The Perfect Gift by Raven McAllan


The Perfect Gift by Raven McAllan
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance, Historical
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

My lord. Let the battle commence.

You wish to play games?

So do I.

But be warned, you may be the overall winner of the battle, but I, my lord, well, I will win the skirmishes.

Are you ready?
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He thought at first there was no signature, but then he saw inscribed in tiny letters at the foot of the page—

I am not, my lord, your obedient servant. I am, however, your willing partner. In all manner.

Judith

Judith knew Stephen had extreme tastes. Tastes he thought not suitable for one so innocent as her.

However she had other ideas. How could he know, how could she know, if he didn’t share them?

Stephen knows his sister has a hidden motive for changing her house party at the last minute to be held at his place – their family estate – rather than her own perfectly suitable marital home, but Stephen can’t fathom what his sister’s reasonings might be. Even when Stephen starts to suspect what his sister’s machinations might be, he still refuses to indulge in his more secret desires with the innocent and sweet Judith. Eleven years his junior Stephen struggles to express his needs to far more worldly paramours, yet when Judith shows every indication of not only welcoming but wanting those harder desires but reveling in them as well, Stephen can’t turn away this perfect gift.

This is a racy and explicitly spicy historical romance story. While the first half of the book is mainly setting up the scene between Stephen and Judith, I really did enjoy the slower pace to get them together. It helped feel that the lightly kinky BDSM desires they each harbored were not just added into the story for extra heat but was something they each truly desired and – true to the historical setting – each feared somewhat to express even in privacy between each other. While light dalliances might have been fairly common in those days gossip was rife and each could have been thoroughly ruined had their true desires been exposed. I felt this aspect of the plot was really well handled – though readers wanting a faster paced story or something a little less realistic and more bedroom-based might find it a bit too slow for their tastes.

Once Stephen and Judith do hit the sheets, however, things move between them at a very fast – and fiery – pace. Readers should be aware while the main physical relationship is between Stephen and Judith, a female maid is sometimes a third in a quasi-ménage style of situation during much of their play. With some seriously sexy scenes – spanking, restraints and a few BDSM kinks – and an exceptionally fast-paced second half of the story this was a great and quick historical read. I also enjoyed the epilogue which hinted at a following book revolving around one of the other characters that I’d be interested to keep an eye out for. Recommended.

Illusion by Aurelia T. Evans


Illusion by Aurelia T. Evans
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Mistletoe

Arcanium’s greatest illusion is that there’s any illusion at all…

When an old flame returns to Arcanium in the company of her own magical circus, Illumina, offering an alliance, Bell initially considers the merger an opportunity for much-needed change.

However, with Illumina comes Maya, who has lost her memories not just of Locke’s Arcanium but all her time with Bell—love, guilt, wishes, everything. Having her memories removed leaves Maya with too large a gap in her mind that she’s desperate to fill, and she knows that Bell, of all the people in Arcanium, can give her the information she’s missing.

Bell still loves Maya and spends every day trying to atone for the pain he caused her and the rest of his cast. In spite of her frustration, she’s happiest without him, without the memories that once nearly destroyed her. If Illumina is to become part of Arcanium, he has no choice. He has to keep his distance, because she doesn’t know why she should run as far away as she can from Arcanium—and from Bell.

Even so, resisting Maya is almost too much for him to bear.

Once again, we find ourselves in the world of Arcanium where Bell rules and the consequence for breaking his rules are harsh. Yet even Bell has a heart and a conscience. He has learned from his mistakes and works hard at making his circus safe and a happy place for those in it. When an old friend and lover returns to Arcanium with her own cast that includes Maya, Bell must make the hard choice of opening his doors or shutting them. His own heart lays in the choice and he could lose it all over again if he is not careful.

I was both excited and sad to see this book come out as it is the last in the Arcanium series. I enjoyed returning to this world and its characters. As much as I enjoyed this book, there were a few points where the story dragged on a bit too much, and there were characters made to stand out, it seems, just for the purpose of being annoying. It worked. This story brings readers full circle and back to the beginning. It is centered around Bell and Maya of course, and as with all the books in this series, there are major twists and turns.

This book is an interesting way to end the series and the author has made a great world with memorable characters that I fell in love with and hope to see again in the future.

