Review: The Festival Spirit by Rachel Randall

The Festival Spirit by Rachel Randall

Publisher: Total E-Bound
Genre: Fantasy Romance


Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Johnny’s well-known for his uninhibited performances, and his electrifying show at the summer’s biggest music festival leaves fellow popstar Mira desperate for a more intimate performance. It looks like her lust will finally be satisfied—and if his bandmate Lee wants to join them, so much the better.

But Mira’s not the only one who wants Johnny. A greedy fairy queen, angry that the festival is being held in her realm, takes the submissive frontman captive. Armed only with the power of her own passion, Mira must face the dangers of an enchanted forest—and confront her darkest desires—in order to take him back for herself.

Reader Advisory: The story contains M/M intimacy, though no penetration, as well as a storyline of dubious consent. There are light instances of dominance/submission.



LynnMarie’s Review

Though the story started slow for me, it quickly picked up and held my interest until the end. Rachel Randall successfully pulled me into the settings she created and allowed me to feel the desire controlling Mira throughout the novella.  Whether from the fairies thrall, or her own deep seated longing, the reader is taken along on Mira's erotic ride.

Mira has a close relationship with two band mates, Johnny and Lee. They’re on tour together and it’s becoming harder and harder for Mira to hide her lustful feelings for Johnny. She’s had a sexual history with Lee, but they’ve remained friends. The atmosphere on the night of the concert, plus the strange drinks offered to the trio, creates an erotic tension between them.

Rachel Randall did an excellent job describing the intimacy and sexual tension between the characters. It was hot and kinky without being over the top. The fantasy element in the book did seem out of place and I feel the story was solid enough being a straight contemporary piece.

For a short novel, the characters were fully realized with their own unique flaws and desires. I would eagerly read more work from this talented author. For a sexy read where a crush turns into a real-life fantasy, The Festival Spirit is sure to entertain.

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: Escape The Night by Desiree Holt

Escape The Night by Desiree Holt

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

When Anya Kane escaped the darkness Virgil Branson was selling her into, she sought help from her boss, Gus D’Amato, a hot and hunky FBI agent. Six months later she is out of his office and in his bed, enjoying the most erotic sex imaginable and forging a bond with the man who makes every muscle in her body quiver. But things go dramatically wrong, and between bouts of thermonuclear sex that set them both on fire, Gus finds himself struggling to keep them both safe.



Lena’s Review

She came to his house in hiding. Anya is hiding from a man who is evil and loves torturing his women. It was a bold move on her part and one that Anya Kane is still paying for. Anya is determined to be free from his clutches but knows she can’t run that long. She knows the evil things Virgil Branson does and knows that her escape is the only thing that keeps her safe. Well that and her ex-boss, Gus D’Amato. Not only is he there for her but he shows her a life she never thought was possible for a plain Jane like her. Each day with Gus is making her wonder if she really is safe. Just when she thinks of a marriage with Gus, the evil one escapes. Now she is on the run again and now has nowhere to go. Can she trust Gus in protecting her forever?

FBI agent Gus D’Amato has seen many things in his life and none have scared him the most like Anya Kane. Not only is she beautiful, but she is a survivor. He’s been working on a way to finally bring down Virgil Branson. As an FBI agent he has seen the women he has tortured and thanks the stars that Anya came to him that one night. Gus is determined now to keep Anya forever by his side at all costs. Just when he thinks he can finally make a real life with Anya, the evil one escapes and now they are on the run. Can they continue a relationship on the run or will he lose Anya forever?

Three words describe Desiree Holt’s books and they are hot, hottest and hotter than ever, whether short, long or medium sized, she delivers all the way. I loved that you had Gus who is all bad and tough, yet shows a passionate side with Anya. Now Anya is definitely one woman who will not just stay down, for she is a fighter all the way. The thing I liked the most about this book was that even through all the things she must do to stay alive, Gus is with her all the way. Once again Desiree has done it, and with a flair of great talent and imagination to the point where the story comes alive.

