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CONTEST: Eternal Bonds by Susan Hayes

8/30/2013

Eternal Bonds
Author: Susan Hayes
Page count: 169
Genres: Paranormal Romance/Menage
TBR Reviewer: Victoria
Rating: 5 Stars - A Must Read.
Heat: 5 - Orgasmic.

Holy smokin’ vampires! This book was fantastic and the sex was mouth-wateringly delicious. That’s coming from someone who doesn’t generally read ménage books overall because they’re not my thing. But this one...yeah. I had no problem with that!

Tabitha is attacked as she goes to her car for the lunch she left out there, late at night. She’s saved by virtue of the fact that the vampire couldn’t control her completely and zone her out, and (it is later
revealed) that he wasn’t out for the kill, but rather to send a message. Dr. Duncan picks her up (almost literally) and stops her from making a report to the hospital about the attack, and then takes her to his home to help her feel better. There, she meets his guardian, Jared. How lucky can a girl who’s been
attacked by a vampire get? Two sexy men who both clearly want her. But, yeah. There’s that whole blood-drinking thing that Dr. Duncan does (which he quickly reveals to her). This could have been a sticking point with her, considering Tabi gets sick at the sight of blood, but she adapts pretty quickly to the notion that vampires are real. It doesn’t take long before Tabi moves in with the men (for her protection initially) and they try to sort out who has incurred on Duncan’s protected territory.

This has some pretty standard alpha/overprotectiveness (hey, there are two guys, it was bound to happen), but to Ms. Hayes’s credit, it isn’t overdone and Tabi doesn’t sit back and take it. No, she won’t let them lock her in an ivory tower. When, later in the book, Jared is taken by the enemy, she’s right there by Duncan, hunting down the bad guys to rescue her man.

There are many reasons that bumped this book to a 5-star for me. This book features a slightly different twist on vampires. As Duncan’s gotten older, he’s gotten stronger immunity against the sun, so it’s
not a complete “vampires go poof in sunlight”. The maker/makee of the vampire/child relationship is interesting, as is the self-governing and territorial nature of the vampires. Ms. Hayes also doesn’t shy away from humor and taking a few good, hard smacks at a particular author’s sparkling vampires.
Duncan is displeased, to say the least, when Tabi asks if he sparkles in the sun. Jared’s response: “Be careful. He ate the last person who asked him that.”

And let’s not forget the smoking hot sex. There’s plenty of it, but at no point did I feel it was overdone, or came too soon (well, maybe the first hook-up between Duncan and Tabi, but that’s it). I think
the reason this ménage appealed to me where others don’t is there wasn’t a lot of multiple-partner sex. There was one scene at the end where all three of them were together, but other than that, the majority of the encounters were Tabi and Jared or Tabi and Duncan. I fully got why she would be attracted and want to keep both men. I also like that Ms. Hayes was very clear that the relationship between Duncan and Jared was not and never had been sexual in nature...before Tabi. And even after they both admitted they wanted her, there wasn’t a “Oh cool, we can have sex with her and sex with each other too!” No,
Tabi was very much the object of their desires and there was no man on man action.

So, overall, this was a fantastic book and I’ll have to look for more of Ms. Hayes’s work from here on out.

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Giveaway: Ms. Hayes is giving away an Ecopy of Eternal Bonds. The TBR Pile is giving away 2 books from their prize list! To ENTER: Comment below on why you want to read Eternal Bonds.

REVIEW: Born Cheetah by Zenina Masters

8/23/2013

Born Cheetah
Author: Zenina Masters
Length: 93 pages
Genres: Erotic Romance, Contemporary,
TBR Reviewer: Shyla Colt
Rating: 5 Stars - A Must Read
Heat: 3 - Blush Worthy.

I adored this story. Ms. Masters really swept me into her world with shifters, transporters, and cleverly named gathering spots. Rayna is a cheetah shifter raised by Otters after the death of her parents. Always on the outskirts and different from others she’s recently come into her own, and is now ready for a mate. We all know you have to love yourself before you can love someone else, can I get an amen? (Yeah I’ve been watching a lot of Ru Paul today, but it’s true) I related to being the outsider. I think we’ve all felt that way at one time or another. As the years pass without revealing her intended she begins to consider going to Crossroad, an amazing place where people go to search from mates. This was one of my favorite places in the story! Spunky, confident, and endearing, Rayna is an easy character to love. I enjoyed seeing how she’s overcome adversity, and for her true happiness.

