Romance Book Review: Elle Thorne's Cross

Cross: Shifters Forever Worlds 

Series Connection: Barely After Dark

Author: Elle Thorne

Genre: Paranormal Shifter, Erotic Romance

Purchase Link: Amazon

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Ariadne is on the run from her ex and a devastating betrayal. In danger she goes to her best friend from college who sends her to Mae Forester. Mae knows just who she needs to send Ariadne to and brings her to Cross. 

Cross is part of a special military shifter group, who is taking a break from his normal life. He's on his home turf when Mae brings Ariadne to Cross to protect. The minute Cross meets Ariadne his bear tells him she's his mate. Cross isn't sure he wants a mate, especially one that is human. 

It isn't long before trouble comes Cross and Ariadne's way. Can Cross get Ariadne to safety before its too late. 

This is a pretty short story that would have been interesting if it was a little longer. I enjoy the world Elle Thorne has built around Mae and her "nephews". It would be nice to have a full length novel as part of the series. 

One note, I once took a writing class which referenced naming characters and not making it a name that isn't common enough that the name doesn't just roll off the tongue. I think this is just one of those cases. 

Although Ariadne is a beautiful name, and I appreciate the use of a name from Greek mythology, is it a name that just didn't come easy to read throughout the story. 

(In Greek mythology means Ariadne is the daughter of Pasiphae and the Cretan king Minos. In Britannica.com says "She fell in love with the Athenian hero Theseus and, with a thread or glittering jewels, helped him escape the Labyrinth after he slew the Minotaur, a beast half bull and half man that Minos kept in the Labyrinth.")

Description:

Cross del Cruz is a former Compliance Enforcer with the Shifter Council. He did his duty. He enforced the Council's will around the country and even out of the country. Stress the word former, because all he wants now is to be left alone. He's been living in his cabin on Bear Canyon Mountain Range, overlooking Bear Canyon Valley and enjoying the solitude of the forest. The quiet. The simplicity. The drama free environment that doesn't involve other shifters. Not even family.  

Except now Mae Forester, who has dubbed him as one of her "nephews" has decided she needs his help. He can't turn Mae down, not when she gave him and his brothers a home during the worst days of their lives.

He didn't expect Ariadne Fueller. Who could ever expect that curvy spitfire. She flipped his world upside down.

Before meeting her, Cross never would have called his existence lonely--until he met her.

If hot sex skeeves you out, you may want to pass on this book.

If freaky, downright dirty sexy talk bothers you, yeah, for sure you gotta pass on this one.

We believe in sex--hot, dirty, delicious sex.

Yup, make it sweaty, too. It's not just sex, it's about the romance.

But good romance has sex, and we keep the doors open! Oh, and the lights on! ;)

Romance Book Review: Elle Thorne's Cross

Cross: Shifters Forever Worlds 

Series Connection: Barely After Dark

Author: Elle Thorne

Genre: Paranormal Shifter, Erotic Romance

Purchase Link: Amazon

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Ariadne is on the run from her ex and a devastating betrayal. In danger she goes to her best friend from college who sends her to Mae Forester. Mae knows just who she needs to send Ariadne to and brings her to Cross. 

Cross is part of a special military shifter group, who is taking a break from his normal life. He's on his home turf when Mae brings Ariadne to Cross to protect. The minute Cross meets Ariadne his bear tells him she's his mate. Cross isn't sure he wants a mate, especially one that is human. 

It isn't long before trouble comes Cross and Ariadne's way. Can Cross get Ariadne to safety before its too late. 

This is a pretty short story that would have been interesting if it was a little longer. I enjoy the world Elle Thorne has built around Mae and her "nephews". It would be nice to have a full length novel as part of the series. 

One note, I once took a writing class which referenced naming characters and not making it a name that isn't common enough that the name doesn't just roll off the tongue. I think this is just one of those cases. 

Although Ariadne is a beautiful name, and I appreciate the use of a name from Greek mythology, is it a name that just didn't come easy to read throughout the story. 

(In Greek mythology means Ariadne is the daughter of Pasiphae and the Cretan king Minos. In Britannica.com says "She fell in love with the Athenian hero Theseus and, with a thread or glittering jewels, helped him escape the Labyrinth after he slew the Minotaur, a beast half bull and half man that Minos kept in the Labyrinth.")

Description:

Cross del Cruz is a former Compliance Enforcer with the Shifter Council. He did his duty. He enforced the Council's will around the country and even out of the country. Stress the word former, because all he wants now is to be left alone. He's been living in his cabin on Bear Canyon Mountain Range, overlooking Bear Canyon Valley and enjoying the solitude of the forest. The quiet. The simplicity. The drama free environment that doesn't involve other shifters. Not even family.  

Except now Mae Forester, who has dubbed him as one of her "nephews" has decided she needs his help. He can't turn Mae down, not when she gave him and his brothers a home during the worst days of their lives.

He didn't expect Ariadne Fueller. Who could ever expect that curvy spitfire. She flipped his world upside down.

Before meeting her, Cross never would have called his existence lonely--until he met her.

If hot sex skeeves you out, you may want to pass on this book.

If freaky, downright dirty sexy talk bothers you, yeah, for sure you gotta pass on this one.