5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!

      

Review: Moselle's Insurance by LoRee Peery

Moselle's Insurance by LoRee Peery

Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Genre: Inspirational Romance

Heat Rating: 1

Blurb

Creative artist Moselle Carson gives new life to old items, but she can't seem to renew her shattered ideal of love. When she returns to her hometown to help with a new family business, memories of a broken heart and small-town gossip chip away the tough exterior she's erected over the years. Now she's forced to decide whether she'll rebuild the wall or trust that true love never dies when it is ordained by God.

Generous insurance agent and vulnerable firefighter, Eric Todd, remembers too well how he mistreated Moselle and then set her aside. Now he longs for true love and the second chance to become a husband and father. Can he learn to forgive himself and still keep the secret that may redeem him in her eyes?



Wendy’s Review

Moselle's Insurance is a story that captures you heart through Christ. It is set in a small town in Platteville, Nabraska with small town drama.

Moselle and Eric were in love through high school, but one night caused a 12 year heart ache. Eric misunderstood her decision to wait as a decision she didn't want him. In a small town like theirs, talk spreads like wild fire causing the town to hurt Moselle. A hurt so deep that forgiveness was slow in coming.

But with prayer, her mother, and her aunt, Moselle began to trust God to know best and as God closed doors for her to be able to go back to Kansas, he opened doors for her to be back in Platteville.

Eric was seeking to have the friendship with Moselle they had before that night when not only did he have to forgive and ask forgiveness with Moselle, he also had to give forgiveness to Beth, the girl who came between him and Moselle with lies.

Through faith in God, Eric and Moselle became freinds as christian adults instead of irresponsible teens. This story is a story that reminds us that everything is in God's timing, not ours. Even though our path may lead us astray from God, once you have accepted him in your heart and soul he is never away from us. He waits patiently for us to accept the love he gives freely.

This story show us that God loves us and wants only the best for us even if we don't know what the best is. This story is a true love story of God. I loved the characters and the setting of the town.

5 Tea Cups!

      

Review: Satisfying Sophie by Ava McKnight

Satisfying Sophie by Ava McKnight

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Sophie has never had an orgasm. Too much guilt and a horrific teenage tragedy have left her self-conscious about her body. But her two roommates and best friends, Sam and Jordan, find Sophie beyond desirable. Together, they set a steamy seduction into play that awakens Sophie’s passion…and her love for Sam.

Both men are more than willing to help satisfy her sexually. To finally free herself from the pains of the past and accept love in her life, Sophie must reveal her darkest secret to Sam. And hope he returns her love, even knowing her deepest flaws.

Publisher’s Note: This story was previously published elsewhere under the title A Subtle Seduction and has been revised for Ellora’s Cave.



LynnMarie’s Review

Satisfying Sophie was a story of a woman’s journey towards accepting herself, flaws and all, and finding unconditional love. The entire book was from Sophie’s perspective, as was necessary, because this was her story.

You can’t help but love the heroine because she’s real, flawed and even though we see her deepest, darkest emotions during the narration, she’s not a ‘poor-me’ kind of woman. She’s learned to become strong and independent as an adult, after a nightmarish childhood that has left not only psychological scars on her mind, but physical ones on her body. Though I found the frequent mention of Sophie’s scars annoying earlier in the book, we later learn the true significance of them and how they shape this book and Sophie’s happily ever after.

Ava McKnight is a truly gifted author capable of transporting the reader directly into the scene where they can see, feel, and experience the words first hand. Though the setting and timeline only changed slightly throughout the entire book, the plot was character driven and very engaging. I read this book in only a few sittings because Ava’s writing is addictive and flows so smoothly you forget you’re reading fiction.

I loved the two roommates, Sam and Jordon. They’re gorgeous, but very realistic men, not sugar coated perfection. The complex relationship between the three characters in this book was beautiful, loving and appealing. Sophie loves both her friends, but realizes that she loves Sam beyond friendship. Will she be able to fight the demons of her past and give herself to him completely?

