Storm Warning by Alex Winters

December 23, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Storm Warning by Alex Winters
Publisher: Luminosity Publishing
Genre: LGBTQ, Erotic Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The only force stronger than the approaching hurricane was their hidden desire for one another…

Beck Carlson is prepping for the approaching storm when a random voice offers to help. Beck is more than surprised. After all, he thought he was alone in the Purple Pelican condos, everyone else having evacuated in the advance of Hurricane Ellen. Instead, a handsome ginger waif, Ford Wilson, pokes his head out of his front door, limping along in a big plastic boot after a recent skateboard accident. Bruised and battered, he’s been unable to prep for the hurricane.

A native Floridian who’s seen his share of storms, Beck takes pity on the sexy skater boy, sharing his own hurricane supplies and showing him the ropes as Ford hunkers down for his first Category 3 storm. After the two part ways for the duration, Beck feels bad, returning with fresh supplies and offering to weather the storm in Ford’s condo. A nervous Ford gratefully accepts, locking them both inside for a whirlwind romance as intense as the approaching storm, and just as dangerous…

A storm? Nothing outruns a storm, except maybe love.

I’ve never read anything by Alex Winters and I’m glad I rectified that. This was a cute story with plenty of sizzle. I got right into the story and couldn’t put it down. I felt like I was right there with the characters while they dealt with the storm and the oncoming desire.

This is told from the first-person perspective, via Ford and Beck. It was nice to be in their POVs and know what they were thinking as they got to know each other. I’m not wild about first person, but in this story, it worked. They’re relatable characters–Ford being a bit of a klutz on his skateboard and green at riding out storms and Beck being the epitome of don’t-judge-a-book-by-it’s-cover. They’re book likable and fun. Plus, the steam between them is great.

I did have a few quibbles beyond this being in first person. With a little more editing, this could be a great story. There were a couple editing issues that took me out of the story but might not bother other readers.

All in all, this is a hot short story about two unlikely characters finding each other in the midst of a crazy situation and realizing they have a lot more in common than every believed. If you’re in the mood for something hot and short, then this is the book you’re looking for.

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The Surprise by Treva Harte

December 22, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Surprise by Treva Harte
Soliciting a Lady, Book 4
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Holiday, Historical, Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The present Earl of Northernly and his wife are waiting for Christmas and their new baby. But then the previous Earl’s wife returns with a child who may be the real heir. Can Cousin Sarah and William be in time to unravel this mystery?

Christmas time should be joyous for Kit Aldean, the new Earl of Northernly, and his wife, Emily. They will have a new child arriving for the new year. But to their surprise, they first get a Yuletide visitor — the previous Earl’s wife, who had vanished years ago. She presents them with a child who may be the real heir. Fortunately, their next visitors are Cousin Sarah and her husband, William. They’ve solved mysteries before, but can they manage this one in time?

Christmas time is the time for coming together and surprises?

This is a quick read, but if you’re a fan of Treva Harte – who isn’t? – then you need to read it. If you haven’t read it, then what are you waiting for? This short story packs a wallop. There’s mystery, romance and holiday festivities. I loved it.

Kit and Emily are ready to be the heads of the household and can’t wait to welcome their first child. I love this kind of Christmas story because it’s full of hope. Then there’s the mystery of the wife of the former head. She’s thought to have disappeared.

I loved how this story had twists and turns which kept me on my feet. The writing plugged along well, and I couldn’t put this down. This isn’t a complicated story, but it’s one where you must pay attention. Those are my favorites. There’s heat, heart and holiday magic.

How can you go wrong? Give this story a try and check out the others in the series. I know I will be.

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The Lady of the Mirrored Lake by Jennifer Ivy Walker

December 22, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Lady of the Mirrored Lake by Jennifer Ivy Walker
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Hunted by the Black Widow Queen, Issylte–a healer with the verdant magic of the forest–must flee Avalon with the two finest knights in the Celtic realm, both wrongly accused of treason. The trio travels to Bretagne, where Issylte heals a critically injured wolf and obtains fiercely loyal, shapeshifting allies.

In mystical Brocéliande, Issylte becomes a warrior priestess of the Tribe of Dana and otherworldly mate of the Blue Knight of Cornwall, discovering with Tristan a passion that transcends all bounds. When she becomes the Lady of the Mirrored Lake, sworn to defend the sacred waters of the Goddess, Issylte must undertake a perilous quest to discover what priceless object lies hidden in its murky depths.

