Category: Review

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Review of Power Play by Eliza Gayle

Power Play 
by Eliza Gayle
Publisher: Loose Id
ISBN: 978-1-61118-663-5
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Series: Pleasure Playground Book #2, Book #1 is Midnight Playground
Themes: Bondage, Dominance, Submission, Voyeurism
Format: eBook
Length: Novel
Order Here

She wants the escape. He wants control. They both need love.
Jennifer Croft is at the peak of her career. As a bondage model at Altered Ego, she’s become the crème de la crème of the fetish world, ensuring herself a top spot in her profession. The world is her oyster. Her personal life on the other hand… It’s not pretty. Only her fascination with pain play keeps the ghosts of her past at bay.
After tragedy sends Daegan McKenna to the South for a much needed change of pace, the last thing he expects to find is a closet submissive hiding in plain sight. She’s hot-tempered and in denial — a heady combination that brings out the dominant looking for a challenge. He’s already loved and lost more than one man should, but the haunted look in her eyes prompts him to make her an offer. He’ll indulge her darkest fantasies, if she’ll agree to give up control. Then he’ll let her go.
Unfortunately, the past never stays in the past and old insecurities cause complications neither of them wanted. Now temporary is not enough.
Excerpt http://elizagayle.net/books/power-play/
My thoughts:
Jennifer appears to be a very strong person on the outside but deep down she is scared and unsure of herself.   Jennifer has never learned how to rely on anyone but herself for most of her life.  When Daegan shows up at Altered Ego everything that Jennifer knows and feels about trusting someone will be tested.  But is she strong enough to handle the changes?
Daegan is trying to run from his past.  But when he sets his eyes on the beautiful bondage model at Altered Ego he knows he can no longer run from how he feels or the things that he wants out of life. And now he wants Jennifer.  But will Daegan be able to tame the wild, hot tempered temptress without losing himself in the process?
This was a great story of finding out who you are and what you need.  Even if it is the last thing you ever thought you needed, is what you need the most.  This is a great love story between Jennifer & Daegan with a hint on BDSM.  There is not a lot BDSM which is great, because it doesn’t take over the story.  I really enjoyed the struggle that Jennifer & Daegan go through to understand each other.  Both have secrets that they are afraid to share.  But in the end if you don’t have trust you don’t have anything. 
If you are looking for a great BDSM story, I would recommend you check out Power Play. 
I want to say a huge THANK YOU to Christine & Eliza for allowing me to read and review this book.  I look forward to reading more of Eliza’s stories. 
  

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Review of Seducing the Myth (anthology)

Seducing The Myth – Multiple Authors
Seducing the Myth: Myths and Legends with an Erotic Twist is a collection of 24 tantalizing tales that lead you on a decadent journey through mythologies the world over. As well as stories from the popular Greek and Roman periods, this anthology will also delight you with Arabian, Arthurian, Hindu, Jewish, Norse, Slavic, Sumerian and Welsh myths and legends. Add in a delicious sprinkling of fairies, mermaids and ancient fertility rituals and you have a recipe for a wickedly erotic read!
Natasha’s Thoughts:
Holy bonkers!! These stories are seriously HOT, I think I burned myself multiple times, and had to take many cold showers; then get back to reading! Ever have a really, really sizzling scene in a book that you bookmarked so you could easily find it again for a quick refresher (I can’t be the only one)? That’s all these stories are! Great, short reads that get straight to the point and turn up the heat. Very fun and wicked read!
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Review of Echoes of Magic by Donna Grant

