69 Followers
52 Following
LisaP

LisaP

REVIEW - Baked Fresh

Baked Fresh (Portland Heat) - Annabeth Albert
4 “Rebound Guy” Stars!

“I was the rebound guy, not the forever one.”





Baked Fresh is the second book in Annabeth Albert’s Portland Heat series. I am fast becoming a huge fan of this author with her fun and heart-warming books that leave you clenching your heart and happily sighing. This book was no exception. From the first page I was hooked and wanted to see just how things would play out between the beefy baker and the sexy homeless shelter volunteer with a heart of gold.

Thirty-three year old Vic Degrassi made some radical changes in his life after his cousin and best friend passes away after a heart attack. After watching not only his cousin die from heart disease but also his father and uncle, Vic does not want to be the next statistic. He knows how to stand by his New Year’s resolutions and see them come to fruition. After all, he’s given up smoking, completed culinary school and has lost over one hundred pounds and each one of those goals started off as a resolution. This year Vic wants to start dating and maybe take things further with someone than a random hook up. He’s never had a boyfriend and finally wants to be in a loving relationship. When Vic discovers that Robin, a sweet friend who volunteers with him at the homeless shelter, has been unceremoniously dumped, he can’t help but step up and offer that shoulder to cry on and possibly a bit more.

Vic has had a crush on Robin Dawson for a couple of years with their relationship never moving past the confines of a casual friendship. Vic has never had the courage to approach Robin and let him know that he is attracted to him. Even though he has lost the excess weight that he was carrying, Vic still sees the heavy man he has always been when he looks in the mirror. In his mind there is no way the much younger and very gorgeous Robin would give him the time of day. Now that Robin is single he is not looking for another boyfriend; however, that does not stop things from getting a little hot and heavy between the pair one steamy night. So ensues a slow and sensual dance where Vic begins to prove to Robin just how special he truly is and how good they would be together. There are some bumps along the way as they both figure out what it means to overcome your past and the preconceptions you have about yourself.

This was a tender, sweet and sexy tale as we watch the two men go from a flirty fling and a friends-with-benefits type of situation to something more. I loved how patient Vic was when it came to waiting for Robin to be ready to take things to the next level between them. He never pushed too hard knowing if he did Robin would likely run in the other direction. Vic saw something special in Robin and he was willing to take it as slow and steady as was necessary and when Robin goes through a rough time due to a tragedy at the shelter Vic is there to support him and catch him when he falls.

All in all, Baked Fresh was a wonderful addition to this series. I love how real the characters this author creates seem to be. Vic and Robin were no exception. They had their flaws but in the end all that matters is finding someone who accepts you, the good and the bad. This is definitely a series to check out for lovers of the M/M genre.









*****An advance reading copy of Baked Fresh by Annabeth Albert was generously provided to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.



description

REVIEW - Vandal by Carian Cole

Vandal (Ashes & Embers Book 2) - Carian Cole, Lauren McKellar, Kari Ayasha
5 “Get Vandalized” Stars!

“Loving me will not be easy, loving me will be war. You will hold the gun and I will hand you the bullets. So breathe, and embrace the beauty of the massacre that lies ahead.” ~R. M. Drake


description


Vandal is book two in Carian Cole’s Ashes & Embers series. I became a fan of this author upon reading book one in this series and discovered that she could pen a humorous and witty tale with an edge. With this second installment Carian Cole took that edginess to a whole new level and what we get is a raw, ugly, gritty, painful and gut-wrenching story. It was powerful and I was enthralled. Two individuals tied together and united by one twisted and devastating tragedy. Both are destroyed. Can they be the each other’s saviour and the one brings the other out from under the ashes?


description

“I like to hurt people; I always have. I want them to feel the pain that I feel and the disappointments I’ve been forced to feel. That just seems fair to me.”


Vandal Valentine, bass player for the band Ashes & Embers and sizzling hot tattoo artist, has always been more than a little messed up. With a harsh childhood and upbringing Vandal has learned to embrace his darkness. He’s broken, self-destructive and music, pain and women seem to be his outlets of choice. He’s never been one to want commitment and has gone from one meaningless relationship or encounter to another. With trust issues and substance abuse problems, Vandal is no poster boy for the sane and well-adjusted. One devastatingly catastrophic incident sends Vandal further into a tailspin of despair.


description


Tabitha Bennett is a broken shell of the woman she once was. She was once someone who lived life to the fullest, someone that liked the small things in life like cookies and ice cream. All that changed in the blink of an eye. Tabitha is now on the verge of despair, she is ravished and barely hanging on by a thread. Her happiness is now a distant memory. It all changes when a sexy, long-haired dark angel offers her something she had no idea she was looking for.

“The ties that bind us to one another may not always be visible. But they’re there like thin, transparent veins. I don’t know why, but this is one vein I don’t want to slit.”


Vandal and Tabitha essentially are parallel mirrors of one another when it comes to their agonized and tortured souls. They are both reckless in different ways and any hope they had has long disappeared into the distant mirage of what was once their lives. Vandal can’t seem to stay away from Tabitha and is drawn in by her own darkness and “sensual innocence”. She becomes this craving that he needs in his life, a wrong that he needs to make right. Tabitha and Vandal are tragically linked and if there ever was a relationship destined to fail it would most definitely be theirs. With this damaging connection between the two of them, secrets and lies, together they will embark on a sinfully dark and erotic journey that will ultimately test their limits and perhaps be the key to set them free.


description

“I don’t know shit about love and romance, but I know that true submission goes far deeper than love. It gives more; it takes more. Love is fragile and can be destroyed. Submission is strong and only strengthens with time. Love leaves people weak and devastated, as she is now. Submission heals and awakens. Submission is love on fucking steroids.”

*****

“He is a drug that I cannot get enough of. A little is never enough; I always need and want more.”


Vandal takes Tabitha on this dark and enticing voyage into the world of submission. It was something they both needed. Vandal needed to control and to give back while Tabitha simply needed to let go. The BDSM elements in this story were very well done in my opinion. The exchanges between Vandal and Tabitha were powerful and all-consuming. They both did not necessarily end up where they thought they would; however, Vandal and Tabitha slowly begin to put the pieces of themselves back together.

I can’t help but be vague when it comes to this review and my interpretation of this book. It is a hauntingly beautiful story that will rip your heart to shreds and it is also one that you need to experience for yourself without any misguided interpretations and spoilers. I really did not expect Vandal to be the book that it turned out to be. After reading Storm I was expecting something more or less the same. Well, color me surprised. What Carian Cole has provided to her reader with this book is angsty torment at its best.

