Menage

Changed by a RITE OF SUMMER–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing my review for Tess Bowery’s newly released M/M historical, RITE OF SUMMER. It’s actually an all-male menage, but that’s only part of the story. It’s set in England, in 1810, and brings in some really scary homophobic issues–as well as packing some incredibly tender and erotic moments. It was a great read.

Rite of Summer (Treading the Boards, #1)About the book:
There are terrors worse than stage fright. Like falling in love.

Violinist Stephen Ashbrook is passionate about three things—his music, the excitement of life in London, and his lover, Evander Cade. It’s too bad that Evander only loves himself. A house party at their patron’s beautiful country estate seems like a chance for Stephen to remember who he is, when he’s not trying to live up to someone else’s harsh expectations.

Joshua Beaufort, a painter whose works are very much in demand among the right sort of people, has no expectations about this party at all. Until, that is, he finds out who else is on the guest list. Joshua swore off love long ago, but has been infatuated with Stephen since seeing his brilliant performance at Vauxhall. Now he has the chance to meet the object of his lust face to face—and more.

But changing an open relationship to a triad is a lot more complicated than it seems, and while Evander’s trying to climb the social ladder, Stephen’s trying to climb Joshua. When the dust settles, only two will remain standing…when they’re not flat on their backs.

Warning: Contents under pressure. Contains three men, two beds, one erotic piercing, and the hottest six weeks of summer the nineteenth century has ever seen. (m/m/m – m/m).

My Review:
Evander and Stephen have been together for nearly a decade, living the gay life in London. Evander is a composer and Stephen a violinist. Evander has a patron, the Earl of Coventry who invites Evander and Stephen for a six week holiday at his country estate. Stephen doesn’t want to go, he hates being confined in places where he can’t be himself, and being openly gay is not possible on the earl’s estate. Plus, he has to suffer the constant company of ‘his betters’ which is aggravating. But, if Evander demands he go, Stephen goes. Plus, Stephen knows their livelihood is dependent on Coventry’s whim and funding so he goes… The only upside is beautiful Joshua, a talented painter who is the distant relation, and personal painter, of one of the noble guests.

Joshua has been without a lover since his beloved sailor sank with his ship two years before. He is terribly attracted to Stephen, and cannot understand why Stephen lets Evander lead him around so much. He is startled to observe Evander and Stephen en flagrante delicto in the dead of night, and is even more surprised when Evander invites him to share their bed. Once.

But once is not enough for Stephen who had secretly desired Joshua, or Joshua. They continue until the party is overtaken by news of catamite (homosexuals) arrests in London. Stephen and Evander are shattered–some of the men taken into custody and hung were friends and former bedmates. Joshua wants to comfort Stephen, but his ability to do so is hampered by the suspicions of their hosts and patrons.

The book is a careful study in the emotional lives of both Joshua and Stephen, who share the POV. Stephen is routinely belittled and abused by Evander, and he knows no other life. Joshua calls to Stephen, supports him in a way Evander never has (or hasn’t in years) and Stephen wants to be with Joshua, but cannot due to Evander’s control.

I was really glad to see the unraveling in this dysfunctional relationship. Stephen really grew in terms of his emotional well-being. Joshua, did not grow so much as curl inside himself. He has lost in love before, and is rather brutal with Stephen in order to prevent being hurt again. He wants Stephen terribly, but won’t accept him if Evander is a part of the deal–forcing Stephen to re-evaluate his relationship, and make choices that are healthy instead of comfortable.

The end was a little too drawn out for me. I liked the story, but wanted it to progress a little bit faster. The characters were all well-drawn and felt very realistic in their goals and behaviors. I really enjoyed the depictions of actual historical events–namely the famous London raids–and how it affected the characters. Expect an HEA and some super sexytimes involving both M/M and M/M/M.

Interested? You can find RITE OF SUMMER on Goodreads, Samhain Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

About the Author:
Tess has been a fan of historical fiction since learning the Greek and Roman myths at her mother’s knee. Now let loose on a computer, she’s spinning her own tales of romance and passion in a slightly more modern setting. Tess lives on the east coast, with her partner of fifteen years and two cats who should have been named ‘Writer’s Block’ and ‘Get Off the Keyboard, Dammit.’

