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REVIEW: A Wild Night's Bride by Victoria Vane

6/28/2013

Title: A Wild Night’s Bride
Author: Victoria Vane
Page count: 110
Genres: Historical
TBR Reviewer: Victoria
Rating: 3 Stars - A Good Read.
Heat: 3 - Blush Worthy.

Phoebe is a fallen woman (she fell prey to the lustful eye of Prinny in the earliest days of his adulthood) and thus has resorted to working in the theatre. As the story opens, she finally gets a chance to be in a
play with actual lines (thanks to some actresses not showing up) and this is her chance to attract a patron (which, if rich and powerful enough could move her career further), so she plays it to the fullest. The theater’s about to close down for renovations, so she’s particularly desperate. Following that, she goes to a party, still playing up her role from the theatre and meets Sir Ned Chambers. He is a still somewhat grieving widower come back to London to prepare for his daughter’s come-out and ends up taking part in a bet that could net her 1,000 pounds and involves Devil DeVere, a viscount with a quite scandalous reputation.

For the most part, this was a decent book. The characters unfortunately were a bit shallow, but I could overlook that because I liked the fact that it was a very different period. Twenty years made a huge
difference in views in the 18th/19th century. I liked that we got to see the future Regent as a young man, thoroughly debauched as seen by his part in the bet that sends Devil Devere, Phoebe and Ned into the palace to defile the king’s bed (Ned’s going along to act as guard while Devil and Phoebe do the
dirty).

My problem with this book came in two places. First, the prologue which shows Ned and Phoebe in the king’s bed and the last thing is Ned being worried about being arrested/executed for what they’d done, and then the very next page, chapter one, we’re at the theatre with Phoebe about to go onstage. It was incredibly jarring and it didn’t need to be. All the author would have needed to do was put in “X hours/days ago” and I wouldn’t have even been caught off guard. Silly, but there you have it. I was quite confused for about 5 pages before I realized the prologue had been the “present”, so to speak, and we’d flashed back in time.

The second was the timeframe the two fell for each other. It was over the course of no more than a day or two, most of which Ned didn’t even know Phoebe’s real name, instead calling her Kitty, the name of her
character from the play (because that’s how she introduced herself). I just didn’t feel the intense romantic connection, more felt that we were supposed to feel the connection because the author told us they were feeling it.

Phoebe is a great character who had her moment of weakness but didn’t let it completely ruin her life (though it obviously ruined her socially for a while). Ned lost the love of his life, and I was utterly charmed as he found his way back to life. The sex scenes had some definite zest to them, and I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series.

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REVIEW: Huntress Takes All by Ali Atwood

6/27/2013

Huntress Takes All (book 3) by Ali Atwood
Genre: Science Fiction, Erotica,
Length: Novel
TBR Reviewer: Brutally Honest
Rating: 3 Stars - A Good Read.

I was not happy with the level of technology for a science fiction book. Sunglasses, convertibles and cell phones, really threw me from the genre. However, she did explain it by saying most inhabitants on this planet were from Scotland, but still, I would have liked more of that alien/another world feeling to shine through. Several issues made me wonder if she added the science fiction elements at the last second just to switch genres. The point of view switches were very jumpy as well and it made me cringe. That
jumping was very distracting and it continued throughout the book.

I’ve read this author before and there’s one thing I noticed with all her characters, really well developed. Brig and Cameron were solid and it made me really enjoy their romance and adventure more. The two other stories in this series were really good! The plot was excellent. A badass female bodyguard protecting a rich good looking man after he receives nasty death threats. The pace was great, action and romance was balanced really well.

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REVIEW: The Mesmer Society Part 3 by A.R. Lain

6/27/2013

The Mesmer Society Part 3
Author A.R. Lain
Length : 39 pages
TBR Reviewer: Shyla
Rating: 3 Stars - A Good Read.
Heat: 4 - An Erotic Ride.