Echoes of Magic
Book 2 Sisters of Magic 
By Donna Grant
Hiding a secret so awful that his only hope for survival is to remain hidden, Grayson has lived most of his life pretending to be someone he isn’t. After years serving as a commander to his lord and friend, Grayson can no longer hold back the past. He leaves in search of answers only to find evil awaits him. Until he discovers an achingly beautiful woman who stirs his deepest passions and all-consuming need.
Adrianna knows what her future holds for her as a witch – loneliness and heartache. She has accepted that. Until she discovers Grayson near death in the forest. Saving him is her only choice, and even as she falls deeper into the attraction surrounding them, can her magic be enough to stop Fate or the evil that awaits them.
My thoughts:
In Echoes of Magic we continue the adventures of the bana-bhuidseach (or witch).  But this time we follow Grayson & Adrianne (who we met in book 1) on an adventure to find answers to the many secrets that Grayson has been keeping.
Once Grayson & Adrianna met it is clear to each of them nothing will ever be the same for them.  Each step of their journey turns up a new secrets and surprises.  But when faced with the biggest challenge of their lives only true love and undying trust will be enough to overcome the evil that has them in its sights.
I really enjoyed this second installment of the Sisters of Magic series.  So far this is my favorite book to the trilogy. Grayson tries so very hard to be the person that everyone else wants him to be.  But when he learns that he needs to be that person for himself he finally learns how to live and love.  Adrianna is a very strong witch and know the pain of loss but is still willing to risk it all for Grayson.   I really loved Grayson & Adrianna. 
I am looking forward to third and final book of the Sisters of Magic series:  Dangerous Magic.  Jump in to the world of the bana-bhuidseach and learn that sometimes that magic of love is more powerful than any other form of magic. 
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Review of Making Waves by Tawna Fenske

Making Waves
by Tawna Fenske
File Size: 571 KB
Print Length: 349 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 1, 2011)
When Alex Bradshaw’s unscrupulous boss kicks him to the curb after 20 faithful years as an executive with the world’s largest shipping company, he sets out to reclaim his dignity and his pension. Assembling a team of fellow corporate castoffs, he sails to the Caribbean to intercept an illegal diamond shipment. None of them counted on quirky blonde stowaway Juli Flynn, who has a perplexing array of talents, a few big secrets, and an intoxicating romantic chemistry with Alex…

My Thoughts:
In Making Waves we meet Juli Flynn.  She has been asked by her late uncle to spread his ashes out at sea.  Only problem is that Juli’s hates the ocean.  But being the ever good niece,  Juli’s sets out on the adventure to fulfill her uncle’s wishes.
Alex finds himself staring at his pink slip not knowing what just happened.  While drinking and brain storming with his fellow fired co-workers they devise a plan to get back at their former employer.   One thing Alex never planned on was the beautiful stow away sleeping in his bed.
Juli’s & Alex find them self on the adventure of a lifetime in Making Waves.  But will these two survive the adventure or will one of them have to walk the plank?

OMG!!! Let me tell you first I had the great pleasure of meeting Tawna over this past summer.  She is so much fun and her book Making Waves was just as much fun.  I am so glad that I meet her and pick up this book.

I could not put this book down and was laughing the whole time.  Let me also tell you that Jell-O salad and cheese doodles will NEVER be the same after you read this book!!! 
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Review of Shadow Magic by Donna Grant

ShadowMagic
Book 1 in Sisters of Magic Trilogy
By Donna Grant
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 376 KB
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B0060LL9NA
Magic. Long has it been debated on whether it truly exists. Yet, exist it does, and in the most noble of women.
With a past soaked in sin and darkness slowly closing in around him to claim his soul, Drogan only wants to live his life in solitude. Years in the king’s service and his numerous deeds directed by the crown have left Drogan with horrendous nightmares and immeasurable guilt…
Serena is a witch, cursed and forever alone. She accepts her future. Until she meets Drogan. With Drogan a passion deep and unyielding awakens inside her. She is willing to sacrifice herself for his love, but can he put his past to rest and embrace the future?
My Thoughts:
In Shadow Magic we are introduced to the world of the bana-bhuidseach.  A bana-bhuidseach is a witch, but these witches have been cursed to forever be alone.  If a witch ever allows herself to love she will lose that love forever.
We met our first witch Serena in Shadow Magic.  She is a very loved and cared for witch in her community, but she longs for something that she can never have.  Love.  The one thing that she will never allow herself to do.  She saw what loving and losing did to her mother and vows to never fall in love.  But sometimes fate has other things in mind.
Lord Drogan of Wolfglynn has come to visit one of his very best friend to help him celebrate his new child.  Drogan is extremely happy for his friend, but can’t keep the darkness at bay even with the happiness for his friend.  That is until he meets the amazingly beautiful Serena.  She changes everything.
Drogan and Serena set out on a journey of a life time in order to help keep their friends safe.  The only goal is to get  friends  and infant child safely to Wolfglynn where they will be better protected from the evil that is after them.   But even as they fight the evil after them Drogan and Serena can’t fight what they feel for each other.
I am so glad that Donna re-released her Sister of Magic Series.  I really enjoyed learning about this new world of good vs. evil.  This was a really good book.  I am looking forward to book 2 Echoes ofMagic and book 3 Dangerous Magic. 
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a review of Forever & a Day by Delilah Marvelle

