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.

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!

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.

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.

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

Fever by Maya Banks

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-High
Series-Breathless #2
Reviewed by Kay

This installment of Maya Banks' Breathless trilogy is my favorite so far. I really enjoyed it. Great heroine, pretty good hero. Good supporting cast also. I'll let you know what I liked and disliked in just a moment. Let me summarize first.

Jace Crestwell  sees Bethany Willis across the room at his sister's engagement party and something happens. The world shifts on it's axis and he is almost overcome with a sense of possessiveness. He's never had that kind of reaction to a woman before. And he's had plenty of women. Plenty. He knows he wants her but he usually has his best friend, Ash along for the ride(pun intended). Bethany is different. She's special and he can't understand how she can be since he has just seen her. Ash sees his interest and against Jace's wishes approaches her and propositions her.

Bethany is taken aback at first but due to the attraction she feels for both of them but Jace especially, she agrees. She does negotiate dinner in the deal though. The reason I bring that up is that Bethany is homeless and works odd jobs when she can find them. She's part of the wait staff at this engagement party. She feels a little at odds with her decision to go home with them but takes the chance. They spend the night together and she ditches them in the morning.

This encounter has changed everything for Jace, Bethany and Ash. Jace has met the woman for him, Bethany has possibly met someone who will have her back and Ash realizes that his best friend's priorities have changed. There is a lot of emotions in this book. Relationship evaluation too. What place you play in different people's lives.

What I did like: Jace's immediate realization that Bethany was his. His acceptance of this and of her and her past. Bethany as a character. I love the tortured heroine trope. Life was never kind to her but she always came out swinging. Ash's acceptance of how things should be.

What I didn't like: Jace's extreme BDSM stuff but that's more of a personal preference. His numerous doubts of trust with the people he was supposed to love. Jack pretty much was annoying and useless.

You got a small glimmer of life on the streets and a bad example of the foster care system. I know that not all examples of the foster care system are bad and that needs to be pointed out. This was a solid addition to the series and I eagerly wait Ash's book. I want it NOW!

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.

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.

Boots and Chaps by Myla Jackson

Grade – D

Hotness Level – Inferno

Kink Level – Moderate Kink

Genre – Contemporary, BDSM

Series – Ugly Stick Saloon #1

Reviewed by Kate

Audrey owns the Ugly Stick Saloon (think Coyote Ugly with strippers by request.)  When the manager takes a request for a stripper at a private birthday party but the usual strippers are all unavailable, Audrey steps into her old stripper alter-ego Kiki. It's a good thing the birthday boy is Jackson, who she has been crushing on for a while now. She had a small sampling of him in the storage room the night before but she wants more.

The private party was planned by Jackson's twin brothers, Mark and Luke, who decide they'll play with Kiki if Jackson won't. But Kiki only wants the twins if Jackson wants to share. Jackson has never shared before but decides to try it..for Kiki.

This book sounded so promising but I was really disappointed. The characters seemed a bit unrealistic to me. Audrey wants no part of a relationship but joins Jackson in the storage room for a wild romp, knowing he's a commitment kind of guy, because her vibrator ran out of batteries the night before. Jackson takes over a Dom role to Kiki's sub at the party but keeps asking her if what he's doing is okay and what she wants him to do. A more pansy Dom I've never met. Then suddenly he finds his Dom balls and things are hunky dory. The off-kilter part? Kiki is turned on by both the pansy Dom as well as the harder Dom.

Mark and Luke did not come across as very likable. They liked any woman who breathed and didn't seem to have any connection to Audrey/Kiki

The final scenes that happen after a Ladies Night Out at the bar are not just a stretch for Jackson's character but something closer to an alien taking over his body. Those last scenes were so unbelievable that they were the final straw for me...and that's after surviving through all of Audrey's complaining about having to replace batteries and awkward feeling foursomes. Shudder.