Review: Overdue for Pleasure by Shelley Aikens

Overdue for Pleasure by Shelley Aikens

Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Menage Romance

Heat Rating: 4

Blurb

Mandy is content with her job as a librarian, her longtime boyfriend, Martin, and the lovely home they share. So what if their sex life is vanilla? She's not the wild type anyway.

But when she wakes up one morning—unsatisfied—from an erotic dream starring her favorite movie star, Mandy starts to crave sexual adventure in real life. Too bad Martin won't oblige, because it's not Tuesday or Friday. Then Mandy finds out what Martin's been doing the other days of the week—or rather, who. And suddenly she needs to prove to herself that she's not boring in bed.

Fortunately, there is no shortage of smoking-hot men willing to help her on her sensual quest: a nameless library patron who could be Brad Pitt's twin, a coworker she suddenly sees in a different light, and the neighbor who usually rubs her the wrong way wants to show her he can rub her the oh-so-right way, too! Lucky for Mandy, her lovers are more than willing to share...



Monica's Review

As soon as you start reading this book get prepared because it will be steamy all the way through, Mandy will experience mind-blowing pleasure from start to end during her quest of sexual pleasure that is.so overdue.

When I started reading this story I perceived Mandy’s character as being naïve, an air head, sorry. At the beginning when she found her boyfriend startled to see her at home so early in the afternoon it was obvious what he was doing but it took her awhile to finally realize it and come to terms with it. I was like, girl get a clue it is written all over his face he’s a prick that does not deserve you. After that, Mandy was like a sex-crazed woman ready for anything that came her way and did it ever come her way. Mandy felt more than secure with herself and willing to explore everything but also anywhere, which is amazing. I was in shock of how she is so into exploring her new sexual hunger in different outdoor places. After her sexual exploring who will she be with to start a relationship that may lead her into marriage and an actual family?

Lovers that came across with Mandy are amazing. Sean is a young sexy man that is willing to explore everything that Mandy has to offer. His way of treating her and talking to her is in a way that is sweet but so intense sexually. His actions are so erotic and hypnotizing that you get lost in his character. Mr. Sparkly Eyes is a character that everyone should consider as dangerous in a good sexual way. Just image a total stranger taking their way with you and making you do things that are out of the ordinary, especially in public places. His character is one that will just show up out of the blue and make you feel so good, hot and wicked you get lost in his world of pleasure. The best part is if he is a Brad Pitt look-a-like. Then there is James the neighbor that seems out of place. Glad that he takes the opportunity in offering Mandy a place to live but truly what is agenda if anything. At the beginning when his character comes into play he is a total ass and rude. Once you get to know the character you get a soft spot for him. Just alone with what he does for a living is enough to know that he is a sweet person but oh my god does he have a dark side to him. There is a little surprise in there that is just amazing on how a gift was given to Mandy.

Overall I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone that is ready for a knock out sexually intense book that will leave you breathless. My only complaint is that I wanted to see a little bit more of Mandy and her new boyfriend's relationship grow. After their last sexual fantasy encounter which was out of this world, what next? But no matter what is was still an excellent read. A story that I will definitely will leave on my e-reader to reread again

4 1/2 Tea Cups!

      

Review: Healing Hearts by Taryn Kinkaid

Healing Hearts by Taryn Kinkaid

Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Historical Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

As a girl, Emma Whiteside asked Adam Caldwell, Viscount Riverton, to wait for her to be of marriageable age. Now, twelve years later, Emma hates Adam as much as she once loved him, holding the former army major responsible for the death of her brother on the battlefield.

Adam already blames himself for the loss of the men under his command. But the fiery young woman Emma's become sparks his arousal, as well as emotions Adam thought long dead. The passion between them makes him want to reclaim the man he was before the war.

Though she tries to hold on to her hatred, Emma's longing for Adam is undeniable, especially after the two share a smoldering kiss. Still, Adam is certain no woman would want a man so damaged. Can Emma prove him wrong?



Dodie's Review

This is a Regency romance in its finest form. There's something simple and pure about a Regency Romance. The hero and heroine can interact without the modern distractions of daily life. When done properly, its a story beautiful in its simplicity. I'm sure that people in that real era had real, difficult problems that weren't so easily solved, but in the fantasy world of books, things are easily solved.

At first glance, Adam is colored through Emma's anger at the loss of her brother. As she learns more about his actions in the war, and witnesses his interactions with her, her feelings towards him begin to evolve. Although this is set in a simpler time, we are also without modern advances in medicine. Adam was injured in the war, and is convinced that no one would want him, with his war injury.

This book was solidly written and executed. Things happened for logical reasons. People changed their opinions after suitable revelations. You don't really need a reason, just go get the book. You won't be disappointed.

5 Tea Cups!

      

Review: Hunger Aroused by Dee Carney

Hunger Aroused by Dee Carney

Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Jasmine is sick in bed when a sexy stranger breaks in and reveals she's suffering an irreversible case of vampirism. And because her turning wasn't approved by the Council, he must kill her once the transition is complete. In the meantime, the executioner offers to ease her torment with chocolate, hot peppers or sexual release. Fortunately for them both, Jasmine's kitchen is bare...

