Review: For the Love of Liberty by Sierra Summers

For the Love of Liberty by Sierra Summers

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Rating: 2

 

Blurb

Liberty Slater and her young son have been virtual prisoners of her father-in-law since her husband’s death. The only thing that has given her comfort is the wild wolf living in the woods behind her home. She can tell her wolf her hopes, dreams and fears. But her wolf isn’t what he appears; he’s actually Damon Hix--a shifter sent by the half-brother she never knew about to bring her home.

When Damon reveals himself things get complicated, and what was supposed to be a snatch and grab changes the second he touches Liberty. He knows she belongs to him and him alone, no matter what it takes he will free Liberty.


Yadkny's Review

Liberty has been living with the fear that her son will grow up to be just as cold and domineering as her father-in-law. Unfortunately, Libby is without options on how to stop the seemingly inevitable. Her only solace is the wolf that has become her confidant and given her a small of peace of mind if only for a brief moment each day. It is only when she least expects it that her prayer for freedom is answered and a discovery is made that changes everything about past and her future.

Damon knew Liberty had changed his life the minute he saw her. By playing the role of a non-shifting wolf, he got to know the real Liberty. With each visit became more intrigued and more aware of his growing feelings and protective instincts towards the widowed mother. She became more to him than a mission his alpha sent him on. Now a small window of opportunity has opened for him to grant her freedom and stake his claim.

This story may not be packed with pages, but it is packed with emotion and heat. Most of the story’s focus is on Libby and Damon, but as the Alexander family reunites, we see trouble brewing for them with the Dark Fae Queen. Unlikely allies are formed and an unforeseen pairing of mates takes place. However, much of the details were rushed toward the end, so it leaves the reader with a happily-ever-after and a small cliffhanger.

This second in The Alexander Wolves series may not have been as action-packed as the first, but the feelings between Libby and Damon were wonderfully uncomplicated. I expect quite an interesting adventure is about to take place in the next installment, but first one more Alexander must be reunited with her family. Readers needing a quick escape into the world of shape-shifting wolves will enjoy this story.

3 ½ Tea Cups!

 

   

Review: Tempted by the Moon by Morgan Fox

Tempted by the Moon by Morgan Fox

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Rating: 3

 

Blurb
 
Newly engaged, Brie Ferguson and Jonah McCarthy submerge themselves in primal temptations, but the constant reminder of Sebastian McCarthy's absence is enough to ruin even the best orgasm.
Distracted by the mating heat, Brie feels a deep longing to be with both her mates, especially her Alpha. Discovering that Sebastian's been infected with the same debilitating virus that turned Mason Levi, a convicted murder and werepanther, into an ultimate killing machine is enough to bring her to her knees.

Brie is tormented with the knowledge that the man she loves could destroy her, but the mating heat is all consuming and leaves her with little choice. Instincts drive her to once again feel the sexual heat and connection she shares with Sebastian and Jonah.

But once she learns that Sebastian holds the answers to her past, can the truth be the missing link into freeing her soul and igniting a passion so tempting Sebastian and Jonah can't resist?


Yadkny's Review

What should have been new engagement bliss, is anything but, for Brie and her mates Sebastian and Jonah. With Sebastian now on the hunt for Brie's mutant stalker and the answers to her mysterious past, Brie suffers through the pleasurable business that is the mating heat alone with Jonah. If not for his constant 'distractions' to the loneliness that plagues her by Sebastian’s absence, Brie wouldn't have survived. Jonah feels blessed to have the one-on-one opportunity to show Brie his true feelings for her. It may never happen again and he takes full advantage of every moment, but he also knows that Brie won't ever feel complete happiness until Sebastian is back with them. It is only when Sebastian returns can their life truly begin. However, the return of Brie's beloved Alpha is not a happy one. Sebastian is different and their reunion is fraught with more questions than answers. Sebastian’s behavior changes aggressively with each passing moment and his desire for Brie turns dangerous leaving Jonah to entrap his brother in order to protect Brie at all costs. Sebastian holds the answers to many questions including what happened to him and the key to stopping it, but things have gone too far and the only things on his mind now are murder, mayhem, and his mate. Brie must learn to trust instinct over self-preservation and that of both her mates wishes in order to save them all.

