Psychic Appeal by Michelle McCleod

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review….having said that, I’ll tell you what I think. The cover fascinated me, and the blurb seemed out of this world. I enjoy reading about the paranormal, not so much because I believe in it but because fairies and such are exciting and interesting. I thought a world where both can live together…well, kind of. The beginning of the book intrigued me because the idea of the heroine grieving the love of her life and meeting someone equally if not more enigmatic seemed interesting. I enjoyed the build-up through the middle of the story. However, although, this book is a good read and a book I would recommend, I did have an issue with the hero suddenly disappearing from the story until the end. I was a bit confused after the heroine gets kidnapped. However, all the characters seemed well-developed and the story arc well thought out. I think Ms. McCleod does a great job of weaving this story for the reader and entertaining the reader. Minus the hero disappearing so suddenly, the rest is a great read. 

 

The Seduction (His to Possess #1) by Opal Carew

His to Possess #1 The Seduction
Opal Carew
I received and ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
This is the newest mini series by Opal Carew. I knew that because this was the first book it would leave many questions unanswered and create cliff hangers book by book. I loved it, I hated it, and I can’t wait for the next part.
Jessica has been unemployed for four months or so so she goes to Philadelphia for a career fair. While Jessica Long is in Philadelphia when she thinks she sees her ex boyfriend. She follows him to the coffee shop only to find she is mistaken.hen she goes to say hi, she realizes it’s a perfect stranger, Dane. Later, she runs into him again and they end up going back to her hotel and Dane convinces her to give up control for one night to him. The career fair ends and she ends up getting a job out of it. Her new employer? Her gorgeous one night stand, Dane.
SO, so many questions? We must read on to find the answers. The cliff hanger had my jaw dropping, but I can’t give out any hints now, can I? That just would not be right!

Multi-Erotica Book Review

 

 

 

 

Because I’ve been so crazy lately, I’m going to go ahead and due a multi-review  of 7 books. All ARCS provided by NetGalley.

************SPOILERS AHEAD*********************

Beyond Eden – Kele Moon

This was a very hot, erotic packed tale, and although it was different than most ménage-a-trois tales, I’ve read, I have to say, I am very impressed with how their needs made such a huge difference in their relationship. The relationships differ between the characters, whether it’s Eve & Paul, Eve & Danny, Paul & Danny and/or finally Eve, Danny & Paul. It was fascinating, frustrating,and definitely a roller-coaster and cluster-f*** of emotions but not in a bad/horrible/messed up way–it intrigued me in a way that made me get sucked into the story even more! And although, it was way beyond my comfort zone, it definitely, turned me on as person and as a reader. Each corner of this triangle is intriguing because each character is in love with each character, there is a bond between all three whether it’s as individuals or as a ménage-a-trois. Then throw in the BDSM aspect, the other woman (Paul’s fiancée), and whole lot of emotions, a roller coaster of emotions, and you got yourself a steamy, brilliant story!

Come Alive – Jessica Hawkins

So for this book, I would really, really, really recommend you read the first book: Come Undone, before you throw yourself into this book, I would also caution that if you have not read the first book, stop reading this,..NOW. So here we go, the first book was good, really, really good and amazing, this book was off-the-charts better. David, Olivia and Bill create quite a love triangle, Olivia is married to Bill but wants David and so begins our story. I wanted to scream and rant and yell at Olivia, CHOOSE NOW!!! And at the same time, I felt that Olivia should have kept her vows, but how can you settle for anything less than your happily ever after, but what of consequences? This book really brought out mixed feelings and anxieties, I understood so much about our human nature that wants more than what we have and yet most of us would settle for less. While I am rooting for David and Olivia, I feel for Bill, the loser of this sore triangle, it seems, because he is hurting and how can he not? But at the same time, how can his marriage to Olivia be saved?