As a nascent evil emerges in a fetid cave, Issylte and Tristan must face a diabolical trio that threatens their lives, their love, and their kingdoms.

Enchanted. Enflamed. Entwined. Can their passion and power prevail?

A breath-taking adventure set in a world of chivalry.

The Lady of the Mirrored Lake continues where book one left off and I absolutely recommend you read this as a series rather than a set of standalones. There is a big character list and if you don’t start at the beginning, there is a chance you will get lost.

The story moves on brilliantly, taking the reader along on a breath-taking adventure when chivalry was still a code to live by. Issylte gains more strength every time something is thrown at her. Tristan also has his own trials to contend with, but they always return to each other. I am loving the way the story is taking me to places unknown and yet still recognizable from old tales.

However, I do have to mention a couple of things. Firstly, it can get repetitive in places with repeated words and phrases. The second thing is random words are italicized, which is fine when it’s a French word, but not so good when it’s a regular word and for no apparent reason.

Anyway, if you ignore those couple of things – which really don’t have that much of an impact on the overall story – this is a great addition to the series. I can’t wait for the story to continue and have no hesitation in recommending it.

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Just an Ordinary Love Story by Jane Colt

December 20, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Just an Ordinary Love Story by Jane Colt
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

How likely is it that studious coed Melissa will fall for Richard — former campus jerk and serial womanizer — who’s trying to mend his ways and win her heart? Not very, since, having made it to the “friend zone,” he’s afraid to tell her how he feels. It’s even less likely because Richard doesn’t know Melissa’s already married to her childhood sweetheart, Sam — who’s really Samantha.

However… it’s not impossible. Melissa is bisexual, she’s developing feelings for Richard, and her wife is supportive of her quest to discover what her bisexuality means. What does HEA look like for a loving, blended trio?

Redemption and heat.

I’ve not read a Jane Colt book in a while, but I’m glad I got back to this author. The story is both simple and complex. The writing is done well, and I was captivated throughout.

Melissa thought life went one way, then she found out it’s more complicated than she realizes. That’s okay. That’s life. That’s what makes her relatable. She’s married to Sam, aka Samantha. I liked that they’re devoted to each other and support each other. Richard is a bit of a quirk because he’s had to readjust his life. He thought he wanted one thing and now he’s realizing he wants something else. It’s a relatable story because these people are finding out that life is more complicated than originally considered. Plus, there is a lot of heat. I loved it.

If you’re looking for a short story that’s complicated and fun, then this might be the one you’re looking for. Give it a shot.

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Dark Surrender by Morgan Welsh

December 19, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Dark Surrender by Morgan Welsh
Book 1 in the Vampire’s Call Series
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Olivia Hargreaves had often fantasized about the man of her dreams. Little did she know he actually existed—and that he was a vampire.

Following a bad break-up and the need for a fresh start in her life, Olivia Hargreaves has moved from London to the US East Coast to be with her best friend. Now she has finally met the man of her dreams—literally.

Gabriel Langston, a vampire with the ability to get into the minds of humans has been entering her head and showing her the time of her life. When he turns up at the local bar she frequents, she is sure she must be losing it. Wealthy, powerful, commanding and impossibly handsome, Gabriel is different to any man she has ever known and there is no way she can resist the attraction.

And there is no way he will let her.

Dark, full of desire and wonderful.

I like a story I can, er…sink my teeth into. This is one of those stories. It’s long enough that it’s well developed, but short enough for a chilly night. The writing zipped along well, and I couldn’t get enough.

I liked Olivia because she’s every woman. She’s been through a rough time and wants things to level off. Then there are her dreams. Wooo doggie. Hot stuff. I loved when she’d see him that way. It made her relatable, in an odd way, because who hasn’t had dreams about a hot guy?

Gabriel is interesting because he’s a vampire and he’s devoted to her, but he’s also the dark, desirable package that’s rather standard in romance. It works and I like how the author used him.

If you’re looking for a hot read for a chilly night, then I suggest this one.

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Mac of All Trades by Aurora Russell

December 16, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Mac of All Trades by Aurora Russell
Minne-sorta Falling in Love, book 2
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

She thinks she might be losing her mind…but she knows she’s losing her heart.

Poised. Elegant. Lovely. The local press loves to write glowing stories about Lana Fitzhugh, the youngest sibling and only sister of the famous Minnesota Fitzhugh family. But Lana’s past holds secrets, pain and shame…so much that she’s unworthy of a relationship with any good man, especially her brother Fitz’s close friend Mac. Keeping her distance from him is the right thing to do, so why can’t she stop thinking about him?

