Thursday, October 25, 2012

Review: Need You Now


Need You Now
Need You Now by Mercy Celeste

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Jake and Logan were old college friends and roommates but when Jake decided he couldn't live with his feelings for his best friend he moves on. He returns now because he the walking wounded. Logan turns out to have quite a few surprises for his best friend. This is a story of love lost, discovered, and recovered.



View all my reviews

Review: The Bank Job


The Bank Job
The Bank Job by Bonni Sansom

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Kat is broke and struggling to get back on track and Jared is the bank manager. He's attracted to her the minute he sees her but they are really thrown together during a robbery at the bank. She can't understand why he doesn't do more and he can't figure out why she seems to have such a death wish. It is an interesting way to view a normally dominate man and a woman who deep down is probably a submissive in a bedroom relationship but that what they bring to the table can look very different when faced with a crisis situation.



View all my reviews

Review: Lonely


Lonely
Lonely by Scarlet Blackwell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Lynton is the vet and Austin is the poor guy who's dog is hurt. I started out really wanted to smack Lynton and ask him what was he thinking. He can tell he's probably a great guy most of the time but he sure acts like a jerk as this story gets started. You really have to stick with the story because it ends up really being worth the effort.



View all my reviews

Review: A Hold on His Heart


A Hold on His Heart
A Hold on His Heart by Andi Anderson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Justin and Preston are co-workers. Justin thinks Preston is kind of strange but he ends up heading out to lunch with him and discovers a new side to Preston. They move slowly, trying things out that the other one enjoys. Preston is encouraging to Justin. The story is sweet and using the epilogue to wrap things up keeps the story from feeling rushed and gives a more natural progression to their relationship.



View all my reviews

Review: Mark's Crush


Mark's Crush
Mark's Crush by Diana DeRicci

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Mark has been crushing on Jimmy for years but meeting him turns out so much better. I love how they start out building a friendship. They story feels natural and not rushed.



View all my reviews

Review: Sold


Sold
Sold by Sean Michael

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Adam is a sub that works at helping Dom's in their training or meeting a temporary need. He holds himself in tight control and while he dreams of a master of his own he really doesn't seem ready to let go in the way that is necessary to make that happen. Matt feels something almost immediately and knows that he doesn't want this to be about money. This story involves a delicate dance between being the guy in charge and respecting Adam's work. There is a real journey for both men as they learn about trust and carrying both in the giving and receiving. The biggest lesson sometimes is that you can be the top and still want to be the one giving care and working together as partners.



View all my reviews

Review: Hot on His Trail


Hot on His Trail
Hot on His Trail by Shannon West

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received this one as a member of the Secret Cravings Book Club and I liked it much more than the first installment of this series. Jake is running scared and Mark is trying to track him done. Like the first book Mark comes off as kind of an ass for the first half of the book. But what turned this book around for me was that this time Jake isn't just putting up with it this time. He seems to be stronger and more forceful in standing up for himself. He really gets some good zings on Mark. This story leaves with a feeling that there really is hope for these two as a couple if they continue to open up to each other and treat each other with a level of respect.



View all my reviews

Review: Dark Desire


Dark Desire
Dark Desire by Desiree Holt

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Risa wants more so she decides to find what she wants for one special night. Master J is up for the job but what happens next takes them both by surprise. Not a HEA but the strong potential for more to come.



View all my reviews

Review: Until The Dawn


Until The Dawn
Until The Dawn by Desiree Holt

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Madison is drawn to Daniel and it starts out with her working with him and longing for him but thinking its wrong. She gives in to her urge and things go really off the rail from there. The story and the mystery were interesting but sometimes I felt that things were a bit over the top and sometimes the sex scenes seem ill timed. If I'm worried about g-men in my home that the electricity has been cut in and my missing date from last night shows up and scares me to death I don't think wow this would be a great time to get laid.