Claiming Lauren – Emily Ryan-Davis

This was a very short but steamy, sexy, and sweet read. Lauren Brant is a society wife, classy, polished, elegant and most importantly: lonely. Although she is married to a very successful and handsome man, their marriage is in name only and lacks the emotion she seeks. Divided by continents, they live totally separate and independent lives. Lauren wants out but high-society dictates that she stay in a marriage where love, or even remote like don’t matter. Driven by her loneliness and the desire to assuage her physical needs, Lauren joins a chat group that caters to those in the BDSM lifestyle. This is where she meets Master and carries on a two year virtual relationship with him; as time goes by Lauren feels more and more alone and decides to meet Master face-to-face. When they finally meet Lauren’s life is irrevocably changed and forever fulfilled when Master turns out to be her husband, Jake/Jacob.

One Hot Winter’s Night – Serenity Woods

One Hot Winter’s Night sounds like a great action packed adventure with espionage and romance thrown in. It starts with a chase for a precious artifact through the Swedish wilderness. Cat is close but cannot stop Heath (the silver fox) from reaching the artifact first. She pursues hot on his tail determined to get the necklace and tracks him to a local ice hotel. Heath and Cat have never met so she lies about who she is and flirts with Heath to get him to get the necklace. However. the tables turn when Heath talks Cat into bed instead.

Cat is not used to relationships and is happy to walk away after a single night, however, Heath is not willing to let her go so easily. So, of course, since they work in the same profession they are bound to meet sooner rather than later. They continue their string of one night stands, while Cat prefers this friends with benefits relationship they have built, Heath wants more and pursues her for more. The constant  hotels give Cat and Heath plenty of opportunity to jump into bed and the smex between these two was hot, but I would have liked to have felt more and seen more of their budding relationship and how they fell for eachother. Overall, though I really enjoyed the story even if at times I had a hard time connecting with these two characters.

Soul Stripper – Katana Collins

I enjoy paranormal romance novels and had expected a really good story with this book. This book however, was a little out of my norm, OK, no a lot out of my norm. Monica is a succubus, but she is not only a succubus, she is an angel turned succubus, she collects souls for hell and feeds on them.  She has a normal waitressing job during the day and works as a stripper during the night, therefore, feeding only on “bad” souls. However, her talents give her away and she becomes a target for a serial succubus killer. Her former, angelic side prevents her from feeding of off good souls, however, her need to survive may just be the end of it….The smex was amazing, and the story was in and of itself also amazing, I found my new paranormal series, and this is just book one.

Three Stages of Love: Lust – T.C. Anthony

This book is really hard for me….I really do not like giving bad reviews but this book fell way too far of my expectations. With a title like “Three Stages of Love: Lust” I really expected more. Don’t get me wrong I love erotica and smut as much as the next person, I can  even handle, ménage-a-troises, and straight smut stories filled with sordid depravities and straight out gangbang smex. However, for me an erotic novel requires more than just smex and requires depth and a semblance of a good plot. I felt that this book lacked a good plot and lacked a certain depth for its characters. The story starts with Eve propositioning Alexander at a bar, while this is a plot line that has been used, re-used, and recycled, in  this particular story it falls flat and short of anything. Alexander turns out to be her temporary boss, but both lack adult-like qualities and resort to sipid and high-school like behavior. And surprisingly, they actually do complement each other. And although their relationship continues to baffle me, and lacks the depth I usually crave for in erotica, I did enjoy the smex, the smex was good…REALLY GOOD. The editing is also at times lacking and the story feels rushed and forced at times, there is a lack of wording and punctuation that seems to fast-forward the story even more than it already is. And I’m going to stop now because I just simply can’t continue this line of thought. However, if the story received editing, depth and deeper plot, it could hold a lot of potential.

The things I do for You – M. Malone

You ever loved someone who didn’t know you existed? Someone close but yet so far from you? Love from afar …If you loved something let it go….how much are you willing to love and how much are you willing to risk? The things I do for you tells that story.Ms. Malone does an excellent job of creating a love story gone wrong to a match made in heaven. The sexual chemistry between the hero and heroine was off the charts hot and I applaud Ms. Malone for her ability to tell this story without going overboard in the emotional roller coaster department. In the END, I loved this story and Ms. Malone did an excellent job of combining all the elements of the story.

