The Love Token by Raven McAllan

August 3, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Love Token by Raven McAllan
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Historical, Erotic Romance, Action/Adventure, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Spies, smugglers, scandals. Stealth, seduction and sex. All they had to do was decide which was theirs to take and what had to be earned. And hope they reached their happily ever after.

Jonathon, Viscount Carville, soldier, spy and would-be lover of Miss Miranda Riston, has accepted a mission to discover who is smuggling contraband into East Yorkshire. Her papa, however, is convinced Jonathon is dead, and wishes her to marry elsewhere. Miranda refuses and is delighted to find Jonathon is very much alive but working undercover on behalf of the British Government.

More is at stake than just a few shillings of tax duty owed.

Among their close friends and acquaintances there is a traitor working against the crown on behalf of Emperor Napoleon. Danger threatens as they seek to discover the identity of their treacherous foe.

Who is an innocent pawn? And who is not all they seem?

What’s better than heat and high seas excitement? This book!

I’ve read other books by Raven McAllan and loved them. When I saw this one, I knew I had to read it. I’m glad I did. The story moved at a great clip, the writing kept me enthralled and I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters after the last page, too.

Miranda and Jonathan have great chemistry. I loved their take-charge attitudes and the way their romance leapt off the page when they got together. The heat certainly was there, and I couldn’t get enough. I loved the way they worked together, and the ending was fantastic.

The tag suggests spies, smugglers and stealth. It also suggests bedroom antics. It delivers. If you’re looking for something hot, historical and fun, while full of suspense, this might be the one for you.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Absolute Zero by Desiree Holt

August 2, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Absolute Zero by Desiree Holt
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Sex, murder, cover-up…a lethal combination.

Fourteen days until Sierra Hunt’s brother is sentenced to life in prison for a crime he didn’t commit and the cover-up is so outrageous it’s almost unbelievable. Sierra had no way of knowing that the man with whom she had an explosive one-night stand would hold the answer to her desperate need.

Vic ‘Eagle’ Bodine wanted more than the unexpected one night with the woman who rocked his world. He was shocked when she turned out to be Galaxy’s newest client, and that they’d be joined at the hip as they worked to save her brother from an unjust imprisonment.

Galaxy will need to live up to its motto of We are your last resort for this one, the mother of all cover-ups. But Eagle is going to make damned sure that he gets it done…and at the same time convince Sierra that they belong together.

Mystery, suspense and romance…because this is a Desiree Holt book and that’s what it should have.

I’ve read other books by Desiree Holt and loved them. This one was no different. It had passion, heat, heart and suspense. I couldn’t get through the book fast enough and loved every second. As with the author’s other books, I knew I’d get a happy ending and would walk away satisfied.

Sierra and Eagle are great together. I liked the way they got together. Some authors might have struggled with this timeworn way to get characters, but Desiree Holt made it feel fresh. They have a great chemistry and I rooted for them.

The heat was off the charts and the thriller aspect of the book delivered. If you’re looking for a story that’s got heart, heat and mystery, then this is the one for you. Recommended.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Loving Summer Rain by Megan Slayer

August 1, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Loving Summer Rain by Megan Slayer
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

A match made in heaven? More like a match made in Norville and made to last.

Arthur Burton wants a lover and partner, but no man seems to want to be with the local insurance agent. He’s not the bland two-dimensional man on the billboards, but he hasn’t been given the chance to show his colors.

Summer Rain Davis embodies the bohemian lifestyle. He loves his arts and crafts. He’s always had a thing for the buttoned-up professional types and when he’s set up with Arthur, sparks fly.

Love is possible in a small town if Arthur and Summer Rain are willing to give their romance a try.

Can these two men, seemingly total opposites, find common ground and love to last a lifetime? Or will their differences keep them apart?

Very fast-paced with lots of smoochy bits.