You can connect with Tess on her website, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Happy Book Birthday FEVERED HEARTS–Review and Giveaway

Hi there! I’m sharing in the release day hijinks for Em Petrova‘s FEVERED HEARTS. This is a quickie ménage that packs a lot of heart and a good story into its pages. THIS is an ADULT read.

Fevered HeartsAbout the book:
When faced with a challenge, it’s best to pool your resources.

Liam Mattson used to play his wife’s body like a fine violin. Until a logging accident dampened his fine motor skills and rendered his legs—and the most important part of his below-the-waist playground—useless.

If only Liam would throw himself into therapy with the same vigor he used to throw into bed, Ivy is sure he’d fully recover. But lately she’s felt adrift, while he’s stuck in self-pity and pre-occupation with a serious threat to his logging business.

When Ward Bose returns from the backwoods, Liam isn’t blind to the heated, guilty glances between his best friend and his wife. And he takes a step he never could have taken if his legs were working—ask Ward to service Ivy in bed.

The moment the three come together, Ward’s heartstrings are tied in knots, and Liam holds them in his fist. But secrets they’re each keeping could tear them all apart…unless they can find a way to share their burdens as easily as they share their love.

Warning: Men who wield big saws know how to care of business—in bed and out.

My Review:
Ward has returned to his western Pennsylvania hometown to help run his family logging company now that his father is on his death bed. For the past six months a poor manager has been running the company into the ground, authorizing an illegal clear-cut of prime forest. Unfortunately, this gross mismanagement of he land has been blamed on another company, one owned by Ward’s former lover’s (Liam) family.

Liam has been wheelchair-bound for the past year since a logging accident. He’s surly and standoffish with his wife, Ivy, barely speaking to, or touching, her. The doctors believe Liam might make a more stable recovery, and even walk again, but he feels diminished physically and sexually and won’t undergo therapy in the event he fails. Plus, he doesn’t know how Ivy will react to finding out that he and Ward were lovers, and a radical activist group is attacking his business as a result of Ward’s manager’s clear-cut….and Ivy’s life is under threat.

Ivy loves Liam like crazy, but finds Ward remarkably attractive. It’s been a bad, lonely year, with no hope in sight as far as Liam’s recovery. She makes ends meet as a court recorder and selling knitted handicrafts, hoping that Liam might snap out of his funk.

Ward is attracted to Ivy, and fully acknowledges that he is still in love with Liam–he attempts to reconnect, and doing so puts him in the right place at the right time, directly between husband and wife. That’s right. Indecent proposal time. Liam asks his former lover and current business partner, Ward, to be his surrogate, and well, there’s some fireworks to this request… The book? It gets hot, and hotter.

The fun thing about this steaming hot ménage story is that there is a story unrelated to all the sexytimes. Ward and Liam have to track down and neutralize the threat to their businesses, and to Ivy. Ivy, for her part, is a smart woman who gets the best of two men. I enjoyed the development of this story, and the relationship, where each partner had his/her say and they all felt equally valued. There are parts that seemed a little physically unrealistic, mostly pertaining to Liam’s recovery of function, but it didn’t detract. Readers who enjoy ménage will love this one.

Interested? You can find Fevered Hearts on Goodreads, Amazon (US and UK), Samhain Publishing, and Barnes & Noble.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win one of 4 $5 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift cards!
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Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:

Em Petrova lives in Backwoods, Pennsylvania, where she raises four kids and a Labradoodle named Daisy Hasselhoff. Her dream is to buy an old pickup and travel small-town USA meeting people and hearing their stories. Her heroes are hardworking—in bed and out—and she is known for panty-scorching erotic romance.

You can find Em online on her website, twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, or join her Street Team for exclusive insider action!

 

They Hit A LUCKY STRIKE–Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for Jane Davitt‘s Sci-Fi M/M/M menage romance, LUCKY STRIKE, following three space travelers on a life-or-death escape.

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Twenty percent of all proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the It Gets Better Project.

The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them. Visit their website for more information and to find out how you can get involved.

Lucky StrikeAbout the book:

Death’s a heartbeat away, but love is even closer.

Flying a traveler to Leap celebrations on the luxury planet Crestal is no problem for intrepid partners Jake and Rill, even if they have to navigate a deadly meteor shower to get there. But their fresh-faced, privileged passenger is carrying more than Leap gifts: Lian has a message to deliver, treachery and murder to avenge, and a killer close on his heels.