Satisfying Sophie was an emotion packed novella that brought sexual tension to a new level. The slow seduction that Ava McKnight created between the characters, with the generous helping of eroticism, was done to perfection. If you’re ready for a sexy, contemporary romance that will satisfy you on many levels, you must experience this book. I eagerly look forward to more books by this talented author!

5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!

      

Review: A Darker Purpose by Linda Parsons Mills

A Darker Purpose by Linda Parsons Mills

Publisher: New Concepts Publishing
Genre: Historical Romance

Heat Rating: 1

Blurb

Secrets and lies led Charlotte from the man she truly loved and into a passionless marriage. Madness, murder and mayhem followed her as she fought for freedom, dignity and happiness. Guilt and the need for justice drove her into danger. With a very unlikely companion she would risk everything to put the matter right.



Ashira Datya’s Review

I started reading and reviewing stories to relax me from being a stay-at-home mom during the week. To me, they are a chance to get away; I can forget about the tantrums of my children and the repetitiveness of making dinner and cleaning up.  I can travel to England, as I did in A Darker Purpose, and I don't even have to leave my living room.

William Morgan, a police officer, was in love with the beautiful Charlotte, a woman that several years before, he had proposed to. Due to circumstances that you'll just have to read about, Charlotte married Lawrence Thornton instead.

Charlotte and William's paths cross after a disagreement between Charlotte and Lawrence. After a brief distraction, William, Charlotte and her grandmother flee town to the country in a flurry of danger and excitement as the truth of what is going on with Charlotte's husband, Lawrence, is revealed.

With everything going on in my life, it took me a little while to be able to concentrate on A Darker Purpose, but once I was able to concentrate on it, I was glad I had taken the time to read it. It was a well written, intriguing story that kept me on the edge of my seat.

I give the story itself three and a half Tea Cups and a heat rating of a one. The scenes weren't graphic, but they were enough to give you a sense of what was happening in the tangled sheets. Good reading and enjoyment to all!

3 ½ Tea Cups!

   

Review: Tease Me in Tunisia by Allie Standifer

Tease Me in Tunisia by Allie Standifer

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Book 1 in the Erotic Escapes series.

Daisy Oliver’s never taken a chance in her life. The drab gray of her world changes in a heartbeat, however, when the older women who own 501 Travel Agency ask her to take a trip.

Rami Gadi loves the ladies of 501, but babysitting their friend pushes the boundaries. Until he catches his first scent of her—and loses his head and heart. He understands there are things Daisy should know about him, but can he risk scaring her away?

Two people, one determined to fight destiny and the other eager to embrace it. Love is the only thing capable of bringing them together.



LynnMarie’s Review

Daisy Oliver is an everyday, slightly overweight, boring woman, who hasn’t been laid in six years. She lives for the status quo and immediately brushes away the offer of an all-expenses paid tropical vacation. There’s nothing she’d want more than to fulfill a fantasy with a man of her dreams, but things like that didn’t happen to women like her.

When Daisy reluctantly agrees to the vacation, she immediately meets Rami, the gorgeous stud that seems eager to give her the tour of Tunisia. For once in her life, she blurts out what she really wants, sex, and waits for the chips to fall where they may. When Rami appears more than ready to satisfy her, she doesn’t question his motives, but goes along for the ride that she’s sure won’t last more than a night.

Tease Me in Tunisia was a cute, fun Quickie. I enjoyed the book, but it was a light read that became too silly in parts. This is not a full length book, so as expected, many aspects aren’t as fully developed as I would have liked.

I enjoyed the fact that Daisy was able to find her happily ever after where she least expected it. Rami was a fun character and the paranormal element in the book added a new spice to the contemporary feel.
For a fun, light Quickie about finding true love on vacation, Tease Me in Tunisia is sure to please.

