Taken By The Hero by Stella Rose

Grade-D
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild Kink
Series-Taken to the Edge
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
30 pages

I wanted something short and sweet and got this instead. This was a teaser to what I assume is an on-going story line. I blame myself for not reasearching this more but it was a freebie, so I thought what the hell.

Mercy Martin has wanted Hunter Green, yes that's his name and yes I did giggle, since she was twelve. He has been her brother's best friend for her whole life. When he gets back from his tours in the Middle East, she figures it's time for him to notice her and she throws herself at him.

Hunter Green, giggle, notices her alright. He sees she's all grown up but two important things stop him from taking what she's offering. First, she's his best friend's sister and he has desires he's sure will make her uncomfortable. He does engage in some fondling and kissing in public though. Three different times where anyone could see them and twice within view of her parents.

I'm not saying the sex in the book was boring because that was the best part of this story. But seriously, who has sex where their brother or parents could see? Ewww, gross. Not to mention, who would you call to bail you out if you got arrested for indecent exposure? There were a couple of other things that bothered me with this story. It seemed like it almost scene jumped without warning. Also, it talks about him being a Marine and two sentences later she sees his picture with his Navy uniform on. I know you can serve in different branches of the military but I don't recall a mention of any Navy service.

I might in the future try to read something else by this author but I want something with a little more chemistry between the characters and more consistency with the writing.

Staking His Claim by Tessa Bailey

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild Kink
Series-Line of Duty #5
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay

Matt Donovan is a sniper with the ESU (police department). He's a very solitary soul despite his friends constantly luring him to be more social. He keeps to himself because he feels if his friends find out what really goes on in his kind, they would think he's a freak. He gets roped into transporting his best friend, Brent's little sister and her friend to New York for a visit. He does it to be a nice guy beacuse Brent is busy with wedding plans.

Lily Mason is a little bit of a free spirit. Or atleast she used to be. She's a college graduate with several job offers. Job offers she plans to put to good use to help her brother out financially. Her best friend decides to spend the weekend with her boyfriend instead of accompanying Lucy to New York. When she sees Matt Donovan she's overwhelmed by him and extremely attracted. Matt has never seen a picture of her and she knows he would never make a play on his best friend's little sister, so she introduces herself by her friend's name.

Matt likes what he sees in Brent's sister's friend. A lot. She also sending the vibes he wants to explore with her. He's hesitant because of his darker needs (his thoughts not mine). They have a scorching hot few hours together on their way to New York. But lies always come to the surface and Lucy's blows up in her face. This leaves her wondering if they have a chance at being more than a fling.

To say I was disappointed to find out Matt had Dom tendencies would be an understatement. I've been waiting for his book. I didn't hate the book but I didn't love it. Let me say that it was easy to read which I have come to expect from Tessa Bailey. I'm not sorry I bought or read this book, it just wasn't my favorite being that any BDSM storyline leaves me a little bit skeeved out. Still good characters, great humor, tremendous foul mouthed dialogue and scorching sex scenes. I can't wait to see what she gives us next but please Tessa no more Dom related stuff.

10 Ways To Handle The Best Man by Heidi Rice

Grade-B-

Hotness Level-Blaze

Kink Level-Mild Kink

Genre-Contemporary

Reviewed by Kate

112 pages

 

Sabrina Millard has taken on the monumental task of organizing her best friend's wedding, including the groom's half-brother Connor McCoy. But can Connor and Sabrina control the sparks flying between them until after the wedding?

 

If you're looking for a low-conflict, fun and flirty read, this is the one. Right from the start, you get the tension that develops between Connor and Sabrina. With phrases such as "orgasma-geddon" that had me laughing out loud, this book kept me turning the pages until I reached the end.

 

My one complaint was with how fast the characters jumped into the BDSM aspects of their relationship. I prefer the hero and heroine to have some on-page discussion about what's going to happen BDSM-wise, but there seemed to be zero conversation between Connor and Sabrina. That's probably just a personal preference of mine and may not bother most readers. If you can get past that, you'll enjoy this one a lot.

