Reflection by Elene Sallinger

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level- Moderate Kink
Series-Chrysalis Series #2
Genre-BDSM
Reviewed by Kate
240 pages

Reflection is the compelling story of Bridget and Connor. Bridget is a professor and is still dealing with a rape that happened 20 years ago. She hasn't let herself invest in a relationship since then. Connor is a janitor at the university where Bridget works and is a hobby photographer and artist. But when Connor and Bridget run into each other, Bridget finds herself wanting more in her relationship with Connor than she's ever dreamed.

I cold not stop turning pages while reading this book. The emotional pain that both Connor and Bridget have to travel through to reach  their happily ever after is gripping while their budding relationship is tender and sweet and hot and steamy. A perfect combination. There's even a secondary plot that adds a bit of suspense to the story. I would highly recommend this book (as well as the first book in the series, Awakening) to anyone who enjoys an emotional journey on the way to happily ever after and doesn't mind some mild-moderate BDSM thrown into the mix. Elene Sallinger has me eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

Ivan by Roxie Rivera

Grade-C+
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Her Russian Protector #1
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kate
99 pages

Erin has been solving her druggie sister's problems for a while. Now her sister's missing and Ivan may be the only one who can help her. But Ivan's rumored to be a part of the Russian mob. Will Erin end up making a deal with the devil?

 

I struggled with this read a lot. I understand that Erin loved her sister more than anything else in the world. I'm just not sure that I can believe she would jump into a sexual relationship so quickly with such a shady character, especially since it wasn't part of a deal to find her sister. Ivan was one of those heroes who is rumored to have been involved in anything and everything secretive and dirty. And I know that it is a personal preference of mine, but I have trouble falling for a hero who is/was a mob boss and drug dealer.

 

Personal preferences aside, I liked the writing. It was sharp and the plot moved quickly. I wouldn't hesitate to read more by Roxie Rivera, but probably not more of this series.

How about you? Is there such a thing a too bad of a bad boy?

Hard As It Gets by Laura Kaye

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Hard Ink #1
Genre-Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Kay
368 pages

Nick Rixey is a former Special Forces soldier who was less than honorably discharged after a mission went terribly wrong. Half of his group was dead and the rest were left with basically nothing. He and his team know their commanding officer was responsible. He is trying to find his way in civilian life as a process server and a tattoo artist. He works with his brother, Jeremy at his tattoo parlor. One day a beautiful blond walks in asking for his help and his life will never be the same.

Becca Merritt is a nurse. She had a fight with her brother and now he's missing. He left her instructions to find Nick Rixey to help her uncover the dangerous secrets he thinks he's stumbled onto. Becca is unprepared for Nick. Her reaction to him is powerful and combustible but she desperately needs his help to find her brother.

This is a solid start to what I think will be a good series. I liked the characters and the suspense was good. As far as the suspense story, it's a cliffhanger. The love story though has an HEA. The chemistry was hot and you couldn't wait for the sex to start. The love scenes were good and steamy. I just wish they would've been a little hotter. Anyone who likes military romantic suspense will enjoy this new series.

                       

 

A Boy and A Girl by Jamie S. Rich

Grade: B-
Hotness Level: Spark
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: futuristic, graphic novel
Reviewed by Kate

186 pages

When I ran across this one, I knew I had to read it. Comic and romance? Seriously, I was geeking out a bit. I'm sure there are other romance graphic novels out there, but this was the first I'd run across.

Travis is a crashing a party with his friend when he meets Charley, who is attending the party with her friend. The party they are attending is a welcoming party for Charley's friend's new robot mother (meaning his mother had died, so he ordered a robot made to look and act like her, and they're having a party). Back to Charley and Travis though. Shortly after meeting, they sneak off to the host's bedroom to get it on, and end up getting caught. After separating, Travis finally finds Charley again on the night before she is leaving town. The two set out on a sweet journey, determined to spend every last minute together.

I enjoyed the story of Travis of Charley. I was floored by Charley's reveal about a 1/4 of the way in (I won't ruin the surprise for any future readers). But it was the Scooby-Doo ending (not a mask-pulling-off-reveal, but more of a that-came-out-of-left-field) that shocked me speechless. Although, honestly, I probably wouldn't have been as shocked had I read the description more closely-but again I was geeking out at finding a romance graphic novel. I'm not a fan of non-HEA romances, and you should know that Travis and Charley do not end up together. But it works in this story.

I enjoyed this unique storytelling format a lot and I look forward to enjoying more of this kind of platform.  Have you ever read any romance graphic novels?  Are you excited to try one out?  Any recommendations?