Corin's honor demands he do his duty, but he cannot execute the lovely woman while any part of her humanity remains. He must also find—and kill—her sire. Jasmine denies ever having contact with a vampire, causing Corin to question the justice of his orders. Sensing his hesitation, the Council dispatches another executioner, forcing the pair to make a run for it.

Every hour they spend together—every sensual encounter they share—finds them growing closer. Now Corin will have to choose: kill the woman he loves, or go against everything he believes to set her free.


Lia's Review

The instant I opened this book on my e-reader, I was transformed into a dark world, where order and disorder are ruled by a council of elder vampires. A world where a vampire hunter is sent to kill an innocent woman who has no idea how she became one of them.

The characters were enjoyable to read and I loved the fact that both of them grew and evolved by the end. The plot was constantly moving forward with minimal dragging moments. The love scenes were erotic, and the book simply flowed. A few shocking moments made the plot a little unpredictable and more enjoyable. Everything came together beautifully in the end.

5 Tea Cups!

      

Review: The Debutante’s Dilemma by Elyse Mady

The Debutante’s Dilemma by Elyse Mady

Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Historical Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

One woman in search of passion
Miss Cecilia Hastings has achieved what every young lady hopes for during her first London season...in duplicate! She's caught the eye of not one but two of England's most eligible bachelors. Both Jeremy Battersley, Earl of Henley, and Richard Huxley, Duke of Wexford, are handsome, wealthy and kind, the epitome of proper gentlemen. But Cecilia doesn't want proper, she wants passion. So she issues a challenge to her suitors: a kiss, so that she may choose between them.

Two men in love with the same woman

Friends since childhood, and compatriots on the battlefields of Spain, Jeremy and Richard have found that falling for the same woman has set them at odds and risks destroying their friendship forever. But a surprising invitation to a late-night garden tryst soon sets them on a course that neither of them could have anticipated. And these gentlemen quickly discover that love can take many forms...


Hunter's Review

I loved this short story. It is so clever. I have read a million ballroom tales, I’ll admit I’m a sucker for stories of the ton but never have I read a ménage book written like this one. Both Richard and Jeremy are in love with Cecilia and while she loves them both she craves passion, something neither one of them has ever given her.

One night in a garden changes everything and I have to say that it is amazing how well the author handled the ending of this book. I highly recommend this. It is hot and fun. Expect big things from this author.

5 Tea Cups!

      

Review: My Lord Jack by Hope Tarr

My Lord Jack by Hope Tarr

Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Historical Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Former French courtesan Claudia Valemont can't believe her life has come to this: standing in front of a Scottish judge, sentenced to death for stealing a horse. She fled France to find her father and escape the hangman's noose. Now here she is, facing the same fate—alone, desperate and penniless.

"Hold! I will speak for her."

Burly Scottish hangman Jack Campbell takes pride in his work: serving justice and giving the condemned a quick end to their sorry lives. Why he spoke for that pale, hollow-eyed Frenchwoman he'll never know. But now he's stuck with her—assigned to be her keeper for six months' indenture.
Bound together by the rules of her sentence, Jack and Claudia learn to appreciate their differences. But as their wary affection turns to tender desire, secrets from the past appear and threaten to destroy their future...



Clare’s Review

Claudia and Jack both have more in common that they at first thing, despite Claudia being a French lady and Jack a Scottish hangman. Both outcasts and both born out of wedlock with foreign father's, they find themselves thrown together when Claudia is indentured to Jack for 6 months in lieu of her hanging for stealing a horse.

The rich descriptions and wonderful Scottish language add depth and character to the story. Claudia and Jack are so real, they leap off the page at you. Their accents come across clearly and wonderfully, leaving you in no doubt as to their nationalities or where the story is taking place. With its twists and turns and heart stopping moments as events suddenly go a way I hadn't expected, this well written story grabbed my attention from the start.

Ms Tarr has done a wonderful job of creating three dimensional characters in Claudia and Jack that live on once the last page is turned. With its action, drama, love and romance, My Lord Jack has everything you could want from a novel on a long dark evening. Its the first of Ms Tarr's books I have read and won't be the last.

5 Tea Cups!

      

Review: Betrayed by Claire Robyns

Betrayed by Claire Robyns

Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Historical Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Two Feuding Families

Amber Jardin has no taste for the bitter feud started before her father’s banishment. But now that he’s passed, she’s had to return to Scotland and his barbaric people. After her bloodthirsty uncle kidnaps one of the family’s rivals, Amber is in turn captured by Krayne Johnstone, the enemy laird. Despite their enmity, their attraction is immediate—and unfortunate, as Amber has sworn to escape.

One Lusty Temptation

Krayne is amazed at the wildcat’s repeated attempts to flee. He should steel himself against her beguiling ways—yet with time, he is driven more witless with lust. When the ransom exchange fails and Krayne is left with Amber, he finds he cannot tolerate the thought of her with another man—and she cannot tolerate the thought of returning to her uncle’s home.
Will passion and love win out over mistrust and betrayal in time to prevent an all-out war?