 

ThunderStruck by Kendall Grace (EC title)

ThunderStruck by Kendall Grace

PUB May 29, 2013

ARC provided by NetGalley

Desperate to distance herself from her previous life, and her high-powered ex, Jo Montgomery moves to a tiny slice of Georgia, an impetuous decision if there ever was one. Though not nearly as impetuous as throwing herself into an intimate relationship with her new neighbor. Hawk Stephens, a horse breeder and local celebrity, is sex personified, a man built for dark deeds in dark places. But he wants far more from Jo.

Every instinct tells Silent Hawk that Jo is The One, and despite her obvious uncertainty, his Apache beliefs give him faith. The signs are unmistakable. His skittish little filly requires a strong hand, patience…and blazing, mind-bending sex that leaves no doubt to his feelings and intentions.

But before their love affair has barely begun, the reemergence of Jo’s ex, coupled with a potentially tragic event, forces Jo to make decisions that not only damage Hawk’s beliefs, but could also shatter their tender romance beyond repair.

A Romantica® western erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

****Spoilers Ahead****

 ARC Provided by NetGalley

I have to say although the book was good, I was really expecting a little bit more suspense and drama than what I read. The blurb and the cover attracted my attention more than anything else, I got a thing for hot cowboys with a six-pack that look like a washboard….oh the things those abs can do…..

Anyway, back to the book, I liked the book because unlike most stories, the one who really believed in “true love” was Hawk, he was the one who believed, who wanted, who craved, and who felt quite unlike most male characters I’ve read of before. Jo, on the other hand, was the one who was skeptic, who I guess needed more than just signs or even faith.

I was however, giving Jo’s background, expecting a little more drama into her ex-husband and it just felt a little unnecessary to involve him, if his role was really very small, however, I have to say that while it gave insight into what Jo was feeling, his small role didn’t add up to the amount of anxiety and over-the-top fear-like emotion I could sense from Jo at his possible re-appearance in her life. So on that front, I was a bit disappointed, however, if you want a quick-paced story that you can read on a nice relaxing rainy day or beach day, then this is the book!

I give it 3.5 stars.

Taken By Him by Red Garnier PUB May 28, 2013 Review

Taken by Him (The Billionaire’s Club #2) by Red Garnier

ARC Supplied by NetGalley

The Billionaire’s Club: The wealthiest, most powerful men, not only in Chicago, but in the world.  They are used to having whatever they want, whenever they want it.

Luke Preston is the ultimate playboy among his billionaire friends.  Every bad girl in Chicago has surrendered in his bed.  Some good girls, too.  But when he ends up in the hospital after an assassination attempt, his friends suggest he take a long vacation to recoup, regroup and lay off the women until the man is caught.  However, when Luke lays eyes on the stunning brunette across the beach, she inspires every dark, erotic thought his mind can conjure.

Peyton Lane has always been serious and responsible and she’s determined to have some fun for once in her life.  And that means a deliciously, sexy affair with a stranger while she’s on vacation.  So when a blond Adonis named Luke crosses her path at the Cancun resort, she’s determined that he will be the one. But Peyton gets more than she bargained for when Luke introduces her to a passion unlike any she has ever experienced and she discovers that behind that charming smile are secrets and a beautiful, damaged soul.

Red Garnier takes readers deep into a world of incredible emotion and undeniable power and possession.

Also, don’t miss CLAIMED BY HIM, the first unforgettable story in The Billionaire’s Club, available now.

****BEWARE SPOILERS AHEAD****

ARC was supplied by NetGalley:

This is the second book in the Billionaire’s Club Series, but each novel is a stand alone so there’s no need to read it in sequential order, but me being me, of course I’d recommend reading it in sequential order, but that’s another story and besides the point.