Lian thought he was ready for independence from his overbearing extended family, but his first solo trip off-planet has landed him in a nightmare of deadly intrigue. Though he’s devastated by betrayal, and no longer able to tell friend from foe, he’s fascinated by the gruff pilot and scorchingly handsome first mate who’ve become his reluctant rescuers.

With a dazzling fortune at stake and the fate of the United Protectorate of Planets in their hands, there’s no time for the three men to fall in love. But with their future measured in hours, crew and passenger may have just enough time to discover that three can become one, and that together they are strong enough to beat any odds.

My Review:

This sci-fi menage M/M/M adventure/thriller follows the uber-wealthy Lian Paradine on his flight to warn his family on Crestal that his cousin Palan is a murderer. Problem is, Lian his no ship and he’s desperate to return to his home world before Palan can silence him, just as he’d killed his own brother.

Jake Slade is an impetuous transport captain. He ferries cargo and people all over the galaxy aboard the Mama Rose and only cares to keep his lover and shipmate, Rill, happy. Rill is a Nova, a genetically-bred humanoid who (as most Nova have) has been a sex worker. He’s beautiful, captivating, even, and Jake has had his hands full keeping Rill from the unwelcome advances of men and women, alike.

They are a solid couple, who don’t mind extra bedmates from time-to-time. Lian is so youthful and innocent, Rill is attracted to him and convinces Jake to take him on as a passenger.

The big problem? Traveling to Crestal in the short time window before Palan arrives will put the Mama Rose into the heart of a meteor shower. Lian has the skill to navigate through the meteor shower, but he lacks the finesse to be a skillful third in Jake and Rill’s bed…at first.

This was an interesting sci-fi thriller. I really didn’t see all the twists coming. Palan, naturally, follows the Mama Rose and the showdown is more touch-than-go. Just when we think Lian, Jake and Rill will make it to Crestal unharmed, well, the whole scheme gets blown sky-high.

And Lian’s family isn’t so sure Palan did anything wrong. Nope, it looks quite a lot like LIAN has some serious ‘splainin’ to do.

Good chemistry, good heat, and interesting characters really brought this one to life, for me. I enjoyed the sci-fi elements, and how each character brought more than his own desires to the table. Each man felt incredibly different, and increasingly likable.

Interested? You can find LUCKY STRIKE on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Riptide Publishing. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Jane DavittAbout the Author:

When I was eight I decided to write a book. I found a blank notebook, wrote ‘Chapter One’ at the start, scribbled a few hundred words about triplets with improbable names, and lost interest. Three decades later I still wanted to write a book, but the dim realization was dawning that meant I had to actually, well, write something.

Yes, it surprised me too.

So I did. Not about triplets, but love, angst, hot and spicy smut, and for the most part they’re m/m romances. There’s a shelf in my library where I keep the books with my name on them and yeah, there they are. I did it.

That eight-year-old me expected a lot of her future self though. Like being an astronaut. Did not do that.

Sorry, younger me. Here, have a wine gum.

Catch up with Jane on Goodreads, twitter, and her website.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Happy Book BIrthday THREE OF HEARTS!

Today marks the eRelease of THREE OF HEARTS by Kelly Jamieson. It’s an adult, ménage standalone romance that features three rising country music stars who find themselves in love—with each other. In addition to being a steaming M/F/M and F/M/M story, part of the proceeds from sales of this book will benefit the IT GETS BETTER Project.

The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them. Visit their website for more information and to find out how you can get involved.

Three of HeartsAbout the book:

Haylee Tremayne is tired of the road. The concert tour for Three of Hearts was a success, but she’s confused by the inexplicable tension between her bandmates, Ben and Lucas. She’s also ready to go home to her boyfriend in Nashville. Time off would probably help everyone relax, even if it is Christmas, a season with too many bad memories.

But right before their last concert, Haylee discovers she’s been dumped for a sexy girly-girl. Story of her life: all guys see is tomboy Haylee. At the after-concert party, she drowns her sorrows and—desperate to feel feminine for once in her life—asks Ben and Lucas for a threesome. And it’s just as sexy and fun as she hoped.

Back in Nashville, Ben and Lucas prove again and again that their first night wasn’t a mistake. But the tension between them is still high, and on Christmas Eve, their ménage takes a stunning turn. When it all falls apart, Haylee is terrified that their crazy relationship might cost them the band, their success, and worst of all, each other.