Gregory is a wild man, literally. The horse shifter is stunned when he runs into the girl from his past, turned woman. She makes his inner animal gallop for joy, the same as she always has. But unlike high school years, the attraction between them is off the charts. Wading through the jumbled confusion on youth they found a common ground they can both stand on. I want to go more into this, but it’d be revealing secrets. So I have to keep my mouth shut. I will say, there’s nothing that can
sabotage a relationship before it starts like petty jealousy! I really enjoyed his balance of strong yet sensitive, and the way his animal was shown in his attitude.

I recommend this short read for a unique look into the world of shifters!

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REVIEW: Healed Hearts by Tamsin Baker

8/23/2013

Healed Hearts (Third Bite #3)
Author: Tamsin Baker
Length: 65 pages
Genres: paranormal historical menage romance (M/M/M/F)
TBR Reviewer: Amanda
Rating: 4 Stars – Recommended Read
Heat: 4 – Smoking Hot

All vampires need a ménage relationship to be whole - usually three but rarely enough to be the stuff of legend, four. For Lucas, Thomas, and Piers, the hole in their relationship was not filled when Thomas and Lucas turned Piers. For ten years, the lack has caused the three of them to be at odds, until Lady Tonnington helps them realize that they are missing a specific woman and tells them where to find her. Lady Maryanne's parents sent her away from society in disgrace, to be married to an older man, after her former fiancé took her virginity then ruined her reputation. When the three vampires meet up with her,
they have to get past the distrust of people she harbors as well as try to convince her to risk another scandal in order to take a chance on them.

The story fits well into the series, and Lady Tonnington's matchmaking efforts are again on display. Maryanne is justifiably angry and sad when the vampires first meet her, but once they get past that barrier, the romance goes at a break-neck pace toward love. Of course, there is a villain to be vanquished, but by the end of the story, Maryanne no longer cares about society's demands when against love. The balance between plot and sex is slightly weighted towards the sex scenes, but the book is well-written and a fun read. I really liked Piers and how each of the three men brought something different into the relationship.

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REVIEW: With His Handy Man by Morgan King

8/23/2013

With His Handy Man (Moving On #1)
Author: Morgan King
Length: 35 pages
Genres: contemporary M/M romance
TBR Reviewer: Amanda
Rating: (4) Stars – Recommended Read
Heat: (4) – Smoking Hot

Tom has spent a year waiting for his business partner and ex-boyfriend to come back to him. He assumed progress had been made when their friendship seemed back on track, but when Liam announced that he was moving away to be with someone else, Tom finally decides to move on himself. In the wings, Jax has been waiting since the breakup first happened, and is quite happy to help Tom get over Liam once and for
all.

Although this is not a long story, it felt like a good look into these two men and the relationship they
both wanted to build. Because they worked together, there was a sense of taking a friendship and moving it to another level, rather than two strangers hooking up. Although the sex happened quickly, enough time was covered to keep it from being an "insta-love" story. I especially enjoyed watching Tom finally put Liam in his proper place and the epilogue was great. The writing was well-done and the overall story satisfying for its length.

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CONTEST: Fairy Prey by Anna Keraleigh

8/14/2013

Title: Fairy Prey
Author: Anna Keraleigh
Genre: Fantasy, Fairy, Erotic, BDSM
TBR Reviewer: Bella Star
Rating: 5 Stars - A must Read.
Heat: 5 - Orgasmic.

Fairy Prey continues the fairy series by Anna Keraleigh. This was a wild ride into a fantasy world that is so well portrayed. The world building is fabulous. I could really see this beautiful kingdom
with sexy men that can fly. I haven’t read the other books in the series but I plan too after this. I didn’t have any trouble keeping up with the series either.

