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?

Ten Reasons To Stay by Sabrina Jeffries

Grade-A
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Series-Schools For Heiresses
Reviewed by Kay

This novella was previously published by Sabrina Jeffries. It will be re released on May 6, 2013.
This is the story of one of the heiresses from the school, Eliza Crenshawe. She was picked up from the school by her uncle under false pretenses. He takes her home and says he is going to marry her off to his friend.

Colin Hunt, an earl, has just arrived at his newly inherited estate. He sees a boy sneaking into his stables. This worries him because he has a lot of impressive horseflesh. He confronts the boy only to find out it's a girl. The girl is trying to make it back to her school to escape a forced marriage.

Colin and Eliza are precious together. Eliza as she fights for her dignity, virtue and survival, all by herself. And Colin as he fights for acceptance because he's a foreigner and he fights the demons of his past.

This is a great, short read. I loved every second of it. I'm a big fan of Sabrina Jeffries, so this just solidified that for me. It was moving, tender and hot. Three things I just adore. And when he counts the ten reasons she should stay....sigh.

Perfect For You by Kate Perry

Grade: B+
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Laurel Heights #1
Reviewed by Kate

Graphic designer Freya is working on a website design for an adult toy store but her creativity is gone. If she can't come up with something soon she could lose her job. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Freya posts a personal ad hoping that improving her sex life will get her creative juices flowing again. She gets responses but unfortunately the only person who gets her motor running is her upstairs neighbor and arch enemy Greg. Greg, a lawyer, has wanted Freya since the first time he saw get but he can't figure out why she hates him. But if he can restore her creativity will she want something more?

This is an enjoyable villain-free contemporary romance. A strong start to the series. I highly recommend it to low-suspense romance fans. (I'm thinking of you Anne.)

Hot on Her Trail by Sable Hunter

Grade: B-
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Contemporary, Cowboy
Series: Hell Yeah! #2
Reviewed by Kate

Jessie had been hired by the McCays to be their surrogate and egg donor. But a mix-up at the sperm bank leaves her pregnant with Jacob McCoy's baby. When she refuses an abortion the McCays kick her out. Jobless, Jessie uses the last of her money to travel to the Tebow Ranch so she can tell Jacob about the baby. She doesn't expect him to support her or the baby, but feels Jacob deserves to know about the baby.

Jacob has been dreaming of settling down for a while now. He sees Jessie and knows she is the one, even before he knows who she is. When he finds out about the baby, it's just icing on the cake. Although Jacob is sure of his feelings for Jessie, some of his brothers remain skeptical.

This one picks up right where book one left us. Although you can read it as a stand alone, I think it is better read in order. Following in the path set by the first book, the love is instant and intense. The characters are likable. The dirty talk is a bit pornish. In addition to the conflict created by a brand new, super fast relationship, there is also the added intrigue of Mr. McCay, who is determined to find Jessie. Despite the similarities with the first book, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Cowboy Heat by Sable Hunter

Grade: B+
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Contemporary,  Cowboy
Series: Hell Yeah! #1
Reviewed by Kate

Libby has been battling leukemia since she was a teenager. When it finally goes into remission, her doctor encourages her to spend time doing all the things she has missed out on. Living on a ranch, riding a horse, and sex are at the top of her list. An opportunity to fill in for the housekeeper at the Tebow Ranch opens up ad Libby jumps at it. After all, the Tebow Ranch is run by the sexy McCoy brothers. Maybe one of them will help her wth her pesky virginity problem.

Aron survived a short marriage that nearly tore his family apart at the seams. He has no wish to visit the altar again, but four years without sex is a long time. When he sees Libby for the first time the attraction is instant. The fact that she agrees to a temporary relationship is great, the sex even better.

I liked the strength and weaknesses of both Aron and Libby. I liked the closeness of Aron's family. I liked the storylines that ran through the book. My only complaint was that the dirty talk sounded a bit pornish. When I finished this one I immediately started the next book in the series. Could there be a better recommendation?

Dirty Girls at RT

So...  Kay and I are going to our first RT Convention.  I started getting ready months ago, but the serious prep work started over the weekend.  There was the toenail painting.

Is there a more appropriate color for RT?
And here is the wardrobe planning.  I'm a bit of an organizer.

And, yes, I'm going to paint the wall behind my bed green.  Probably the shade in the lower right corner of the samples, if you're wondering.  Yes I know that's going to take a lot of coats to cover.  Whatever.

Our RT started Tuesday with the Blogger Conference run by Smart Bitch Sarah and Dear Author's Jane.  We learned a LOT and have some great ideas for things to come.  Here's me (Anne) before the Blogger Con started:

No, really, that's my super excited face.  The whole hotel is covered in huge posters.  I wanted one to text to my husband, so I picked one without mantitty.

As part of the blogger conference we were lucky enough to chat with a few authors who came in for a cocktail party.  You guys!  I met Shannon Stacey!  I tried really hard not to stalk her around the room all night, but I might have been just a little creepy.  I also got to meet Jaci Burton and Vivian Arrend.  All are authors I enjoy, and all were very nice.  And I really wanted to take pictures, but I was trying to play it cool.  You know, it was a cocktail party.  Now I SO regret not asking them to take pictures with me.

We were lucky enough to be around Tuesday night for the early registration for the official RT convention.  Here is the line we waited in:

Thankfully, the line moved SUPER fast and check in was very simple.  It looked like it was not as easy today.

Wednesday morning started with an RT Virgins panel for first timers like us, followed by a welcome breakfast.  Then we got into the sessions.  I Pimped My Badge and won a bag full of swag from some awesome authors.  Z.A. Maxfield, Trixie Stilletto, and Beth Kery are now on my must try list. 

