (Florida Books #2) in it, especially the second half, but it is definitely stand alone-able.

2. I loved the characters. Shane is so open and almost too honest about himself, but toward the end he fights to change. Kim is so closed off throughout the book, but when we finally found out his back story, I completely understood.

3. Read, read, read it.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- Under the Sea!

Go on and kiss the girl!

Just Like That by Erin Nicholas

Grade-C-
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Series-The Bradfords #2
Reviewed by Kay

I will wait until after the story synopsis to explain my grade of this book. Danika is a self reliant and independent woman. She just wants a man to be nice to her and not lose her heart to. Oh, and a man to give her an orgasm. Sam is the Bradford male. He's a paramedic, good looking and a pleaser of the ladies in the bedroom. He overhears Danika and her sisters talking at a bar one night and decides, sight unseen, to be the man to help her, in the orgasm department. No ego here, he's just that good.

There were some things about this story that I liked quite a bit. I like all the characters, the humor(that made me laugh out loud more than a few times),  and the build up was nice. It just took to long and my interest started to wane. And you need to have sex before being 67% into a book. I just can't handle that.

I think part of my problem is that I read a novella earlier this year as a free read about his family that I loved. It was kind of a sequel to the series and it was hot. Ms. Nicholas' stories aren't bad stories just a little bit too much teasing for me.

To the Princess Bound by Sara King

Grade-A
Hotness Level-ember
Kink Level-No kink
Series-Terms of Mercy #1
Reviewed by Kate
Ah...the siren call of a free book. There is just something abut the whole freeness that calls to me. Of course I typically end up disappointed, but every once in a while I stumble across a gem. To the Princess Bound by Sara King is just one of those gems. 

A sci fi romnce...gotta love the ability to completely alter a world to suit your storyline needs, right? Princess Victory was captured, tortured, and raped for six years. Now back at home she is terrified of all males. Her ass of a father decides that to get her over her fear, he is going to chain her to the biggest slave they can find.

Enter Dragomir, a native emp...someone who can heal with their mind. Dragomir is taken from his home and chained to Victory. Then he discovers that he and Victory are soul mates...have shared dozens upon dozens of past lives...and he can heal her... if he can get her to trust him.

While definitely a romance, it is not terribly steamy. Only a few kisses before the last few chapters of the book. While that might normally bother me, it wasnt the case this time. I enjoyed this one a lot.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- One of the Girls

Everyone deserves to feel like a princess!

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- More Than Enough Elf to Go Around

 

Dirty Girls' Top Christmas Reads

I love a good Christmas story.  I got a list of Kay's favorites and put together this list of the Dirty Girls' favorite Christmas romances.  Our list ended up heavy on the contemporary and historical. If you have other favorite holiday romances, please add them in the comments!

 

Contemporary

Only Us by Susan Mallery - This is the sweet story of the veterinarian and and a pet groomer set at Christmastime in the town of Fool's Gold. (Kay)


Home for the Holidays by Sarah Mayberry - I don't konw if I've ever read a Sarah Mayberry book I didn't like.  This is one of my favorites.  The instant dislike between these two is very believable, which makes their journey all the sweeter. (Anne)


Holiday Sparks by Shannon Stacey (this novella is part of the Naughty and Nice anthology)  I loved this Carina Press Anthology.  My secret confession is that I very excitedly bought the Carina 2011 anthology, Holiday Kisses, and I have yet to read it! (Anne)


Lone Star by Josh Lanyon (part of the Men Under the Mistletoe anthology)  This is the novella that introduced me to Josh Lanyon, and started the Adrian English Glom of December 2011.  (Anne)

Historical

A Season of Seduction by Jennifer Haymore - This is a story of second chances and what a person truly deserves. (Kay)


Scandal of the Season by Christie Kelley - A fun story of a woman posing as her enemy's mistress and her shock at her delight in it all. (Kay)

Breaking Brodix by Anne Rainey

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Low
Series-Blackwater #3
Reviewed by Kay

Brodix is one of the Jennings brothers of Blackwater. He's the financial guy, helping with the Grand Opening of the family restaurant. He and his brothers have privacy issues with their lives prior to adoption by the Jennings family.

Sarah Greer is a divorced reporter in their small town and she's trying to live down a lead who gave her false info she went to print with. She wanted to do a human interest story on the Jennings' and hopes it will help with increasing profits at the restaurant.

Brodix agrees she can interview him and him only. They go have dinner and then sex at his house. Feel a little rushed with the way I'm reviewing it? I felt that way when I was reading it. This wasn't a bad story just a short one and short love stories are very rushed. I really like the series and am awaiting the next one.

Retreat Hell! She Just Got Here by Heather Long

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Low
Series-1 Night Stand, Always A Marine #2
Reviewed by Kay

This is the second installment in a short story series. It involves Jazz, Logan and Zach. Logan and Zach do a favor for a friend of theirs. Jazz wants to feel girlie since she is always around alpha males and some of those males have to report to her. She has a spa day and then goes to basically an escort service where she meets Logan and Zach.

Logan was injured while on deployment and discharged on permanent disability. His injuries are severe enough he fears he may be emasculated for the rest of his life. Zach just wants his best friend back but if he gets to have sex with a hot girl in the process, hell yeah.

It really was kind of a sweet story in that Logan's fear of rejection was dealt with. Also through Zach's desire to see his friend whole again. I was grateful for no I love yous with this story, just an agreement that they would get together on her next leave. Whether I'd read more in the series remains to be seen.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- 66, 67, 68...