His To Possess: Perfect Storm by Opal Carew

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild Kink
Series-His To Possess #3
Genre-Contemporary, BDSM lite
Reviewed by Kay

Dane and Jessica's physical relationship is still progressing nicely at the onset of this book. They actually get caught having sex at work by her friend, Melissa. But since Dane's body was in front of hers, her identity isn't known. She ends up admitting to Melissa it was her.

I enjoyed this book even though nothing much happened in it. I like Dane and Jessica. They truly seem to have some kind of connection and its enjoyable to read about.

I hate that I have to wait until the next installment. There was quite a cliffhanger at the end of the book. Let me just say, that Rafe showed back up!

His To Possess: The Morning After by Opal Carew

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-His to Possess #2
Genre-Contemporary, BDSM lite
Reviewed by Kay
44 pages

This book starts right where the other one ended. Jessica is mortified that the man she had a one night stand is now her boss. They try to have a hands off professional relationship. Dane lets her know that he's willing to have a sexual relationship with her whenever she wants.

The two of them begin talking to each other about their pasts and relationships. Hers with Storm and his with his brother, Rafe. Rafe is out of town and he and Dane haven't spoken in ahwile.

This realtionship progresses nicely and quickly. Jessica emphasizes that she wants only a physical relationship with Dane. She's not ready for anything else at this this time. Jessica gets a phone call from her mom that says Storm is looking for her and has her phone number.

I liked this book better than the first. It seemed to move a little smoother for me. Still intriguing and with very hot sex scenes. I'm interested to see when Dane approaches her about his interest in a Dom/sub relationship.

Tie Me Down by Tracy Wolff

Grade-DNF
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild Kink
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
296 pages

This book should've been so good. It is erotic romantic suspense, two of my favorite things.

Genevieve is a New Orleans homicide detective who knows there's a serial killer loose in her city. The problem is that her superior doesn't believe her. She knows its just a matter of time until he kills again. She picks up a stranger in a bar and they have a no holds barred night of sex. She finds out the next day that he has old articles about her life and these open sex cases. She was looking for a shirt of his to wear since he tore hers to shreds the night before. Needless to say, she gets the hell out of there while he out getting breakfast.

Cole is an award winning documentary director. His sister was murdered years ago when she moved to New Orleans. He comes to town to do a movie and to see Genevieve. He wants to help in her investigation in hopes he finds his sister's killer. He is her one night stand from the bar.

It sounds fantastic doesn't it? I just never worked for me and tried to read it not once but twice. I love romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. I love hot sex in my books and lots of it. This book was pretty much all sex. Wait, at least the part  that I read. This was a DNF for me, which is rare, and never in the romantic suspense category. I wouldn't say this is a bad book for everybody but it just wasn't for me.

Free Agent by Roz Lee

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Moderate Kink
Genre-Contemporary/BDSM
Series-Mustangs Baseball #0.5
Reviewed by Kay
65 pages

Todd is a Major League Baseball player with the Dallas Mustangs. He thinks he needs more money and a better deal for his future. He likes his teammates and the city but feels it's ran its course. He is also a Dom, something most people don't know. He's also become bored with the usual subs he's been around. He hardly goes out much less to his Dungeon of choice. One of his friends talks him into going to the Dungeon one night and he sees Brooke.

Brooke is a successful bakery business owner in Dallas. She also knows she's a sub. She wants a relationship with the right Dom. She sees Todd from across the room and brings herself off in front of him. Then she abruptly leaves the club. This starts a cat and mouse game that changes both of them.

This is a short story of two people who find exactly what there looking for in each other. I liked it but didn't love it. A little too heavy on the BDSM stuff for me but it was a freebie so I took a chance. I would read more by this author and this series.

