Sketching Love by Mikala Ash

April 10, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Sketching Love by Mikala Ash
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Dicentra

Her reputation in tatters following a lapse of judgement with the handsome Lord Randolph Cressy, Amelia Keystone returns to London destitute and alone. Events rapidly unfold on the platform of Victoria Station and Amelia is plunged into a deadly adventure.

Charles Graves, charming Agent of the Queen, is quick to engage Amelia’s skills as a sketch artist to help solve a murder and save the empire. Meanwhile she is stalked by an indefatigable assassin.

Lord Cressy insists on making amends for his role in her disgrace, and the three brave souls face an unseen killer. Will true love blossom, or will bloody murder destroy Amelia’s chance for happiness?

Sketching Love by Mikala Ash, the first book in the Empire of Hearts series, was an interesting cross between the mystery and steampunk genres with a lot of promise. The story itself kept me invested, though it was hard to connect to the actual characters. In terms of vibe, I’d liken it to Millie Bobby Brown’s Enola Holmes on Netflix, Robert Downey Junior’s Sherlock Holmes, or TNT’s The Alienist tv show.

I really liked the story and the setting. It was obvious the author had done a fair amount of research, as I was amused by things like what a “whore’s bath” is. There are also things like marriages of convenience and mistresses popping up in the book, which wouldn’t be out of character for that time period. The steampunk mystery element of the book is at the forefront of the novel, though there is undoubtedly some romance at play as well.

The characters were hard for me to connect to. I wanted very much for Amelia to find a ‘happily ever after’ ending but I never found myself invested in her personal struggles. Additionally, while I’ve never shied away from the more explicit and intimate scenes, some of the words (like redolent among other non-PG 13 terms) were a little too niche of vocabulary terms. It took me away from those pivotal moments to have to figure out what the author meant. With regards to the other characters besides Amelia, I couldn’t tell you much about them as there wasn’t a lot to make them stand out in my memory.

Overall, this was an okay read. Though there were some hiccups, I think the overall story held up and it was worth finishing. If you’re familiar with the author’s other works, it is similar to the Elizabeth Hunter-Payne series. It’s worth noting that this is very much an adult series that I wouldn’t recommend for younger readers.

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Eternal by Mychael Black

October 8, 2024 By 1 Comment


Eternal by Mychael Black
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Sam McIntosh knows he doesn’t need to be in the closet with his friends, but his family is another matter entirely. He keeps his sex life under wraps and never lets on to anyone that he enjoys any gender. So far, that’s worked just fine — until his father hires a new guy to work on the family farm.

Cole England has far more secrets than the average man, the least of which is his vampiric nature. He’s on the run from hunters sent by his father, and they are closing in on him. The last thing he needs is to fall for the son of the humans who hired him on their farm.

Between Sam’s bigoted family and Cole’s hunters, it’ll be a miracle if they can manage to explore the blazing attraction neither of them can deny.

Sam is in the closet to his family due to their bigoted ways. He’s out and proud with his friends, but his family – no way. This has worked just fine until his family hire Cole to work on their farm. The attraction is instant and Sam struggles to hide his growing desire. Cole has a bunch of his own problems – a vampire on the run from the hunters sent by his father, the last thing he wants is to drag the handsome Sam into his eternity and issues. Can the two men explore their blazing attraction without everything falling down around them?

I enjoyed this quick steamy read. Sam and Cole are well written and very realistic characters. It was quite easy for me to become attached to them both and they are quite relatable. I was pleased with both of their introductions and found their chemistry and instant attraction believable. This set me up very well for my enjoyment of this book, and for them to both have a mutual conflict with Sam’s bigoted parents and the hunters sent by Cole’s father helped solidify their working together as a team – even without the sexual tension and attraction between them.

It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a paranormal story and I found this one to be quite refreshing. There is some world-building which I enjoyed since I don’t recall reading anything similar from this author before. I also thought the slower pace of Sam learning about Cole and his heritage was a good way to ease readers into the various complexities of the authors paranormal world. I was pleased there wasn’t a massive info-dump and it was Sam and Cole chatting and getting to know each other where most of the vampire side of things was explored. I enjoyed this.

Readers who like a strongly paranormal but still steamy erotic story should find this short novel a good blend of the two. I thought it was a well written and fairly refreshing story and would be happy to try more books like this by the author.

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Doctor, Doctor by Will Okati

September 12, 2024 By Leave a Comment


Doctor, Doctor by Will Okati
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Cholla

Love isn’t easy and it’s rarely simple. More often than not it takes practice. Lots of practice.