This is the third book in the Mesmer series. In case you haven’t read the other two ,I’ll give you a brief
run down, however, this is a series that must be read in order. Elliot is a journalist trapped in a web of her own making. Unsure, scared, and a bit lost¸ it was painful for me to watch her try to find her way. Sent to obtain a story on an underground sex club she winds up a member exploring her own interests.

Uncomfortable with the dark, kinky thoughts, she feels is wrong, Ellie fights them every step of the way, making the road for her, and her sexy, mysterious, mentor, Luke, very difficult, to say the very least. I’ve been hoping for morsels about the soft spoken man who’d been absence from the club for some time. I was delighted to find the author gave us some tasty nibbles. *Smacks lips and rubs hands together with glee*. This book was all about journeys, the ones Elliot takes within herself, and the one she takes with Luke. I gave this story a three because of the awkward starting point, stopping point, and lack of forward moving plot. At times it felt more like chapters of a story, rather than a stand alone piece.

The Mesmer society lives in a world removed from our own, but as the veil is lifted it’s easy to see they’re more like us then we thought. Sexy, edgy, and intriguing, this story isn’t your average erotic romance.

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REVIEW: The Alpha's Ardor by Rebecca Brochu

6/27/2013

The Alpha's Ardor (Wolves of Flathead #1)
by Rebecca Brochu
Genre: M/M paranormal romance
Length: novella (72 pgs.)
TBR Reviewer: Amanda
Rating: 5 Stars - A Must Read!
Heat: 4 - An Erotic Ride.

Declan and Lachlan Adair are twins raised in captivity, but after escaping, they find that the world they were born into is totally against them. After seven years of running from place to place and never being able to settle, the twins get separated in the mid-western US. When Declan finds himself running into the Alpha of the area, everything he believes begins to change as the Alpha tries to convince him to settle in Montana.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Law work to gain Declan's trust after years of only being able to count on his twin. The courting between the wolves was subtle to begin with but stepped up as they spent more time together. I especially liked the scenes were Law teased Declan with his words (great dirty talking!) and the way he made Declan seek him out to complete their bond. The paranormal world that this story was set in was well-fleshed out without boring the reader with too many descriptive paragraphs
and I was distinctly sad to reach the end of their story and finish the book. I look forward to reading more in this series. (My assumption is that there will be a story for Lachlan and I cannot wait to read it!) This is a great read for fans of shifter stories.

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CONTEST: A Hard Bargain by Hennessee Andrews

6/20/2013

A Hard Bargain by Hennessee Andrews
Genre: M/M contemporary western romance
Length: novel
TBR Reviewer: Amanda
Rating: 4 Stars - Recommended Read.
Heat: 4 - An Erotic Ride.

After Cade Lawson's fiancée leaves him at the altar, he makes the decision to change everything about his life. He leaves Chicago, his accounting job, the memories, and the snow behind and heads to Texas, where he has the opportunity to invest in a ranch. Jed McMasters knows all about dropping everything in life and starting over, but when he meets Cade, he realizes that he is looking for much more than an infusion of cash and another hard worker.

Both Cade and Jed are attracted to each other quickly, but they suffer the inevitable ups and
downs of the emotional upheaval left by Cade's former life. Cade soon realizes that he has spent his entire life trying to live up to other people's expectations and hiding from himself, but fear drives him away.

I liked the reunion of these two at Christmas and the lengths to which they both were willing to prove their commitment. The sexual scenes were hot, but I also enjoyed the descriptions of both working the ranch in Texas and the Chicago snowstorm. This was an enjoyable read that could have used another editing to clean it up a little more, but that wasn't enough to keep me from liking both the story and these two characters. I would like to read more of Hennessee Andrew's work.

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Giveaway: The author is giving away an Ecopy to one lucky winner! The TBR Pile is giving away a book from our prize list! To ENTER: Comment below on why you want to read A Hard Bargain.

REVIEW: Just Her Luck by Beverly Price

6/20/2013

Just Her Luck by Beverly Price
Genre: M/F/M menage, romantic suspense
Length: novella (85 pgs.)
TBR Reviewer: Amanda
Rating: 3 Stars - A Good Read.
Heat: 4 - An Erotic Ride.

