Erotic romance

Shifting Into Menage–CLAIMED BY THE ALPHAS, A Review

Hi there! Thought I’d share an unconventional romance. Actually, it’s more like an unconventional arrangement that turns into a romance. CLAIMED BY THE ALPHAS, by Viola Rivard, is a serial now available in one box bundle. It a shifter book–wolf shifters mostly–who need human women to breed. And, this particular pack has two Alphas.

Claimed by the AlphasAbout the book:
She wanted to escape…

When Mila Foster stumbles across the opportunity to become an alpha wolf’s mate, she doesn’t think twice about casting aside her lackluster life among humans.

He wanted a mate…

His whole life, Asch has been denying himself a mate and a family. Now that his pack is stable and his territory is secure, he’s ready to stake his claim on Mila—even if it means he’ll have to fight his closest friend for the privilege of her fertile body.

He had no interest in human females…

Caim prefers the lean, taut females of his own kind—women who can handle the aggressive mating he enjoys. He has no desire for delicate human women with soft, curvaceous bodies—or so he thinks.

Claimed by the Alphas is the story of Mila Foster and her efforts to hold her new pack together by accepting the claim of both of its alphas. It contains sexual themes, ménage romance, and takes place beyond the confines of human society. It is not intended for readers under the age of eighteen.

My Review:
This “book” is a serial, with the first episode free. I downloaded that and enjoyed it, so I bought the second, just to see if it held my interest (sequel’s remorse, and all) and I found I STILL liked it–so I held out for the box set. And, I’m happy to say I really liked it!

Mila is, well, a bit of a goof. She’s an impulsive young woman lacking direction in life and love. She has few ties to her family and, when visiting her cousin learns of The Lottery–humans in their rural New York community are offering women to local shifter packs to secure truces, and protection from attack. The shifters in this book are wolves–and their females are infertile.

See, silly Mila read a “romance”/memoir of a woman who had been a wolf pack Alpha’s mate, and the whole thing sounds rather luxurious to her. Be treated like a queen, bearing the “royal” offspring, respected by all the pack, etc. She jumps into the lottery–to everyone’s surprise (remember she’s impulsive) offering herself as the Pack Bride. *V shakes her head*

Well, imagine Mila’s shock when she learns the pack she’s betrothed to has TWO Alphas. Oh, and they are great friends, and since only one of them will able to mate her they will have to battle each other to the death for the delight of her body. Mila is horrified. And the Pack is rather agonized. They don’t want to lose either Alpha and detest this competition. It’s really Asch’s fault; he wants pups, but he’s not as strong as Caim, who could care less about pups but won’t give up Pack control. All members of the pack fully expect Asch to be killed, forthwith.

Mila is attracted to Asch, and fearful of Caim, and quickly realizing how ridiculous she was to jump into this scenario. Oh, and deciding herself seven shades of foolish for packing necessities like, say, high heeled shoes and curling irons when she was going to be living in a cave. Yes, Mila realizes that she’s a dolt, which is charming. She also comes up with the solution to the Pack Battle Royale–that Asch and Caim should SHARE her!

It’s a pretty rocky road for this city slicker, especially as the she-wolves can get rather catty(?). Remember, both Asch and Caim have availed themselves of these women more times than Mila can count–and Mila’s insistence that they remain true to her seems…sheer lunacy. It all does work out, and the road to pregnancy sure is entertaining.

Interested? You can find CLAIMED BY THE ALPHAS (Box Set) on Goodreads and Amazon.  If you just want to try out the first serial it’s free (and spicy!) Amazon

viola_2014About the Author: (in Viola’s words)

I write paranormal romance with a dash of fantasy.

Last February, I was working in a call center, trying to save up enough money to go to college. I’d always liked to write in my spare time, but after a great deal of financial difficulties, I decided to try my hand at writing something that someone besides myself may want to read. So, in between calls at work, I penned the first part of Claimed by the Alphas. Not one to wait around for luck, I took my writing career into my own hands and self-published it that same month.

By the end of March, I went from being someone who’d never written much more than a high school essay to becoming a bestselling author. It’s been a bumpy road, but a very exhilarating ride. I still have a great deal to learn, and I appreciate all of the fans who have stuck with me on the journey.

I do my best to price my stories fairly, but there was a time, not too long ago, when even a few dollars was more than I could spare. If there’s ever a book in my catalog that you cannot purchase, send me an email and I’ll provide you with one, zero judgment.

You can catch up with Viola on her website, Goodreads and Facebook.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Frisky Friday–Who’s Up For Some Puppy Love?

Hi all! I’ve been posting a bunch of YA this week, so today I’m tossing out a bit of spicy bone for you all!  A double dose of Pets. What, pray tell, is a pet?

Well, it could be this:

Or, this:

But, what I’m talking about today are humans who have a sexual kink to emulate pets…The first time I encountered this sexual fetish was in Ann Rice’s Beauty Trilogy where unruly princes and princesses were harnessed to carriages and carts like ponies–tail plugs included. I’ll admit to being slightly scandalized, but the more I read and thought about it, the more fun it sounded. Really.

(Somewhere over Chicago a freak flag is unfurled…)

No, seriously, the Pet fetish is fun because we humans are so tender and loving to our pets. More so, I daresay, than to some humans in our lives. As “owners”/caretakers we understand the responsibility of a pet, and we freely accept their uncompromising love.

Except from cats. There we simply accept their disdain, but it’s equitable.

Anywho…on with the reviews!

(The books reviewed below are not suitable for kids.)

First up is a full-length novel by KD Grace. It is wicked fun.