It Takes Practice (Doctor, Doctor 1)
Dr. Nathan Rey has had a case of broken heart syndrome since his wild, bad-boy lover disappeared. He still can’t forget Fitz, and no one he’s met since could begin to compare. Then Nathan’s nurse elopes overnight and the temp agency sends him, certified and licensed, Fitz himself, with far more than work on his mind. Fitz means to convince Nathan seven years isn’t too long to wait for a second chance at the love of a lifetime.

It Takes Three (Doctor, Doctor 2)
Three med students. Geoff’s wound tight as a cheap watch. Ross is, too, but unless it’s got to do with math or science he’s oblivious. Aurélien’s uber-zen, uber-practical. With exams coming up fast, they’re all in desperate need of some R & R. What better way than getting a little action? Together. Multiple times, and in multiple ways. Once they get started these guys “work” well together. Maybe a little too much so. Aren’t things like this supposed to be hard? In this case, the answer to all their questions is three.

In It Takes Practice. Dr. Nathan Ray is attempting to keep his head above water. Operating an on-call service to those in need and those who are unable to make it into a traditional doctor’s office, he buries himself in work as a way of forgetting his past. That is, until his past unexpectedly shows up on his doorstep one morning.

Nathan thinks he finally has a handle on everything – minus his love life – until he sees that familiar face again. One glance at an older, but still handsome, Fitz nearly knocks him off his feet. Fitz is both different and all too much the same as he’d been back in college, something that confuses and intrigues Nathan. I loved watching Nathan and Fitz rediscover each other, even if Nathan’s determined to get through the day and leave Fitz in the past. Even though I think he knew from that very first moment that he could never manage to do that.

Second chance romances are one of my favorites. It’s so much fun to watch the couple relearn everything they thought they once knew, as well as adjust to their older, more worldly, selves. It Takes Practice hits all of these notes for me in both bittersweet and hilarious moments. This was by far my favorite of the two, and I’d love to know how Nathan and Fitz are doing today.

It Takes Three is a different sort of novel completely. While desperately trying to study for an important upcoming test, Geoff has managed to stress himself out completely. Something that I, unfortunately, can relate to a little too well. However, Geoff’s not alone in his frustrations. Someone else – two, in fact – are right there with him in the stress ball called medical school.

As I mentioned, Geoff’s the one I can relate to the best. Everything to him is a major moment and he acts accordingly. He’s stressed, but unwilling to stop studying for a bit of fun, because the test is a major factor in whether he graduates or not. Aurélien is the complete opposite of Geoff. He’s very mellow and unconcerned with tomorrow, he’s more focused on today. Aurélien is exactly the kind of guy Geoff needs in his life to help balance him out. Ross, by far, was my favorite of the three, mainly because he was unexpected. He appears to not be very bright. Instead, he’s thoughtful and careful with his words and actions, which can often make someone unfairly think you’re less intelligent than you are. The three of them together is a fun-filled bout of sexy times and even some studying. I was definitely rooting for them by the end.

Both stories in Doctor, Doctor, combine romance, humor, and steamy scenes into well-rounded and enjoyable stories about men trying to find their way through life. Medical romances aren’t something I read often, but after these two, hot, short stories, I might need to make an exception and start to seek more out.

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Island Dreamin’ by Kate Douglas

September 5, 2024 By Leave a Comment


Island Dreamin’ by Kate Douglas
Escape!, book 7
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Teri’s had it! She’s tired of fighting for accounts in her job with the city’s largest advertising firm, but Brad and Steve are making her life miserable. After a frustrating day, she takes her drink and her disappointment into the bath for a long soak. A quiet vacation on a desert island. That’s what she needs…

The dream that follows is anything but frustrating. Brad and Steve, both bound and under her control, and does Teri ever take control! But is it all a dream? And what is it with those two guys? She had no idea they lusted after one another as much as they want her.

Teri is tired of the constant competition and struggle with her city job at an advertising firm. Brad and Steve in particular make her days miserable. Only the calm of a hot bath and a very cold drink at home at the end of the day can help her get up and do it all over again. For in those quiet, relaxing hours in her bath at home she can escape in her dreams and finally be the one in control.

I thoroughly enjoyed this very short but highly relatable and deeply sensual quick read. Having to constantly do battle with idiots at work and wondering if the rat race is really worth it is a situation I feel the majority of people can really feel compassion for. A delicious boozy drink- or three – and a hot bath at the end of the day is also something I can feel down in my soul. So, I thought this book easily grabbed me right from the first few pages.

What followed was a sizzling hot but equally enjoyable island getaway dream. Readers who enjoy M/M/F style threesome stories should definitely find this short story fits the bill. Teri, Steve and Brad quickly jump into their sexy shenanigans and readers will likely find themselves scorched with the outcome the threesome find themselves in.

Disconnect from a hard day, grab a big cold drink and enjoy this quick and sexy read.

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Werewolf Cove by Marteeka Karland

September 4, 2024 By 1 Comment


Werewolf Cove by Marteeka Karland
Escape!, book 6
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

ER nurse Isabella loves Connor, but she refuses to be just the girlfriend anymore. She need more from Dr. McHottie, but he’s afraid to commit. Will a little fun in the sun bring her sexy werewolf to heel?

Isabella loves Connor – and she knows he loves her in return. But Connor is a little gun-shy when it’s coming to a firm commitment, so Isabella has a plan.

I found this to be a super hot and really quite sweet werewolf steamy romance. I felt immediately drawn into Isabella and her predicament of still being “the girlfriend” after three years with Connor and I was pleased with her modern attitude and refusal to back down from what she wanted. I was pleased though that the author did show us a bit from Connor’s perspective too – as the situation wasn’t as clear as Isabella originally thought, so seeing the matter from Connor’s eyes too really helped me feel connected to both these characters.

The sex was steamy and intense – I feel readers who enjoy werewolf style stories should definitely enjoy this short story. A fast and sizzling hot read this would be a great pick me up when you don’t have a lot of time to commit to a longer story.

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Runaway Home by Camille Anthony

July 10, 2024 By 1 Comment


Runaway Home by Camille Anthony
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Fleeing the shame of being rejected in favor of an Omega, Jackson Southerly, alpha wolf, has run away to one of his family’s ski resorts.

Fleeing the shame of being left at the altar, Sioux Brown has traded in her tickets to the Bahamas and run away to the snowy slopes of Colorado, where she plans to lick her wounds in solitude.

The snow in their hearts melts as they share the deserted lobby in the dark of night, but will their growing attraction survive the light of day?

After being rejected for an Omega, Jackson Southerly decides to run away to his family’s ski resort. Sioux Brown has also fled after being literally left at the alter. Going to polar opposite of her longed for honeymoon in the Bahamas, Sioux finds herself knee deep in the snow alongside Jackson. Even though their attraction is instant, they are both at rock bottom. Will their tenuous attraction survive the long haul?

While I do admit the general concept of this story is not very unique – I did enjoy how the author managed to squeeze in quite a few twists within the first chapter to have this very short story feeling fresh and different to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the fast pace and feel readers who are wanting just a quick and tasty spicy read should find this highly enjoyable.

Disconnect your brain, sit back with a delectable drink and just enjoy the ride. I laughed in quite a few places – so don’t expect to find a complicated plot or anything too deeply serious in this lovely short story. Just enjoy the steamy shenanigans and relatable characters.

A fun and super quick read – this was a good story I enjoyed.

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Sex On The Beach? by Willa Okati

July 2, 2024 By Leave a Comment


Sex On The Beach? by Willa Okati
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Warren might be a vampire, sure, but he’s getting the knack of it. He’s cool — he can handle the wicked urge for hot blood right from a vein and has these bitchin’ fangs. He does miss the sunlight, though. No problem — he also has a lover, Dusty, the biggest-hearted, goofiest but also kinkiest vampire you’ll ever meet. When Warren gets the urge to get away, Dusty comes up with the perfect way to make unlife a beach.

Sort of.

Warren loved Dusty and since they were both Vampires they were guaranteed an eternity together to share their adventures. But when Dusty’s latest idea involves their spare room, a bunch of floodlights and an enormous amount of brown sugar even Warren isn’t sure there’s a way to come back from this.

I found this to be a highly amusing and rather sweet (sugary!) tale. While it’s clear Dusty’s heart is in the right place the more practical side to my brain was flummoxed at how virtually impossible it was going to prove to be for the two men to return their guest bedroom into any semblance of order. That said, it was a really sweet and highly fun idea that Dusty had and once the sex began I doubt Warren cared how impossible it would be to clean everything up.

Disconnect your brain, make yourself a frothy, beachy drink, and relax back to enjoy this short and funny ride. I found the two characters well matched and there were quite a few laugh aloud lines exchanged between them and their attraction burned off the pages.

Short and steamy – I found this to be a fun and enjoyable quick read.

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Obedience by Isabella Jordan

June 13, 2024 By 1 Comment


Obedience by Isabella Jordan
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

A princess with a problem… Meela must marry a prince from another planet in order to ensure the security of her people. Trouble is Meela’s known to be a bit feisty, and sometimes that gets her into trouble. It’s bad enough she has no say in who she’ll marry. Worse still, the queen places an obedience curse on Meela to thwart her errant ways. As a result of the curse, Meela finds herself in plenty of predicaments not exactly fit for a princess. But what’s a princess to do when two gorgeous hunks come along and place sensual demands on her Meela’s not sure she can — or even wants to — deny?

