Feet Of Clay by AJ Graham


Feet Of Clay by AJ Graham
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance. LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

When Galvin Cloud, a shy young journalist, is unexpectedly offered a chance to interview his favorite author, he ought to be delighted. Instead, he’s terrified. Galvin has always idolized Spike Radcliff, but the idea of actually meeting him face-to-face is overwhelming. Furthermore, despite the sensitivity of his prose, Spike has a reputation for being a surly, reclusive misanthrope. Still, Galvin knows he can’t pass up this rare chance.

After the disastrous interview, Spike surprises Galvin by offering him a job as his assistant. As they spend more time together, Galvin discovers that beneath the harsh exterior is a complex, broken man… one with whom he’s quickly falling in love.

Galvin has been a longtime fan of the author Spike Radcliff, so when Galvin is given the journalistic opportunity to interview Spike he knows he should be thrilled – but he is equal parts terrified. While the interview begins in an even more disastrous way than Galvin could have imagined, he is shocked when Spike offers him a job as Spike’s assistant. Can these two men look below the surface and see what’s truly happening between them?

I really enjoyed this lovely story. While Galvin has some serious problems, he’s still standing strong, still doing the best he can and functioning each and every day – despite what it costs him. I really empathized with this strong but fragile character and almost immediately started to hope his long-held dreams of finding someone who was strong enough to hold and love him, to help him feel wanted and safe, would soon come to pass. I feel Galvin’s character was totally relatable and should appeal to a very wide range of readers and I was hooked on him from almost the first page.

Spike’s character initially comes across as a mish-mash of a few different elements, and so I found it really interesting as we, along with Galvin, sorted through all the various layers to try and understand what was really going on with Spike. Much of the story revolves around these two men learning about each other and through their interactions learning stuff about themselves too. While the attraction between them is present from the start, it’s a very slow simmer as both men have some significant wounds and baggage of their own and I felt this slow, cautious approach to a more intimate relationship really suited the characters, where they were, and it made the whole situation healthier and more realistic to my mind. This is the first book in a series (Bound By Words) and I’d be interested to see if these sorts of themes are carried through into the next books later in the series.

Readers who enjoy the sort of hurt/comfort style of stories should find this really clicks for them and I absolutely loved the emotion and rawness to a number of the scenes. There is quite a bit of chemistry and sizzle between Spike and Galvin, but no physical intimacy until towards the end of the story – so readers looking for something heavily erotic (in a physical and not emotional/chemistry sort of style) might not that this fulfils that expectation. But readers who really enjoy a story of two men coming together and helping to heal and uplift each other while finding a deep, emotional connection and building a strong foundation for a wonderful relationship should absolutely enjoy this story as much as I did.

First you Dream by Aliyah Burke


First you Dream by Aliyah Burke
Publisher: Totally Bound
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

A rash decision can become the best ever.

Race car driver Cody Gamino has come from Europe to the United States for one thing. To race with the incredible Xin. Their one night together means more to him than he expected and suddenly, it’s not just about racing together, but about being together too. Forever.

Racer N’Jelle ‘Xin’ Marx turns to a handsome man she met outside a bar, just to forget for a night. Six weeks and two pinklines later, she is questioning the decision she’d made that night. When he shows up at her job, revealing to her who he truly is, and snatches it out from under her, she doesn’t have the fight in her any longer. She leaves.

Cody isn’t one to give up and when he learns of his unborn child, he digs in even more. Will these two, used to life in the lane, learn to slow down and see what is before them? Will they recognize what they have to lose?

One night is sometimes all you need!

Xin and Cody are both race drivers, although Xin has faced more adversity than Cody, simply because she is a woman and black. When her personal life becomes complicated, she has a one-night stand with Cody, not knowing who he is. Then things really hit the fan.

This is a fast-paced novel that I think would have read better for me if I’d read the first two books in the series. It jumps about a bit as well. The family situation was a complete blank to me, but I felt as though I should know some of it. And the crew Kenny was with? Who were they?

Cody is also a jerk for 90% of the book – arrogant and high-handed, thinking his way is the right way. I was happy when he got his act together and started behaving like a human, instead of a misogynistic ***!

This erotic story is full of drama so if that’s what you’re after, that’s what you’ll get.