All in all, Vandal (and frankly the first book in this series as well) is a must read. This is a series that has taken me by surprised and I am well and truly hooked. I will patiently be awaiting Lukas, the next book in this series. Carian Cole, I do hope you write fast!

“Our love will never be pretty. It will always be tarnished by the past and we will carry those scars forever.”


description

REVIEW - Skin to Skin

Skin to Skin - J.M. Stone
4.5 Stars!

“I kissed Brandon.”


description


Skin to Skin is book three in J. M. Stone’s Skin Deep series. This author has quite the knack for writing lovable romances with just the right amount of humour mixed in with some super steamy scenes. I am a fan and have thoroughly enjoyed the two previous books in this series. This third book followed suit. I loved watching Chloe and Brandon stumble their way into a relationship. Definitely a fun read!

We have gotten to know Brandon throughout the series more so than Chloe as she only made an appearance in book two when she moves from L.A. to Phillus, Ohio. They have known each other for quite some time as Chloe is the little sister of one of Brandon’s best friends, Jackson. When the pair share a passionate kiss in California it leaves them both reeling. Brandon had just ended a previous relationship (see book two) and was nursing a broken heart as well as a heck of a lot of confusion and Chloe had also just walked away from an abusive relationship she was in. Both were not ready to start anything new but after their kiss Chloe and Brandon find it impossible to simply walk away from one another and maintain simply a friendship like they had before. They both understand that what they now share goes beyond that. Can they survive the new dynamics of their relationship? Further, what happens when Chloe’s past comes back to haunt her and she finds herself having to share what exactly happened between her and her ex?

I really enjoy this author’s quirky writing style. What makes her books entertaining though, in my opinion, is how she intermixes humor and witty dialogue with the sexy times and the romance. Like its predecessors, this third book is chalk full of fun banter, hilarious incidents and hot as hell times between the sheets (or up against a wall, in the shower, on the kitchen table...you get it...wink, wink). Chloe and Brandon’s story did have more serious undertones than the two previous books because of what happened to Chloe but it was definitely a fun one to read and it held some very sweet and heart-warming moments.

All in all, Skin to Skin by J.M. Stone is a hot romance with humorous dialogue and a great assortment of family, friends and other colorful characters. I for one am still hooked and will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.


description








****A review copy of Skin to Skin by J.M. Stone was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW - Resilient Heart

Resilient Heart - Annabeth Albert
 
4 “Captain America” Stars!


description


Resilient Heart by Annabeth Albert is a stand-alone novella originally released as part of the anthology Unconditional Love, An M/M Military Bundle. This author has decided to release this story on its own and has added a brand new extended short story/ epilogue, Entwined Future, to give fans more to Mackey and Xander’s story.

“He was the guy who helped – he wasn’t the one needing it. He was the guy who applauded courage, but he didn’t seem to have a deep reservoir of it to drive himself.”


Xander’s life was irrevocably changed when the convoy he was traveling in exploded when it hit an IED. As an Army IT specialist he never expected to be the injured in the line of duty; however, this is the reality he now faces. One with days filled with painful therapy he does not want and one where he now must learn how to live with the scars and a life with a missing forearm and an injured foot. When his ex-friend-with-benefits, Mackey, shows up offering Xander help and a place to stay while he recoups, Xander can’t determine how his life got so complicated. Both men ended things badly right before Xander was severely injured and now Mackey is back being all sympathetic and caring leaving Xander very confused. After all, while they were serving together Mackey wanted nothing more than a casual sexual relationship when Xander harbored deep feelings for his friend and wanted so much more. Why was Mackey back in his life and offering him all the things he wanted from him in the past? Why did he return when Xander is so broken and has nothing to give back?

“This is me. You want the old me? The nice guy? He’s gone. You’re wasting your time.”

“Oh, he’s in there,” Mackey said lightly. “He’s smothering under that giant chip on your shoulder, but we can knock that sucker off.”


Watching his best friend almost die did something to Mackey. He realized that life is fragile and that he wanted so much more than a casual relationship with Xander. When Mackey is finally able to return to be at Xander’s side, what he encounters is a different man than the one he knew in the Army. Xander is angry and is suffering from depression and PTSD. He’s angry at the world for the situation he now finds himself in, angry at everyone who is trying to help him and angry at Mackey. He is not so willing to trust Mackey’s declarations of love and commitment. Mackey has his work cut out for him while he, himself, is still dealing with his own feelings of guilt. Can Mackey be the one that helps Xander get past his demons and begin to heal?

This is a feel-good character-driven story that definitely packs an emotional punch. I loved how Mackey was unwilling to give up on Xander no matter how harsh and unforgiving he was being. He truly was determined to prove to Xander that he was there to stay for the long haul. The two men had to slowly redefine their relationship as they progressed into something more meaningful and profound. Xander was just beginning his journey of healing and no doubt that the couple would have their ups and downs. There was no side-stepping around this issue and I appreciated that. It made the story a lot more real and reflective.

All in all, Resilient Heart and the lovely epilogue, Entwined Future, are just more examples of why I am fast becoming a fan of Ms. Albert. Her touching and thoughtful romantic tales always leave me happily sighing. Definitely a recommended read!







****A review copy of Resilient Heart by Annabeth Albert was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.



description
 

 

REVIEW - Genie by Kitty French

Genie - Kitty French
4.5 "Beauty" Stars!

“Feathers. Lies. Glitter. Secrets. Lust.”


description

“He wants her theatre. She wants him dead.”


Genie by Kitty French once again proves that this author can write the hell out of a sexy, filthy-mouthed, arrogant male who has a certain je ne sais quoi with the English language.

description

Um....

description

See what I mean?

Er.... moving on....


description


In this book we are transported to the shoddy theatre district in London where Theatre Divine has its home and it is run by Davey Divine, and entertaining drag queen, and his niece, Genie Divine. Genie is also the starlet of the theatre with her sultry and provocative burlesque show. Despite the fact that this theatre offers up quality performances, there is simply not enough money coming in to cover the much needed repairs and maintenance. Theatre Divine is in trouble. Enter Mr. Abel Kingdom, Australian gym mogul extraordinaire.

“Bleak. Bitter. And very, very complicated.”


description

“He had an undeniable presence, the kind of commanding aura that drew eyes and made people listen, the kind of instant charisma that performers would love to bottle and couldn’t fake no matter how hard they worked at it.”


Abel Kingdom, a British ex-pat living in Australia and who has recently returned to London, was absolute sexy deliciousness that even my over-active imagination could never concoct. And, trust me, I have one heck of an imagination. Seriously, he made my ovaries quiver. So, kudos Ms. French. Anyways, for his own personal reasons Abel is wanting to purchase the rundown theatre and turn it into one of his profitable gyms. He has a past that links him to this area in London and Abel is determined to bulldoze his way and make his mark.