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah Maclean

Grade-A-
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Genre-Historical
Reviewed by Kay
384 pages

William, the Duke of Lamont lost everything he had when he was a young man. Everything but his title. One night that he can't even clearly remember changed his life forever. A woman who disappeared, bloodied sheets and him standing accused of her murder. He became Temple, a bare knuckled fighter at the Fallen Angel gaming hell, where he is a partner with his three friends. All of which were exiled or shunned as well. All Temple wants is his life before that night back.

Mara Lowe is the woman from that night. She ran away all those years ago and reinvented herself. But now she has to face the past, hers and his. She offers him redemption in exchange for something she requires. But the cost of his redemption is her ruination.

I loved this book! I really needed to also. I was craving a historical and it was everything I needed it to be. This is a really good series. I didn't classify it as that above because it isn't really listed as one. Clear as mud? Temple and Mara's story touched me in so many ways. Two tortured souls finding each other. Both victims of their childhoods and being under the control of everyone. Mistakes made in youth that cost them both everything. And both of them realizing that the road to redemption isn't ever what you think it's going to be. A sweet, moving and passionate love story. My favorite quote is as follows.

"Without the past, there would be no present. No future. I don't regret a moment of it. It all brought us here. To this place. To this moment. To this love."

Welcome to Paradise by Rosalind James

Grade-C+

Hotness Level-Blaze

Kink Level-No Kink

Series-The Kincaids #1

Genre-Contemporary

Reviewed by Kate

340 pages

 

The History Channel is getting ready to film its reality show America Alive: 1885. Mira and her douche of a boyfriend Scott are going to be contestants as well as Gabe, a sterling example of a hero, and his twin brother Alec. There are 16 contestants total, but the book follows the pairs of Mira and Scott and Gabe and Alec.

 

I'm a huge sucker for the reality show premise. Give me a book that takes place in or around a reality tv show and I'll move it to the top of my TBR pile. There's just something about them that I can't turn down.

 

As a reader, you hate Scott right from the get-go. He's an absolute asshat. He's condescending and rude and arrogant and...well, you get the picture. And for me, I found myself wondering why in the world Mira was with him for any length of time.

 

Gabe, of course, is perfection personified. Although I did get a chuckle over the fact that his twin brother is described as being the hotter of the two. As a reader, you will cheer at the way Gabe treats Mira.

 

All that being said, after finishing the book I just couldn't get excited over it. There was really nothing (apart from the reality show aspect) that stood out as being great. And I felt the conclusion was a bit soap opera-ish and over the top.

 

If you enjoy the reality show premise, then it's probably worth checking out. Otherwise, I'd steer clear.

It's obvious I'm a sucker for the reality-show setting. Is there a setting that you just can't pass up?

Dirty Pleasures by Melody Snow Monroe

Grade-D-

Hotness Level-Inferno

Kink Level-Mild Kink

Series-Pleasure, Montana #10

Genre-Contemporary/Menage

Reviewed by Kate

166 pages

 

Gabe and Dylan had been assigned to protect Ceci on their last case. Despite being extremely attracted to her, they kept their hands to themselves. But now the case is over and it's time to discover if Ceci feels the same way about them.

 

This book didn't work for me on so many levels. Other than being huge and manly in so many masculine ways, there didn't seem to be anything remarkable or memorable about either Gabe or Dylan. Ceci had so much internal turmoil that it was hard to connect with her. She has what comes across as OCD and is also trying to deal with her self hatred eminating from her ex-boyfriend's suicide. It was more than I wanted to read about.

 

As far as the kink goes with this one, I couldn't decide whether this one was a BDSM read or not. There was some spanking and they did visit a club (which was a disappointing scene for a BDSM reader like me). But neither of the men seemed real dom-like even though Ceci granted them the Dom title simply because they never let her do what she wanted.

 

This book may appeal to fans of the Pleasure, Montana series, but to a Pleasure, Montana virgin (*snort*)like myself, it just didn't work.

 

The Awakening by Erika Wilde (aka Janelle Denison)

Grade-A

Hotness Level-Inferno

Kink Level-No Kink

Series- The Marriage Diaries #1

Genre-Contemporary

Reviewed by Kate

35 pages

 

Jillian and Dean have been married for years. Now that the kids are out of the house Jillian wants to take their vanilla relationship to a more flavorful level. A surprise trip to the office to get his opinion on some new lingerie seems like a good place to start.

 

I absolutely love a good husband and wife romance. One where they find their way to a better, deeper, hotter relationship. This one starts of hot and steamy and continues to get even hotter!