The Pet Shop (The Pet Shop, #1 - 3)About the book:

In appreciation for a job well done, Stella James’s boss sends her a pet – a human pet. The mischievous Tino comes straight from The Pet Shop complete with a collar, a leash, and an erection. Stella soon discovers the pleasure of keeping Pets, especially this one, is extremely addicting. Obsessed with Tino and with the reclusive philanthropist, Vincent Evanston, who looks like Tino, but couldn’t be more different, Stella is drawn into the secret world of The Pet Shop. As her animal lust awakens, Stella must walk the thin line that separates the business of pleasure from the more dangerous business of the heart or suffer the consequences.

My Review:

FOR THE RECORD, I am generally averse to books that do not practice, or mention, safe sex. This book completely skips the STI banter and lots and lots of unprotected sex happens. I still (guiltily) liked it.

Here’s why:
I have a soft spot for books about odd kink. I kinda think they’re the “redheaded stepchildren” in the erotica family. Lots of books out there cater to D/s fantasy, ménage, and even ménage Dom. But what about the Puppies!

Stella is a diligent worker for a British conglomerate that funds environmental work. Her bosses, Anne and Alan, think she’d do better in a new role–so they devise a few tests to see if she can hack it. Essentially, they give her a Pet, Tino, for the weekend.

Now, Tino isn’t an ordinary pet. He’s a Puppy, a man playing a role as an animal. He’s unable to communicate except by “doggie” gestures. He must be kept au naturale, and fed as dogs are, and he’s a bad, naughty, virile pup. Stella is at first aghast. How could he bosses send her what amounts to a prostitute–albeit a kinky one–for a weekend romp?! She tries to send Tino back, but has no way to do so. Overwhelmed with the situation, and mighty aroused, Stella allows Tino to comfort her on the second day. It isn’t smexytimes, at first, but Tino knows how to turn the heat on. We all remember how that Other Stella got her groove back? Well, same here. Steamy, fo sho!

In fact, Stella enjoys Tino so much she tries to book him for another weekend. This is in line with Alan’s plan, even if it upsets Anne. Anne’s worried that Stella will fall for Tino and not be willing to head up the entire Pet Shop enterprise that she and Alan run. It seems a major part of funding the environmental work they do is raised by hiring out Pets, and training wealthy Pet wannabes. (That’s kink-tastic, IMHO, turning tricks to support nature conservancy efforts…BRILLIANT!). Anne wants to move on to begin the North American Pet Shop branch, and Alan and Anne (and Tino) want Stella to take Anne’s place in London, but all this is going on behind the scenes. Also, Anne has had a blistering crush on Alan for years, and is bursting to let him know–but only if he reciprocates….

Meanwhile, Stella meets Vincent, a reclusive American environmentalist, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Tino and acts nothing like her submissive Pet. How can she resolve her desires for the “two” men?

I’m not giving away any more, but the smexytimes happen early and often. They are unlimited in appearance and scope–especially when Stella agrees to undertake some Pet training of her own. Expect ménage, M/M, group, F/F, etc. In short, expect everything. It’s a very sticky, kinky, sexy book from which two HEA’s emerge in the end.

Interested? You can find THE PET SHOP on Goodreads, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

For Round Two I have a M/M puppy fetish novella: Orion’s New Leash On Life.

Orion's New Leash on LifeAbout the book:

The US Recession of 2007 stole Orion Hathaway’s job, his property value, and his savings. With nothing left, he lost something even more important: his mental health. No longer able to afford the fees to his favorite BDSM club, he becomes a hermit, retreating further into depression and the cocoon of his bed until his friends stage an intervention. They have the perfect solution to get Master O back on his feet. Despite his initial reservations, Orion discovers canine therapy might be just what he needs to become human again.

Roan Matthews is used to flaky Masters weirded out by his pup fetish. Deep down, he desires what all dogs want— a forever home. Unwilling participant Orion Hathaway seems an unlikely candidate at first, but Roan realizes if he can help pull Orion out of his depression, perhaps they can make a new home together

My Review:

This quick read was the perfect cure for a lousy day. I don’t know about you, but my fortunes have faded since the economic meltdown plowed through the US, so I felt an immediate kinship to Orion. He’s struggling to survive his debt, and can’t really get past it. Emotionally, he’s on meds and the days blend in his extended unemployment.

Then, his buddies show up with a surprise:  Roan. Roan is a Puppy. He has a bag full of toys and a dog bed and everything. When in his puppy role Roan is a completely subservient male, eager to please his Master and cuddle, play fetch, and eat from his bowl–or his Master’s hand. On the outside, Roan is a trauma nurse. His life is stressful, and dropping into his puppy persona allows him to be fun, and frisky and completely cared for. Orion realizes this; and he’s not sure he’s up for the challenge.

Caring for a Pet requires a lot of focus and effort–something Orion’s been lacking what with his depression, and all. He tries hard, however, and it’s just the tonic his heart needed. In fact, after the first weekend, Orion misses Roan. They agree to try it on again which prompts Orion to clean up his house, and himself. The pride and purpose he experiences caring for Roan is a balm to Orion. By degrees his mood improves–for the first time in months he looks forward to something:  his next session with Roan.

They even hit a BBQ with buddies from the BDSM scene and Orion encounters another Puppy Master. And the socializing restores him. He even meets a contact for a job.

A lot happens in this novella. I liked the scenes. Lots of genuine affection, puppy-style, which gradually changed into human-human affection. It was a sweet tale with a bright ending.

Interested? You can find Orion’s New Leash on Life on Goodreads, Dreamspinner Press and Amazon.

If these books don’t get your weekend started, drop me a line about books that turn YOU on!

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends! 🙂

Three’s Company in THE GLASS KNOT–A Review

Hi there! Today’s book is a steamy ménage romance from Lily Harlem. I reviewed SCORED and HIRED several months ago, and really enjoyed her writing, so I dipped my toe in for a third book, a contemporary (British) ménage, THE GLASS KNOT. FYI Lily provided me this book in exchange for my honest review.

