Baby For Two by Sam Crescent


Baby For Two by Sam Crescent
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

When two strangers meet outside a fertility clinic, sparks fly. Jared has always wanted to be a father, but the right woman has never come around.

Meredith has always been used to disappointment. A baby is something she can’t make alone, so going to the clinic is her only choice. The moment Jared sees her, he wants her, giving her an alternative option.

He wants this baby the natural way, so she’s going to have to sleep with him. And he wants to be part of his baby’s life. Meredith is willing to do whatever it takes, but she doesn’t expect to fall in love. But Jared isn’t the cold, heartless man she expected, and he makes her glow.

When his family tries to tear them apart, Jared vows to keep Meredith in his life. She’s the family he wants, and no one is getting in the way.

Meredith wanted to be a mother very badly. With no daddy prospects in sight though she finds herself in the sperm bank hoping to go it alone. While there she meets Jared, who had been visiting to try and find out how to go about hiring a surrogate mother. Jared felt an instant attraction to Meredith and considering they both want the exact same thing Meredith is finding it hard to say no to Jared’s outlandish idea.

Grab a large drink, turn off your ringer, sit back and disconnect your brain. I found this to be a fabulously fun, albeit highly unlikely short story. Thankfully I didn’t need or expect realism, logic or real life when I picked up this quick read and so I adored every minute of it. Meredith and Jared are strangers – that’s why she doesn’t initially know he’s a multi-millionaire and in charge of his own company from an exceptionally large and even more wealthy family. Jared wants a baby and a family of his own and isn’t going to let pesky details – like the many compromises, problems, difficulties and small facets of conceiving a baby then raising it to adulthood – get in his way. They both want a baby and Meredith is attracted enough to Jared to let herself be talked into doing it the old fashioned way, in bed. Let the bedroom shenanigans and heart-wrenching emotion begin.

Readers looking for a light hearted, fast paced and intimately graphic short story should find this an excellent read. I felt an immediate empathy with Meredith who I found to be relatable and somewhat sensible and practical. Jared was one handsome and smooth-talking hero and while I didn’t warm to him immediately in the same way I did Meredith I did enjoy him and found myself really growing to like him as much as I initially hoped for. After the first few pages I realized I needed to leave realism and logic at the door but the lack of logic didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story once I embraced it.

Meredith and Jared were interesting and vibrant characters, the situation they found themselves in (crazy as it was) was something I feel most people could understand and relate to. Add in a bunch of chemistry and a real and honest desire to be parents and this was a fun and enjoyable read.

The Poison of Bitterness by Serenity Snow


The Poison of Bitterness by Serenity Snow
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Alstroemeria

Remi can feel the presence of a ghost lurking, lying in wait to destroy the life she’s building with Sarina. She knows her own fears are part of the danger that could prevent her from being happy.

Then, the ghost makes his first move, and Remi is certain it’s only the first wave and prepares to deal with the trouble before it turns into a nightmare. But what Remi doesn’t know is there’s shadow with a twisted plan of its own. So, as Remi lays her plan, the shadow makes moves that plunge Remi into the middle of a murder investigation that tears the scab off old wounds and reveals dark secrets bound to destroy two families.

As she navigates the murky waters, Sarina is kidnapped, and Remi is prepared to do whatever it takes to get Sarina back and close the doors of the past for good.

The Poison of Bitterness is fifth in the Cozy Bend mystery series, but as a novel it can surely stand on its own. Main characters Remi and Sarina have already been through their fair share of struggles within the town’s limits, but little do they know that trying to plan a wedding with their two best friends will be the least of their problems!

While the heat between Remi and Sarina is scorching, will they be able to take it when their enemies begin to rain fire over them? Each moment of the novel feels like standing on the edge of the unknown, wondering if they will make it out unscathed. Remi and Sarina as characters are written with very strong opposing characteristics, but somehow it is those differences that pull them together in their relationship. Sarina’s extreme patience and independence is the perfect match for Remi’s hot temper and suspicious mind. While things often come to a head between them, Sarina is always able to communicate with Remi and help her away from her dark past and her trust issues.