 

This was a freebie for me, but I turned around and bought the Marriage Diaries Boxed set right away (it was much cheaper to buy the boxed set than each one individually). I rarely let myself buy a series just because I liked the freebie (my budget doesn't allow for that), but I made an exception for this one. I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys seeing a married couple spice things up a bit.

Are you a fan of husband/wife romances? Which ones would you recommend?

All Fired Up by Kate Meader

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Hot in the Kitchen #2
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
384 pages

Cara DeLuca is an events planner at her future brother-in-law's restaurant. She beautiful, aloof and private. Very controlled. She 's OCD about her cleanliness. But inside she is fighting her own very difficult demons. Her need to control consumes her. She's the black sheep, the misfit, the one not easily understood. She's called Lemon Tart by her co-workers because she's so standoffish.

Shane Doyle is an Irish pastry chef trying to take the world by storm. He also wants to connect with his half brother, who is unaware of his true identity. He also has some demons to overcome. Shane was horribly abused by his drunk father until he got big enough to hit back. His anger, guilt and shame are a constant battle for him.

These two unlikely almost strangers spontaneously marry in Las Vegas at a family get together. When the smoke clears, Shane wants to try to work at the marriage but not Cara. She wants her mistake to disappear. She has enough baggage, despite her desire for love and a family.

I ended up enjoying this book quite a bit. Kate Meader is a new author for me and I was unsure when it drug a little in the middle, if I wanted to finish. I even stopped and read another book and then came back to it. I'm glad I did. I love the premise of kitchen love stories. I love secret marriages in my romances. I felt for both characters due to what they endured in their pasts.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a racy, sexy read. There was a boatload of sexual tension and when it comes to fruition, you get rewarded with a 28 page sex scene that will rock your socks off.

Slow Ride Home by Leah Braemel

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild Kink
Series-The Grady Legacy #1
Genre-Contemporary Western
Reviewed by Kay
257 pages

Ben Grady is half owner of the Bull's Hollow ranch. He is a partner with his brother Jake. His first love was Allie Daniels. They dated in high school until Allie's father was found out as a thief and they left town. Ben has never gotten over Allie. Turns out there was a video made of Ben, Allie and Ben's best friend, Logan when they had a threesome. This video led to Allie losing her scholarship to Texas A&M.

Fast forward fifteen years and Allie is a lawyer who handles property title disputes. Bull's Hollow had part of it's shares held for a unknown heir. Ben and his family think the whole claim is ridiculous and their title insurance company sends in Allie to investigate. Ben and Allie's first meeting after fifteen years is strained to say the least. I won't give anymore plot away but that's the synopsis on how this story starts.

I am a sucker for western romances. I'm also a sucker for second chance love stories. I enjoyed both of the tropes here. What I didn't enjoy was the idea that back in high school a girl engaged in a threesome. I'm not a prude but it's hard for me to buy into it. The suspense of finding out if there was truly another heir was entertaining but I kind of thought my heroine was a slut. This tainted the book for me. I will admit that even though there was copious amounts of descriptive sex in this book that were hot, it still left me a little cold. I don't know if I'll read any more in this series yet.

                     

Book Funk by Kay

I have been having a very difficult time lately with my reading. I just can not engage. I mean, not at all! I lose interest in what I'm currently reading and then I'm not certain if the book sucked or it's my mood at the time I read it. Ugh. It's very frustrating. I have a huge TBR list and it feels like work when I read. I've tried every genre lately and nothing is working. I usually hit a historical romance for a palette cleansing but that isn't cutting it this time.

I have even stopped watching four of my current TV series so I can have more time to read. Then, what do I do? That's right, I live on Candy Crush. Don't even say it, I'm not giving up my Candy Crush! I totally immersed in my book funk and I hate it! It wouldn't be so bad but this funk is coming in on the heels of Kate and Anne's recent book funks.

Anyone out there have a suggestion to bust me out of this funk? Anyone?

Miserably yours,
Kay (former reader extraordinaire, now a sucky loser)

The Scandal Before Christmas by Elizabeth Essex

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-The Reckless Brides #3.5
Genre-Historical
Reviewed by Kay

Since Ian Worth has to take bride, he asks his superior officer about his situation. See, his older brother has been injured and isn't expected to recover fully. Ian is a Navy man and still active in his commission. His father the Viscount wants him to cancel his commission and marry so he can train him as the heir now. He knows he has to marry but he doesn't want his father's choice for his bride. Ian wants a quiet, unassuming girl. As he tells his superior about this, the man says he has a daughter, who is a spinster, who fits the bill. Ian is very interested. He tells himself that she needs to be pretty enough so he'll have no problem getting her pregnant.