We believe in sex--hot, dirty, delicious sex.

Yup, make it sweaty, too. It's not just sex, it's about the romance.

But good romance has sex, and we keep the doors open! Oh, and the lights on! ;)

Romance Book Review: Vivian Arend's Rocky Mountain Heat

Author: Vivian Arend
Series Connection: Six Pack Ranch
ISBN: 978-1-60928-551-7
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Purchase Link: Amazon 

In the first of this long running series readers are introduced to the Coleman family from Canada. This large family of six sons are rough and tumbled cowboys. Some of the books in the series are dedicated to Coleman cousins, that play an active role in the stories.

In book one, Jaxi has decided it is time to finally get the man she has loved all her life. She has lived in the back pocket of the Coleman boys since she was seven years old. She's even dated on of the brothers, but not the one she really wanted, Blake.

Blake is ten years old the Jaxi and although he has wanted her for years, she was always off limits. She was too young and she was also one of his brother's ex. The best thing he could do was avoid her.

When Blake's mother is hurt in an accident, Jaxi takes the chance and moves in to help the family. This is her chance to show Blake she isn't a little girl anymore, but all woman.

But Blake isn't the only Coleman brother interested in Jaxi's affection. Can Blake come to terms with the age difference before he loses a chance with Jaxi forever.

This first book to this series is free. It is a great way to get a look of Vivian Arend's writing style, which is very well executed with hot steamy love scenes, as well as a nice introduction to this series. The series isn't complete yet, with book seven coming out later this month.

Throughout the book I was rooting for Jaxi to achieve her goal. She is a great character--a strong and sassy country girl who knows exactly what she wants and works hard to achieve it. The readers are also introduced to each of the other family members and some of their motivations and personalities. Looking forward to reading the next books in the series.

Description:

He's the one who taught her to ride. Now all he wants is to ride her. 

Six Pack Ranch, Book 1

Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble's a western-hat-wearing blonde with slim legs that go on forever, what's a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.

Jaxi has other plans for Blake's hands, and his heart. She may have once considered him a big brother, but that was a long time ago. She's all grown up now and ready to convince him that she's perfect for him. Except he can't seem to see past the big "don't touch" sign that's apparently still hanging around her neck. 

When Jaxi ends up living right under Blake's nose, the undeniable heat between them slides off simmer and leaps up to barn-burning levels. However, a few of the younger six-pack Colemans have decided Jaxi's brand of trouble is worth risking a few busted bones. 

That is, if Blake's finally ready to let go the reins and fight for what he wants...

Warning: Sexy cowboys seducing and being seduced in trucks, pool halls and barns. Droolworthy country charm, a little double-teaming, a few secrets and a whole lot of brothers to look forward to. Anyone wanna go for a ride? 

Romance Book Review: Hazel Gower's Arden's Mate

Author: Hazel Gower

Series Connection: Armageddon Mates

ISBN: 9781940744407 

Genre: Shapeshifter Romance, Erotic Romance

Publisher: Beachwalk Press, Inc.

Purchase Link: Amazon

In order to save his mate's life, Arden has no choice but to bite the woman he has never met and attach himself to her for the rest of his life. Unfortunately with all choice being taken away from her Remy runs as fast as she can to get away from him. 

Remy had always intended to return to Arden and her friends, she just needed some time to adjust to the idea that she would be trapped in the world with the werewolves and their fight with the demon. Just as she is deciding to return home, she runs into demon trouble of her own. Going back home on her own is no longer an option. 

Once back into the fold of her friends and her mate, she must convince everyone she has no plans to run again and get back in every one's good graces. Surprisingly it is Arden to understands Remy from the start and Remy can't help but fall for her sexy mate. 

I loved both Arden and Remy. Despite how possessive Arden is because he worries that he will lose Remy again, she is perfect for him because she won't let him get away with anything. She's strong, sassy and blunt, just what a werewolf fighter needs to accept his life.

While I liked the continuation to the Armageddon Mates story line, and the romance between Arden and Remy, I thought the story was a little disjointed and not up to par with the previous installments to the series, but it kept me interested and waiting to see who comes next in the series. 

Description:

Can you run from fate, or is destiny's pull too strong? 

Remy, a young woman with the ability to harness fire, finds herself helping a group of werewolf shifters and other paranormal beings in a battle against demons who want to take over the world. When she is badly injured and on the brink of death, Arden, a werewolf shifter, bites her, giving her supernatural healing abilities. The last thing she expected was for it to also mark her as his mate. With her choices for her life slowly disappearing as it becomes clear what being with Arden will entail, Remy flees. 

Arden is devastated when his mate runs from him. Hope for his future disappears and his wolf takes over, turning him into a feral mess. 

Remy soon realizes she's made the biggest mistake of her life. Returning to the shifters and a changed Arden, Remy has to not only gain their forgiveness but also build their trust in her while helping Arden overcome his feral nature. 

Will Remy be strong enough to be the mate Arden needs or will she let the fire she controls consume her and run again, this time never looking back? 