I Don’t Want to Wake Up by Chelle de Notte


I Don’t Want to Wake Up by Chelle de Notte
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Dicentra

He’s a hot firefighter…

Between the demands of his job and his own work ethic, it takes a lot to get Lieutenant Mike Devierse to loosen up and relax. One woman managed it, and Kat’s at his firehouse’s Thanksgiving dinner.

She’s a beautiful masseuse…

In Kat Kominsky’s work at a spa, all the people she meets and massages tend to blur together. There are some standouts, though, and she’s excited to see Mike outside a professional capacity.

As Kat and Mike grow closer, their time together is right out of a fantasy. But will they be able to handle the moment when the reality of each other’s jobs sets in?

Chelle de Notte’s I Don’t Want to Wake Up is a fun and steamy read – a perfect choice for those looking for something quick that’s easy to finish in one sitting. Our hero, Mike fights fires on a daily basis in his job. But will he be able to handle the heat that comes with the budding relationship he has with beautiful masseuse Kat? Only time will tell…

One thing I appreciated in this book (and other romance books of this length) is when the author sets up some off-page event that establishes the relationship and the chemistry. Books that are less than 100 pages often suffer when there’s too much on-page relationship establishment as it takes away time from the action and the meat of the story. This book thankfully avoided that issue. I’m happy to say that there was minimal downtime between the start of the book and when Mike and Kat give into their feelings. Once they stopped fighting it and gave into the tension, it was so much fun to read. I think I have a thing for firefighter romances now after reading this book, but I’m not mad about it.

While Mike’s job as a firefighter does play a big role in this book, I was quite pleasantly surprised to see how the author incorporated Kat’s job as a masseuse into their relationship (and some of the conflicts therein). As Mike puts it, Kat’s job involves “rubbing down scantily clad people of all sexes for hours at a time.” This unsurprisingly inspires some feelings of jealousy in Mike, and while it’s not the first thing you would think of after reading the blurb it worked well with the rest of the plot. I was especially amused when Kat and Mike had conversations with their coworkers (Jason and Kelsey respectively) about how to deal with the other person’s job and the worries that come with it; I think Jason and Kelsey were quite amused too.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I hope readers will enjoy Chelle de Notte’s I Don’t Want to Wake Up as much as I did. If you’re looking for a short and entertaining erotic romance read that’s complete with a happily ever after ending, you’ve come to the right place. I look forward to checking out the other Romance on the Go titles in the future!

The Corpse Princess by Jayce Carter


The Corpse Princess by Jayce Carter
Publisher: Totally Bound
Genre: Contemporary, Erotica
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Karma is a bitch—but then again, so am I.

Ten years ago, a group of men murdered my mother and thought they had killed me. I’ve spent every day since planning revenge against the man behind the attack—my father. As the head of a powerful crime family, he won’t be an easy target, but nothing matters more than making him pay for what he’s done.

Now, I return in disguise, only to end up on the radar of The Quad—the four most dangerous men in the city, men I’ve been desperately in love with since I was a teen. I have no idea if they were in on the plan to have me killed, but I can’t stop myself from craving their taste, their bodies and their rough, domineering touches. Even though I know the risks, I keep falling deeper into our twisted relationship.

My plan is simple—find and get rid of the people who carried out the attack, kill my father…and don’t fall in love with the men who might have betrayed me.

This world already killed me once—let it try again.

Kelsey’s life ended when she was seventeen years old. Now twenty-seven, Nem is determined to put right those who did her and her mother wrong. If she can just accomplish that without her old bodyguards figuring out who she is, that would be great.

As the story moves along, we find out more about Nem’s past and her relationship with the Quad. Their role in what happened is not answered, but it doesn’t look like they had anything to do with it. How they got played when they’re supposed to be the best, I don’t yet know. I’m hoping it will say in the next book.

The four men are all very different and there is never any confusion over which one is speaking or thinking. Their ways of dealing with Nem, however, are pretty much the same, so expect some heat.

The one thing that got me throughout is her eyes. It is mentioned how different they are; how only her father shares them with her. And yet, even though they were like family, no one in the Quad has noticed Nem’s eyes. Don’t get me wrong – I know people can change in ten years, and she’s dyed her hair, etc., but you can’t change your eyes without putting in contacts, of which there is no mention.

