Wicked Seas by C Tyler


Wicked Seas by C Tyler
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Historical, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Trust amongst pirates was a delicate, tenuous thing.

Aadhya had dedicated her life to the sea, a pirate queen in her own right. When Charles returns, Addy must do her best to keep from being swept up by his seductive aura until he proves himself worthy of her affections again.

Aadhya and Charles had always been passionate and volatile, the perfect duo that thrived on the chaos they left in their wake, but after Charles betrayed her, he must work hard to regain her trust.

Will she be able to forgive him so they can share in hidden treasure and revenge, or will Charles stick to his selfish ways?

These opposites should attract, but will they?

I’ve never read anything by C Tyler, but I’m glad I gave this one a try. The writing is crisp and kept my attention. The characters were interesting and certainly opposite, despite being a lot alike. It’s a quick read, but there are bursts of fire in the pages.

Addy has seen a lot in her life. She’s a pirate, so she’s going to see things. She’s going to have done things. She’s a bad girl. That’s what I liked about her. She’s cagey and savvy while being wily. I liked the explosivity when she gets with Charles. I rooted for them and their happy ending.

Charles has done Addy wrong, and I liked seeing them work through the trust issues. It’s very relatable, despite being a historical and most people not being pirates.

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

Claiming Macie by Sam Crescent


Claiming Macie by Sam Crescent
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Wilson Fritz knows the cruelty of the world, and he doesn’t believe in love. Meeting Macie Green changes everything. One chance encounter, and he knows she’ll belong to him forever. He should just walk away, but every time he tries to leave, he goes back for more. Each day that passes, Wilson craves her a little more, and he won’t risk anyone else taking her.

Macie has never been in love, but she realizes Wilson is different. It doesn’t matter that he’s eighteen years older than her. Whenever he’s near, he makes her heart sing.

When an enemy from his past threatens his woman, he has no choice but to seek him out in order to protect Macie. He would do anything for her.

But when he finds out she’s pregnant, will he leave her to fend for herself, or is this the start of their own fairytale?

An adventurous and hot story of two people who need to be together finding their way.

I like the books of Sam Crescent and couldn’t wait to get a hold of this one. I’m glad I did. The writing was up to the author’s usual standard and kept my attention fully. I needed to know what would happen next.

Macie isn’t the average romance heroine. She’s curvy, has some issues and a learning disability, but she’s a happy girl. I liked that. I liked the inclusivity. I rooted for her.

Wilson is a grizzled character. He’s seen stuff and it’s made him hard, but he’s not totally lost. I liked that he wasn’t lost. I liked that he had things about him that drew Macie in. It was cute to see them together.

There’s some adventure and a bit of mystery to this story. It’s well-rounded and worth the read.

If you’re looking for something different, but hot, then this might be the read for you.

Strokes of Pleasure by Anne Rainey


Strokes of Pleasure by Anne Rainey
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Mila Porter’s curvy figure is half the reason Slade River friend-zoned her years ago. Does it matter that she’s had the hots for him for as long as she can remember? Sure, but she’s a realist. So what if she does fantasize about him from time to time? That’s her business. When the annual charity dinner at Mila’s work comes up, Slade offers to be her plus one. An act of kindness, that’s all it is. Or is it?

Slade would be lost without Mila. She’s the most important person in his life. And imagining her naked is a huge no-no. Sex would mess up everything. But when Mila starts talking about a co-worker she’s dating, Slade begins to see his best bud in a whole new light. A sexy, curvy get-his-hands-on-her kind of light. But does he dare risk it all for one night of pleasure?

She wants him, but thinks she can’t have him. He wants her, but things he can’t have her. It’s anyone’s guess what will happen next.

Not really. This is a romance and it’s a pretty good bet someone will be satisfied at the end. That’s why I read the book–for the happy ever after. I’m glad I did because this one was fantastic.

I love the work of Anne Rainey and I’m glad I picked up this short story. The characters were relatable and the storyline plausible. The writing moved along at a great clip and kept me right there with the characters until the end.

I liked the push-pull between Mila and Slade. It felt right and normal. I liked the growing change in the relationship, too. Very satisfying.

If you’re looking for a hot but short book to fill an afternoon and likable characters that will stay with you beyond the last page, then this one is for you.

His Pleasure Contract by Helen Walton


His Pleasure Contract by Helen Walton
Billionaires’ Reluctant Brides Book 2
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Prue’s husband Will has ticked off most of her fantasies, all except one. When he draws up a contract to fulfill her fantasy of a threesome, she’s unsure what to do.

Billionaire William Burberry, the fourth, has everything he ever wanted in his wife Prue. She may be a mouthy ex-waitress with a terrible upbringing, but she fits him perfectly in bed and out. But he sees the way she looks at her best friend with her two boyfriends.

