Once Upon A Billionaire by Jessica Clare

Grade-C-
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Billionaire Boys Club #4
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
261 pages

I had such high hopes for this book when I first started it. I love Jessica Clare books. It had a billionaire, a down on her luck but strong heroine, great sexual tension and a decent, if not far fetched premise. These are great things in a romance story but at sixty percent in it all fell apart for me.

Griffin, the hero, is a billionaire who belongs to a secret society of friends and a Viscount in his native country. He has to go home to his homeland for a family wedding. A royal family wedding. He would rather do anything other than that but family is family. His assistant comes down with the chicken pox and can't go with him. One of his friends' wives, who he doesn't get along with, offers him her husband's assistant for the trip. He's desperate, so he agrees.

Maylee is from Arkansas and the first person in her family to go to college and get a degree. She sends part of her paychecks back home to her family to give them a somewhat better life. She lives in an unsecured building in a hovel of an apartment. She doesn't have much but she's content with her life. When she gets the chance not only to earn doubletime but to travel, she's so very excited.

When these two meet, Griffin is a total asshat. He insults her at every turn even knowing that he desperately needs her help. To make matters even worse, he becomes attracted to her and still continues to belittle her. This happens through most of the book. At about sixty percent, I'd made my mind up that there would be no redemption for him in my eyes. Not even Jessica Clare's writing could make him likeable. Maylee was a precious heroine and I cried for her several times while reading this book. She was the one bright spot in this story. If you can stand a constantly cruel hero, give it a try.

Heaven's Sinners by Bella Jewell

Grade-B-
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-TheMC Sinners #2
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
262 pages

Spike is a biker and a widower. He lost his wife and unborn child when he got involved in some shady business dealings. This loss devastated him and then when his best friend, Ciara came out publically against him, it was even worse. He has his own MC (motorcycle club) and continuously tries to put the past behind him.

Ciara is Spike's former sister-in-law. She has loved him for as long as she can remember. She even loved him when she came out publically against him. She has been trying to make it up to him ever since.

This book pulled at me emotionally a lot. You have Spike's guilt for the loss of his wife and unborn child, his guilt for blaming Cade, his friend, and his abhorrent treatment of Ciara. What Ciara did, she did out of pain, what he did was unforgivable, almost. There was alot of clearing the past here. I mean you meet these two people in the first book of the series but you don't know the whole story until now. I liked Spike a little in book one but I loved Ciara. Her life was a life of never being good enough for her parents or her sister. Their treatment of her was abusive emotionally in my opinion. You also have Spike's need for revenge against the man who killed his pregnant wife. And most importantly, the story of two very damaged people, who loved each other all along, learning the value of self responsibility and forgiveness.

If you want a hot and I mean hot book, read this book. You need to read the first one too. In this book though, you get a group of hot bikers, a heroine who likes to be a little bad and hero with spikes pierced up his you know what that he likes women to take out with their teeth. Anne, I know you want to know about these spikes.

Britton by Abby Niles

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-The Awakening #3
Genre-Paranormal
Reviewed by Kay
200 pages

I was very unsure of this book when I started reading it. The blurb sounded good but with paranormal being my least favorite genre, I was cautious.

In Carnal Ridge, yes that's the name of the town, they have a shifter police department. Val is a half-shifter, meaning she can't shift. That power is only for the males of the species. She inherited the position of being in charge after the leader at that time was demoted. His name is Britton and he is a full shifter. Oh, and they hate each other. While he flirts with every woman in the department, he saves his hatefulness for Val. That's okay with Val because she can't stand him but wonders what she has done to make him hate her. I know hate is a strong word but his reactions to seeing her are described with words like cringing and revulsion.

These two are assigned a case together when things are needed that go beyond what Val's abilities are. This is where it gets interesting. See, Britton has had his beast forced into dormancy because of a decision he made that allowed him to be seen as a shifter in front of humans. A twenty year sentence without his beast. But for this case he will get a serum injection that allows his beast to come forth so he can track a child shifter that has been kidnapped by a possible extremist group. With his full capabilities, he is able to track down leads to this case. He also notices that Val isn't as bad as he thought. She's even attractive he notices as he checks out her ass one day.