Romance Book Review: Mandy M Roth's Tactical Magik

Author: Mandy M. Roth
Series Connection: Immortal Ops
ISBN: 9781625010261
Genre: Fae, Magik, Were, Shifter, Erotic Romance
Publisher: The Raven Books

Purchase Link: Amazon

Eadan Daley is just making his new home with the I-Ops group of supernatural shifters when his old boss asks him to come back and take on a solo mission without bringing his new teammates with him. As it turns out this mission is very personal to Eadan and he feels the pressure to hurry to find the missing supernatural that the PSI group is looking for. Once he finds her there is a whole lot of bad situations that the two get into.

As an Immortal Ops series book goes, this book pretty much falls into the same realm as the previous four books. Eadan is a little different from the other I-Ops readers have met in the past as he is Fae and not a shifter and that through previous books we've gotten to know him a little more.  As with the other stories a little more character development would have helped us to understand Inara a little more, but it is clear she has lived off her wits with the help of a mentor for some time now and she's a strong alpha female, although we might get the idea she's a pushover by how she is first represented.

Description:

Eadan Daly has thrown himself into the role as the sixth I-Ops team member and has forged a brotherhood of sorts with the other men. When he’s asked to go on a solo mission for the PSI Branch (Paranormal Security and Intelligence) he’s not so sure he wants his old job back. 

Inara Nash is a survivor, doing what she must to get by. On the run for years, from an organization she doesn’t fully understand, she tries to stay below the radar. When a blond hunk arrives and claims he’s her savoir, she suspects her luck might have finally run out. Sure, he’s hot and looks like he’d be good in bed but there is something almost magical about him that defies reality. And if there is one thing she’s learned in her life in the paranormal underground it’s you never trust a magik. 

Romance Book Review: Aimelie Aames' Her Billionaire Her Wolf

Author: Aimelie Aames

Series Connection: Her Billionaire Her Wolf

ISBN: 9781476283746

Genre: Paranormal, Werewolf, BDSM, Erotic Romance

Purchase Link

The first in a four part series of short novellas, Everyday Sara goes to lunch at the same restaurant, although she can barely afford to eat there. She continues because the sight of a man who sits along in a booth that she views from a mirrored wall attracts her. She doesn't know who he is, but he must be powerful.

The two never speak and their eyes never meet, until one day Sara gets into an altercation with another customer and the man takes notice and stands up for her. He becomes her knight in shining armor and when he takes her up to the office to take care of her, she realizes that he's just as taken with her as she is to him. 

This is a very dark tale that promises a strong rushing story of intrique and suspense. Who are all the players and where is the story going is unclear but it seems promising.

Description:

A billionaire story unlike any other—

She watches him every day.

For two months she has spent each lunch hour studying the enigmatic man in a restaurant always filled to overflowing; yet, for two months he is there each day in a booth all to himself.

Sara thinks she is safe as she drinks in every gorgeous detail reflected in the bar's back mirror. She asks herself who he could possibly be, convinced he would never notice her...convinced that no one ever does.

She could not have been more wrong.

Chance brings them together and animal lust is unleashed. But what she never could have imagined is far from being the strangest part of this tale. For there are shadowy figures holding the strings offstage and the manipulation of Sara Renardine has only just begun.

Romance Book Review: Red Garnier The Billionaire's Club

 Kept By Him

Author: Red Garnier

Series Connection: The Billionaire's Club

ISBN-13: 978-1466833470

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Macmillan

Purchase Link

After reading the second book in the series of The Billionaire's Club Taken By Him, I decided to check out the rest of the series. All quick reads about each of the five friends. The last book to the series Bared to Him is scheduled for release Aug. 1, 2013. Meanwhile I've now read the other three and are up to date. By the way, the more I read of the other two books, the more I like the immature Luke from Taken By Him. His character is getting better the more he time his spends with his lady love. 

For now the last story is Kept By Him, the story of the "Prince" Daniel and the woman who stole his heart years before Monica. Daniel is the ultimate ladies man, so when Monica asks him if he'll help her with a little problem she is having with intimacy she's sure if anyone can help he can. 

Daniel can't say no to the woman of his dreams. He'll do anything to get into bed with her. For Monica everything is okay as long as there are no strings attached, but for Daniel those strings have been there all along. Can he convince Monica to be his or will she hide from love?

Of all I like the emotional depth of this book the most. Monica is terrible wounded from events of long ago and Daniel is the strong protective guy who has always been there for her. This is a sweet, very sexy story. 

Description:

The Billionaire's Club: The wealthiest, most powerful men, not only in Chicago, but in the world. They are used to having whatever they want, whenever they want it.

Not everyone knows that billionaire Daniel Lexington gets a little dirty, a little dark and will settle for nothing less than everything from any woman lucky enough to tangle his sheets. Handsome, rich and completely irresistible, Daniel can have any woman he wants. However, there is one woman he aches to possess, but has never touched: Monica Davenport. Monica is one of the alarmingly few women in his life that Daniel has called friend and Daniel protects his friends—no matter what. But when Monica comes to him one night, asking him to make love to her, Daniel is not about refuse—he can't refuse—even if it could cost him everything.

