Naughty Bits Part 1: The Lingerie Shop by Joey W. Hill

Grade-A-

Hotness Level-Blaze

Kink Level-Mild Kink

Series-Naughty Bits #1

Genre-Contemporary

Reviewed by Kate

110 pages

 

Madison has inherited her sister's lingerie shop, Naughty Bits. But Naughty Bits is a bit more than just a lingerie shop. Madison has always needed to be in control, yet she recognizes that she's drawn to being a submissive. She recognizes it, but has been running from it for a while now. When she meets Logan, who runs the hardware store next to Naughty Bits, and discovers that he's a Dom, she's not sure how long she'll be able to keep running.

 

The relationship that is starting to form between Logan and Madison promises to be so hot, so steamy, so emotional, so....just so much. Madison is so conflicted and Logan is so confident. It seems like the perfect pairing for a great series. I've read some of Joey W. Hill's BDSM romances before and I can't wait to see what she does with Logan and Madison.

 

I couldn't stop turning pages with this one and Joey W. Hill has me tapping my toes, not-so-patiently awaiting the release of part two.

 

One minor note: there is no sexual interaction between Logan and Madison in this book. I can only imagine that the anticipation will make it all the better when it finally happens. Because if it can be steamy without the sex, I can only imagine...

 

How about you? What series are you anxiously waiting for the next book to be released?

Hidden Ecstasy by Setta Jay

            

           

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Guardians of the Realms #0.5
Genre-Paranormal
Reviewed by Kay
35 pages

What do you get when you take a son of the goddess Athena and a Guardian of the Realm? It could be a new paranormal series for me to read.

Vane, the son of Athena is a Demi-god trying to stay hidden in the human world. You see, the Gods were put to sleep for their sins in the immortal realm. He and his siblings fight for humans, to keep them safe and hide out. He's been enjoying a very sexual relationship with Brianne, who is a Guardian for centuries. Neither view the other as their mate but definitely enjoy each other's company. Their protection of the humans is in the form of fighting human trafficking. This is a purpose very near and dear to his sister's heart.

In this short snippet of a story, Vane and his siblings are trying to rescue a young girl who was kidnapped because of her father's wrong doings. They track her down and rescue her and I think this will set the scene for the other books in the series. I enjoyed this story. It was easy to follow, a little exciting and a whole lotta steamy. Vane is an alpha male who's just hot as can be. There's not a whole lot of story regarding Brianne but I'm hoping for more as the series goes on. I'd love to really get into another paranormal series and I'm kind of excited this might be one.

Ripped by Sarah Morgan

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Miller Sisters #1
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
95 pages

This was a novella about two people who at first seemed polar opposites. This story was based in England, which honestly isn't my favorite thing in contemporary literature, but it was okay. The hero is of Italian descent and very swoon worthy. The heroine is described where I think she was full figured and I love to read about a real sized woman.

It starts at the heroine's friends' wedding to the heroine's ex. She was asked to be a bridesmaid basically to rub it in her face she wasn't marrying the groom. I know, not a real friend. To add insult to injury she was put in a dress that was WAY too small for her figure but she did because of pride and to let them know she wasn't broken by their marriage. It was also said that the groom was a big time cheater, even sleeping with some of the other bridesmaids. Ewww! Well, the best man, the hero of the story comes to the aid of our heroine when her dress literally splits down both sides, exposing her upper assets to the crowd of onlookers. Yes, at church.
After that, they have a heat charged moment in a dressing room, which is interrupted.

This wasn't a bad book but I never engaged with the characters. I didn't dislike them but I didn't love them either. There really wasn't a lot of story, maybe due to the length, but I just felt kind of "Meh".
There was a lot of steamy sex scenes but those fell short for me too. I don't know but this one just didn't gel for me and I won't be reading more in this series.

Possession by Jennifer Lyon

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-The Plus-One Chronicles
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
148 pages

This is a continuation of Sloane Michaels and Kat Thayne's story. She's a baker and he's a self made wealthy man. He's also a former MMA champion. He agrees to help Kat train in self defense because of her past. A past she can't fully remember.