This was an interesting read after the reason he was repulsed by her was explained. The kidnapping plot made sense but was overall kind of weak in my opinion. I may catch up on this series later but not right now. Abby Niles has a good voice and I would like to read her again but preferably in a non-paranormal genre.

                      

Twice the Temptation by Beverley Kendall

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-The Temptresses #1
Genre-Regency Historical
Reviewed by Kay
364 pages

Catherine is an English woman with questionable breeding lines. Her half brother is an entitled man so she and her twin sister were somewhat welcomed by the Ton. She tries to be a proper woman, kind of. She's in love with Lucas Beaumont, an American who is a friend of her sister's At the beginning of the story, Lucas has to go home to America to handle some family issues. She's dejected and heart broken because she thinks that means Lucas doesn't feel about her the same way she does him.

She and her two friends devise a scheme to help other young women who are about to enter marriage to test the fidelity of their betrotheds. They are actually very good at it with good results, depending on how you view it. All three woman are beautifully and elegant, so the men of the Ton fall for them time after time. Lucas unexpectedly returns to England to claim Catherine as his own. She then finds out that he proposed to her sister years earlier. Being an identical twin and people viewing them as interchangeable has made Catherine weary.

This was a cute premise and a good story. It dragged on because of the stupidity of both leads. I understood both of their hang ups. My big problem was Lucas. He was a royal ass to her one time. The made love and then he simply walked away. He knew he was walking away even though he made love to her. He even said afterwards that he made love to her knowing it was over and then told her to let him know if there were any consequences to their actions! This made my blood boil! He loved her and treated her this way!

I love Beverley Kendall's historicals and will continue to read her but this hero was an asshat!

Rebellion by Serena Grey

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-A Dangerous Man #2
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
80 pages

This books starts right where the other book finished. It too is a novella.

David and Sophie are married and headed to where David lives. Sophie is totally enthralled with her new surroundings but David is as aloof as ever with other people. Especially regarding Sophie. The physical part of their relationship is wonderful but she wants to spend more time with him. Get to know him better but his work schedule won't allow it. She spends her days drawing, getting her makeup done, and dealing with her personal shopper.

During her turn with the personal shopper, she finds out that all the people she has come in contact with have had to sign a non-disclosure agreement regarding her. This is just another of the many red flags that come up about their relationship. She loves David but he won't say the same. Her insecurities from her past almost choke her.

Why did he marry her? Who is this Carole? Why does he hate his mother? Why is he apprehensive about them being seen together in public? Is he as dangerous as people say he is? Will he ever love her?

I'm going to read book three now and I hope I get some answers. There are copious amounts of sex in this book, which I love. If you want to read a series that's about the same couple but not a long book commitment, try this one.

Blue Lines by Toni Aleo

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Assassins #4
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay

Piper Allen loves Erik Titov. She has wanted him for a long time. She knows the kind of man he is. He's a womanizer through and through. She can't seem to get over him, maybe because she sees him constantly. Being that he is her brother-in-law's brother, it adds to the trickiness of her feelings. Then one night, they go home together from a bar and have wild hot sex. She never hears from him again. Then she realizes she's late and takes a test where it comes up blue lines or positive. She tried to get a hold of him but he never called her back. So at six months pregnant she goes to his home and drops the news on him.

I really liked so much about this book. I loved the depth of Piper's love for Erik. I loved seeing the characters from the other books. I loved Erik's parents. I loved the fluidity of the writing. My big problem was Erik. He was a complete douche bag. On every level. So very selfish and cruel. Through almost 90% of the book I felt he was beyond redemption. Really. I truly wanted Piper to move on from him. I know his backstory and as horrific as it was, I just couldn't handle his cruelty. It kept this book from being a five star read for me. I don't think I have ever read almost a whole book hating the main character. When I was done reading, I only barely liked him.