20140703-104220.jpgAbout the book:
What’s a girl to do when the guy she falls for is married to another man?

This is exactly what happened to me. Seeing Josh Kendal stroll out of the Mediterranean Sea wearing tight navy swim trunks and looking like a hot new James Bond was a truly delicious moment. Catching sight of his wedding ring was like a kick in the shin and meeting his gorgeous husband, phew, that was enough to make any girl groan at the cruel joke God was playing on her.

But all was not as it seemed, and when Josh needed a woman to sort out a ‘delicate predicament’ I was the one for the job – heck, what did I have to lose? Certainly not as much as him, literally.

Trouble is, emotions always get tangled, loyalties can’t help but be divided and with a night of memories so hot they’d have the devil sweating, there was only one thing for it—it was time to get honest, fight for what I wanted despite society’s constraints and open my heart to the people it needed most.

My Review:
Nick and Josh are a married couple. Nick had been married to a woman, but recognized his bisexuality when he and Josh meet. Nick’s wife couldn’t understand–she left, and Nick and Josh are happy. Josh, however senses his bisexuality. He’s always wanted one experience with a woman–just to check it out. Nick is supportive, but wary.

Josh meets Laura while he and Nick are on vacation. She’s a freelance photographer, and attracted to Josh. She’s disappointed that he’s married–and even more frustrated to learn that his spouse is an equally beautiful man. Then, she realizes that Josh is attracted to her. And, that Josh has been given a “hall pass” if you will, to be with Laura for one night.

It’s fantastic. Stupendous. Cataclysmic. Tender and loving.

Laura, Nick and Josh return to their respective lives, but Josh reaches out to invite Laura for a visit under the auspices that she shoot some intimate photos of him as a gift for Nick. Laura soon learns that Nick wasn’t okay with Josh’s escapade. She also learns that Josh wants to continue to see her–which is thrilling and terrifying because her attraction hasn’t waned.

There’s a kerfuffle (involving some unauthorized carnal knowledge) and Laura leaves, returning to her dismal London flat. A few weeks later, Nick calls. Josh had been injured and he could use Laura’s help lifting Josh’s spirits. It seems Josh has been guilt-ridden and heartbroken at the same time, for wanting Laura while he also loves Nick.

The simplest solution, Nick surmises, is for Josh to be with both of them–and it brings up the question: can they be a partnership? Well, a few smexytimes later, and the whole lot of them are quite a bit happier–until Josh and Nick try to “take care of” Laura. She values her financial independence, and refuses to be “kept”. Some agitation over this point of contention gets resolved, in the most delicious way.

We get a full resolution and an HEA that satisfies. The book was almost exclusively told from Laura’s POV, which was okay, but I would have loved a bit of Josh and Nick in the body of the story. Josh, no doubt, had the most agonizing viewpoint–sorting his feelings for Laura and Nick, so I really wanted to experience him a whole lot more than just the prologue.

For contemporary ménage, this book comes from a different place–a stable gay relationship that brings in a female….which made for an interesting twist. Often times the males struggle over the M/M aspect, or simply avoid it, whereas it’s fully embraced here with Josh and Nick. I liked. Also, I’m a sucker for Brit-love, because I’m fascinated by the linguistic differences in English dialects; my inner Anglophile purred throughout. A great, steamy read–suitable for mature readers.

Interested? You can find THE GLASS KNOT on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

About the Author:
Lily Harlem is a multi-published, award-winning author of contemporary erotic romance. She lives in the UK and writes for several publishing houses including Ellora’s Cave, HarperCollins, Xcite and Total-E-Bound. She also features in numerous UK and US anthologies, some of which all proceeds go to charity.

Her books are a mixture of full length novels and short stories, some are one offs, some are sequels or part of a series (all can be enjoyed as stand-alone reads). What they all have in common are colourful characters travelling on everyone’s favourite journey — falling in love. If the story isn’t deliciously romantic and down and dirty sexy, it won’t be written, at least not by this author. So with the bedroom door left well and truly open you are warned to hang on for a steamy, sensual ride – or rides as the case might be!

You can find Lily on her website, Goodreads and Twitter.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Cover Reveal! FORKED by Melanie Harlow

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(Book 2 in the FRENCHED series)
 
by Melanie Harlow 
A  Sexy Adult Contemporary Romance
 
“Coming” September 2014
 
  Twenty-eight year old Coco Thomas knows the recipe for disaster:
 
1)      Agree to plan last-minute engagement blowout for spoiled Mafia princess before you realize her choice of caterer is Nick Lupo, a despicably gorgeous young chef with a hot new restaurant in town, a reality TV show victory, and a romantic past with you—one that did not end well.
 
2)      Strike a deal with Nick in which you agree to spend a weekend with him in exchange for his services, under the strict conditions there will be no talking about the past, no second chances, and definitely no sex.
 
3)      Violate all three conditions within 24 hours and spend two glorious days remembering what made you fall for the sexy, egotistical bastard in the first place, and why it hurt so much when he broke your heart.
 
Add one road trip, plenty of good scotch, and endless spoonfuls of chocolate cake batter drizzled over your body and licked off inch by oh-my-God-yes-right-there inch, then just admit it.
 
You’re totally FORKED.
 

Want to get caught up? Check out my review of the super-sexy novel that sparked the series: FRENCHED. (I cannot vouch for the purity of any flat surface contained within the book. Just sayin’.)

About the Author
Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. Her stories are inspired by a sense of place, an appreciation for the past, and unexpected pleasures in life—especially the romantic kind. She lifts her glass to readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband and two
daughters.
 