Finally settling into his first new job after long months of recovery from a severe injury, when Joe ‘Mac’ MacKenzie meets Lana Fitzhugh, the former Navy pilot thinks things might finally be looking up for him. His friend’s little sister is gorgeous, kind and makes his heart and body come alive again. But after they share an explosive embrace, she pushes him away so hard he’s still reeling.

When tragedy plunges Lana into the unexpected role of guardian to a preschooler, odd coincidences begin to happen…and grow increasingly more sinister. As Lana begins to fear that she herself might be the source of the danger, Mac doesn’t hesitate to return to help her. The only thing better than the joy they discover as a makeshift family is the passion they find in each other’s arms, but the unknown menace still grows closer every day. Will they be able to move beyond the past to grab for a future together?

Two people better together.

I love a good story featuring characters that belong together. This is one of those stories. Aurora Russell always writes captivating characters and this pair was no different. I couldn’t put the book down and had to know what would happen next. I haven’t read the first book in this series, but I didn’t feel like I’d missed anything.

I liked that Lana feels human–meaning she thinks she’s got flaws. She can sometimes be a bit over the top about that, but it’s relatable. She feels her past isn’t what it could be. I liked that she was normal (as normal as can be). I also liked Mac. He’s so devoted and he’s the quintessential romance hero. He steps in when he needs to and he gives her space to do her thing. I liked their interplay together.

This was a whirlwind feeling book, with lots of stuff going on, but it’s good stuff. I won’t give away spoilers, but it’s a great ride.

If you’re looking for a hot read with a twist of suspense and a preschooler, then this is the book for you.

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

On Common Ground by Mina Jane Madeley

December 15, 2022 By Leave a Comment


On Common Ground by Mina Jane Madeley
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

He’s thin-skinned and stubborn… But she won’t get kicked out without a fight!

After six years in Paris, thirty-four-year-old investment banker Adrian Hensley returns to San Francisco, engagement broken and ego wounded. His hope for some peaceful solitude is shattered when he finds a stranger subletting his home without his knowledge. The pretty brunette would be the embodiment of his sexy secretary fantasy, if it weren’t for her feisty temper and her tendency to get him worked up…in more ways than one.

Eva Duncan, a legal secretary with a knack for finance, makes a point of remaining independent. No man will ever decide her fate—not again. When Adrian comes barging into her quiet life, old childhood wounds reopen, and she won’t get kicked out of her home. At least, not without a fight. Yet, standing her ground proves to be tricky for Eva in front of a handsome, too-often-half-naked Adrian.

Between her tenacity and his arrogant façade, Eva and Adrian jump from one misunderstanding to the next, making their forced cohabitation as explosive as their attraction. How long will it take for them to learn that the “right decisions” are not always those which lead to happiness?

Two opposites who shouldn’t attract sure do!

I like enemies to lovers books and this one initially ticked the boxes for me. It’s cute, there’s a misunderstanding and the writing is good. I mean, I flew through the book. It was fun. Adrian has some serious issues and Eva is well…Eva. They shouldn’t work, but I liked when they did.

There were moments when this book fell a bit flat for me. The pacing was a tad fast and at times came across as almost hard to believe. Adrian’s anger was a tad much, too. I get that he’s been through the wringer, but I wanted to see a little more reason why he flew off the handle that much or at least grovel more afterward.

Still, it’s a cute book and the connection is certainly deep. If you’re looking for a cute book with a romantic twist, then this might be the one for you.

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Twelve Secrets of Christmas by Amelia Foster

December 8, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Twelve Secrets of Christmas by Amelia Foster
Publisher: Totally Bound
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Holiday
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

A workplace connection gets murky when the heir to the company is involved.

Leah Carson’s four-year relationship exploded on New Year’s Day and soured her toward all holiday-related activities. She no longer excessively decorated her home and office for Christmas, choosing the grinchy path instead. Working for a media outlet forces her into some semblance of holiday cheer, especially when the up-and-coming channel sets its sights on making a mark with a New Year’ s Eve special to rival all the standard offerings—something thrown into question when the host of the broadcast is put in jail, and Leah and her team are scrambling to fill the slot.

Brendan Lanza is heir to the throne of Lanza Broadcasting, but he has to earn his seat by learning every department within the company at his father’s orders. His term with the marketing team offers the unexpected bonus of getting to know Leah better. The respect his father holds for the woman becomes an understatement once Brendan sees how her clever brain easily handles issues, something only rivaled by the temptations her body creates in him.