After witnessing her mother's turbulent, bitter marriage to her father and its tragic end, Monica Davenport has always had trouble letting men get too close. She's determined to never to give herself to the kind of violent passion that plagued her parents' relationship. But after her most recent boyfriend dumps her for being passionless, Monica longs to finally break free. She wants to know what it feels like to be taken by a powerful, sexy man. And who better than Daniel Lexington? He is one of her closest friends and one of the few men she trusts…and she has always longed for his touch. Now, she has a shocking, erotic proposal that threatens to change everything between them because Daniel is a demanding lover who will accept nothing less than complete surrender.

Bound By Him

Author: Red Garnier

Series Connection: The Billionaire's Club

ISBN-13: 978-1466833463

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Macmillan

Purchase Link

There is a big secret Andrew has been keeping from Whitney all these years. Three years ago he left telling her he needed to be away on business for a little while and asked her to be his forever. She agreed and waited for him, but when his letters stopped coming she gave up hope. 

Now he's home and he just expects to pick up where he left off. Whitney isn't having that. She's changed and it doesn't matter how much she loves him, she can't just let him back in her life without an explanation of where he has been and what he has been doing all this time. 

Andrew loved Whitney more than anything since she was a teenager. He would walk through hell for her and never let her worry about the sacrifice he made. Now that he is back he won't let her get away again. All he wants is his life back with her. 

Now someone wants to take that life away from him. He'll do anything to keep Whitney safe.

Description:

The Billionaire's Club: The wealthiest, most powerful men, not only in Chicago, but in the world. They are used to having whatever they want, whenever they want it.

Oil tycoon Andrew Fairchild would sell his soul to protect Whitney Donahue. She's the one girl he's loved his whole life. And when tragedy strikes and Andrew needs to leave, he's determined to keep Whitney from knowing where he's going, and why. But when he finally comes home, he discovers that Whitney is no longer the vulnerable young girl he left behind. She's all woman and she awakens his darkest passions with an intensity that threatens to consume them both.

Whitney never loved anyone the way she loved Andrew Fairchild and no one hurt her the way he did. When he returns, her body remembers his touch all too well and while Whitney is rendered helpless by his expert seduction, glorying in the way he forces her to surrender her body, she vows never to give him her heart again. But "never" is not a word in Andrew's vocabulary. When a madman threatens Whitney's life and the past they've struggled for years to put behind them haunts them once more, this sexy billionaire is even more determined to fight for her—and fight not only for her heart, but for the very life of the woman he's bound to him forever.

Claimed By Him

Author: Red Garnier

Series Connection: The Billionaire's Club

ISBN-13: 9781466833449

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Macmillan

Purchase Link

Chloe is tired of Graves treating her like his best friends little sister. She wants him for herself and she knows he's interested, but when she finally makes her move he's already hooked up with another woman for the night. So she give him an ultimatum if he doesn't give himself to her for her birthday she just give her virginity to her brother's other friend Luke. 

Grave is going crazy. He can't let Chloe go to Luke. Luke is such a man-whore he'd take her no questions asked. So he set out to try and convince her not to do it, but that doesn't work Graves can't resist the woman he's wanted forever. Unfortunately, when her brother finds out what's going on, he's ready to put a stop to it and he might just convince Chloe that its the best possible way for this who thing to end. 

This is one of those predictable stories of girl in love with her brother's best friend. It isn't as bad as it seems though. The writing is in top form, the story starts off the series and introduces everyone to the rest of the series characters and you just can't help but fall for Graves and his little nerdy gadgets and robots. 

Description:

The first original e-novella in Red Garnier’s fabulously sexy Billionaire’s Club series about the some of the world’s most wealthiest, powerful men and women they claim—and keep…

Graves Buchanan has always been secretly obsessed with Chloe Lexington, an innocent “princess” who also happens to be his best friend’s sister. But Graves would never dare touch her—his desires are too erotic, too deep…too dark. Little does he know that Chloe is just as infatuated with Graves. She’s dreamed about him for so long, despite her brother’s warnings that she could never handle a man like him. Now that Chloe has turned twenty-five, what she wants for her birthday is Graves. But once she has him, can Chloe tame the passion that will be unleashed?

Read all five e-novellas in this sensational series—and look for the full volume of THE BILLIONAIRE'S CLUB in January 2014 from St. Martin’s Paperbacks.

Romance Book Review: Beverly Havlir's Tristan's Woman

Author: Beverly Havlir

Series Connection: Pleasure Planet

ISBN: 9781419926341

Genre: Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi

Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing

Purchase Link

Looking for more of his race, Commander Tristan and his men arrive of Pleasure Planet with hopes of finding some lost survivors. They have been told that two can be found here. Not realizing he had already found one of those he searches for after an night of pleasure, Tristan rushes to save her.

Ava is a half-breed and can't connect with any of the men who come to Pleasure Planet without fear of punishment. When she meets Tristan she can't help herself even though she knows it is wrong. 

Now Tristan is telling her that she is one of his kind and he is going to rescue her and her brother, but can she believe him. What choice does she have when he makes her body burn with desire. 

Hot, hot, hot. I would even say sizzling hot. I would expect anything else from an Ellora's Cave book or from Beverly Havlir who is know for her extremely erotic books. I could easily see the book expanded to balance out the erotic parts, but it works well as is too.

Description:

A half-breed and a pariah, exotic dancer Ava Summerlin dreams of leaving Pleasure Planet and finding a new home elsewhere.