Emotions run high and are all over the place in this second installment to the Moonlight Shifters series. Finally there is some light shed on what exactly Brie is and what she was always meant to do, but first she must get through a bucket load of insecurities. She consistently doubts her mates intentions where she is concerned and an old flame of Jonah's returns, which leaves her wondering if she is enough for both of them. To top it off her powers are continually increasing and without thought of how to control them. After a while I found Brie to be a bit annoying and lacking that independent attorney attitude she had in the first book. However, there were plenty of intriguing secondary characters introduced that seem to be more alpha in attitude than even our main characters. Looking forward to getting to know them more as the series continues.

I should mention there is a scene of dubious consent, but it's short lived and quickly forgotten as the story moves quickly between scenes of intense sex and shocking revelations. The ending is a happy one, but incomplete as the overall arc of the storyline continues to develop. The next story is definitely a must-read since the enemy is still on the loose and a wedding still needs to be planned. For any reader looking for an erotic shifter series, this one deserves to be read.

3 ½ Tea Cups!

 

   

Review: Misguided by Tina Gallagher

Misguided by Tina Gallagher

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2
 

Blurb
 
After a vacation fling, a high school sex ed guidance counselor and a single father are forced to face each other in real life.

Having been the honor roll student, good girl in high school who got pregnant at sixteen, Cassie Finnerty knows what can happen if teens aren’t educated about safe sex. Her job is to counsel the students, answer their questions, and hand out condoms when requested.

Jake Lucas is a divorced, single father raising his almost sixteen-year-old daughter. When the contents of his daughter’s purse spill and condoms tumble out, he freaks out. After interrogating his daughter, he finds out she got the condoms at school, so he goes to confront the person who gave them to her and gets the surprise of his life.


Yadkny's Review
 
“It was a vacation fling. It ended with the vacation.” Or so they thought…

Luke is struggling to understand his daughter. Being a single parent is tough enough, but add in teenage attitude and hormones and things can only go from bad to worse. His best friend, Jay can’t sympathize, so instead tries to take him away from his problems with a vacation. Only what was supposed to be relaxing and restful turned out to be an exciting and arousing vacation fling with a woman Luke won’t soon forget. And he won’t have to either once he meets his daughter’s new guidance counselor.

Cassie may be able to clinically discuss as well as educate and guide young confused minds on the subject of sex, but she hasn’t had much luck with it in her own life. Having had a life altering experience at the impressionable age of sixteen, her professional goal now is to counsel young people away from making the same choices or mistakes she did. Unfortunately, despite her best efforts one can still manage to slip through the cracks and little did Cassie know how profoundly this one would affect her personally.

Ms. Gallagher is now one of my new favorite authors. This story is thought provoking with true to life situations and a passionate romance. The characters themselves were both vocally and visually easy to realize while reading with wonderful description and dialogue. There were just a few hiccups, during the first few scenes of the story in which there were abrupt endings or scene changes without warning, so I found myself re-reading lines to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. However, the majority of the story flowed really well and I became more emotionally invested in the characters with each chapter. The sex scenes too became increasingly spicier and expressive with each encounter. Overall, I really enjoyed the story for its believability in both the characters and their situation. The ending was perfect, but left possibilities open for the author to continue exploring Luke and Cassie’s story or move on to their commitment-phobic best friends.

All contemporary romance readers who would enjoy witnessing a deep relationship develop between two single parents should definitely read this story.

4 1/2 Tea Cups!

 

      

Review: Freya's Mates by Stacey Espino

Freya's Mates by Stacey Espino

Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Menage Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Pack Seduction, 2

Freya's on her own, lost in a new city. Being of royal blood, every male shifter would kill to have her as a mate. Staying in hiding is her number one priority.

When hunger leads her to the rear of a night club in search of food, she comes across a human who arouses a new desire within her.

Once inside the club, she's caught skipping out on her bill and forced to deal with the club owner and bartender, both sexier-than-sin shifters. Will she be able to submit to the three men? Can there be a future with a human mate?
Be Warned: menage a quatre romance, menage sex, anal sex


Yadkny's Review

In a crazy twist of fate, Freya finds herself in a most precarious position in the same city her sister found her own mates. Club Frenzy holds more for her than she could have bargained for, but this lone wolf isn’t about to give in too easily to what could possibly be only crazy amounts of lust for a bartender, the bar owner, and a human? Freya longs for something more and would rather die than be forced into a mating not of her own choosing. When Freya realizes her fate may already be sealed she won’t be content with just one, but doubts have crept in from long-held beliefs that are hard to let go. In this seduction, it’s a battle of wills to see how long they can withstand the heat before the flames of desire swallow them whole. For once running away doesn’t look so appealing.