Meela might be a feisty princess, but she knows she has to marry a prince for the good of her people. But when the Queen puts an obedience curse on her to curb her feisty ways the magic has some unexpected consequences.

I found this to be a fun and rather sassy short story. I thought the twist in the tale about the Obedience curse was a stroke of genius and I really enjoyed the slant to the story as a whole. The first chapter really setup the situation Meela had found herself in – and both the good and bad aspects to the queen’s curse – and all the sexy shenanigans rolling in from those consequences was a fun delight to read.

I thought the author showed a good balance between Meela being unable to refuse a command and having the curse force her to obey, but equally not pushing past the ilne of non-consent. I do admit that while the ending felt just a little cliched to me, it was very satisfying, and I feel most readers should be very happy with the twist.

Sexy and fun, this is a quick read I feel many readers will enjoy.

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Fox Hounds by Lia Connor

April 30, 2024 By Leave a Comment


Fox Hounds by Lia Connor
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Foxy Lady…

Reyna’s a skilled thief and the lightest-fingered pickpocket around. Several professionals would love to have her on their side, if only to be able to keep an eye on her. What they don’t know is that Reyna’s nickname isn’t just fantasy — she’s a shapeshifting fox and as clever and wily as they come. No one can catch her if she doesn’t want to be caught, and so far no one’s come close to winning her over.

Not, that is, until the hounds pick up her trail. Jonas, Si and Boone, lovers as well as skilled tricksters, have the Fox’s scent and they intend to woo her, outsmart her and win her to their team. As hounds in name as well as in shapeshifting nature, they know they’re just as good at getting the job done as Reyna is. All they have to do is catch this thief and get her not only on their side, but in their shared bed.

And they won’t give up until they get the job done.

Reyna’s got a secret weapon – she’s a shapeshifting fox who is both clever and wily in addition to being a darn good thief. No one has come close to picking up her scent until she comes across the hounds – Jonas, Si and Boone. Shapeshifting hounds, the three men are also skilled tricksters and are determined to bring Reyna into their team – no matter the cost.

I found this to be a sexy quick read. I was impressed with this slightly different take on a paranormal spicy storyline – the three hound-shifters a cohesive and long-standing team and very comfortable with their personal and working relationship. While initially I was somewhat in the dark as to why they needed Reyna and her fox abilities to join their team, I admit I found it very fun to watch the three men collectively tempt her into collaborating with them.

An enjoyable and sensual read, it was clear there was more to the plot than just a quick seduction and I was thrilled when the author followed through on that. Readers wanting a quick, sexy, paranormal story that has a few twists and turns in it should find this a lovely and refreshing change of pace. I thought this was a good story and I’m interested in reading more by this new-to-me author.

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Changeling by Shelby Morgen

April 24, 2024 By Leave a Comment


Changeling by Shelby Morgen
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Holiday, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

“I don’t believe in Magic.”

Did he actually say those words — out loud — in an Irish pub, on St. Patrick’s Day? Divorced and alone, Michael Matthews doesn’t believe in much of anything anymore. So when he downs several mugs of Irish Stout while listening to the barkeep weave a tale of magic and intrigue centuries old, Mich’s judgment might be slightly impaired.

Mich wakes up bound and naked in a Fairy’s webs. He isn’t really sure he wants to escape the gorgeous little creature… but what’s he to do with a lover who’s only five inches tall?

She’s the Changeling Fairy, and she has a bag of Fairy toys — including magical restraints and Fairy Oil — she’s just itching to try out on her captive. She’s caught Mich for just one purpose — she has every intention of spending St. Patrick’s Day having wild Fairy sex with this hot hunk of an American. Just as soon as he learns to cooperate!

Michael Matthews is a procurement agent for a microbrewery distribution group and usually he knows exactly how to handle his beer. But this is St, Patrick’s Day and he downs more than a few mugs while listening to a very talented barkeeper. Mich then finds himself waking up entangled in more than he bargained for, and Arien is gorgeous enough neither of them are sure they want to undo what might have been started here.

I found this to be a funny and very unique sort of short story. With whip quick dialogue and plenty of quirkiness I definitely feel this is the sort of story you need to enjoy with a hefty drink and a lot of light-heartedness. Disengage your brain, relax back and just enjoy where this talented author takes you.

While there is some plot, I found that I enjoyed the fact the story didn’t really take itself too seriously. While funny, the sex was steamy and very explicit. Readers who don’t enjoy insta-lust stories might find the pace of this aspect to the plot was a little fast – but with such a short page count I don’t really see how any could expect a long, detailed, slow drop into the romance.

Steamy, funny and fast-paced, I found this to be an enjoyable and quick read. Best enjoyed with a drink and a light sense of humour, I feel plenty of readers should find this equally addictive.

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