Kinked Up by MC Roth

November 9, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Kinked Up by MC Roth
It’s a Kink Thing
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Can Trick choose between the love of his life and the sub of his dreams?

Nav can’t count the number of times he has wished he could close his eyes, hand over the reins and let someone take care of him. It’s a dream that none of his exes have been able to fulfill—not that he really understands what he needs.

At least, he doesn’t until he stumbles into a dark alley to get away from the bustling noise on the dance floor where he doesn’t belong. He’s not alone in the alley, and the stranger who gives him everything he’s longing for isn’t a stranger at all but Trick, his gorgeous neighbor who has a body that models would kill for and the softest blue eyes that Nav has ever seen.

Trick has everything he could ever wish for, including his kinky fiancé, Theo, who has been by his side for ten years. So when Trick sets up an intense scene in an alleyway that pushes their boundaries beyond anything he could have imagined, his life seems perfect. But when the alley lights flicker on, he discovers the man against him isn’t his fiancé at all.

One perfect mistake will change their lives forever.

Hot, hot, hot!

I picked up this book because I was in the mood for something kinky, no pun intended. And I got it! This book is guaranteed to melt the ereader screen. MC Roth has written a deliciously hot story with lots of kink and it’s not going to be for everyone, but it’s certainly a ride.

Nav knows he wants something, but he’s not sure what exactly. Trick knows what he’s ready to give, but he’s not intending on giving it to Nav…then a mistake happens. I liked the journey these two take. It’s not the average kink story. This one has pain play in it, so it’s not going to be for everyone, as I mentioned. But if that’s your thing or you’re interested in a dark, gritty story, this might be it.

I read this one in one sitting and didn’t want it to end. The story flowed well and kept me engaged throughout. If you’re looking for something hot and a little different, then this might be for you.

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The Real Thing by Elizabeth Hollows

November 8, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Real Thing by Elizabeth Hollows
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: LGBTQ, Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Action/Adventure
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

One soldier home from training. Two best friends secretly in love. A plan to fake a romantic Valentine’s weekend. Will it be happiness or heartbreak?

Chad Anderson is a proud soldier with a promising career. He has almost got the perfect life, but for one small snag. Chad has been holding a candle for his best friend since he was seventeen.

Gareth Jenkins lives with him, along with his rescue dog. It’s the perfect arrangement and almost as good as the real thing—but it isn’t the real thing.

To make matters worse, it’s Valentine’s Day, and Chad will be returning from training for the holiday. It would be the ideal time to confess—but it has been nearly ten years. It’s long past the time to say something.

But he isn’t the only one with a candle.

Gareth might be a confident hairdresser with a flirtatious manner and easy-to-love personality, but it doesn’t help him where it counts. Because Gareth’s first love is his sexy soldier best friend, and one of these days, Gareth is sure he’s going to ruin everything with an unwanted kiss.

And if things aren’t bad enough for both of them, Chad comes up with an idea that might spell the end for their secrets. Because, instead of spending Valentine’s alone, he suggests they spend it having the weekend they’ve always wanted.

To do it, they’ll fake being a romantic couple.

When what they want is playing out right in front of them, can both men keep their feelings contained?

Two best friends, a yearning so deep it’s never going away and a love to last forever.

I love the work of Elizabeth Hollows, so I knew I had to read this book. I wasn’t disappointed. This was a quickly paced book, with endearing characters and a lot of humor.

Gareth loves Chad and Chad loves him, but like life, sometimes it takes a while to work out. I loved that the author gave these characters time to figure out what they wanted, while showing they had it all along. I like the idea of a fake it ’til they make it situation and this one delivers. Plus, it’s hot!

If you’re looking for a sweet, hot story with some great friends to lovers, then this might be the one for you. Try it!

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Spotlight on Love by Kristian Parker

October 18, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Spotlight on Love by Kristian Parker
Speak Its Name, book 3
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Historical, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating; 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

If love conquers all, George Lomax has its biggest challenge yet…

It’s 1923 and George Lomax is on the run. Not from the law but from his boss, the predatory stage company manager Waldo Waddington. George came to London from the States in a Harlem-style musical, but Waldo demands more than just a good performance on the stage from the males in his cast.