My Review:
Haylee, Lucas and Ben are the members of the country-music trio, Three of Hearts. They are relatively new band, performing for the past two years. They all share Ben’s home in Nashville, due to the constant touring and a willingness to pool resources. It’s working; they have great chemistry and recently won a CMA for Rising Artists.

On the last stop of their successful 6-month tour Haylee is excited to return home to her boyfriend, a player on the Nashville Predators hockey team–until she finds he’s not so celibate in her absence. Pics of him and another singer fairly litter the Interwebs…

Lucas and Ben scrape Haylee out of her heartache, temporarily. And, she bucks up and sings the lights out–for the first time really connecting on stage with Lucas in a way she had never felt before. At the after party Haylee’s one sip from wasted, and Ben and Lucas practically carry her to her room. Haylee knows Ben and Lucas have had some spectacular multipartner sexcapades on the tour, and she’s feeling both bold, and lonely. Their care and concern soon morphs into sexual healing.

Morning after regrets? Yup. But those three hearts hit the well, again. And, again. It’s mindblowing for Haylee, and yet she’s shell-shocked to learn that Ben has real feelings for Lucas…and she feels used, as if Ben accessed Lucas, through her.

Lots of misunderstandings get all smoothed out with some serious conversation and a big TLI–total love in. Liked the way this turned out, but I kinda felt the M/M aspect was rushed and glossed over. Ben is bisexual, and Lucas is…not. He loves Hayley romantically and loves Ben platonically, though he’s open to *maybe* more. Then, suddenly, this GFY boy is going all the way. I would have appreciated a bit more exploration.

Nonetheless, the characters are fun, the smexytimes steam and it’s an interesting first connection story. It’s all told through Haylee’s POV and was DYING to get into Lucas and Ben’s brains…

Interested? You can find THREE OF HEARTS on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Riptide Publishing. Riptide is offering a SHARE THE LOVE SPECIAL BUNDLE price–three books for $12.99, so feel free to investigate that deal! I requested a copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Kelly JamiesonAbout the Author:

Kelly Jamieson writes romances with heat that’s sweet. Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex”, “sweet and satisfying” and “blisteringly sexy”. If she can stop herself from reading or writing, she loves to cook. She has shelves of cookbooks that she reads at length. She also enjoys gardening in the summer, and in the winter she likes to read gardening magazines and seed catalogues (there might be a theme here…) She also loves shopping, especially for clothes and shoes. But her family takes precedence over everything else (yes, even writing). She has two teenage children who are the best kids in the world, not that she’s biased, and a wonderful husband who does loads of laundry while she plays on the computer writing stories. She loves hearing from readers, so please visit her website, Goodreads and twitter.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

These Three (or Four) are REALLY COOKING–A Review—and a FREE Book

Filthy Forties meme

Hi there! In honor of my new “Filthy Forty” status…today I’m featuring a ménage freebie that I found delicious. Yep. It’s REALLY COOKING by Victoria Blisse and it’s sexy and scorching.

Really CookingAbout the book:
Three hot men and one curvy woman, now we’re really cooking.

After breaking out of a truly awful relationship Paula finds herself floundering until she bumps into Gary. He cheers her up with a much coveted appointment at Flair, where more than her hair gets pampered. In return she offers Shane and Gary a cooking lesson to cheer up their ready-meal laden week.

The Friday feast turns into a sex-laden success and becomes a recurring weekly date. Paula loves having the sexual attention of two hot bi guys but longs for something deeper.

Shane sets her up with professional chef, Nigel McCormack. Paula responds to his dominant appeal and the delights of all three men together. But how will Paula fair when she takes up a position in Nigel’s professional kitchen, will she capture his heart or will he return to his first love, food?

My Review:
Paula is a bit adrift after cutting loose her boyfriend. Things hadn’t been progressing here and she wasn’t really looking for anything serious. What woman would, whilst out for drinks with gal-pals in a gay bar? Turns out Paula caught the eye of Gary, a rather good-looking man. Gay, and involved, but they had a great chat about how hopeless Gary is in the kitchen. Hit it off so well, Paula invites Gary and his partner, Shane, to her home for a dinner and cooking lessons. They have fun, and it’s quickly mentioned that Gary and Shane aren’t gay—they’re bisexual. And hungry for more than dinner.