Anne Lesley is the daughter/bride to be in question. She knows that she is plain and not pretty. She sees this possible marriage as her way of escaping her mother's over powering presence. She is very shy and doesn't talk much due to her self ego. After arriving at Ian's house, she overhears him saying hurtful but not unexpected things.

This was an okay read for me. It started off great but honestly, the setting was in the country and I prefer the city. I missed the ton and the shock value of their match it would've caused. Ian was a straight up ass in the beginning but finally redeemed himself. I don't know if I'll go on in the series as the sex scenes were kind of Meh for me.

If Only by Cherise Sinclair

Grade-A-
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-High Kink
Series-Masters of the Shadowlands#8
Genre-Contemporary BDSM/ménage
Reviewed by Kate
426 pages

Sally left the trainee program at the Shadowlands to persue a relationship with a Dom who turned out to be abusive. Now she's back, but only a shell of her typically perky, fun loving self. FBI agents Vance and Galen have had their eyes on Sally for a while, but become concerned when they see that she's not herself. What's a pair of Doms to do but try to fix the situation?

 

There was so much to love in If Only. The hot, hot, steamy hot sex scenes. Not one, but two protective Doms. A fiesty heroine struggling to rediscover herself. Visits with favorite characters from prior books. Enough suspense to keep you turning pages. And for those who have read the previous books in the series--a satisfying conclusion to the Harvest Association plot that has run through the last books. Everything I needed to close the book with a happy sigh.

 

The only thing I didn't like was that we had seen Sally with other partners in previous books. And there were some small references made to some of those experiences. I don't like to see the heroine with other partners, but that's just my own preference.

 

If you are into BDSM reads, there's not a series that I would recommend more than Cherise Sinclair's Masters of the Shadowlands. Now that the Harvest Association is over, I can't wait to see what she'll bring us next.

 

This book combined two of my favorite sub-genres. BDSM and menage. How about you? Is that a good combination for you or do you prefer just BDSM, just menage, or neither?

Rocky by Bianca D'Arc

Grade-D
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Tales of the Were #3
Genre-Paranormal
Reviewed by Kate
158 pages

Maggie is pregnant and has been on the run from an all powerful demon mage since he killed her husband Tony months ago. She heads to childhood friend Rocky's house because she promised Tony she would go there when she was ready to deliver her babies. Rocky, like Tony, is a were-bear shifter, and will be able to provide the leadership that Maggie's cubs will need. Rocky is more than happy to take on the role of alpha for Maggie and Tony's cubs, but he wants the role of Maggie's husband as well.

 

I'm trying to cut Maggie some slack because she's obviously emotional and hormonal throughout the entire book-despite being magically healed after her labor by her magical cubs. But I got really tired, really fast of her waffling between Tony and Rocky. It starts off right away with her comparing everything Rocky is with what Tony was. Then suddenly, she becomes certain that Rocky is the one that she's always been supposed to be with, her true soul mate. Next thing you know, she's always loved them both, and Tony (in spirit form) is approving of her relationship with Rocky.

 

But it was the all powerful evil demon mage that was the final straw for me. This demon mage has been hunting Maggie and her super magical, über-rare, twin were-bear cubs (who always sleep when the story calls for it) since he killed her husband. Seriously. Tony was a strong mage himself, so this demon mage must be extra powerful. There's a lot of suspense built up around this evil demon mage. So in my mind, I'm picturing some kind of cross between Darth Vader and Hannibal Lector. But when the mage finally appears (in the very final pages of the books), Rocky is able to quickly defeat him and only walks away with bloodied knuckles. Such a let down. And makes me question how strong a mage Tony really was if he was defeated by evil demon mage, King of the Wusses.

 

I need to be up front and admit that this is the first of the Tales of the Were series that I read. And I can't help but wonder if I would have liked the book more, had I had the world building knowledge that has to be present in the first two books. As it was, I just couldn't connect with the world that Rocky was a part of. It was just fill with a lot of WTF moments for me.

So, what was your last total fail of a book?

Colters' Gift by Maya Banks

 

Grade-B-
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild Kink
Series-Colters' Legacy #5
Genre-Contemporary Menage
Reviewed by Kate
368 pages

I read the first book in the series (Colters' Woman) for the first time a few years ago. I remember emailing my sister and telling her "yes, the apostrophe is in the right place!" You see Colters' Woman was my introduction to menage and to this day, it remains one of my favorites. I enjoyed the second book just as much. The 3rd and 4th book, eh-not so much. The 3rd because it strayed from the menage aspect and because Max was an ass. The 4th because there wasn't really a central couple, it was more of a family update. So I was cautiously anticipating the release of Colters' Gift because it was going back to the menage aspect and also gave us a romance revolving around a new set of characters.

