Headed For Trouble by Suzanne Brockmann

Grade-B-
Hotness Level-None
Kink Level-None
Series-Troubleshooters #16.5
Reviewed by Kay

This was a collection of short stories about some of the characters from the Troubleshooter series. It was very nice to read about them again. There wasn't any real new information about the characters and I was hoping there would be. That was very disappointing for me.

You get some of the key players of the series here. I laughed and reminisced during the stories. If you love the series like I do then you'll want to read the book. I think it is better suited to get from the library because nothing new was really offered here. I hope she takes this series off hiatus. When she does, I'll be back with open arms.

Cutest Couple by Kate Davies

Grade: C+
Hotness Level: Blaze
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Contemporary, NovellaSeries: Girls Most Likely To... #2
Reviewed by Anne

Bree and Marc were devoted to each other in high school and were voted Cutest Couple of their class.  Bree was a military brat whose father died in service.  When Marc enlists just after graduation they have a huge argument and break up.  While Marc is gone at basic training Bree realizes she's pregnant.  She makes an attempt to contact him, but when he doesn't respond she feels further betrayed and abandoned and decides to raise their child on her own.  Now it's their 10 year high school reunion and they are both attending.  Marc still has no idea he has a child, and Bree knows she must tell him. 

I really wanted to like this book more than I ended up liking it.  I think I've said that before.  It's that darn secret baby trope.  I cannot set my inner parent aside, and it makes it really hard for me to understand and forgive anyone who would keep a baby a secret from its father.  So, right away this story has a mark against for me.  The thing is, when the explanation is believable, I enjoy a secret baby story.  In this case, I was so mad at Bree, it's hard for me to say how I felt about the story.    I was pretty upset with Marc, too.  Here are two young adults (when they graduated from high school) who were each other's world.  Then they have one fight and never say another word to each other.  Nope.  I can't buy it.

 

There were some things I appreciated about this book, and this series, though.  I liked that Bree caught a lot of flack for her weak attempt (ONE attempt!) at contacting Marc.  I didn't want instant forgiveness, and she didn't get it. (It did come pretty quick, though.)  I really like how this story fit tongue in groove (not that kind!) with the first of the series.  The writing is well done and fun to read.  Sometimes you know what just happened off page because you read book one, and other times you can't wait to read what just happened off page when you get to read book 3. I also really appreciated the friendship between Bree, Tess, and Kelsey.  It felt fun and real. 

 

It's a nice quick read, and I'm curious to see what was going on in all those off page moments, so I may just have to read the 3rd one.  Which bumps this from a C to a C+.

Family Man by Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton

Grade: A

Hotness Level: Inferno

Kink Level: No Kink

Genre: Contemporary, m/m

Reviewed by Anne

 

Vince is a 3 times married and 3 times divorced man who is just finally admitting to himself that he might be gay.    Trey is a 25 year old student working 2 jobs to support his mother and grandmother.  He knows he is gay, but he's been way too busy for a relationship. When Vince decides to try going to a gay night club and see if that helps with his confusion, he's shocked to see Trey, an acquaintance from his neighborhood there.

 

What a sweet and hot story!  Painfully real at times.  Just pretty darn awesome.  There is so much going on in this book to love.  I'll make you a list:

1.  Vince's journey from realizing he might just possibly be gay to finding himself in a relationship with a man and considering coming out to his family is heart wrenching in a very good way.  I can only guess what that kind of emotional journey is like, but I imagine it just like Cullinan and Sexton wrote it.

2. Vince's sister is awesome, both in her teasing of Vince and in her support of him.  She was a wonderful person to read about.

3. Trey has a journey, too, and it's a bittersweet one.  His life experiences with his alcoholic mother make it believable that the age difference between him and Vince just is not a big deal.  

4. I felt like this could have been a true story.  All the details felt right to me.  The character that had a seizure and the descriptions of it, the scenes in the hospital?  I've been there, done that, and reading this made me want to compare notes with the authors because they really got it right.

5. I enjoyed Vince and Trey's families, especially Vince's mother and Trey's grandmother.  They were strong women who had raised strong men, and I liked seeing their relationships.

6. The relationship between Vince and Trey had such sexual tension!  At the same time it was really sweet.  They gave each other room to figure things out.  Neither pushing the other to move faster than they were comfortable with, but at the same time clearly enjoying their time together.  

7. Vinnie and Trey dance together.  And it's hot.

8. The part where Vince's sister has to help him dress for a not-a-date with Trey.  So funny and sweet.

   Rachel ended up putting him in a pair of suit pants but with a dark plum-colored shirt with iridescent silver pinstripes she dug out of the back of his closet. He tried to shoot it down, because it had always felt too flashy to him, but Rachel insisted.

    "You're gay now, big brother. You can be a little flashy."

    "I am not gay."

    "Right. You're just making yourself a nervous wreck over a night out with a man. Completely different story."