On paper, Summer Rain and Arthur are not a match. However, the resident fairy godmother/hairdresser/dog rescuer James, thinks they are perfect for each other. They agree to be set up on a date and there you go. They click instantly and their relationship moves at supersonic speed.

It is low angst for the most part. Some of the relationships and occurrences didn’t make sense to me. Billy – I got. I understand where he was coming from. But Cash? Don’t get him at all. Or Benji for that matter. The whole scene with him felt off, including Summer Rain’s reaction to him.

This is the first book in the series (Love Me Do) so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in the town of Norville. Recommended by me for a light read.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Winning Over Harmon by Megan Slayer

July 29, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Winning Over Harmon by Megan Slayer
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Second chances are possible if you’re willing to give love a chance.

Harmon Keyes wasn’t looking for romance when he visited Roy Mars’ gallery show, but the moment he sees Winston Saint, he’s smitten. He has no idea who Winston is, but the attraction is off the charts. He also isn’t sure if he’ll ever see the man again. Can a trip to Dye Hard Style help get him together with Winston?

Michael Winston Saint knew the second he spotted Harmon that he’d fallen head over heels. He’d never forget the geeky guy who talked too much or that kiss full of electricity and passion. Unfortunately, he has to leave the gallery show before he can give Harmon his number. He returns to Norville for a rest and the chance to connect with his dream man. Winston’s determined to win over Harmon at all costs.

Will the teacher and the rock star be able to make a go of their relationship? Or will the gossip and complication of small-town life be more than they can handle?

Things are never easy when you fall in love with a rock star.

Harmon is a schoolteacher in Norville. As such, he believes he should be above redemption, allowing nothing to mar his reputation. However, when he meets Michael (Winston) he realizes just how lofty that ideal is and, together, they work out just what is realistic whilst still allowing them to have a life together.

As with most of Megan Slayer’s books that I have read, this is very low-angst. Harmon doesn’t even blink at some of the shenanigans that people get up to, to get close to Winston, including some of his old students.

A gentle, easy read with some steamy moments that I can happily recommend.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Night Bartender by Alexa Piper

July 26, 2022 By 1 Comment


The Night Bartender by Alexa Piper
Fairview Chronicles, book 9
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Paranormal, Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Aaron has come to Fairview to find his ex’s teenage sister, who went missing in the city. As a witch both rich and powerful, Aaron follows a trail that leads him to a bar frequented by supernaturals and to a bartender who attracts Aaron’s attention — and not just because the bartender is keeping something from Aaron. When Aaron runs out of leads, he follows the mysterious and pretty bartender, and the next thing Aaron knows, he’s foiling an attempted abduction.

Ilya has built a quiet life in Fairview mixing drinks and flying under the radar. He is a banshee, and the psychic ability and mild telepathy that comes with that makes Ilya a sought-after commodity. That carefully constructed life Ilya built for himself breaks into a thousand pieces when a handsome witch starts asking questions and becomes Ilya’s rescuer mere hours after they meet.

The witch, Aaron, vows to protect Ilya and to keep his secret. Now Ilya has to decide whether he will give Aaron his trust and risk a lonely but safe life as a night bartender in a wintry city in which people disappear only to then turn up murdered.

Two men who probably shouldn’t mix are just what the doctor ordered.

I love a good Alexa Piper story and this one delivered. The characters are quirky, the story hot and the chemistry off the charts. I devoured this story in one sitting and couldn’t wait to get to the rest in this series. The pacing was great and though this is book 9, I didn’t feel lost by not reading the others.

I liked the way the tension and action carried the story. Yes, there is heat between Aaron and Ilya, but they have a job to do, too. It was fun to read about them getting together and their exploits.

If you want a good story for a lazy afternoon or one guaranteed to heat up the night, then this is the one you’re looking for. Recommended.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Abhorrence by Marco May

July 19, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Abhorrence by Marco May
Publisher: Deep Desires Press
Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Art is a spineless Christian who’s been bullied at school for being a dork and treated poorly by his devout parents for being gay. He can’t seem to defend himself no matter how hard he tries, especially because he believes God wouldn’t like it. He’s relieved to graduate high school, and he plans to move out of his parents’ house to a toxic-free environment. It’s the one escape route he clings to.