“Then on behalf of women everywhere, let’s give him hell.”


What ensues is a battle of the wills between our sexy entrepreneur and our seductive burlesque entertainer. And, what a fun and erotic battle it was! Genie finally discovers what her uncle is up to when it comes to the future of the theatre and when she does there is hell to raise. She is fervently opposed to selling her beloved theatre, the only home she has ever known, and she will fight tooth and nail for it. But, Abel will not go down without a fight either. With a sexual chemistry between the pair that is hot enough to blaze through any native forest, there is only so much antagonistic behavior they can engage in before matters turn into something erotic and sexually enticing.


description

“I don’t like him, he doesn’t like me, and then every now and then we meet in the middle and rip each other’s clothes off.”


Abel is one heck of an arrogant and belligerent butt-hole! Despite the sexiness his overall package offers, there were quite a few times where I wanted to punch him where the sun don’t shine. And, Genie. What can I say about Genie other than the fact that I whole-heartedly adored her! She is this lively, honest and confident woman, the perfect individual to take on the rude dip-stick. We are gradually enlightened about Abel’s tormented past and the reasons behind his loathing for all that Genie represents. Both Genie and Abel are intrinsically drawn to one another and they can’t seem to stay away from the other despite the fact that they are at odds. As much as Abel wants to resist the sultry red-head, he can’t seem to keep his wits about him whenever he is in her presence. All this push and pull certainly makes for one entertaining tale especially when you add in the explosive sex scenes. And, speaking of sizzling sex, this book has it in boat loads. Kitty French truly has a gift when it comes to intertwining a wonderfully heart-warming romance that left my heart in a big pile of goop with smoking hot erotic scenes that would have a nun squirming in her panties. I think I need to emphasize just how masterful this author’s erotic prose is.

All in all, Genie by Kitty French was simply a fun delight to read. I loved every word and was unilaterally enthralled from beginning to end. I absolutely adore this author and her style. If you are a lover of sexy, erotically charged, contemporary romance, this book is a must read. Do it! I dare you! ;)


description








*****An advance reading copy of Genie by Kitty French was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW - Faith by Terry Towers

Faith (A Dark Romance Novel) - Terry Towers

3.5 Stars!


description


Faith by Terry Towers is a stand-alone dark erotic romance and it also marks my first read by this author. What has been penned here is a storyline that has been done many times before but with a unique flare that made it somewhat stand out. This is most definitely a dark and twisted read with two characters with a plethora of issues between them.

Emily is the quintessential pastor’s daughter, good to the bone and very naïve when it comes to the ways of the world. She has been raised in a very sheltered manner and the one time she decides to stray from her strict upbringing and go out with her friends to a club, she wanders right into the evil dragon’s lair. Tanner is a cold-heart, morally deplete, manipulative and calculative human trafficker. He is on the hunt for a new female to kidnap when he spies Emily at a club. Emily’s sweetness and wholesome are an allure that Tanner is unable to resist. It does not take much on his part to take Emily from all she knows. So begins a battle where Miss Innocent is not afraid to use her claws and Mr. Pyschopath has just brought home more than he bargained for.

I enjoyed this story overall. Emily’s character was a little unbelievable at times as she seemed to make some really poor choices and her naiveté was a little extreme. Tanner was one twisted mofo. Holy. As Tanner and Emily commence their sadistic tug-o-war relationship and as feelings begin to emerge between them they go through a journey where they discover how darkness and light can balance each other out. All in all, if you are a lover of dark erotic romance I would say give this book a try. Faith was an entertaining read.





****A review copy of Faith by Terry Towers was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW - Saving Jay by E.M. Abel

Saving Jay (Breaking Free Book 3) - E.M. Abel
IT'S LIVE: http://tinyurl.com/kl3cgwe


5 “Fearless Love” Stars!

“Love is fearless. It has to be.”


description


Saving Jay by E.M. Abel is the third and final book in her Breaking Free series. To say that I am a fan of this series would be a grave understatement. Ever since picking up the first book in this series, Freeing Asia, I have fallen in love with this author’s witty and unapologetic style of writing and the fantastically strong yet vulnerable characters she creates. I knew this book would be amazing and I was correct in my assumption. So what happens when a sexy, tattooed, enigmatic businessman finally meets his match? He ends up being saved. That’s what.


description

“Often, the things we detested most in others were the things we feared becoming.”


Jason Clarke (a.k.a. Jay) has been a part of this series ever since his brief relationship with Asia (from book one) ended. Jay finds himself in a dark and lonely place consumed by thoughts of his strained relationship with his father, utterly lost under the shadow of disapproval and disdain. Jay wants nothing more than to find his own happiness, find love with someone who is not shallow and is able to see him beyond the figures in his bank account. He wants something real and passionate. But, love is the one thing that Jay can’t seem to do right. Jay is not exactly sure what he is looking for....until he walks into a tattoo shop and meets her.


description


Jade Holliday has relocated to Virginia Beach from Boston and opened up her own tattoo shop, Expressions. She is wanting to start fresh, away from the publicity of the reality show she was briefly involved with and is also attempting to get past the raw and painful wounds inflicted on her psyche by her ex-boyfriend. Somewhere along the way Jade has become a shadow of her former self, someone who is afraid to risk it all and take chances. As much as Jade wants to go back to being the carefree, emotionally available woman she once was, she knows that trust is something that will no longer come easy for her. So what is it about the beautiful, blue-eyed man in a suit who saunters in to her shop that makes her want to shed her defenses and explore things she has shied away from for so long?

“I'm Jade by the way. My friends call me J."

"Nice to meet you, Jade. I'm Jason. My friends call me Jay, too."

I expected her to laugh at our similar nicknames. Instead, she stared at me before saying, "Wow. When you smile, it's like..." She started making noises resembling an explosion and gestures with her free hand. Now I was the one laughing.


There is an immediate attraction between Jay and Jade. They immediately fall into witty banter and flirtatious exchanges. As the pair begin to spend more time together there is no doubt that their connection is a profound and very real one despite the fact that they come from two completely different worlds. Can Jay be the man for Jade when he is struggling to stay above water? Can Jade open up and trust once again enough to let Jay in beyond the surface?

One of the things that I adore about E.M. Abel’s books is that she writes these characters who are real and relatable. Jade and Jay were no exception to this. Jade was this quirky tattoo artist with no brain to mouth filter and I absolutely loved her. She has trust issues and is afraid when it comes to starting anything serious with Jay; however, she was also brave enough to not let her fear stop her from taking a chance. I admired her strength and tenacity. When things got hard with Jay, Jade was resolute in her determination to stand by her man and help him carry his burdens.

“You’re lucky I find your bossiness so sexy, Mr. Clarke.”

He raised one eyebrow and glanced at my mouth before replying. “You haven’t seen bossy yet.”


And....Jay. Holy crap on a cracker....Jay! Who knew that under the perfectly pressed suit was a man who liked it a little on the kinky side. Damn! Jay is a man who has done a lot of reflecting and has matured immensely since we first met him in Freeing Asia. He knows what he wants and is no longer willing to try and fit into the mold his father has set out for him. I liked this new and improved Jay. No…wait. I freakin’ LOVED him! Despite the fact that that he is a powerful man who likes to take charge, there is this endearing vulnerability to him. There was this dichotomy to him, a constant battle between his light and dark side. The question becomes whether Jay is willing to let Jade see all of him. Can he be vulnerable enough to share his fears and weaknesses?

Saving Jay was an incredible end to this amazing series. I have loved all three books in the series but I have to say that Saving Jay is my favorite. It is well written and not ridden with unnecessary angst. What you get is a genuine love story between two people who wanted something honest and real. It may have taken some work to get there on their parts but when you find something solid that claims your heart you hold onto it with everything you’ve got.


description









****An advance reading copy of Saving Jay by E.M. Abel was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW - Served Hot

Served Hot (Portland Heat) - Annabeth Albert
4 Stars!


description


Served Hot is the first book in Annabeth Albert’s new Portland Heat series. This is a sweet and steamy romance about two guys, both having been marked by past relationships, who can’t help but take another chance on love. With vanilla lattes, tender moments and smoking hot chemistry can both men take their relationship to the next level?

Robert Edwards Junior (a.k.a. Robby) is a self-employed barista who owns a thriving coffee cart business in Portland. The best part of Robby’s day is at 11:50 am. This is when David Gregory, a finance director for the Library Trust, makes his usual appearance and orders his usual vanilla latte and proceeds to eat lunch by himself nearby. Robby can’t help but crush hard on the appealing and shy man whose soulful brown eyes and preppy attire seem to leave him feeling all squishy inside and overly heated. The problem is that Robby has no idea whether David is even gay. But, when Robby sees David at the Portland Pride Festival all bets are off and Robby decides to make his move.


description


David recently lost his long-time lover. Despite the fact that no one knew about the relationship, David was deeply committed to the man who had been in his life for many years. He is unsure as to whether he is ready to date once again and put himself out there. Further, the only sort of relationship David is familiar with is a closeted one. What would it be like to be with someone completely out in the open for all to see? David needs a nudge to move forward but is awkward and timid Robby the man to push him in the right direction, mainly right into his open arms?

I really enjoyed this sugary tale of love with little angst and moderate steam levels. Both characters were endearing and I could not help but root for their relationship. This story is told solely from Robby’s POV, although I do wish it was told in dual POVs as it would have been nice to get in David’s head as well. David is still a little grief-stricken over the loss of his lover. Not to mention he has no idea how to handle himself in a relatively “normal” relationship as he has no previous experience with things such as going out on dates, holding hands in public and other significant normalcies that come with being in a stable and emotionally fulfilling relationship. Robby has already experienced being in a relationship with a closeted gay man and he is unwilling to go through the same turmoil ever again. It was a fine balancing act between both males as they attempted to navigate the bumpy road to a happy forever. David and Robby both had a lot to learn but the more entwined they became with one another, the more the risk of falling in love seemed worth it.

All in all, this light-hearted romance was a lot of fun to read and I am definitely looking forward to more books in this series. Served Hot is an engaging and well-written story. I did find that it ended a little abruptly. I would have liked to see more of an ending to really cement David and Robby in my mind. Definitely worth the read for lovers of M/M romance.








****An advance reading copy of Served Hot by Annabeth Albert was generously provided to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.



description

REVIEW - Inappropriate by Elizabeth Finn

Inappropriate (Bristol Island Standalone Books Book 2) - Elizabeth Finn, Marci Clark
5 Stars!

in•ap•pro•pri•ate
[in-uh-proh-pree-it]
adjective: inappropriate
1. not suitable or proper in the circumstances.
"there are penalties for inappropriate behavior"


description


Inappropriate is the second book in Elizabeth Finn’s Bristol Island series. I have a few books by this author under my belt. She never ceases to impress me with her all-consuming romantic tales that clench my heart with a vice-like grip. I become completely engulfed in Ms. Finn’s stories and admire her ability to make me feel each and every time. Once again, Ms. Finn has produced a truly wonderful tale and has penned an intriguing, raw, angsty and insightful romance that had me screaming in frustration, wanting to commit murder by chopping off a certain someone’s gonads, had me happily sighing and also left me all hot and bothered seeking out a powerful industrial-sized fan.

“Have you ever made a quick impetuous decision, not really thinking of the consequences? You just.... say yes when you should have said no.”


Have you ever hastily made a decision only to come to regret it? Of course you have. Haven’t we all? Well, that is exactly what happens when our heroine, Dylan Corbett, Bristol Island’s newest resident, decides to take on a new doctor. She never could have predicted the ramifications such a choice would have. Dylan is an erotic romance author who has moved to Bristol Island for an escape, being drawn to the island’s secluded surroundings. She is a woman with a hurtful past, one that she wants to keep from escaping out into the open.

“This is Bristol Island. This is my world. And this is all I have. My life is here, my career.”


Cohen Jessup, also known as Dr. Jessup, is Bristol Island’s only doctor. When he accepted the important position as the island’s doctor he never imagined that he would become a much beloved outcast in the community, offering a very important service but never being able to form deep relationships or commitments due to the ethics involved with being a doctor. When Cohen meets his new sexy and curvaceous neighbor he can’t help but be attracted to the beautiful brunette. Before Cohen can muster up enough courage to ask her out, Dylan shows up at his office and becomes his patient. Taking things any further than a simple friendship is now off the table as it would be highly inappropriate.


description

“That’s a hell of a chip you have on your shoulder.” He studied her for a moment. “It’s okay. I’m sure you came by it honestly.”

*****

“The woman he couldn’t ethically fuck he wanted to fuck six ways to Sunday without a single socially acceptable barrier between them.”

*****

“She didn’t want this. She didn’t want to hurt for a man. But she didn’t want the emptiness, and she didn’t know how to fill it anymore.”

*****

”In truth, she didn’t’ fall at all, hadn’t for years. Her heart had numbed to them long ago, six years before to be exact. She loved the idea of them. But she didn’t love the reality of them.”