Rooster by Harley Wilde


*Rooster by Harley Wilde
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

Alora – I’ve prided myself on being a strong, independent woman and not needing anyone. I didn’t become a bestselling author by the age of twenty out of pure dumb luck. I worked my tail off to get as far as I have. But there are few perks to having a man in my life. Laughter, romance, and companionship. Battery operated boyfriends can only do so much. Too bad the guy who sets me on fire is a bossy biker who wants to claim me. No way I’m letting him label me as property. Nope. Not happening. Doesn’t matter if he does make my knees weak and my heart race. I’m not giving in!

Rooster – Of all the women to capture my interest, it had to be the most stubborn, sexy, adorable woman on the planet. I love her mind, her sense of humor, and the way she fills out a pair of shorts. I don’t even mind that she’s an exhibitionist, as long as no one touches. Doesn’t matter to me her uncles were both rotten to the core. The Devil’s Fury may think she belongs to them, but I have other plans. Alora will be mine — no matter the cost.

Rooster is an entertaining and spicy story with a little intrigue thrown into the mix. This fast paced book was just the type of book I was looking for. It is a quick, steamy and satisfying MC story that includes BDSM, voyeurism and some very hot scenes that had me fanning myself.

Rooster is part of The Devils Boneyard motorcycle club and even at forty, he is still a good looking guy. From the moment Rooster sees Alora, he wants her and wants to make her his. Even though Alora is only twenty one years old, she has become a successful romance writer. She is feisty and sassy and gives Rooster a run for his money. It is fun when these two are together; there is a lot of verbal sparring and sparks flying. Alora and Rooster argue and bicker and they have a passionate relationship from the moment they meet. Alora isn’t interested in a relationship, but Rooster enjoys the challenge of trying to change her mind.

I liked both Rooster and Alora and I have to admit, I have a weakness for stories about an older man and younger women. I enjoyed all the passion Rooster and Alora shared and this short, lighthearted story.

Love In Chaos by Sam Crescent


Love In Chaos by Sam Crescent
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

After the world’s population is nearly wiped out, Maggie has been able to protect herself—until now. Captured in the dead of night, she is offered to a man. A leader. Only this man isn’t a stranger. Three years ago, he was the first man she ever had a crush on. Her teacher.

Clayton would recognize Maggie anywhere. In all his years, Maggie was one who got under his skin. He thought she was dead, perished like so many others. But she’s back, and he’s not going to let her go. He wants every single part of her, hoping she won’t hold back.

She always imagined love, but she must settle for what she can get. When Clayton realizes his carelessness and that his woman could be pregnant, he screws up. His fears keep him from admitting his love for her.

Heartbroken, Maggie plans to have her baby, but she’ll protect her heart from Clayton. Is it too late, or does he already have the key to her heart?

Three years ago – when she was barely eighteen – the world as everyone knew it ended. Maggie had travelled, mostly alone and avoiding men, and until now had survived far beyond her expectations. Kidnapped while she was sleeping, Maggie is dragged as an “offering” and she’s completely shocked when she’s dragged before her old History teacher – and major crush – Mr Knight. She hadn’t expected him to remember her at all, but he does, and now the world has ended there’s nothing stopping either of them from acting on their very mutual, very adult attraction.

Readers will need to understand that this is set is a very harsh, post-apocalyptic world. There are no hearts and flowers here, no rainbows and glitter or soft, sweet world and gentle love-making. Readers who want a softer or more romantic style of story probably won’t be very satisfied with this quick read. It took me a moment to adjust my own expectations of this story, but once I did I found it an interesting albeit harder read than I had expected. I was surprised how in such a harsh and forbidding world the author did a decent job of creating a sense of intimacy – albeit one heavily laced with survival and the human instinct to band together, not a more traditional style of romance – between Clay and Maggie.

While much of the intimacy – at least initially – wasn’t overly romantic to my mind, I was really pleased when as Clay and Maggie worked together to survive and keep their crew safe and fed they slowly really did begin to built a more lasting relationship together. With the world so completely different to what we’re used to this relationship and the romance/attachments that grew weren’t what anyone could feel were standard or traditional, but I slowly came to believe with more and more strength that both Clay and Maggie truly did love each other and that their bond could survive through anything.

By the end of the story I was not only convinced that Clay and Maggie were perfect for each other, but I really genuinely believed they had a healthy and loving relationship together. That was an awesome high note for me to end this quick read on and while I admit this won’t be good for all readers, those who want something completely different and enjoy post end-of-the-world style of stories I feel it’s well worth the effort to read this.

A good albeit quite different style of story.