Riley O'Connor is on the run from the drug cartel that was laundering money through her bank. After realizing that the FBI cannot keep her safe, she is heading for the Canadian border when she wrecks her car near Lucky, Montana. The cowboy that rescues her quickly sees that more is going on than a simple car wreck and ends up taking her home, where both he and his twin start to fall for her hard. Of course, Riley is not out of danger yet, so she fights against becoming complacent or falling in love, fearing having to run again at any time.

This story was cute and had fun moments, especially between the three main characters. Although some of the plot felt "typical", I still enjoyed the suspense aspect and thought that the author did a good job of misdirection from one of the villains. Cooper and Cash do a good job of convincing Riley that they belong together and the town has its own part to play in their romance. The only thing that bothered me was that it felt like it could have used a little more polishing of the writing.

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REVIEW: The Exam by Ravon Silvius

6/20/2013

The Exam (Enforcer’s #2) by Ravon Silvius
Genre: Magic, Erotic, Gay, Fantasy
Length: Novel
TBR Reviewer: Brutally Honest
Rating: 5 Stars – A Must Read.
Heat: 5 – Orgasmic.

Oh. My. God. I LOVE this series. (Puts on professional hat and clears throat) The Exam is the sequel to Noble Magic, which I loved. We follow Mage Kenneth and Talentless Thorn as they announce their lifemate status and start a series of tests to become enforcers.

Can I give a girly squeak without you looking down at me? This book was phenomenal! Both book in this series were. The characters, Kenneth and Thorn are so well-written it’s like I know them in real
life. They each have their own flaw but trust in each other to survive in each other’s world. I absolutely loved the world building! The author really painted a picture with words of the magic side and the talentless side. The sex was scorching, the author upped the anti in this book. The plot was stunning and again, I can’t say enough good things about this series.

The series, Enforcers by Ravon Silvius, have been flawlessly executed and an honest joy to read. The author took a new approach at magic and I for one am excited to read more!

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REVIEW: Burn with Me by Christle Gray

6/20/2013

Burn with Me by Christle Gray
Genre: Science Fiction, Romance, Erotica
TBR Reviewer: Brutally Honest
Rating: 5 Stars – A Must Read.
Heat: 4 – An Erotic Ride.

Sarah is on a planet conquered by nasty Raknorg. It’s only her niece and herself alive in this small shack of a home trying to survive until an invisible space ship crash lands. She now has to save Draco by keeping him hidden and see if there’s any hope of saving her niece.

This book was fabulous! Seriously, the more I read the more engrossed in the story I became. The emotion was off the charts and I did tear up some. The author did a wonderful job with the sex,
sensual and hot but not too graphic. Really well done. The characters were so well written. I’m very excited to read more from this author and see great things in her future.

You know I was set on giving this book 4 stars because it did need a bit more work building but after I finished it, the characters stayed in my head. This book is one of the rare gems out there and
after some thought, I have to changed it to 5 shiny stars. I really, really (Yes, another) really, enjoyed this book. I WANT more from this talented author!

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REVIEW: Bad Boy Blake by Lorraine Nelson

6/19/2013

Title: Bad Boy Blake
Author: Lorraine Nelson
Genre: Romance
Page Count: 150
TBR Reviewer: Jessica
Rating: 3 Stars - A Good read.
Heat: 3 - Blush Worthy.

Bad Boy Blake is an action packed romance about Gina West (aka Virginia Weston) an exotic dance instructor who comes back to her home town to unearth old family secrets and clear her grandfather's good name. Blake Bennett is the sheriff in town who's own family has some secrets of their own, that also has age old ties with the Weston's. Crimes ensue and as Blake tries to protect Gina from the
townspeople who want skeletons to remain where they lay, sparks fly between them.

This was a well-written story, packed full of action and mystery. Tons of curveballs are thrown into the mix, and you never really know "whodunit" until the story completely unfolds. There is definitely no shortage of steamy action between Gina and Blake either. There's just as much action between the
sheets as there is on the streets of this small town. This story had a really great balance of romance mixed with a strong plot, well developed characters, angst and drama.