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Soon the three have regular Friday night meet-up. Paula’s a bit stunned at the new sexual kink in her life, but she isn’t complaining. Not even when Shane invites a friend…master chef Nigel.

Nigel is a busy man, running a first class restaurant, but his social life is nonexistent. The thrill Paula receives, being one-on-one with Nigel, and as part of their ménage, is better than she could have hoped for. And, he loves her food to boot! They take up a side romance, hampered by Nigel’s hectic work schedule–until the unthinkable happens, and Paula’s no nonsense, fix-it skills lead Nigel into a great opportunity–cooking shows on TV. Can these two maintain their off-screen kink? Or, will too many cooks spoil the dish? (Expect some conniving employees and a stalwart Paula!)

Also, light kink elements include minimal sub behavior and super sexy foursome scenes.

I flew through this. It’s a Brit book, so the format and diction are appropriate for Londoners, which I enjoy. The story moved along quite quickly, with lots of smexytimes and all of it feeling well-grounded. Paula is ashamed about her new sexual naughtiness, and keeps it all hush-hush, but she privately revels in her sexuality. And, Nigel is good, too. I ached with loneliness, as did Paula, when he was too busy to see her. Their chemistry was just so pleasant. Loved the ending. Hoping for the best with those two, or four, or….it’s ménage, folks.

Interested? You can find REALLY COOKING on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, but it’s FREE on iTunes until 9/30. Couple clicks and you’ll have this baby heating up your eReader—for nada, gratis and zilch.

About the Author:

Victoria Blisse is a Mother, Wife, Christian, Manchester United Fan and Award Winning Erotica Authoress. She is also the editor of several Bigger Briefs collections, and the co-editor of the fabulous Smut Alfresco, Smut by the Sea (Vol.1), Smut by the Sea (Vol.2), Smut by the Sea (Vol.3), and Smut in the City Anthologies.

Victoria is also one of the brains behind the fabulous Smut Events, days dedicated to erotica, fun and prizes. Check out Smut Manchester (15th Nov 2014), Smut Luton (7th March 2015) and Smut by the Sea: Scarborough (23rd May 2015) for more info.

She is equally at home behind a laptop or a cooker and she loves to create stories, poems, cakes and biscuits that make people happy. She was born near Manchester, England and her northern English quirkiness shows through in all of her stories.

Passion, love and laughter fill her works, just as they fill her busy life.

You can find often find Victoria procrastinating on Facebook , Twitter and Pinterest

Don’t forget to enter into MY BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY-for a $40 gift card or a box o’ books Two weeks until the winner is selected.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Their Love is… THE SILK TIE–A Review

Hi all! today I’m sharing a super sexy menage book newly released by Lily Harlem. I recently reviewed her book THE GLASS KNOT and couldn’t resist going back for a another steamy menage story.

It’s a complicated tale, and I think Hayley, the female lead describes her dilemma best:

TST_cover-1Back cover information

 Professional life in the City of London is tough going which is why my husband Gabe and I live by the motto: work hard and play hard. So when something, or rather someone, comes along that changes how he wants to play I’m intrigued by our sexy new game.

 But there’s always private sides to the ones you love, and in this case new thoughts and desires are stealing Gabe’s dreams. It’s not until I meet Brent—gorgeous and sophisticated yet soul-achingly alone—that I begin to understand the complex layers of Gabe’s needs and exactly what I have to do.

 But I’m not afraid; in fact the idea of two men turns me the hell on. In a whirlwind of romance, fear, desire and a new cresting wave of passion we open up to each other, testing the water for one weekend only. Or is it? Will we ever be the same again? Can Gabe and I survive our decision to let a third into our bed? Can Brent just walk away and, more importantly, will we let him?

My review:

Gabe and Hayley are a happily married couple. They are both professional lawyers who have worked hard to gain respect and prestige at their respective firms, but they find time to play some sexy games with each other. It seems that one of Gabe’s new clients, Brent, is having a rough time. And Gabe befriends him. It’s clear to Hayley that something is up with Gabe–he has a sudden fondness for Brent and, strangely, Hayley isn’t put off by the hungry looks she sees Gabe flashing. Is it because Brent is a man? Because, quite honestly, Brent seems to be extremely cozy with Gabe.

Okay, so the stage is set. The book is mostly told from Hayley’s POV though the prologue lets the reader know first, that Gabe finds Brent sexy–and Gabe has never had a gay thought prior–and second, that Brent is bisexual, or a closeted gay man, because he’s in the midst of a nasty divorce and the Ex is claiming infidelity on Brent’s part with a male lover….