Keeping things platonic as well as professional becomes nearly impossible as Cohen and Dylan struggle with their undeniable attraction for one another. Dylan struggles with making herself vulnerable again when it comes to a man she has feelings for and Cohen struggles with the ethical inappropriateness of pursuing a relationship with someone who has been his patient. At the heart of the matter Cohen and Dylan are simply two people who have this innate connection that they are unable to ignore despite the risks getting involved presents. With a sordid past that can surface at any moment and destroy not only her but Cohen, can Dylan take a risk and give in to temptation? Can Cohen ignore his conscience and will he be willing to risk his reputation and quite possibly his career for this chance at something more?

“It hurts to want something you can’t have so much.”


I truly felt for Cohen and Dylan and the difficult situation they found themselves in. They are habitants in a small and isolated community which made things even worse. I felt their connection and their sexual chemistry simply vibrated off the pages of my kindle. It is definitely a bumpy and angsty road for Dylan and Cohen and mistakes were made by both of them. As matters progress and then finally explode into the limelight my heart broke for all that they had to go through. It may have been an uphill battle for them all the way to happiness, but Dylan and Cohen prove to themselves and to each other that they were stronger as a unit more so than standing alone. Together they could uphold one another. Together they could stand strong. And, a relationship that started off as extremely inappropriate becomes one that is the most appropriate of all.

Elizabeth Finn is a master at writing some sexy hot erotica. The love scenes in this book were muy caliente! Do I need to prove it to you?
“I want you to take me upstairs,” he whispered against her ear. “I want to watch you masturbate. I want to lick your pussy. And then I want to stick my cock in it.”

description

I rest my case.

All in all, Inappropriate was yet another novel by Elizabeth Finn chalk full of her brilliant writing powers. This book had me feeling deeply and by the end I was left completely satiated. The ups and downs, the push and the pull, the tears and the laughter, and the depth of love felt by the hero and heroine for each other all make this book truly shine. A journey truly worth experiencing. I highly recommend this one.


description








***An advance reading copy of Inappropriate by Elizabeth Finn was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW - Dare

Dare (Brothers of Ink and Steel Book 1) - Allie Juliette Mousseau, Nicole Hewitte
4 "Daring"Stars!

“He who is not every day conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson


description


Dare is the first book in Allie Juliette Mousseau’s new series entitled Brothers of Ink and Steel. What a pleasant surprise this book turned out to be! Sweet, sexy and not overly angsty. Right up my alley!

Sophie Garner is a single mother trying to make a life for herself and her three year old daughter, Charlie. Despite the fact that Sophie has been on the run from an abusive husband for a few years, she has managed to further her education and become a trained massage therapist. It is working at the hospital in Williston, North Dakota where she is asked to work on a new patient who is injured. This new patient happens to be none other than Josh “The Jackhammer” North, a UFC Lightweight Champion. When Sophie is offered the job to be Josh’s exclusive massage therapist, it is difficult for her to refuse the salary and benefits being put on the table. This would mean financial security for Sophie and Charlie should she have to pick up and run once again. However, the risk of exposure is high when you’re around someone who is in the public eye. Josh’s offer is tempting, but is Sophie daring enough to take the risk?

“What if I never want to let you go?” I ask.

“I’d say you better hold on tight.”

*****

“I’ll fight for it – for you, for your love and for Charlie – harder than I’ve ever fought for anything before.”

*****

“Love can get through anything. It finds a way.” Tenderly he brushes my cheek. “I know you’re bruised, Sophie. I see the broken. Let me fix it.”

*****

“Sophie is my happy.”


As Sophie and Josh spend time together, their innate attraction is undeniable and Josh becomes more and more determined to break through the highly erected walls Sophie has put up. Josh also finds himself falling head over heels for Charlie. But with so much at stake for her and Charlie, getting involved with Josh is simply not something Sophie can take a chance on no matter how much her heart is telling her to trust the sexy fighter. Both Josh and Sophie have pasts they would rather keep hidden. As everything comes out into the open can both Josh and Sophie dare to trust in one another enough to make it work?

All in all, Dare was an entertaining read that quickly engrossed me. I loved both Josh and Sophie and loved seeing the progression of their sweet tale of romance. What prevented this book from being a five star read for me was the fact that I felt things at the end wrapped up too quickly and there were some loose ends I would have liked to see taken care of. With this being said though, I am very much looking forward to more books in this series. We are briefly introduced to the men who make up the brothers of ink and steel. Can’t wait for more!

“You’ve got to dare to push through the fear. You’ve got to dare to find the broken pieces and put yourself back together. And when you can’t find all the pieces, you have to dare to be stronger, so new ones can grow in their place. That’s when you’ll find your true self and be whole again.”


description

REVIEW - Better When He's Bold

Better When He's Bold - Jay Crownover
5 "Fortune Favors The Bold" Stars!

“We’re all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” ~Oscar Wilde


description


Better When He’s Bold is book two in Jay Crownover’s Welcome to the Point series. This author has once again managed to weave an enticing tale about an anti-hero from the right side of the tracks but he has ended up on the wrong side. He lives a hard and fast life in a dark and criminal world and makes no excuses for the choices he has made. He’s immersed himself in this underground world fully understanding that someone has to take the reins and run with it. So what happens when a girl who seems to have it all falls for the bad boy, one on the verge of running a criminal empire?


description
“In a place like this, there aren’t many good people running around. That means that there are a lot of bad things happening under the surface and a lot of bad people doing those things. I’m not a bad guy, Brysen, but I’m not a good guy either. I’m just enough of both to keep a handle on those bad things to stop them from spilling over and infecting the few good ones left in this godforsaken place. That’s why I do what I do.”

Race Hartman is now calling the shots in The Point, the fictitious inner city Jay Crownover has concocted. A dark, grim and hopeless place full of people who have had to make some very hard choices. It is survival of the fittest, the fastest and the smartest. Race is someone who has fully submerged himself in this society – running numbers, operating illegal gambling houses and chop shops and settling into a fragile truce with Nassir, another ruthless individual wanting to rule it all. There can only be one kingpin of this broken kingdom and Race wants the title. He may not walk along the straight and narrow but he believes he is the right man to take control of the chaos and prevent complete annihilation and devastation. Race may have to dip into questionable moral gray areas and deal with the underbelly of society, but he is just bold enough to walk along the fine line of right and wrong.


description
“Race wasn’t just a bad guy, a criminal, he was the bad guy.”

*****

“I liked Race; that wasn’t the problem. I hated everything that came with him, and I just didn’t know that I could separate the two.”

Brysen Carter has secretly harbored a crush on her best friend’s older brother for some time; however, just because Race is a feast on the eyes and has enough charisma and male raw beauty to attract the world’s female population doesn’t mean she wants to get close enough to his golden aura. Brysen is not disillusioned when it comes to Race. He may be pretty to look at but he is also dangerous and Brysen has enough worries in her complicated life without adding in this gorgeous King of a tainted and violent kingdom. Brysen’s family life is in shambles. She has moved back home hoping to keep things from completely falling apart. After all, someone has to step in for her younger sister when it seems her parents are too selfish and too screwed up to care. With college classes, a job and a messed up home life, Brysen is barely staying above water. Getting involved with someone like Race would only lead to her drowning.