They also have zero issues communicating in the bedroom. The few steamy scenes we were gifted throughout the book show the established trust between the two that might be questioned elsewhere within the novel. As two powerful women, the ‘strong heroine lead’ role is not just fulfilled by one of them, but rather they split the lead with their own unique characteristics. This power dynamic is also fully alive and visible in their relationship as well. The partnership is completely 50-50, even if control is oftentimes given to Remi in the bedroom.

The story was very fast-paced, and at moments I think the action could have been fleshed out a bit more and extended, just to really seal in that suspense. But all in all, this story had just the right amount of tension. Serenity Snow was able to pack a lifetime in 30 chapters, leaving no stone unturned, and no women unsatisfied.

I have only read this book of the series, but I would like to go back and read the four previous. I would love to see this rubber band of tension stretched from page one! I recommend this to anyone who likes a lot of twists and turns, and powerful women.

Paddles & Smooches: The Spanking Of Angora Wells by Montgomery Raye


Paddles & Smooches: The Spanking Of Angora Wells by Montgomery Raye
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: Two stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When Angora Wells crossed paths with her father’s newest farmhand, Jake, things get out of hand, leaving this smart-ass young lady with a stinging surprise.

A stinging surprise is right.
Active nerves in the genitals improve libido click for source levitra no prescription naturally. It is a great assurance appalachianmagazine.com cialis online online for you to use it without any hesitation. Alfie buy cialis india encourages parents and teachers to notice and comment without judging or putting a value on a child’s achievements. Kamagra Polo Kamagra Polo is made for those men who don’t commander viagra http://appalachianmagazine.com/category/news-headlines/page/12/?filter_by=popular smoke.
This is a short read and it packs the heat. It read quickly and was straightforward. Angora wants to be used. Get ready to grab the fan and a cold drink. This story is hot.

I do have a few quibbles. This story, while hot and short, could use a bit of a going over by an editor. There were missing words and the flow could be improved. It’s a hot story and enticing, but the cadence of the story needed just a little TLC. I also would’ve liked to have been in the head of the characters. It felt more like I was told the story rather than shown.

Now, this is a purely erotica style story. It’s meant to be decadent and hot and on that point, it hits the mark. There is spanking, back door play and dirty talk which will be great for erotica readers.

If you’re looking for something hot and short for an afternoon read, then this might be the one for you.

His Refused Mate by Jade Marshall


His Refused Mate by Jade Marshall
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Wolf shifters are fated with one mate. Losing your mate or refusing it causes immense pain and, in some cases, death. But what if fate gives you a second chance?

Payton has been on her own for longer than she can remember, even when she was still part of a pack. Being refused by her fated mate has her fleeing, starting a life of solitude away from any other shifters

Caine is the Alpha to his pack and although he loves his pack dearly, he longs for his true mate. When he catches her scent he will do everything to make her his. But can he convince her to take a chance?

While Peyton hasn’t enjoyed the last few years effectively being a servant in her Alpha’s house, she has the warm, loving memories of what her family life had been before her father had left and the life as Peyton knew it had irrevocably changed. On the morning of her eighteenth birthday she thought something might change, but she could never have guessed that it would have been her whole world shifting around. In a matter of minutes she’d discovered her one true mate only to have him refuse her and sever their bond, casting her callously aside without even attempting to try. Caine is rightful Alpha of a small pack and while he’s been desperately lonely the last eighteen months he’s determined to wait for his true mate – for the life partner the goddess has chosen for him. When Caine and Peyton find each other how will they manage to merge their two very different lives?

While I was a little disappointed that this enjoyable short story was quite predictable, I was impressed that the author managed to infuse the book with a few really interesting and relatable main characters. Peyton still held compassion and had a strong streak of independence that I really enjoyed. I was considerably relieved when Caine didn’t just beat his chest and let his ego or arrogance overtake his brain when Peyton refuse to submit immediately to his claim they were mates. I loved how Caine was willing to show and prove himself to Peyton, to show her he could support her and take some time to really get to know her and what she wanted from their relationship. This really helped sell me on the story.