Burn by Maya Banks

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild Kink
Series-Breathless #3
Genre-Contemporary Erotic Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Kay
353 pages

This is Ash's book and I've been so excited to read it. I even read it in book form and that's saying a lot because I see much better in ebook format. I loved this story so much because I've been intrigued by Ash and I felt a little sorry for him after Jace's book. I desperately wanted him to have his HEA and he certainly got it! He saw Josie across the park and knew right then that he had to have her, that she was different. Oh, he fought for about two seconds, stupid boy! They were kindred souls despite their vast differences.

They start their relationship quickly and no holds barred. Sex starts soon and continues very frequently, thank god! There was good hot sex in this book. I enjoyed the fact that even though she was submissive, she still had a backbone and didn't let Ash walk all over her. I hope somehow she writes a book about Brittney, Ash's sister. I'd like to read about her. I'm kind of sad that this is supposedly the end of the trilogy. I enjoyed it and this is my favorite story of the three.

The Submissive by Tara Sue Me

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Moderate Kink
Series-The Submissive Trilogy #1
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
304 pages

This is a story about a woman who wants to submit to a man and a Dom who is willing to test her. Abby researched Nathaniel, a known Dom because she wanted to experience her own submissiveness. And Nathaniel had the reputation to be very good at teaching submissives. He gave her his requirements that went as far as an exercise plan and diet guidelines. Abby was thrilled with most of it. The relationship that unfolds is kind of a roller coaster ride between which Nathaniel she gets at which time. Cold and detached or tender and sweet Nathaniel.

I have read other reviews and this is said to be fan-fiction. I really don't care because I enjoyed the book just like I did with the 50 Shades books. It was a story about two people who just might end up being exactly what the other needs and that's enough for me. I liked the characters and the sex was HOT! I will definitely read more of this series.

Masters At Arms by Kallypso Masters

Grade-A
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild Kink
Series-Rescue Me #1
Genre-Contemporary Military BDSM Romance
Reviewed by Kay
166 pages

Warning to those that don't know, this is a prequel to the series. I didn't have a problem with that though. I found it engaging, well written and enthralling. I can't wait to read this series!

This story is done in parts but a summary is that these three men joined the military for various reasons and suffered tragic losses, both military and personal. They formed a bond serving together and continued that bond after their tours were over. They realized they all had Dom tendencies and opened a fetish club in Denver. There are more characters to be introduced as the series goes on I think.

I don't want to give anything away so that's all I can say. Read this series and become addicted like me. My only thought is that I hope I can handle all the BDSM that's surely coming my way. Oh, and I wish Marc's story wasn't first because I really want to read about Damian and Adam first. I guess I better warn the hubby about the money we will be missing when I buy them.

Thanks to Kate and my friend Mindy for suggesting this series and for warning about what's to come.

Highlander Taken by Juliette Miller

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Moderate Kink
Series-Clan Mackenzie #2
Reviewed by Kay

Let me explain the hotness level thing first for this book. Inferno is our hottest rating and for good reason but you generally don't find it in historical romance. At least, not in the historicals I read. I have very specific guidelines for historical romance and erotica has no place there for me. There were multiple sexual situations in this book but no penetrating sex until the end of the book but scenes of non-penetrating sex were explicit as well as some bondage and spanking with a leather strap. That's where the inferno rating comes from.

Kade Mackenzie has to wed for an alliance to strengthen his clan's army and holdings. He is a third son. His oldest brother is widowed and not ready to remarry yet. His second brother was all but betrothed and then met his meant to be bride, so his betrothal to a Morrison daughter had to be broken. In come Kade and Stella Morrison to fill the vacancy spot the broken engagement left. Kade has desired Stella even before he met her because she had a feisty reputation. When he sees her, he falls for her beauty. He accepts the fact they have to get married and looks forward to his marriage bed.

Stella Morrison has been abused by her father or his men physically for years. She looks like her dead mother and her father for some reason takes his grief out on Stella. She doesn't want the marriage but wants to protect her clan. She has heard her husband is a beast, so she is apprehensive to say the least.