Craving Tara by Lila Fox


Craving Tara by Lila Fox
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Since her mom became sick, Tara’s had to work hard, even doing things she never thought she would consider in order to pay the bills.

Soon after meeting Traeger, the sexy and broody VP, she agrees to come live with the Devil’s Sons MC and cook for them. She moves to the clubhouse, but she’s unsure if it’s the right place for her. While her mom is being taken care of by professionals, Tara needs to find out where she fits in.

Traeger takes one look at Tara and knows she’s his. He just has to get over the guilt of his last girlfriend’s death to move on with Tara. Can he make peace with his past before he loses his chance at love again?

Tara had needed to quit her regular job when her mother got sick, needing to earn more money with less hours left her with only the one option – stripping. While she adored dancing, she hated how tiring it was and how little she enjoyed the stripping. Still, she was determined to do everything she could for her mother. Traeger had been devastated when his previous girlfriend had been killed right in front of him. For years, no one else had stirred him since that moment until he met Tara. Innocent but strong, self-conscious but full of fire she drew him and Traeger almost felt as if he was ready to try again for something as difficult and painful as love.

I really enjoyed this longer length MC story. Tara and her bff Amelia are interesting and modern women who are both in difficult situations but don’t let the stress of their positions drag them down too much. I particularly enjoyed how while there was attraction between Tara and Traeger (and Amelia and Fury) neither women just rolled right over and jumped into bed with their respective men. They all took some time to interact together and try to adjust to their new positions and lives before making a commitment or delving into something that would have been painful and messy to undo. It helped me as a reader to get a bit more comfortable with their respective situations and allowed me to see the depth of friendship and genuine love between Tara and Amelia as they both navigated their new and rocky romantic relationship with their respective men.

I also felt there was plenty of conflict and tension in the plot – Traeger still feels guilt a number of years later about the murder of his previous girlfriend, which was a different and really interesting plotline for me reading an MC romance. I also thought while a little predictable, the club whores being so antagonistic to Tara and Amelia added a good bit of tension to the story as well.

While the sex was hot and intimate I was pleased that Tara and Traeger both clearly became emotionally connected to each other and it wasn’t just purely physical. Readers looking for a spicily hot, explicit MC style of romance novel should find this really suits their purposes. I enjoyed the other guys in the club and even thought the author did a good job introducing what I expect might be the next story’s heroine toward the end.

With realistic and interesting characters and plenty of steamy sex this is a great read and a story I really enjoyed.

Against a Rising Tide by Samantha Cayto


Against a Rising Tide by Samantha Cayto
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Love always finds a way.

Scott, a Navy SEAL, returns to his childhood beach house to deal with the emotional trauma of his latest mission. When a sniper killed his closest friend, Scott was left dealing with survivor’s guilt and the disturbing feeling that his friend meant more to him. He has always identified as strictly straight, attraction to men being something he has ruthlessly suppressed.

When he finds Kitt, a friend of his sister’s, hiding out from his abusive boyfriend, Scott is once again drawn to someone of his own gender. Although annoyed at the intrusion, Scott also instantly develops an interest in his unwanted houseguest. Keeping his distance is proving to be impossible and his growing desire for Kitt cannot be ignored.

Forced to leave home, Kitt entered into a relationship with a man who turned abusive. Having finally found the courage to escape, the last thing he wants or needs is another alpha male invading his space. But having nowhere else to go, he ends up staying with a man who disturbs him in more ways than one. As scary as the SEAL is, Scott is exactly the type of man Kitt dreams about.

The beach house is small, and the two men cannot avoid one another or the attraction between them. With each passing day, their bond grows stronger. Hesitation slowly gives way to passion. They need to trust their feelings and let go of the things that frighten them, to find safety and solace in each other.

Big, strong, alpha-males are all jerks, right? That’s what Kitt feels, and with good reason. Scott is on a two-week ‘holiday’ to try and get his head on straight. Seeing Kitt knocks his socks off and makes him face some long-denied truths.

This is a fast-paced story, all happening within that two-week span. Kitt has some serious damage to deal with, not only from his abusive ex but also from his not-so-loving family too. But Scott doesn’t have it all together either, as he tries to figure out his confusing feelings and deal with his past. Somehow, they both manage within the timeframe! Nothing on either side is mentioned in too much detail – just enough for you to understand how traumatic it was.

There is a small cast of characters so you certainly won’t get confused about who is doing what. I loved the descriptions of the sea. I will admit to being intrigued about the clams and how you eat them, never having had one. The ending is smooth and neatly tied together.