Forever & A Day by Delilah Marvelle
Book 1 in the Rumor series
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: HQN Books; Original edition (December 20, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373776365
ISBN-13: 978-0373776368
Amazon | B&N 

From the Author
Dear Reader,
I love New York City.  The people are damn serious about the way they live life.  They work hard and play hard and needless to say, it got me thinking. Were the people of New York City just as hard core back in 1830 as they are now?  You better believe they were.  And those poor bastards didn’t have our modern conveniences, either. Back in 1830, people were trying to pave dirt streets with gold, even though they had nothing but sweat.  So what happens when an American-Irish woman named Georgia with only coal clutched in each hand meets a British aristocrat who only ever had gold?  You get a story known as the Prince and the Pauperette.  But why stop there?  After all, there is so much more to a story than poor vs. rich.  I wanted to get down and dirty and twisted, digging into the real facets of life back in 1830, while giving you a good laugh and a good cry.  As a writer, I get to play god (bwahahaha) and the idea of a person starting over against their will has always fascinated me. So I took away the hero’s memory and made him crawl back to the basics in life.  Basics he forgot to appreciate.  Basics he never thought he’d be able to return to.  And he does it all while touching the life of one very special woman who makes him realize true love is not only real but priceless.  I hope you enjoy my historical version of the Prince and the Pauper.        
Much love,
Delilah Marvelle
From the Back Cover
Roderick Gideon Tremayne, the recently appointed Duke of Wentworth, never expected to find himself in New York City, tracking down a mysterious map important to his late mother. And he certainly never expected to be injured, only to wake up with no memory of who he is.  But when he sees the fiery-haired beauty who’s taken it upon herself to rescue him, suddenly his memory is the last thing on his mind.
Georgia Milton, the young head of New York’s notorious Forty Thieves, feels responsible for the man who was trying to save her reticule from a thief. But she’s not prepared for the fierce passion he ignites within her. When his memory begins to return, her whole world is threatened, and Roderick must choose between the life he forgot and the life he never knew existed….

My thoughts:
Oh my sweet, sweet Delilah, you had me perplexed in this book, but in a good way.  From the get go I was trying too hard to figure out who everyone was from Forever mine.  And when I finally found out, I bawled like a baby.  Oh course I can’t say what or who, but OH MAN!!!!
Forever & A day is book one in Delilah Marvelle’s Rumor series released on Dec 20, 2011.   In Forever & a Day we find Georgia suddenly in charge of a man with no past, well he has a past he just can’t remember it.
The struggle that Georgia and Robinson go through to understand, cope and ultimately love each other was great. Georgia is a strong and feisty woman who knows what and who she wants out of life.  Unlike Robinson who doesn’t remember anything of his past life.  But he does know that he doesn’t care who he was, all he know is that he wants Georgia.  That is until he learns who is really is…..
If you loved Delilah’s Scandal series you will love the Rumor series.  So go grab this book and learn how Rumors get started. 
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A review of Chasing Paradise by Sondrae Bennett

Chasing Paradise by Sondrae Bennett
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 316 KB
Print Length: 96 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc. (July 28, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
Amazon | B&N 
He’ll do whatever it takes to earn back her trust.

A vacation is exactly what Ethan needs to escape the mate hungry females in his pack. Determined to have fun, he can’t think of a better way to start than sampling all the different flavors the shifter only resort has to offer, and not the food variety. But after he meets Gwen, no one else holds any interest for him. Ethan came on vacation to avoid mating. There’s no way he’s going to give up his freedom without a fight.