In this book, she and Sloane continue to explore their plus-one relationship. They are both falling for each other and realizing that that they're more than their plus-one. Sloan tries to do things for her monetarily and she's having none of that. As her memories start to clear she realizes that her mugging wasn't truly a mugging but not enough to clearly say what happened. This book ends with her finding out about a secret Sloan is keeping. A secret that could destroy their relationship.

Honestly, this book was a little disappointing to me. Not a lot went on and it was at times, boring. I'll finish the series because I want to know how it all shakes out.

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.

His To Possess: The Seduction by Opal Carew

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-His To Possess #1
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
34 pages

Jessica is down on her luck. She's unemployed and about to lose her apartment. Not to mention, she's nursing a heartache from her recent breakup with her boyfriend, Storm. She travels into Philadelphia to a job fair. She notices a man that looks so much like Storm that she actually goes up to him. When the man turns around, she realizes that it's not Storm. She's embarassed but the two have a conversation and he ends up giving her a ride to the job fair site.

After the job fair they run into each other and decide to have dinner together. Later that night, Jessica decides that she wants to have a one night stand with Dane. They share a hot night of sex and she sneaks out to return home.

This is series of novellas and I don't want to give too much away. I thought this book was okay and will continue series.

Jonesin' For Action by Samantha Cayto

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-SEALs on Fire #3
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
53 pages

Aidan Jones, nicknamed Jonesin', used to be a SEAL. He was wounded in battle and had to have one of his legs amputated right above the knee. He underwent months of physical therapy to regain the ability to do as much as he could. He can never be an active SEAL again and he misses it desperately. There's just one more thing he has to do...have sex. To prove to himself that he is still a man. He goes into a bar to try and find a woman to spend the night with. He wears shorts so that any woman he finds will know right away about his missing limb.

Marissa is a PhD student who works as a bartender to help with her bills. She's working the night he comes in. She had seen him earlier in the day when he was learning how to waterski with his friends and thought he was very attractive. She's not really the one night stand kind of girl but for him she's willing to make an exception. She propositions him and when he hesitates, she assumes it's because she's half Asian. He assures her that's not the case, it's because of his leg.

This was a short and sweet little story. Reading about Aidan's insecurities felt real. You could feel for him on all levels. This was the third installment of the series and I will read the rest of them. I wish there would have been more closure between the two. It's more of a happily ever after for now. It was a good read with lots of hot sex. My favorite quote was from Aidan.

"You're beautiful. I want to go down on you. Is that okay? Like a smart girl, she said yes.

Claim by Serena Grey

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-A Dangerous Man #3
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
80 pages

David, David, David! You stupid, stupid man!

This is the last book that's available in this series right now. I'm a little aggravated since I thought it was just a trilogy. But after I started reading it, I realized there would be more novellas.

This book is told from David's point of view and therefore very repetitive of the first two books. You do get a little insight into David's past which was nice. The insight not his past. You also get to see that he does truly care for Sophie but won't take a chance on getting hurt to acknowledge it openly. He has hurt Sophie terribly and must deal with his actions.

Sophie is heartbroken and flees. You don't get much about her until the very end if this book. She stands her ground and I loved it. She is realizing her own strength and independence. Now I have to wait until God knows when to find out if David can dig himself out of the hole he's in.

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.

                       

 

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.

Throw Back Thursday- Naked In Death by J.D. Robb

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-In Death #1
Genre-Romantic Suspense/Mystery
Reviewed by Kay
294 pages

Eve Dallas is police officer in the year 2058 and also a childhood sexual abuse survivor. She has a couple of good friends and rarely dates. Her work is her life pretty much. She is fresh off of a case that has scarred her emotionally when she inherits a mess of a case. It involves the death of a Senator's granddaughter, who was a licensed companion. In this future you can be a prostitute as long as you're licensed to do so. What makes the case more interesting is that the victim was shot with a gun from our current time period. Guns are outlawed in the future. Only serious collectors have them, which leads her to Roarke as a suspect.

Roarke is a very wealthy man with a collection of 20th century guns and he is friends with family of the deceased. But the death of the prostitute is only the first victim and the beginning of this mystery. As Eve gets sexually involved with Roarke, she endangers not only her career but her life as they work together to find this killer that has scared the community.