Overall, this was a sunny, delightful read that skimmed the surface of some subjects without bringing the whole book into darkness. I thoroughly enjoyed every word and have no hesitation in recommending it.

Kaito’s Silence by Emily Carrington


Kaito’s Silence by Emily Carrington
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Kaito has always been attracted to werewolves of the opposite gender — until he meets his new sign language tutor, a flamboyant wolf named Stefan.

As Kaito struggles with his own sexuality, Stefan starts to feel like an experiment. Can their love thrive or will Kaito’s indecision push them apart?

Kaito had always been attracted to women, until he meets Stefan. Having requested to be placed in the immersion sign language class Kaito is pleased but puzzled when Stefan is assigned to assist him and help teach him. Now questioning his sexuality, Kaito is confused and trying to sort his emotions out, but Stefan is beginning to feel like he’s simply an experiment. Can these two men learn to communicate together properly before it’s too late?

I found this an interesting and well plotted short story. Even though both Kaito and Stefan were in college and adults this story had a bit of a YA feel to me, personally. I think this was in large part because Kaito was still clearly learning and discovering who he was – for his career as well as his sexuality. I think the fact we followed along as he learned both sign language as well as the basics of being a tracker and all the responsibility and meaning that has in this story’s paranormal world meant this came across to me as a bit of a coming-of-age style of story. I found Stefan’s character to be well researched and quite relatable, and while I admit I don’t know much about the deaf community it felt to me like the author did an excellent job and had done her homework when it came to this aspect of the story as a whole.

There are a number of various paranormal creatures at the college – not just werewolves – so I feel readers who enjoy a rich paranormal world and lots of various entities should find this story quite satisfying. While the main thrust of the story is around Kaito and Stefan – and therefore werewolves – I was surprised and pleased by the other creatures and felt it really added a strong element to the story and helped really sell the world-building and paranormal aspect of the world in general. Although it takes quite some time for Stefan and Kaito to become intimate – and it mostly happens off screen – I feel that fits perfectly with the story, both with Kaito’s uncertainty and Stefan not wanting to merely be an experiment or passing fancy. If readers are willing to explore and move along with Kaito and Stefan as they both learn more about each other and themselves then I feel readers will be happy with the pacing of the story and I know I personally found it exactly right.

A good, short coming of age style of story about two interesting men discovering who they are. With great world building and a strong cast of supporting characters this was a good read and an author I will happily try again.

Stranded With Her Bullies by Sam Crescent


Stranded With Her Bullies by Sam Crescent
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

When a lockdown is declared, Daphne is forced to close her successful bed-and-breakfast for the foreseeable future, which she expects to spend alone. However, three men from her past didn’t leave with all the others. After twelve years, her high school bullies are back. She doesn’t know what game they’re playing, but she won’t be part of it.

Eric, Micah, and Dean intend to win her heart. What started as a challenge soon turns into more as the three friends band together to claim the woman of their dreams. There was only supposed to be one victor, but now they will all win.

Daphne doesn’t plan to fall for them, but when an opportunity opens up, they’re just too damn hot to turn down.

It’s a lockdown full of promise. Three guys, one girl, and many possibilities. Why not enjoy the moment, even if she doesn’t intend for it to last forever. Or will it?

Daphne had carried on with her grandmother’s B&B, a beautiful quaint place near the mountains. Closed until further notice due to the pandemic and the lockdown, she’s looking forward to the quiet as a chance to recharge her batteries and tinker with the B&B and be ship-shape when they reopen. She hadn’t counted on the three very determined men who flatly refused to check out or leave her premises. Eric, Micah and Dean had been her high school bullies – the three handsome, popular, intelligent men who had made her teenage years miserable. They were determined to win her over, but Daphne was equally determined never to let them have any sort of power over her ever again. Can they weather this storm together?

A part of me wasn’t sure if this was a little too soon for me. With much of the world still in dire trouble from the pandemic – and lockdowns and clusters still popping up here and there to keep society as a whole on their toes – I really wasn’t sure I wanted to read a story where, even loosely, the pandemic and lockdown was a part of the fictional world I immersed myself in. I feel strongly for some readers this won’t be the right fit – yet – and so I’m grateful the author was quite up front about those settings. I still don’t think I want to be reading too much about pandemic life and lockdowns, but I have to admit the references were fairly fleeting and limited to only sporadic comments throughout the story which I was grateful for.