9. The story grabs you from the first line. Seriously. I bought this book because I read the excerpt on All Romance ebooks. Here. Go check it out. I read it and I bought the book, that simple. (I checked it out because it was Smart Bitch Sarah's book club pick of the month for April, so props to her, too.) 

Probably the only thing about this story that made me pause was how it switched point of view back and forth from Vince to Trey.  I enjoy it when a story switches back and forth, but in this case Vince's POV is told in third person, and Trey's in first person.  On one hand that made it really easy to tell whose POV we were in, on the other hand, it took me a while to get used to it.  By the end of the book I didn't really notice at all, though, so it's pretty much a non-issue for me.

 

I loved this book so much.  I want to go back and re-read it right now!  I highly recommend it.  It's going on my best of 2013 list, and I'll be looking for more by these authors!

Dirty Girls' Update

I have been doing a lot lately. I just realized recently that I have way too much television to watch and not enough time to read. I'm still trying to work that out. This weekend I'm trying to prepare for the RT Convention in Kansas City that Anne and I are attending just three days! It will be my first one and I can't wait! I hope to get some reading done daily, since it's my Zen but we'll see. Other than that, my parenting has been challenging lately. Between Anne and I, we will try to update at the conference. We would love it if you would leave a comment on the site about a review, if you have problems doing so, please let us know. We would love to hear from you.

Kay

Mindlink by Kat Cantrell

Grade: D-
Hotness Level: Blaze
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Kate

Aliens (who look like humans) have invited 10 of earth's top scientists to a sit down, a meeting of the minds if you will. Ashley, a former child star (I kept thinking Lindsey Lohan), poses as a scientist in a publicity stunt to jump start her career again. When they land on the alien planet a probe is inserted into each of their brains, allowing the aliens complete access to the humans' thoughts and knowledge. Ashley is sent to be executed when the aliens discover her deception. While awaiting execution, her probe links with the probe of ZXQ (all aliens have probes implanted at birth). Now Ashley and ZXQ, or Sam as she names him, can share thoughts and he agrees to help Ashley escape.

Sounds exciting, right? I thought so too. I really looked forward to reading this one.  Then I read it. In my opinion Ashley would have been better off sticking to the path other have-been actors take to start a comeback...Dancing With the Stars or any of Fox's celebrity reality shows.

Unfortunately, she chooses aliens and we embark on the slowest 200+ pages I've come across lately. Her character has a sense of entitlement that put a sour taste in my mouth. The entitlement switched to a need to prove herself back on earth. It wasn't until the last fifth of the book that she showed and character growth at all. On the opposite side of things, Sam goes from alien to full blown human in the blink of an eye. Very little struggle for him to adapt to a new program.

The romance between Ashley and Sam isn't worth writing home about. Ashley had been there, done that. And probably for all the wrong reasons. Sam is experiencing his first taste of sex. And, of course, he's magically wonderful at it (eye roll).

The ending that took forever to get to sort of fizzled.  A huge build up, then... nothing.  Like a lit bottle rocket that never launches.  A disappointing ending to a disappointing book.

Dirty Girls' Update

I found myself with a rare bit of free time today and made some updates to the sidebar.  I hope you enjoy the new definitions of kink and hotness levels as well as a long list of books we just can't wait to read!

This has been a busy and exciting week for the women of DGGB.  Kay and I are getting ready to attend our very first RT Conference!!  That's right, we're heading to Kansas City with another book club friend and we're going to pop our conference cherries.  I'm a planner and I've spent a lot of time pouring over schedules and figuring out how I can possibly to make it to every presentation and event I want to.  I made a plan I was happy with until I realized it doesn't include any meals.  I'm working on that. 

Depending on the wifi status at the hotel, I may attempt a few RT posts while we're there.  I'm going to try to take lots of pictures, and I have a list of authors I'm looking forward to stalking.  Kay and I are also attending a preRT Conference with Sarah from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books and Jane from Dear Author to try to pick up some blogging tips to make this a more fun place to visit.

Kate's not attending RT, but she's in a very happy place right now.  She started reading Black Dagger Brotherhood a few weeks ago and has been making her way through them in between review books for the blog.  She's almost done with Phury's book (and she likes it!)   It's been so fun texting back in forth with her and hearing her theories for things as she reads through them.  She's going to get me a list of favorite authors so I can look for swag/souvenirs for her at RT.

And then there's Kay's challenge.  Kay and I live in neighboring towns and we're in a book club together.  It's been a while since we were both able to attend book club on the same night, but it happened last week.  We were having a grand old time when Kay issued a challenge to me.  I have a hard time stepping back from a challenge and I suspect she knows that.  So, I've been challenged to finish reading Lorelei James' Rough Riders series.  I've read the first few books and I liked them, but got distracted with other stuff.  Kay swears I stopped just when it was getting good and she wants me to finish so she and Kate have another person to discuss the books with.  Fine.   I'll read them, but she's agreed to read books of my choice in exchange.  Now I'm trying to decide what to make her read.  She's unlikely to pick up a dragon book on her own, so I'm thinking of forcing one on her. 