In what first seems like a stroke of good luck for once, Art meets Cole at a restaurant while Cole waits his table, and they hit it off rather quickly. They swap numbers and plan to meet up later on, only for it to be the last that they see each other.

Soon after, Art encounters someone he knows very well who changes his life for the worst, and Art tries to end his life after the incident. His parents don’t believe him when he tells them what happened, nor do they support his mental health. Therefore, he feels he has no choice but to leave as soon as possible. Little does he know, Cole—the one guy he thought he’d never see again—could end up becoming more important than he ever imagined.

But will Art open up and give Cole a chance?

Two lost souls who need each other more than they ever thought possible.

This is an interesting premise for a story. One is very religious, but he’s turning away from religion because of how he’s been treated. The other has dealt with the slings and arrows of teen life. Can they forge a bond together or are they destined to end up alone?

I liked this story. The characters are relatable, and the story is unique. Art is a softie and he’s sweet. Cole is a handsome guy, too. They should get together. I rooted for them.

One thing that stuck with me and sort of annoyed me was how Art could be extremely down on himself. It got a tad cumbersome because I wanted to see him grow a little faster than he did. He wasn’t a bad guy, but he sure saw himself that way. The thing is, that’s how a lot of people see themselves, so it made sense and is relatable.

If you’re looking for a story that will stick with you after the last page, then this might be the one you’re looking for. Try it.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Wolf Heart by Dorian Flynn

July 19, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Wolf Heart by Dorian Flynn
Publisher: Deep Desires Press
Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, LGBTQ, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

It’s been years since Elias has seen his childhood rival and friend Julian. The last time they were together, Elias kissed him, sending Julian running away. And by morning, he was gone. Since then, Elias has kept his secret close to his chest, hoping Julian would do the same.

But Julian is back now, and simultaneously a string of mysterious animal attacks have struck the town, rousing superstitions about a Beast that swept through before Elias was even born. A Beast that was only stopped by Elias’s grandmother.

Elias may have been keeping his own secret, but as he and Julian reconnect, what secrets will he discover about Julian’s family…or his own?

Two men, one love and a lot of secrets!

I picked this book up because the premise caught my attention. These two men long for each other, but there’s a problem. Elias thinks they can’t be together. There are a lot of reasons, and they unfold slowly in this story.

I liked the character of Elias. He’s sweet and unsure, but in a good way. This story is told from his point of view and can be a tad stilted at times, but the reader is in Elias’s head the whole time, so in a way it makes sense.

Something that stuck with me and wasn’t my cuppa was the pacing. This story is full of tension, but in spots it drags. I put it down a few times and had a hard time coming back. I’m glad I finished it, but it was a bit of a chore at times. I had a few questions that never got answered and I would’ve liked to have seen things from Julian’s point of view, but all in all, it worked.

Still, I liked the characters, and I loved the women in the family. They’re strong and positive forces, which was good in this story.

If you’re looking for something a little offbeat and something different, then this might be the story for you.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall

July 18, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall
Publisher: Montlake
Genre: Historical, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Valentine Layton, the Duke of Malvern, has twin problems: literally.

It was always his father’s hope that Valentine would marry Miss Arabella Tarleton. But, unfortunately, too many novels at an impressionable age have caused her to grow up…romantic. So romantic that a marriage of convenience will not do and after Valentine’s proposal she flees into the night determined never to set eyes on him again.

Arabella’s twin brother, Mr. Bonaventure “Bonny” Tarleton, has also grown up…romantic. And fully expects Valentine to ride out after Arabella and prove to her that he’s not the cold-hearted cad he seems to be.