Throughout, we see Hayley observing her husband’s desire for another. She remarks often how she’s confused why she feels arousal–rather than betrayal–about Gabe’s infatuation for Brent. It could be because she also finds Brent attractive. Or, maybe she recognizes that Gabe’s sudden bi-curiousness is not a reflection on their marriage. There’s a lot of introspection, and Hayley thinks it would be wise for Gabe to have a tryst with Brent and get it out of his system, but Brent is upset. He doesn’t want to come between Hayley and Gabe, and insists that any experiences be shared.

The resolution of this situation takes a bit of time to unfold–Gabe recognizes some distress from Hayley, and attraction from Brent. He’s insecure, fearing that somehow Brent will snatch Halyey away, but these three people come together in all the ways that matter.

Let’s just say the steam-factor on this book, on a scale of 1-5, is a 10. The dang thing mighta crashed my iPad it was so freaking hot. I loved every dirty second of it. Recommend to all lovers of M/M romance, and ménage. Disclaimer–this is NOT SAFE for the kiddo’s. Adults only, por favor.

How about a little excerpt?

I gathered my strength and refused to be intimidated by him. “You can’t deny you like Gabe.” I gave him a steely glare.

“That’s not the issue.” Brent narrowed his eyes.

“And he likes you,” I snapped back.

“All of that is irrelevant because he’s married…to you.”

“Which surely means, if there is one person who can give Gabe permission to fuck someone else, it’s me. His wife.”

His mouth opened slightly and he stared at me.

“What?” I asked. “It makes sense. Gabe’s got a crush on you, I suppose that is one way of describing it, and he wants you, badly, he—”

“He’s not even bloody gay.”

“No, but he must have elements of being bi for him to be feeling this way.”

Brent stepped away, turned and locked his fingers on the crown of his head with his elbows outstretched.

“Brent,” I said, pushing away from the wall. “Please don’t be mad.”

“I’m not mad…just…”

“What?”

“Confused, I suppose.” He dropped his hands and turned to me as he sighed. The hardness had gone from his face.

“Why?” I moved to my desk and leaned my behind on it, kept my arms at my sides in an effort to look open and available for him to express his feelings to. It was a tactic I used with clients. “Tell me, Brent. We’re friends, aren’t we?”

“Yes, we are.” He sat in one of the two chairs in front of my desk and sighed. “I like you, Hayley, a lot, and I like Gabe too. I care about him.”

“And do you fancy him?”

“I’m not gay either.” He paused and appeared to summon courage. “But I am bi. I have been with a man before.”

I nodded and kept my expression neutral even though there was something electrifying about his admission. No longer a rumor but a solid fact he was able to share with me.

“And would you want to be with Gabe that way?” I asked. Again words were coming out of my mouth that I wouldn’t believe I could utter. This time last month this conversation would be ludicrous.

“Do I want Gabe that way,” he repeated.

I waited for him to go on.

“Yes, in a word. He’s bloody gorgeous and damn sexy too, but I don’t need to tell you that, Hayley. Heck, you married him.”

I smiled. “He is gorgeous and sexy, and also the most passionate, loving person I’ve ever met.” I paused. “His happiness is also my responsibility and right now, him not being with you the way he wants to be is screwing with his mind.”

“Have you had a third person in your relationship before?”

“No, it’s always been just us. We’re strong, our bonds are tight, but…”

“And you’re willing to risk it all.”

“Perhaps it’s a risk for it not to happen.”

“Bloody hell…” He pressed his hands over his face and looked at me from over his fingertips. “You’re really are deadly serious.”

“Yes.” I sat on the seat at his side. “I am. He’s been on edge, preoccupied. I know he loves me, would die for me, we’ve been in each other’s lives for a long time now, there’s nothing that will tear us apart.”

“Except me. Maybe I will.”

“Do you really believe that?”

“It would be my worst nightmare to split you two up. Seeing you and Gabe together makes me very happy. You have something special, something I’ve hunted for, seen glimpses of, but never truly found.”

I reached out and rested my fingers on the sleeve of his gray suit jacket and rubbed my thumb on the smooth material. “Gabe and I are strong. Strong enough to cope with this.” I paused, hoping to hell that we were. “If you feel the same way about Gabe then this can happen. I don’t have a problem with it.”