Admittedly, the dialogue between Blake and Gina could get somewhat cheesy at times, not always the most natural and fluid narrative between them. But if you can overlook that, you're definitely in for a good entertaining read. My only other criticism would be the vague underlying plot turn that reveals that Blake and Gina have a mutual familial tie. Without disclosing too much of the story, it becomes clear early on who Gina's long lost father is. With this information comes Blake's admittance that he, too, is
related to Gina's father... though with this revelation, they never once contemplate that this makes the two of them related as well. In fact, they carry on a sexual affair throughout the story, never once addressing their possible familial relatedness. It's only at the end, through Blake's proposal, that Gina
declines his request citing that they are, in fact, first cousins. While there's more to the story, it was enough to make me say "Huh?" a few times!

But you decide...If you read the entire book without caring that these two people might potentially be related, then I believe you'll find it to be a really great, well thought out love story. But if you're like me, and that idea and niggling curiosity hangs out in the back of your mind the entire time, it might
be slightly more difficult for you to fully embrace these characters as two people that can really go the distance with their love story. All in all, it's definitely a read I'd thoroughly recommend.

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REVIEW: Called to Order by Lydia Michaels

6/19/2013

Called to Order
Author: Lydia Michaels
Series: The Order of Vampyres
Genre: paranormal
Length: 339 pages
TBR Reviewer: Shyla
Rating: 5 Stars - A Must Read.
Heat: 4 - An Erotic Ride.

There was an almost poetic element to Ms. Michael’s writing that turned this story into a living, breathing, thing. I was sucked in with that first lyrical sentence. I could taste the honeysuckle dancing along my tongue, and feel the pleasure quivering in my belly. Her ability to seduce your senses aside, her ideals were mind blowing. I’m a supernatural buff. I’ve loved all things that go bump in the night since I was a little girl. So, there aren’t many ways you can shock me with versions of vampirism. Ms. Michaels stunned, impressed, and moved me with this beautiful, unique, and extremely sexy tale. My only issue is figuring out how to tell you what I loved about it without ruining any of the many surprises laid out.

It all begins with Adam, ironic, really when you consider the biblical implications. Adam is breed different from human, we known them as vampires. He and his people live a modest life. Practitioners of the Amish faith, they are secluded from the world and it’s people, whom they refer to as the English, venturing out only once they get the call. The call is the nagging feeling in the pit of your stomach, shaving away bits of your humanity until you find your mate, stake your claim, and blood bond. It’s all
consuming , primal, and hot as hell to read. Adam is everything right with a hero! Sensitive, intelligent,
muscular ( What? It doesn’t hurt! Winks) and moral. He’s got an alpha edge to him, but knows when to pull back. I could gush about him for pages. But I’ll spare you. When Adam hears the call, so to
speak, he sets out into the English world and takes us along for a ride. Here’s where the layers come in.

While his body is changing, and the struggle for sanity has begun he’s plunged into a world he’s never known. Imagine experiencing television for the first time, or electricity. Seeing the world through Adam’s eyes is fascinating, as well as learning about his culture. On the edge of my bed as I read I was often concerned his baser instincts would overcome the man I’d come to love. The constant battle with what was right and what his inner beast demanded all hinged on one major factor, Anna.

Anna is my kind of heroine! Feisty, independent , and on her way up in life, she’ s not the type to go gentle into that good night .When Adam appears and begins to tell her what she will/won’t do she revolts and gets the hell out of dodge or attempts to. Which in my opinion is what most of us would do. Sexy or not, someone spouting about eternity and things about us they shouldn’t know would set our alarm bells ringing. When she wakes up in an Amish community surrounded by Adam’s family things really get good. * buttons lips. I know you want more, but I can’t tell, you’ll have to read. I enjoyed the spirit, intelligence, and growth of both Adam and Anna, and I highly recommend this read!

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