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!

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

Salt & Blood by Tesla Storm

October 21, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Salt & Blood by Tesla Storm
Darker Desires, book 2
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

After slaying a wendigo, banishing a sub-prince of Hell, and falling in love with Adrian Graves despite her addiction to demons, Vivianna Sky is on to her next adventure: locating and destroying the monstrous entity that plagues Munkai Island. The manananggal is attacking expectant mothers in the anachronistic village, resulting in the death of at least one child and the threat of many more lives.

Vivianna initially answers the call for the bounty on the manananggal’s head, but once she lands on the island, everything changes. She feels a calling to kill the creature wreaking so much havoc, but the closer she gets to the case, the further Adrian seems to stray. Vivianna swears his eyes are drawn to Ilena Martin, the federal agent assigned to the island. And the distance between Adrian and Vivianna only widens when the Sky family curse rears its ugly head.

To kill the beast, Vivianna must give up everything—even and especially her own self-control. But will her loss of control destroy more than just the monster?

Dark, dangerous and full of desire.

Tesla Storm is a new to me author and I’ll be looking for the first book in this series. It’s dark, hot and has a lot of twists to it. The story moved along at a good clip, and I felt like I was there with Vivianna.

This is book 2 in the series and might be best read after reading book 1. There’s a lot of information to digest right away, but honestly the author does a good job of getting the reader up to speed.

I liked that the author used a different type of monster for this book. The manananggal isn’t as well-known as other paranormal monsters and it was nice to see representation in this book. It was also nice to get invested in the characters of Adrian and Vivianna. I rooted for them and liked the real-world issues that come up between them. Sometimes life is messy.

If you’re looking for something hot, dark and different, then this might be the book for you.

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

Alceu by Jade Marshall

October 20, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Alceu by Jade Marshall
Cammareri Family Book 1
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Guilia Rossi
Every little girl fantasizes about her wedding day, but being forced to marry a man that gives me the creeps? It soon becomes less of a dream and more of a nightmare. Getting out of this marriage and away from Salvador Berlusconi is the only thing I can think about. But when I finally get the chance, will I pick the devil I know or the monster I do not?

Alceu Cammareri
Salvador Berlusconi has been a thorn in my side for far too long. Taking Giulia Rossi from him will finally start the war I need to take him out. Permanently. What I never considered is the woman I married. She twists my insides and forces me to feel things I never wanted to feel. But I am not a knight in shining armor, I am the devil dripping in blood. Will she ever be able to accept me for who I am, or will I send her running?

A marriage of convenience that just might be the perfect pairing.

I’m not wild about mafia romance, but I decided to check this one out because I’ve read this author before. I enjoyed the book. It moves along at a good clip and the characters are interesting. I do like the pairing of Giulia and Alceu. They work together well, and it was nice to see her take her life into her own hands.

Giulia is a tough girl and she’s used to doing what she’s told. I liked how she decided instead of marrying a gross man, she picks one more suitable. The pairing worked for me and made me want to root for them.

All in all, this is a quick, sexy read and one good for an afternoon when you want something to heat the screen. Give it a shot. I’m glad I did.

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

Three’s Company by Kristian Parker

October 19, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Three’s Company by Kristian Parker
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Cholla

They’re the perfect throuple…if only the rest of the world agreed.

Will Johnstone’s father is desperately ill, and he races home from London to the Yorkshire village of Napthwaite to be with him. Almost immediately he meets cute postman, Hardeep and mysterious newcomer, Andrew. There weren’t handsome men like this in Napthwaite when he lived here…

Heat flares between the three very different men, passion they have no intention of resisting, or denying. But having their roots deep and their lives entwined in a small village is not like living in a bustling metropolis. And with domineering mothers, problem teenagers, sick fathers and someone’s past knocking at the door, the path of true love is anything but smooth.

Can Will, Hardeep and Andrew, three very different people, steer their relationship past the rocks and find a way into uncharted territory…together?

When Will got the call that his father was ill and needed his help, he put on the role of dutiful son and came home. However, when he arrived in the sleepy little village of his childhood, he stumbles into something he’d never anticipated. Something that could change his life – for the better – forever. But is he strong enough to embrace it?

Will’s situation was a tough one. He and his father had a strained relationship that kept them apart for various reasons, reasons that were understandable, but not insurmountable. It was stressful at first, watching their interactions, but as the story moves forward and they spend more time together, they begin to get reacquainted. Seeing their relationship mend was one of the highlights of the story, in my opinion.