Fleeing, George arrives at Safe Haven Boarding House in Brighton and immerses himself in the loving, accepting world of Tanner, Charlie, Frank and Michael. A stroll in the local park brings him to Stanley Butterworth, a war veteran who’s experienced his own horrors, and it’s love at first sight for the two very different men.

But Waldo is hot on George’s heels, using George’s employment contract and visa to drag him back into his clutches. Can George find a way to not only be free but be free to love Stanley…if Stanley can overcome his own demons to love him back?

Two souls who should be together, searching for forever together and it’s so sweet.
I’m a sucker for Kristian Parker’s books and the moment I saw this book. I’ve loved the others in this series and knew I needed to read this one. I love that it’s interracial, I love that it’s the twenties and that these characters are so different. I’m not wild about first person writing, but this book delivers.

I love George and Stanley together. They’re great for each other and it was nice to catch up with the other characters from this series. I’m not wild about what happened to George, but I do like the twists involved. It’s good. Plus, there are moments of heat and sweetness.

If you’re a fan of historicals, want a good one that’s of a time period not often dealt with in romance, plus one that features LGBTQ characters and is well-written, then this is the book and series for you. Try it!

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The Game by AB Wilson

September 20, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Game by AB Wilson
The Shellenberg Brothers series, book 2
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

He’s everything she hates, but exactly what she needs. What will it take to turn two rival players into teammates?

Recover. That’s Abby’s entire plan when she suffers a potentially career-ending injury. But she needs financial support for her rehab now that she’s been dropped by her pro-soccer team.

Enter Matti, her unlikely, tatted up savior with a man bun. The guy with everything she wants, a stellar career and the ability to get away with anything. When Matti’s dropped by his team after yet another off-pitch scandal, he needs someone to help rehab his reputation.

After a gossip column goes viral with a piece about their supposed engagement, the plan falls into place. A fake engagement to save Matti’s career, and access to the best rehab center for her. A new city, no friends, the only person they have to rely on is each other, and Abby’s grumpy cat of course.

As they play pretend day in and day out, their feelings start to shift from those of uncomfortable teammates to something a lot like love as the two find out each other’s deepest secrets. But when a new opportunity for Matti comes knocking, ready to pull them apart, will they take the risk of admitting the truth behind their feelings?

Soccer, an accident, love and issues. This book has it all.

I love AB Wilson’s work and this book was no different. It’s hot and there’s heart. I read this over the course of two evenings and I’m glad I did. I got invested in the characters and wanted to get back to them.

I liked that the author dealt with mental issues and learning disabilities with Matti. He’s got his heart in the right place, but he gets derailed. He was humanized and I loved him. Abby knows what she wants and when she gets hurt, it’s catastrophic. I liked how she and Matti worked together. That said, this book also brings to light the pay gap for women versus men’s soccer.

There is one quibble I have with the story, but I won’t get into it to keep from ruining the story. While it might have been a quibble for me, it might not be for everyone. The family dynamics are tough and that might annoy some readers, but it wasn’t a deterrent for me. It made the characters more relatable.

If you want a story that’s hot, sweet, has heart and will tug at your heart, then this might be the sports romance for you.

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Cross My Heart by Aliyah Burke

September 12, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Cross My Heart by Aliyah Burke
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

One night together can lead to forever…

Rash decisions had not really ever been her thing, until one night in a bar with her brothers had Cynzia Cassano irritated enough to kiss the next guy walking through the door. Little does she know that he is going change her life.

Lucas Hoch is out with his best friends when a woman that knocks his world on its axis kisses him. Unable to forget her, he follows and takes the night with her she offers. It will never be enough. She is gone when he wakes and he will scour the earth to find her again.

When their paths do cross once more, as much as he wants to keep her, she is a woman with her own strong mind and life to live. Will there be room in their lives for each other?

When the sparks fly, Cyn and Lucas have no choice but to comply.

This story happens fast. I like the books of Aliyah Burke and had to snap this one up when I saw it. I’m glad I did. It’s truly fast-paced, though.

Cyn kisses Lucas and sends them both into a tailspin. She disappears and he wants to see her again. They do meet again, and the sparks fly all over the place. It’s easy to see they’re attracted.

