Lover’s Leap by Kimberly Keyes

September 9, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Lover’s Leap by Kimberly Keyes
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Hibiscus

After finding her fiancé in bed with another woman, Candace, a twenty-something, up-and-coming romance novelist with a deadline, takes off for a friend’s vacation home in Tahoe. The good news? She’ll share the place with fellow house guest, Logan, her best friend Eric’s latest lover. Except…Logan, the nearly-irresistible-to-women, burned out photographer, isn’t Eric’s lover. Not now, not ever. He’s hiding out licking personal wounds, and before he’s allowed anywhere near Candace, he’s sworn off her. No problem. Except…

There’s something about Candace. She’s not simply beautiful and enticingly off-limits. It’s in the way she doesn’t flirt with him. In the way she treats him like he isn’t a shallow pleasure-seeker. In the way, somehow, she brings peace to his world-weary soul.

Too bad she thinks he’s gay. But even if he can clear that hurdle, can he really entrust Candace’s heart to his own haphazard keeping?

It is usually a book’s blurb that attracts me to it. In this case, it was how the main characters were described. Candace is an author, which intrigued me. As for Logan, the blurb mentions that he is a photographer. I would like to be a photographer, so that grabbed my attention as well.

Logan’s chivalrous side, and love, began to show when Candace started getting hate mail. He was such a wonderful man, and that type of behavior always adds to the my rating. The story had some neat twists to their slowly coming together.  I completely enjoyed their interactions. This story, through the talent of author Kimberly Keyes, made me want to take more leaps of faith.

The writing, the plot, the characters — all of that goodness came together to make a book I completely enjoyed.

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

A Double Deception by Joan Wolf

September 6, 2021 By Leave a Comment


A Double Deception by Joan Wolf
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

ONE BETRAYAL SHOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH

Enchantingly lovely Laura Dalwood was little more than a girl when she was given in marriage to a man whose glittering wealth concealed a dark secret revealed to her only on her wedding night.

Now her husband’s death had freed her from that odious union—and Laura vowed never to make so grievous an error again.

But how could she reject the handsome and brilliant Mark Cheney, Earl of Dartmouth, when his proposal was one that no young woman of sense or sensibility could rightly decline?

And what could she do when, as his bride, he carried her over the threshold to allow her to discover just how much she could love a man—and then, to her distress, just how much she could fear him…

The synopsis for A Double Deception was a great advertisement that piqued my interest enough to want to pick up and read this story.

My attention was absorbed while reading this sweet romance between the hero, Mark, and the heroine, Laura. I found it easy to connect with them through their developing relationship as they discovered how to trust and love one another despite all the rumors and secrets.

Mark was serious, intelligent and, I felt, mysterious. Laura was independent, strong and compassionate. Together they made a perfect family. There was a mild suspense plot thread woven throughout the story that kept me riveted to my seat and turning those pages. I was filled with worry over Laura’s safety and the impact of this plot conflict on their relationship.

I have to be honest and confess that the first two chapters felt like information overload. I had to read the first two chapters twice to process the family history of the cast of characters that were introduced by Lady Maria. Lady Maria is actually Laura’s godmother and Mark’s aunt. It helped me to draw a family tree to visually see and help me to remember who was who. It was definitely worth persevering through the beginning of the book because when Mark and Laura did finally meet in chapter five it was if I had already knew them.

In conclusion, this was a very good book. My heartstrings were pulled, my funny bone was tickled, and my romance meter was raised. I’d definitely recommend picking this book up.

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

Night Class by Hannah Crow

September 3, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Night Class by Hannah Crow
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

All Rachel wants is to pass Professor Thane’s class and keep her scholarship. When the handsome head of the History Department calls her to his office long after everyone else has gone home, she fears the worst, but what Thane has in store is a surprise beyond her wildest fantasies and darkest nightmares.

Thane knows his history because he’s lived through most of it. He’s an ancient vampire, an immortal blood drinker whose supernatural allure has drawn Rachel like a moth to the flame. But Thane sees a ghost of his own distant past in Rachel, and soon he reveals his attraction for her.

With her life – and perhaps her soul – in the balance, will Rachel surrender to his unholy lusts?