Andrew is stuck in a time loop it seems. He wants desperately to move on from his previous, unsatisfying relationship, but doesn’t seem able to move on. It makes sense when you finally find out more about his past, but his entire attitude towards Will and Hardeep almost ruined it all for me. Luckily for him (and me, I suppose), his two potential boyfriends aren’t willing to give up on him.

My favorite of the three by far was Hardeep. I could relate to him being a single father and the clashes he had with his daughter felt very real. He’s also very closeted and, while I’ve never gone through that myself, I could empathize with the fear and anxiety over being discovered. He also had a very sweet relationship with both his mother and his daughter.

Three’s Company is a sweet, spicy, and sometimes difficult story of finding your way through the trauma and hatred to the happiness you know you deserve. The author’s writing style is easy and flowing, and kept me engaged, despite switching between three different points of view. I was thrilled to see them find their happy ending after all they went through. Although part of a series, it works well as a stand-alone, and pertinent events from the previous novel are explained enough so that you don’t feel lost when they’re brought up. I’m looking forward to going back and reading the previous book as well, the inhabitants of Napthwaite are too much fun to leave behind.

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

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!

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

Having Faith by Lila Fox

October 17, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Having Faith by Lila Fox
Maclean Mafia Men Book 2
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed Nymphaea

Faith does everything she can to get her family away from the monster who happens to be her father. Trapped at home, she finally runs and hides, waiting and watching for the perfect time to get her sisters and her mother to safety.

Graham takes one look at the grubby and tired young woman and decides she is his. When he finds out who she was and realizes the extent of her problem, it makes him more determined to protect her.

The problem only seems to worsen, and he is forced to pull his family into something that can destroy them. This drama doesn’t impact just their families. Instead, a third family run by a sadist enters the fray. He wants the girl and doesn’t care who gets hurt on the way.

Can Graham convince Faith to trust him—with her heart and her life?

Way too much drama and danger, but it’s so hot.

I’ve never read anything by Lila Fox and this was a good introduction to her work. The story moved along and the writing was fine. I read this in the course of an afternoon and it was good. It was a nice way to pass the afternoon and there was heat, so that helped.

Faith is a bit insecure, which made her more human. She wants to protect her family from her father, a dangerous mafia man. I can respect what she wants to do because it’s a tall order. She meets Graham and he vows to give her that protection. I liked how he stepped right in and took over, giving her a break and being the strong, steady man she needed. The chemistry was good.

If you’re looking for a mafia romance that’s not so heavy on violence, then this might be a good introduction to the genre. Give it a try!

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

Staked by Desire by Rose Wulf

October 14, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Staked by Desire by Rose Wulf
Night Shadows Series, Book 6
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, Paranormal, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

As the adoptive daughter of the Vampire Princess, Kendall Wheeler was raised in the sheltered world of dangerous, elite vampires. After the terrifying battle in Sacramento, Kendall realized she could no longer sit idly by while the rest of her family was in danger. So she ran off to reconvene with the shockingly capable Slayer who had been called in to eliminate a pair of serial-killer vampire brothers, eager to help him complete his task.

Adrian Colt preferred to work alone, but something about Kendall’s impassioned plea compelled him to let her join him on the hunt for the surviving Wilson brother. He realized quickly this decision was more dangerous than it should have been—Kendall Wheeler was everything he’d dreamed of in a partner. Except that a life partner is the last thing he’s ever wanted.

The hunt takes them from California to Colorado, where their target finally stops running. But Colorado has its own dangers, and without their usual allies, survival is not guaranteed.

Plot twists, heat and heart.

I’ve not read the other books in this series, but I didn’t feel lost because of it. Rose Wulf creates a vivid world and drew me right in, without making me feel lost because I didn’t know the other characters. Kendall and Adrian were intense and interesting enough that I want to read more, though.

I liked this premise. She’s adopted by vampires and doesn’t want them killed, so she enlists the help of a slayer. It’s an interesting pairing and fun, really. They have a great chemistry and I liked that they kept each other in check. Kendall just wants to protect her adoptive family. Nice twist.

Honestly, there are a lot of twists in this story that I didn’t see coming and it’s great. If you’re looking for something hot and different, then this might be the one for you.

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

Intense Pleasure by Lora Leigh

October 11, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Intense Pleasure by Lora Leigh
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

TOO HOT TO HANDLE
Her name is Summer, as beautiful and occasionally fierce as her name suggests. Her past has just come back to haunt her, and suddenly she’s not sure who she can trust. Her longtime confidantes Falcone and Raeg seem to have Summer’s best interests at heart. . .but it’s clear that their desire for her still burns between them. Can they find a way to keep Summer safe—or will a bitter rivalry stand in their way?