I do have to admit there were times when the story moved so fast, I couldn’t keep it all straight. I have some questions and felt some spots needed to be fleshed out more, but it’s a novella, and there’s only so much room in those stories.

If you’re looking for an action-packed story with sparks, then this might be the one for you. Check it out.

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(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter

September 8, 2022 By Leave a Comment


(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter
Mixed Emotions, Book 1
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Falling in love with Gil was never Sophie’s plan, but the French mountain air, the grumpiest llama ever and her boyfriend’s loving—if liberated— family might just change her mind.

Sophie Smith—actress, influencer, in a close personal relationship with her blender— finds herself on a French mountain with a grumpy llama, a boyfriend with a bad case of commitment phobia and his sexually liberated parents.

In between getting chased around the farm by angry goats, dealing with his beautiful ex-girlfriend and fending off a Frenchman, she’s also having an existential crisis.

All she needs to do is get her boyfriend to stop quivering in fear at the L word, teach that llama to snuggle and work out what she actually wants to do with her life, then everything will be fine. Right?

Sometimes love isn’t enough, but what if it is?

I love the work of Katy Hunter and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. I’m glad I did. This was a great premise for a story and there’s a llama. I mean, that’s original–a grumpy llama! I breezed through this story and did root for the characters to find their happy ending.

Sophie is a bit of a mess. She wants her boyfriend to admit he loves her and he’s not ready. There’s the glare of the spotlight and the glitz of Hollywood in the way, too. It’s not the easiest way to keep a relationship going. She’s relatable, but her push-pull with Gil could be a bit over the top. Then there’s Gil. He’s not sure he’s ready to admit he loves her, and he’s scared of strong commitment. He’s very relatable, too. It’s hard to be in a relationship where your every move is scrutinized. But these are two younger characters, and their immaturity does show through. That’s not always a bad thing, but it’s something to mention.

The romance sizzles and the connection does shine through. If you’re looking for a book for the modern era, a romance for the current times, then this is the one you’re looking for. Check it out!

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Six Weeks by Nan Comargue

September 7, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Six Weeks by Nan Comargue
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Jaya’s relationships never last more than six weeks. Austen wants to be her forever.

Six weeks is the outer limit for one of Jaya’s relationships. When men find out there is no future with her, they tend not to stick around for long.

She’s gotten into the habit of leaning on her cousin Austen to get over each breakup. Who better? Austen is six feet three of solid sympathy. Both adopted into the same extended family at young ages, they’ve been friends their whole lives, with a mutual taste for good food and expensive whisky. But when Jaya takes her latest failed romance to him, Austen makes it clear his interest in her is far from cousinly.

“Think about me,” Austen tells her, and Jaya starts to do just that. No doubt, Austen is incredibly attractive, and she can’t say she’s not curious to find out what he’s like in bed, but can their bond survive this new test?

Why not Austen?

I love the work of Nan Comargue and this book was no different. The second I picked it up, I was immersed in Jaya and Austen’s world. The writing flew along at a great pace and the characters are interesting. I loved it.

Jaya tends to lose people through no fault of her own and her issues with that tend to color her relationships. She needs comfort and stable. She needs someone who won’t leave and won’t give up. She’s relatable because she’s someone you could know. I know people like her and I felt for her. Then there’s Austen. He’s the quintessential romance hero. He’s there, he’s understanding and he’s solid. He’s the one Jaya should love. But they were adopted and are cousins, but not by blood. That’s a complication that could make or break the relationship.

I loved seeing these characters, who were already close, get closer and find their common ground. It’s sweet, hot and great.

If you’re looking for a book that’s not your standard romance, has relatable characters and is so much fun to read, then this is the book for you.

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His True Heart by Samantha Cayto

August 30, 2022 By Leave a Comment


His True Heart by Samantha Cayto
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Action/Adventure
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The heart always knows the way.

Chris Novak is adjusting to his lieutenant being the first openly gay SEAL. Seeing the man’s obvious love for his husband gives Chris ideas—ones he has ruthlessly suppressed his whole life. Becoming a SEAL was his dream. Having the love and approval of his father remains critical to him. Acknowledging his sexual orientation would have jeopardized both. While the military has evolved, Chris fears that his father’s views have not.