 

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TANGLED UP Giveaway–and CROSSING THE LINE Review

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Hi there and welcome to my stop on the TANGLED UP blog tour. For other stops on the tour click here. TANGLED UP is actually a two-for-one deal featuring short contemporary romance novels from two authors. Today I’m reviewing CROSSING THE LINE by Megan Hart. Tomorrow, I’ll get right on BURNED by Sarah Morgan.  Both days I’ll be featuring the giveaway for the combined book.

So, without further babble…

Crossing the LineAbout the book:

5 Rules for Sexy Play in the Workplace!

1. Know the company policy;—You just got an opportunity to finally snag that sweet corner office. The last thing you need is a wicked distraction….

2. Don’t date your boss—Sure, Jamison Wolfe has a smile that could send a woman into instant orgasmic joy. But more important, he’s your strict, control-freakish boss. Your hot, sexy, control-freakish boss.

3. Keep PDA out of the office—Okay, so you slipped up. Once. It was just the temptation of having Jamison at your complete naked mercy.

4. Prepare for the worst—This can’t go anywhere. You know it, he knows it. So why stop now?

5. Be discreet—Even when it gets more intense. Even when you push every limit you both possess…

My Review:
Caitlyn Fox is a dynamo publicist working at a boutique agency. She’s noticed her boss, Jamison Wolfe, but has he noticed her? Nyet. But when he does, she’s going to make sure she breaks all the rules.

Caitlyn’s direct boss is pregnant, and on bed rest, leaving Caitlyn in charge of the firm’s newest and most prominent clients–three reality stars from a show called Treasure House. Two of the trio are clearly a pair, but Tommy is interested in Caitlyn.

She knows she can’t get involved with Tommy–much like she knows she can’t get involved with Jamison. And yet, Jamison is her target. She’s spent months learning his cues–from the other side of the office. Caitlyn’s demeanor with Jamison is cool, yet compelling. She directs him when he didn’t think he could take direction, and he finds he likes it very much. Yes, Jamison likes being subordinate. He revels in pleasing Caitlyn–in even the most simple ways.

What Jamison doesn’t like? Tommy. There’s no doubt that the man is interested. But, does Caitlyn return his ardor? Jamison is willing to step past the simple control games Caitlyn has established to ensure his suit, but, in the process, their tryst is discovered at a moment of complete vulnerability for Jamison. Can he get past his embarrassment? Can Caitlyn continue working with Jamison amid the tension?

Tommy, of course has some role to play here…but will it lead to reconnection, or severance?

This is a sensual, short read. It packs a whole lot of punch, both emotionally and sexually. I really enjoyed the play between Caitlyn and Jamison. They have a subtle Dom/sub dynamic that is really easy to imagine and involves no special training or implements, per se. Tommy is a nice foil–rounding out the story and providing a satisfactory third wheel to the romance. I enjoyed the resolution, and would read a sequel.

Interested? You can find CROSSING THE LINE at Amazon | Barnes and Noble.

Tangled UpOr, for twice the fun…and twice the heat! New York Times bestselling author Megan Hart and USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan team up for fun and fearless tales of women who don’t just cross the lines between pleasure and control…they tangle them up!

Crossing the Line by Megan Hart—Caitlyn Fox has one chance to prove to her outrageously hot—and ridiculously controlling—boss that she’s got the chops to succeed. But Jamison Wolfe isn’t quite what he seems. And once they cross the line between business and pleasure, Caitlyn discovers the one place where she’s in control….

Burned by Sarah Morgan—Trainer and martial artist Rosie Miller’s zen is seriously compromised when Hunter Black—her former coach and lover—becomes her new boss. And with all the sexual energy still crackling between them, her poor little zen doesn’t stand a chance. So this time, Rosie is determined to play by her rules….

You can find TANGLED UP on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

About the Author:

When she was in third grade, Megan Hart fell in love for the first time. Not with a boy (that would wait until fourth grade), but with a story. Homecoming by Ray Bradbury leaped out at her from the pages of a library book, and she tumbled head over heels. In the dark ages, before the days of photocopiers, the only way for her to keep a copy of this story was to copy it out by hand so she could read it over and over again. Something funny happened, though, as she carefully printed it on lined notebook paper.

She made “improvements.”

At age twelve, reading Stephen King’s The Stand for the first time one memorable summer, it occurred to her that people really did write books for a living. That’s when she decided to become an author.

Megan began writing short fantasy, horror and science fiction before graduating to novel-length romances. In 1998, now a stay-home mom, Megan took up writing in earnest, attending her first writing conference and getting her first request for a full manuscript. In 2002 she saw her first book in print, and she hasn’t stopped since.

She’s published in almost every genre of romantic fiction, including historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, romantic comedy, futuristic, fantasy and perhaps most notably, erotic. She also writes non-erotic fantasy and science fiction, as well as continuing to occasionally dabble in horror.

Megan’s goal is to continue writing spicy, thrilling love stories with a twist. Her dream is to have a movie made of every one of her novels, starring herself as the heroine and Keanu Reeves as the hero. Megan lives in the deep, dark woods with her husband and two monsters…er…children.

You can find Megan on her website, Facebook and twitter.

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Good luck and keep reading my friends!
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Book Blitz and Giveaway–UNSCRUPULOUS by Avery Aster

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Book Title: Unscrupulous
Author: Avery Aster
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Synopsis

At thirty-three, Warner Truman is one of the richest men on the planet, a spa mogul who buys and sells resorts at will. He holds powerful executives’ careers in his well-groomed hands. Nothing is beyond Warner’s reach…until he meets her.

Stunning, tantalizing and perverse, Taddy Brill captivates Warner’s carnal desire like no woman he’s ever met. A self-made millionaire, Taddy is tougher than steel, more brilliant than diamonds and, at twenty-seven, she’s never depended on a man for anything…until she meets him.