Tristan, Commander of The Destroyer, is a Cyborg in search of his long lost people. He desires Ava from the moment he first sees her. But on Pleasure Planet, a half-breed is forbidden from having sexual encounters with anyone.

But Tristan’s lust will not be denied. He wants Ava and he will have her. However, everything will change when he discovers her true identity…

Publisher’s Note: Originally available in the Ellora’s Cave anthology Pleasure Planet.

Romance Book Review: W Lynn Chantale's Tag Team Beauty Queen

Author: W. Lynn Chantale

Series Connection: Love Smackdown/ Pinning Casanova

ISBN: n/a

Genre: Erotic Romance

Publisher: Whisper Publishing

Purchase Link

Quick erotic sexy fill romp, featuring a beauty queen and two wrestlers she's hot for. The only problem is as queen she isn't suppose to be involved with one of the wrestlers, much less two.

Description:

Alexa has always followed her heart, but when her feelings lead her to bed The Tag Team duo of Perfect Storm, well she’s in heaven. That is until another wrestler threatens their happy balance. Tono and Daniel, known as Perfect Storm, don't mind sharing Alexa. In fact, they’ve embraced all the pleasure a threesome will bring. When a heel and fellow wrestler, Virgil, decides to bring his villainous ways outside the ring, all hell breaks loose. With the relationship in jeopardy the guys scramble to defend their beauty queen’s honor and show Virgil why they’re the champions.

Romance Book Review: Emily Wood's Business and Pleasure

Author: Emily Wood

Series Connection: Rags and Riches

Digital ISBN: 9781937325527
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Erotic Romance

Publisher: Beachwalk Press Inc

Purchase Link

When a customer gives Mia an offer she can't refuse, what else can a pole dancer do than make take a chance. 

Mia has noticed one of the patron at her bar where she dances before. He's very interested in her and she knows it. One evening after work Lawrence propositions her. He will pay her to be his hostess in Italy for two weeks. Feeling that this offer is a lifeline for Mia and her roommate, Mia accepts. 

Lawrence is quite taken with Mia and hopes to get to know her when she's working for him the next two weeks. He doesn't want her to think that sleeping with him is part of the job, but with the attract these two have for each other, he's sure that it won't be long before they hit the sheets. 

Although I really enjoyed this short story it was a little predictable. I knew there would be some secret that would be revealed and so forth and so on. However the writing was well posed and the sexy scenes just sexy enough that it still gets some good points. 

Description:

Can mixing business and pleasure ever result in a happy ending?

When sexy, rich Lawrence Russo asks Mia to come and work for him in Italy for two weeks, she jumps at the chance. After all, it beats pole dancing, and the salary he offers her is practically obscene.

A relationship quickly begins to develop between the two, but Mia can't help but wonder if Lawrence's feelings for her are genuine or if he feels he's just paying for a service.

Even if their relationship is strong enough to survive her insecurities, what will happen when somebody from her past shows up and threatens to reveal her deepest, darkest secret?

Content Warning: explicit sex

Romance Book Review: Lizzie Lynn Lee's Dragon Hunts

Author: Lizzie Lynn Lee

ISBN: 978-0-85715-919-9

Genre: Erotic Romance/ Shifter Romance/ Dragons

Publisher: Total- E - Bound

Purchase Link

Jessica/Eliza is on the run from her mob boyfriend with her young son. Lucky to find a job as a secretary to a younger man that pays well, she has no idea what he has in mind when he takes her on a business trip.

Declan is ready to settle down when he meets Jessica and hires her as his secretary. He decides that Jessica is the one for him. Taking her away for a week seems like a good idea to get her used to the idea. 

While away Jessica gets a call from her son that her ex has found them, not knowing what else to do so that Declan doesn't get hurt, she takes her son and runs. 

But there are some things she doesn't know about Declan and she isn't going to get too far.

Excellent world building and descriptive pose gets the reader involved in this dragon shifter story. Who wouldn't want a sexy guy like Declan coming to their rescue, even if he does get a little scaly sometimes?

Description:

Hot boss turns into a dragon? Jessica thinks she’s bitten off more than she can chew...

In ancient times, when a dragon needed a mate, he could just swoop down on a village and kidnap a maiden. In modern times, this has proven to be a dilemma. Declan, the eldest of the Cairne brothers, is due to claim a bride. As a Harvard graduate, CEO of a trading company and Versace-clad executive, he can’t just shift to his true form and kidnap a woman to claim her as his. A perfect woman is hard to find, since Declan thinks dating is overrated.

Plump single mother Jessica Knapp is running away from her past. Between struggling to make ends meet and keeping herself and her son under the radar of her deranged mafia ex, dating is the last thing ever to cross her mind. So when her new boss Declan sets his sights on her, Jessie thinks his attention is nothing but flattery.

But Declan is a determined dragon. He swears he will have her even if it means he has to show her his scales, wings, and talons.

The hunt is on...