Tanner Pac has been openly out and proud since high school, with his family embracing him as he is. He knows being gay is not a problem, but his dream of becoming a software engineer is. His parents expect him to carry on the family business of running a pizza parlor. He dares not disappoint them, fearing a loss that would crush him.

While visiting his father on leave, Chris goes out for pizza, not expecting to run into his old girlfriend’s annoying little brother. They could never ditch Tanner and now that he is all grown up, Chris finds he no longer wants to. Facing the strong temptation that Tanner presents is causing Chris to also face the truth about himself.

As Chris and Tanner struggle to meet their parents’ expectations, their attraction for each other cannot be denied. Their strength and courage grow in each other’s arms, but it may not be enough to break free of the weight of family expectations.

Friends to lovers is always a favorite of mine and this one is fantastic.

I love the work of Samantha Cayto and this book certainly delivered. The characters are likable, relatable and I rooted for them. The writing moved along well, and I couldn’t wait to get back to the story. This was the kind of book that made me think about it when I finished. I got emotionally involved.

Chris and Tanner are great characters. Chris is struggling with being gay in the military. The boys club aspect of the military makes it hard for some men to come out and Chris is one of them. Still, he wants to be loved. Then Tanner comes along, and he realizes the piece he’s been missing has been there all along. I loved the way these two characters came together and would happily read more about them. I loved it.

If you’re looking for a good coming out story, one with friends to lovers, then this might be the one for you. Try it for yourself.

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Love & Moonshine by Aliyah Burke

August 12, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Love & Moonshine by Aliyah Burke
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Going home can be the best medicine.

Country boy Colum Boyle has been home to work the family farm for a while now. He’s shocked when he’s sent to pick up his sister’s best friend for a wedding, and he realizes he’s never gotten over her.

Veterinarian Xaya Asher isn’t sure all the mental preparation in the world has her ready to face Colum again. The sparks between them are combustible and soon the flames erupt.

Do these two have what it takes to overcome the obstacles before them?

Steam, second chances and heart.

I have read other books by Aliyah Burke and I’ve never been let down. The streak continues. This book was fantastic and I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what would happen next and got emotionally involved with the characters.

I love a good redemption story and this one fit the bill. Colum never felt good enough for Xaya and he knows his limits. He also knows he’s attracted to her. He can’t keep away from her. I liked his ability to be sweet and still goof up. He’s relatable and human, which was great for the hero. Xaya loves him and always has. Now that she’s got to be in close contact with him, she sees him for who he is–the man who loves her. I loved how they gave each other a run for their money. They were perfectly matched, even if they drove each other nuts.

If you’re looking for a book that’s got lots of heart, heat and one that you won’t be able to put down, then this is the one for you.

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Complicating Roy by Megan Slayer

August 12, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Complicating Roy by Megan Slayer
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Complication doesn’t always have to be a bad thing.

Duke Charles needs a break. He’s tired of life on the road and never having a place to settle down. He decides to head to Norville for a rest in his childhood home. Once there, he realizes his life isn’t quite so relaxed—he’s not only inherited the house, but a cat to go with it. When his friend from high school sends him on a date, he finds out how complicated life can be…in a good way.

Roy Mars likes his life as an artist. He paints, sells work and takes his cat, Raphael, for walks through Norville. He channels his emotions into his art…until he goes on a date and meets Duke. His uncomplicated life gets thrown into chaos, not least because Duke has rabid fans who insist on knowing every detail of his life.

Can Roy handle a little complication in the form of Duke, or will he quit before he finds his forever?

When social media runs your life, you sometimes have choices to make.

Duke is the drummer in a famous band who has been on tour constantly for the past 15 years. He needs some time away to get his head back on straight. Roy is famous in his own way as an artist. They get set up by the fairy godmother of Norville, James, and fall victim to insta-lust followed by insta-miscommunication.

I much preferred Duke in this story to Roy. Duke is relatable, he has his issues and has worked/is working on them. Roy seems more along the lines of ‘this is me, deal with it.’ As with book one, there were storylines that didn’t seem to go anywhere – with Ted and with the Mayor. It will be interesting to see if these are picked up in future books.

This is a low-angst book that moves at a fast pace, continuing along the lines of book one. It was a good read, but I would prefer it to be a bit more in-depth with the characters as they felt sort of wooden in places. An enjoyable read that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

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