The more Taddy plays with Warner’s affections, driving him to erotic heights, the more she is confronted by a dark past. Before she can love him, Taddy must meet her worst fears head-on or risk losing it all, including herself.

Meet the Author
Hello Readers!

I’m a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author who writes THE MANHATTANITES, a contemporary romantic soap opera of full length, stand alone novels, and it’s juicy prequel, companion series THE UNDERGRAD YEARS. I live on the Upper East Side. When I’m not working on my next novel I’m usually taking a spin class, discovering a new restaurant or reading.

Dream Cast

UnscrupulousDreamCastImage1

Joe Manganiello is…Warner Truman: (33) a billionaire widower who owns Truman Enterprises. He’s tired of gold-digging hanger-on types.
Olivia Wilde is…Tabitha “Taddy Brill” Adelaide Brillford: (27) an obsessive masturbator who is Lex, Vive and Blake’s lifelong friend. She’s a self-made millionaire and owns Brill, Inc.
Scarlett Johansson …Alexandra “Lex” Easton: (27) fashion designer to the stars and founder of Easton Essentials. She’s the late rock-n-roll legend Eddie Easton’s daughter.
Cam Gigandet is…Sheldon Truman Morgan III: (27) a gay, gorgeous top who is estranged from his husband. He co-founded Brill, Inc. and is the brains behind many of Taddy’s accounts.
Lindsay Lohan is…Viveca “Vive” Farnworth: (28) a party girl who met Lex, Taddy and Blake in boarding school. Vive is the editor-in-chief of Debauchery Magazine and liquor heiress.
Taylor Swift is…Kelly “Kiki” Ivy Kailyn Izatt: (21) a virgin Mormon assistant to Taddy Brill. She moved to New York from Provo, Utah, with dreams of making it in the big city.
Chris Hemsworth is…Sheldon Truman: (32) Warner’s younger brother. A retired male fashion model, he travels the world jumping from one circuit party to the next.
Learn more about Unscrupulous here
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Cephalopod Coffeehouse May 2014–SEX. LOVE. REPEAT.

 

0ed81-coffeehouseHi there! Welcome one and all to the Cephalopod Coffeehouse, a cozy gathering of book lovers, meeting to discuss their thoughts regarding the tomes they enjoyed most over the previous month.  Pull up a chair, order your cappuccino and join in the fun.

This has been a totally wild year for me at V’s Reads. Today is my 1 year “blog-iversary” and I think I’ve done well. I went from “the million-ish” ranking as a reviewer at Amazon to #7000-something. I have gained a good batch of friends at Goodreads. I have made almost 260 posts, reviewed something close to 200 books–which I have actually read–and most of all I have proved to myself that I could do it.

See, I am a scientist–by trade. This year was meant to be an “experiment” in “can Veronica squeeze time.” I already read a ton–but blogging? That was a whole different beast. What I have learned in all the reads and posts and reviews has helped me as a writer and a critique partner in my writing group.  Anywho, thanks for following me or checking out my reviews. Hope I’ve offered up something with which you have connected.

To that end, I got my summer reads on early–in preparation for my June blog tour schedule. Still, I’ve had a chance to read some that I picked out just for the heck of it. And that’s how I stumbled across Alessandra Torre’s SEX LOVE REPEAT, a scorching, unconventional romance.

You need a spicy summer read? One to chase away the winter doldrums and put that spark back in your eye? Well, this book may just be for you! (Disclaimer: Hella lotta sex. You don’t like erotica? You don’t crack open this book. Period.)

Sex Love RepeatMy Review:

I would STRONGLY recommend this to any fan of erotica. It is not BDSM. It is vanilla. A whole bunch of vanilla…

Here’s why:

Madison has two lovers. Stewart is wealthy and wants her as a beck-and-call girl. Paul is her live-in boyfriend. They each know there is another man. They each know that Madison loves them both. They each love her.

It never becomes a ménage. This is good, because Paul and Stewart have a lot of history that is almost completely unbelievable, but thoroughly intriguing. I’m not saying more. You need to read the book if you want the juicy details. And, there are plenty of juicy details to be had.

A lot of reviews complain about the epilogue. Meh. There is room in the heart to love more than one person. If you think a character needs to be oblivious in order to be likeable, well, I’m gonna disagree. I think it would be naive to assume Madison couldn’t figure out the connection between Paul and Stewart in two years of dating both of them. And Madison is not naive. Nor is she stupid.

In fact, Madison admits that we, the reader, will likely hate her. She’s probably right. (Too damn lucky, that girl!)

Okay–usually I put a lot more detail in the review, but divulging more will ruin the tension. I loved all the beach/surfing references. The language is beautiful, and I adored Madison. Probably because I was totally channeling her. She has the best of everything. And, she’s surprisingly unaffected by the LA lifestyle. She is a candid narrator, and I respected her feelings for both Stewart and Paul. The smexytimes are graphic and copious–making this a perfect beach read, IMHO.

If you’re interested, you can pick this one up at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and probably your library.

Thanks for popping in! Don’t forget to check out the other blogs featuring their fave reads for May. And, as always, keep reading my friends! 🙂

1. The Armchair Squid 2. The Bird’s Nest
3. Stephanie Faris, Author 4. Trisha @ WORD STUFF
5. I Think; Therefore, I Yam 6. Subliminal Coffee
7. Katie @ Read, Write, Repeat 8. Nicki Elson’s Not-so-deep Thoughts
9. M.J. Fifield 10. StrangePegs — Old Man’s War
11. A Creatve Exercise 12. Romance Under Fire
13. mainewords 14. Kim Karras
15. StrangePegs — A Wrinkle in Time 16. Words Incorporated
17. The Writing Sisterhood 18. StrangePegs — A Wind in the Door
19. My Creatively Random Life 20. V’s Reads

The Darkness Series by K. F. Breene–Reviews and KINDLE Giveaway

Darkness-Series-Tour-BannerHi there! And welcome to my stop on the ON A RAZOR’S EDGE blog tour. For other stops on the tour click here. Author K.F. Breene is sharing an excerpt from the Darkness Novella Series, has a Kindle Fire HDX up for grabs, and wants to remind you that INTO THE DARKNESS (Book #1) is FREE!