Romance Book Review: Crissy Smith's The Favour

Author: Crissy Smith

Series Connection: Book one in the Corporate Wolves Series

ISBN: 978-1-907280-23-8
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance/ M-F-M/ M-M/ Ménage à Trois

Publisher: Total -E - Bound

Purchase Link

Annebelle has been attracted to her boss and his vice president since she started working for the company a year ago. When the two men ask her to spend the weekend working with them on an important project, she doesn't know how she'll be able to handle it. She bites the bullet and decides to go ahead and do a favor for her bosses. 

Mac and Trevor have known that Annebelle is their mate and now they are finally going to do something about it. The only problem is will she accept what they have to offer. Not only are they asking her to be in a Ménage à Trois relationship, they are also asking her to accept their other side when they turn into large furry wolves.

Not a bad story, but very wrapped around the erotic theme. Would have been better if the novel explored a little more of the relationship between Mac and Trevor as well as Annebelle's background a little more. 

Description:

Doing a favour for her two bosses will turn out to be the most erotic experience of her life.

Annebelle Scott has lusted over her bosses for some time. When they ask a favour of her, she agrees. All she has to do is accompany them to their weekend house to work on a file that must be completed before Monday. Oh, and manage to hide her desire for them for a couple days. How hard can that be?

Matt McCoy and Trevor King have put their plan in motion to add Annabelle to their family. They concoct a story to get her to go away with them for the weekend. In the safety of their weekend house and family territory, they will not only claim her as a mate, but introduce her to the world of shape-shifters.

Romance Book Review: Lora Leigh's Jacob's Faith

Author: Lora Leigh
Series Connection: Breeds/ Wolf Breeds
ISBN: 978-1843607489
Genre: Science Fiction/ Futurist/ Erotic Romance/ Paranormal/ Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing 

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Haven't had my Breed fix lately, so I decided to pull up one of the old books from the popular Lora Leigh series. While these books are best read in order the older books are easy to keep up with, without having to read pervious editions. 

Jacob's Faith is the second in the wolf breed books. The story features Jacob, the pack's enforcer, and Faith Aiden's blood sister and the pack liaison Jacob and Faith were forced together in the labs when Faith was just 18 years old and Jacob was afraid he hurt her then, even though he was wildly attracted to her. Since years had passed and they began understanding such things, Jacob realizes now that Faith is his mate. He's done everything up until now to keep her comfortable, except for giving her himself. He has been waiting for her to stop being afraid of him.

Wolfe, her pack leader, has sent Faith on an infuriating mission. She is to find Jacob in South America and give him some information. She's been search for two months without finding him. When she finally does, she really isn't all that happy to see him. All she wants to do is give him the message and get back to her life and away from him. That isn't possible. Wolfe has his own plans and that is finally get the two together, or lose Faith all together. 

Now the two are forced to go through mating heat and get to know if they can make it together. That could be difficult especially if Faith doesn't get her coffee and beer fix. Jacob knows that both are the worst things she could have if they all are going to stay sane.

This book follows suit with all of Lora Leigh's very erotic books that she wrote under the Ellora's Cave name. Erotic is however one of her strong suits, so be prepared for a lot of sex and frolicking. Jacob's Faith goes into a lot more detail than the short Wolfe's Hope before hand and explores more of the mate issues involved in the series. Fans of the later books will enjoy meeting the earlier characters who are so fondly mentioned in the newer books. 

Description:

They are a new breed, a new race. Engineered rather than born, trained rather than raised, and their unique genetics have created more than one surprise…

Jacob left Faith six years before, unaware that the mark he left on her also left her in an agony of sexual heat that never dimmed. Now Jacob and Faith are together again, but surprises lurk around every corner and dangers as dark and deadly as their very creation surround them in more ways than one.

Romance Book Review: Mary Wehr's A Heart's Endeavor

Author: Mary Wehr
Digital ISBN: 9781937325428
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press

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After the death of her very unsupportive husband, clinically depressed Melanie is finally coming out of her shell and getting on with the rest of her life. She's found a new job and she actually driving a car again after four years. It is at her new job that she meets a new man and now she must decide if she can start another relationship or if her depression will get in the way of the new life she can have.

Jack is a state trooper who is close to retirement and hoping the next stage in his life he can find the right woman. When he sees Melanie for the first time he's ready to go over and find out exactly who the new woman is. After meeting her it isn't long until he decides Mel is the one for him, but first he has to find out what that sadness is in her eyes and make her realize she's the one for him no matter what the problems are.

This book tackles one of the tough issues in life and adds a budding romance to the mix. A little on the clinical side when relating to the subject matter, however well written erotic scenes and a good romantic match with the lead characters make up for it.

Description:
There are times when it's best to allow your heart to overrule your head.

Being diagnosed with depression not only messed up Melanie Manning's life, but her marriage as well. Her husband made it very clear that he considered her "damaged goods" and he didn't have time to coddle a mentally ill wife. After his sudden death, Melanie knew she was destined to be alone. Loneliness sounded a hell of a lot better than exposing her illness to another man. Her self-esteem couldn't survive another blow.

When state trooper Jack Horan meets Melanie, the attraction is immediate. Her deep blue eyes make him weak in the knees, but those eyes also hold a hint of sadness. Jack is determined to wipe away her pain, but how can he do that when Melanie refuses to let him get close to her?

Can Melanie learn to face her fears and trust her heart in the hands of another man?