In this second installment to the Pack Seduction series, the focus is on Freya and her fight to stay independent. When it becomes evident that there is something more than mere lust with Darius, Gideon, and Vincent, the fight shifts to wanting what her sister Carna has with her own mates. What is most appealing about this group of shifter’s is that they each have their hang-up’s, doubts, or handicap’s. No one is perfect and they each have to work at a relationship none knew they would want.

Ms. Espino definitely brings the heat with this story. Each of the Alpha men gets some one-on-one action with Freya, which allows each of them to have a stronger voice and presence in the story. Even Carna and her mates make an appearance. Now I’m even more excited to meet the last remaining sister and see how Ms. Espino wraps-up this sexy shifter series.

3 ½ Tea Cups!

   

Review: Seduced by the Moon by Morgan Fox

Seduced by the Moon by Morgan Fox

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Brie Ferguson, an attorney with a prestigious legal firm in Dallas, quickly finds herself in the protective custody of the gorgeous and possessive McCarthy brothers after a convicted murderer threatens to kill her.
Coming to terms with her sexual attraction for both Sebastian and Jonah McCarthy, she’s unable to resist sating the desires burning inside her. The fierce men weaken her resistance and steal her breath as they set fire to her body in ways she’d only fantasized about.

Now, Sebastian and Jonah must find a way to put an end to a murderer’s threat and uncover the secrets of Brie’s past. Secrets she herself hadn’t even known existed.

Can the McCarthy brothers keep Brie safe from the clutches of the monster stalking after her and convince her that the wild wolves they harbor inside themselves are meant to be her mates—forever?


Yadkny's Review

After winning the trial of a lifetime, Brie is ready to kick back and start enjoying the fruits of her labor, which garnered a promotion to senior partner at the firm. However, the victory is short lived when one minute the office is throwing her a celebratory party and the next chaos ensues as it is discovered the psychopath escaped. Brie knows she has a target on her back, but having the two hottest attorneys at the firm watching her back is more than comforting.

Sebastian the strong and silent Alpha is overwhelmed by the emotions Brie elicits from him, but refuses claiming her until the time is right. Sebastian’s flirty and frisky playboy of a brother, Jonah, is resolute in knowing that Brie is their mate and should be claimed as soon as possible, so with a gentle push, he seduces Brie into making the first move. Now the moves are up to the brothers as they discover that things are not all what they seem when it comes to their mate. With a killer out for her blood, drastic times call for drastic measures and unfortunately, sacrifices will have to be made.

With a quick and exciting pace filled with sexual tension and mystery, Ms. Fox made reading this story quite enjoyable. There were some editing errors that hindered my reading from time to time, but the characters and storyline easily kept my attention. Sebastian, Jonah, and Brie make a ménage a trios look good. There’s even mention of some cousins that has me wondering if perhaps a spinoff is in the works.

Ms. Fox had me well and truly scared of her villain. The horrendous crimes he committed are definitely nightmare-worthy, but even more terrifying is the not knowing of what the villain is or how he can be stopped. This one will have you guessing all the way to the end.

I will absolutely be reading the next installment to the Moonlight Shifters series. There are just one too many questions unanswered in this story and a stalker that needs to be staked. Readers that love paranormal and more specifically Lycans, need to check out this story.

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: The Chauffeur Wore An Evening Gown by Roni Adams

The Chauffeur Wore An Evening Gown by Roni Adams

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Millionaire’s Club

When Erin O'Malley agrees to pinch hit for her brother’s limo service and drive millionaire JR Stone to the Governor's Ball, she has no clue how crazy her night will get.

Dumped by his fiancée on the night he’s to accept the biggest award of his career, Josh Stone convinces his chauffeur to slip into an evening gown and onto his arm. They fool everyone into thinking they are an item, but once they kiss, there's nothing fake about the chemistry between them.

Can a blue-collar girl really appeal to this multimillionaire, or is Josh only playing for the crowd?


Yadkny's Review

Desperation drove him to ask her, but he wasn’t going to stop until he got what he wanted.