Into the Darkness coverINTO THE DARKNESS (Darkness #1)
I’d always been different. I saw objects in the night where others saw emptiness. Large, human shaped shadows, fierce yet beautiful, melting into the darkness. I collected secrets like other women collected bells; afraid to fully trust lest my oddities be exposed.

Until I saw him. He’d been gliding down the street, unshakable confidence in every step. It wasn’t just that he was breathtakingly handsome with perfect features. Something about him drew me. Sucked my focus to him and then tugged at my body. As his eyes met mine, I was entrapped.

No one had noticed him. He’d been right there, just beyond the light, but only I had perceived.

I had to know if he was real. Or maybe I really was crazy. And even when my secret box was blasted wide open, dangers hurled at me like throwing knives, I couldn’t stop until I unraveled his true identity.

I just had to know.

New Adult (18 +) due to sexual content and not for the faint of heart.

You can get INTO THE DARKNESS free on Amazon or Barnes and Noble so go on and clickity-click. What are you waiting for?

Oh, you’d like a little taste?

He stepped closer, not hearing me, or not caring that I spoke. His eyes looked at me like I was a life-sized riddle. They delved, searching. He took another step, forcing me to retreat two steps to keep distance between our bodies. Another step back had my back to the wall.

A small smile curved his lips. “I exude pleasure, you run. I exude fear, you come calling. You want me, I can smell it. I can feel it, almost like a palpable thing. Give in to it. Yield to me.”

Oh God I wanted to. His body was mere inches from mine, his intense eyes looking down into my soul from a face out of a Renaissance painting. The power of him, the sheer strength, had strange, primal fantasies running amok through my head. My core tingled, my chest surged, and my nipples were so hard they could cut this stone wall.

Why had I come here, again?

Whoa! I can tell you the sexual tension is pretty high here. Click to catch my full review.

Braving the Elements coverBRAVING THE ELEMENTS (Darkness #2)
Sasha has always known she was different, but now she also knows that the shadow men she’s seen all her life, are real. With a life goal of fitting in, Sasha hopes her strange abilities will finally make true friendship a possibility. Unfortunately, her magic doesn’t function like everyone else’s. What she thought would make her belong, sets her apart now more than ever.

Stefan, all but promised to a different woman, has tried to keep his mind on his duties instead of the irresistible and free-spirited human. But when she is threatened, he can’t keep his distance anymore. He realizes he’ll stop at nothing to keep her safe, and more importantly, make her his.

Just when one thing clicks into place, another spirals out of control. Stefan’s clan isn’t the only group that would benefit from an extremely rare type of magic. And their enemies will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Braving the Elements is the second novella in K.F.Breene’s long awaited Darkness series. Sasha’s story is one of discovery, awareness, and understanding, and is jam packed with action, humor, sexual tension, and an overwhelming desire for final acceptance.

Let me tell you: the steam between Sasha and Stefan is hot. Even knowing his clan will not accept her, Stefan can’t help marking in the ancient–and nearly forgotten–custom. And, Charles is a bigger and more fun part of this segment. Check out my full review here.

You can find BRAVING THE ELEMENTS on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000032_00011]ON A RAZOR’S EDGE (Darkness #3) Releasing April 22, 2014

Life for Sasha isn’t getting easier. She has survived run-in’s with monstrous Dulcha, lived through an abduction, and even made it passed Charles’ constant badgering for sex. But if she thought the hurdles of this new life would simmer down, she was dead wrong.

When the Regional comes to visit Stefan’s clan, the pressure increases. Sasha finds herself on a giant scale, assessed for her magic and held in the balance. If she doesn’t have the magic Stefan hopes, she could find herself on the street while still in grave danger. Even with a favorable outcome, however, her inability to use her magic presents a road block not easily crossed.

No, life is not getting easier.

Stefan feels the heat, too. He must finally declare a mate, and admitting to desiring a human is the worst form of taboo. He could jeopardize not only his place as leader, but his and Sasha’s life. His decision is like walking on a razor’s edge.

My Review:
This is my fave installment in the series. Sasha and Stefan are–without question–attached. Stefan has sent for a Council elder to verify Sasha’s superior magical rank, and to have a Mage come to train her. For some reason, Sasha’s magic doesn’t seem to work the way Stefan’s people are accustomed.

Every time she tries to cast a spell, it ends in a fiery disaster. Hopefully Toa, the White Mage, can help her sort out the trouble because Sasha is being sent as Stefan’s emissary to the nearby shifter population to help secure an alliance against their mortal enemy, Trek, and his minions.  If Sasha is successful she will elevated to the rank of full Mage and will be considered a worthy match for a clan leader–namely Stefan–so she is determined to work hard toward this goal.

Sasha is accompanied by her stalwart–and horny–protector Charles, and Jonas–a good friend of Stefan but someone who had sworn to get revenge against Sasha in the first book. Neither Sasha, nor Charles are certain where Jonas’ loyalty lies, however, and they both have serious reason to believe he will not protect Sashs should Trek turn up in the shifter camp.

And, of course, Sasha’s confidence is shattered when her rival for Stefan’s affection, Darla, arrives as “back up”. Sasha is sure this is a “No Confidence” vote on Stefan’s part and begins to doubt that she will complete her mission–to gain the shifter alliance–which will mean that she and Stefan cannot be linked.