View all my reviews

Review: Night Watch


Night Watch
Night Watch by Eden Winters

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Jay and Michael are continue to build and grow in their relationship. Michael is still in recovery from his time in the service, although he is getting stronger the road is still long. This story lets us really get to know Jay and his feelings. I like the honesty in his feelings. He is honest with himself that he has to choose between his love for Micheal and what his dream for his life might look like.



View all my reviews

Review: Silver Shorts 2012, Week 24


Silver Shorts 2012, Week 24
Silver Shorts 2012, Week 24 by Caitlin Ricci

My rating: 5 of 5 stars







View all my reviews

Review: Talus: A Demon Story


Talus: A Demon Story
Talus: A Demon Story by Carolyn Faulkner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Grace is house sitting and she's been feeling strange when she's visited before. Talus has been cursed for ages but he's quite the lover anyway. This story is explosive with dark sexual fantasies and yet there is is an underlying layer of strong emotions. Very powerful impact. This story is intense, in fact, I had to take a break about half-way through and read something lighter before I could finish up.



View all my reviews

Friday, October 19, 2012

Review: Boytraine Island


Boytraine Island
Boytraine Island by Bertram Maxwell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I actually bought this story knowing it was a re-edit and having read the F/M version of the story.

I found it interesting to read the story with this gender twists. I enjoyed both stories but really felt that the M/M twist actually added to the story. I "wife" kept to her husband's specification no matter how "different" those ideas were is not really such a surprise for the time period. But to look at the story from this much more "dangerous" kink gave the story an even more deliciously naughty feel.



View all my reviews

Review: A Shiver at Twilight


A Shiver at Twilight
A Shiver at Twilight by Erin Quinn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



JD comes to Carly's rescue but things begin to take lots of bizarre twists. It seems that romance and justice are both in the air.



View all my reviews

Review: Release Me


Release Me
Release Me by Mona Whitlock

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



Gavin is investigating a crime that the answer doesn't seem possible until it is. I didn't like this story because the ending seemed to trade one tragedy for another.



View all my reviews

Review: How Was He Supposed to Know?


How Was He Supposed to Know?
How Was He Supposed to Know? by Andy Slayde

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Poor guy knows the guy he's crushed on for years is leaving town so he decides to go out and have a good time but he has no idea the message he's sending out to the guys at the club. Then the night of his dreams happens but will it be enough to hold onto.



View all my reviews

Review: For the Love of Giving


For the Love of Giving
For the Love of Giving by Laura Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Vanessa is desperate and needs to earn the money she already spent. She willing to agree to almost anything to make sure Leo helps her out. As the story unfolds all kinds of secrets and connections are discovered. This is story of sweet vampires.



View all my reviews

Review: Pretty Ugly


Pretty Ugly
Pretty Ugly by Jordan Castillo Price

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Interesting little story where you are led to examine the idea of beauty being skin deep or in the eye of the beholder.



View all my reviews

Review: Taming Groomzilla


Taming Groomzilla
Taming Groomzilla by E.N. Holland

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Luke and Joel get their own place and getting married seems like a good idea. This was a fun read to see everyone getting so out of control about so many things.



View all my reviews

Review: Scary Spanks


Scary Spanks
Scary Spanks by Starla Kaye

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This is a great collection of stories that really gets into the Halloween spirit. The stories all have a different take on both the Halloween and spanking theme. Great collection of authors and stories.



View all my reviews

Review: Saving Tate


Saving Tate
Saving Tate by Will Banks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Deck has been felling something for Tate since high school but he never did anything about it. Tate comes back with a partner but things are as great as it could be. Deck wants to help but in some ways it seems sad that the help is making things worse. Makes you aware that domestic abuse can happen anyway to any couple.



View all my reviews

Review: Other People's Weddings


Other People's Weddings
Other People's Weddings by Josh Lanyon

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



This story was a good read and had some unexpected twists.



