Wolf Reborn: The Westervelt Wolves Book 3 by Rebecca Royce
Title: Wolf Reborn: The Westervelt Wolves Book 3
Author: Rebecca Royce
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN: 978—1-59578-656-2
Genre: paranormal romance
Length: 90 pages
Author Email : Rebecca@rebeccaroyce.com
Rating: 4 diamonds
Heat Level: spicy
Reviewer: Brecken Stevens
Date: March 30th 2010
Theo Westervelt feels tainted. That ugliness makes him seek solitude from the family and Pack who love him. Faith
Theo and Faith drew me in right from the start with the way they fought and denied their own insecurities. The peripheral characters were so strong from previous Westervelt stories that they made Theo and Faith even more believable and loveable in their flaws. Magic and intrigue keep the plot moving very well while the two weres in question circle each other. The growing relationship and banter between Theo and Faith made me smile on several occasions and it’s set up perfectly for the next in the series. I know I can’t wait to find out what happens. Wolf Reborn will be a hit for any paranormal romance reader who likes things a little spicy but also sweet and tender. It was a wonderful mix that I’m so happy I picked up.
Sinful Treats by Violet Summers
Title: Sinful Treats
Author: Violet Summers
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publication Date: Nov 2008
ISBN: 978-1-59578-496-4
Genre: BSDM Contemporary Romance
Length: short story
Author Email: violetsummers@yahoo.com
Rating: 4 Diamonds
Heat Level: erotic
Other: anal/oral play, sex games, BDSM
Reviewer: Dana Dean
Date: March 2010
Kendra never thought of herself as a sexual submissive. At least not until the fateful Halloween night she sneaks up to the private third level of Velvet Ice, an exclusive BDSM club, and finds herself fascinated by the place and the gorgeous Adonis, Sinclair Martin.
When Sin sees the beautiful little devil walk into Velvet Ice, he’s determined to throw her out on her delicious backside, but once he gets close, he wants to claim her for his own. “His woman. His to mark. His to train. No one else’s.”
I picked up “Sinful Treats” because I had read Velvet Submission and loved it. Though brief, the story of Kendra and Sin did not disappoint. Like Kendra, I am not familiar with the lifestyle beyond what I have learned through the pages of a book, but Ms. Summers writes about the Dom/Sub life better than any other author I have read. The sex scenes are extreme, erotic, and mind-blowing, but always intimate.
My main problem with this story was a couple examples of head hopping that pulled me from the moment, but Ms. Summers quickly sucked me back into her world. There were also a couple scene elements that made this novice cringe. Although the second problem was mine not the author’s, I will warn those who might be easily offended that this might not be the story for you. However, if you’re brave, “Sinful Treats” is too delicious overall to be missed.
Clockworks and Corsets by Regina Riley
Title: Clockworks and Corsets
Author:
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN: 978-1-61650-130-3
Genre: Erotica/Steampunk
Length: 76 pages
Author Email: regina@thebackseatwriter.com
Rating: 5 Diamonds
Heat Level: Spicy, erotic
Other: BDSM, masturbation, sex games
Reviewer: Starla Kaye
Date: 3-29-10
I can’t believe the story ended! I want more, more, more. Fortunately, this was book 1 of a series that I will certainly look forward to following. This was a wonderful story about the adventures of a nearly all female crew of a steam-powered airship. Everyone has a secret, a past, and a hope for their future.
I was drawn to the life-wounded widow, Rose Madigan, now the captain of her dead husband’s freelance shipping airship, and her struggles to find work for her crew. The male cabin boy, Click, intrigued me, too. While he was intimate with many of the crew members, Rose is the “captain of his soul” and her lover.
Another special treat in the story was Atom Loquacious. I won’t tell you about him and why he’s such a special man. You’ll have to read the book to find out why. This is definitely a book to read.
Colliding in Free Fall by Vivien Dean
Title: Colliding in Free Fall
Author: Vivien Dean
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-59578-637-1
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Length: short story
Author Email: vivien_dean@yahoo.com
Rating: 4.5 Diamonds
Heat Level: erotic
Other: anal and oral, M/M
Reviewer: Dana Dean
Date: March 2010
Jay is a small town fireman looking to find a way to stay active and remain in the town he knows in the home he loves. Frank is a rash young author whose motto in life is “No Regrets.” Jay’s life represents regrets – what if he had never come out to his ex-wife, what if he had moved away to a larger more accepting town, what if? The question becomes will Jay allow himself to love a man he knows will move on without him? Can he embrace Frank’s motto or show the younger man the impossibility of such an outlook.
Vivien Dean’s richly drawn characters leaped off the page with an aching tenderness so often lost in today’s world. The intimate scenes, though hot, never crossed the line to complete eroticism which M/M fiction can sometimes do. The emotional element remained present throughout.