As it happens, Trek hits the shifter camp hot and hard. A supposed protector is truly a traitor and Sasha must choose between leaving the shifter camp in full battle to protect herself, or turning back to help her new friends. As this is an adventure/erotic romance you can guess the choice she makes.

It’s a satisfying end, with an epic battle that proves Sasha’s true worth as both a human and a Mage. The resolution hints at further installments, but the series is fairly well-wrapped. Had a great time with Charles–Sasha always seems to get the better of him, Watch Captain or no. I think the best part of the book was the uncertainty surrounding Jonas and Darla. Both had good reason to want Sasha in harms way, but one did the right thing and proved his/herself the supreme protector.

It’s a fun spicy adventure, but there was far less spice and far more adventure which seemed to be the right mix for me this go-round. Again, not recommending this for young readers. Whole lotta lovin’ goin’ down…

Interested?  You can find ON A RAZOR’S EDGE on Goodreads and Amazon.

About the Author

A wine country native, she moved to San Francisco for college just shy of a decade ago to pursue a lifelong interest in film. As she settled into the vibrant city, it quickly became apparent that, while she thought making films was great fun, she lacked cinematic genius. For that reason, her career path quickly changed direction. Her next goal was a strange childhood interest, conjured at the dining room table while filling out a form. For some reason, her young self wanted to be an accountant. Thinking on it now, she wonders how she had any friends. Regardless, it was the direction she finally took.

While she could wrangle numbers with the best of ’em, and even though she wore the crown as the most outspoken, belligerent accountant in the world, her mind got as stuffy as her daily routine. It was here that she dusted off her creative hat and began writing. Now she makes movies in her head, and then writes them down. Way easier than dealing with actors–she should know, she’s been one!

You can find find Ms. Breene in the usual places: Website | Facebook | Twitter

***GIVEAWAY***
KF Breene is offering up a KINDLE FIRE HDX (US only) in her super raffle. Click on the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and keep reading my friends!
AToMRTours_mdm

Hail to THE KING–A Review

Hi there! Perhaps you have noticed the Black Dagger Brotherhood series? That erotic vampire-lovefest written by author/juggernaut JR Ward?

I got THE KING last weekend–which partially explains my recent insomnia.

The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #12)This is the twelfth book in the series, and it’s main story centers around Wrath, naturally. He is, after all, the king.

About the book:

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle–with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything–and everyone–at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response–or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out… or tortured legacy take over?

My Review:
At this point in the series there are many plot lines that are in various degrees of conflict/convergence. The book centers on the ousting of Wrath as King by the glymera, the aristocracy of vampirekind. See they have another person in mind–Ichan, a distant cousin of Wrath’s and through him the warrior Xcor plans to rule. The legal mumbo-jumbo of long forgotten vamp lore states that kings must be of pure blood–and any progeny of Wrath and his Queen, Beth, would be 1/4 human.

Wrath is more than willing to not be King. He’s tired of the constant pressure. And now he’s terrified that Beth is planning to bring on her own needing, or time of fertility. Wrath abhors the idea of risking Beth’s life in pregnancy. It sparks such a rift that Beth actually walks out.

Now, Wrath has to figure out how to deal, and he’s gotta get it handled quickly because there’s a lotta hormones in the air. That’s right. Beth needs, and Wrath caves. It’s all good, though. And Wrath tears out his hair in worry–about his wife and unborn, as well as the throne. At least, he doesn’t have to worry about the kingship for long, he’s deposed by the usurper. For roughly a day. Won’t tell you how he got his crown back but it was NEARLY bloodless. Funny how someone taking away what one didn’t want makes a person want it all the more.

80’s hair-band Cinderella had a song about it….

Fear not! The HEA is freaking stupendous. So much love for Wrath, even if he was kinda King Prick for a few chapters.

Side plots: Assail is punch-drunk in love with the cat burglar Marisol. So much so that he destroys a good bit of his drug pipeline to recover her from the deadly possession of Benloise. Their connection is fierce, and needy. It is rough watching their unfinished business. Will be seeing more of them, for sure–not only because Assail’s using Lessers to sell his drugs on the street.

Via flashback, we get a lot of Wrath’s father’s story in this one. I really enjoyed learning more about that short-lived reign–and gaining a possible reason for Wrath’s blindness–an in utero injury. Fascinating how the intrigues of that court played out in Wrath’s own timeline.

Let’s not forget the Chosen Layla and Xcor have a serious attraction. Will she commit treason to be with him? Or, are her overtures the key to peace between the Black Dagger Brotherhood and the rival Band of Bastards? Let’s say this: I’m looking forward to Xcor getting his. Next book, maybe.

And finally, Trez still hasn’t submitted to the s’Hibhe to take his place as stud to the Queen’s daughter. He’s over the nameless sex–focused, unfortunately, on the Chosen Selena. Selena returns his interest, but at what price? His impurity will not keep him from being extracted, and iAm can only keep the executioner at bay so long. In typical Trez fashion, he sweet-talks and sexes his way out of the most dire parts of his predicament. For now.

Still a lot of plot to build the next episode on. And, we had virtually NO Lesser involvement in this book. Would not expect that trend to bear out much longer.

It’s a satisfying read for BDB fans. Some excellent romance mixed in with the political intrigue and harrowing captures. Plot moves on the trademark Ward pace: fast. If only her next books came out as quickly… 🙂

Interested? You can find THE KING at Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or any bookshop or library in creation probably. I saw it on the shelves at Target…so, access is easy.

You’ll need to have read the other eleven books in the series for this to make sense, obviously. If you haven’t read any JR Ward, allow me to pique your interest in the first book in the series: Dark Lover. This is the tale of how Beth and Wrath first met, and mated. “Hot” does not begin to describe it!