 

In Colters' Gift we get to follow Lauren, who is recovering from an abusive relationship, on her journey with Liam and Noah. Lauren's brother hired Liam and Noah to protect Lauren, so of course, they fall for her instead. Well, actually, they both protect and fall for her. They are, after all, manly men who don't shirk their duties. There is a fair deal of suspense in this one as well. Suspense is not my cup of tea, so I had to stay up late to finish this one so I could sleep.

 

I appreciate the fact that Lauren's first time with Liam and Noah wasn't perfect. It wasn't filled with magic sparkles and fairy dust. It ended badly, and the characters dealt with it.

 

I quickly got tired of how involved in the story the other Colters (from books 1, 2, and 3) were in this book. While I liked the characters in their own books, suddenly there were 10 extra main characters surrounding Lauren and her men. I found myself having to stop and do a roll call. Is Adam here? Yep. Ethan? Yep? Michael? Nope. He's home with Lily. As this is the last book in the Colters' Legacy series, I understand why they were all present and accounted for, but it was a lot to keep track of and pulled me away from Liam, Noah, and Lauren.

 

One last note. While the heat level for this book is high, I didn't feel it had as high a heat level as the first 3 books.

 

If you have enjoyed Maya Banks's Colters' Legacy series, you are sure to enjoy this one as well. If you haven't read the Colters' Legacy series, I would suggest starting with the first book, Colters' Woman.

 

Have you read the Colters' Legacy series? Do you have another menage seriees to recommend?

 

Crash and Burn by Anne Marsh

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-The Men of Crash, Fire & Rescue #1
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
34 pages

I don't even think you could call this a novella. It was a very short story.

Dane and Laura Jo went to high school together. He was the football hero and she was the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. They slept together and the Laura Jo left town for different life. She became a pilot with the Armed Forces and Dane is a rescue worker. He rescues Laura Jo from a crash and the two reconnect.

This story was okay for a start to a series. I wished there was more to it but it is what it is. Cute premise, a hot sex scene and a great cover. I may read more to the series.

Throwback Thursday-Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-In Death #4
Genre-Contemporary/Futuristic
Reviewed by Kay

Eve and Roarke's latest adventure has to do with virtual reality machines and subliminal messaging. They find themselves in the thick of it when a worker at Roarke's resort supposedly commits suicide. His autopsy shows an abnormality and Eve wants to discover its cause. When more suicides start happening, they don't set well with Eve any more than the first one did. Meanwhile, Mavis has her career start to take off with the help of a well known musician/musicologist. Eve enlists the help of Roarke, Pheeney, Peabody and Dr. Mira to crack the case.

I honestly didn't enjoy this one as much as I did the first three in the series. It was just a little too far fetched for me. I always enjoy the cast of characters. Roarke is as dreamy and perfect as ever. His love for Eve never fails to astonish or disappoint me. I will definitely read more in this series even though this wasn't my favorite.

This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild Kink
Series-This Man#1
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay

I really liked the premise of this book, even though the premise has flooded the market. I had bought the book awhile back so I felt obligated to read it.

Ava is an interior decorator somewhere in England and Jesse is an uber-rich man who hires her to decorate The Manor. She goes to meet him out of curiosity since his apparent tastes don't really match what he does. She finds him insanely attractive but a bit of a player. He finds her beautiful but aloof. She tries to back out of the job but he won't hear of it. This starts Jessie's pursuit and seduction of Ava.

Jesse is super controlling, stalkerish and obsessive. Some of those things I can deal with and others...no. I found him extremely alpha and not in a good way. While the sex was hot it felt way too quick. They were doing things Ava had never done right away. I just couldn't buy into it. My biggest complaint is totally a personal preference one. I hated his use of the word lady. I know the author is British but it grated my nerves so badly. I don't think I need to read anymore in this series.

Officer Off Limits by Tessa Bailey

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Line of Duty #3
Genre-Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Kay
250 pages

Story Brooks is a teacher in California. She's engaged to a doctor she doesn't really love. Said doctor breaks up with her and right after that she learns that her father has had a heart attack in New York. She goes there to see her dad and meets Daniel Chase. Daniel is a hostage negotiator like her father. Daniel and her father have a special relationship since her dad mentored Daniel. Jack (the dad) tells Daniel to stay away from Story because he's a man whore. He really really is. Daniel tries to honor Jack's order, for about five minutes.

I'll be honest, the last two books put together aren't as good as the first one. This book was okay but it didn't make me flush or blush. I love a dirty talking man and Daniel didn't talk dirty very much. There are a few things I've come to expect from Tessa Bailey and a filthy mouthed hero is one of them. Don't get me wrong, I will still read Tessa Bailey! I just wish the last two books were as good as the first.