This is not a romance in the typically used meaning of the word. It’s about sex, ownership, and vengeance. So, if you are expecting fluffy kittens and rainbows, this is not for you. If you want a raw, gritty, steamy, and action-packed story then I have no hesitation in recommending it to you.

A Flame Among the Stars by Thea Landen


A Flame Among the Stars by Thea Landen
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Genre: LGBTQ, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

The kingdom of Dardrith is under attack from hordes of juvenile dragons. When the king offers marriage to his daughter as a reward to whoever can discover the source of the dragons and prevent future infestations, Meg’s best friend, Ronan, convinces her to help him win the ultimate prize and save their families from a lifetime of poverty. Despite her initial reluctance, they also enlist the aid of Ronan’s sister, the village blacksmith, and a stranger Meg meets in the local marketplace.

The band of aspiring heroes doesn’t travel far before the identity of the stranger is exposed; she is none other than the king’s daughter herself, Princess Celendra. Aside from being the heir to the throne, Celendra is keeping some other secrets. During a battle with a group of dragons, she reveals she has magical powers, the ability to conjure and manipulate elements such as fire and water. Furthermore, she confesses that, like Meg, she would prefer to pursue romantic relationships with other women, which she hasn’t told her father.

As they journey throughout the land, Meg and Celendra embark on a passionate fling, though Meg tries not to form any deep emotional attachment to the princess due to their respective social classes. Following revelations about the dragon attacks and her family history, Celendra must choose between doing what’s expected of her or taking charge of her own destiny. The future of Dardrith is at stake. Can Meg and Celendra find a way to remain together while protecting the people and home they love?

Princesses that don’t want to be married off, dragons that aren’t what they seem, and a bunch of ‘peasants’ who want a bit of excitement in their lives. That’s how I would describe this book in a nutshell.

It is a fast-paced story that concentrates on the main characters, to the detriment of the side ones. They seem to be brilliant, capable additions, and yet we don’t know much about them, even by the end of the story. To be fair though, there isn’t much backstory to the main characters, but at least you scrape the surface with them.

There are also some steamy F/F scenes that are completely fitting for the book.

Our bunch of misfits go on a quest and find out more about themselves along the way. There were parts that just didn’t seem to mesh with other parts, but on the whole, this was a good piece of fantasy that held my attention. If you are looking for fantasy that doesn’t delve too deeply, or last too long, then this is probably right up your street. Recommended by me.

Daddy’s Little Librarian by Lila Fox


Daddy’s Little Librarian by Lila Fox
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

After an abusive boyfriend, there’s no way Ava will try another relationship any time soon. Since starting over in a new town, she’s met some new friends and has found a great job she loves. She couldn’t ask for more.

Sean has given up trying to find the woman he’s been looking for. He wants a sweet woman like what his friends have, and he isn’t going to settle for less. When he first spots Ava, he’s shocked. She’s small and beautiful, but the pain in her eyes is what grabs his attention, prompting him to make her world a better place.

Threats against her are what finally bring her to him, but he’s not going to complain. He has her where he wants her, and that’s in his bed. Besides pleasing her, he must first use all his energy to keep her safe from an unexpected enemy.

Sean had watched many of his friends begin relationships with their own littles and while at times he found it a bit hard, he always hoped one day he’d find his own woman. The moment Sean lays eyes on Ava he knows the small woman is his and his alone. Only Sean discovers Ava’s history is more complicated than he realized – can Sean and Ava find a way to each other?

I enjoyed Ava and Sean’s characters. While in many ways Sean was fairly typical in the daddy trope – just wanting to take care of his little, make the decisions and protect her – it was really Ava to me who shone and made this book really interesting. Despite her near-instant attraction to Sean, she held her ground and didn’t let him walk all over her, Ava laid out her boundaries and even though obviously she lowered her guard to let Sean in, I felt for much of the story Ava did so on her own terms and in her own way. I found this both refreshing and really interesting to read.

Readers looking for an intensely complicated plot might not find this story fits too well with that. While there is certainly conflict and tension surrounding Ava’s safety, I found that this side to the plot was pretty much on the backburner for the majority of the story and didn’t really have a very strong impact for me, personally. That said, I wasn’t upset that much of the story mainly revolves around Ava and Sean building their own relationship and learning to mesh their lives together.