Whisper is this bad ass fairy that knows Morrigan is his mate but they each have issues. He’s a dominant and was tortured by the trolls in these violent games as a child. Morrigan is a bad ass herself and is afraid to give in to these submissive feelings she’s having for Whisper. They’re battling the lust between them and these creatures called trolls that are constantly attacking the kingdom. Then there’s this freaky creature that can change into man or woman and tries to lure people to their death. There’s also these gladiator games they’re forced to fight in. This book really wowed me. Also add in these hot sex scenes and I will never look at candles the same way again. Wax play has a completely new meaning!

Fairy Prey was an adventure that is a must read. Now I’m off to find the other books in this fairy series.

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Giveaway: Ms. Keraleigh is giving away an Ebook, reader's choice in the fairy series, to two commenters! The TBR pile is giving away a book from our prize list. Comment below to enter.

REVIEW: Falling For Trouble by Jenika Snow

8/14/2013

Title: Falling for Trouble
Author: Jenika Snow
Genre: Romance
Page Count: 87
TBR Reviewer: Jessica
Rating: 5 Stars - A Must Read
Heat: 3 - Blush Worthy

Falling for Trouble is an amazing story of best friends falling for each other. Sophia has been on her own since she was taken away from her drug addicted mother as a child. Abe has also been alone ever since a tragic car accident took the lives of his parents when he was just a child. Having no one but each other, Abe and Sophia have been best friends ever since. Now 22, Sophia can't deny how drastically her feelings have changed toward Abe. Abe, finding it too hard to deal with the lifelong pain of losing his parents, uses alcohol and women to cope. Rather than admit her true feelings, Sophia remains the ever
loyal best friend and watches from the side lines as Abe goes from woman to woman in a drunken spiral. That is until one night when Abe and Sophia end up spending the night together. The only problem... Abe is too drunk to remember any thing that happened in the morning!

This is my absolute favorite kind of story. I love the angst and drama that a best friends turned lovers
story line offers up. And there is no shortage of angst and drama in this book. The build keeps building and just when you think you've reached the climax of the story, there's more curve balls ahead.

I adored the characters in this story. Sophia is instantly likeable as the devoted friend. The author does
such a superb job of taking you through Sophia's heartbreaking journey of unrequited love. Abe is just as likeable. Of course I wanted to shake him over and over for his reckless behavior and how utterly oblivious he is to the feelings of his best friend. You can't help but fall for these characters,
the beautiful dynamic between them. The dialogue between them is sweet and funny and so perfect for lifelong best friends. I adored every bit of it.

My typical gauge for how much I love a story is how many times I can feel my heart tug painfully while I'm reading. This entire book is one perfect chest squeeze and I'm so addicted to that lovely pain. I adored this story, I adored the characters. I can't wait to read more from Jenika Snow!

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Review: Fallen Angels by Ashlynn Monroe

8/14/2013

Fallen Angels
Ashlynn Monroe
Genre: Steampunk, Erotica
TBR Reviewer: Bella Star
Rating: 4 stars - Recommended Read.
Heat: 4 - An Erotic Ride.

I really wanted to read this book the moment I read the blurb. This book is a great fantasy, steampunk. Three women in a convent in a wild west setting are captured, one raped and beaten when there town is attacked. They all go threw hell to survive but are forced apart and spend the new few years searching for each other. Wild west guns, taverns, and motorcycles, how cool is that!

I really feel in love with these characters. They're survivors and so well rounded that I wanted to read more about them. Steel, our bad boy, not such a hero was great. He was sexy and hot and of course, a bad boy. The only issues I had was how rushed the book was. One moment she spoke about never giving up her virginity and the next moment she's giving it up to a virtual stranger. However, the book was still really entertaining and wonderful.

Fallen Angels by Ashlynn Monroe was a great read from beginning to end!

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Review: Nora Roberts Land by Ava Miles

8/14/2013

Nora Roberts land
by Ava Miles
Genre - Romantic suspense
Length - Novel
TBR Reviewer - Daniella
Rating: 4 Stars - Recommended Read.
Heat: 4 - An Erotic Ride.