This was an audio read for me and the first In Death book for me. I enjoyed it and am headed to the library for the second one in audio form. Anyone who likes romantic suspense and a good whodunnit, this is a good start to what I hope is an exciting series. My only complaint as a romance reader is that it could've been hotter. Thank you to Anne and my friend Wendy for suggesting this series to me.

Surrender Your Love by J.C. Reed

Grade-D
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-Surrender Your Love #1
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
324 pages


Another story where the male lead is a wealthy business man. Jett has made a name for himself with his family's money in the real estate world. He comes to a meeting with a realty company and meets Brooke, who is actually quite rude to him. She spurns his advances and heads home, pissed she was essentially stood up for a business meeting.
Fast forward a bit and there's a drunken one night stand that she doesn't really remember. She just wakes up in bed with Jett and a hangover. There is also another night, off page mind you, where she's drunk and they have sex. She then finds out that he is her new boss and leaves on a trip to Italy with him.  There is a deep dark secret for both of them in their pasts. Are you as confused and bored as I am yet?
I really didn't like the main characters at all. Jett was a little whipped in the beginning for me and Brooke, who claimed she never gets drunk, was kind of a whore. If you can have nights of sex you forget because of being drunk, then I see a pattern in your behavior. The sex was hot but the story just was boring . I don't need to read on in this series.

Nobody's Angel by Kallypso Masters

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Moderate Kink
Series-Rescue Me #2
Genre-Contemporary BDSM
Reviewed by Kay
314 pages

Marc is another ex-soldier and a third owner in a kink club. He was Master Marco when he was younger and enjoys the BDSM lifestyle. One night at the club when he was monitoring the dungeon he sees a woman being abused by her wanna-be Dom boyfriend. He rescues her and makes sure she gets home without further harm.

Angelina is the woman who was abused at the club. She was in what's called sub-space which I considered to be almost separated mind and body to deal with what was happening to her. She was so out of it she thought Marc was a wolf shifter because of his mask and the books she likes to read. She hated what was done to her but soon realizes that she enjoys submitting to a certain extent.

This was the second story in this series and honestly I never really liked Marc. I did however like Angelina and enjoyed her journey in BDSM. I really wish that Marc would've been honest about who he was and what he really wanted to have with her. I am enjoying this series but I wasn't crazy about this book. I will read on though because this series is about more than BDSM sex, it packs some heavy emotion. Thanks again Kate and Mindy for suggesting it!

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.

The Party by Katie Ashley

Grade-A
Hotness Level-None
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-The Proposition # 0.5
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
44 pages

This is a prequel or prologue to The Proposition. It tells the story of how they met at a party and the loss that Emma has suffered. Emma, the strong business woman, meets Aiden Fitzgerald, the resident man-whore. He tries to pick her up and she turns him down.

Emma wants a baby in the worst way. She lost the man she loved and feels he was her shot at forever. She lost but she still wants to be a mother and talks her gay best friend into donating his swimmers for the cause.

I loved this novella and immediately put everything on hold and bought the first two books. I suggest this novella for anyone. I even love the cover! It doesn't really match the description in the story but it makes me giggle.

Tropical Desires by Vivian Arend, Lexxie Couper and Jess Dee

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild Kink
Series-Bandicoot Cove #1-4
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kate

The manager of Bandicoot Cove, an Australian resort, has invited some of her close friends and family to be guests at the resort's soft opening. And apparently, there's something in the air or water at Bandicoot Cove. Something that induces a tendency towards threesomes.

Paradise Found by Vivian Arend
Paige has been working in Australia for a while now, but will be leaving the country soon. When she does, her casual affair with Trent and Mason will come to a screeching halt. They knew from the start that there would be an end to the triad. But even though all three of them are secretly hoping for something permanent, they know their stay at Bandicott Cove will be their last time together.

Tropical Sin by Lexxie Couper
McKenzie and Aiden have been close friends since childhood. Aiden has also harbored a secret crush on McKenzie for just as long. Taking the advice of famous rocker Nick(who they meet for the first time at Bandicoot Cove), Aiden finally tells McKenzie how he feels. McKenzie realizes she's loved Aiden all along. Then Nick knocks on the door and asks if he can join in.