I loved this story. I hurt for Jay and Frank both and for the lifetime of lies Jay has had to create. Ms. Dean’s little community and its people could be my neighbors, but I had to laugh at the idea that at forty-three a man might be too old to be a fireman in a small town. I live in rural
Inevitable Surrender by Destiny Blaine
Title: Inevitable Surrender
Author: Destiny Blaine
Publisher: Shadowfire Press
Publication Date: 2010
Genre: Contemporary Western
Length: 72 pages
Buy Link
Author Website
Author Email: destinyblaine@yahoo.com
Heat Level: spicy
Other: Oral play, sex games
Reviewer: Starla Kaye
Date: 3-22-10
Wanting a woman for a long time can be hell on a man…a woman, too. Luke McGregor had wanted Marcy Killian for ten years, and been rejected by her time and again. But some men refuse to give up.
Marcy had waited ten years for Luke to fall in love with her. She’d finally waited long enough and didn’t reject his advances this time. Finally, maybe there’s a chance at happiness for them.
This was a hot little Valentine romance about a cowboy and a woman determined to find love, determined to be Valentines for life.
Inevitable Surrender by Destiny Blaine
Title: Inevitable Surrender
Author: Destiny
Publisher: Shadowfire Press
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN: na
Genre: Contemporary Western
Length: 72 pages
Rating: 3.5 Diamonds
Heat Level: spicy
Other: Oral play, sex games
Reviewer: Starla Kaye
Date: 3-22-10
Wanting a woman for a long time can be hell on a man…a woman, too. Luke McGregor had wanted Marcy Killian for ten years, and been rejected by her time and again. But some men refuse to give up.
Marcy had waited ten years for Luke to fall in love with her. She’d finally waited long enough and didn’t reject his advances this time. Finally, maybe there’s a chance at happiness for them.
This was a hot little Valentine romance about a cowboy and a woman determined to find love, determined to be Valentines for life.
Irish Charm by Donna Dalton
Title: Irish Charm
Author: Donna Dalton
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: 2008
ISBN: 1-60154-212-7
Genre: Historical romance
Length: 233 pages
Buy Link
Author Website
Author Email: ddalton0507@gmail.com
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Starla Kaye
Date: 3-6-10
What a wonderful story, well told, with characters a reader can really care about. I always enjoy a story with a woman determined to “step out of the box” assigned by society and attempt to make her place in something she wants to do. Kathryn Mitchell did just that in this beautifully written historical taking place in 1886. She was determined to become a detective, have a life of independence and adventure. She struggled to prove herself, but never gave up.
Her goal became a little more difficult when Pinkerton Agent Jamie Donovan shoved right into her way. She didn’t want his help, but the Irish charmer proved to be equally stubborn about working the case together. Along the way romantic feelings developed and both had to fight against them as well as each other’s career goals.
This was definitely a story to enjoy. The author also has a prequel to Irish Charm, Irish Destiny, that would be worth checking out, too.
Irish Charm by Donna Dalton
Title: Irish Charm
Author: Donna Dalton
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: 2008
ISBN: 1-60154-212-7
Genre: Historical romance
Length: 233 pages
Author Email: ddalton0507@gmail.com
Rating: 5 Diamonds
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Starla Kaye
Date: 3-6-10
What a wonderful story, well told, with characters a reader can really care about. I always enjoy a story with a woman determined to “step out of the box” assigned by society and attempt to make her place in something she wants to do. Kathryn Mitchell did just that in this beautifully written historical taking place in 1886. She was determined to become a detective, have a life of independence and adventure. She struggled to prove herself, but never gave up.
Her goal became a little more difficult when Pinkerton Agent Jamie Donovan shoved right into her way. She didn’t want his help, but the Irish charmer proved to be equally stubborn about working the case together. Along the way romantic feelings developed and both had to fight against them as well as each other’s career goals.
This was definitely a story to enjoy. The author also has a prequel to Irish Charm, Irish Destiny, that would be worth checking out, too.
Ryan's Son by Anne Ireland
Title: Ryan’s Son
Author: Anne Ireland
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Publication Date: 11/5/2009
ISBN: 978-1-60435-462-1
Genre: Mainstream Contemporary Romance
Length: 164 pages
Buy Link
Heat Level: Sensual
Reviewer: Suki
Date: 3/17/2010
“When Miss Emma Maitland confronts Ryan about a son he didn’t know he had, his first thought is to deny it. He has certainly never seen her before in his life. However, there was a girl he spent one lonely night with – could she possibly have given birth to his son before she died? Ryan is determined to find out – and to tame the hot tempered young woman who has been looking after his son.”
