Kissing the Tycoon by Dominique Eastwick

Kissing the Tycoon
By: Dominique Eastwick
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Published: February, 14, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length:  Short Story
Heat Level:  Spicy
Reviewer:  Toni
Date:  February 28, 2014

Even the big mistakes can be forgiven if you love enough.

If you love something...

Riley Sherman knew when to cut her losses. Although she loved Barret, he never seemed ready to commit. His business would always be his first love.

If it doesn't come back...

Barret Briggs grew up poor and would be damned if anyone he loved ever went hungry again. Too late he realized that hunger can eat at the heart too.

But what if loves bumps back into you?

When fate throws them together again, can he prove to her he is now worthy of her love? And can she open herself up enough to let him back in?

Can two brokenhearted lovers find their Finally Ever After?

Kissing the Tycoon is all about second chances and what one will do if they lose that special person. This is a feel good book from beginning to end. Yes, the story is short, but if you need a pick me up, then don’t pass this one by. You can’t help but smile when you discover all the things Barret has done in the years he has been apart from Riley.

While this book takes place within the Sherman Family series you can easily follow along. I would recommend the whole series though. They are a very special family that deserves the love of readers. Kissing the Tycoon dips its toe into the series and makes you want the family all over again.

The plot is simple, boy loses girl and wants her back; plain and simple. A long drawn out back story is not needed. Things happen very fast, but it is a short story and within the allotted time, Ms. Eastwick covers all the basics; effortless and thoroughly. No drama, just adults that know that they had something special once upon a time and cannot fight what is meant to be. This is such a sweet story of true love, well not that sweet. There are a few steamy scenes to help spice things up. *grins*

I would recommend Kissing the Tycoon. It’s a very enjoyable read. Yes, this story could have supported a higher page count quite easily, but since I knew going in that this was short and sweet, I was ready. All the points were covered and it helped make it a solid short story. I have to say; that is a hard thing to accomplish. Great job Ms. Eastwick!

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Dark Moon by Kate Douglas

Dark Moon
By: Kate Douglas
Publisher: Kensington
Published: January 28, 2014
Genre: Futuristic, Erotic Romance, Paranormal, 
Content: M/F, M/M, M/F/M/F, Ménage, Anal Sex, Oral Sex
Length:  Novel
Heat Level: Scorching
Reviewer: Toni
Date: February 27, 2014

Chanku spirit guide Igmutaka has known since the day he held the newborn daughter of Tala and Mik Fuentes in his hands, that she would grow up to be his. Unfortunately, no one thought to copy Mikaela Star on the message.

After years of avoiding her overbearing spirit guide, Star has decided to return to Montana and face the beautiful and irritating man who has haunted her nights for much too long. But first, she takes a small vacation in California, where Igmutaka just happens to be waiting.

Sunny Daye has known this day was coming. She and Ig have been lovers for years, but both of them accept that they are not meant to be a mated pair. When Igmutaka tells Sunny her man is "out there, and coming closer," she can barely contain her excitement. But Fen Ahlberg is not at all what Sunny expected—in fact, he is so much more that his mere existence may change the Chanku forever.

Dark Moon is the long awaited story of three favorite and beloved characters. Igmutaka, ancient spirit guide the Fuentes family line. Mikaela Star Fuetes, the first female charge of Igmutaka and daughter to Tala, AJ and Miguel. And finally a character that is amazing in her strength and determination, Sunny Daye. She was once a crippled mute woman and now she is a strong and adoring lover and friend to Igmutaka and Star. Characters that have always intrigued me and pulled at my heartstrings are finally having their tales told and what a lovely story it is.

Star and Igmutaka have always had a special connection and I enjoyed how they finally decided that fourteen years apart was long enough and they put everything out front; no matter the consequences. Star is tired of running from her love of Ig and she is traveling home to be reunited with her family and pack. She has loved him forever and either he returns her love or she needs to move on. Unknown to her, Ig has loved her too. Now is the time to claim her. He only hopes that she can love him as much as he loves her. There is nothing like two head strong people finally realizing they are perfect for each other.

While Star has been away from the pack, Sunny has been a confidant and lover to Igmutaka. She always knew that he was not for her, but a very special connection brought them together repeatedly. But Igmutaka has news for Sunny that her mate is on his way. Sunny wants nothing more in the world and can’t wait.

