Sun, Sea and Surprises by Larissa Vine


Sun, Sea and Surprises by Larissa Vine
Publisher: Totally Entwined Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Summer of surprises…or summer of love?

Tessa feels like pinching herself. She’s going to be a bridesmaid at the wedding of the summer on an exotic island in Thailand. Finally, this is her chance at the A-lister life and the glitz and success that are sure to follow. All she has to do is shape up enough to look stunning in her bridesmaid’s dress. Easy, right? Especially with the super-hot and super-famous fitness star Josh Jordan to train her.

Josh Jordan can’t wait to coach Tessa. Not only will he get to spend time with her, but he’ll be doing what he loves, training people—the grass roots of his fitness empire. His summer’s starting out nicely, apart from one thing. He’s inherited a greedy, slobbery dog that seems hell-bent on shedding hair and chewing up every goddamn stick of furniture in his penthouse apartment.

As Josh and Tessa begin their workouts, their lust for each other blossoms. But with the wedding looming, Tessa still has a lot to achieve, and Josh continues to be at loggerheads with the dog.

Their summer turns out to be one surprise after another…but can they turn it into a summer of love?

If you are looking for a sweet, light-hearted romance to while away a couple of hours on the beach, then this may be just the book for you.

Our two main characters meet and fall into insta-lust, quickly followed by constant over-thinking the other, and trying to arrange “accidental” meet-ups. The reason for this is a wedding – where the bride calls the female MC up after TEN YEARS to ask her to be her bridesmaid. Why? No idea. I’ve got my thoughts, but it is one of the questions that isn’t answered.

From America to Thailand, and back again, this book will give you some summer heat as the two MCs try to figure out their lives and spend time together. Have a read and see what surprises are in store for you.

Wake Me by Angela Knight


Wake Me by Angela Knight
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Wedding Photographer Chloe Hart has just been dumped when she receives a mysterious gift — a painting of a handsome knight in a heavy gold frame worked with what appear to be magical sigils. She promptly hangs the painting up in place of her cheating ex-boyfriend’s portrait.

That night, she has the most delicious dream of Lord Radolf of Varik, the medieval conqueror who has just seized her castle. He seduces her in a red-hot encounter that makes her forget all about ol’ what’s his name. The next night, Radolf is back, this time as the captain of a pirate ship. Night after night, Radolf and Chloe act out some deliciously erotic scene from her favorite guilty-pleasure romance novels. And every single dream seems utterly real, down to the last scent and taste.

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Even as the two begin to fall in love, a new and horrible fear grips Radolf: what will the witch do to Chloe?

Chloe was determined to bounce back after a fairly brutal breakup – and when a mysterious stranger gives her an enticing oil painting of Lord Randolf of Varik the handsome, semi-naked Viking Knight whose image is captured, it’s all the distraction she could possibly hope for. The painting – and the handsome Viking – soon invades her dreams and subconscious as much as her waking hours. Will Chloe and Randolf be able to sort this magic out?

I really enjoyed this steamy and sensual romance novel. While the plotline isn’t very original, I found Chloe to be a relatable and modern character I could easily connect with. I was also really pleased that there was plenty of plot and not just sex between Randolf and Chloe. The author really fleshed out the tricky situation he found himself in and the trappings of his curse – I was so glad it wasn’t just some shady, ill-defined “cursed by a witch and the spell needs breaking” mention that didn’t really get explored. It helped me feel a better connection to Randolf and understand the misery and difficulty of his situation.

This story had a solid and well-defined plot and while it’s fairly magical and other-worldly, I feel readers who enjoy paranormal and faintly historical/magical styles of storyline should find it really appealing. While there is plenty of intimacy between Randolf and Chloe there is also a good balance of plot and discussions outside of the bedroom so I feel readers looking for a book that makes them think and sigh should really find this satisfying.

Readers looking for a fun and sexy book with a strong plot and a strong hint of magical twists should really enjoy this quick read.

Naughty & Sweet by Megan Slayer


Naughty & Sweet by Megan Slayer
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: Three stars
Reviewed by Fern

Kelly Fenn came to the Honey Dripper seeking what she thinks is an easy way to make cash to pay off a loan. Martin Malachi is the one man she never expected to find, let alone fall in love with.