But her less-than-festive spirit and the threat of losing their highly anticipated special lead Brendan to appoint himself as her Secret Santa, sending twelve anonymous gifts to Leah. Their office flirtation ramps up as Leah begins to receive presents from a secret admirer, creating a bit of conflict as she believes that she is torn between two men, and Brendan is left to decide if he’s betraying their blossoming bond by withholding the truth behind the packages she finds on her doorstep each night.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – or is it?

Leah received a crockpot instead of an engagement ring and, one week later, her 4-year relationship disintegrated too. Taking her broken heart to the extremes, Leah decided to take the Grinch path and refused to have anything to do with Christmas again. I did say it was an extreme reaction!

Brendan is the boss’ son, learning the ropes in every department. He loves Leah’s mind (as he frequently tells her once they get together) as well as her curves. His plan to restore her Christmas spirit is to send her Secret Santa gifts. Will he fess up once they get together though?

This was a fast-paced story with plenty of steamy scenes to keep you reading. I found this to be an enjoyable read so long as I suspended belief over Leah’s reactions, which I thought slightly incredulous! Still, it was a fun read that kept my attention from beginning to end.

The part about them both having conflict with the secret Santa presents wasn’t really conflict, in my opinion. I thought it all tied in nicely at the end.

A steamy seasonal read that I can recommend.

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

Fire & Ice Christmas by Megan Slayer

December 7, 2022 By 1 Comment


Fire & Ice Christmas by Megan Slayer
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Erotic Romance, Holiday, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Contemporary
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Holly, mistletoe, big fir trees… plus fire and ice?

When it comes to Christmas, Isla is vital. She’s the water elemental in control of creating Christmas snow and ice. She frosts the windows and adds the perfect bit of snow to the trees. But being a water elemental in control of ice makes romance difficult. She can’t get close to anyone without putting on the big freeze. She needs the perfect man to balance her ice with a little heat.

Enter Fieren. The fire elemental knows she’s his counterpart, but they haven’t always gotten along. This Christmas he’s determined to forge a connection with Isla and make this chance last far beyond the holidays.

Magic happens at Christmas, and Fieren wants to make this one a holiday for the ages.

Fire and Ice make for the perfect Christmas.

This is a short but sweet story that basically takes place over a couple of days. Isla is the water elemental who is usually in charge of the decorations for the elves’ Christmas party. Fieren is a fire elemental who dreams of Christmas on a beach.

I loved how these two balanced each other out, in more ways than one. It does move quickly–the characters going from nothing to declaring forever love, but it was a sweet Christmas story that made me smile.

If you’re looking for a holiday-themed coffee break book, then I can definitely recommend this one.

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Daddy’s Secret by M.C. Roth

December 6, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Daddy’s Secret by M.C. Roth
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

If only you were mine… If only you needed a Daddy to look after you.

This Christmas promises to be the loneliest of Sullivan’ s life and he’ s set to brave the season alone until he receives an amazing, yet heartbreaking, Secret Santa gift that was inspired by his best friend’ s pen pal, Lincoln.

What starts as a thank-you letter to Lincoln soon becomes more as Sullivan finds himself drawn to a man he’ s never met— a man who somehow seems to know him. The problem is, Sullivan needs a friend more than he needs a hookup, so he pretends to be married, taking an intimate relationship out of the equation.

Soon pen and paper aren’ t enough, and he writes his phone number in his next letter, hoping that Lincoln will call him. When Lincoln finally does, Sullivan’ s breath catches at the sound of his voice. When Sullivan pretends that his fake husband is away on a business trip, Lincoln invites himself over for a Christmas movie marathon.

Beside each other on the small couch, the lines begin to blur and Sullivan curses himself for pretending to be married. But maybe he’ s not the only one with a secret.

The best intentions can lead to secrets!

Sullivan is a big-hearted teddy bear who has recently lost his parents. During the ‘Secret Santa’ at work, his best friend presents him with a gift he never expected from her. Samantha admits that her pen-pal actually came up with the idea. Sullivan writes to Lincoln to thank him, and there we go…

This was a sweet and charming story that has some steamy scenes but low angst. I loved how the relationship between Sullivan and Lincoln grew. It made a nice change to read about a boy who isn’t a twink too! Sullivan tries to tell Lincoln on more than one occasion about his ‘husband’ but is unable to finish his confession because of one thing or another (usually Lincoln talking too much!) The list of Christmas movies made me chuckle!

All in all, a great, cozy story to warm the cockles of your heart! Absolutely recommended by me.

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