Ms. Garnier really never seizes to amaze me with her writing skills and her ability to create characters that I fall in love with and sometimes, even if it sounds a bit obsessive, I kind of want to skin them and be them….but again, that’s another story…

This book follows the story of Luke Preston, typical bad boy/playboy, who at his friends’ request has kept a low profile after being shot by an ex-lover. He travels to Cancun where he meets Peyton,  [notice how Preston rhymes with Peyton, I wonder if it was done on purpose?],  who has been living a very dull and staid life and is need of a fling to shake it off and reinvigorate her life.

There is a lot of sex in this book, but unlike a lot of erotic-themed novels it also contains a great deal of story plot before we get to that. There is a lot to be learned about both characters and a lot to love about both characters. Both characters are well-developed and both have a character/story arc that flows naturally and is not forced.

I liked that both characters are also willing to live in the moment and have no expectations of what could happen, and when they meet again, it definitely becomes very evident that both characters are ready for the story to evolve into their HEA.

The story itself is very realistic and very well edited as well as thought out. There’s emotion, there’s thought, there’s evolution and more importantly, although it is a 112 page novel, it more than makes up for length in the amount of passion and emotion evoked by Ms. Garnier. I give it a 5 stars.

One Night of Misbehavior – Shelley Munro

One Night of Misbehavior by Shelley Munro

“Charlotte Dixon ignores her stepmother’s edict and, in an act of disobedience, attends one of the social events of the year—a masquerade costume ball. Charlotte’s naughtiness escalates when she dances and smooches with a sexy mystery man. The night of anonymous passion that follows makes her yearn for a different life, but the next day she’s back to her dull routine of household management.

 

Advertising tycoon, Ash Marlborough is about to set a private investigator on the trail of his nameless princess when she waltzes right into his place of work. Charlotte is shocked to meet her masked man in the flesh, and even more perturbed when he asks her out on a date. Despite craving another night of sexy loving, she doesn’t have time for a man, not when she wants to reinvent herself and grasp a new, improved life with both hands. But Ash knows what he wants, and he’s determined to win the heart of his princess. Let the dance of seduction commence.

 

Warning: Contains a conniving stepmother, selfish stepsisters, a grandmother with fairy godmother tendencies and a sexy masked man who is willing to face them all for the love of a good woman.”

*****FAIR WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD*****

Shelley Munro weaves a modern Cinderella, Charlotte Dixon. Although I normally tend to stay away from modern versions of fairy tales, I have to admit Ms. Munro did a really great job of not only maintaining the essence of what is “Cinderella” but of also making the story her own. 

When we first meet Charlotte we realize that she really is a genuine and caring person, who would do anything for her grandmother, including putting her life and dreams on hold to take care of her as her health declines, Unfortunately, for Charlotte, putting her life on hold also means dealing with her stepmother and stepsisters who feel that she should also take care of them. When Charlotte’s grandmother sends her to “the ball” she meets Ash Marlborough, who has everything and can have anything and everything he could ever want. I liked that Ms. Munro made Ash so human, so flawed, rather than just a “Prince Charming.”  

Although, the story of how they come to get to know each other is one that has been told and re-told in so many books and ways, Ms. Munro made it funny and fresh, but most importantly she made it her own, rather than just another book with the same plot. I liked how Ash and Charlotte’s story and relationship developed and how they organically developed a no-sense, no-drama relationship without the interference of third parties. 

What I found the most refreshing was that the protagonist of this story, Charlotte, is an everyday kind of girl in search of a life worth living, a life where independence is the ultimate goal rather than finding her Prince Charming. I liked that she is not your typical virgin protagonist who does not know what she really wants or who she is but rather she’s an everyday girl in search of independence, of life and success.

Overall, this was a really great read and I rate it 4.5 stars.

Book Reviews Forthcoming

Hi, this is my first time blogging and since I spend so much time reading, I’ve decided to put my degree to use and will start writing reviews as soon as the books come in. Please be patient with me, but it shouldn’t take that long, also if you want to send me some book names that you’d like to know about before you read please feel free to let me know.