Content Warning: some strong language, spanking, and sex play with a piece of fruit wielded by a hot guy in uniform.

Romance Book Review: Ashley Ladd's The Perfect Gift

Author: Ashley Ladd
ISBN #978-1-906328-64-1
Genre: Erotic Romance/ M-F-M Romance/ Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Total-E-Publishing

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After finding some naughty magazines under her boyfriend's bed, Bianca is surprised to find, instead of pictures of naked women, she finds pictures of naked men. Now what is she going to do. She had once thought she had the perfect relationship with Ty, but maybe it isn't as perfect as she thought. 

Earlier she thought her biggest problem was finding the perfect Christmas gift for her boyfriend, now what? Maybe she has a good idea that could either break-up her relationship or make it better?

Interesting take on a man exploring his sexuality and the woman who loves him. I liked Bianca and her solution to a complex problem. 

Description:

Bianca's on the search to find the perfect gift for her boyfriend Ty this Christmas. But then she discovers a hidden stash of gay male porn under his side of the bed. Stunned, and scared, she needs to find out if Ty's more interested in men than in her. 

She arranges an illicit night for Ty with her handsome gay co-worker Brendan. 

To her astonishment and delight, the night turns into a ménage-à-trois, and all three lovers end up benefiting from this special gift.

Romance Book Review: Maya Banks' Reckless

Author: Maya Banks
Series Connection: Brazen 2
ISBN: 978-1-60504-034-9
Genre: Erotic romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing

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Nikki has come home to the small town that once taunted her because of her mother's bad behavior for just one reason...to get her man. Sheriff J.T. Summers is worth it all to Nikki. She tries everything to get his attention, but nothing seems to be working. She'll have to just put out all the stops.

J.T. doesn't know what's gotten into Nikki, he best friend's little sister. When Nikki moved back to their small town, her brother asked J.T. to keep an eye on her and make sure she is well protected. Suddenly Nikki wants more than that from J.T., but he can't give in, can he?

This is one of Maya Banks earlier titles available at Samhain Publishing. Every one who loves a great story with hot love scenes will want to check this one out, if not this one, one of  Maya Banks' new titles.

In Reckless, our hero is a good guy out to keep a promise to his best friend, while bringing us a great forbidden love story. How can anyone resist Nikki? She's sassy, brazen and not shy about going after what she wants. You couldn't ask for a better combination than this couple.

Description:

He can run, but he can’t hide

A Red Hot Summer story and a stand-alone sequel to Brazen.

Sheriff J.T. Summers promised to keep an eye on his best friend’s little sister. What could possibly go wrong? A lot. “Little” Nikki Durant isn’t so little anymore. She’s sex on a stick, and she’s pointed right at him.

Nikki has always loved J.T., and she’s through waiting for him to come around. The soaring summer temperature is nothing compared to the heat generated when she sets fire to his senses. With a take-no-prisoners attitude, she’s out to get her man. But no matter how many ways she offers it, J.T.’s not buying.

What’s it going to take to get him to realize her love for him isn’t a passing fling? Get herself arrested? Hmm…

Product Warnings:

This title contains one very frustrated hunky sheriff, one very determined heroine, sex by the pool, sex in the office, and yes, they do make it to the bed. Eventually.

Romance Book Review: Kaylie Newell's Teaching Officer Lonesome

Author: Kaylie Newell

Digital ISBN: 9781937325343
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ May-December Romance/ Erotic Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press

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Steamy erotic romance featuring an older man and younger woman. Jack Malone is a cop who lost his wife a year ago. He's tried to date, but he hasn't gotten over the love of his life. One day on the job he pulls over Hope Marlow, a young woman who he recognizes who takes care of her younger sister. 

Hope is beautiful, but she's too young for him. Still he wants to try and be friends with her and help her out.

Hope is very attracted to Jack and doesn't see a problem with their age. She's only after a little fun and a way to thank Jack for all the help he's given her. She knows he's lonely, but will never make the first move. Being bold and sassy isn't a problem for Hope. 

Can she help the officer with his problem without getting too caught up in a relationship she doesn't really see a future for herself?

Very nicely written erotic romance. While there is a lot of sexual tension and steamy love scenes through the pages of this novella, there is still a strong story line outside of the bedroom taking place. 

Description:

A sexy cop with a broken heart is about to be taught a lesson.

Hope Marlow is a twenty-two-year-old seasoned vet when it comes to steamy one-night stands. Hope has had a hard life. From the wrong side of the tracks and abandoned by her mother, she finds herself trying to raise her little sister on a salary that barely pays the bills each month. She's tough, jaded, but when she's pulled over one sweltering summer afternoon for not using her turn signal, she meets her match in a sexually inexperienced cop twice her age.

The day Jack Malone stopped Hope is one he can't forget. It's more than the way she looked in the miniskirt and hot pink tank top, it's her confidence that keeps coming back to haunt him. But Jack is still reeling from his wife's death a year ago, and Hope represents things he thinks he can't have with a woman—passion and a new beginning. Plus, there's the fact that she's practically half his age.

Hope sees things differently. The age difference doesn't bother her, but while Jack craves an emotional connection, Hope has no interest in that. She's an expert at pushing her emotions aside, and she knows that if Jack would let her, she could teach him how fulfilling lust alone can be. With that in mind, she sets out to seduce the sexy cop.