Fen Ahlberg is a lonely man who always felt apart from the world. From his first disastrous meeting of Sunny, you can’t help but feel even more for the big man. Their attraction is instantaneous, but considering the setting of their first encounter…it is inevitable and powerful. There love is quick and action packed, but still holds a certain sweetness.

I loved how Ms. Douglas interweaved the two couples blossoming romances. But she doesn’t stop there. She throws in a special twist that I could feel coming, but was unsure how it would unfold. Without giving too much away, let’s just say it’s a first in the long history of the Chanku series. Oh sweet heaven is it exciting!

The only reason this novel doesn’t get my complete and undying love of 5 hearts is because the antagonist of the story fell short for me. While the plot for the story was required, I think the storyline was rushed and could have held more angst and drama to the story if it would have been expanded. Space and time may have been factors to the shorten scenario since the novel does encompass two couples. All-in-all it is a small problem, I still loved the story and couldn’t put it down.

Dark Moon is a very enjoyable read that demonstrates that destined love never dies but just gets stronger. Time and obstacles will never keep apart what is meant to be. Ms. Douglas has written a beautiful story of love and destiny and shouldn’t be missed if you love her amazing voice and her incredible Chanku’s.

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Dark Spirit by Kate Douglas

Dark Spirit
By:  Kate Douglas
Publisher:  Beyond the Page
Published:  January 6, 2014
Genre: Futuristic, Action/Adventure, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Content: M/F, M/M, M/F/M, Ménage, Anal Sex, Oral Sex
Length:  Novel
Heat Level:  Scorching
Reviewer:  Toni
Date:  February 16, 2014

Romy Sarika has spent much of her life suffering at the hands of a sadistic cult leader. Twenty years earlier she watched him kill her mother, and now she awaits the same fate. But when the self-proclaimed prophet orders Romy killed, the wolf part of her rises up and for the first time she shifts. Managing to save herself, she leaves death and chaos in her wake.

Alone in the woods and badly injured, Romy is found by Jace Wolf and Gabe Cheval, two powerful and striking Chanku who help her heal and simultaneously unleash sensual desires in her that are as new and intense as her wolf-like abilities. But just as Romy’s opening herself to this new erotic world and the passionate connections she’s forming with both men, danger is closing in.

Bent on revenge and driven by bloodlust, cult members are pursuing the trio. Discovery could mean not just Romy’s death but destruction of the Chanku way of life. With their lives at stake and the Chanku race in jeopardy, the three must fight to save themselves and the future of their proud race.

I have read the Chanku journey from the very beginning. I have gobbling up every novel, short story and novella that has been written about them. I can honestly say that their stories have fascinated and pleasantly shocked me from the start. When the final chapter on the main arc (Wolf Tales) was completed I was totally depressed and saddened. But there was a light shining at the end of the tunnel. Hope that the story would continue. I waited and prayed that the children would have their stories told and I was totally thrilled that Ms. Douglas was able to share their stories with us.

Dark Spirit is book two in the Spirit Wild series. Dark Spirit had a different feel for me. I’m not sure it was because it took place away from the compound and essentially didn’t have the normal supporting characters or it is something else. I do know that Ms. Douglas tackles the riveting range of emotional turmoil with brave gusto. She doesn’t shy away from taboo subjects and she handles this books subject matter head on.

I will say not everyone will be comfortable with reading Dark Spirit, but it’s a sad reality that we only read horror stories about, after the fact. Dark Spirit can be a heartbreaking read at times and if she would have delved into the matter in its totality she may have lost a few readers. It is handled delicately and with honor to the victims.

I enjoyed this novel. I do feel that something was missing for me to give it way up high five rating, but needless to say, I think if you have enjoyed other Chanku novels from Ms. Douglas you will likely enjoy this one too. There are grisly bloody action scenes, but surprisingly I wanted more pain and suffering dealt out. This is one comment you will have to read to understand. I can’t remember the last time I was so blood thirsty and violent. Then you switch over to tender love making that shows that the characters are creatures of respect and pleasure. Throw in some healing power and you have a delightfully erotically charged romantic read. Delightful is hardly a word I would normally use to describe Kate’s work, but it seems to fit for me this time around.

