Once Upon A Billionaire by Jessica Clare

Grade: B-
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Contemporary

Series: Billionaire Boys Club #4)
Published: 4/15/14

Reviewed by Anne

248 pages

Griffin is not just a billionaire, but a member of the royal family in Monaco-like country in Europe.  He's pretty proud that he has just one staff member, but as it turns out he relies heavily on that assistant to do everything for him.  When this assistant is too sick to attend to him on a trip back to his home country, he finds himself desperate enough to accept his friend's offer of lending his assistant, Maylee to Griffin for the trip.

Maylee is a small town southern girl who still hasn't lost her accent or her Golly Gee! outlook on life.  As it turns out, though, she's an incredibly good assistant and Griffin comes to rely on her.  He's as rude as he is good-looking, though, so it's a good thing Maylee has a thick skin and is determined to complete this assignment for the money it will let her send home to her family.

My initial impression was that Griffin was an asshole.  Unfortunately that changed very little during the book.  Maylee walked the line of being TSTL.  Had she not been extremely competent, I wouldn't have been able to forgive her actions on the plane when she met Griffin for the first time.  As it turned out, Maylee saves this story.  She's aware that she's a little backwoods country girl, but she also knows what she's good at, and she knows that Griff needs her.   Griffin might be incredibly rude to her, but that doesn't make her feel bad about herself, and that was wonderful to read!

This would have been an A read, but the last few chapters of the book just felt really rushed to me.  I thought MayLee and Griffin had issues to talk through that couldn't be solved by grand guestures.  I cheered every time Maylee made a stand for herself, so I cringed a little bit when their problems resolved themselves the way they did when she returned to New York.

It especially bothers me that she ends up being completely dependent on him.  It bothers me because, while I'm convinced he loves her, I'm not convinced that he won't trample all over her feelings and keep thinking he's better than her.  They've got a lot to work through and it leaves me uncomfortable feeling like she's really stuck with him  - and she's given up trying to do anything independent.  (Yes, she mentions a business she'd like to start, but I find that improbable, because she's never mentioned it before this and has no business experience.

All that said, I know I'll keep reading Jessica Clare.  I adore her sense of humor!  Harry Potter references always win with me!  Maylee and Griffin do a pretty good job communicating with each other about sex, even if they don't talk enough about their relationship.  Jessica Clare has all the elements I like, even if this wasn't a favorite read for me.

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.

Throwback Thursday-Holiday In Death by J.D. Robb

Grade-A
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-In Death #7
Genre-Futuristic Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Kay
308 pages

Eve Dallas' latest case involves dating services, ritualistic murders and Santa Claus. Yes, I said Santa Claus. The city's latest killer dresses as Santa to gain entrance to his victims' homes. When he gets into their homes, he rapes, sodomizes, murders, cleans, does their make-up and poses them. He also leaves a piece of jewelry in the "12 Days of Christmas theme with the victims.

Eve and her team, Roark, Feeney, Peabody and McNabb find out that all the victims used a dating servicce called Personally Yours. As they try to track down this killer, Eve has to deal with Christmas shopping, a horrible fight with not only Roark but also with Peabody. As the clock winds down, the intensity of the case takes a toll on Eve both mentally and physically.

This was my favorite of the series so far. I loved everything about it. The bantering and pulse pounding suspense were fantastic. This series still manages to not only hold my interest but keep me fully engaged. A lot of emotions took place in this book. Eve had to face a lot of things that she wasn't necessarily ready for. Now, me, I'm ready for the next book.

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: 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.

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.

Surrender by Serena Grey

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-A Dangerous Man #4
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
109 pages

This is the conclusion to David and Sophie Preston's story.

Sophie is heartbroken over her separation from David, even though she is the one who asked for the separation. His failure to tell her that he loved her was bad enough but to say it was always just sex between them was pouring salt in the wound. Sophie just wanders through her life. She works, goes home and goes to bed. She goes and gets coffee everyday before work. She's sees the boy who lived next door to her when she was growing up. David said that this boy, Eddie, was in love with Sophie. Sophie never even considered Eddie as anything more than a friend.