Martin’s not looking for a girlfriend, but Kelly needs a job. When he suggests an offer Kelly can’t refuse, she’s got a choice to make. Will she risk her heart for a chance at forever with a man fifteen years her senior, or walk away?

Kelly is looking for some serious money to pay off her loan, and from what she hears stripping is one of the fastest way to make it. When Martin makes her an offer Kelly is tempted enough to take him up on it. Despite the age gap between them is she willing to risk her heart or will she give in and walk away?

I found this to be an interesting short story. While I felt there wasn’t initially really any chemistry between Kelly and Martin I did enjoy the slow burn as they each came to appreciate and grow more attached to each other. While the deal Martin offered Kelly really did seem too good to be true (and needs a healthy dose of suspending logic and disbelief) as a plot device it was great and certainly put both Kelly and Martin exactly in the right positioning for the rest of the story to flow smoothly.

I was pleased with the slower pace of the romance growing between Kelly and Martin – it helped that the author sprinkled in a lot of plot between the three Malachi brothers and let things progress at a more realistic and natural pace. There’s a bit of BDSM and light kink between Kelly and Martin that readers who like their stories a bit on the spicier side should enjoy. I didn’t feel anything too envelope-pushing was included and readers used to modern erotic stories should find it spicy and explicit but not too much.

With an intricate plot and some very sexy shenanigans I found this to be a fun and interesting quick read. I’ll be very interested in the next installment (revolving around another brother, I suspect) and will keep an eye out for it.

Xandore’s Naughty Princess by Sheila J. Noel


Xandore’s Naughty Princess by Sheila J. Noel
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

The planet is counting on Princess Ellegra and Prince Xandore. Their union will assure Procalus is welcomed into the Planetary Alliance.

Princess Ellegra is smart and beautiful and won’t take no for an answer. She understands her obligations and will make the best of her arranged marriage to Xandore. He thinks he can have his Artemisian cake and eat it too, that scoundrel. But she holds a few cards. Can she hold his heart and his fidelity?

Prince Xandore has always had his own way, so why should he stop now? He has led his planet to victory in battle but when it comes to commitment, will he ever be able to give Ellegra what she longs for?

A true fairy-tale love comes to light in this cute novella.

Ellegra has been sheltered for most of her life, but now is called upon to marry for the sake of her planet. The man she’s marrying? Well, let’s just say he hasn’t been sheltered… at all!

This is a fast-paced, sweet and sexy novella, with poisoning, rebels, new schools, you name it. A lot goes on in the small number of pages you have. The pacing isn’t rushed though, it just moves along with a hop, skip, and a jump in places. There are some steamy moments, but even those have an air of almost innocence about them.

This was a good story that I enjoyed, but would have preferred something a bit longer so I could fully enjoy the relationships and back stories of those mentioned. Overall, a lovely story to remind the reader of the power of love.

The Glass Demon by Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead


The Glass Demon by Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Historical, Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

What you can’t see could kill you.

When Cecily arrives at her new home with her fiancé, Raf, she’s looking forward to a happy life with all her fears behind her. No longer a put-upon drudge, she is loved and free, ready to explore their new world.

After a summer spent battling the forces of darkness, Raf’s happy to get back to the garden of his chaotic ancestral home. There are flowers to tend and vegetables to harvest and he’s determined to create a perfect sanctuary for Cecily to call her own.

But when a demon made of glass escapes from an ancient church window, the peace of their idyllic village is shattered. Neighbour turns against neighbour, crops turn bad in the soil and flies blacken the air. As a child lingers between life and death, bewitched by the glass demon’s bite, Raf and Cecily must remind the villagers of what really matters and unite the community in a battle to send their infernal tormentor back to hell.

Raf and Sissy are making their way to their home up in Yorkshire. Both are looking for some quiet time. Will they get it, or will they get more than they bargained for?

This is the second book in the de Chastelaine series, and I definitely recommend you read book one as it will help you understand both the characters and the situation they are currently in.