He stared at me, long and hard, then, “You’re right, I do want to fuck him.”

My belly clenched and I squeezed my internal muscles. This might actually happen for Gabe.

“But I have one condition,” he said, leaning back and folding his arms. His suit jacket bunched at the lapels.

“What’s that?” I asked.

“You’re there. You watch us.”

Interested? You can find THE SILK KNOT on Goodreads and Amazon.

About the Author:

Lily Harlem lives in the UK and is an award-winning author of contemporary erotic romance. She writes for publishers on both sides of the Atlantic including Ellora’s Cave, HarperCollins, Totally Bound, Xcite and Sweetmeats Press. Her HOT ICE series regularly receives high praise and industry nominations.

Before turning her hand to writing Lily Harlem worked as a trauma nurse and her latest HarperCollins release, Confessions of a Naughty Night Nurse, draws on her many experiences while nursing in London. Lily also self-publishes and The Glass Knot and Scored have been blessed with many 5* reviews since their release in 2012.

Her latest novel, Breathe You In, is a super-sexy romance with a twist that will not only heat you up but stay with you for years to come. Breathe You In was named a USA Today Reviewer’s Recommended Read of 2013.

Lily also co-authors with Natalie Dae and publishes under the name Harlem Dae – check out the Sexy as Hell Box Set Trilogy available exclusively on Amazon – The Novice, The Player and The Vixen – and That Filthy Book which has been hailed as a novel ‘every woman should read’.

One thing you can be sure of, whatever book you pick up by Ms Harlem, is it will be wildly romantic and down-and-dirty sexy. Enjoy!

You can catch up with Lily on her website, blog, twitter, and Facebook.

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!

Cheap Thrills–ETERNALLY YOURS and VANILLA ON TOP

Hi there! Just to spice things up I thought I’d share a couple of titles I picked up on the cheap and found amusing. One is a box-set of three paranormal ménage books, the other is a spicy contemporary romance. Both are $.99 at the time of this posting…

PS: I don’t make any money off my recommendations–I just devour books so I jump at the chance to get them cheap or free…and I like to pass on my ‘finds’ to you!

Eternally Yours Vampire Menage Collection (3 Books)About ETERNALLY YOURS:

Three vampire ménage novels by Tracey H. Kitts, combined for the very first time into one smoking hot collection. That is what you’re getting with the Eternally Yours Vampire Ménage Collection.

The Eternally Yours Vampire Ménage Collection includes:

1. Bitten
2. Necromancer
3. Diary of An Incubus

BITTEN
Sandra Ashton is a witch who suddenly finds herself dating three vampires. So, what do you do when you’ve got three immortal beings professing their undying or is that undead love for you? You agree to what they like to call, “joint custody.”

NECROMANCER
Jane Masters has no idea she’s a necromancer. Luis and Henri are the vampires responsible for the power mingled in her blood. Though her love life improves dramatically after meeting them, Jane faces a more urgent situation than dating a vampire or two. As Luis and Henri reveal the details of her past life and the source of her power, they learn there’s a killer on the loose and Jane is next on the list. As for her newly discovered past with the vampires, her heart remembers them. But will she survive to love them this time?

DIARY OF AN INCUBUS
Jewel Mathers needed a good story for her next novel. She turned to the ancient journals in desperation. But fame and fortune comes with a price … and a couple of hot vampires.

My Review:

This three book set features three separate ménage vampire romances. Yes, ménage and vampire. It’s a two-fer of guilty pleasures. Each features a completely different set of heroines and lovers. It is all M/F/M with a heavy emphasis on the female being the center of all action and desire.

If you’ve never read ménage, this might be a fun way to test the waters. The romances are slower to develop than traditional ménage and the multiple scenes happen at the end of each, following a clearly solid primary romance. Also, they aren’t sloppy and the language is less potty-mouth than many I’ve read.

Interested? You can find ETERNALLY YOURS on Goodreads and Amazon. Current pricing is $.99, but may go up.

Vanilla on Top (Walk on the Wild Side, #1; Heather and Tony, #1)It’s wild that there are so many BRAZEN imprint books on sale through the end of May. Now’s your chance to snap up so really fun romances just in time for summer…

About VANILLA ON TOP:

Discover your inner bad girl, and set her free…

Heather Pierce is done being a wallflower, both personally and professionally. Desperate to live a different life for one night, she attends a speed dating event. Maybe here, anonymous unless she chooses otherwise, she can become someone new. When a man way out of her league sits across from her, Heather gathers her courage and takes charge of what she wants, secretly fearing he won’t desire the real person she’s desperate to hide.