Erin is used to getting dirty and working with her hands, but evening gown's and heels are bit foreign to her. When a night of covering for her brother as a chauffeur turns into a night of playacting, Erin steps up to the plate to show this slightly rough around the edges Irishwoman is more than what her appearance or profession suggests. After all it is just for one night, what could it hurt? Unfortunately, the night went so amazingly well that Josh propositions Erin in a way she can't refuse – nor does she want to, but business and pleasure can never mix without complications.

Josh's jilted moment not only changed the course of the evening, but also the rest of his life. Before he knew it, his every thought fixated on Erin and the anticipation of when next they'd be together. However, her initial reluctance only increased as doubts set-in when the relationship turns out to be more than just physical. Erin effortlessly stepped into the role of his “fiancee” just as easily as she stepped into the gown, but Josh never anticipated how easily she'd slip into his heart.

This story turned out to be more than what I expected and it starts out quick enough with the evening that changed everything as the opening setting. The storyline goes beyond that though and into deeper territory with true-to-life issues and doubts that I could easily imagine being my own. Both characters are proud of what they do and their accomplishments, so naturally both are a bit stubborn, but I really enjoyed the feelings the characters elicited along with their frustrating and hungry desire for one another. To want someone that much makes them both feel more vulnerable than they've every felt, which is a weakness neither can afford if things don't end well.

Honestly, my least favorite parts in the story involved Erin's brothers. Instead of the redeeming quality of them being overprotective of Erin, they came off a bit more like jerks and only served to complicate and frustrate. At the same time there could have been more added to the story surrounding the ex-fiance, public scrutiny, and more of the differences as well as similarities of Josh and Erin's worlds.

All that aside, the story is down-to-earth and very, very enjoyable. Absolutely recommended for readers looking for their next contemporary romance fix.

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: The Ever Knight by Georgia Fox

The Ever Knight by Georgia Fox

Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Historical Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

The Conquerors Series, 1

A Saxon Thane’s daughter, born with mystical healing strength, must choose between two lusty Norman knights, half-brothers, each intent on claiming her for their own. One man has claimed her dowry; the other has claimed her virginity. One man is dying of a battle wound and the other has scars that can’t be seen by the naked eye. Both brothers need her healing touch. Both brothers need her.

And she needs them.

Jisella always knew that one day her Ever Knight would arrive – the soul she’s loved since time began. Yet he’s taken a long time to find her in this life and now she’s not sure which of these handsome Knights is the one for whom she’s waited.

The brothers are all too happy to compete for their lady’s favors. Perhaps there is only one fair decision. Perhaps she can have both, if they might be persuaded to share.

Be Warned: menage a trois romance, menage sex, anal sex.



Yadkny's Review

“It’s not how big it is, it’s what they do with it.”

It all started with a dare on All Hallow’s Eve…

Having been educated by imagination and supposition in the ways of sex, Jisella’s confidence on the subject was called into question. The challenge could simply not go unanswered, but Jisella knew from the moment she saw him that they needed each other. Then his brother came to claim her...

This was so much more than just a dare – this was destiny.

Remy was made for war. His bloodlust on the battlefield proving that a life of peace would be a form of death for him. Fighting give him purpose. Where illegitimacy brought Remy freedom, Renard was dealt the responsibility card of inheritance and a guarded expression. Yet no matter the title or circumstance of birth, a man is still a man and now Jisella has two of them.

The quote above was my favorite from the story and yes it's implying exactly what you think it's implying. For once I found myself not immediately smitten with either of the two leading men. I admired Jisella's boldness with her untried sexual prowess, but the men just came off as arrogant and slightly annoying. Some of the scene flow was a bit choppy, but enjoyably heated nonetheless. The storyline is creative with a bit of unexpected plot suspense, which could have taken the story to the next level had it been longer. Historical romance fans may want to check out this debut author and give this short and erotically sweet story a try.

3 Tea Cups!

Review: Going Greek by Lelani Black

Going Greek by Lelani Black

Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Andy get together and nothing is taboo.

Lingerie model Marigold Laurent arrives in Greece for a much-needed vacation from work and the sweet-talking man who broke her heart. Fate and the machinations of her well-meaning sister ensure that she collides with tall, dark and luscious Dmitri Damianos, forcing her no-men policy right out the window. But can he give her more than one-and-done?