View all my reviews

Review: New Leather


New Leather
New Leather by Debra Varva

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Carl has always dismissed the BDSM lifestyle but an overheard conversation seems to get his interest. He decides to take up the challenge to try it before he writes about it. James issues the challenge and he's not ever sure if it will be taken. I think both been are surprised by their feelings and reactions to each other. This story was more powerful then I expected. This was a really well written story.



View all my reviews

Review: Whipstitch *free read*


Whipstitch *free read*
Whipstitch *free read* by Shirin Dubbin

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



There wasn't a lot to this story and parts of it were confusing. I'm just working on trying to get the books read that have Halloween themes this month so I finally got this one knocked off my to be read list.



View all my reviews

Review: Papa Knows Best


Papa Knows Best
Papa Knows Best by Jaxx Steele

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I like a story that can give me a few surprises now and then and this book delivers. In this story "papa" is the younger guy and he knows just what the professor needs.



View all my reviews

Review: Caged


Caged
Caged by Tam Ames

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This story was just a lot of fun. Never thought about a hamster shifter. This story was a lot of fun.



View all my reviews

Review: Body & Soul


Body & Soul
Body & Soul by Carolyn Faulkner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Abby is kidnapped because she impulsively decides to help her friends. Her rescue sometimes almost as bad. Dane is a strong man who suddenly realizes everything is different this time. This story has strong characters and strong emotions.



View all my reviews

Review: Little Jamie


Little Jamie
Little Jamie by Sean Michael

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



They are such a sweet couple and seem to be such a perfect match.



View all my reviews

Review: Texas Winter


Texas Winter
Texas Winter by R.J. Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Lots of drama but you also see the strength of their relationship and how they can weather what comes their way and continue to get stronger.



View all my reviews

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Review: Karleigh's Cowboys


Karleigh's Cowboys
Karleigh's Cowboys by Paige Tyler

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Karleigh's taking the first vacation in years and seems to be having plenty of fun.



View all my reviews

Review: The Stolen Fairy


The Stolen Fairy
The Stolen Fairy by Daisy Dunn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A botched mission leads to true love.



View all my reviews

Review: The Telling


The Telling
The Telling by Eden Winters

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Michael has come home and everything in his life is different than when he left. He has so much to cope with. It is wonderful to see love come into his life and Jay is such a good and patient man. Wonderful story of love, acceptance, and recover.



View all my reviews

Review: Stakin' His Claim


Stakin' His Claim
Stakin' His Claim by Sandy Sullivan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Marissa loves taking pictures and crushing on Corey. Corey is such a player so when he takes notice she has a hard time believing its for real. But taking a risk can well be worth it.



View all my reviews

Review: New Legs, New Year


New Legs, New Year
New Legs, New Year by Sean Michael

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Jeremy is upset about his new legs but it seems to be deeper than that and Simon is just the guy to get him to open up and share. Great visit with two wonderful guys. Jeremy again shows his great strength in overcoming so much and his need (like the rest of us) of reassurance that it doesn't matter to the one we love.



View all my reviews

Review: Hunting Jaguar


Hunting Jaguar
Hunting Jaguar by D. McEntire

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This story starts with 4 friends making wishes for future love. Rachel really doesn't want to even think about a guy in the future so her description is purely fantasy. The rest of the book portrays what happens with fantasy and reality collide. I love the strong character of the shifter Tuni who must balance protection and true justice. There is plenty of intrigue as well. A well balanced story.



View all my reviews

Review: The Interview


The Interview
The Interview by Kayden McLeod

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Not a romance at all but a gateway story. Hard to tell where this will go with the next installment. Lots of potential for either people happy with getting exactly what they want but also the potential for taking a dark turn. Looking forward to the next book.



View all my reviews

Review: Beneath the Starry Sky


Beneath the Starry Sky
Beneath the Starry Sky by Jessica E. Subject

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Tamara and Josh are both hiding and feeling unlovable because of their imperfection. But they are perfect for each other. Both can bloom and be themselves with the other.