I liked this book but not as much as I wanted to. I wanted to love it. It drug a little in the middle for me. Good story telling otherwise. My big problems with it were no full blown sex until the end of the book and in one sex scene he used a leather strap on her. The later is not my cup of tea. Personal preference but I rate based on what I like and I did not like that part. Good voice of the author and she'll probably get better as she goes on.

Short Rides by Lorelei James

Grade-B+
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Moderate
Series-Rough Riders #14.5
Reviewed by Kay

Let me start by saying that this will be a joint review between Kate and I. We have each done a review with Anne but not one together. I'm super excited about it! We'll each give our reviews, a list of our faves of the series and our not so much faves. I hope you enjoy the review as much as we enjoyed the book and writing it.

This novel has three separate parts-

The King Of Hearts is about Cam McKay who is the deputy of this hometown since his discharge from the armed services. He was badly wounded and ended up with part of one leg and hand amputated. On Valentine's Day there is a murder suicide committed and he is on the scene. It was very disturbing because of the nature and brutality of the crime. It also talked about PTSD and getting treatment for it. It was okay for me but a little preachy about gun control. I did enjoy his scenes with the kiddos.

Rough Road was about Trevor, Edgard and Chassie Glazner. They are a committed triad. If you are unfamiliar with that, it means they are all lovers in a committed relationship. They all have children together and raise them together. This story deals with prejudice against their lifestyle involving their son. He's bullied by a child at school and he questions his parents about what the "F" words means.
I do want to point out that the parents of the bully were worst case opinion people. Not every one who disagrees with someone's lifestyle is a jerk about it. I loved the support they got from their extended family and the lovely vacation they got to take.

All Knocked Up is about Jack and Keely Donohue who are awaiting the arrival of baby number one. Between work schedules and pregnancy hormones it's a wild ride. The bonus to this story is that we get multiple babies!

I enjoyed all three stories and can't wait for the next installment in this wonderful series.

My personal favorites in order are (I didn't rate the novellas):
Raising Kane
All Jacked Up
Cowgirls Don't Cry
Chasin' Eight
Rough, Raw and Ready
Kissin' Tell
Branded As Trouble
Cowgirl Up And Ride
Tied Up, Tied Down
Long Hard Ride
Shoulda Been A Cowboy
Rode Hard, Put Up Wet
Cowboy Casanova
Gone Country

Don't get me wrong, I liked them all but some more than others. Now, on to Kate.

What does a series that already has 14 full length books (#15 is slated to be released on 6/18) and 2 novellas need? *waiving hand in the air* OOH, ooh, pick me. I know. An anthology containing a short story and two novellas!

King of Hearts featuring  Cam and Domini left me feeling a bit flat. It gives a glimpse of their home life, but it was lacking the heat that I've come to expect from a Rough Riders book.   D, blaze

Rough Roads revisits Chassie, Trevor and Edgard as they celebrate their anniversary and deal with issues their oldest son is having at school. I loved this one.  B+, inferno

All Knocked Up follows Jack and Keely through the end of her first pregnancy. This one made me laugh out loud. B, inferno.

For those of us waiting for the next installment in the Rough Riders series these stories will help fill the void and pass the time. I'm curious to find out how many of you are riding the Rough Riders train? What was your favorite book so far?

Kate's favorites in order:

I've not listed them before and it was funny because some of them I actually felt my lip curl just reading the title. And Kissin' Tell would have been a few spots lower on the list except for Lorelei James' masterful use of a trampoline :) Makes me smile every time I think about it. I'm curious to know what your favorites are.