Thanks for popping in. Don’t forget to get in on the TWO giveaways my blog is running this week. LOVE, LEX and CAPTURED.

Couldn’t end this post without an homage to a movie from my childhood–a Bruce Campbell cult classic guaranteed to make boys titter and gals roll their eyes…ARMY OF DARKNESS.

Hail to the king, baby!

As always, keep reading my friends!

 

You Will Be CAPTURED! Review and Giveaway!

CAPTURED  VICE, VIRTUE, AND VIDEO (BOOK, #2)

BY BIANCA GIOVANNI and OMNIFIC PUBLISHING

V3_Captured_Cover_alt2

New Adult Erotic Romance (very mature content for 17 +)

Available NOW!

Lifelong best friends James Laird and Lola Caraway are reunited when Lola moves to LA after college. Lola is starting her new life, new job, and a new romance with a successful lawyer–a relationship which forces James to question the nature of his feelings for Lola.

Meanwhile James’ agent has him making BDSM films, though to him it’s all an act. Unfortunately, these films have brought him the attention of hardcore producer Eva Satana, who wants James to be a ruthless Dominant -for real- in her brutal and extreme scenes. James soon finds himself caught in a contract he cannot break and compelled by threats to the girl who’s stood by him through everything.

James can’t stand the thought of anyone else with his sweet, virginal best friend. But they are just friends…aren’t they? Can their friendship survive so much desire and deception?

Their decisions will decide who will be free and who will be CAPTURED.

How about a little taste?
“Honestly, I just don’t think I’d ever want to spice it up like that.” My voice has taken on a timid edge, and I realize that all the guys are staring at me. “I just always envision someone being gentle with me. I want something loving and intimate. I think I’d freak out if somebody came at me with handcuffs or a butt plug.” I can’t help but giggle on the last part of the sentence, not even able to describe the tools of the trade without blushing.

“Shit, I think I’d freak out if someone came at you with handcuffs or a butt plug! I’d beat the shit out of somebody if they ever tried that shit with you!” James says as he puts the finishing touches on his homemade guacamole. “You deserve gentle. You deserve to have your first time be sweet and intimate. You should have something perfect, you know?”

I notice Chad and Alejandro giving each other knowing looks.

“I picture something romantic for you—like in front of a fireplace, or maybe on some big bed with a canopy and candles all around the room,” he continues.

“I think you’ve thought about this even more than I have,” I tease, trying to hide how much I appreciate his ideal scenario.

“All I’m saying is I think it should be beautiful for you,” he says dismissively, turning back to the food and obviously trying to avoid eye contact with me.

Chad and Alejandro both glance at me, giving me subtle, almost pleading looks, but I’m not quite sure how to read their reactions.

protector

My Review:
I read REVEALED and I wan’t sure what to expect out of the sequel–I knew Lola and James had a real connection. Best friends into lovers are some of my fave romances, but it seemed like these two had far too much baggage to make that transition.

I mean, really, a virgin and a porn star? Even James knows it’s nuts. This story picks up after Lola’s graduated college and moved to LA to be near her BFF, and take a job at a law firm. Of course, Lola and James are as close as ever. And, that bears unintended consequences for Lola. See, when people find out she’s super close with a pornstar, they connect the two as lovers. As if! Trust me it gets kinda ugly–for both of them. Plus, they each have more-than-friendly feelings for the other, but are too timid to act and ruin the friendship.

James has been contracted to do ten scenes for notorious director and dominatrix Eva Satana–and it’s not good. Eva has James practically brutalizing his co-star the waif-like Stacey. He’s so overcome after his first scene, he hides away for days which worries Lola.

Lola tries to help James get out of his contract, and in the process ends up meeting Stacey. A bit awkward meeting the gal your friend/would-be-lover just banged on camera, especially seeing the bruises left behind. Appalled, Lola realizes she has to help Stacey in order to help James.

Of course, James has an alternate plan. Eva will voluntarily release James from his contract…for a tape of he and Lola having sex. Eva’s clientele love virgin tapes, apparently. If he doesn’t, well, it seems Eva’s willing to unleash some unsavory associates who might just deflower Lola by force.

I’ll just say the tension here was incredible. James is not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but his mistakes don’t ravage his friendship with Lola TOO much. Good thing Lola knows how to use those brains of hers. I liked the first book a lot, but this one REALLY blew me away. The level of intimacy and care these two have for each other is so clear. From the start I was screaming at Lola to stay away, but by the end I just couldn’t help it; I fell for James, too. He’s a good guy, really, and his love for Lola is something special. Can’t wait to read more of their love story.

Interested? You can find CAPTURED on Goodreads and Amazon.

I also loved REVEALED–the first book in the series. You can find my review here.

About the Author

Bianca Giovanni was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado. She grew up with a single mother and Italian grandmother, who was an avid reader. She has had a love of writing since childhood, but self-published her first short stories in 2012. Bianca’s strong female characters and witty dialogue have struck a chord with readers and lead to her popularity on self-publishing platforms.

In 2013, Bianca signed with Omnific Publishing to bring the ‘Vice, Virtue & Video’ series to readers. The series contains First Dance (free introductory short story), Revealed (book #1), Letting Go (book #1.5), and four more novels to be released in 2014.

She currently resides in Denver, Colorado, where she can often be found jotting down story ideas in a notebook.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

***GIVEAWAY***
I get to give away eBooks of both REVEALED and CAPTURED to a happy reader who comments on this blog post! Just tell me if you think YOU could date a porn star….and I’ll pick a random commenter to get his/her own copies of these sizzlers! Comment by HUMP DAY April 23rd! (Giveaway courtesy of OmniFic Publishing)

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