Falcone and Raeg need to work together, now more than ever, if they intend to protect Summer from an old enemy who knows her dangerous secret. When Summer’s identity as a sweet, Southern socialite gets out, the two men must find a way to draw out the ruthless assassin on her trail. . .and keep their illicit romance with her under wraps. But some passions are so intense they can’t remain hidden. What are Falcone and Raeg willing to risk for the woman they both crave like no other, in Intense Pleasure, the next Bound Hearts novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh.

Three loves and one white hot passion.

I love a good menage story and if there’s some serious angst, then sign me up. This one delivered. Lora Leigh is one of my go-to authors and as soon as I picked up this book, I knew I was hooked. The writing is good and I got right into the story.

I have to admit there are a lot of characters from other books in the Bound Hearts series, so keep that in mind. It may take a bit of wading to get through the various names, but it’s worth it. Also, there are bits of repetition in this story, so beware. It wasn’t such an issue for me as some of the situations were repetitive, but it might wear on other readers.

Summer, Falcon and Raeg are meant for each other. The passion clearly blossoms right off the page from the get-go. I liked when they’d dance around each other, trying not to admit the attraction and when they did get together, it’s pure Lora Leigh guaranteed steam.

If you’re looking for something hot, with a menage, then this is the book for you. Give it a try.

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

Dirty Little Lies by Lora Leigh

October 7, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Dirty Little Lies by Lora Leigh
A Men of Summer novel
Publisher: St Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Action/Adventure, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

THE HEART HAS ITS SECRETS.
Zack Richards knows he’s asking for trouble. Trying to protect a member of the notorious Maddox family could get a man killed—even a battle-scarred, muscle-ripped alpha like Zack. But the woman who has captured his wildest fantasies is nothing like the rest of her power-hungry clan. She’s innocent, beautiful, and has quickly become the one shining light in his dark, desperate world. The only woman worth fighting for…and dying for…

BUT PASSION NEVER LIES.
Her name is Grace Maddox—and everybody knows that she is a marked woman. Targeted for her family’s sins and hunted like a wild animal, Grace has no choice but to accept Zack’s protection. In his arms, she finally feels safe. In his eyes, she sees an insatiable desire that mirrors her own. But the truth is dangerous—and could end up tearing them apart. Will surrendering to Zack end up being the biggest mistake of Grace’s life?

Lots of lies, lots of love and a lot of heat.

I know when I pick up a book by Lora Leigh that I’ll get something fantastic. This book was no different. There was heart, heat and so much steam. The writing flowed well and caught me right up in the story from page one. I didn’t want to put it down, even though I had to…darn sleeping anyway.

Zack loves Grace. Always sort of has, but he knows she’s off-limits. Then he’s given the task of protecting her and decides a fake relationship is what will do the job the best. I liked that he was so take-charge about it. He knew what was best. But I also liked that she didn’t let him just do whatever he wanted. She challenged him all the way and that was great, too. Grace isn’t a wilting flower. She’s just as strong, even if she’s caught in something she doesn’t understand.

I liked the chemistry between Grace and Zack and could tell he’d give his life for her. The heat between them scorched the pages.

If you’re looking for something hot on an autumn afternoon, then this might be the book for you. Recommended.

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

By Any Other Name by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

September 21, 2022 By Leave a Comment


By Any Other Name by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

DEA agent Riley Scanlon and teacher Olivia Thackery were deep in love when they renovated an old house in Arkansas and planned for their April wedding.

When a fire swept through Riley’s mobile home, Olivia refuses tp accept his death but as the months pass, her head knows the truth but her heart still holds hope. A dream sends her to Memphis, Tennessee, on a wild goose chase search for her lost love although it’s a long shot.

In a chance meeting, she finds him on Beale Street only to realize that the danger is greater than she could have ever imagined and their lives are about to change, irrevocably and forever.

Gripping, emotional and lovely.

I love the work of Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy. She writes well and I’m always drawn into the stories. This one was no different. I couldn’t get enough of Riley and Olivia’s tale. It pulled at my heartstrings and made me want more.

This is an emotional book. Olivia is about to marry the man of her dreams, but his trailer burns to the ground, and she believes he’s dead. I can’t imagine being in her shoes and I don’t want to say I enjoyed, but rather, I appreciated the journey she went on with her emotions. The author showed these well and I was immersed in the story. I felt for Olivia.

This one had serious feels throughout. If you’re looking for a story that’s got a few twists and turns, moves fast and will leave you happy, then this is the one you’re looking for. Check it out.

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