Despite copious misgivings, Valentine finds himself on a pell-mell chase to Dover with Bonny by his side. Bonny is unreasonable, overdramatic, annoying, and…beautiful? And being with him makes Valentine question everything he thought he knew. About himself. About love. Even about which Tarleton he should be pursuing.

There’s a twist and a romance, but you’ll never guess how it all works out.

I’ve never read Alexis Hall, but this was highly recommended, so I picked it up. I’m glad I did as there aren’t many historical/regency era MM reads, so it was different. The characters had their good points and I loved Bonny. He’s a trip.

The thing is, the writing, while trying to stay true to the era, came out a bit flowery at times. I knew this would have an erotic edge to it and that was fine but the dancing around saying what they’d do was a little cumbersome. The side characters were a bit over the top and that made the story hard to follow, too. There was just a lot going on. Maybe it didn’t resonate as much as it could’ve with me, but it just might be fantastic for other readers. Might have been for me if I’d have read it on a different day. It’s not a bad book, it just didn’t hit the right notes for me at the time.

Still, if you’re looking for something different and with amusing moments, this might be the book for you. Give it a shot.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Partner Dilemma by Jade Marshall

July 15, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Partner Dilemma by Jade Marshall
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, Multiple Partners, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The world has changed since it was ravaged by disease many years ago. Fertile females have become a commodity.

Skye has been preparing for her Partner for the last two years. But nothing could have prepared her for the three men that want everything from her.

Deklan, Blaine, and Kamden have been through it all together, even war. Now they want a Partner that can make their house a home. Skye is the missing piece in their lives. And now that they have her, they will do whatever it takes to keep her.

But nothing is as simple as it seems, and sometimes the past comes back to haunt you.

A steamy story with a scary premise!

I love a good futuristic story and this one delivered. This is a world where women, for the most part, are infertile. Why? Because of a vaccine. It’s scary. The author made that point quite well and left me a little spooked, I won’t lie.

Skye is one of the few fertile women and one paired with her three men–Deklan, Blaine, and Kamden. I liked how they took care of her and how they fell into a routine so easily. What sort of bugged me was how she’s young and knew exactly what to do with them. For a virgin, she’s advanced. I wish there had been more clumsiness or a little more fear on her part–fear of the unknown. Still, the time they share together is hot and makes for an entertaining read.

If you’re looking for something short and hot, then this might be the one for you. Beware, it’s a little spooky, but it’s all good, too.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Various Distractions by AE Lister

July 13, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Various Distractions by AE Lister
Persuasions, Book 2
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When life is perfect, you know it’s gonna throw you a curveball…or four.

Nic and Vincent have been riding the high of a new romantic relationship that works so well they are on the verge of officially moving in together—but then the distractions begin. Their friend Daphne needs a temporary dungeon space, and Nic’s basement seems the perfect solution. Vincent’s gay seventeen-year-old cousin, Taylor, needs a safe refuge from his uber-religious parents. When Vincent suffers an unexpected injury, Nic asks Daphne to suggest someone to help with domestic duties around the house.

These combined circumstances lead to a less-than-ideal home life for Vincent and Nic, who struggle to find alone time. But life has a way of giving people what they need, and the arrival of Matteo to help with chores around the house sets into motion an opportunity the three must decide to follow to its logical conclusion or abandon in order to maintain the emotional safety of all the participants.

Emotional, sensational and heartwarming…all while being hot.

I’ve never read anything by AE Lister and I don’t know why, but I’m glad I remedied that. This was a fantastic story. The writing flowed well, the characters were engaging, and I couldn’t put it down.

Nic’s a Dom and wants a sub, but Nic’s leery. There’s something that could tear this relationship apart. Vincent is just what Nic needs, but they have to accept themselves and the past to move forward. It’s a hot story, but full of tenderness and determination, too. The characters are gender-fluid and that helped make this more engaging.

I highly recommend this book and hope you’re willing to take a chance on it, too. I’m glad I did.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »