Loving the Boss by Shawn Lane
Genre: m/m, contemporary, erotica
Length: Short
TBR Reviewer: Brutally Honest
Rating: 3 stars – A good read.
Heat: 2 handcuffs – Flirty.

Blurb: Every morning, Alan Sommers arrives early to work. He makes coffee, tidies the office, and makes sure the blinds are open to let in the California sun. All of it he does for Kincaid Malloy, his boss of the last three years. His handsome, intelligent, and completely
professional boss.

And therefore, there's no hope his love for Kincaid will ever be returned. When Kincaid asks him to pet sit at his home while he's away at a law conference, Alan readily agrees. What he doesn't expect is that his dreams of loving the boss might finally come true.

Review: The description details were very bare and dull. There was also a very rushed fell to most of the scenes. Alan was very well written, he felt realistic. Kincaid was a good character too. The story itself isn’t long enough to have a big emotional impact. There’s one quick sex scene that is a hot read, but not very detailed. I think this author has great potential and I’m interested in reading longer works from Shawn lane.

Loving the boss is quick and sweet.

Lost to rapture by Chris Almeida and  Cecilia Aubrey
Genre: Erotica
Length: short story
Reviewer: Mark
Rating: 5 stars - A Must Read!
Heat: 5 Handcuffs - Orgasmic

The latest entry in the Bytes Of Life  series, written to accompany the larger Countermeasure novels by the same  authors, sees Trevor and Cassandra Bauer celebrating their first Anniversary  together. It has been an adventurous and exciting year, full of danger and  peril, and Trevor now wants to do something special to show Cass just what she  means to him. In a
brave move, he takes her back to his hometown to show her  where he grew up and to revisit some of his fondest childhood memories but  at the same time, it is the perfect excuse for Trevor to face some of the inner  demons he has been struggling with since his parents disappeared. Can he finally  deal with his issues and return to his parents home that has remained locked up all the time since their absence. Or will the ghosts of the past be too much  for Trevor?
 
This is another great entry in a series. There  is the usual intimacy and naughtiness but as well as all that, this is also a chance for readers to try and worm out a few clues to the overall mystery that runs through both sets of series. The story also gives readers a chance to gain an exclusive insight into the characters and to see a much more vulnerable side to Trevor than is ordinarily exhibited.
 
I like these stories generally as they read like a secret glimpse into the lives of the the two main characters beyond the larger storyline of the novels. I have said it before that reading these is like peeking at the characters of a movie or television series between scenes and  seeing events that may not make it to the final cut. I like that the authors are also dropping subtle hints and teasing and tantalizing their fans, not just erotically but also with clues as to just why Trevor’s parents went missing. These stories then are almost like a reward to fans for being so dedicated and loyal. There is an argument that if the authors spent less time putting these out and more time writing the Countermeasure series then we might get the next 
entry a bit quicker (hint hint) but these little shorts are often quite fun and I can imagine this writing duo chuckling away to themselves as they find new ways to tease and tempt their readers!
 
Overall, this is one of the better tales in the Bytes Of Life series and comes highly recommended from this reviewer! A great way to introduce yourself to both series if you have not encountered them before, this is just as enjoyable for established fans and is a very rewarding experience that leaves you wanting just that little bit more. Some readers have 
mentioned that they have found it the most emotional of the series too so if you are a loyal fan, you might want to pack some tissues. Of course being an Alpha Male, it didn’t affect me in this way at all but it has left me even more desperate for the next full novel and more keen than ever to learn what exactly is going on.....

Giveaway: Comment below to enter to win a copy of Lost to Rapture. TBR is also picking a random commenter for a free Ebook from our prize list!

His to control by Sam Crescent
Genre: BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Drama
Length: Novella
TBR Reviewer: Brutally Honest
Rating: 3 stars – A good read.
Heat: 4 handcuffs – An erotic ride.

This was an interesting read. I think the author has so much potential. Her characters are good and her plot is well rounded. The problem lies with her writing. It’s very dry. There are no embellishments and the characters actions are always dull. I think with some work this will be an author to look out for. She did a good job with the club details and really bringing it to life. (Yes, I know I used the word good several times, it just describes this book perfectly.)

This is a good look into the BDSM world and the club known as Control. 

Her Unlikely Bodyguard by Lorraine Nelson
Genre: romantic suspense
Length: novel (168 pgs.)
TBR Reviewer: Amanda
Rating: 4 Stars - Recommended Read.
Heat: 4 Handcuffs - An erotic Ride.