Ms. Ireland has created two very likable characters in Emma and Ryan. Emma is raising her deceased step-sister’s son and all she wants from Ryan is some support to help them keep above water. Ryan having been taking by surprise by the sometimes hotheaded Emma is not going to just let his fatherly duty to his son end with financial support.
Sparks fly between the two immediately and it’s a pleasure to see how they handle those sparks as well as the bumps along the road to true happiness and love.
If you are looking for an enjoyable read, with very likable characters this one might be the one for you.
Bewitching You by Viola Estrella
Title: Bewitching You
Author: Viola Estrella
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: Print ISBN 1-60154-541-X
Genre: paranormal, romance, contemporary
Length: 292 pages
Author Email: viola@violaestrella.com
Rating: 4.5 Diamonds
Heat Level: Erotic
Other: oral play
Reviewer: Gabrielle
Date: 3/16/2010
After loosing his best friend and brother, Grayson Phillips shuts down. Grayson is living life only as a shadow of his former self. He plans on marrying a woman he does not even love but fate has other plans for him.
This was a fast paced story that keeps the readers attention from start to finish. Viola Estrella writes a wonderful tale of true love. This is a story full of spice and adventure with a bit if humor thrown in. The bond that Sofia and Grayson have is a wonderful thing. Showing us just how wonderful love can be if it is fought for and cherished. With well developed Characters full of emotion this book should not be missed.
Heirs to Darkisle: Darkisle Book 1 by Cassandra Pierce
Title: Heirs to Darkisle: Darkisle Book 1
Author: Cassandra Pierce
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Publication Date: December 2009
ISBN: 1-60601-689-X
Genre: paranormal romance
Length: 260
Rating: 4 diamonds
Heat Level: spicy
Other: none
Reviewer: Brecken Stevens
Date: March 14, 2010
Sebastian and Briana have very few things in common, but what they do share is the heavy burden of responsibility for the ones they love and a quiet exhaustion from years of cleaning up others’ messes. Meeting each other brings instant chemistry, but Briana isn’t sure what she wants and after learning Sebastian’s mixed history and vampire state, she’s more confused than ever. Murder, arson and intrigue seem to follow Sebastian and his brethren like a shadow, but for the first time in many years, Sebastian wants to take a chance at love. When Briana’s life and livelihood is threatened, they’ll both have to decide how much their attraction means.
Vampire stories are so popular that a writer has to give them a new feel to engage a reader, which is something Ms. Pierce does beautifully. Sebastian manages to be aloof and brooding as well as endearing and sexy. Briana is a strong character and an interesting counterpart to Sebastian, but they work extremely well together. The secondary characters in turn bring together and push the two apart, but with every challenge that might break them apart for good, a deeper connection is made; a true show of romance writing done very well. The last fifty pages had me turning them as quickly as my Sony Reader would let me as suspense built to boiling. It’s a great start to the Darkisle series Ms. Price is promising and gets four diamonds. Vampire lovers especially will enjoy the twists in the breed and those in search of a suspenseful, sexy read will find it in Heirs to Darkisle
Spark of Desire Arden FD book 2 by Charlotte McClain
Title: Spark of Desire Arden FD: Book 2
Author: Charlotte McClain
Publisher: Lyrical Press Publication
Date:2009
ISBN: 978-1-61650-111-2
Genre: contemporary romance comedy
Length: 154
Buy Link
Author Website
Author Email : mcclaincharlotte@gmail.com
Heat Level: sweet
Reviewer: Brecken Stevens
Date: March 14, 2010
Jessica has dreams she’s put on hold for thirty years. On her big three-oh, she decides to make a move forward. Bumping into a handsome man in the languages section leads to more change than she could have hoped for. Kevin is a firefighter and a quiet one at that. He isn’t very outgoing, doesn’t like to draw attention to himself and for the most part keeps to himself. Something about Jessica’s enthusiasm and desperation in her desire to be a paramedic reach past his usual hesitance and make him offer to help her train for her exams. Along the way, both are attracted, and also try to convince themselves that they aren’t right for each other. Can they stop trying to not be a couple and see what happens when they let things heat up?
Spark of Desire made me happy. Jessica and Kevin had me hooked with their very down-to-earth personalities. Jessica’s self-conscious issues speak to all women in one way or another, but her determination and strength shout a strong character that is multi-faceted and interesting. Some themes were repeated over and over, but that’s common for a story that doesn’t rely on suspense or intrigue. The plot moved very well with sweet and thoughtful moments. The secondary characters were charming and since this is a series, I can’t wait to read more about the other firefighters in the department. Spark of Desire is a four and a half diamond kind of read for those looking for romance for the sake of romance. It was smooth and sweet and left me smiling.
