Review: Rough Cut by Mari Carr

Rough Cut by Mari Carr

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 4

Blurb

When the screen fades to black, all that remains is love.

Ty Ransome. Reigning king of Hollywood, producer, actor, Look Magazine’s Hottest Man Alive. He has it all—until he reads a book of short stories that touches him in places kept carefully hidden from the tabloid gossip mill. There’s only one way to meet the introverted writer—invite her to Tinseltown to work on a script. The moment he sees her, he realizes why her work haunts him. There’s something missing in his life, and it’s her.

Gwen steps off the plane with reservations. For one thing, her darkly sexual stories are hardly movie material. Then there’s Ty’s reputation as a ladies’ man. Yet she’s won over by his charm and agrees to stay on for a week to get to know him before making her decision. And as the days go by, she discovers there’s far more to Ty than a handsome face.

They eat, drink and breathe the characters in their screenplay, re-enacting scenes that delve into the BDSM realm, setting Ty free to unleash his powerful cravings and exposing Gwen’s deepest needs. Needs she set free on paper…but is not sure she’s ready to make a reality.


Clare C's Review

Ty is an action star looking to expand his career. Gwen is a writer who catches his attention with a collection of short stories she wrote. This collaboration can’t help but be more than business. Both characters spent their lives battling ‘dark’ urges. Ty is a Dom who wants a sub, but he can’t do anything that would damage his star status. Gwen seems to have given up on relationships because she can’t find a man who can truly dominate her.

The idea isn’t new and neither is the plot, but in Carr’s hands, the characters come alive from the first page. I picked this up intending to look it over before bed, thinking maybe I’d read it the next day, and I never put it down. I couldn’t. The dynamic characters sucked me in and the emotionally-charged sex scenes were both erotic and romantic. This is something you can read twice because you know exactly how good it’ll be the second time. Thank you, Ms. Carr.

4 1/2 Tea Cups!

      

Review: Before the Storm by Marian Perera

Before the Storm by Marian Perera

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Fantasy Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Whore…gift…and unexpected ally.

Eden Trilogy, Book 1

In Dagran society, Alex is the lowest of the low—a “mare”, an object to be used by the nobility. When her owner, Stephen Garnath, gifts her to his greatest rival, she begins plotting her path to freedom. Nothing and no one will ever control her again. Not her degrading past, and certainly not her growing attraction to a man reputed to be an even crueler master than Garnath.

Robert Demeresna is instantly suspicious of such a generous gift. Yet she comes to him armed with only her sharp mind—a potent weapon he can use to defend his people from the enemy. And underneath, an unbreakable spirit that besieges the walls of his heart.

Slowly, Robert chips away at Alex’s defenses, striking sparks that make her begin to believe even a lowly whore like her could be worthy of him. Until Garnath springs a trap so cleverly hidden, war is unleashed before either of them sees it coming. A new kind of war fought with steam engines, explosives—and magic with a killing edge…

Warning: Contains violence, steam engines, steamier sex and multiple explosions of the unstable chemical variety.


Hunter's Review

When I first started reading this book, I thought it was well written and creative. But I soon found myself completely sucked in. I read it in one sitting and it is not a short book.

Robert is not a typical hero, he is multi-faceted and there were times I wanted to scream at him. But then again Alex is not a standard heroine. She doesn’t break easily and she frequently gives as good as she gets—even if it is silent contempt.

What you get at the end of this book is an adult romance about people who are flawed, scarred, burdened, and terribly terribly remarkable. I loved them and I loved this book. I see that it is a trilogy and I am fascinated to see where it will go from here.

Bravo. My highest endorsement.

5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!

      

Review: Nine-Tenths of the Law by L.A. Witt

Nine-Tenths of the Law by L.A. Witt

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Alternative Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Without trust, common ground can get pretty shaky…

“I believe you have something of mine, Zach.”