She needs to pass and he needs her…will things work out?

This is a short story, but it’s got hot moments. He’s a vampire, she’s a student and they’re playing with fire. I liked the premise of this story, teacher-student relations. It’s hot.

This is a short story, though, so it’s a tad short on details and a little thin on story. Rachel goes to the professor because she’s not doing so hot and he’s happy she’s there because she’s hot. For sheer erotic reading, it’s got the heat.

That said, there are some quirks. It’s short, so there isn’t much to the story. It’s also a bit muddled. The story feels like it’s being told from Rachel’s point of view, but then seems to slip into omniscient pov. It jarred me, but might be fine for other readers. This story also straddles between erotic and hot. It would be fine if the author went right for hot or right for erotica, but the straddling might leave some readers wanting more.

If you’re interested in a hot read that will singe the screen for a half an hour’s worth of reading, then this is the one for you.

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

Child of the Sea by Faith Talbot

September 2, 2021 By 1 Comment


Child of the Sea by Faith Talbot
Mara’s Men, book 3
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Mara has a surprise for her men — she’s pregnant! But Aaron doesn’t seem as happy as he should be. In fact, he fears the baby’s life may be in danger depending on which of them is the father: Aaron, who was born to the ocean, or Chris, who was born half human.

Together, they visit the underwater city where Aaron’s people live to find out if his fears might be valid. With few answers, they await the arrival of their new family member, hoping the bond of their love will keep the baby safe as it enters a world above the sea.

Welcome back to the world of magic and hot fun! It’s about to get complicated.

I like this series and was thrilled to see there’s a third. This time, the triad will get a fourth, but it’s not in a romantic sense. They’re having a baby!

I zipped right through this story in no time because the writing was so crisp. This a fun series and there were twists I never saw coming. Mara has decided these men are hers and baby will make four.

I liked seeing the other beings of the sea in this story and the complications for these people. It made them more real to me.

If you’re looking for a quick read that’s satisfying, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Mara’s Men by Faith Talbot

September 1, 2021 By 1 Comment


Mara’s Men by Faith Talbot
Mara’s Men, Book 2
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In Cancun, Mara met Chris and Aaron, two mysterious men who spend most of their time under the ocean. They showed her a world she never could have imagined — and she chose to return to her normal life.

Now, months later, Mara returns to the Mexican beaches hoping to find what she left behind. But even if she does reunite with the two men who changed her world, how can she stay with them in their mysterious world under the sea?

This new normal is so hot and fun…under the sea!

I like this series as it’s unique. Mara has her men and she’s ready to come back to them. Is she ready to stay? Time will tell. The writing is crisp and I read this in one sitting. I needed to know more and was glad to see there’s another in the series. This doesn’t have to be read in order, but it helps. If one comes into the series in the middle, though, it’s not bad. I had no trouble keeping things straight.

This is a fun story and good for an afternoon read. If you like beings of the sea and romance, then pick this up!

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ Cliff’s Descent by Dianne Duvall (Author), Kirsten Potter (Narrator)

August 31, 2021 By 9 Comments


Cliff’s Descent by Dianne Duvall (Author), Kirsten Potter (Narrator)
Immortal Guardians Series, Book 11
Publisher: Self-published, Audio publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Every mortal who works at network headquarters knows that vampires reside below them. They were the first to surrender to the powerful Immortal Guardians who hunt them. And they did so, hoping they can be saved, that the doctors and scientists the Immortal Guardians employ can halt the progressive brain damage that robs all vampires of their sanity. Though curious, Emma never thought she would meet any of the vampires who remain under heavy guard several stories beneath her office. Then mercenaries strike, bombarding the building with heavy artillery. The vampires are freed to join the fray… and Cliff saves her life.

From that moment on, she can’t stop thinking about him regardless of the restrictions placed on interactions with vampires. When Emma discovers a way to speak to Cliff at network headquarters, she becomes even more fascinated by him. He’s smart, charming, and honorable to his core despite the darkness that lies ahead. And he seems to crave her company as much as she does his. Aware of the eyes that watch them, they keep their encounters innocent, limiting them to those of mere acquaintances. Nevertheless, their attraction grows and she soon falls in love with him even as the madness begins to claim him.

Cliff realizes his future is dark. As one vampire friend after another succumbs to insanity, hope that network doctors will be able to find a cure in time to keep him from meeting the same fate begins to dwindle, leaving him little to look forward to… until he meets Emma. Just speaking to her brings him a happiness and contentment he hasn’t experienced since before his transformation. And when they finally find a way to be alone together, everything changes. Emma burrows her way right into his heart and quiets the voices. She sparks dreams of a future with her that strengthen his determination to beat back the madness. But as time passes, the voices grow louder and insanity begins to chip away at him until he fears it will eradicate every part of him she fell in love with.

Will the two of them find a way to defy the odds and find their happily-ever-after? Or will Cliff’s descent consume him?

READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE!

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Musings, Other, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Lacy’s First Last Kiss by Cooper McKenzie

August 31, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Lacy’s First Last Kiss by Cooper McKenzie
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

With his latest self-help book for couples with wide age differences hitting the market with a six-week book tour, his expertise and credibility are on the line. At 52, Tobias had never been married, and none of his relationships have lasted more than a year.

25-year-old Lacy is heartbroken and between jobs. She plans to visit her great-grandmother to work in the garden, read trashy romance novels, and relax. She never expects to marry a man she’s never met. But to save her sister’s job, Lacy reluctantly marries Tobias. Her only requirement is there can be no kissing on the mouth.

Can Lacy hold to her no kissing rule? Will city-boy Tobias survive time on the farm without internet or cell service? Will their marriage survive past the six-week book tour?

A chance at forever, but fraught with problems.

I picked this book up because I liked the idea of the forced, to a point, marriage. It’s convenience. Tobias needs a wife and Lacy’s available. It’s a cute premise. The writing clipped along well and I surged right through it in one sitting.

I understood Lacy’s aversion to kissing. She’d been hurt and didn’t want to be hurt again. It’s a believable and understandable premise. I rather liked the idea of these two people being thrown together, too. It’s cute.

If you’re looking for a quick, cute read, then this might be right up your alley. Check it out!

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

Country Music Cowboy by Sasha Summers

August 26, 2021 By Leave a Comment


*Country Music Cowboy by Sasha Summers
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

What’s a country music star to do when his world is falling apart around him?
Can he find his way back home?

According to his record label, Travis King’s drinking and partying has to stop. Or else… Image rebranding means joining AA and singing opposite one of the industry’s rising stars at an upcoming awards show. It wouldn’t be so bad if Loretta Gram wasn’t cold as ice. No matter how hard he turns on the charm, she won’t give him a break. It looks like this cowboy has finally met his match.

Loretta is still grieving the death of her original singing partner, and she doesn’t have it in her to deal with playboy Travis King. But her career is all she has, so if singing with the Three Kings is what she needs, she’ll do it. Loretta isn’t as cold as she lets on, but she’s had more than her share of heartache. When she finally shows Travis who she is, he knows he’ll do anything to be her forever cowboy.

Even famous country music stars have insecurities. That’s the premise of Sasha Summers newest book Country Music Cowboy. This story is filled with emotion and heartache but also optimism and good feelings. Loretta and Travis are both successful country music stars and they have one thing in common, they each have a whole lot of baggage.

I loved reading Travis and Loretta’s story, they have loads of chemistry and great dynamics between them. I enjoyed reading this touching story filled with scorching looks and underlying tension. Travis and Loretta are complex characters and they have been through so much, I kept hoping they would have the HEA they deserve. I knew if they just let their guard down and believed in the power of love, they would find happiness together.

Travis King and his family have been part of the country music scene for years. Travis has a well deserved bad boy reputation and is a recovering alcoholic working hard every day to stay sober. Travis has demons and even though he is successful and handsome, he is full of self doubts and insecurities.

Besides being a country music star, Loretta hasn’t had too much good luck in her life. The last thing Loretta wants to do is to get involved with Travis, but she can’t seem to help herself.