Mine to Hold by Cynthia Eden

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Mine #3
Genre-Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Kay
265 pages

Claire Kramer is a complex woman. Considered fragile but also cunning. She's either broken or a calculating seductress. She has lost everything. Her mom and dad, her sister and for a moment, her sanity. After being in an abusive relationship, she found the courage to leave him. This led to the death of her parents by her ex. Then she lost her sister to murder. She doesn't like to be touched but Noah York wants to touch her, badly.

Noah York is a hotel chain owner, ex-military and a womanizer. He met Claire three months ago and has never forgotten her. He has his own demons to overcome. His own darkness to conquer. He only cares about his two friends and now Claire. She fills this need in him and he can't explain it. When she is stalked, he takes over her life.

I love this series. It has everything I really love. Suspense, really bad, bad guys, sizzling love scenes and a consuming love story. I have to say it again, please Cynthia Eden, never stop writing romantic suspense. This is totally your genre. These two characters had my interest at the close of her previous book and I was looking forward to their story. Now, I want Drake's story. Soon!

Half Moon Hill by Toni Blake

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Destiny #6
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
384 pages


Anna Romo is the sister of Mike and Lucky. She disappeared when she was young and reappeared some twenty years later, trying to reconnect with the family she lost. She was kidnapped by a woman who wanted a child so badly she was willing to steal someone else's. We first met Anna in the last book, when she tried to take Amy's man. She bought an old Victorian style house on the outskirts of Destiny. She has plans to turn it into a bed & breakfast. She has done all the interior work herself but needs to start on the exterior, where she'll need some help.

Duke Dawson is her brother's best friend and she finds him living in the woods by her home. Duke is an ex-biker with baggage and a very noticeable scar. He agrees to help Anna do the exterior and the unlikely couple start a physical relationship. He doesn't want anyone to know he's in Destiny and she helps him keep his secret.

I had to make myself get into this book and I'm glad I did. I love the other books in this series but I really didn't like Anna because of her behavior in the last book. I wasn't crazy about Duke either in this one because he was kind of an ass and a pussy. He treated Anna badly I thought, regardless of his reasoning. Their love built slowly and the love scenes were steamy. But in my opinion, the real love story was between Cathy and Robert. Cathy was the girl who grew up in the house Anna bought and Robert was her first love. I was transfixed by their story with its innocence and purity. When I found out what happened to each of them, I bawled. Tears just rolled down my face. So to make a long story long, I ended up really liking the final book in this series. Anyone who loves small towns and the stories that come with them, should read the Destiny series. It's with a heavy heart that I recommend it, as I am very sad to see it all end.

                       

Sheltered by Charlotte Stein

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
162 pages

Evie is a girl who has endured living with her abusive, religious nutcase father and her emotionally and mentally checked out mother. She attends a Bible college and tries to be a good girl. She sees herself as fat and too naive. She has these desires to be a normal young woman but lacks the nerve, in the beginning, to really do it.

Van is a punk, at least that's how Evie sees him at first. He is kind of an artsy guy. He's really tall, hairy and tattooed. He smokes pot and hangs out with the guy who lives next door to Evie. He notices the shy, reserved girl next door to his friend. As time goes on they talk and a relationship develops. We find out later that he has some money he got from his grandparent that he uses for college and rent.

This is my first book by Charlotte stein and I liked it. It kind of read almost YA except for the sex scenes. They were sweet but explicit. You could really feel the vulnerability of both lead characters. The innocence was precious. The love story touching if a bit rushed. It was short and sweet. I will definitely read more by this author. Thanks to Anne for mentioning this author.

Afterburn by Sylvia Day

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Afterburn & Aftershock #1
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
99 pages

Warning, this is a cliffhanger. I am disliking those more and more. However, I enjoyed this start to this series, a lot.

Jackson Rutledge is from a very wealthy, politically powerful family. I can't tell you what he does for a living. I don't know if it was mentioned but it's some sort of wheeling and dealing thing. He and Gia had a five week fling a few years ago and he ended by never calling again.

Gianna Rossi is from a restaurant family but she wants something related but different for herself. She and her family are close. She fell hard for Jax years ago and was very hurt by his actions. He shows up with her competition during a business meeting. This starts all sorts of feelings for Gia's emotions to deal with. Gia's not the same girl she was years ago and Jax is about to find that out.

Is Jax a changed man? Does he care for Gia or is he using her for inside information? I don't know yet but I can't wait to find out. This was a steamy and short read. I really enjoyed it.