I'm the slowest reader of the three of us Dirty Girls.  I've got a few books queued up on my TBR pile.  I JUST started Tempting Cameron by Karen Erickson.  I've got Stranded with a Billionaire by Jessica Clare, A Prior Engagement by Karina Bliss, The Rebound Girl by Tamara Morgan, and It Had To Be You by Jill Shalvis on deck.  Now I just need to find time to read.  Maybe while I'm eating at RT????

Rituals of Passion by Lacey Alexander

Grade: B-
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: High Kink
Genre: Futuristic
Series: Brides of Caralon #1
Reviewed by Kate

Taking place over 1500 years in the future, in a time when it is completely acceptable for the average citizen to have multiple casual encounters but royal daughters must remain pure until marriage, this story starts off with a bang (pun definitely intended). Maven, an aforementioned royal daughter, has finally reached marrying age. Her father gifts her to Dane of Rawley, a man who is known across the land for his brutal and aggressive nature.

Dane has worked hard to earn his reputation. However, he is determined to give this marriage a chance. He knows Maven is innocent and he is looking forward to introducing her to the joys of sex. But Maven is nothing like the shy, timid virgin he was expecting. Maven is very strong willed and though she knows it is the role of a wife to be submissive, she has no intention of submitting to Dane.

While there was a lot of talk of submitting this didn't really qualify as a BDSM read for me. There is no Dom/sub relationship between the two. No whips or chains. However, don't doubt the inferno rating I gave the book. There is enough exhibitionism, voyeurism, and multiple partners to satisfy even the highest of heat ratings.

Incredible. Lovely. Beautiful. Marvelous. Tremendous. Majestic (my personal fave). No, I am not describing a unicorn as my husband guessed. These are some of the adjectives used to describe Dane's *clearing throat* (as a romance reader you know what I mean). By the end of the book, I was so in awe I almost broke into song. "Oh say can you see, Dane's magnificent..." Well, you get the picture.

Loving an Ugly Beast by Danielle Monsch

Grade: C+
Hotness Level: Blaze
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Fairytale/Historical
Reviewed by Anne

Benton is big and strong, but he's covered with scars, so he's known as the beast of his village.  Nissa is his best friend.  They secretly each like the other, but lack the confidence to make a move.  When a fairy godmother shows up and grants Benton's wish to be more beautiful, how will things work out?

 

First off, what a great premise!  It's pretty rare to read about a man who thinks he's unworthy of a woman because of his looks!  I enjoyed seeing this cliche turned on its ear.  Second, this is a mid-evil set fairytale village.  I enjoy this kind of setting, and I really wanted to enjoy the book.

 

My biggest complaint is the modernisms that kept pulling me out of the story.  At one point they talk about having enough money to "keep your son in diapers."  That didn't make sense to me. They would have been using cloth diapers.  Expense wasn't as much an issue as the time it took to wash them, I'd think.  Another time we see this line "Why is it always good for the man but a crapshoot for the woman?"  Crapshoot?  That seems like a more modern casino term to me.  I don't know.  I'm not an expert.  Maybe I was being too picky, but little stuff like this kept pulling me out of the story.  That was disappointing!  It had a lot of promise.

 

Because of that promise, and because it was funny, and because I like fairytale romance, I'll probably try another one by this author, but it's borderline for me.

Master of the Mountain by Cherise Sinclair

Grade: A
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: Medium Kink
Genre: Contemporary, BDSMSeries: Mountain Masters #1
Reviewed by Kate

 

Rebecca's boyfriend can check off every item on her perfect-boyfriend list, but maybe one of those checks should have read "sexually compatible."  Despite a lack luster bedroom life, Rebecca is determine to make the relationship work.  When he suggests she join him on a weekend vacation with his swingers group (a group she didn't know about), she reluctantly agrees to give it a try.  She quickly decides the swinging lifestyle is not for her.  She actually finds herself drawn to lodge owner Logan and his dominant ways.  He doesn't meet any of the requirements on her list, but he's strong and assertive and makes her feel comfortable and safe.

Logan has been plagued by horrible nightmares since he returned from the war.  His brother has the scar to prove that it's not safe for Logan to fall asleep around anyone.  So Logan knows his relationship with Rebecca will only last until the end of the weekend.  Despite the limited time frame, he wants to help Rebecca explore her submissive nature.

 
This was the first BDSM romance I read and I loved it.  It is not terribly intense as far as the BDSM goes.  Commands, restraints, and some anal play.  No intense pain in this one.  I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading BDSM without a focus on pain or anyone new to the BDSM romance world.

Claim Me by J. Kenner

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Low
Series-Stark Trilogy #2
Reviewed by Kay

Let me start by saying that I have never the first book in this trilogy. I was given the book as an ARC to read and review.

Damien Stark is a financial wizard. Very handsome, wealthy and of course scarred. In the first novel of this series, he and Nikki Fairchild agree to an arrangement. He will pay her one million dollars if she is his for an agreed upon amount of time. She is his to do with what he wants, sexual or otherwise.