When journalist Meredith Hale´s cheating, self-centered husband divorced her, he blamed their divorce on all the Nora Roberts book she read, claiming they are all just fantasy. When a family emergency brings her back from the big city to her small home town of Dare Valley, she decides to test if Nora
Roberts land really exists and write a story about her search for Mr. Right. When the ex-husband, now trying to get into the world of politics, finds out about the story, he thinks she is out to ruin him and his career by detailing their relationship in the story. He then blackmails freelance journalist Tanner
McBride into going to Dare and making Meredith fall in love with him, then dumping her, thereby effectively ruining her story. However, when Meredith and Tanner meet, the sparks between them are
undeniable. Could Tanner be her Nora Roberts hero? As they work together to uncover the truth behind a suspicious death in Dare, their feelings unfold, but will the secrets they keep and the dangers of their investigation ruin the romance worthy of a Nora Roberts book?

I have read enough Nora Roberts books (although I am not as devoted as Meredith) to be drawn in by the blurb. Although Meredith and Tanner are the typical romance story main characters they do bring something new to the table, and they do make an excellent pair. The book is good in the romance department and good in the suspense department. The book had a lot of laugh-out-loud
dialogue, especially in the beginning and many amazingly sweet and funny characters, especially Meredith´s family members. Although very well written, there were a few things that made me not give this five stars, including that the bad guys acted quite stupid and obvious. You wouldn´t really need to be a top journalist to figure those goons out.

Ava Miles has created a nice space of her own in the world of romance with this book, and I am looking forward to reading more about the people of Valley characters in her next book.

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REVIEW: A Mermaid's Wish by Viola Grace

8/14/2013

A Mermaid’s Wish
Author: Viola Grace
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Length: 49 pages
TBR Reviewer: Shyla
Rating: 5 Stars - A Must Read.

I love a good story, be it sweet, or scorching, and Ms. Grace earns props for making it so appealing. This was Little Mermaid meets Pretty Woman if Julia Roberts had been a total bad ass.

Born to a nitpicking mother who focused on beauty, poise, and wealth, Taem makes a deal with a
gene witch, *cough Ursula* to be normal. The charm placed on her person allows her to be herself, avoid society rules and restrictions. Intelligent, witty, and take-control you can’t help but love her.
In charge of her people’s newest colonization effort, she’s determined to change things for the better. The prince, Sardu, approves of her efforts and so much more.

Sardu is as beautiful as he is brilliant. Ready for change, and over silly woman with nothing between their ears he has his sights set on Taem. Now he just needs to inform her. Strong without being overbearing, and filled with humor Sardu is impossible not to like. The book focuses around Taem, so we only get a broad picture of the prince, and I would’ve liked to learn more.

There are no steamy scenes here, just sweet kisses. So if you’re looking for that it may come up short. I think this is a highly imaginative short, perfect for a quick read that’ll make you think.

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REVIEW: Goody Two Shoes by Keiko Alvarez

8/14/2013

Goody Two Shoes
Author: Keiko Alvarez
Genre: Erotica
Page Count: 98
TBR Reviewer: Jessica
Rating: 3 Stars - A Good Read.
Heat: 5 - Orgasmic.

Goody Two Shoes is an erotic story about a pair of co-workers who are the least likely people to cheat on their spouses. But a business weekend away has one thing leading to another and both Laura and Dan realize the other is not at all as they seem. Laura, a straight laced, uptight woman is married to Bobby, a
large, tattooed mechanic who appears to be the controlling party in the marriage. Dan is married to Connie, the beautiful mother of their two children, but since having kids has stopped giving Dan any attention in the bedroom.

I'm not completely sure how I feel about this book. If you're looking for a book with a compelling story line and well developed characters, this isn't really for you. While there's a lot to learn about all of the
characters in the books, no one is really who they seem to be, and you're left with more questions than answers. However, If you're looking for a sexual ride, well then look no further. This book is page upon page of sexual escapades between spouses and lovers. And when they aren't actually doing the deed, they are plotting when the next fling will happen and who else they can invite along.

While there's not much plot going on in this book, I still couldn't stop reading it because I was genuinely interested in where it was going. Who was going to end up with who? What was going to happen next? By the end you realize that this book was written for the sake of pushing sexual boundaries and exploring sexual fantasies, not to really engage the reader in a compelling plot. However, that works too when that's exactly what the reader wants. I was a tad confused about the ending...it's either a cliffhanger alluding to a sequel to this story... or its just an ending to this story and you're just left guessing. Either way, it's an entertaining, highly graphic and steamy book.

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