I also wasn’t really sold on the idea that Daphne could overlook such horrible treatment through school from the trio of men and give in to her sexual craving for them. To actually enjoy the story I really needed to just disconnect my brain and try to go with the flow. I didn’t question the logic – regardless of how sexy they were or how hot the attraction, how could someone fall in love with the bullies who made her childhood hell? – and I just relaxed and enjoyed the sexy shenanigans.

Once I got to this place, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Three hot and handsome men with no one else around to judge or criticize Daphne or her choices… It was a decent fantasy. Readers looking for a steamy hot menage style of story – three men with one woman – should find that this suits their needs delightfully. While the three men are best friends, they are not sexually intimate, but they are open and communicate their desires and talk about the changing scenarios of their desires with Daphne, so there’s no real cheating (in the traditional sense) and while Daphne is kept in the dark about their discussions and bets/deals for some time, the men are all honest with each other.

I really don’t feel this will be enjoyed by every reader – both the style and plotline are a bit on the edge of what’s romantic verses what’s erotic/dark-romance, but for readers who want something a little edgier I feel this is a well written and quite intense storyline that should appeal to many. With plenty of intimacy and some intense scenes this is a very explicit story but a full length novel that should appeal to many.

Sun, Sea and Satisfaction Guaranteed by Hannah Murray


Sun, Sea and Satisfaction Guaranteed by Hannah Murray
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

What’s a vacation without a fling?

The last place Clio Reed wants to be in the middle of July is on a cruise ship in the Caribbean, but when the matriarch of the Reed family calls for a family vacation, everyone listens. Clio figures this vacation will be an exercise in annoyance and frustration, but she didn’t count on her great-aunt’s new husband—or his son…

Fox may be her new step-cousin, but after one look at the dark-haired, green-eyed hottie with the perpetual grin and amazing forearms, her feelings for him are anything but familial.

Maybe this cruise won’t be such a drag after all.

Definitely naughty, but oh so nice!

As someone who is also not a doer, this Family Vacation Week sounds like a nightmare! Not my idea of a holiday at all. However, if Fox turned up, then maybe it won’t be so bad. Or at least, that’s what Clio thinks. For saying she said once and done, it certainly didn’t work out that way.

This was a fun-filled frolic of a summer romance, with plenty of laughs and family hijinks to enjoy. The pace is fast as it all takes place over one week (and some of those days are skipped) but it gives you what you want. The characters are all wonderful, and I would love to see more of them.

A great book to enjoy in the sun and absolutely recommended by me.

Getting to You by ML Uberti


Getting to You by ML Uberti
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Zac Xavier is called from a meeting to find his wife, a teacher, is in a lockdown situation at her school. Rushing across town, he remembers when they first met.

In fear for her life, Emma is determined to protect her students at all costs. But while danger lurks closer, she flashes back to meeting her beloved husband.

Zac won’t stop until Emma’s safe, and Emma will do what she has to in order to protect her students. Will their love affair meet a tragic end or will they get their happily ever after?

Zac and Emma are happily married and deeply in love. When Zac gets a call that Emma – a teacher – is in a lockdown situation at her school he rushes to meet her. Both Zac and Emma flash back to their first meeting, can they get to each other in time?

This is a really different but thoroughly enjoyable story. I was absolutely surprised that I enjoyed the heavily flash-back style of plotline but somehow the author really made it work for me. I feel this won’t be a number of readers cup of tea. For starters there is a school lockdown due to an active shooter emergency and that could definitely be a trigger for some readers. The tension overall and student’s fear – as well as Emma’s fear and strong desire to protect her students – is I feel very tastefully and well written but I could completely understand if it’s simply a bit much (or too close to reality) for some readers. So this definitely won’t be for everyone. Also I feel – like myself – many readers might shy away from a romance that is centered more on recollections of the past and how Emma and Zac came to be together, rather than focusing on their present or future plans. It’s an odd way of writing a romance story and while I was skeptical at first, I really found it to be quite enjoyable.

Readers who can look past the fact that much of the relationship-building – and intimacy – in this story is told in flash-backs and text conversations should find like I did that this is an intense and wonderful story of two people determined to stay with each other and live a long, happy life together despite the odds.

Finally, I was amused – and curious – about Zac’s relationship with his brothers and found their banter and communications a delight to read. I’d absolutely pick up more stories about this family and am intrigued enough to look further into this author.