Throwback Thursday- Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-In Death #3
Genre-Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Kay
322 pages

Eve Dallas' latest case hits a little too close to home. Her best friend, Mavis is accused of murdering a top fashion model who used to date Mavis' current boyfriend, Leonardo. Mavis had a few physical altercations with Pandora (the model), so when Pandora ends up dead, naturally Mavis is in trouble. Eve has to prove Mavis is innocent, she has to. So she enlists the help of Feeney (spell), Peabody, a illegals cop named Casto and Roark of course.

She goes into the most seedy clubs and meets sketchy characters all in her quest to prove Mavis' innocence. And all the while getting ready for upcoming wedding to Roark. What she doesn't realize is that proving her friend's innocence is just the beginning of this mystery.

I really do like this series more and more as I go on. I love the characters and the relationships that take place here. Eve is a tough bitch, Peabody, a straight laced, no nonsense cop, Feeney, comic relief and Roark is sigh worthy, as always. I have already started book four and look forward to the next mystery to be solved.

Adventure in Parenthood by Dawn Atkins

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
384 pages

Aubrey has a popular blog where she chronicles all the outdoorsy challenges that she attempts. She is all about taking a risk. Dixon works for a charity organization and is all about being safe and stable. He avoids risks at all costs. When Dixon's brother and sister-in-law (who happens to be Aubrey's sister) die in a car crash, Dixon suddenly finds himself responsible for his 4 year old twin nieces. Aubrey wants to help too. As attraction builds between Dixon and Aubrey, so does the tension surrounding Aubrey's lifestyle. Can she help Dixon give the girls the stable life they need?

This book seemed rather formulaic. Take a risk-avoiding character and throw them together with a risk-taking character. Throw in two cute little kids. Add a dash of risk-related conflict. Mix well. Top with a sprinkle of predictable ending.

In general, I don't mind a predictable read. There's something comfortable in reading something new, but yet somehow familiar. However, I didn't like the ending. I just can't see the characters being happy in the long term. It seemed like too much of a huge change for one of the characters, rather than a compromise of sorts.

Awakening by Elene Sallinger

Grade: B+
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: Moderate Kink
Genre: Contemporary, BDSM
Published: 11/5/13Reviewed by Kate

224 pages

Evan, local bookshop owner, lost his wife/submissive to cancer 10 years ago. He was so in love with his wife that he can't imagine loving anyone else. Claire is slowly entering the land of the living again after 1 year of self-imposed isolation following the breakup of her marriage. Her first adventure is to attend a book club meeting at Evan's bookshop. Evan's physical reaction to Claire is strong, but definitely unwanted. Then he overhears a conversation between Claire and a friend. He realizes Claire knows nothing about BDSM, but it may be exactly what she needs. What's a Dom to do?

Here's the thing, Evan's an ass. He really is. The way he deals with his attraction to Claire is avoidance. In fact for the first 1/3 of the book, Evan and Claire barely talk. But he's written in such a way that I completely got the ass-ishness and was okay with it.

Elene Sallinger has written strong characters with compelling stories. There is a unique tone to this story. A gradual build-up to a relationship here, rather than a 'first meeting equals first scene' pace that is usually seen in BDSM novels. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

A special note: References to Yoda and Harry Potter had my inner geek doing a happy dance!

M/M Monday - Wallflower by Heidi Belleau

Grade: B
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: Mild Kink
Genre: Contemporary, m/m

Series: Rear Entrance Video #2

Published: 10/21/13
Reviewed by Anne

206 pages

Rob is a college art student.  He's a very shy nerd and enjoys gaming online.  He's gay (but still in the closet) and he has a crush on one of his roomates (who happens to be straight.)  Rob just started working at Rear Entrance Video, a store that rents porn movies and sells sex toys.  He also fantasizes about dressing up like a woman and he's really not sure what to do with those thoughts.

 

Dylan is a confident, tall, and big man.  He's in one of Rob's classes, he frequents the video store and he's also gay.  

 

This story is about how Rob and Dylan meet and what happens between the two of them, but it is much more about Rob coming to terms with himself.  It was a story that grabbed me and I didn't want to put it down.  It was very interesting to think through how Rob felt as he considered spending time as "Bobby" and what that would and wouldn't mean to him.  It's not an easy path for Rob to walk; some of that is due to other people in his life, and some of it is due to his own hang ups.  

 

I enjoyed Rob/Bobby's growth throughout the story.  His choices on how to deal with things led to a precarious situation which was scariest because I could see how easily it could be true, and not without the happy ending this story had.  That was a sad reality to consider.  It was really a high to see Rob come to terms with himself, though - totally worth the angst that came before it!