The village in Yorkshire is very different from a boarding school in Devon, but still you are delighted with the descriptions of both characters and landscape/buildings, etc. With a glass demon on the loose that feeds off hate and fear, it is up to Sissy and Raf, plus the children of the village, to sort things out.

This is a fast-paced, intriguing, sweet story that gives me a nostalgic feeling. I adore the genteel romance between Raf and Sissy, plus the addition of new characters, like Mike and Mim (and I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help but think of the magnificent, marvelous, mad Madam Mim!)

A fantastic addition to the series and I can’t wait for the next. Absolutely recommended by me.

Devil’s Own by Suzy Shearer


Devil’s Own by Suzy Shearer
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

By 51, Miranda Fleming had become a world famous artist. She lacked nothing, except a relationship. In fact, in her entire dating life not one man had ever asked for a third date. She often joked she was the oldest living virgin.

But that was about to change and not in a way that she could’ve ever imagined—or desired.
He was The Devil. Satan. Lucifer. The Beast. So many names, the list went on and on. A taker of souls, a dealer of desires and greed, the ultimate evil.

And now it was time to collect on the deal made about Miranda years ago. He’d kept her pure since then, just so he could torment and torture her.

That is, until he tired of her.

If you are looking for romance, then I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong book. There are some soft and tender moments in it but heavily disguised amongst the sadism and masochism.

Miranda has been having dreams since her twenties about a faceless man whipping and torturing her, giving her the orgasms she doesn’t have in real life. When her grandfather dies, she finds out that it is true, and she belongs to the Devil.

Although dark, this book doesn’t go into too much detail, skimming along the surface of what S&M consists of. Time passes with the blink of an eye, first weeks, then months, then years. Because of the jumping, I didn’t feel like I got to know Miranda or Hell as much as I would like. I certainly wouldn’t name romance as a genre, but instead, say there are romantic elements.

This was a quick read, filled with dark erotica, so if that’s what you’re after, then I can recommend it.

The Way to a Man’s Heart by Ann Marie James


The Way to a Man’s Heart by Ann Marie James
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

The heart wants what the heart wants…

Christian Diaz grew up as the best friend and unofficial bodyguard to the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Corazón. After an incident left him questioning his place in the castle, Christian joined the military and didn’t return for ten long years.

Now he’s been assigned to the castle as Royal Military Liaison to investigate the source of some recent threats against the crown. The annual Midsummer’s Ball is the perfect place for the anti-monarchy group to make their next move, so that’s where Christian will be too. If it gives him a chance to reconnect with his friends in the castle and make a play for the man he has compared all others to, it’s even better.

Max Ramirez is now the head chef for the castle. He started as a sous chef at age twenty when Christian was just an awkward teen. Now that Christian’s back at the castle, all grown up and interested in Max, the chef is determined not to let an opportunity with Christian pass him by.

When someone tries to sabotage the Midsummer’s Ball, Max and Christian need to work together to track down the people determined to make this event their last.

Being sent back to the palace he grew up in is a mixed bag for Christian. He gets to be with his best friends again, plus the man he’s been crushing on for years, but he also has to be with his father, and that’s never a good thing.

This is the first book in the Kingdom of Corazón series and we are introduced to a warm and caring Royal family, plus a bunch of guys that I can’t wait to hear their stories about. It isn’t a deep and meaningful story, not going into much depth about any of the issues raised. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t any good! I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and it was exactly what I needed at the time.

The downside to this story is that it is over far too quickly. I felt there were relationships, issues, and questions left unresolved. Small things, possibly classed as insignificant, but to me, it would have helped round out the story and give it that added oomph.

On the whole, this was a fast-paced, warm and fuzzy story, about how a long-term crush can become the love of your life. I found it to be a great read, and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

Trigger Warning: A memory of attempted rape is discussed due to the unknowing consumption of GHB.

What Happens in the Spare Bedchamber Stays in the Spare Bedchamber by Rosie Ann Rammjoy


What Happens in the Spare Bedchamber Stays in the Spare Bedchamber by Rosie Ann Rammjoy
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Historical, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Edinburgh, 1893

Highlander Donall is paying an overnight visit to some very bohemian friends at their Edinburgh residence, with his handsome-but-shy partner Benjamin. Open homosexuality may not yet be accepted in Scotland, but bohemian is as bohemian does—and Donall’s friends are famed for their open-mindedness.