Top acquisitions officer and international playboy Tony Carmine is about to close the biggest deal of his career. But then he meets Heather at a speed dating event…and discovers losing control may be exactly what he needs. Her blossoming sensuality occupies his every thought, consuming him with the need to possess the most intriguing lover he’s ever encountered—until he walks into the boardroom and sees Heather on the other side of the negotiating table.

My Review:
Who doesn’t love a woman-empowerment romance? Heather has had enough of being taken advantage and decides she’s going to get the upper hand on her next partner. Tony shows up at a speed dating event on a lark as a friend’s wingman and is undone by the dominating gal he meets. There’s a word for a woman who gets a guy she just met to submit to her command for oral pleasure. I believe it’s “Bravo.”

Tony and Heather hit it, hard, and get caught up in something neither of them expected. Tony had never anticipated how erotic submission could be, and Heather charges forward in a “fake it ’till you make it” gambit to keep herself emotionally safe and sexually satisfied. This is NOT a BDSM book, it’s simply some super hot sexyplay that any couple could enjoy. There is a commitment to mutual pleasure–even when it is temporarily withheld.

But soon this liaison gets real. Tony turns up as a buyer for Heather’s company–and Heather fights to keep the business from being gobbled up. Being at odds in the board room might stifle a lesser couple’s sex drive, but not here. Table tennis, anyone?

I love the alternating viewpoint–mostly because I adore getting to know each character. Heather is so insecure, yet she acts to strong. Tony’s strong, but vulnerable with Heather. The role reversal really worked for me–and I’m gonna snap up the sequel just to see how these two move forward together.

Interested? You can find VANILLA ON TOP on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The sequel, VANILLA TWIST is also on sale for $.99 through the end of May, so click it while you can…

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends! 🙂

Gems in the bargain bin–ALPHA BAD BOYS

So, I’m a frugal gal. I get ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) whenever I can. I download Amazon Freebies. I pick up $.99 specials. I buy secondhand books.

Before you condemn me, let me explain: I have to! Sadly, I spend more cash at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com than I do on shoes…

This isn’t only how I buy books. I buy clearance everything. Yes, I’m that lady in the grocery trying to discern if the  dented can with no label marked 25 cent is corn (YEA!) … or sauerkraut (Eep!).

Naturally, being the clearance queen, the Alpha Bad Boys box set piqued my interest. It’s out for $.99 now…and I scooped it up.

Well folks, it wasn’t corn.

It was BETTER.

If they put hot fudge sundaes in cans, that’s what I would have tasted when I broke the seal on my bargain purchase!

To be clear, there are 7 books in this pack. SEVEN!! for a $1. Granted there are 5 novellas and 2 novels, but still!

Absolutely the best deal.

Why? Because Olivia Cunning. There are TWO novellas from her Sole Regret series–and they are SMOKING! Oh! Who doesn’t love tatted rockstars finding love? NO ONE!!  TRY ME is delicious. I could snack on Gabe…if I was guaranteed I wouldn’t burn my lips on his hotness. And TEMPT ME has turned me into a fangirl. Purchased separately they are $2.99 apiece. [Did I mention this boxset deal is fantastic?]

I also loved ONE NIGHT FOREVER and ASK FOR IT–both contemporary romance, and both full-length novels with strong female leads and dreamy Alpha love interests.

An erotic romance collection can’t be complete without some BDSM–and it’s front and center in TUCKER’S FALL. Not my fave, but a decent tale.

The bookends:  THEIR VIRGIN CAPTIVE and EDUCATING ANSLEY are menage novellas with virgin leads and moderate-to-heavy Dom Alphas. Personally, I feel like crafting a menage tale is 10X harder than an ordinary erotic romance. Like the act itself, describing a menage relationship is a delicate balance requiring finesse. I’ll just say (in this genre) I’ve been spoiled by the mastery that is Nicole Edwards.  I wasn’t blown away by these, but hey, they weren’t sauerkraut.

So, in total, loved this collection. And, it’s cheap. You like all variety of erotic romance?

Embrace your inner dented-can-chooser….Pick it up.