It's only during their first night of passion that they both discover how much they've been missing.

Content Warning: contains sensual sex and some explicit language

Romance Book Byte: Shayla Black's Mine To Hold

Author: Shayla Black
Series Connection: Wicked Lovers
ISBN-13: 978-0425245514
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Berkley HEAT
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Description:
A friend’s duty.

Tyler Murphy was an LAPD detective, single and happy—until a near-fatal tragedy crippled his friend, fellow detective Eric Catalano. While he supported Eric, he also became a shoulder for Eric’s wife, Delaney, to lean on. But with one naughty suggestion from Eric, a drunken night with Delaney spilled into erotic abandon. Before it was over Tyler saw his best friend’s wife as a woman and yearned for more. When Eric struggled to deal with the aftermath, Delaney begged Tyler to leave. Crushed, he fled to Louisiana, hoping to escape his longing for the one woman he could never have again…and unaware of what he’d left behind.

A lover’s desire.

After two years of living with regret, Tyler finds Delaney on his doorstep, her husband having abandoned her long ago. She’s protecting a shocking secret and desperately needs refuge from a killer determined to see her dead. As they fight to stay alive and catch the stalker, they struggle to resolve the guilt of their past pleasures. But they can’t deny that what was once a spark is now a flame burning out of control. To possess Delaney—body and soul—Tyler must heal her pain and thwart the evil that’s a mere breath behind her…

Romance Book Review: Nacomy Blue's Kiale Dream

Author: Nacomy Blue
Series Connection: Kiale Sons
ISBN: 9781603108218
Genre: Paranormal/ Fantasy/ Vampire/ Sci-Fi/ Erotic Romance
Publisher: Red Sage

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If you have a thirst for vampire stories, this one might just fit the bill for you. In her new series, Kaile Sons, Nacomy Blue tells the story of a three aliens brothers brought to this planet after a god's family feud destroyed their own planet. The three have lived on earth for 1,200 years, but when they first came they didn't know that they would need human blood to survive.

In Kaile Dream the planet of which the three comes from is introduced as well as how they were created. These three brothers are demi-gods, born to the god of their planet and a servant. They have magical powers, as well as wings on their backs, so they can fly.

The oldest brother, Ralden is the subject of the first book. He has known and been mentally in contact with his mate for a long time. He has wanted the two of them to get together for a long time, but his mate, Zoey, has held back. When Zoey comes in contact with danger, Raldon saves her and finally Zoey realizes life is too short not to take chances.

Zoey has had a life full of pain. She's convinced that there is no such thing as love. People come into her life and they alway leave and that is what she's afraid will happen with Ralden. It will take a lot to convince Zoey that she is his everything and he won't become tired of her, but can he do it before it is too late?

Interesting world filled with a lot of back story and movement between two worlds. Through out the story readers will find out about the Kaile's abilities and begin to understand the complexity of all the creatures that live on earth in this world. The writing is sharp. I love Zoey's witt.

Description:
The galactic paradise of Maion is destroyed when vengeful goddess, Feily goes on a killing rampage of all of Kiale descent. On the verge of extinction, an unexpected savior gives the last three Kiale a fighting chance by sending them to alien planet, Earth.

1200 years later, eldest of the trio, Ralden Kiale finds his soul mate in dream walker, Zoey McKenna. Self-professed geek, Zoey has been shunned by family and friends with no understanding of her gift and believes without a doubt that love is no more than an illusion. With the looks of an angel and the appetite of a vampire, Ralden aims to shatter the stubborn wall surrounding this fierce heroine’s heart.

When Zoey’s life is threatened, will she finally throw caution to the wind and let this out of this world hero sweep her off her feet? Will she finally find her fairy tale ending?

Reader Alert! Zoey’s cold bed is lit with flames when an out of this world hero comes straight out of her dreams. Warning! A cold shower maybe be needed after this read!

Romance Book Review: Lucy Felthouse's Off The Shelf

Author: Lucy Felthouse
ISBN: 9781908917317
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Xcite Books Ltd

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A travel reporter, Annalise doesn't have a lot of time for a relationship. On one trip however she meets two men that interest her.

In her new book Lucy Felthouse explores have timing is everything as Annalise tries to decide if she wants to take a chance on a man she only had the chance to meet on her way to catching a plane out of town. Hot steamy love scenes, alone and with a partner. Fun quick read.

Two covers available for this book.

Description:

At 35, travel writer Annalise is fed up with insensitive comments about being left “on the shelf”. It’s not as if she doesn’t want a man, but her busy career doesn’t leave her much time for relationships. Sexy liaisons with passing acquaintances give Annalise physical satisfaction but she needs more than that. She wants a man who will satisfy her mind as well as her body. But where will she find someone like that?

It seems Annalise may be in luck when a new member of staff starts working in the bookshop at the airport she regularly travels through. Damien appears to tick all the boxes – he’s gorgeous, funny and intelligent, and he shares Annalise’s love of books and travel.

The trouble is, Damien’s shy and Annalise is terrified of rejection. Can they overcome their fears and admit their feelings, or are they doomed to remain on the shelf?