Zach Owens doesn’t even know who this angry stranger is, let alone what the man is talking about—until he learns what they have in common. Their boyfriend, Jake. Once Jake’s out of the picture, Zach’s apology to Nathan Forrester leads to a long conversation, a kiss, and a chemistry that goes far beyond revenge sex.
Nathan can’t help but fall for the sexy movie theater owner, but it’s a long way from sheet-tearing sex to mutual trust. And a series of “coincidences” that throws Zach into Jake’s company leaves him unconvinced Zach was the complete innocent in their previous love triangle.

Zach can’t seem to make Nathan believe that Jake is up to something. But protesting his innocence isn’t working, and Jake’s carefully orchestrated campaign to destroy their love could leave them both with nothing…

Warning: Contains explicit male/male revenge sex, sweet sex, angry sex, and make-up sex. Author is not responsible for clothing damage that may result from reading this book.



Clare C's Review

Angry revenge sex has never been more erotic than in the hands of L.A. Witt. Zach and Nathan are two guys who have both been betrayed by the same man. It’s not the best circumstances under which to begin a relationship, but given the sparks that explode between them, it’s not a bad way to meet someone wonderful.

The conflict is simple, but not simplistic. Nathan has trust issues. After what he’s been through, it seems natural he wouldn’t come through it without some serious scarring. It’s this conflict that lends intensity and emotionality to every romantic scene.

I like the way Witt doesn’t shy away from the subtleties of homophobia Zach encounters in his everyday life, from both is business partner and his employees. It’s a very realistic portrayal of something most people ignore, and it enhances the character development, making us love Zach all the more.

Witt’s writing style is friendly and as captivating as the characters she creates. I highly recommend this novel, and l look forward to more from this amazing author.

5 Tea Cups!

      

Review: Prince of Dragons by Cathryn Cade

Prince of Dragons: Orion, Book 3 by Cathryn Cade

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Fantasy Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

His beast will have her beauty—but only on his terms.

Sirena Blaze has left a string of smiling males across the galaxy—but she’s not smiling now. After two attempts to sabotage her ship, it’s time to call for backup. Her warriors deserve the best, and that means recruiting a member of the elite Serpentian guard as co-commander.
One look at Slyde Stone, and Sirena’s smile returns. She sets out to indulge in the sensual delights for which his people are legendary.
Slyde would like nothing more than to bed the famous beauty, but a secret binds the hands that burn to take her. He is a half-dragon shifter, a race thought to be nothing more than a myth. He’s real, and so is the code he must live by—he can mate only once.
Sirena’s fury at Slyde’s refusal knows no bounds—until saboteurs loose a pair of deadly serpents on board the Orion. And the infuriating man has the gall to make a wager. If she finds them first, she can have him. But if he wins, she must agree to be his alone—for life.

Warning: Space cougar on the prowl, a handsome virgin in her sights. Hot love scenes, and even hotter dragon shape-shifting.



Hunter's Review

I have been reading Cathryn Cade’s Orion story since the first one was published. Wow. I’ve loved every book but I can honestly say with no trepidation that this book, the Prince of Dragons, is her best one yet. Cade is a talented author and Dragons highlights her in so many ways, especially in the amount she has grown as an author.

Sirena is a complicated heroine. She has severe issues when it comes to trust and even though Slyde is a virgin and highly moralistic, he is not without his own baggage. I enjoyed watching them circle each other. I loved it when they finally came together.

This is a great book. An extraordinary one.

5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!

      

Review: Hands On by Christina Crooks

Hands On by Christina Crooks

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2

 Blurb

Want to make Fate laugh? Try telling her who’s in charge.
Talented, down-on-her-luck puppeteer Ginnie Anderson’s life seems destined to fall down around her ears. Much like the rented bungalow that’s just collapsed in a heavy rainstorm, endangering her precious collection of marionettes.

Her livelihood in need of protection and repair, she can’t refuse her landlord’s offer of temporary shelter in his magnificent home. Under his roof, though, she finds her hard-won grasp on her independence slipping—and herself falling into his arms.

The hallmark of Harry Barrett’s business success: he never makes the same mistake twice, particularly when it comes to manipulative women. So why is Ginnie, who pulls strings for a living, like a siren’s song in his blood? It’s best to put temptation as far out of reach as possible.