Toni Aleo is my favorite new author of the past year. I love her books and can't wait to read them. She wrote an almost completely beyond redemption lead male character and made you at least like him. She is a true writing talent and an auto-read for me. Her books are always a bit of an emotional roller coaster, which I love. The acknowledgement section at the end of the book broke my heart. I'm so very sorry for your loss, Mrs. Aleo as I am also a motherless daughter.

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.

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.

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!

Mine To Keep by Cynthia Eden

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

Where to start, where to start? I read the first book in this series and thought it was just okay. Let me say that I love Cynthia Eden whether it's her paranormal books or her Deadly series. So, I was kind of disappointed with the first book. But this one was fantastic! I loved it in a BIG way.

Trace Weston is a former black-ops soldier, foster child and now a billionaire security specialist. Don't let the billionaire thing turn you off. It totally worked in this book. He met Skye Sullivan in one of his foster homes and he saved her from an attempted rape. The two of them fell in love then. Then Trace disappeared for ten years. Skye went looking for him when she was being stalked and Trace helped her.

In this book it's someone from Trace's past in the military that is stalking them both. This book continues their love story and their struggles to overcome their pasts. Secrets are everywhere here. Skye wants Trace to open up about his past and he doesn't want to for fear that she can't handle the darkness that lives inside him if he tells her.

A lot went on in this story. Love, action, plot twists, new character introductions, heart pounding suspense and tons of hot sex. Really hot sex. Cynthia Eden has really hit her stride with this book. I simply can not wait until the next book comes out!

The Secret Heir of Sunset Ranch Charlene Sands

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

The Cast

Justin: Ass-hat who lost a bet and had to pretend he was Brett for a weekend-and while he was at it, decided to sleep with Kat as Brett. Son of the wealthy Slade family.

Brett: Justin's soldier buddy who died in the line of duty, was raised by his Aunt Mattie. Had never met, much less slept with Kat.

Kat: Slept with Brett (who was really Justin), then found out she was pregnant. Was raised in an extremely poor and abusive household. Wants better for her son. A reformed gold digger. Currently living with Aunt Mattie.

Aunt Mattie: Brett's aunt. Lost her husband and her nephew-both had been in the military. The news of her nephew's death caused a heart attack, leaving her in a fragile health state.

Connor: Young son of Kat and Justin. A model baby, always sleeping when the story requires it.


The Plot

Justin returns home after his stint in the military is finished. He heads over to Brett's aunt's house to confess his guilt over Brett's death. When he arrives, he discovers Kat living there with Connor, the son he didn't know about. Aunt Mattie believes Connor is her nephew's son. Kat pleads with Justin to not reveal Connor's paternity as Aunt Mattie's health is too fragile to handle such a blow. Justin reluctantly agrees, but demands to be a part of Connor's life.

This was a book about secrets. Everyone seemed to have at least one huge skeleton in their closet. Starting off with Justin's "Brett's not my name" secret, it was just one secret after another.

It was also a book about money. How having money or not having money can lead to different motivations. Justin is not afraid to throw his money around. Kat struggles to not chase after money.

Secrets and money are not a good combination for me. I can handle one or the other, but when you put them together, it gets too soap opera-ish for me. And that's what this book read like. A soap opera. The characters seemed a bit like stock characters. A hero with money and a secret. Check. A heroine with a secret and no money. Check. I just couldn't connect with either of them and their conflict didn't pull me in either.

Obviously, secrets and money don't work for me as a combination. Do you have any combinations that don't work for you, but are okay individually?