Hunter’s Review

To me, this book moved a little bit slowly. There was a lot of attention to detail—something I know all fans of historical romance, including me, really appreciate—but I felt that the nuisances came in place of real heat between the hero and the heroine.

I did enjoy the feisty heroine and thought she had a great sense of humor. The end of the book is very satisfying, although I might have liked more of an apology from the hero.

Do buy this book if you like true to life historical novels that have hot Scottish heroes!

2 ½ Tea Cups!

Review: Three Over Par by Cathryn Brunet

Three Over Par by Cathryn Brunet

Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Erotic Romance

Heat Rating: 4

Blurb

Wild, hot, addictive sex…

After seeing one too many patients die regretting the things they haven’t done, nurse Lucy Seymour realizes she’s been making the same mistake. So when Robbie, the sexy golf instructor, makes his move, she responds with uninhibited passion, telling him there is nothing she won’t try. Long sessions of foreplay lead to thrills and fantasy fulfillment…until Lucy sees Daniel, the greenkeeper, watching them. Watching her. And then Daniel does more than just watch…he joins them.

Can it lead to love?

Lucy might be exploring all of her secret fantasies, but her reality is that she’s a one-man woman…and for her, that man is Daniel. But what does Daniel really want? Lucy or the fantasy?



Hunter’s Review

Three Over Par is a first person narrative, not something I was aware of before I read this book. I like First Person so it wasn’t a problem for me but I wanted to make the reader aware of this before they buy the book. The protagonist, Lucy, makes a lot of mistakes but she’s very likable and I enjoyed being inside her head for the whole of this book.

Robbie, the Pro, as she refers to him, is a little one-sided but I felt very sorry for him. It’s obvious that he’s in love with her while she only has eyes for Daniel. As for the hero, Daniel, he really shines during the love scenes. He’s kind and gentle with her then while outside of the lovemaking he is, until almost the end, seemingly cold and unfeeling. He really puts Lucy through hell.

Usually, I don’t like books where the hero acts really awfully while the heroine holds onto her hope and all is forgiven at the end. But, Lucy acts foolishly herself so most of Daniel’s behavior is, for the most part, alright.
The love scenes are very hot. Expect threesomes in public. Brunet is a very talented writer who really sucks you in and tugs at your emotions. I enjoyed this short read very much and can’t wait for more from her!

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: Hunters by Lindsey Bayer and Michelle Marquis

Hunters by Lindsey Bayer and Michelle Marquis

Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Kirillian Harmony Knox was one of the most successful bounty hunters in the galaxy—until a brain-eater named Prime became her only failure and escaped, landing her in jail. Now free, she'll stop at nothing to catch him and stop his murderous rampage.

Unfortunately for Harmony, fellow hunter Bart Tanner has the only available transport. Arrogant and ruthless, Tanner is known for killing most of his bounties. Harmony can't stand him—yet she can't deny the deep sexual desire sparking between them.

Once enslaved as a cage fighter by a cruel Kirillian, Tanner harbors a deep hatred for the alien race—though he's drawn to Harmony's luscious sensuality, and they soon indulge in erotic encounters.
When Prime puts out a hit on Harmony, things intensify, and Tanner realizes their lust has turned into something deeper—but if he and Harmony aren't careful, more than just their lives will be at stake...



Desmond’s Review

At its heart, Hunters is about two embittered people having no time or inclination for love, but internally battling their need for intimacy. This is what makes a good story, the character arcs, written by Ms. Marquis and Ms. Bayer, allow us to peek into both Harmony Knox and Bart Tanner and follow their journey.

Initially, these two people with a history of not being able to stand each other, are thrown together in a ship, forced to confront one another. As dissimilar metals mixed in a caldron, Harmony and Bart combative relationship serves to define these two strong characters and cause them to address their similarities and differences.

The main characters, as described above, carry most of the story, but there are secondary characters, who are the catalyst for the arcs of the two protagonists. Prime, an alien criminal and the source of Harmony’s obsession, is a intelligent cockroach like being and a brain eater. His skip from harmony’s clutches ruins her 100% record and this, above all, defines her reason to reject intimacy with Bart.

Harmony is a Kirillan and Bart despises Kirillians because he was once held captive and forced to cage fight for them. Hence, his tool for rejecting Harmony. Both of these spheres collide during the story.
Ms. Marquis and Ms. Bayer handle the sex scenes quite well, especially one where they are ‘performing’ to try and locate a skip they need to bring back. In all cases, whether feverish or sweet, you get the idea these two people like each other for more than the sex.

Hunters is a well written story about two people, who obviously need each other, but have yet to realize it. Their adventure carries them through their arcs until they both determine what’s really important--each other.

Desmond’s quote:  “Hunters is a well done space opera, a love story couched within an adventure. The characterizations are masterful, fully realizing both the virtues and flaws of Harmony Knox and Bart Tanner. I recommend this as a good, summertime read and a lot of fun.”

4 Tea Cups!