About halfway through the story Ava and Sean became physically intimate – so I also feel this was a good balance for readers looking for a more erotic leaning towards their story. While the Daddy/little kink was certainly present throughout the BDSM is fairly mild and I feel most readers of explicit stories shouldn’t’ find anything too outrageous here.

A well written and good story, I enjoyed this read.

Daddy’s Little Chica by Lila Fox


Daddy’s Little Chica by Lila Fox
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Amber hadn’t known happiness until she literally dropped into Cesar’s lap. Her first look at him made her yearn to be his in every way, but first she had to fight her family for the privilege, which didn’t end well.

Cesar is a man who knows exactly what he wants in his woman. Someone to give up control of her life and put it in his hands. When he comes across Amber, he knows she’s the one for him.

He doesn’t realize how much danger she’s in until he nearly loses her. She was made to be his little, and if he can’t have her, no one else will ever suffice.

Amber is well used to the disdain of her mother and half-sister, the constant criticism and put-downs, but since the death of her father many years ago she’d known no other life and simply had learned to make the best of it. When a random meeting with the handsome Cesar blossoms into something so much more can Amber and Cesar learn to trust and enjoy the special relationship only they can share together?

This is an enjoyable, quick story that I feel a number of readers will enjoy. Very strongly Cinderella-esque, I was pleased that much of the story focused on Amber and Cesar themselves and their slow fall into a romantic and magical love. Each of them really deserved their happy ending and I enjoyed watching them build the start of what would be a lasting bond between them.

While I thought the BDSM aspect to the story was fairly mild, and Cesar was very honest, gentle and up front with his needs and intentions, Amber was an innocent in so very many ways at times I paused to wonder if she really comprehended what Cesar was introducing her to. To be clear, at no time did I feel like Cesar was taking advantage or had malicious intent toward Amber, it was obvious he was deeply smitten and trying to gently introduce Amber to his own needs and kink. But I did worry a few times especially at the start of their relationship that Amber really didn’t have much of a clue what she was entering into.

Readers looking for an intensely sexual story might find the physical intimacy lacking in this story. Personally, I felt the slower pace Cesar and Amber took when it came to their erotic acts made the story both stronger and more believable. Amber in particular needed time to adapt in changing her own self-perception but also in understanding exactly the style and depth of relationship Cesar wanted. I was pleased they didn’t jump too quickly into bed or rush that part of their bond.

With a few cameos from characters of previous stories, this is a solid and fun read that I feel many readers can enjoy. In particular I feel readers who haven’t read much about the Daddy/little style of kink should find this a good “beginners” sort of book – not too intense but enough to give the reader an idea of what the dynamic can be in this style of story.

Finding Him by LM Somerton


Finding Him by LM Somerton
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Sometimes, using a safe word gets you exactly what you want.

Canadian Zac Denman is young, rich and submissive. He’s also a kidnap risk who’s grown up in the shadow of bodyguards and security precautions. All he wants is to work out what kind of submissive he is in a safe environment and thanks to his very understanding father, he’s getting the chance to do exactly that. The Retreat in England is safe, discreet and willing to provide a selection of Doms for Zac to play with—a great way of discovering what he is, and isn’t, into.

Dale Gastrell is a friend of The Retreat’s owner, a member of The Underground BDSM club and a soldier turned landscape gardener thanks to an inconvenient bullet. Two weeks providing covert protection to a wealthy client who won’t even know he’s there seems like a perfect break from city life.

But life is never simple, and when Dale and Zac are thrown together, Dale has to fight his attraction. Zac is from a whole different world of wealth and privilege. He’s not for the likes of Dale who has to watch as Doms arrive at The Retreat to give Zac a taste of submission.

Sometimes, all you need is the support of your family. This is what Zac realizes when his father organizes a stay at The Retreat, a super-private BDSM club, so he can figure out just what kind of sub he is. Zac has it luckier than some, in that his father loves him and money is not an issue. However, kidnapping is a constant threat so it’s not all good.

When he arrives at The Retreat, there is instant attraction with Dale, the gardener. He is also extra security but Zac doesn’t know that. Constant sparks fly between the two. Will Zac safeword to be with Dale?