Then it was on to Erotic Romance Mad Libs, which was hilarious fun!  Participants teamed up to do a Mad Libs version of back cover blurbs.  Lexxie Couper was so funny in person that I really want to try something she's written.  Actually, the whole group of authors looked like they'd be really fun to hang around with.  We won awesome swag and laughed a LOT.  Best moment?  When a line from an author's actual blurb was mistaken for a mad lib.  Of course, Lexxie Couper acting out the mad libs ranks right up there, too. 

Finally, Kay and I attended a session together.  It was a session geared toward aspiring or current erotica authors, but we attended because we simple wanted to be in the same room with Jaci Burton, Lauren Dane, and Sylvia Day.  Eden Bradley, who we haven't read was also on the panel, but we both agreed we really want to try a book by her now!

After the erotica session I was able to find some Kallypso Masters swag.  Kate couldn't come to RT, but I asked her for a list of who she might want swag from.  So I picked up this really cool fan, along with a pen and button and bookmarks.  I was walking away grinning from ear to ear when someone asked "Would you like me to sign that?" OMG!  It was Kallypso Masters!  And she is AWESOME.  I told her about Kate.  I mentioned the blog.  She told us to get more swag and we're going to try to get together with her later in the week to get some books to giveaway here.  What a cool lady.  Here's me and Kallypso. 

 

There was some really entertaining swag and author displays to check out! 

Read a Book, Ride a Cowboy!  I think Beth Williams is someone I could like!

This one make me think of Kate.

We got some free books, but also saw signs like this one letting us know about free ebooks available.  (Playing Doctor by Julie Rowe is free on Amazon this week!)

One of the funny moments of the day.  Kay says, "Janyne Rylon's giving me a breath mint.  I don't really know what of make of that."

Our final session of the day was Romance Reader Apples to Apples, where we won books and came up with adjective/noun combos like "furry mons" and "sticky kiss."  It was very fun and funny!

There were two evening parties, Rosie Gulch's Saloon and The Ellora's Cave Bad Girls of Romance Disco Inferno. The saloon event gave us a chance to get acquainted with some historical authors, but my favorite part was the shot glass desserts the were incredibly yummy!  I also had a great conversation with the aspiring author who sat next to me.  Wouldn't it be great if I could give you her name?  Well, I'd have to did her card out of my bag and I'm way too tired for that.  But she was awesome, she's got a great book idea, and she's got a kiddo with some of the same issues as one of mine, which made for some GREAT conversation!

The Disco Event was everything I imagined and more.  We walked in to find mini lava lamps as take home swag!  There were also calendars featuring Ellora's Cavemen and Disco Ball Key chains.  My tweenager needs a calendar.  While this one would surely entertain her, it would also have her exclaiming "That's inappropriate!"  So, alas, she won't be getting any passed down swag from mom.

This is a wide shot of how big the disco set up was!  You can see some of the mini lava lamps on the tables, too.  Each attendee also got this awesome black sequined hat that Kay is sporting here:

We called it a night after the author introductions and the Ellora's cavmen (and woman) danced to some Disco tunes for our enjoyment.  (And I totally called their impending shirt removal, but was wrong about the pants, which did stay on.) 

Bags of swag.

I'll try to do a better job of taking pictures tomorrow.  It was an incredible day. I have a HUGE amount of swag and free books.  I can't wait to dive into it all.  It almost makes me want to skip tomorrow so I can just sit and read.   Except that tomorrow I get to meet some favorite authors in the RT Cafe (Anne Calhoun, Delphine Dryden, Ruthie Knox, Cara McKenna, and Heidi Cullinan I'm coming to see you!)  I'm also excited about the Erotica Author Chat (Maya Banks, Jaci Burton, Lauren Dane, and Sylvia Day!), the All Tied Up: BDSM Romance panel, and the Romance Pride: Over the Rainbow Party.

So, are you at RT?  What has been your favorite part?  If you aren't at RT, what's the one thing you'd want to do most if you were here?

Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace

Grade-C
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-None
Series-Wildfire #1
Reviewed by Kay

This is the first book in a series for Ella Grace. Ella Grace is a pen name for Christy Reece. The story starts 18 years ago with the double homicide of Beckett and Maggie Wilde.  It's made to appear as a murder-suicide by Beckett Wilde. The couple's identical triplet daughters, Savannah, Samantha and Sabrina are away at summer camp at the time of their parents deaths.

From there the story skips ahead 8 years to their senior year of high school. Prom night to be exact. Savannah's date is drinking and obnoxious, so she goes outside in the parking lot to look for her sister, Samantha. What she finds is four would-be rapists.

Meanwhile, on his way home from work is Zach Tanner, local bad boy and son of the town slut. He sees the scene in the prom parking lot and steps in to rescue her. He drives her home and this begins a fragile friendship that quickly turns into first love. Both of them know Zach is going into the Army in two months. The night before he leaves for basic training he gives Savannah a promise ring and she gives him her virginity. He tells her that he'll come by in the morning to say goodbye. He never shows up and her heart is broken.

Ten years later, Savannah is a Nashville assistant district attorney and is back in her hometown of Midnight to clear out her grandfather's possessions after his death. Zach is now the police chief in Midnight. Savannah is soon deep into investigating her parents' deaths after finding some letters of her grandfather's.

It's a good start to a new series. Good mix of romance and suspense. Good mystery also. It did drag a little bit in the middle for me though. A sweet story of first love lasting for years with doses of murder and mayhem sprinkled in.