1. Rough, Raw and Ready
2. Raising Kane
3. Tied Up, Tied Down
4. Branded As Trouble
5. Cowgirl Up and Ride
6. Strong, Silent Type
7. Cowboy Casanova
8. Kissin' Tell
9. Should Been A Cowboy
10. Cowgirls Don't Cry
11. Gone Country
12. All Jacked Up
13. Long Hard Ride
14. Rode Hard, Put Up Wet
15. Chasin' Eight

Eyes Wide Open by Raine Miller

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild
Series-The Blackstone Affair #3
Reviewed by Kay

This novel continues the saga of Ethan Blackstone, a security mogul and Brynne Bennett, a model and art student. They have a very passionate love affair going on. This installment picks up right where the last one left off. There's still her stalker that's on the loose and creeping closer and closer. After a near attack, they flee the city and try to figure out the best course of action to deal with him. When they are gone they gain knowledge of something else that could change their relationship.

I really don't want to say too much since this novel is very much anticipated by many people. I will say that there's a lot of gratuitous sex. The story itself seems to be the filler which I don't really care for. The sex is descriptive and hot, but too much, even for me. I had kind of hoped she'd stop with this book but I saw on another review site that there's a part four at least.

I didn't hate but I sure didn't love it either. It is worth reading if you're fully vested in the series though.

The Seduction Hypothesis by Delphine Dryden

Grade: A-
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: Moderate Kink
Genre: Contemporary, BDSM lite, Nerd-manceSeries: The Science of Temptation #2
Reviewed by Anne

This is going to be a hard review for me to write, mostly because I'm having to reign in my desire to just squee like a fan girl about how good this book is.  Because it's good.  And I really liked it.  And it's funny.  And it's good and I liked it and you should really, really read it, because it's good.  And...

OK, let me try again.  I'm a huge Big Bang Theory fan, and when the first book in this series, The Theory of Attraction, came out it made me think of BBT and I really wanted to read it.  So, I bought it and read it ASAP.  I enjoyed that one and told all my friends about it. This was back before we started the blog, but it was an honorable mention on my Best of 2012 list here.   I liked it and all my friends knew about it.  So when the second book, The Seduction Hypothesis showed up on Netgalley, I think either Kay or Kate messaged me about it and I put in a request to read it.  Thankfully the publisher (yay Carina Press!) approved a copy for me.  I enjoyed this one even more than the first.

 

Ben and Lindsey are in the same nerdy social circle, and that's been a bit painful lately, because they dated for a while and then broke up.  Lindsey would like to try some BDSM, but even hinting about it to Ben got a bad reaction.  At the same time, Ben doesn't like the way he sees her watching their friend, Ivan.  His jealousy and her desire for more lead to them breaking up.  And that makes for one uncomfortable trip to BeastCon, the fan convention their group of friends is attending together.  When Ben begins to realize just why Lindsey left him, he's already been regretting their break up.  He sees the BDSM comic she's reading. He sees her watching not just Ivan, but watching Ivan AND Ivan's girlfriend, Cami.  He sees the D/s vibe between Ivan and Cami and things click into place.  He decides the Con will be a great place to try to win Lindsey back.

 

This book is the second in this series, but it does stand alone very well.  If you read Theory of Attraction first you'll really appreciate the scenes with Cami and Ivan in this book, but you'd be fine without having read it.  This book is both hot and funny.  Ben throws himself into learning the ways of BDSM, but he's not perfect.  Lindsey and Ben share some giggly moments in the middle of their sexy times, and that read so true to me.  

 

Dryden has GOT to be a nerd.  Either that or she knows a lot of them, because I have some nerd cred and she knows how nerds talk.  There's a sentence in the book where the characters talk about cake being merely a vector for the icing delivery as salad is for dressing.  I've had conversations like that.  Seriously.  They are both funny and effortless in real life when you're immersed in such subjects.  Dryden really nails that in this book.  She also has countless geek references that all made me smile.  So much fun!

 

So, when you read The Seduction Hypothesis you get all the goodness I just wrote about, PLUS you have a female lead with a Cthulhu tattoo and a male lead who isn't afraid research BDSM and make a crib sheet on how to carry it out.  I love this book and I highly recommend it.  It's going on my best of 2013 list!

So I'm curious... If you read this book or Theory of Attraction, did it work for you?  Is there more good nerd-mance out there?  What would you recommend?