Yet when Ginnie’s past threatens to destroy the life she’s built for herself, Harry must decide which is more important. Holding tight to his sense of self preservation, or letting go to capture Ginnie’s fragile heart—before it breaks into a thousand pieces.

Warning: Contains sizzling sex between a powerful hero who likes to be in control, and a heroine whose talented hands teach him the pleasure of giving up the reins.



Clare's Review

This one was difficult to put down. One of the things that impressed me the most was the amount of research the author put into marionettes. My only real experience with puppets has been with horror movies. Ms. Crooks manages to bring the art of puppeteering to life in a way that tosses aside those kinds of stereotypes. She definitely helped me to see them in a different light.

As with any good story, the main characters, Ginnie and Harry both carry baggage from previous relationships. Ginnie is able to put her baggage aside faster than Harry, which makes for more conflict. They are both exactly the kind of person the other person needs. Harry finds himself inviting Ginnie further into his life even though he’s afraid of being hurt again.

The erotic scenes are warm, not steamy. They are used to further the plot and make us fall for the characters. It was a thoroughly enjoyable romantic novella. I look forward to reading more from this author.

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: Just my Type by Erin Nicholas

Just my Type by Erin Nicholas

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Secretly wanting her—no problem. Her not-so-secretly wanting him—big trouble.

The Bradfords, Book 3

There’s only one problem with the woman Jason “Mac” Gordon wants: his best friend’s little sister is off limits. Way off limits, and too young and innocent for the likes of him. From past experience, he’s learned to hide his not-so-nice preferences from the nice girls he seems to attract. That definitely includes the woman he’s always thought of as a sister. At least until recently.

Sara Bradford always gets what she wants—which is partly Mac’s fault. After all, he helped spoil her. So she has no intention of taking his no for an answer on anything—least of all his refusal to sleep with her. He thinks she’s too innocent? Fine. She’ll simply get un-innocent and show Mac that she wants him—the good, the bad and the nipple clamps.

When Mac’s plan to drive her away works too well, he’s forced to follow her to a tropical paradise, determined to make sure she doesn’t find her wild side with anyone but him. Once she gets a real taste of what he likes, he’s sure everything will go back to normal.

That’s until he discovers a slight kink, er, flaw in his logic…
Warning: Contains hot sex at the beach, kinky online shopping—and yes, cotton-candy-flavored body powder does exist.



Hunter’s Review

I really enjoyed the first two books by Ms. Nicholas and I was looking forward to this one. However, I have to state that from moment one I didn’t like this book as much as I liked the previous ones.

Please don’t get me wrong, Ms. Nicholas is an expert at creating hot sex scenes and she doesn’t disappoint in this book either. But, I found Sara’s character to be unlikable as the heroine of this book. I have read spoiled heroines before and usually I like the transition in the book where the heroine grows up over the course of the story. In this book, I didn’t feel that she actually did. I kept trying to figure out if she was twenty-five or fifteen or maybe even ten years old. Sure, she grows up sexually, and that is fun to watch but that is the only way I found her to progress.

But, Mac is a very hot character and I loved reading him. The sex scenes are hot and if you are a fan of Ms. Nicholas’ work you should read this book to keep up with the fun contemporary series.

3 Tea Cups!

Review: Rock Me by Cherrie Lynn

Rock Me by Cherrie Lynn

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Loving him couldn’t be worse than losing him. Could it?
Candace Andrews has had enough of pleasing others. In an act of birthday rebellion, she sets out to please herself—by walking into the tattoo parlor owned by her cousin’s ex-boyfriend. All she wants is a little ink, and Brian’s just the guy to give it to her.

As soon as she submits to his masterful hands, though, the forbidden attraction she’s always felt for him resurfaces…and she realizes the devilishly sexy artist could give her so much more.

Sweet, innocent Candace is the last person Brian expected to see again. She’s everything he’s not, and her family despises him. He doesn’t need the hassle, but he needs her, and this time no one is taking her away. Not even those who threaten to make his life a living hell.

Backed into a corner, Candace faces the worst kind of choice. Cave in to those who think Brian is a living nightmare…or hold her ground and risk it all for the one man who rocks her world.