When Brysen starts receiving threatening texts and other incidents occur that indicate that she is somehow in danger, the one person who steps in to help her is the one person she should be staying far away from. Brysen find it hard to resist the alluring bad boy. She can’t help but want more of Race, especially when he goes out of his way to become her white knight willing to whisk her away to a world of safety and sensual pleasure. Race is equally as enthralled with the blonde beauty. He can’t help but admire her resilience and strength when it comes to taking care of her sister. Race is determined to keep her safe and hopefully find his way into her heart. His kingdom does need a queen after all.


description
“Having something to lose like her love….it was a huge motivation to make sure I kept the parts of me that were still Race intact. With her I didn’t have to be Race the bookie, Race the loan shark, Race the enforcer, I just got to be a regular guy concerned with making a regular girl happy.”

*****

“Are we falling in love, Bry?”

She laughed and again pulled away from me. “Probably. Why wouldn’t we? Life is a mess, I have someone trying to kill me, and you’re right in the thick of a war on the city. What better conditions could you think of to fall in love?”

*****

"Bax was willing to watch the city burn and eat itself alive for Dovie. I wanted the opposite. I wanted to build it up, give it legs, make it a place that could stand tall and proud."

Matters progress into the complicated realm between Race and Brysen. There is no hiding the fact that Race can be ruthless and deadly if he has to be and he is not about to transform into the “good guy” professing his undying love for the heroine promising to leave his criminal ways behind him all for the throes of passionate love. But at the crux of it all is the fact that Brysen sees him for exactly who he is and she accepts him. She sees the honorable side of him, the side that wants to make a difference. There is no “good girl who changes the bad boy for the better” story arc here. Brysen embraces Race and simply understands that he is a man that lives by his own rules and has formed his own moral compass along the way. Despite the dark world that threatens to consume them both, Race is her knight in shining armor. Brysen is as tough and she has just enough sass and strength to stand together with Race and hold her own. She just needs to learn the ins and outs of The Point. In the midst of all the chaos and danger, can Brysen and Race stand strong and beat the odds?

Better When He’s Bold is one of those books that hooked me in, sucker-punched me, and had me completely enthralled. This shadowy underground world that Jay Crownover has created is complex, raw, gritty and unquestionably riveting. I am whole-heartedly addicted and am now anxiously awaiting the next book which is about Titus, Bax’s older brother. Bring it!


description

REVIEW - Godsend by Sloan Johnson

Godsend - Sloan Johnson
4 Stars!


description


Godsend by Sloan Johnson is an emotional tale about being brave enough to take that second chance at love. When you have experienced a devastating loss that leaves you questioning how you will go on it takes a lot of courage to emerge from a grief-ridden state and open your heart once again to possibilities. There may be a light at the end of your dark tunnel; however, sometimes you need a push in the right direction.

Scott Murphy had to say good-bye and experience the horrendous desolation of losing someone when his wife died. Shelly was in his life for so long that Scott could not fathom experiencing anything further without her by his side. He is lost and manages to shut out those that care about him. As someone who was attracted to men, Scott shed all sexual orientation labels when he fell for Shelly’s vivaciousness and caring nature. They had eleven amazing years together and a little under one year together as husband and wife. He was never good at letting people in but Shelly broke through all his barriers and loved him as he was. Now, how was Scott supposed to continue living with the one thing that made his life worthwhile gone?


description


Shelly’s father finally breaks through Scott’s grief-ridden state and manages to get him to attend a bereavement support group. There Scott meets Chris, a sexy, blue-eyed blonde that he can’t seem to take his eyes away from. Chris has also experienced a tragic loss and attends the group so that he doesn’t feel so alone. Despite the under-riding current of attraction between the pair, there is no way Scott is ready for any type of romantic entanglement. A tentative friendship forms between the pair which eventually develops into more as they deal with the myriad of emotions they have for one another. Can Chris be the one that finally makes Scott see that life is still worth living?

Ms. Johnson has written a story with two very endearing protagonists. To the outside world Scott is this gruff individual who is hard to deal with, but underneath that cold façade there is a fragile man too scared to allow anyone in again. The reality of having to possibly lose someone again is too much for Scott to fathom. He would rather remain locked up tight with his emotions in check. I loved how careful and gentle Chris was with Scott. Chris understood that Scott came with a plethora of emotional issues but he simply could not stay away and cut their connection. As Scott and Chris begin to spend more time with one another and their relationship deepens, both men struggle to make sense of how the other makes them feel and what this means for their futures. I did feel like some of the drama near the end was a little too contrived and unnecessary; however, it was nice to see this emotional love story come to fruition and see just how Scott and Chris fit into each other’s lives. It really was a beautiful tale of love.

All in all, Godsend was a poignant tale that touched my heart. What you get is a sweet and emotional second chance love story that shot straight to my heart as the story unfolded. The road to a happy forever for Scott and Chris was chalk full of emotional obstacles and turmoil but there is something to be said for having to rise above the hardships to get to that place of unconditional love. We often have to walk through darkness to get to the place of beauty and light. In the end, it is always worth it.


description









****An advance reading copy of Godsend by Sloan Johnson was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.





description

REVIEW - The Five Stages of Falling in Love

The Five Stages of Falling in Love - Rachel Higginson

4 to 4.5 “Learning To Live Again” Stars!

“We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, 'Blessed are they that mourn,' and I accept it. I've got nothing that I hadn't bargained for. Of course it is different when the thing happens to oneself, not to others, and in reality, not imagination.” ~C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed


description


The Five Stages of Falling in Love by Rachel Higginson is a sorrow-filled tale about a woman who loses the love of her life, her partner, the father of her children. Lost in her grief and overwhelmed by her pain she is unable to pick up the pieces of her life once again. I was immediately enthralled and captivated by this book. I was swiftly entranced with the lyrical and poetic narrative and loved the rhythmic flow of this book. Nothing felt rushed. Nothing came out of left field. It was a heart-wrenching story about one woman’s journey and how she learned to live again.


description


When thirty-two year old Elizabeth Carlson (a.k.a. Liz) loses her beloved husband to cancer she has no idea how she is going to move forward. How can she even attempt to deal with the absolute magnitude of never seeing the man who holds her heart, her best friend, ever again? How will she help her four young children get past such a significant loss? Grady was their world, their protector and the one person they could all count on. Liz finds herself lost in a sea of confusion. Her heart is shattered beyond repair and as each day passes her grief does not seem to lessen. If anything, she continues to fall even farther into the abysmal pit of despair and loneliness.


description


Six months later Liz still continues to struggle with everyday tasks and ensuring that her children are coping as well as they can living in a home filled with so many memories of the man they all lost. She is trying hard to fulfill the role of both parents and feels as if she is failing miserably. This is when she meets Ben Tyler, a thirty-five year old lawyer who purchases the house next door to hers. Liz is falling apart and has no time for niceties that come with befriending new neighbors. Ben is friendly and becomes somewhat of a fixture in Liz’s chaotic life offering help and someone to talk to even though Liz struggles with accepting any form of help from anyone.