Gwen is devastated when she hears her mate denying everything they are to each other. She can’t sit by, watching him fool around with other girls at the resort. Or worse, crawl back, unable to resist the mating pull but not really wanting her. She needs to get away and her own vacation sounds like the perfect plan. But she should have remembered what her mother always taught her, never run from a predator unless you want them to chase you. The hunt is on…

My Thoughts:

You know what they say “The bigger they are the harder they fall” or “You can’t run from fate”. Well someone should have shared these quotes with Ethan.
Okay, I fell in love in with Sondrae’s Alpine Wood Shifter series with book 1 Arctic Winds (see my review here).  But Chasing Paradise was even better.  Loved Ethan. Loved Gwen. Loved Ethan’s family’s reaction not only to his mate, but to his stupidity. 
Ethan & Gwen have so many obstacles to overcome before they can be happy and the biggest one just might be themselves.
I am looking forward to more Alpine Wood Shifter stories. 
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A review of Chasing Her Trail by Keri Ford

Chasing Her Trail by Keri Ford
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 356 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Sapphire Nights Books (November 9, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B0065KXL5A
Amazon  | B&N 
Jessie McBride barely survived the unexpected death of her loving parents. Forced to fend for herself with few people to depend on while raising her younger cousin, Jessie learned to be self-sufficient. She kept a few friends close and pushed the rest of the world away, along with that helpless, dependent girl she was once. Been there, done that, never again.

It works until Henry Green enters her life, with sentimental tales of his grandpa and family. Jessie is drawn in as Henry strives to take care of the man who raised him. But while Henry is putting things in place for his grandpa to retire, his well-intended controlling ways are smothering Jessie.

Can Henry’s invitation back to life and love tempt Jessie to drop the emotional wall, or will Henry give up on chasing the girl she once was?

My thoughts:
Chasing Her Trail is book 6th and final book in Keri Ford’s Apple Trail series.  I am truly sad that this series is coming to a close, but very excited about Keri’s new project.  I have loved all of Keri’s stories.
In Chasing her Trail  we get to meet Jessie McBride again.  The tough talking, takes no crap, needs no one but herself cousin of Tiffany McBride (from Making Her Nights).  Jessie has been taking care of herself and Tiffany since their parents passed away so many years ago.  But Jessie’s life is about to be completely blown away when a very familiar face from the past show up at her door step.
As I said before I have loved all of Keri’s Apple Trail stories.  If you have not visited Apple Trail, Arkansas I would highly recommend a visit.  
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Triple review of The Fortney Follies Series by Elaine Golden

An Imprudent Lady
Amazon | B&N 
Book 1
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 197 KB
Print Length: 45 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Historical Undone (February 1, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004JF6DIK
As a young woman, Lady Charlotte Fortney learned what passion truly was from her handsome neighbor, Daniel Walsh. When they were discovered, her father sent the lowly doctor’s son far away from their precious daughter.
Years later, spinster Charlotte is content to watch others play the courtship game—until Daniel returns from India, rekindling a desire that time could never erase. But Daniel seems to have set his sights on another woman, the one match Charlotte would do anything to prevent. He may be willing to give her up—if Charlotte gives herself in exchange….
Book one of the Fortney Follies series.
Disgraceful Miss
Book 2
Amazon | B&N
Julian Kenneway, Earl of Vinedale, has a secret: he is in love with innocent debutante Angelica Fortney. She’s the one thing he desires more than the tenuous peace he has regained since returning from India. Yet everyone, including Julian, believes he’s unsuitable for her—and seducing her could ruin both their lives.
But when a rival for Angelica’s affections arrives, Julian realizes he can’t lose her—and can no longer control his passion for her….
Book two of the Fortney Follies series.
A Compromised Innocents
Book 3
Amazon | B&N 
Under intense pressure to secure a marriage contract, Miss Lizzie Talbot doesn’t dare hope that handsome Oliver Fortney, Duke of Wainsborough, would ever be interested in her. Though she longs to know his taste and touch, he is far above her station.
So Lizzie is shocked when Oliver promises to show her pleasure she never imagined… Yet she doesn’t expect more than a brief dalliance. For Oliver is destined for a match of importance and wealth, neither of which Lizzie can offer….
Book three of the Fortney Follies series.
My thoughts:
I chose to do the review for these three books together.  They are all novellas and I didn’t want to give too much away with each review.
Each of these stories can be read as a stand-alone novella, but they are linked by common characters. And I believe that you will enjoy them more if you read them in order.
I enjoyed each of these stories.  They may not have been my favorite historical books that I have read, but they were good.  I enjoyed how each set of characters  have to struggle with love, lust, desire and what is socially acceptable.
If you are looking to get your toes wet in the historical romance genera I would suggest you give Fortney Follies series a try. 
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A review of Hot Vampire Touch by Lisa Renee Jones

Hot Vampire Touch
Book 3 The Vampire Warden Series
by Lisa Renee Jones
Order here Amazon | B&N
In blood they will find destiny and the eternal bond of passion…

A Vampire Warden betrayed by a werewolf he loved, turned into something not Vampire or Wolf. The woman – the wolf – who will heal him…if he doesn’t destroy them both first.