Island Idyll by Jess Dee
Sienna is using her trip to Bandicott Cove to recover from a broken heart. Her ex-fiancé, Ben loved her but loved his work more, so she broke it off. While at the resort she meets Josh, her high school crush. After spending a glorious day with Josh, Ben shows up at the resort determined to win Sienna back.

First off, let me say that this book of three stories was a hot, hot read. But I think you need to understand that I am at heart a reader who looks for that HEA. Even in my ménage books, meaning I like all 3 to have a HEA-together. For that reason, Paradise Found was my favorite of the three stories. Tropical Sin and Island Idyll did not end with all three participants together.

I also had issues with Tropical Sin and Island Idyll that I just didn't feel comfortable with, although I understand not every reader has the same issues I do. I didn't like that in Tropical Sin, a threesome was created with someone they knew for only a few hours, and the decision was made without any conversation between the couple. In Island Idyll, I didn't care for the sense of competition that occurred between the two men and I didn't like that one of them felt completely uncomfortable with the situation but went with it anyway. Again, those are just my issues, and they might not bother you. Despite my issues, together these three authors have managed to create a resort that I look forward to visiting again.

So now you know my hang-ups with ménage books. Do you have any make-or-break issues in your reading?

In Flight by R.K. Lilley

Grade-A-
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-High
Series-Up In The Air #1
Reviewed by Kay

Out of five stars, I would say this is a 4.5 star book. It missed a five star or A+ because of my discomfort with some of the sex scenes. James Cavendish is a billionaire who has a taste for kink. Hardcore BDSM to be exact. He doesn't date or do relationships. At least, he didn't until he met Bianca Karlsson. Bianca works as a flight attendant and waits on him in first class. She captures his attention and he propositions her. Bianca is a former victim of violence from her youth but strangely enough, she is drawn to James as a submissive.

This novel is about their relationship evolving in ways they both never saw coming. I liked but disliked both characters for different reasons. I liked James' possessiveness and tenderness but disliked the fact he likes to hurt women during sex. I liked Bianca's friendship with Stephan but not her free acceptance of James' dominance. This story had good flow and I enjoyed the author's voice.
I am excited to read the next book in the series.

Share Me by Olivia Cunning

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

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

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

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

Captive In The Dark by C.J. Roberts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big Girls On Top by Mercy Walker

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Series-Big Girls #1
Reviewed by Kay

Bev is a size 18 girl. A woman really but I'm keeping consistent with the title. She's a registered nurse but works as a bartender at a strip club because she makes more money there. She loves her job and her co-workers for the most part. I don't think it ever said how tall she was but she has fiery red hair and Irish green eyes. Oh, and she hides her freckles well.

Quinn is Italian, gorgeous and very well muscled. Aren't they all? He shows up to talk to the manager/owner of the strip club, Terry. Bev sees him and watches for him to come out of the back all shift. As she's leaving with the other girls, she hears someone running up behind her. The club has had a few problems with patrons harassing the girls in the parking lot, so, Bev grabs her stun gun, turns around and stuns the person rushing up to her. It's Quinn of course and when he comes to he's so not happy with her. She tries to apologize but he takes off with a pretty hateful glare on his face.

The next day she walks in to Terry's office to apologize to Quinn. Terry leaves them in there to talk it out but Quinn grabs Bev and kisses the hell out of her. They then engage in some pretty blistering sex on the desk.  I won't reveal the rest but suffice it to say, the ending was abrupt but should send the reader into wanting book two.

There were several things I liked about this story. First, I loved that Bev was comfortable in her own skin while being aware of her weight. She totally owned it and flaunted what she thought were her best assets. Second, I loved Quinn being okay with her size. Third, the humor in the story was very good. Fourth, the sex was great.

I did have things that I didn't care for also. First, the descriptions of her appetite and eating were borderline gross. Second, some of the descriptions of their sexual encounter also border on gross for me. Thirdly, it needed more editing.

I wish there had been a little more story but I knew it was a short read going in. I liked it and appreciate Mercy Walker giving us the opportunity to read and review it.