But after dark (and after quite a few whiskies), Donall and Benjamin overhear something that gets them fiercely hot under their wing collars. Their reaction surprises everyone—especially themselves. Can Benjamin overcome his Victorian reserve and embrace what he truly desires?

Two men, one love and a lot of passion.

This is the first story by Rosie Ann Rammjoy for me, but it won’t be the last. I enjoyed Donall and Benjamin’s tale. It’s very hot, yet sweet. I know that sounds odd, but go with me on this. These two men want each other. They’re together, but they haven’t gone to that level yet. It’s 1883 and it’s not okay to be gay, but being bohemian is another thing altogether.

I liked that these guys are on a journey. Sure, it’s only over the course of a night, but it’s a sweet journey. The way they handle it is anything but sweet, and it’s exactly how it should go. Do I sound like I’m leaving out details? I am because I don’t want to spoil the story.

If you’re looking for a story that’s a little offbeat and cute, but hot, then this is the one for you. Recommended.

She’s My Everything by Sam Crescent


She’s My Everything by Sam Crescent
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

He’s a jock.

She’s a nerd.

Laylah doesn’t know what to think when Blue acts strange, even asking her out on a date. There’s no way it can work. Where Blue is many of her firsts: first kiss, first date, first boyfriend—she isn’t any of his. His reputation puts her off.

Blue Jones is in completely, head-over-heels in love with Laylah Miller. They’ve been going to the same school, but after one look at her, everything changes. He has to have her. She’s the first woman he’s ever fallen for, and he doesn’t want to go another day without staking his claim.

Blue Jones was the top jock, the football champion and a big deal in the school. He knew it and was finally prepared to make it work for him. He desperately wanted Laylah, the nerdy girl, and was determined to make her his. Blue had made it clear to his teammates she was off limits and he didn’t care his so-called friends made fun of him wanting the nerdy girl, Blue was determined and was prepared to use whatever he could to have her.

While I found the premise of this story pretty well-worn (popular high school guy with the serious hots for the nerdy not-so-popular girl in his class) I was relieved that the story wasn’t as straightforward as I initially expected. I thought the author found an interesting way to both keep Blue and Laylah from jumping immediately into bed together, but also to stop them from rushing into a relationship with no real “getting to know you” phase.

Readers looking for a slightly slower pace to their spicy romance stories should find that this fits the bill. Laylah and Blue don’t rush into things though Blue is very persistent and keeps a fair amount of pressure on Laylah to get what he wants. I was pleased that Laylah didn’t just cave in or let go of her own morals and feelings though I’m not certain more traditional readers will enjoy how hard Blue pushed until Laylah did capitulate. While I enjoy intimate and spicier romances I think more traditional romance readers mightn’t find this as comfortable as they might like.

With spicy and explicit scenes and a lovely happy ending I feel this story will appeal to a wide range of readers.

Mara by the Sea by Faith Talbot


Mara by the Sea by Faith Talbot
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, LGBTQ, Ménage, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Since her divorce, Mara has been moldering. Or at least that’s what her best friend tells her when she drags Mara to Cancun for a pick-me-up.

Mara finds more than a pick-me-up. On the beach, she meets two beautiful men who, though they’re obviously into each other, are very much into Mara, too. And when they invite her into their unique world, it’s an experience unlike anything she could ever imagine.

Two men, hot times and the ocean…what more could a woman want?

This is a hot short story. It’s truly a fish out of water story in that Mara wants to be something besides herself. When she goes on vacation, she gets what she wants. It’s hot, like I said, and moves fast, but I liked it. This story is nicely written and fun. I liked that there weren’t many complications in the tale.

I see this is part of a series and I can’t wait to read the others. This one certainly packed the heat. I liked how Mara allowed herself to be the best side of herself with her men. This does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it’s good. I liked it.

If you’re interested in a hot ménage that features love in the ocean, then check this book out. Recommended.