As Ben and Liz spend more time with one another he makes it very clear that he wants more from Liz, more than she is willing to give. Liz has begrudgingly accepted Ben’s friendship but anything further is simply too incomprehensible for her. She loves Grady and feels as if allowing anyone else into her heart would somehow desecrate his memory.

“I tried to hold out, I tried to stop this fall....but I was helpless against this man that had wiggled his way into my life and made me need him, made me want him.”

*****

“I can’t take any more heartbreak,” I confessed on a broken whisper.

“Then it’s a good thing I’m not going to break your heart.”


Ben slowly etches his way into Liz’s life and into her heart. With patience, kindness, compassion and understanding, Ben becomes someone that Liz relies on and needs. As Liz works her way through the five stages of grief, Ben is there for her every step of the way. He never pushes her too far and openly communicates with her about how he feels about her and her children. Liz never expected to find love again but Ben was the right person to show her how to live again, love again, without having to let go of what her deceased husband meant to her.


description


I found this to be quite an emotionally heavy book. This is a given due to the overall story arc of course. It weighed on me though and there were parts that were very tough to read. At times I found myself feeling a little suffocated by the grief Liz and her children were experiencing. I felt as if I was living it right along with them, drowning right by their sides. It seemed like there was no light at the end of the tunnel, no way out. Ben was this breath of fresh air. I can’t express how much I fell in love with his character. He tried to fight his feelings for the struggling widow at first. He knew that Liz was not looking for any romantic entanglements. However, he was drawn to Liz’s light, her strength as she dealt with such unimaginable pain. Ben fell in love with the chaos of having four young children brings and he could not envision any other life for himself. I loved how Ben supported Liz through it all. He never tried to replace Grady and only wanted Liz to love him as well, make room in her heart for him. Ben did not go into his relationship with Liz blind. He fully understood what he was getting himself into. He was willing to take on such a great responsibility and for that he is a character that will forever be etched on my heart.

The romance between Ben and Liz happened slowly, realistically and organically. It grew out of a friendship. I did understand Liz’s hesitation when it came to pursuing anything but a friendship with Ben. I could only imagine what kind of internal struggle that would bring. With all this being stated, I feel as if I need to explain why this book was not a five star read for me despite the copious amounts of emotions it evoked from me. Liz fell in love with Ben and made room in her life for a relationship with him; however, I felt that by the end Liz’s love for Grady was still very real and palpable even more so than her love for Ben and I struggled with this. Don’t get me wrong, I fully understand that you do not stop loving a deceased spouse. BUT, I did feel like Ben was getting the short end of the stick. I wanted more from Liz when it came to her commitment to Ben. Perhaps if the ending was a little longer or worded a little differently I would not have come away from the book feeling this way. This is just my opinion though. Please take it with a grain of salt.

All in all, The Five Stages of Falling in Love is a book that will stay with me for quite some time. This is a powerful story about loss and how one deals with having to move on after experiencing such a tragedy. Yes, this book is a romance but what I take away from this story is how moving and touching it was to see a woman and her children work through devastating grief. Moving forward from something like this is very much a process and I think that is where the beauty of this story lies. Being able to pick yourself up once again and embrace life is likely one of the hardest journey’s there is.

“....because of Ben, my life doesn’t have to end. Maybe he’s the love of my second chance.”


description









****A review copy of The Five Stages of Falling in Love by Rachel Higginson was generously provided to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW - Riding the Odds

Riding the Odds - Lynda K. Scott
3.5 Stars!





3.5 Stars



Riding the Odds by Lynda K. Scott is a sci-fi-esque romance between an uptight and narrow-minded Holy Knight and a strong-willed and independent Trader. They come from two different worlds and seem to stand on the opposite side of the spectrum when it comes to their beliefs. As they work together for a common cause, will their strong connection over-ride their logic? After all, how can two individuals who have been taught to hate all the other stands for ever succumb to feelings of love?

Trace Munroe was unofficially adopted by His Majesty King Anthony Sinclair when both of his parents died in the Risien Plague. Trace’s father was the King’s best friend and therefore the King took it upon himself to accept Trace into his family. Trace becomes a Holy Knight, a group of highly trained men who enforce the law. When Princess Katerina goes missing, Trace resigns from being a Holy Knight to go and find her. He is desperate to find his adopted sister and therefore resorts to taking “String”, an illegal drug that enhances his ability connect dissimilar facts and make sense of them as a whole. The only problem with taking this drug is the fact that every time Trace goes to sleep he has complete memory loss. His memory can be restored once he wakes but it takes some time and effort.

Trace believes that pirates, particularly one named Jack Brown, are responsible for the Princess’ disappearance. His investigation leads him to Tara Rowan, a spaceship captain and independent Trader who is linked to Jack Brown. One way or another Trace is going to get Tara to help him find his sister. He is willing to do whatever it takes, including stowing away on her ship as an unwelcome passenger.

As Trace and Tara come to know one another and form a fragile alliance in hopes of rescuing Princess Katerina, both fight the unwelcome connection they seem to be developing. After all, there is no way Trace could fall for someone who is not only linked to pirates but was also present on Eradani Prime when the plague devastated most of the population. Some of the small group of surviving children were believed to have eaten the flesh of the smaller children in order to survive. No one knows if this is true but Trace believes it is and cannot abide by the fact that Tara would so something so deplorable. Tara attempts to keep her distance from Trace as well for her own reasons.

The relationship between Tara and Trace is a sweet one. Both present a “complication” for the other and it was humorous to watch the back and forth banter between the pair as they try to find the Princess. Both also have secrets that they want to keep hidden. I think the author did a great job interweaving a romance in the overall suspense-filled story arc. While I did find the pace a little slow-going at times, I did become engrossed wanting to discover exactly what would happen between our hero and heroine as well as finding out what happened to Princess Katerina.

I would have to say my favorite part about this book was the relationship between Tara and her Rider, Zie. A Rider is a skiff of organic cells and Tara’s formed the image of a dragon on her back. Riders were born to navigate the stars but once they bond with a human they enhance that particular human’s abilities. Zie was this innocent and pure creature that I could not help but love. Everything was so simple for Zie and I adored the exchanges between Tara and Zie.

