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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Running Scared by Elizabeth Lowell

December 14, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Running Scared by Elizabeth Lowell
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Risa Sheridan knows everything there is to know about gold-its history, its secrets, its allure, its perils. Her boss, Shane Tannahill, is addicted to the stuff, having already made the precious metal the theme of his ultrasuccessful Las Vegas gambling establishment, the Golden Fleece. Now an ancient Celtic piece is being offered to Shane for his collection, and the casino owner is hooked. But though she shares Shane’s enthusiasm, Risa is wary — because something about this particular artifact is troubling; something about it says “stay away.”

It is a voice that should be heeded but is not. And the artifact is placing them at the center of an insidious plot in the mad whirl and blinding glitter of Las Vegas.

A whole lot of heat and gold.

I had never read anything by Elizabeth Lowell before this book and I’m glad this was recommended to me. This was a fantastic book. I’m not really into romantic suspense, but this one was a big hit. Lowell writes a spellbinding story and kept me riveted to my seat throughout the story.

Risa is a smart woman, but she’s had hard knocks in life. She knows what she needs to do–she’s the person you turn to when you want a rare piece of jewelry handled. Is it real, is it fake? How old is it? She’s your girl. Shane Tannahill is her boss and is obsessed with having the best gold collection at his hotel in Vegas. It doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome, too.

I liked that there are a lot of threads running through this story. There’s the sort of romance between Risa and Shane, the gold that shows up, the show Shane wants to put on and Risa’s past. Keeping the threads separate and straightened out could be confusing at times, but it definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

If you’re looking for a story that’s a bit breathless, a lot mysterious and even a little romantic, then this might be the one for you. I’m on the lookout for more by this author.

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

Falling for Two by Melanie Hoffer

December 2, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Falling for Two by Melanie Hoffer
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The party was supposed to be easy. Wear a mask, dress sexy, and get laid. When a stranger walked in, everything changed. I didn’t expect him to look at me that way or touch me so perfectly. I also didn’t expect to meet him again months later, working at the same company and leading the biggest project of my career. Luckily, he doesn’t remember me until one slip of the tongue throws me back in. Nathan Richards isn’t exactly single, and his roommate and boyfriend, Clark Peterson, has other…interesting ideas.

Hot, steamy and unexpected.

I like a good throuple romance. There’s something fun about two guys and a girl all enjoying themselves…and each other. This book had all the right things. Three people drawn to each other. Two guys devoted to each other, too. A woman who knew what she wanted. Romance. It was hot.

I liked the aspect of the party, the faceless interaction and heat, too. It really brought me into the story. The work romance aspect was good, too. Where some books have a struggle with throuples, this one balanced the various people rather well. I got a good idea of who each character was and how they felt about each other. It didn’t feel like one couple was more important than the other partners.

I wasn’t a fan of how Nathan and Bri got together. It felt like Clark had been left out and that bugged me. I’m also not a fan of first person stories. While this wasn’t my cuppa told in this POV, it might be perfectly fine for other readers, so don’t be deterred.

If you’re looking for something hot, spicy and exciting, this might be exactly what you’re looking for. Try it!

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

Horribly Harry by Sarah Honey and Lisa Henry

December 2, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Horribly Harry by Sarah Honey and Lisa Henry
Bad Boyfriends, Inc., book 2
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Bad Boyfriend, Inc—when you can’t find a good boyfriend, why not hire a bad one instead?

To supplement his income while he’s completing his Early Education degree, Harry Townsend hires himself out as a terrible date—for a set fee, he’ll horrify parents and family members in all sorts of interesting ways. But when it comes to actual relationships—and sex—Harry doesn’t get the appeal. He doesn’t get the same tingly feelings everyone else seems to when they meet someone attractive, and he’s fine with that. He’d rather spend his evenings watching TV anyway.

Jack Windsor abandoned his uni degree to do an apprenticeship as a mechanic, much to his parents’ dismay. He’s happy with his choices, but leaving uni meant losing his accommodation, and now he’s crashing on his sister Mia’s couch. It isn’t ideal, but it’s only until he finds something else—which is proving difficult in Sydney’s brutal rental market.

When Jack almost kills Harry with a strawberry smoothie, he discovers that not only was Harry’s disastrous date with Mia a set up, but that Harry is looking for a roommate. Moving in with Harry is great, if only he wasn’t so distractingly cute—and totally uninterested in Jack. Except as they grow closer as friends, for the first time in his life, Harry tells Jack he’s developing feelings for him—tingly ones.

But how can Harry and Jack be together when Jack’s family thinks that Harry is the worst human being in the universe? And how can Jack convince them that his Bad Boyfriend is the best boyfriend he’s ever had, without admitting that Mia hired him to be terrible to them? When an approaching family event brings everything to a head, Jack’s going to have to step up to prove to Harry that he wants him in his life. And it might just take some bad timing, some good luck and the ugliest suit known to mankind.

Quirky and sweet.

I came to this book with no expectations other than to be entertained and I was. This was a fun read, sweet and quiet, too. The writing flowed well, and I was drawn right into the story. I’m looking forward to more in this series.

I love stories with a miscommunication and fumbling and this book had both. Harry’s there to be the bad guy, but he’s not all what he seems. Jack can’t help but be drawn to him. I loved their bond and the attraction that leapt off the page. This book is packed with chemistry. Jack and Harry are perfect for each other, even if Harry is trying his best to be horrible.

If you’re looking for something for an afternoon read that’s got chemistry and is a quiet, cute ride, then this is the book for you.

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

Rihanna’s Rancher by Bella Settarra

December 1, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Rihanna’s Rancher by Bella Settarra
The Cowboys of Cavern County
Publisher: Totally Bound
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

There’s no time for love when you’re only passing through town…is there?

When Rihanna Richards takes a job as the new bank manager in Pelican’s Heath, she is relieved to leave her life in the city behind, especially with all the pitiful expressions of those who are only too aware of how Phil Cartwright dumped her shortly before their wedding.

Ace Blenheim, the new foreman at the Shearer Ranch, also came to the town to put his past break-up behind him.

When the two meet, sparks fly. It seems they both have a tendency to wind each other up, and neither is willing to back down. Rihanna’s stubbornness and Ace’s knack for making assumptions lead to a very fiery relationship.

Ace gradually learns a little about his beautiful nemesis, though, and softens his approach toward her. After all, he can’t deny how he has begun to feel about her.

Rihanna secretly has feelings for the gorgeous cowboy but can’t afford to let her heart get broken again—and, besides, she’s not planning to stay long in Pelican’s Heath.

Rihanna discovers that something is very amiss at the bank, and when her life is at stake, will anyone care enough to come to her rescue? And has Ace overstepped the mark completely when he delves into her past?

She’s not staying and he’s not playing around.

I love stories with characters who initially are mean to each other or get under each other’s skin are thrown together. This story ticks a lot of those boxes. I love the work of Bella Settarra and I couldn’t get this book fast enough. Now add the cowboy aspect and there’s a great thing going. This story has a lot more than that going on.

Ace and Rihanna are great together. I like couples that initially give each other hell and that push makes them grow closer together. It’s good. Guys like pushy women and women like alpha males. In this story, it really works. Plus, he’s a cowboy and I could see him. That’s the best part. The writing was so descriptive, I could see him and felt like I was right there with them. Rihanna thinks she knows what she wants and what she’s going to do. She’s a purpose driven person and relatable. She has her failings, but it was easy to relate to her.

If you’re looking for a story that’s got relatable characters, steamy scenes and a great plot, then this is the one for you.

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