Because You Are Mine by Beth Kery

Grade: B+
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: High Kink
Genre: Contemporary, BDSM

Series: Because You Are Mine #1-8

Published: March 2013
Reviewed by Kate

400 pages 

 

Ian, über-richy rich Dom, is an ass.  He's all about control.  Controlling his business, controlling his employees, controlling every aspect of his life.  He has no time or interest in love.  Francesca, sweet, innocent Francesca is a painter.  She's won a contest to paint a painting for Ian's newest building.  And, being this is a romance, sparks of attraction fly when they first meet.  But despite being in control of his life, Ian can't control the way his thoughts keep returning to Francesca.  So what's a poor controlling Dom to do?  Ian will control everything about their sexual interactions, including when their interludes will end.  He acknowledges that they will both probably get hurt, but he just can't turn away.  In exchange, Francesca will get pleasure and experience.  But just when Ian has reached the pinnacle of asshood, you discover why he is the way he is, and you, along with Francesca, fall in love with him.

 

I don't think I've ever been so enthralled by such an ass of a hero before, but I really just couldn't stop reading.  Francesca manages to walk that fine line between submission and doormat.  The author does a good job of showing us the torment Ian faces in his relationship with Francesca.  How he's trying to protect his heart and trying to not be a complete ass.

 

This was originally written and released in 8 separate parts.  I'm glad that I read the complete novel, because I can't imagine having to wait for the next installment to be released.  I'm not of huge fan of serialization as I tend to get sucked in and end up spending too much time and money on the whole series.

 

Do you have any serializations to recommend?  Are you a fan of the format or not?

Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Grade-A
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level- Moderate Kink
Series- Dark-Hunter #23
Genre-Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by Kay
836 pages

Back many months ago when I read the blurb for this book, my heart raced. I'll admit I was a little tentative about a book featuring Styxx, but the blurb says that we only know half of the story. If you don't want to read a review with spoilers stop now.
Here's a little refresher on this very long series. Styxx is the identical twin to Acheron except for the eyes. They shared a womb even though they were not blood related. I'm not going to summarize all the details to Ash's (Acheron) conception and subsequent birth. Just know that Ash was put in a queen's womb who was already pregnant as a way to protect Ash from those who were hunting him. See, Ash is the son of the Destroyer and he can bring an end to the world.
In Ash's book, we learn of his birth and life up until this point. He and his twin, Styxx hated each other. Ash was made to suffer atrocities that no one should suffer, especially a small child. We all developed a hatred so intense for the golden child, Styxx. But in this book, we realize that we only knew Ash's story. Styxx's story was in my opinion even worse. Not only was it over one hundred pages longer but it was almost double the size of Ash's back story. A back story that had me either too stunned to cry or sobbing uncontrollably. I won't say anything more about the back story other than you have to read it to truly know the story and the ultimate betrayals that take place.
The most beautiful part of this book is the love story between Styxx and Bethany. It was so precious and innocent. Styxx is the future king of his country and became a true war hero and a master strategist. His one and only true love was a blind girl who he met when she was fishing.
He didn't realize that his love was really the Goddess of Misery as she didn't realize he was Prince Styxx.
I don't want to give away too much about the book. Just read it even though it is 836 pages long. It moves quickly and I devoured it in less than 48 hours. I'll end this review with my favorite quotes from the book.
"Never once in my life did I feel the sunshine on my skin until the day you touched me."
"And without my Bethany, I dwell in total darkness."
"It's not fair that we're forced to live without them while the world goes on, oblivious to the fact that it's missing the most vital part of it."
"I let go of your hand eleven thousand, five hundred thirty nine years, one hundred and eighty three days and roughly ten hours give or take a few mintues ago."
"You really did count the heartbeats."
"Oh Beth, you have no idea."
This time Styxx knew that nothing would ever separate them again. And if anyone or anything was dumb enough to try they were going to learn the lesson he had given both Archon and Apollo. Styxx of Didymos fought for what he wanted. He didn't back down. He didn't give up. He didn't lose. Even if it meant coming back from the dead, he wouldn't be stopped and he would never again live without his most vital part. Bethany.

Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard

Grade-D
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Gabriel's Inferno #1
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
545 pages

Gabriel Emerson is a college professor whose specialty is Dante, from Dante's Inferno fame. He teaches a class based on Dante. He was adopted by a wonderful family that loved him and treated him very well. He has temper issues, former drug abuse issues and man-whoring issues. Not to mention he's kind of a douche.

Enter Julia Mitchell, college student trying to specialize in all things Dante. She has a past with Gabriel, which he doesn't remember. She has loved him for years upon years. Her past is troubled also. Her mother was negligent with her raising of Julia, her father was emotionally unavailable for her and she had an ex-boyfriend who was emotionally and physically abusive to her. So her self image definitely needed work.

This book started out so good. Julia was a meek, sweet character you rooted for. Gabriel was an ass in the beginning to her and everyone else. About three fourths of the way through the book I wanted to stop but figured I'd went this far, so I had to finish. This book was WAY too wordy! The relationship built nicely but fizzled epically at the one, yes one sex scene. It wasn't even descriptive, I mean at all. My biggest complaint though was that the two main characters were both so very weak and whiny that I wanted to slap them both. I won't go on to the next book.

Forged In Steele by Maya Banks

Grade-B-
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-KGI #7
Genre-Military Romantic Suspense
384 pages

Jackson Steele is part of KGI, which is a military group, kind of. The only things he cares about are his team, his friends and his missions. He's stoic, reserved and kind of an ass. After an almost screwed up mission, he ends up at a doctor's office. He sees Maren, who his team helped rescue a while back. He is extremely attracted to her and has been for quite some time. He decides to indulge his fantasies about her while they are stuck there for the night. He figures he can get her out of his system and move on.

Maren Scofield is a doctor in a third world country. This has always been her dream and she thoroughly enjoys living it. Her only complaint is that the area's drug lord sends his minions to persuade her to go out with him. Then her fantasy man shows up and needs medical attention, which she is only too happy to provide. They have a hot, no strings attached night and he leaves. A few days later, he's back for more time together, only to be called for a mission where he has to leave immediately. Maren disappears and that's the back drop for the story.

I love the KGI series and Maya Banks. I love Steele and have been waiting for this book to come out.
I liked this book a lot but it was kind of sappy. Their love just kind of happened without much build up. He went from over the top alpha male to just a man in love. It just didn't ring all the way true for me. I still enjoyed it and look forward to Donovan's book.

'Twas the Night After Christmas by Sabrina Jeffries

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-Non Kink
Series-Hellions of Halstead Hall #6
Genre-Historical
Reviewed  by Kay

Lord Devonmont, Pierce Waverly is summoned home to his estranged mother because of a message he received from her companion. He thinks she is deathly ill and that is the only reason he comes to check on the mother that basically disowned him. He was raised by his cousins and their family. When he gets there, he finds her in good health and is furious. Her companion, Camilla Stewart will now face his wrath.

Camilla Stewart is a widow with a small son, Jasper. She enjoys her job and spending time with Lady Devonmont. She hates to see her ladyship so lonely for her son. She knows they're estranged and assumes its all Pierce's fault. She's also dreading the confrontation she knows is coming for sending a false missive.

This book just never clicked for me. It wasn't bad, just not great. The hero was an ass! Truly! Almost everything he said was gruff and hateful. I know he had abandonment issues but come on, he was in his thirties. He came off as spoiled. I did like the heroine and supporting characters. The heat level was sub-par and coupled with my dislike of the hero, the book never really got off the ground for me.

Taken by Kelli Maine

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Series-Give&Take #1
Reviewed by Kay

Rachael DeSalvo has a chance at getting her dream job. She memorized everything she needed to know to land the job. She has the interview by webcam with the CEO and gets the job! You flash forward a little and she is out on the town celebrating with her friends. She sees a guy who looks familiar and he approaches her. He buys her a drink and then things go from fuzzy to black. She wakes up in a room she doesn't know surrounded by things she doesn't recognize. She does however recognize the man from the bar. She puts two and two together and realizes she was ruffied. Her captor is none other than the CEO of the company she interviewed with.