The Trouble With Highlanders by Mary Wine

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Series-Highlanders #5
Reviewed by Mary Wine

This fifth installment in Wine's series is a great read. Everything it should be: funny, suspenseful, hot and Scottish. Scottish Highlander romance is my favorite in the historical genre. The hero is Norris Sutherland, an earl's son.The heroine is a fallen woman, Daphne Macleod. Norris was instrumental in her ruining so she could escape a loveless marriage to a man she considered her friend.

Norris has never forgotten the girl he deflowered and he desires seeing her any chance he has. He needs to marry to advance his clan but is so hesitant. Daphne is his choice but she is without a dowry on top of her fallen woman status. She accepts her decision at ruining herself but doesn't want Norris to let his clan done with there being no advantage to their match.

I love this series. I have read every one and will continue to do so. If you want to start them I would suggest doing so with McJames series before this one since I think they blend together.

Comfort Reads

 
Grade-A
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Series-Tempting Seals #3
Reviewed by Kay

Book two deals with the continued aftermath of the date rape drug that has been unleashed by Diego Fuentes and his associates. Diego is a huge part in this series but so far more of a bit player. He was one of the men behind the kidnapping of three young girls. All in their teenage years to very early twenties maybe. Two of the three girls were rescued but one died from complications of the drug. Two of the three girls were raped repeatedly including the girl who died.

Emily Stanton is one of the survivors and was not one of them that was raped. She is the heroine of this book. I loved Emily. She was a pistol. A kindergarten teacher with a fierce sense of adventure. Her father is a retired SEAL so she has grown up around her father's men and associates. She has carried a torch for the elusive Kell Kreiger.

Kell Krieger, who we first met in Dangerous Games, is also a SEAL and friend of the Stanton family.
He has secretly longed for Emily but considered her too young in age and experience for him. He and his SEAL team are brought in to protect Emily when information points to the Fuentes cartel being on the hunt for Emily.

Lora Leigh involves us in a continuing storyline with the date rape drug and a couple of pretty big plot twists. This is one of my favorites in this series. Emily and Kell were precious together. If you are wondering about the love scenes...blistering!

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- A Different View

Nice boots.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- Christmas Ribbon

That's a creative use of ribbon...

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- Plays Well With Others

I've heard that elves play well with everyone.

Double Time by Olivia Cunning

Grade D
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-High
Series-Sinners On Tour #3
Reviewed by Kay

This is the third installment of Olivia Cunning's Sinners On Tour series. I am a big fan of this series and it is an auto-read for me. This is Trey Mills' story. He is the rhythm guitarist for the Sinners.  He is a bi-sexual man with a healthy sex drive. He is extremely sexually active with both genders. Readers discovered this in the previous novels in the series.

Reagan Elliot is a female guitarist who wins a contest to become a guitarist with the band, Exodus End. This is the band of Trey's brother, Dare. That is how Trey and Reagan meet. The attraction is intense and hot. They start a physical relationship right away and it quickly starts to becomes something more.

Ethan Conner is Reagan's best friend, roommate and former boyfriend. He is also a bi-sexual man. Reagan found this out when they were dating and walked in on him with a man. She always assumed Ethan was gay. When Trey and Ethan meet, there is a definite attraction between the two.

The three of them decide to try a three way relationship. As you can imagine this causes some difficulties. I wanted to like this book so badly but it had a creep factor. I did not enjoy any of the characters. At all. Reagan was willing to take Trey anyway she could get him. Just to have him. I thought of her as weak. Trey was swearing off men one minute and thinking of Ethan the next. He was wishy washy and selfish. Ethan was overbearing and let's not forget, a cheater. I never bought into their relationship and the love scenes were almost too rough for me. It seems she wrote the series in a different order than it is being released and I didn't like that either. It was off putting. I don't know if I'll read any of the other books in this series and that makes me sad.

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf -- The Elf is a Giver

Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy

Grade-A+
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Reviewed by Anne

I can't believe I waited so long to read this book! It was incredible! I didn't want to put it down.  I was severely book cranky inbetween reading sessions. I see there is a sequel that catches up with Simon and Declan a few years later. I will definitely read it, but for now I just want them to be perfectly happy in my head for a while!
Tigers and Devils is a contemporary male/male romance set in Australia.  And when I say it's set in Australia, it's really in Australia, with Australian slang and references I had to figure out.  Declan is a pro footballer and a mega celebrity.  He just happens to overhear Simon both insulting and defending him at a party.  Simon is a huge football fan, but a bit of an "arty wanker".  After overhearing a comment that lets him know Simon is gay, Declan comes on to Simon when they are alone.  The only hitch is that Declan is far, far in the closet.  And this starts a funny and touching journey for the two of them together. 

There were several things I loved about this book.  I smiled constantly while reading it.  The whole story is told from Simon's point of view, and he's a funny, self-depreciating guy.  The story also feels very realistic.  I believed in Simon and Declan's affection for each other.  That made their situation all the more gut wrenching. 

Simon and Declan were great characters, too.  Neither was perfect, and both made frustrating decisions.  The way they worked through things was realistic, too.  It's incredible writing!

There were a few little things that might bother some readers.  As I mentioned, the story is told exclusively from Simon's point of view.  This worked fine for me.  Also, the sex in this book is behind closed doors and not detailed. There's no doubt it takes place, and there's lots of it, but it's not written explicitly.

I highly recommend this story!

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf - Elf Inspiration

I found the elf reading this morning.  Desperately Seeking Shifter by Jessica Sims.  He's got good taste in books!

Elf on the Dirty Girls' Shelf - The Elf Made Some Friends

The elf has made friends quickly.  Clothing, apparently, is optional at their get togethers.