There is some conflict in this short story and I thought for the most part it was handled really well. I felt the author put a really interesting twist on the end result of the conflict and could easily see how it could become important in the next few books as Caine’s brothers also find their own true mates. I feel readers looking for a unique or vastly different paranormal romance might not find themselves completely satisfied with this story but I admit I really enjoyed Peyton and Caine’s characters and found that reading their interactions was time well spent.

A fun and sexy short story this was a good paranormal romance.

Date With A Stranger by Pelaam


Date With A Stranger by Pelaam
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Cassidy opts to spend special evenings at a high-end club and casino. His favorite part of each night is role play.

There he meets his husband Jeff —younger, slender, elegant, and classy. Their chemistry is as electrifying as always.

But Cassidy plays for keeps and while others may look, none can touch. Because at the end of the night, and every day, Jeff belongs to him.

Cassidy had heard good things about The Basement Bar – how it was for high rollers and the elite, but also how you could gamble without the usual casino atmosphere. When Jeff enters the Bar Cassidy knows immediately this is the man he wants to spend the night with, but neither man is willing to rush into anything, happy to enjoy themselves and each other’s company.

I enjoyed this sensual and fun short story. I was particularly pleased that, despite their instant and sizzling attraction, Cassidy and Jeff didn’t just blow off their night at the Bar and jump straight into bed. I was really pleased they chatted a while, drank, then had a bit of a flutter in the gambling area. This interaction between them helped me as a reader see them both and how they meshed and could potentially work together long past just a one night stand. I also adored how realistic this story was. While sure its pure fantasy material – a chance meeting in a Bar that leads to a true and real connection with someone – there was nothing that occurred in this short story that couldn’t be happening in real life every night. I really enjoyed this realism.

With an interesting and fun twist towards the end I found this to be a lovely and steamy story. Readers looking for something light and sensual, realistic but still fun should find this a quick and thoroughly enjoyable read.

May Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ Numbers Game by Desiree Holt and Liz Crowe


Numbers Game by Desiree Holt and Liz Crowe
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Former professional football player and coach Duncan “Hatch” Hatcher fumbled his career and marriage. Now divorced and ready to tackle his future, he has an opportunity to redeem himself as coach of his college alma mater’s football team. But how can he turn the team’s losing streak around and keep the secret of his downfall buried when the school agrees to a documentary that will allow a lovely journalist to dig her way into his past…and into his heart?

Olivia Grant’s ex-husband almost wrecked her journalism career while he definitely did a number on her self-esteem. The documentary on Duncan Hatcher is the perfect way to rebuild both. As a freshman in college, she’d had a crush on the senior football hero, but he hadn’t known she existed. She never expects the sparks that fly between them as they work on the project nor the struggles they must face if they both want to win.

READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE!

Back Forty by BA Tortuga


Back Forty by BA Tortuga
Publisher: Turtlehat Creatives
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Rusty’s going it alone on the family farm, trying to make ends meet and his breeding scheme work. Too bad he’s really a college boy at heart, and having a hard time getting all of the work done all by himself.

When he finds Wayne standing next to a broken down truck on the side of the road, it just seems like someone out there was hearing his prayers. Wayne stays on for room and board and a chance to get his truck fixed up, and as they get to know each other, both Wayne and Rusty decide maybe they don’t have to be single guys anymore.

Rusty is driving back to his farm, hoping to beat the storm blowing in, when he passes a stranger with a broken down truck. Being friendly, Rusty gives Wayne a tow to his farm and they each find perhaps exactly what they were looking for.

This is a deliciously hot, fairly short cowboy romance. While I really enjoyed both Rusty and Wayne’s characters the main thrust of the story is the blossoming romance and steamy intimacy between the two men as they grow ever more fond and attracted to each other. Readers looking for a deeply plotted or complicated story might not find this suits their tastes – but I personally really enjoyed the connection between the two main characters and enjoyed watching them come together and begin to build a strong and meaningful relationship together.