View all my reviews

Review: Erotic Fantasies


Erotic Fantasies
Erotic Fantasies by Sandie Tifinie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Some interesting ideas to consider. Not sure if I'm brave enough to bring some of them up.



View all my reviews

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Review: Good Bye to Mama


Good Bye to Mama
Good Bye to Mama by Joannie Kay

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This is such a sweet story. It was interesting how each of the siblings had similar things in their lives and how they really were their mama's children. I think it fun when we find out our parents are real human beings.



View all my reviews

Review: Laurel and Joseph Book One:The Early Years


Laurel and Joseph Book One:The Early Years
Laurel and Joseph Book One:The Early Years by Joannie Kay

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This book is a series of short stories about Laurel and Joseph spanning from before the time there were dating to the early years of their marriage. The stories were touching but even after a few years of marriage they still aren't communicating effectively. Hope to see more of Laurel and Joseph.



View all my reviews

Review: The Ever Knight


The Ever Knight
The Ever Knight by Georgia Fox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Jisella talks a rough game but she really doesn't know a thing. The story line is very interesting and loved the characters. My only complaint was th ending just seemed a bit abrupt and too easy.



View all my reviews

Review: The Warlord's Bride


The Warlord's Bride
The Warlord's Bride by Monica Vale

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Ulrich steps in to stop the Queen from her deal with King Torvald. And from there things just continue to get more and more out of control. It was interesting to see the power struggle going on in a number of places during this story. While the Warlord and the Queen are the main couple there are other couples who's relationship we get to part of as well.



View all my reviews

Review: Between You and Me


Between You and Me
Between You and Me by Alex Mar

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



It is well written and somewhat sweet but the topic was just a bit squeamish for me.



View all my reviews

Review: Mail Order Mama


Mail Order Mama
Mail Order Mama by Courage Knight

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I found this books to be a real surprise with all the drama and plot twists in this story. What starts out as a simple mail order bride story turns into so much more. Morgan had not had an easy life and she's willing to work hard but she is called on to be strong in so many ways. I love the strength of her character and how she really used her brain when it matter most. This turned out to be a very powerful story and well worth the read.



View all my reviews

Review: Ridin' Hard


Ridin' Hard
Ridin' Hard by Ree Alexander

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Mitchell gets hurt and Kyle gets to provide first aid to someone he's been crushing on. It's a cute story of falling in love but I felt that the story was a bit rushed. It was overall a great story I just wish there had been a bit more to it.



View all my reviews

Review: Finding Our Way to Happily Ever After, Book One


Finding Our Way to Happily Ever After, Book One
Finding Our Way to Happily Ever After, Book One by April Star

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Keegan and Brenna are fighting all the time she seems to have become angry and out of control and everyone is miserable. They are willing to try a new thing to get back on track. I like that they haven't arrived at a perfect life yet but they are working toward it.



View all my reviews

Review: Before the Night is Over


Before the Night is Over
Before the Night is Over by Sandy Sullivan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Laurel is not looking for anything more than to raise her daughter and help out her sister. Kale seems to push all her buttons but does she really want more. When life gets really crazy Laurel can see that Kale is ready to step up to plate. Love how we could "see" both of them struggle with what do we really want from life.



View all my reviews

Review: Taking Inventory, a Hammer story


Taking Inventory, a Hammer story
Taking Inventory, a Hammer story by Sean Michael

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Jim and Marcus finding a way to make a simple job of inventory a whole lot of fun.



View all my reviews

Review: Market Day


Market Day
Market Day by Sean Michael

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Another cute visit with Marcus and Jim. A simple shopping trip can become so much more. You can see growth in Jim but he still needs his Master's touch.



View all my reviews

Review: Face Value


Face Value
Face Value by R.J. Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Beckett receives a strange puzzle that leads him straight into danger. I'm beginning to see the building of the layers from book to book as we get deeper and deeper into the dark world of the mob. I love how Kayden is both drawn to Beckett but also feels he has to remember his role as doctor. I can't wait for the next installment.



View all my reviews