When Jemma Leigh Harding returns to her hometown after a ten year absence, she is doing more than coming to care for her cancer-stricken mother and father with diabetes. She is also healing an estrangement with them, introducing them to their grandson, and running from a stalker that has made her life miserable for six months. The last thing she expects is to be nearly run-down by her high school sweetheart on her first day home, breaking her ankle and allowing him to discover the truth about her return. Ted Garrity has also recently come back to
Sommerville after time in the Army, marrying, having a child and losing his wife to a land mine. Jemma Leigh awakens all his protective instincts when he hears about her stalker, and soon they are spending all their time together again. 

This story has just the right amount of romance and suspense. The mystery of Jemma Leigh's stalker as well as that of her past are interesting, as is the reconciliation with Ted. I loved how the answers to Zach's questions came out and the development of all the family relationships that Jemma Leigh and Zach had been missing. The final revelation of the stalker was a shock as well. My only real quibble with the story is that the timeline was hard to follow - at times, it seemed that events were following one upon another, but then something would be mentioned that showed several days must have passed (how her ankle healed, for example). I found that slightly disconcerting, but the writing was well done and the story worth reading. Ted and Jemma Leigh made a great romantic couple and the various Mounties made great side characters, as did Stacey and the children and grandparents.

Giveaway: Comment below to enter. One winner will get Her Unlikely Bodyguard and another will get a book from our Prize List!

The Bad Boys' Reluctant Woman by Sam Crescent (The Law Castle Bad Boys book 2)
Genre: menage
Length: novel (112 pgs.)
TBR Reviewer: Amanda
Rating: 3 stars - A good read.
Heat: 4 handcuffs - An erotic ride.

Law Castle is an unusual small town: one in which most "couples" actually consist of three or four people, instead of two. Zoe Howard has spent six months avoiding becoming part of one of those "couples", but childhood friends Jake, Brent and Connor keep pursuing her at the bar at which she works. Zoe, however, has a past spent in the foster system that has taught her not to let anyone close and just keep moving, never putting roots down or making friends.

I enjoyed how each of the three men had his own unique personality and style, as well as his own way of relating to Zoe. However, I just could not see the draw that Zoe had for them. Her prickly personality and cold walls just did not seem to have any pull, so I could not see why the three of them were so certain she was right for them. I think if the book had started with them first meeting and starting to chase her, it might have seemed more realistic, instead of jumping
in at the point where she was about to give in to their advances. There is also a small suspense/drama side plot as well as a drastic secret revealed from Connor's past, all of which could have stood to be fleshed out more. However, once the four of them start to give in to their attraction, the bedroom action is pretty hot! I could definitely see reading more of the books set in this unusual town.

Prey by Linda Howard
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: Novel (Paperback – purchased)
TBR Reviewer: Brutally Honest
Rating: 4 Stars – Recommended Read.
Heat: 3 Stars – Blush Worthy.

There were pages and pages of what the characters were thinking. Too much and it
really slowed down the pace, it felt like that was more for word count rather than for the story. Other than that, this book was fabulous. There are some funny one-liners. They literally made me laugh aloud. (I’m a man. Even pissing is a contest.) Angie and Dare are both sarcastic but loveable and really made a wonderful connection as the story progressed. The sex scenes was so damn good, my toes were curling and I was leaning forward in my chair glued to the pages. It was slow and sensual but not overly sexual like an erotic novels. 

Perfection. 

I read this book really quickly, It just pulled me in and refused to let go until I got to the last page. Prey by Linda Howard is a fabulous read!

Knight of the Dead by Jennifer Rae Gravely
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Length: 270
Rating: 4 Stars - Recommended Read.
Heat: N/A

Knight of the Dead shocked me. When I read the title and the summary I was expecting something more on the paranormal scale, or darker. What I got was an honest tale about people that felt just as real as you or I. Ms. Gravely has a knack for fleshing out characters and making you believe they exist. It wasn't hard to picture this quiet town full of gossip and people who never forget the things you've done.  Gravely's blend of humor, drama, and aww factor mixed up to make a dynamic story,  though I did have a couple of 'Come on' moments with some of the events that unfolded.  
 
The lead female, Persephone, is a girl trying to make it. She’s beautiful, yet flawed and battle weary. The way we all get from time to time when life has us on the ropes. When she hits rock bottom – I call eviction and be fired in the same week just about as low as you can get – her luck changes. Her fairy Godmother comes in the shape of one tiny tot named Rose, and her sexy, single, father, Mark. True to real life her course continues to have its bumps and at times it truly did seem like she was out of the fire and into the frying pan. I found a few of those times in the story to drag. I would've liked to see some of them condensed or done away with. I'm all for running your characters through their paces but this seemed a wee bit much. 