Warning: This book contains explicit sex, naughty language, tattoos aplenty, family drama, a hot rock concert…and a bad boy hero who’s pierced in all the right places.



Clare C’s Review

Rock Me bucks the current trend of novels where the heroine finds happiness by submitting to her alpha-male love interest. Brian is every bit the alpha male. He is a smart, sexy rebel who is able to maintain his prowess while respecting Candace’s feelings and needs. I’ve missed this kind of hero. He fits the bill as being every bit the dream man, yet Candace doesn’t have to compromise her needs/wants in order to ‘earn’ happiness.

Both characters struggle with issues left over from their childhood. Brian is the black sheep in his family, though the angst there seems to be mostly in Brian’s head. Candace has spent her life sheltered and controlled by her parents. As they fall deeper in love, their families and childhood demons come back to sabotage things.

One of the best things about this story, aside from the great writing style, is the way Ms. Lynn took the time to develop the characters and their relationship. We get to know them. We get to fall for them. We get to be angry and impatient with them. Stories that suck us in and make us have emotional reactions to the characters and their decisions are my favorite kinds. Cherrie Lynn’s style and her expert use of voice draw you in and her great story keeps you there.

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: Angelic Surrender by Crista McHugh

Angelic Surrender (Kavanaugh Foundation, #2) by Crista McHugh

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Heaven doesn’t want him. Hell is afraid of him. She can see right through him…

If the abrupt appearance of Will Vassago on her couch is any indication, knowledge of Anjali’s rare ability to see past demons’ disguising glamours has spread far beyond the Foundation. One thing that hasn’t changed since she accidentally touched him two years ago—his unnerving affect on her hormones.

Officially, Vassago needs Anjali’s help to find an escaped Skinwalker demon. He’s also got some not-so-official plans for their down time, but if her sensitive gift reveals who he really is—a fallen angel—any chance to fan the embers of desire between them will be lost.

Anjali tries to get their assignment over with before she loses control entirely. With every encounter, the unquenchable fire in her body burns hotter. And Vassago is startled to realize when he almost loses her to the rifts of Hell he has already lost his heart.

Then they discover the Skinwalker is only the tip of the iceberg. If they can’t get a lid on the situation, Manhattan will suffer a fate worse than Sodom and Gomorrah, and not even Vassago’s celestial sword will protect Anjali from the Angel of Death.

Warning: Contains an OCD demon hunter, a naughty angel with voyeuristic tendencies, bedtime wrestling over who gets to be on top and a very inappropriately used sari.


Yadkny’s Review

Anjali is a demon hunter gifted with a second sight, which makes her perfect for the job. Her job may be a dirty one, but her house most certainly is not and that’s what OCD can do for you. Anjali’s rare abilities have captured the attention of a Fallen, who wants her to partner with him in capturing an escaped demon. Problem is if every other woman can’t help but stare at this gorgeous, arrogant hunk, then how is she expected to work with him and keep it strictly professional.

Will Vassago has been watching Anjali for a couple of years now and although he won’t admit it to himself, he’s grown quite fond of both her and her quirks. Before he realizes it, she’s turned him into someone with feelings. God, the Devil, Skinwalker demons, the Angel of Death, and a psychotic vampire-witch all stand in their way to exploring what lies beyond their business arrangement, but that’s just all in a day’s work for these two.

This is book two in the Kavanaugh Foundation series and the plot definitely thickens up more in this book. We not only find out more about the Foundation and the personalities behind running it, but also some major evildoers start coming out of the woodwork. And these are the kind of evildoers that don’t kill easily.

What I found interesting was the strong representation of both God and the Devil in this story. In some ways it looked as though God was not so merciful and the one to be feared while the Devil kind of came off looking like one of the good guys. Someone you want on your team and for the plotline of this story, it was not only necessary but it worked. Don’t get me wrong this is not about religion in any way. These two simply play characters that add more depth to the story.

The storyline was excellent and filled with just enough mystery to keep me coming back for the third installment. The action starts from page one and doesn’t stop until the end.

Recommended reading for those seeking a paranormal romance about redemption and acceptance with some major kick-butt demon fighting along the way.

4 Tea Cups!