This was a lovely book, that also gave an insight to a couple of other relationships too. Dale and Zac are the main focus though, and I found myself looking forward to the scenes that they were both in. I loved the twist at the end with the number of Doms, but I won’t say anymore.

This is a warm and fuzzy book that gave me a hug as I read it. Although I haven’t read any of the others in this series, it did not impact my enjoyment of this book in any way, apart from making me want to read those too! Highly recommended by me.

Royal Boy by Hannah Morse


Royal Boy by Hannah Morse
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Can an English Nobleman and a Texan find enough in common to build a life together?

Duke George Corbyn commands both wealth and power. An attack before he flies to the states leads him to getting an American bodyguard. George is nonplussed. A babysitter is a no, but a Daddy would be a yes, because what nobody knows is that under his posh exterior, he’s a little longing for a Daddy.

When drill sergeant Aaron Anderson needed a job, he was recruited into CARE, Inc.—a security company that gave him a new start as a bodyguard. Assigned to watch over George, Aaron is not only attracted to the man, but also very aware that Georgie needs a firm hand to guide him. And that hand probably needs to be on the brat’s behind.

When the attacker returns, they learn more is at stake than just their hearts.

You know how sometimes you want to absolutely love a book, but then you don’t, and you have no real reason for it? Yep? Well, that was me and this book. The blurb sounded amazing and I couldn’t wait to start.

It starts off with George having paint thrown at him by an unknown assailant, and then returning home to find out his home has been attacked too. Then, he finds out this may be related to threatening letters he’s received. A trip to America cannot be postponed, so George’s team find a bodyguard to protect him whilst over there. And there we meet Aaron.

The parts I did love in this were the scenes between Aaron and George, especially the beginning of their relationship when Aaron clearly recognizes Georgie isn’t getting what he needs and helps him achieve that. Their relationship quickly builds to one of love and trust, with both of them getting what they need from each other. One thing in particular with Aaron’s relationships with others is that he was always cognizant of how he would feel in their position. I adored that!

The bits that didn’t work as well were the bits involving the assailant. It was pretty clear who was behind it, once we were introduced to that character. Not only that, but it felt like a big build-up to something that was over in seconds. One thing I did love about the finale was George’s strength of character and conviction in Aaron.

So, there we go. A book that I thoroughly enjoyed even though it didn’t tick every box. Even so, I would definitely read more from this author and I have no hesitation in recommending this book. Looking forward to more in the CARE Inc. series.

Honor by January Bain


Honor by January Bain
Sin City Wolf, Book 3
Publisher: Totally Bound
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Never run from a wolf!

Isadora Champagne is a witch on a dangerous mission—to take down Lucius Luceres. That bad boy alpha billionaire doesn’t deserve to have it all his way. Thinks he can dump her baby sister and get away with it! But now that she’s met the shifter, keeping her heart safe from him is going to take more than the curse she laid on him…it just might cost her a pact with the devil himself.

Lucius of the House of Luceres is an alpha werewolf, secure in his bad-to-the-bone reputation. But when confronted by the beautiful Isadora one fateful night, even he can’t ignore the extreme attraction that instantly ignites between them. But what he hadn’t counted on was how useful her magic gifts can be to the House of Luceres when one of their own goes missing.

Will he be able to set aside the centuries of mistrust between witches and shifters and allow her special brand of courage and caring to heal even the most jaded heart?

A witch and a wolf – who will come out on top?

Well, the wolf, obviously, because the witch (Isadora) is supposed to be a strong, fearsome woman who bends the rules of her coven to help out other women but the minute the wolf (Lucius) speaks, she melts.

This was a fast-paced story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you occupied. Unfortunately for me, I wanted more depth to the story, instead of skimming the surface. Isadora’s sister acted strangely when they were speaking, but Isadora never questioned it. Why did she think her actions in the elevator were the right way to go? Why did the disappearing cousin not even leave a note? I don’t know.

This story was good, it just didn’t give me what I needed. Their emotions flip on a dime, and it made me dizzy. I’m sure fans of this author will rave over this book, but it just wasn’t one for me. Perhaps it is because it is the third book in the series and I haven’t read the others? I don’t know.

If you want steamy hot romance, then this may be the book for you.