At the start of this novel, their arrangement is over but not the feelings that have grown between them. They face struggles from their pasts and basically his inability to fully trust. I never fully connected with these characters but I feel that's because I never read the first book. I liked the writing style and it was easy to read but I just never really cared about them as characters. I think had I read the first book I might have liked this more.

New Life by Bonnie Dee

Grade: C+
Hotness Level: Blaze
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Contemporary
Reviewed by Kate

Anna is a brand new attorney.  Jason is a college aged janitor in Anna's building.  He was seriously injured in a car accident that left him with permanent brain damage.  One night he finds Anna crying in the stairwell.  They feel a connection to each other.  Most people look right through Jason, but Anna does not.  This develops into a relationship.  It has it's challenges, but they meet them well together in the beginning.  I really enjoyed the book up to this point.

 

As things progress, though, they face bigger challenges and I didn't like how things played out.  I felt like Jason was too fragile.  It didn't seem like there was a lot of personal growth, and I'm not convinced they overcame their problems.  I think they'll face them over and over and probably deal with them in the same way.

 

I thought it was an interesting relationship to read about, but I wasn't convinced that they'd live happily ever after..  That was troubling to me.  I think the story ended too soon for me to be convinced otherwise.  I do think Bonnie Dee is a good writer, though, and I'd read more by her.  

Inferno by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Grade-A
Hotness Level-None
Kink Level-None
Series-Chronicles of Nick #4
Reviewed by Kay

Nick Gautier is continuing to realize just exactly how hard life can be for a teenager. His girlfriend needs to kill him, his dad wants to kill him, so does his protector, he's still ostracized at school and his mom is still as strict as ever. On the plus side, his mom loves him, he has good friends he can trust, which include Ash and Kyrian, the most popular girl in school wants to date him and he gets his driver's license.

Anybody who has ever read Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series should read this one too. It's the story of Nick's teenage life as it melds with the future. Nick is to become the ultimate evil as an adult. It's kind of like prophecy. As the reader, we get glimpses of the future with a evil Nick and they are horrific at best. This series is the constant battle he has to be good and not turn evil. There's even a little bit of romance thrown in. I love this series and this book was no exception. The relationship between Nick and his mother is just so sweet. I loved this book and wish I didn't have wait a year for the next one!

His Every Touch by Harriet Lovelace

Grade: C-
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: High Kink
Genre: Contemporary, BDSM
Series:His Every Touch #1-4
Reviewed by Kate

It's time for Courtney's annual review at work. Company CEO Vance has decided to handle the review personally despite her low position in the company. Vance has been waiting for a chance to dominate Courtney for a long time now and the chance has finally arrived.

I think the book started off on the wrong foot for me with the whole workplace sexual harassment setup. Office shenanigans don't usually bother me, but this one did. Even though Courtney is definitely on board with Vance's seduction and domination, I wasn't comfortable with it. When I found out Vance's motivation for a relationship I was a bit disappointed and quit enjoying his character. I did like the author's use of flashbacks and it was definitely scorching hot. If you enjoy a quick read, steamy scenes, and office hanky-panky, you'll probably enjoy this one. 

Trying To Score by Toni Aleo

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Series-Assassins #2
Reviewed by Kay

This is the second installment in Toni Aleo's Assassins Hockey series. It is about Lucas Brooks, who has recently been traded to Nashville, where the Assassins are from. He is no stranger to hockey or the lifestyle that comes with being a professional athlete. He's cocky and very self assured. He just wants to play hockey and win back the girl he lost.

Fallon Parker is that girl. She and Lucas had a love affair when they were younger and was heartbroken when it ended with Lucas' infidelity. She left town, which at the time was in California, and came home to Nashville. She is in charge of Rocky Top Wines, lives with her sister, Audrey, and her son, Aiden.

I love this series and this book was no exception. I loved Lucas even with all his faults and there are some. I loved Fallon too. She had to make herself into the woman she was because of Aiden, who as you probably guessed, is Lucas' son. Lucas never knew about him until he came to Nashville. You as the reader get to go through that with them also. Understanding both sides of the situation, it was still a moral dilemma. Toni Aleo knows just how to write an emotion packed novel. This is a great example of a sports based romance series. I can't wait to read the next one.

Knight by Kristen Ashley

Grade-A
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Low
Series-Unfinished Hero #1
Reviewed by Kay

Knight Sebring is an enigma. Really, he is. He's a kid from the streets, who had a prostitute for a mother and never knew his biological father. He has a wonderful stepfather and a ass of a half brother. He is a successful night club owner, has a beautiful home and a endless supply of female attention.

Anya Gage is a struggling but hard working young woman. Orphaned at a young age and raised by a hateful and neglectful aunt, she's never known love since her parents' deaths. She's had only herself to rely on financially. Thankfully, she has a wonderful best friend, Vivica.

These two people meet at a party and the pages of this novel light on fire, full force. No slow build up for them. Blazing attraction and the love scenes, the love scenes, OMG, blistering! I think I fell a little for Knight. No, I know I did. He's alpha to the point of punching him in the throat but it is also the most endearing thing about him. You learn a lot about the pasts of these characters and how it has molded them into who they are.

There were two things I didn't care for in the book though. First, the use of the "C" word was too repetitious for me. Secondly, Anya calling Knight "Daddy" in bed was honestly gross to me. Kristen Ashley is magnificent at writing love scenes and leading alpha males. I love what I have read from her and will continue to read much more from her in the future.

Catch Me if You Can by Stacey Espino

Grade: C
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: No Kink (other than menage)
Genre: Contemporary, Menage
Reviewed by Kate

 

When Christina's grandmother died, she left Christina a two-month vacation in her will.  So, dull bank worker Christina heads off to Golden Acres.  But Golden Acres isn't the luxury spa she was expecting, it's a farm run by Noah, Jake, and James (dear old gran's hot cowboy neighbors).

 

Noah, Jake (brothers), and James (an orphan) were raised by a womanizing drunk who was hardly ever around.  As a result, none of the three have learned to love.  In fact, all of them have a reputation as womanizers themselves.  They know Christina is a commitment kind of girl yet none can resist.

 

Years ago, when Christina was used by her seventeen year old crush, she decided she was unlovable.  She went on to become the most boring and sexless person possible.  Why does she now find herself attracted to not only one, but 3 hot cowboys?  And can she find the courage to do something about it?  Just how many days in the country does it take to get to the smutty center of the dull bank worker?  One...Two...Three...

 

I would have enjoyed this story more except little things kept pulling me out of the fantasy.  Little things like:

 

1.  On the way to Golden Acres, the highway is closed down, forcing Christina to leave her friend (who was driving her) and walk a mile down said closed road to where Noah could pick her up.  What-no detour?  Oh wait, there's one mentioned on the next page.  Why didn't she just use that?

 

2.  When she finally arrives at Golden Acres the first thing she does is take a shower, where she uses a razor she finds in the shower to shave.  Seems a little ballsy to me, right?  Besides, who doesn't shave before leaving for a stay at what she thinks is a luxury spa?

 

3.  Jake, Noah, and James don't even really like each other in the beginning, so how is sharing a woman going to work for them?

 

Anyway, the list goes on for a while.  Despite all that, the book was definitely hot, hot, hot.

Lover At Last by J. R Ward

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Low
Series-Black Dagger Brotherhood #11
Reviewed by Kay

Beware there are spoilers below!

Blay and Qhuinn? Where do I start? I loved it! I just loved it! Okay, first off, I am so glad J.R. Ward finally brought them together. We have all waited forever. The relationship has been painful to watch over the years. My heart has always went out to Blay and in the last two books, Qhuinn. Before that, Qhuinn was kind of an asshat. I know he was in denial but come on! Watching their love unfold in this novel was beautiful. I couldn't be anymore happy.

The fight for the throne? Yikes, I'm kind of scared about this one. It should be very interesting how this unfolds. Wrath and Beth? A baby? I hope so. Wrath handling the glymera? Loved it!

Qhuinn's brother? Hmm? We'll have to see about him. I'm still mad at him for his previous treatment of his brother.

Xcor and Layla? Wow! I can not freaking wait for their story!

Trez and Iam? Oh, please, please, please. Now!

Saxton, what's he up to? I really like him. I wonder if he's gonna upset me.

Qhuinn and Layla? What a wonderful relationship! I'm glad Qhuinn has an actual female friend.

An induction into the Brotherhood? Qhuinn? What about John Matthew and Blay?

I had three big problems with this book though. One was Blay's dishonesty with Qhuinn about the end of his relationship with Saxton. Two was Qhuinn being okay with what he thought was cheating with Blay against Saxton. And three, Assail, in general. Don't like his character.  I hope I will learn to like him like I did Rev.

This was a great read and I can not wait for the next book! I wish the next book was Xcor and Layla but no, it's Wrath and Beth. Oh well!

The Daddy Pact by Kristy K. James

Grade: C
Hotness Level: No Sex
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Contemporary
Reviewed by Kate

Dan's drug addicted brother has done the unthinkable-he's killed a man just home from his honeymoon.  Dan decides he needs to do whatever he can to try to make things easier for the victim's widow, Jess.  The news that she is pregnant wakes Jess from the haze of depression she's been living in since her husband dies over 3 months ago.  When her ex-father-in-law threatens to take the baby from her, Dan offers to marry Jess (in name only, of course) and adopt the baby.

Once the pair are married, the ex-father-in-law ceases to be a threat.  Then the story becomes about dealing with the guilt.  Dan feels responsible because he had seen his brother shortly before the murder.  Jess feels disloyal to her dead husband because she begins having feelings for Dan.  Can Jess and Dan get past the guilt to build a real marriage?

I am an avid reader of the marriage of convenience plot line, but this one fell a little short of my hopes. Perhaps just a bit too much realism for my escape reading.  Well, that and the lack of sex didn't help either.

Share Me by Olivia Cunning

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild
Series-One Night With Sole Regret #0.5
Reviewed by Kay

This novella is a prequel to the series One Night With Sole Regret.

Lindsey and Vanessa are attending a charity benefit concert for a little girl with cancer in their hometown in Idaho. It is being given by Sole Regret, the rock band. Both of the girls are big fans of the band. Lindsey has a crush on the band in general but two of the rockers are on her "fuck-it" list. What this means is she'd get a free pass to sleep with them if she had the chance, no matter what her relationship status was at that time. Needless to say, due to their obsession with the band and the weather, she gets her chance.

This was a B rating for up until Lindsey slept with every member of the band, the tour bus driver and her best friend. I love Olivia Cunning and I love this series, but this one was kind of skanky for me. The "Eww factor" was huge for me with this. I will continue to read this series and can't wait for the next book due out in April.

Double Down by Katie Porter

Grade: C+
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: Mild Kink (role playing, spanking)
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Vegas Top Guns #1
Reviewed by Kate

When Major Ryan Haverty sees the waitress wearing seamed stockings, he's a goner. Cassandra Whitman is tired of having to put up with crap from the restaurant manager, who is also her ex-boyfriend. So when Ryan starts flirting, Cass decides to get back at the ex-boyfriend by making a dramatic exit on Ryan's arm. The exit leads to a steamy weekend of role playing. Both Cass and Ryan are enjoying the fun, but Ryan is ashamed of his desires at the same time. Ryan's fiance left him years ago because he asked her to wear a costume for him. But when one weekend leads to more, will they be able to work through their internal sludge to get to a happily ever after?

I really liked Cass's character. Once she manages her dramtic exit, she goes on a journey turning herself from mousy to bold and daring. I wish I could say I enjoyed Ryan's character as much. His internal dialogues were filled with mini pity parties that drove me absolutely nuts. I found myself wanting to give him a big smack upside the head. But, whether maid and employer, call girl and john, or student and professor...hot, hot, hot!

Taking Shots by Toni Aleo

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Series-Assassins #1
Reviewed by Kay

Shea Adler is a hockey pro at the top of his game. He loves hockey, his team, family, especially his twin sister and women. The first four of the above things he loves with some staying power but women, not so much. He's kind of a love 'em and leave 'em sort of guy. He's cocky, self assured and has never had to wait on or chase anyone he has wanted.

Eleanor "Elli" Fisher is a rich girl. She's a photographer with a thriving business. She has a father that adores her. A best friend she loves and a great support staff of other close friends. But she is very insecure about a lot of things: men, family, weight and self worth.

These two see each other at a sports photo shoot and the sparks fly. This is an emotional read in regards to a woman who is almost broken but desperately wants to be loved and a man that never saw her coming. Elli is a character that is easy to like. She's kind, shy and cares about people. Shea is absolutely precious. I love his character so much I can't even tell you! He starts off wanting Elli and his pursuit is patient but persistent. When he fell,....sigh, he fell big time. Head over heels and so did I, with him.

I liked this book so much. Even through the "big misunderstanding" I loved Elli. She had been hurt before and she wasn't taking any chances. I cried a couple of different times in the book: when he had dinner with her family and when he realized he was in love with her. This is a great new series for me and can't wait to read the next one! Toni Aleo has gained a fan in me!

Her Bad Boy Billionaire Lover by Barbara Bretton

Grade: D
Hotness Level: Blaze
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Contemporary
Reviewed by Kate

Note: originally published in 1993 as Renegade Lover

19 year old spoiled, little rich girl Megan falls madly in love with poor Aussie Jake. They marry and get divorced a year later. Jake heads off to the tropics to lick his wounds while Megan runs home to Daddy (and his money). But wait...Daddy is out of money and when he dies, he leaves Megan with nothing but bill collectors knocking on her door. Oh, and did I mention she's pregnant with Jake's baby and he doesn't know?

Flash forward six years. Jake is now a millionaire who owns multiple yachts and houses around the globe. He is currently holding a week-long competition among a select number of catering companies for a contract to cater his newest exclusive cruise ship (the competition takes place aboard the ship). Megan is struggling to advance her catering business and secure a future for her daughter. Winning the cruise ship contract will achieve both goals.

Jake, as owner of the ship, has arranged for Megan to compete. He has never quit lusting after her and figures one last time together should get her out of his system. Megan has never forgotten Jake either. She mistakenly assumes he is on board to play the piano and the two indulge in a week-long affair.

Throughout the book I found myself screaming at Jake and Megan (internally of course...I don't like the strange looks I get from my husband when I yell out loud at book). Neither of them tells the truth...ever. Jake assumes Megan is still rich, Megan assumes Jake is still poor. Jake assumes Megan is still childless (I guess she's one of those lucky stretch mark-less gals). She doesn't bother to correct the assumption. I found it hard to respect either of the characters. In fact, in my notes I actually awarded Jake an "ass of the year" award. I kept waiting for some redeeming aspect of the story to come along. Sadly, it never did.

Fatal Heat by Lisa Marie Rice

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Genre-Military Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Kay

Max Wright is an ex-Navy SEAL. He was injured in battle very badly. After leaving the hospital, he stays at CO's beach property to finish rehab.

Paige Waring is a plant geneticist and neighbor to where Max is staying. His CO is her godfather. She has a supper hyper but lovable dog named Max. Confusing, huh?

This is a novella that is about healing physically, mentally and emotionally. The characters are engaging, including the dog, Max. The love scenes were hot but it was the suspense that didn't gel for me. Then, there was the dog as a helper that I couldn't buy into.  I love Lisa Marie Rice. I think if the mystery/suspense would have been better, I would've loved the novella

Demon Possession by Kiersten Fay

Grade: B+
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Sci Fi
Series: Shadow Quest #1
Reviewed by Kate

Analia has been a captive aboard the Extarga for centuries.  Finally presented with a chance of escape, she stows away on the merchant ship the Marada.  Sebastian, demon captain of the Marada, has just accepted a commission that includes a ward being placed on the ship.  A ward that prevents anyone from entering or leaving the ship until the goods are delivered to a destination months away.  When Sebastian discovers Analia, he has little choice but to let her remain aboard.

Sebastian is drawn to Analia as a demon can only be drawn to its mate.  But Sebastian was deeply betrayed before by one who loved him and he's determined to never love again.  Analia remembers nothing of her life before the Extarga.  She only knows she will do anything to maintain her freedom.  Even if it means fighting her growing affections for the demon captain.  But at the culmination of the Marada's contract, something is discovered about Analia that will change the course of not only Sebastian and Analia's lives, but the fate of the entire universe as well.

Wow.  What an epic tale.  Honestly, I loved the first three quarters of the book.  It centered around the developing relationship between Sebastian and Analia.  The last part of the book I liked, but it was more focused on setting up the rest of the series.  The villain-dastardly.  The heroine-strong and spunky.  The hero-delicious, right down to his little horns that change colors with his moods.  What's not to love.  I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Captive In The Dark by C.J. Roberts

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-Low
Series-The Dark Duet #1
Reviewed by Kay

Well, I wouldn't classify this as a romance. It's a dark suspense novel in my opinion. It has been all over a review site I frequent and I assumed there was something more to it than it's blurb. I have had it on my Kindle for awhile and decided it was time. Anne and I spoke about this book months back and thought it was too dark. After reading it, I think we were right.

Caleb is a flesh peddler. A human trafficker. A horrid, horrible person. His only feelings are those of revenge. It is what he lives for and for what happened to him, I feel his desire for revenge is justified. However, he is a despicable human being.

Livvy is an eighteen year old high school senior. All she wants is an escape from the life she leads through a college scholarship. She's innocent, inexperienced and beautiful. She somehow captured Caleb's attention. God help her.

Livvy is to become the instrument of Caleb's revenge against the man who wronged him. She is to be a submissive, willing to do whatever is asked of her. Caleb needs to break her down to make her into a virginal prize on the trafficking market. As they spend more time together, Caleb feels more and more for Livvy.

I'm not saying anything else regarding the outcome of the book but know there is a second one out there. This is a dark, gritty, powerful and life changing novel. I sat my twenty year old daughter down and told her about this book as a warning. C.J. Roberts has penned an excellently written novel. I certainly hope this book doesn't try to make this more romantic because this man in my opinion is beyond any sort of redemption.

Wild Child by Shelley Munro

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay

Zoe Underwood has been in love with Matt Cantrell for years. Matt Cantrell has been in love with Zoe Underwood for years. Neither has admitted this to the other, until now. Zoe's not taking no for an answer. Matt may try to fight it but he won't be able to do it for long.

This was my first Shelley Munroe book and I enjoyed it. It was a short, hot read. I will read more by her in the future. The only conflict was that they were stepbrother and stepsister. Matt didn't live at home with her when their parents married, so they weren't raised together. It was difficult to wrap my brain around it at first but then it got easier. It's a cute read  for an evening.

Princess Charming by Nicole Jordan

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-none
Series-Legendary Lovers #1
Reviewed by Kay

Okay, here goes. The premise is Cinderella. This is a given considering the hero's sister has devised a plan to set this in motion.

Ashton Wilde, Marquis of Beaufort, is part of a family that is considered scandalous. He, his siblings and his cousins are all orphans that were raised by his scholarly uncle until Ash came of age and took over.

Maura Collyer is no stranger to scandal either. Her father was involved with one prior to his death. She is also an orphan of sorts. She lives with her stepmother and stepsisters. She is treated shabbily by the stepmother but embraced by her stepsisters. She is a horse breeder and loves her stallion.

There is the sale of her horse and her subsequent theft of the horse that's the backdrop of this story.  I am a big fan of Nicole Jordan's work but this was not the best example of it. I found the whole horse part of the story to be kind of ridiculous but I am hoping that book two is much better. It's Nicole Jordan so I'm willing to take another chance.

My Liege of Dark Haven by Cherise Sinclair

Grade: A
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: High Kink
Genre: Contemporary, BDSM
Series: Mountain Masters #3
Reviewed by Kate

Abby, a professor, needs to get a paper published and it needs to be memorable. She decides a paper on observations of the BDSM community would make a good topic. So she heads down to Dark Haven to get started. When she arrives, she ends up taking a job as a receptionist. One of the perks is a free membership, but the receptionist is also expected to help out with demonstrations given by club owner Xavier. Xavier recognizes the submissive in Abby immediately. He is intrigued by her in ways that he hasn't felt since his wife passed away.

I won't ruin the story by telling more, but this book is hot. This story has stuck with me for days after finishing it. I enjoyed it so much I hate having to dissect it in order to write a review. Finishing this one had thrown me into a book-funk. I haven't been able to settle into another book because none seems to measure up to My Liege. I highly recommend this one to any fans of BDSM romance.  (Wow, that got a bit gushy, my apologies.)

Croc and the Fox by Eve Langlais

Grade: B+
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Shifter/Paranormal
Series: Furry United Coalition #3
Reviewed by Kate

Project is bored with her life in the science lab.  As a test subject she is stuck in her little cell, unless they're experimenting on her.  Having no memory of life outside the lab, when excitement comes in the form of the Furry Unite Coalition overrunning the lab and freeing the test subjects, Project is terrified.  When Viktor, a croc shifter, unlocks her cage, Project latches on and doesn't let go.  While the croc should make her run, he makes her feel protected and safe instead.  Renaming her Renee, Viktor finds himself smiling at her more in a few days than he has smiled in his entire life.  But the evil scientist is still on the loose and looking for Project/Renee.  How can Viktor protect his little fox if he's too busy trying to fight his growing attraction for her?

This book had many burst-of-laughter moments.  Viktor's attraction to Renee allows her to cross some of his boundaries that no one else has-like cuddling.  Renee struggles to feel comfortable outside of the lab-darn big, blue sky is scary when you're used to a ceiling over your head.  Through it all, Viktor and Renee are a couple you can't help but cheer for.

Tag Team by Nicola Marsh

Grade-D
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Genre-Contemporary Military Suspense
Reviewed by Kay

Garcia "Fox" Garcia and Coralee "Lee" Keaton are cohorts so to speak in the military. They work on a team that deals with environmental terrorism. They are attacked on base and have to hide in a safe room until back up arrives.

These two have hooked up before and somehow find time for a tryst. I won't say anymore as this is a very short story. I didn't love it or hate it.

Lush by Lauren Dane

Grade: B+
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: None
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Delicious #3
Reviewed by Anne

Mary is a caterer and phenomenal cook.  Her good friend is marrying a famous rock star, and through their wedding preparations and celebrations, Mary meets, Damien, rock star drummer.  Their attraction is immediate, and they have a one night fling.  Neither expects more than a night.  They are both very busy and successful in their own ways.  However, they start texting each other and really look forward to meeting again at a concert Mary and her friends were invited to.  

That's really all there is to the plot.  Once they see each again, they start making ways to see each other.  The story is about how they realize their feelings for each other and how they work out their physical distance and busy schedules.  I really liked it.  I'm certainly love a low conflict romance, and this series by Lauren Dane fits the bill perfectly.  This was another solid entry.  I also enjoyed seeing the friends and couples from the books that came before this one, both in the Delicious Series and the Brown Siblings series before this one.  The characters from these previous books make cameos, but some have pivotal best friend roles, and I think you'd enjoy the book more for having read at least the Delicious series.

From the previous books, I knew I liked Mary and her friends.  Damien and his brothers were a delightful surprise in these books.  I especially liked Damien's confidence.  He knows he's lived a pretty wild life.  He's cut back lately and is making more changes after meeting Mary, but he's not ashamed about the life he lived before.  Mary is also confident in herself and comfortable with how much she likes sex.  I enjoy reading confident characters, especially confident women.  Yet neither Damien nor Mary is perfect, and watching them make mistakes and recover makes for an even better story.  I really want to pick it up and read it again!

Going For It by Liz Matis

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay

Jake Miller is a running back in the NFL. He's a player on and off the field. He is considered a veteran football player due to his age (32), so he has been giving a little thought to life after football. Watching his friend and teammate, Ryan fall in love and get married has influenced him some also.

Hannah Hahn is an aging supermodel with a big secret. She is best friends with Samantha who is married to Ryan, Jake's friend. She has "family issues". She is also thinking about what life will be like after the modeling is over.

Jake and Hannah hooked up for a while in the not so distant past but broke up due to differing opinions. Their attraction never went away though and they hook up again at their friends' wedding.

I really enjoyed this story. It was short and hot. And also apparently just what I needed to read now. I liked it on every level. The characters seemed like real, honest people. I could see their points of view and understand them. This was the first thing I've read by Liz Matis but it won't be my last.