Tied Up With Green by Becca Dale
Title: Tied Up With Green
Author: Becca Dale
Publisher: Phaze Books
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60659-177-2
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 40 pages
Author Email: authorbecca@yahoo.com
Rating: 4.5 Diamonds
Heat Level: Erotic
Other: Anal/oral play, light bondage
Reviewer: Jillian Carroll
Date: 03/14/2010
Trea Daniels rules her professional and personal lives with iron shackles. When it comes to sex, she never mixes business and pleasure, and she always calls the shots. Trea believes power offers security in a male dominated world. However, when her new boss, Jason Green, steps into the picture, he refuses to follow her rules. He plays the game long enough to weaken her defenses, then steals control and demands equality. Jason?s unwavering strength makes Trea confront her own weaknesses and helps her destroy the walls she has so carefully built around her heart.
I love give and take between heroes and heroines and Tied Up With Green does not disappoint. Trea's attempt to obscure her growing feelings for her boss by requiring his submission is believable. The fact that Jason Green allows it to happen shows he's comfortable in his own skin and more than comfortable letting her have her way. He's also smart enough to understand she won't respect anything less from him than his own ability to control her as well, and his subsequent domination over her is extremely erotic. For me, they level the playing field nicely and their relationship is on equal footing, both professionally and sexually. The author did a great job of letting the reader know how each character felt and left no questions unanswered. Tied Up With Green made my heart pound and cheer for Trea and Jason. Nice job, Becca Dale!
Summer Solstice by Kate Hofman
Title: Summer Solstice
Author: Kate Hofman
Publisher: Dark Castle Lords
Publication Date: May 2009
ISBN: 978-1-921347-98-6
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 42 pages
Buy Link
Author Website
Author Email: katehofman@rogers.com
Rating: 4 Diamonds
Heat Level: erotic
Other: Oral play
Reviewer: Valerie Mann
Date: 03/13/2010
Lady Margaret, daughter of the late Earl Bronley, is working at an art gallery in Ocean Breeze, Florida, when her employer asks her to do him a favour and go over to his friend, Prince Alessandro of Sant' Angelo. He needs someone to do some work. When she arrives, she realizes that the work he wants her to do is accompanying him to a formal dinner. She agrees, only to find that the Prince expects her to take part in a 'quickie' so they can both be relaxed during the probably endless dinner. Later, they will enjoy more leisurely pleasures. Incensed, Margaret wants to refuse, but the Prince succeeds in seducing her. A month later, he arrives at the gallery, to ask Margaret whether she is pregnant--the condom broke. She says, Yes, she is, but she will manage very well on her own. Horrified, the Prince explains that she is carrying the heir to his throne, and they will have to get married. Margaret refuses angrily. Will the Prince succeed in convincing Margaret to marry him so that his child will be born the legitimate heir to the throne? And even if he succeeds, what kind of marriage will they have, with her refusing his every olive branch?
Summer Solstice reminds me of the Harlequin romances I used to read as a teenager - powerful royal hero and outwardly timid heroine with a spine of steel. I enjoyed the tenderness the Prince Alessandro shows his pregnant princess and while attraction had never been an issue between them, the growing love they feel for each other is obvious. My only complaint? I wanted this read to be longer because I love a good love story!
Iron Man by KyAnn Waters
Title: Iron Man
Author: KyAnn Waters
Publisher:
Publication Date: December 2009
ISBN: 9781419924507
Genre: Erotic Paranormal
Length: 96 pages
Author Email: Spicy.writer@yahoo.com
Rating: 4.5 Diamonds
Heat Level: Erotic
Other: anal/oral play, sex games and toys, BDSM, ménage, GLBT
Reviewer: Jillian Carroll
Date: 03/13/2010
Rafe is a vampire and Adam is his human blood slave. But Rafe wants more—a blood bond. Adam, not willing to join the vampire world, leaves it all behind and heads for DC and a new life.
Back in town for the holidays, Adam and Rafe rekindle their romance and head to the local fetish club, The Catacombs, where Adam is known as Iron Man because of his hardware—a steel cock plug and chain harness. They spend the week having wild, aggressive, kinky-as-hell sex. Anything goes. When it’s time to return to the real world, Adam is torn. Rafe is more than a vampire, more than his lover. He’s his partner. Adam isn’t sure he can give up his humanity, even for the man he loves. He has to decide—a vampire blood bond or his lonely human life in DC?
One of the things I like most about KyAnn Water's stories are the bond she creates with her characters. Love, lust, romance...all incredibly intense in depth...and Iron Man doesn't disappoint. Rafe is strong and fearless - except when it comes to his feelings for Adam. Adam is strong and loyal, to both family, job and Rafe. Moving to DC doesn't dim that loyalty, it just becomes misplaced, only to rise to the forefront again when Rafe suffers a loss and needs the comfort only Adam can give. Watching the two men find each other again, renew their bond for each other while dealing with uncertainty of the future made this a fun, exciting read. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment in the Blood Slaves series!