I found the intimacy between the two cowboys hot and descriptive. I also enjoyed the fact that they clearly meshed well together on an emotional level and not just physically. Readers looking for a short but hot cowboy M/M romance story should find this satisfying and enjoyable.

Master Fabrizzio’s Vault: Taking Eric by Catherine Dolore


Master Fabrizzio’s Vault: Taking Eric by Catherine Dolore
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 2 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Behind the marble walls and manicured gardens of the Calvianni estate existed dark corners of temptation, torture and triumph…

Whew doggie….this one is hot.

I knew when I picked up this short story that it would scorch. It did. Eric thinks he’s going for business and he’s going to get so much more. He’s the type of guy who uses women and doesn’t think twice about it. It’s sort of nice to see him get the treatment he’s given in return, too.

This is a story of a man who gets it from three other men, so be warned. There is play in every orifice and even toys. It’s a complicated story. How will he respond when he’s treated in the same way he’s treated women before?

Granted, this is a hot story, but I have a few quibbles with it. This story could be great with a little more. I would’ve liked to have had a little more about Eric and his background. I know who he is, but I never really saw him. I don’t really know how he treated people in his past–it’s just hinted at. Adding those details would really round out the story well. Then there’s the editing. It could use a bit more going over from an editor as there are missing words and choppy sentences that messed with the flow of the story.

This is a hot story and it’s pure erotica. It’s also a bit of revenge fantasy in that some might want to see Eric get what he’s due. If you want a hot story that’s got lots of male-male action in a few pages, then this might be the one for you.

Master Fabrizzio’s Vault: Clarissa Unveiled by Catherine Dolore


Master Fabrizzio’s Vault: Clarissa Unveiled by Catherine Dolore
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: Three Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

What is a birthday party without candles?
What girl doesn’t want jewelry as a gift?
What girl hasn’t wanted a pony?

Clarissa gets all three, but not in the way she expected.

A young woman’s birthday bash becomes a surprise that she never saw coming. But, in the end she does.

Catherine Dolore blows out the candles in “Master Fabrizzio’s Vault: Clarissa Unveiled”.

What a birthday party!

This is a short story and moves fast. It’s essentially just one scene and man, it’s hot.

The writing flows along and it’s fast. There aren’t many details because this is meant to be a hot, naughty story. It’s meant to arouse. To that end, it succeeds. There are multiple partners, back door play, toys and bondage in this story.

That said, this book could use a bit of editing to make it shine. There are words missing. Some readers might not be bothered by that. If you’re looking for the heat factor and the naughty angle, then it might be fine. I would’ve liked a bit more emotional response from Clarissa as well. This is a big event for her and one she didn’t see coming, so it would’ve been nice to get in her head and know how she felt about this situation. It’s not really written from any one point of view, so it was hard to know how she felt.

If you want something hot for a quick afternoon read and want the scorch factor, then this might be the book for you.

The Comeuppance Of Charlotte Rose: Book One by Catherine Dolore


The Comeuppance Of Charlotte Rose: Book One by Catherine Dolore
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

A thorny English rose gets pruned with precision in propriety’s void of Master Fabrizzio’s Vault.

She’s saucy and she’s about to meet her match.

Charlotte is no wallflower. She likes bedroom antics and they don’t even have to be in the bedroom. This is a quick story and features Charlotte’s interactions with Lina. This is certainly a hot story, but it’s very short. It reads like a preview, but if one wants a short, hot story for a quick afternoon read, then this is it.

The writing is a tad choppy and would benefit from an editor. There were words missing and it was jarring at times because of that. I didn’t get a real sense of how Charlotte or Lina felt during the story and would’ve liked more emotion from them. Also, this is supposed to be a historical book, but there were times when modernity slid in and made getting lost in the story harder. I know it’s hard to write historical, but the modern slips might be jarring to historical readers.

That said, this is a story that’s true naughtiness. If you’re looking for a short story that’s packed with heat and moves fast, then this might be the one for you.