 

I do imagine that this story was a little sweeter than real life would be for someone in Rob's situation.  Only one asshole picked on Bobby.  Of all his friends and relatives, only one had a hard time with him coming out.  Dylan and his parents were all very understanding of what Rob/Bobby was going though.  I think real life is probably a bit more painful.  That's not a criticism of the story, but a nod to the fact that this is the kind of HEA/HFN the book has.

 

The biggest criticism I have of the story is that the romance between Rob and Dylan felt very much like insta-love once they had sex.  They went from hating each other to loving each other pretty darn quickly.  I also found Dylan's nickname for Rob (Puny) to be annoying, but I know I'm being overly sensitive on that front.

 

I do have to give bonus points to any story with references to Twilight AND Flowers in the Attic.  It's also got a well adjusted and happy adopted character with adoptive parents who are lovely - all this while acknowledging the challenges of being adopted.

 

Overall this was a good read.  It made me think about gender in ways I hadn't before, and I enjoyed it.  The romance was a bit rushed, but it still worked for me.  I recommend this book and I think I've found a new author and new series on the m/m side of things.

Baiting the Boss by Coleen Kwan

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kate
184 pages

Company owner and CEO Lachlan sends his assistant Grace to find his grandson, and heir-apparent, Jack and bring him back to Sydney and the family business.  Grace finally tracks him down on a tropical island and all sorts of romance ensues.

I really liked the story. A lot.  It was a fun and easy and comfortable read, lacking any sort of external conflict (which I appreciate).  Like I said, I liked it a lot.  Until we get to the 96% mark.  [Jack, our hero, in typical hero fashion, has rudely pushed Grace away.  Then, also in traditional hero style, wants her back.  And he buys Grace her dream apartment that she's been saving up for for years.  And she accepts.  Before any words of love or commitment come from Jack.  This makes me feel like now she's his mistress and really pisses me off.  She was such a strong character, and this just didn't seem to fit at all. I wanted her to say she wouldn't accept the apartment.  And then change her mind after he admitted his love for her. (hide spoile  So what would have been an outstanding story (a B+ rating) quickly became only okay.

I do want to also note that while the sex scenes were steamy and hot, earning an inferno rating, there were only a few. I would have like to had more in the story.

I wouldn't hesitate to read more from Coleen Kwan, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one anyone who loves low-conflict romances with a touch of the tropics.  I just wish it had a different ending.

Everything Bared by Kristine Cayne

Grade-C+
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Moderate Kink
Series-Six-Alarm Sexy #2
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kate
268 pages

Dani Harris, a firefighter and search and rescue team member, has been part of the Caldwell family since the earthquake.  When she needs a place to stay, she ends up staying with straight-laced William Caldwell, CFO of the family business.  Dani knows she's William's opposite in almost every way, but she can't help but be attracted to him.  Can she trust him with her exhibitionism secret?

Kristine Cayne exceeds at writing strong characters. Dani is a feisty spitfire and William had layers to him that were slowly exposed. I loved both characters and enjoyed watching their story unfold. Many of Dani's initial conversations with William kept me in stitches.

There was a pony play scene in the book that left me a bit squicked out. I'm not a big suspense reader and there was a small component of suspense in this one that I didn't enjoy. But it's not a huge part of the story and not something so suspenseful that it kept me up at night.

The biggest downside for me was that I enjoyed the first book in this series so much that I probably went in with my expectations a bit high. And while this book is a very solid entry in the series, I still liked the first book better. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series because I've falllen in love with the way Kristine Cayne writes her characters.

Garrison's Creed by Cristin Harber

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Titan #2
Genre-Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Kay
280 pages

Cash and Nicola were raised together. Cash was Nicola's brother's best friend. Nicola had to enter witness protection and everyone thought she was dead. She became a CIA spy and she was pretty good at it. When Cash catches sight of Nicola through his sniper lens, he's floored. The woman he thought was dead, the only woman he has ever loved is alive.

Reading this book was fun and sexy. Very sexy. Cash is a doll. I can so see how Nic fell in love with him. All girls fall for a bad boy at one time or another. He was a man-whore. A slut really. I mean seriously. He's an alpha male without being an asshole. All the things I personally adore. Nicola was a tough chick and I enjoyed her character as well.

I would give this book three and half stars because I felt it drug in the middle a little too long and kind of lost me. It did pick up and I ended up enjoying It quite a bit. I definitely will read the rest of this series. I'm very intrigued about Sugar. Who doesn't love sugar? The suspense is great for a romantic suspense lover. And she chose his last name after her time in witness protection was over, sigh.