I enjoyed being immersed in the country music scene. This is a moving story with an interesting plot, the pacing is good and although the characters are celebrities, they felt real to me. I was quickly turning the pages to find out what would happen next.

I found it easy to relate to Travis and Loretta, plus I loved the entertaining secondary characters included in this story. I have read all the books in this series and each one is about a different sibling in the King family. This tender and uplifting story left me with a smile on my face.

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

Complicit by Amy Rivers

August 24, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Complicit by Amy Rivers
Publisher: Compathy Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Snowdrop

A tangled web of deception and duplicity where predators are shielded by respectability and no one is safe

Kate Medina had been working as a forensic psychologist and loving every minute until a violent attack left her shaken to the core. Retreating to her hometown where it’s safe, she accepts a job where the prospect of violence is slim to none. As a high school psychologist, Kate tends to the emotional needs of the students. It’s not the career she envisioned for herself.

Five years later, a student disappears, leaving the school in crisis and Kate at the helm of another traumatic event. Roman Aguilar, the lead detective, reaches out to Kate for assistance. Kate’s position at the school and her training make her an ideal ally, but her complicated relationship with Roman puts them at odds.

When the girl’s body is found, changing the focus of the investigation to homicide, Kate finds herself in the middle of a situation she never anticipated. What started as her desire to help puts Kate directly in the crosshairs of an enemy who remains largely in shadows. As her past and present collide, Kate is dragged into the middle of a dangerous game where only one thing is clear-no one can be trusted.

Definitely a thriller, definitely a mystery. I suppose the title suggests suspense and there is plenty of that too. The theme or plot of this story is based on a societal problem we have today. One I grew up with too. That horrid thing called “judgement”. Secret-keeping because of what someone might think. We all had one situation or another growing up in small towns.

I enjoyed the characters Amy Rivers created here. They became very real by her description and her dialog. I’m not a fan of romance, but what I do like exists in this story. That little bit of interest between two characters. The push and pull of “will they be together?” is just the touch the book needed. In Complicit, the author does a good job of making us want to know a lot more things than will it work out. She kept me on the edge of my seat most of the time.

The subject here is quite deep, but the book reads very quickly or…maybe that was because I couldn’t seem to put it down. 🙂

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

Triple Threat by Lara Sleath

August 20, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Triple Threat by Lara Sleath
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Charli Reily needs to be a Broadway star. It’s the only way she can escape her sucky new life in the crappiest part of Vancouver. Here, her only friend is Logan, the boy with the biceps from across the road, who has the latest high-top runners and enough street smarts for them both.

To get to Broadway, Charli needs to be a triple threat. She has to be able to dance, as well as act and sing. When the owner of the local dance shop offers to teach her for free, she finally feels like she’s inching toward her dreams. Not that Logan’s happy. He doesn’t want her flitting off to Broadway. He wants her to stay in the hood with him.

Then Charli does something seriously bad. She confesses the shameful details to Logan without realizing that she’s given him the ammunition to start blackmailing her.

Soon she faces a choice–stand up to him and risk her future? Or get sucked into a downward spiral of doing increasingly messed-up things.

It’s not as hard as it may seem to live your dreams.

Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that showed how the adults in Charli’s life reacted to her mistakes. Not only were their reactions great indications of their upstanding characters, they were also filled with genuine kindness. This is something I’m always excited to come across, especially in the young adult genre where grown-ups are so often portrayed in less flattering ways.

I would have liked to see more development of Charli’s relationship with Logan. They both struggled to find emotionally healthy coping skills for their problems. Logan also had issues with poor communication and an urge to control the main character in ways that made me shudder. This storyline continued to intensify over time, so I was surprised to see how quickly it was resolved. There was so much more the author could have done with it.

The ending was otherwise realistic and well done. I appreciated the fact that it acknowledged the obstacles Charli was facing while also giving her some sensible ways to overcome them that also happened to fit Canadian culture well. It was lovely to catch those subtle cultural references, although the plot could be understood perfectly well without them, too. While I would read a sequel if one is ever written, I also felt pretty satisfied with everything I’d gotten to know about these characters.

Triple Threat was a wild ride. Anyone who enjoys stories set in Canada should take special note of it.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,
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