I loved  the hero Mark! He was the kind of Father I’d like to see more of in life as well as in literature. Supportive, caring, and willing to do what’s best for his little girl he was commendable. It didn’t hurt that he was sexy, powerful and witty.  The relationship between him and Persephone was built over time and despite adversity. When I reached the end I really felt the love that had blossomed between them.  I also have to say kudos for writing with a
precious little girl as one of the main characters. I often find children are left out of romance which makes me sad. They're a huge part of many people's lives and it was refreshing to see it in this one.
  
If you’re looking for a drama filled read that deals with real life issues this one will be a perfect fit.

She Likes Him Bad by Scarlett Scott
Pages: 54
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotica 
TBR Reviewer: Shyla
Rating: 4 Stars - Recommended Read.
Heat: 3 handcuffs - Blush Worthy.

She Likes Him Bad, is a sexy tale of love rediscovered with a touch of there’s no place like home vibe. Independent Emma Lee had dreams much bigger than her small town Paradise Georgia. So she caught the first thing smoking, headed to L.A. and made a life for herself. Her career is booming, her love life is lack luster, and her friends are slim to none. She comes back to the tiny town  to lick her wounds after a bad break up that’s left her with sagging self confidence. Her meddling but well meaning mother, Jean begins to push Emma and her childhood sweetheart Jackson together.

Yes, Jackson is a southern sweetheart who melts your heart and rips your underwear off before he plunders your… neither regions. *Grins* It’s a good combination to have. When he runs into Emma at her Mother’s he finds the spark that existed between them still exists. The question they struggle to answer after a bout of explosive sex on his kitchen table is if the spark is worth trying for something more permanent. I told you to watch out for those Southern boys. 
 
I enjoyed this quickie. It had a strong back story, a dash of humor, smoldering sexual encounters, and fairly fleshed out characters. I did feel left in the lurch when it ended because there was no real resolution. If you’re looking for a second time around story that will make you chuckle, deliver spice and end in a happy for now, this will fit the bill.

GIVEAWAY: The author is giving away one Ebook of PERFECT PERSUASION. Comment below to enter!

Hard by Emma Gold
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Novel (Paperback – purchased)
TBR Reviewer: Brutally Honest
Rating: 3 stars – We liked it.
Heat: 2 handcuffs - Flirty

 


I was so conflicted with this book. The beginning was so boring but just when I was about to give up, the story improved. Then it went downhill again and a little while letter was entertaining again. This book was a true rollercoaster. There are some parts that are outrageously funny and then there’s three or four pages on one character jammed together. The characters were memorable and well written. It’s just the pace that really threw me for a loop. There was also this flashback that lasted several chapters that added nothing to the story but word count. Still, I managed to get through Hard and I’m not to sure on a rating. The fact that Weed use is involved was also a major downfall, it was so casual and I am highly against drug use.
 
After some thought, I’m going with three stars. This was a read with some real flare and some real downturns. I think a few years from now after the author has honed her craft she’ll be an author to really look out for. I wouldn’t buy it full price but if you find Hard on sale, I suggest giving it a try.

For the Love of a God by Rosanna Leo 
Length:118 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fantasy 
Rating: 5 Stars - A Must read
Heat: 3 - Blush Worthy

Wow I adored this story! There’s real art into to taking the Greek Gods of old, and placing them in modern times. Ms. Leo has this talent in spades, and makes the transition seamless. It was
refreshing to see such a different environment for a romance, and such a unique heroine! 

Maia is my kind of girl. Into all things vintage, intelligent, and not out to impress anyone. She isn’t a stunning beauty or a waif, she’s  real. As a daughter to a famed Architect she’s been on
many adventures before she settled into her day job as a restorer. I was hooked from the first few lines. 

I can’t really explain who Eric aka Eryx is without mentioning our villainess. Nemesis is apply name, because she’s one bad B i… you can fill in the blanks, and I do not mean that as a compliment. Kin to a spoiled brat not used to getting her own way she refuses to let, Eryx love anyone else after he rebuffs her advances. Despite the Eons that pass, her commitment to
ruining love for Eryx remains , forcing the god of love into an almost stagnant state. 

For the Love of a God, mixes passion, humor, heartache and adventure together to form a story that has it all. I laughed, pitied the characters, grew angry at the villain, and sex scenes so hot you might melt. Come on, Eryx is the god of love, the man knows what he’s doing. I highly recommend this read.

GIVEAWAY: 1 Ebook, comment below to enter.