All in all, Riding the Odds was an entertaining read. I did find the ending rather anti-climatic and would have liked to see more. I don’t want to say any more than this as I do not want to give away any spoilers. I simply was left wanting a little more at the end. If you are a fan of romantic sci-fi books, I would say that you need to give this one a go.









****An advance reading copy of Riding the Odds by Lynda K. Scott was generously provided to me by Entangled: Select Otherworld Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW - Sexual Awakenings: The Last Dance

The Last Dance - Angelica Chase
***This is one review for all four books in this serial novella series.***


4 to 4.5 "Pussy here, now!" Stars!


description


Sexual Awakenings by Angelica Chase is an erotic four part serial novella series about one woman who sets out on a journey of no holds barred sexual awakening and exploration and not only discovers who she is during the process but also comes to the realization that living on the dark side fulfills her in ways she never thought possible. Each book ends in a startling manner; however, the good news is that the entire series is now released and you do not have to wait to move on to the next book.


This series must be read in sequential order:

Part One: The Waltz
Part Two: The Tango
Part Three: The Last Dance
Part Four: Curtains


“Down the rabbit hole it is.”


Violet Harvell (a.k.a. Vi) has had enough of her failing three-year marriage. The husband who she once loved with all of her heart has been cheating on her for the past year and Violet is no longer willing to sacrifice her own happiness and remain in the empty void that is her marriage. She decides that she wants to spend one year exploring her deep seated desires that have long been ignored in her cold marriage. This sexual adventure would be one of enlightenment and experiencing new things, an awakening of sorts.

Violet’s searching leads her to The Rabbit Hole, a sex club where anything can happen. There she meets Rhys Voltz, the owner of the club and a Dom himself. Rhys is the answer to her every fantasy. He is sex incarnate and “Mr. Thick Cock” himself is just the man to take her on this kinky sexual voyage. The connection Rhys and Violet have is powerful and intense. Violet wanted to have her every desire met and what she got with Rhys was so much more than that. As a matter of fact, both Rhys and Violet get a whole lot more than they bargained for.


description

“I was so blinded with lust and my own agenda, I hadn’t realized he had his own.” –Violet


description


Join Rhys and Violet as they embark on this tantalizing journey of deceit, kink and eroticism. There are a lot of bumps in the road and both have some huge revelations that come out into the open leaving them reeling with the aftermath. Violet’s world went from one of desperation, anger and sadness over her failing marriage to one filled with kinky pain and pleasure at the hands of a masterful Dom. As for Rhys, he was used to keeping the women in his life at a distance, always breaking things off when things became too serious emotionally. Violet was different. She was someone he wanted to pursue with everything that he had – complications and all. Both had a lot of baggage and both had to not only embrace their physical connection which was intense and magnetic, but they also had to deal with how they connected on an emotional level which was as equally as powerful. I loved how both their characters evolved and grew. They were challenged and had to overcome some enormous obstacles; however, in the end what they shared was worth the struggle and the fight.


description

“Doms don’t have to say I love you.”


Sexual Awakenings is a fantastic, fast-paced and seriously sexy series. The writing is great as Ms. Chase takes us on a whimsical ride of emotion, passion, lust, desire and love. Violet’s and Rhys’ relationship evolves from one miscommunication and uncontrollable passion to one of absolute love. If you are a fan of sexy books with a dose of kink I would urge you to give this serial novella series a go. Definitely worth the read.


description







*****A review copy of The Waltz (Sexual Awakenings #1) by Angelica Chase was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW - Sexual Awakenings: Curtains

Curtains - Angelica Chase
***This is one review for all four books in this serial novella series.***


4 to 4.5 "Pussy here, now!" Stars!


description


Sexual Awakenings by Angelica Chase is an erotic four part serial novella series about one woman who sets out on a journey of no holds barred sexual awakening and exploration and not only discovers who she is during the process but also comes to the realization that living on the dark side fulfills her in ways she never thought possible. Each book ends in a startling manner; however, the good news is that the entire series is now released and you do not have to wait to move on to the next book.


This series must be read in sequential order:

Part One: The Waltz
Part Two: The Tango
Part Three: The Last Dance
Part Four: Curtains


“Down the rabbit hole it is.”


Violet Harvell (a.k.a. Vi) has had enough of her failing three-year marriage. The husband who she once loved with all of her heart has been cheating on her for the past year and Violet is no longer willing to sacrifice her own happiness and remain in the empty void that is her marriage. She decides that she wants to spend one year exploring her deep seated desires that have long been ignored in her cold marriage. This sexual adventure would be one of enlightenment and experiencing new things, an awakening of sorts.

Violet’s searching leads her to The Rabbit Hole, a sex club where anything can happen. There she meets Rhys Voltz, the owner of the club and a Dom himself. Rhys is the answer to her every fantasy. He is sex incarnate and “Mr. Thick Cock” himself is just the man to take her on this kinky sexual voyage. The connection Rhys and Violet have is powerful and intense. Violet wanted to have her every desire met and what she got with Rhys was so much more than that. As a matter of fact, both Rhys and Violet get a whole lot more than they bargained for.


description

“I was so blinded with lust and my own agenda, I hadn’t realized he had his own.” –Violet


description


Join Rhys and Violet as they embark on this tantalizing journey of deceit, kink and eroticism. There are a lot of bumps in the road and both have some huge revelations that come out into the open leaving them reeling with the aftermath. Violet’s world went from one of desperation, anger and sadness over her failing marriage to one filled with kinky pain and pleasure at the hands of a masterful Dom. As for Rhys, he was used to keeping the women in his life at a distance, always breaking things off when things became too serious emotionally. Violet was different. She was someone he wanted to pursue with everything that he had – complications and all. Both had a lot of baggage and both had to not only embrace their physical connection which was intense and magnetic, but they also had to deal with how they connected on an emotional level which was as equally as powerful. I loved how both their characters evolved and grew. They were challenged and had to overcome some enormous obstacles; however, in the end what they shared was worth the struggle and the fight.


description

“Doms don’t have to say I love you.”


Sexual Awakenings is a fantastic, fast-paced and seriously sexy series. The writing is great as Ms. Chase takes us on a whimsical ride of emotion, passion, lust, desire and love. Violet’s and Rhys’ relationship evolves from one miscommunication and uncontrollable passion to one of absolute love. If you are a fan of sexy books with a dose of kink I would urge you to give this serial novella series a go. Definitely worth the read.


description







*****A review copy of The Waltz (Sexual Awakenings #1) by Angelica Chase was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.