3 Tea Cups!

Review: Kennel Time by Cherry Lee

Kennel Time by Cherry Lee

Publisher: eXcessica Publishing
Genre: BDSM Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Sometimes a girl just needs a little petting…and maybe a spanking with a rolled up newspaper.

Sabrina is a workaholic corporate lawyer whose staff considers her a real pit bull. Little do they know about the bitch in her waiting to be awakened. When she meets Brian at a friend’s wedding, the photographer sees the suppressed submissive side in her eyes. His dominating personality brings her inner puppy out to play.

The two engage in some serious master/pet role playing and Sabrina’s inhibitions and stress evaporate under Brian’s command. She comes to crave the release his training gives her. But when they attend an extreme erotic party, Sabrina sees herself with fresh eyes and begins to question the role she has so easily accepted. Can she balance her real world persona with her desire to be caged and humiliated?

Warnings: This title contains puppy play, tail plugs, whipping, discipline, caging, and much doggy-style sex.


Wendy’s Review

Kennel Time is a story about a lawyer who worked hard to be just as good, no she had to be better, than any man in her field. The pressure of being the best has caused Sabrina to repress her true sexual feelings of wanting to be mastered.

Sabrina had dappled in BDSM and has hidden it from all the people who knew her. Attending her college friend’s wedding, she meets a man who wasn't what she would call her type, but from the very first command she had the urge to let him take the lead and be his submissive.

Brian was taking photos at the wedding of Sabrina's friend. He wasn't looking for another pet. But seeing Sabrina he saw a woman who needed to be mastered. She needed the release from all the pressure of her life and he would give her that. From the first order he found her intriguing. She obeyed without questions.

Brian showed her that giving up control and becoming his puppy, literally, and that through humiliation, punishment, praise and loyalty she was able to be the woman she craved. Going into animal mode, Sabrina found the release of her everyday pressure. She didn't have to make decisions; that was taken from her. All she had to do was exist for the pleasure of her master and through all this she gains control of the life she truly wants.

Through pictures and Brian’s persistent orders, Sabrina was able to realize that to be her true self she would gladly give Brian everything not to release her back to her world of nothing.

This story is beyond anything I could have ever imagined. It held my attention and gave me a true insight to a part of BDSM that I have never seen or read. Cherry's description was so methodical, it felt as if I was there with Sabrina and Brian through their discovery of becoming master and pet.  Great job, Cherry!

5 Tea Cups!

      

Review: Fool Me Twice by Stephanie Adkins

Fool Me Twice by Stephanie Adkins

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Erotic Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Combine an art gallery in need of funding and a woman who’s willing to do anything for her “owner” after being bought in a charity auction, and you’ve got one hell of a night to remember. But what happens when you end up owned by two men instead of just one? For Katelyn Davis, that makes a perfect situation even better.

Uninhibited and driven by lust, the three of them make it a night that none of them will soon forget.



Lorien’s Review

Katelyn Davis likes being in control when it comes to men and sex. Seducing her co-worker Noah Langston, a gorgeous gallery owner was no exception. For the past five months, they have an incredible sexual relationship behind closed door.

The fun starts when their company, along with two sister companies, participated annually to raise money for struggling organizations in their community. The single women in the company were auctioned off to the highest bidder for proceeds. As part of their agreement, Noah planned on winning a role-play date with Katelyn. But when Noah’s good friend, Marcus Riley joined in with the bidding competition, Katelyn was a little disappointed that their plan didn’t go well. That was until she got more than what she bargained for. Having two men bid and won her for the price of one pleasurable night was a win-win solution all around.

Fool Me Twice was definitely a wonderful “quickie” treat involved with promiscuous ménage and erotic romance. The book was fast-paced, appealing and yet an exciting read. I loved how every scene spiced up more sexual tension between the characters and resulted with mind-blowing sex scenes.

Stephanie Adkins created an engaging, quick plot full of playful, arousing interaction between the characters. It was well-written, very entertaining and I didn’t want the story to end. I absolutely enjoyed it and looked forward to reading more of Adkins new contemporary books.

4 Tea Cups!