Merrick Rocha has been obsessed with Rachael since their interview and watched her from afar since she had to turn down the job. He is obviously very wealthy and used to getting what he wants. Her turning down the job she so desperately wanted intrigued him so much that he kidnapped her. He wants to possess her. Oddly enough, he also wants her help to re-do an old hotel they discussed at her interview.

Okay, first, the creep factor with the kidnapping almost did the book in for me. I have already read Captive in Dark and refused to read Truth, both of these books have similar themes in them. I tried to wrap my brain around it all the way through the book. I couldn't grasp the love of this old hotel being the reason he kidnapped her. That being said, watching his attempts at redemption and winning her trust were entertaining. It was said in the book that she always thought he was attractive and therefore attracted to him. She battled with herself and her feelings regarding him through a lot of the book.

I won't call this a sweet romance but they were happy by the end of the book. There was a little suspense, a lot of creepy, great love scenes once they got started and an HEA. The journey to get there was a little rough. I haven't decided if I'll read more of the series yet

The Warrior by Margaret Mallory

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Series-Return of the Highlanders #3
Reviewed by Kay

This is the final chapter in this saga, I think.  It is the story of Duncan and Moira. They grew up together in their clan. Moira's brother is Duncan's best friend. They had a love affair as teens but due to the different stations in life they had, once their affair was exposed, they were separated. Duncan was sent to France and Moira was married off to an Irish chieftain. Flash forward seven years and we find Duncan sent to check on Moira now that her brother is in a fight for his title. Moira's life is not all its cracked up to be.

I don't want to give any of the surprises away in the story so I'll stop there. I love this series and this story. I love the trope of the brother's best friend and the sister. There was a great deal of emotion in this story. It's a great example of enduring love and the importance of family. I can't recommend it enough. I've read everything this author has written and will continue to do so.

Taken By Him by Red Garnier

 

Grade-A
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Series-The Billionaire's Club #2
Reviewed by Kay

This second installment in the Billionaire's Club features the man-whore, Luke Alexander Preston and executive Peyton Lane. They both are on a hiatus from their regular lives. Luke, from sleeping with everything that moves and rehabbing from a gunshot wound. Peyton wanted a vacation so she could do something she has never done, have a fling with a man she's not likely to run into in the circles she keeps.

She meets Luke after he runs into her literally. From there they are hyper aware of one another. A fling starts that will end in two or three days time with no strings attached. This story worked for me so much. It was funny, a little sad and a whole lot sexy. Very descriptive love scenes, a favorite of mine. This was a short read and there could've been more story but with this for some reason I didn't care about that. I will definatley be reading the other books in this series and may go through the author's backlist. This is on my best of 2013 list.

Rush by Maya Banks

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-High Kink
Series-Breathless #1
Reviewed by Kay

Gabe Hamilton is a very wealthy business man who even conducts his love life like a business. With signed contracts and everything. He has lusted after his best friend's sister for a loooong time. She has always been forbidden fruit for a variety of different reasons, his best friend would kill him, she's 14 years his junior and his preferences in the bedroom.

Mia Crestwell is not as innocent as Gabe thinks she is. She was raised by her brother after their parents' deaths, so they have a very close relationship. She has wanted Gabe for as long as she can remember and she finally got her chance and ran with it.

Gabe asks Mia for a relationship that she has to sign a contract for. I understood why he thought that was necessary but ewww! How utterly unromantic. He may have fought his feelings for her but as the  reader, we can see he loves her. So to treat her the way he does in this book was ridiculous. I never warmed to him as the hero or them as a couple. She was a bit too timid for me and he was an ass. Totally without a chance for redemption for me. When he tries to let other men touch her...OMG!
Ass! I love Maya Banks books, all contemporaries and historicals. I liked parts of the book and will continue the series even though I have issues with this one.