Sophie caves and calls David. They have an awkward conversation and she hangs up. David later shows up at her work and takes her to dinner. They have a hot night of sex but nothing really changes. She still loves him and he most say if he loves her. She agrees to a drink with Eddie as just friends and this doesn't end well because David is waiting outside her apartment.

This book was just okay for me. I got really sick of David being a pussy about his childhood. I get that he had a bad childhood but as a grown man, he has to be accountable for his actions. He finally admitted that he loved her but by that time I had a bad taste in my mouth because of him.

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.

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.

Awakening by Serena Grey

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-A Dangerous Man #1
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
50 pages

Wow! This is a really short story that's a teaser to the continuing series. It was free on Amazon so I thought I'd give it a try. I don't know what spoke to me about it but speak it did!

Sophie is a girl whose mother died giving birth to her. She was raised by her aunt who was a total hateful bitch. She was very hard on Sophie and constantly told her that she killed her mother by being born. She was über strict and very emotionally abusive. Always telling Sophie shed end up like her mother, pregnant and discarded.

Sophie works in a gift shop owned by her aunt's lawyer, who took her in after her aunt's death. Sophie loves to draw but was never encouraged by her aunt to pursue it. She knows she needs a change in her life and is going to move to a nearby town.

A wealthy, attractive man comes into the shop after seeing Sophie on the street. This starts a very fast courtship. I mean mind bogglingly fast courtship.

I totally buy into love at first sight. I'm not sure that's what this is but I'm going with it for now. It was steamy even though Sophie is only eighteen and innocent. I don't care, I'm all in.

                      

Temporary Arrangement by Karen Erickson

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-The Renaldi's #0.5
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
46 pages

Solid start to what I think will be a fun series. This is a prequel kind of. More of a teaser really.

Matteo Renaldi is in some way in the fashion industry. Not really sure exactly what he does though. His wife died a few years ago but it wasn't a happy marriage. His mom is helping him find a nanny so she can go home to Italy. She runs into Paige Stewart at a coffee shop and after they talk she offers Paige the job. That was a little sudden for me.

Paige is a small town girl now living in New York. She was just fired from her previous nanny job because the husband tried to force himself on her. She's down on her luck and is grateful for the position she gets from Matteo.

There was a self pleasuring scene and an almost sex scene in this short story that were pretty steamy. I will read more of this series because I've got to see how their story ends.

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

Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-In Death #5
Genre-Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Kay
327 pages

It amazes me that this series hasn't lost any luster for me yet. The build up of all the characters is slow but steady. I always enjoy these books and anticipate what will come next. Honestly, when I started this I was apprehensive and even had to call one of my blog partners to make sure there wouldn't be demonic happenings in this story.

Eve's latest case involves witchcraft and of course, murder. Ritualistic killings that are chilling in detail. Eve has to clear a deceased colleague which puts her at odds with Feeney, her mentor. Their big blow up scene left me in tears. Pain and anger are horrible feelings that evoke even more horrible responses. Guilt eats at Eve, to her very soul. She has to investigate a colleague, murders and fear for her very life. People are falsely accused and reputations left in tatters. The bad guys in this story are very bad and crazed. With the help of her usual cohorts she cracks this case where nothing is as it seems.

As usual, J.D Robb spins a great mystery and the ever growing love of Roarke for Eve. He is a great romantic lead male. I've already started the next book and look forward to the latest mystery unfolding before me.

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

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

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

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

This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

Against the Ropes by Sarah Castille

Grade-DNF
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-High Kink
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
368 pages

Ok, so the blurb on this book sounds so very good.

Scarred MMA fighter, who's also a billionaire meets an almost EMT. He then hires the curvy almost EMT to do first aid at his underground MMA club. She needs the money and thinks he's hot, so she accepts the position, even though she abhors violence. They start to date and are totally into each other, then the book starts to hint at his BDSM tendencies.

I got a text from a friend of mine who was reading the book at the same time I was and she mentioned nipple clamps. My friend, who knows me well was warning me because I now have a "hard limit" with nipple clamps. I decided that I have enough to read without reading about that or any other books delving into BDSM.

This book started out so good. I was super excited but seriously, I have had it up to my eyeballs with this genre and it's flooding of the romance market. If you're into reading about that, then try this book. You may love it. Nice heroine and hot fighter. Even decent secondary characters. Quirky humor also.

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.