Dark Spirit is a story about two journeys. One that takes the characters across the northwest portion of the US and another more important one; a journey filled with pain, discovery and love; packed with heartache, anger, understanding and eventually resolution. It is not for the light of heart, but if you enjoy stories of love, healing and extremely hot sex, Dark Spirit is for you!

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Shifter’s Song by Vanessa North

Shifter’s Song
By:  Vanessa North
Publisher:  Musa Publishing
Published:  
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal
Content: M/M, Anal Play, Anal Sex, Oral Sex
Length:  Novella
Heat Level:  Spicy
Reviewer:  Toni
Date:  April 24, 2013

Edouard Bonsaint has a bear-sized problem. He hasn't shifted in ten years, and isn't sure he even can anymore. Chaperoned by his youngest brother, Bruno, he heads to the Wiccan Haus to ask Rekkus for help. But when Bruno doesn't show up on the other side of the portal, Edouard's inability to shift is no longer his biggest problem.

Lincoln Tucker has it all: money, fame, and a golden voice. But he's in the closet twice over--few people know he's gay, and even fewer know he can shift into a songbird at will. Downtime at the Wiccan Haus between tours allows him to be himself. Throw a big toppy bear-shifter into the mix, and Lincoln might just have all he's ever wanted--if he can trust himself to hold on to Edouard.

With passions and tempers burning hot, can Lincoln help Edouard bring forth the bear and save his brother?

If I had the ability, I’d be doing back flips.

When I finished Shifter’s Dance earlier in the week I was hoping, praying and I likely would have been begging to read about Stephen’s brothers, Edouard and Bruno. I knew there was another Wiccan Haus book out there, but since I didn’t have it in my greedy little hands, I let it go. I actually thought there was no way Vanessa already had finished one of the brother’s books. Boy was I 110% wrong. Not only is it done, published and excellent; a little birdie told me she is working on the last brother’s book as we speak. Again, imagine the back flipping and dancing around. Trust me it is all in my head and not in reality, because I’d hurt myself.

The Bonsaint brothers are heading to Wiccan Haus for a little R&R and to give newlyweds Stephen and Romy some peace and quiet. Edouard also plans to work on his inability to shift into his bear. Things didn’t go as planned. For some reason Bruno didn’t make it to the other side of the portal. Edouard is understandably upset, but the sexy Lincoln is there to take his mind off his troubles.

Lincoln is a man in need of a break. He is a high profile singer and the stress of touring and the pressures his big sister keeps piling on him; have him at his wits end. It’s time to break away and relax in the comforting arms of Wiccan Haus and he’s seen the arms he wants wrapped around him, Edouard’s.

Edouard’s stress from his missing brother and the likelihood he won’t be able to help search for Bruno, because he can’t shift, has him stir crazy. One note from a lovely Blackburnian Warbler settles his soul and he is able to shift into his brown bear once again. Now the only thing he needs to worry about is hurting his lover Lincoln. He will not let the past repeat itself.

First the thing that stood out for me in Shifter’s Song was that even though they are both shifters they didn’t fall in the shifter’s mating trap; the zing and recognition, lust fills the air, they fall in bed together, because hello, their instincts are making them do it and the horns toot and the bells ring and they live happily ever after. Nope these men fought it all the way. Yes, one of them accepted it sooner than the other, but there was a bit of a battle to accept fate. It wasn’t absolute instinct for them. They had to work for it and let me just say, YAY!

Second thing that was a shining beacon for me…I absolutely loved these two men’s names. Both are first for me and well like I said, I loved them!!

Finally third, I’d like to congratulate Vanessa for writing the first M/M Wiccan Haus story. You have set the bar high and if I was sitting next to you, I’d be patting you on the back; very well done. Their romance felt natural, yet very sexy and steamy.

I think I only had one slight problem with the story. Edouard wasn’t upset enough about his brother being missing. I can understand that he was distracted by the loveliness of Lincoln, but with him being the oldest and a big protective bear, I felt there should have been just a bit more angst. It really isn’t a big deal, but I just had to put it out there. Now that I’m over it, Shifter’s Song was AWESOME!!

The story was well thought out and it was nice to see Stephen and Romy again. I also love how all three of their books are flowing so well together and I personally can’t wait for Bruno’s book. You hinted a bit about Bruno, without giving anything away and I’m booking my trip to Wiccan Haus to watch it unfold firsthand. All aboard, the ferry is about to leave the port!

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