Wealthy entrepreneur, Dmitri, guards his emotions well. And while he wants everything Marigold has to offer--beauty, wit, charm, and the best sex of his life--he can't give her what she really needs. But when the red-hot beauty climbs out of his bed and possibly out of his life, can he let her go?


Yadkny's Review

With her personal life in shambles, Marigold picks up and heads to Greece with her sister in the hopes of getting some much needed downtime away from the spotlight. The peaceful atmosphere of Corfu Town should offer the respite she’s looking for, but her sister has turned on her and believes that the only way for her to get over a man is to have a “holiday fling” with a new one. But not just any man, the Greek god that is her brother-in-law’s fraternal twin should do the trick. Losing herself to the culture of Greece and her sister’s company was the plan, but she couldn’t have anticipated losing her heart.

Dmitri’s bachelor lifestyle is in danger. The threat, although gorgeously irresistible, propositions him in the most pleasurable ways, but commitment, no matter how temporary, is too much for him. Dmitri counters Marigold’s offer, thus begins a dance of sorts to see who will cave first. Neither is able to resist their mutual desire for long, but when Marigold challenges Dmitri to “man up”, will he or will a surprise visitor spoil everything?

For most of the story, Marigold and Dmitri are not in sync. They want or don’t want different things and this is clearly illustrated in their relationship dynamics from the beginning. Yet both seem confident in getting the other to change their mind and aren’t afraid of using their oozing amounts of sex appeal to get there. However, yielding to the ultimate temptation can lead to complications if the rules aren’t clear. This physically stunning pair has a few relationship/commitment issues unresolved, which hinders a potential future with anyone.

Ms. Black is skilled at presenting scenery. It felt like I was experiencing a part of Greece through a friend's retelling. The clarity of the town and bits of culture was a nice vacation in my reading travels. Beautiful scenery, charismatic characters, enjoyably frustrating banter, sexy semi-embarrassing moments, and an erotically adventurous couple – what a fabulous read! I may never look at a dimple in a man's chin the same way again!

I would love to see a follow-up to this story, but Ms. Black has definitely captured another fan of her writing. For those new to Ms. Black’s work and for those looking to escape to an exotic locale in an erotic romance, you must read this story!

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: Midnight Mirage by Willa Edwards

Midnight Mirage by Willa Edwards

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Lincoln and Gabe, best friends and the hottest new alt-rock duo Mirage, only want one thing. Mallory. They’ve been waiting a year for Mallory to open her heart to both of them and accept the alternative relationship they wish for.

Mallory’s flattered by their attentions but can’t believe they’re any more than sweet words. They’re rock stars, surrounded by beautiful woman. They can’t possibly want a plain-Jane reporter like her.

When a crazed fan forces their hand, their protective instincts take over. Gabe and Lincoln aren’t willing to wait for their woman any longer. They initiate her with intense pleasure, ringing in the New Year in the naughtiest way possible. But when they whisper words of love and forever in her ear, she runs away.
Will Mallory be able to open her heart and return their affection, or will insecurity keep her from the men who love her?


Yadkny's Review

Mallory is about to get an up-close and personal exclusive from the two hottest rock stars.

Being rock stars has its perks and for Lincoln and Gabe, watching Mallory work was always one of them. Enjoying her from afar was also pure torture. Lincoln and Gabe knew there was something more to her that appealed to them on a primal level and for that reason took their time before approaching her with their plan of seduction. Fear of her rejection has held them off, but the time has come to finally to seduce and claim her.

It's New Year's Eve and as the clock strikes midnight, Mallory finds herself in a most precarious position with Lincoln and Gabe. Give in to her secret desire and take what they have to offer or walk away and continue her lonely existence. What starts out as work quickly turns into a more intimate interview, where Lincoln and Gabe ask the questions.

Unfortunately, the story lacked the suspense in the plot that is eluded to in the synopsis. I also found some moments of the drawn-out erotic encounter to be a bit confusing with the positioning of the bodies not easily visualized. However, I enjoyed Lincoln's dominant personality and Gabe's more playful one. They both seem to fit perfectly into Mallory's world and she in theirs, so the relationship dynamics are believable. I would definitely recommend this story to an erotic romance fan looking for something hot and spicy with a couple of rock stars.

3 Tea Cups!