My Thoughts:
Hot  Vampire Touch was a great conclusion to the Vampire Warden Series.
We have all grown to love Troy in Hot Vampire Kiss and Hot Vampire Seduction.  As the baby brother of Ethan and Aiden, we all want to know who and what happened to Troy.  In Hot Vampire Touch we get all these questions answered. 
It was great to see Troy grow over the course of these three books.  In Hot Vampire Touch we see how Troy finally comes to terms with who is his now.  He learns that no matter what he may or may not be he is still worthy of love.  Not just the love of his brothers, but the love of one very special woman.
If you have read the first to books in the Vampire Warden series you will not be disappointed with Hot Vampire Touch.  If you have not read the series yet, you can now order the whole trilogy here.  I would highly suggest you step in the world of the Vampire Wardens and see the lengths they will go to protect us and the ones they love. 
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A review of Hot Text by Cari Quinn

Available: Amazon/ B&N
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 192 KB
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave (November 2, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B0063EWGN6
Sometimes what you think you want and what you need are two very different things.As a technical editor, Jeffrey Maddox deals with plenty of words, leaving him few to spare on people, except his baby sister. To keep Daisy from wrecking her newly rehabbed life by shacking up with her older, married lover Lonny, he impulsively texts Lonny’s wife, Karyn. And then meets her at a coffee shop on a snowy night, ostensibly to convince her to stay with her philandering husband.But soon texting turns to sexting. After spending the night getting to know Karyn, Jeff wants something much more personal—Lonny’s wife. For himself.Despite her misgivings about Jeff’s intentions, Karyn can’t fight their attraction. She’s still not divorced, though she knows there’s no way she’ll return to her husband. But maybe an amazing night of conversation—and even more amazing lovemaking—can lead to more than just one night of hot text.
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this short story.  I love the idea of a big brother over stepping his bounds only to find himself in way over his head.  A woman learning to move on and finding that with the right timing and the right guy anything is possible.
Thank you to Cari for sharing your wonderful story with me. 
If you want a quick, hot read please give Hot Text a chance.
“Oh and don’t forget the wine”— you will just have to read the story to understand  J
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My Review of Siren’s Desire by Devyn Quinn

Siren’s Desire
Dark Tides #3
by Devyn Quinn
Release date Feb 2012
Pre-order HERE
While fighting for their lives, three mermaid sisters must battle dark and forbidden desires hidden in the ocean’s depths…
After defeating the covert agency that threatened to destroy her and her sisters, Addison Lonike grudgingly resumes her life as an EMT in Maine. She would love nothing more than to take on the dangerous Mer queen, Magaera, who is hell-bent on destroying them. But with two baby nieces on the way, she can’t take the risk. That is, until Mason McKenzie arrives…
Captain of the naval task force on the hunt for Queen Magaera in the Mediterranean, Mason sees the perfect recruit in Addison. But while at sea, the pair is pulled under a wave of passion that threatens their independent natures—and their mission. An encounter with a new race of male sea-shifters further complicates Addison’s desires. Now, she must choose between a life of the sea, or fulfilling the deepest longings of her heart…


My thoughts:
Sirens Desire is the last book in the Dark Tides Trilogy.  In Siren’s Desire we get a closer look at the youngest of the Lonike sisters Addison.  Addison finds herself being recruited by the Navy to try to help with a comment enemy Queen Magaera.  While the Navy wants to try to make peace between Queen Magaera and the humans, the Queen has other ideas.
This was a pretty good way to end the series.  Each sister has learned who they are, what they are capable of and finding an undying love for each other, their species and the men in their lives.  I would love for Devyn to write one more book just so I can know where each sister is, how the babies are and that the future looks bright.
I have to say a huge thank you to Devyn for allowing me to read this story early.  I really and truly enjoyed it.