Will would do anything for her, even if it means sharing her with another man for a night. One night meant to fulfill Prue’s fantasy for her birthday present.

Can she ignore her worries and go for her fantasy?

Seriously hot story with plenty of heat for a chilly night.

I picked up this book because I wanted something hot. It delivered. The characters have great interplay, and the writing is tight. I felt like I’d been dropped right into the world of these characters and not at all like I’d missed something, even though this is book 2. I can’t wait to read more.

Prue and Will have a great relationship and she’s pampered but she wants something more–sort of. She’s always wanted another man in the bedroom with them. Honestly, I liked how they characters went about this and it’s truly hot. The pages singed. I liked Marco and was glad to meet his character.

If you’re looking for something hot and with a twist, then this is the one for you. I couldn’t put it down.

A Date with Violence by James Cox


A Date with Violence by James Cox
Big Balls and Brass Knuckles, Book 2
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

They have the killer on video and yet no one can see his face…

Brett and Genius are on another case. This one involves a series of robberies where elderly victims are murdered. They have no idea how the victims are chosen or when the next one will be targeted. Their only clue is a video of the killer and his face is blurred. What invention could do that? Even Genius is stumped. As they look for suspects, the heat between them intensifies. Neither man has forgotten the kiss they shared and Genius wants a lot more than Brett’s lips.

Oh baby, the chemistry leaps right off the page.

I’ve not read anything by James Cox before this book, but I’m glad I remedied that and I will be looking for book one in this series. I loved the writing and the characters. This was a hot, but quick read and I couldn’t put it down.

Genius and Brett have great chemistry. I rooted for them immediately. I loved the interplay between them and the way they so wanted each other. So good. I didn’t want this book to end…which is why I’m going back to find book one.

If you’re looking for a quick mystery, hot story and great characters, then this is the one for you.

Caj’s Angel by Nikki Prince


Caj’s Angel by Nikki Prince
Eternal Lovers Book 1
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Caj was once human and in love with an angel named Mercy. Having committed an unforgiveable sin, Caj is punished by The Maker to take on the sins of others so that those souls can be ushered into heaven by an angel. Caj is finding it hard to reconcile who he used to be with what he has become and feels he should let Mercy go.

But can he?

Mercy sees Caj as she remembered him. She knows that he beats himself up daily for his own sins, let alone having to take on others’ sins as a penance. The only way for them to be together is for him to go before The Maker and make amends or their love will be lost forever.

Will The Maker allow them their happiness or are Caj and Mercy forever doomed to have loved and lost?

Short, but packs a punch.

I picked up this book because I hadn’t read one by Nikki Prince yet. I’m glad I rectified that situation. This one is short, but as I said above, it packs a punch. The writing is good and the idea fantastic. This took me a lunch hour to read, but it was time well used.

Mercy and Caj have so much potential and should be together. I loved the almost fated romance of this story. They have history and they have problems, but it’s relatable. We all have things we wish we could change and end up taking on more strife or stress to make up for that–like Caj. I felt for them both and wanted to see them have a happy ending. That’s how much I got involved in this short story.

If you’re looking for something hot, but sweet and good for a quick read, then this is the one for you.

Cyclops by Harley Wylde


Cyclops by Harley Wylde
Publisher: Changeling Press LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Dicentra

Leigha — To say my dad is overprotective is too mild a description. Add in all my honorary uncles in the Dixie Reapers MC and going on dates is next to impossible. So when Lyssa invites me to visit her at the Reckless Kings in Tennessee, I jump at the chance. Maybe I can finally experience life a little. I know my family goes after bad men, the kind who hurt women and kids. I never counted on becoming a victim myself. The biker who comes to my rescue is… scary. Hot. And all alpha. He’s exactly what I need!

Cyclops — My stint in the military left me a parting gift. Scar tissue that not only left me blind in that eye, but makes the damn thing look spooky as fuck. I’m used to people staring. Mostly. Then my brothers had to stick me with the road name Cyclops. They’re not funny, even if they think they are. Uncle Sam may no longer find me fit for duty, but it doesn’t mean I’m useless. When I hear a scream, I don’t hesitate. Thought I was saving a girl. Turns out she’s a woman — and one I shouldn’t touch. The daughter of a Dixie Reaper, she’s her daddy’s little angel… and damn if I’m not tempted to lure her to the dark side and get her a little dirty.

Fans of Christine Feehan’s Torpedo Ink series or other motorcycle club romance books will love Harley Wylde’s Cyclops, the fifth book in the Reckless Kings MC series. A fast paced, action-packed story – I found myself invested in the romance early on, and had to see it all the way through.

Our main character, Leigha, is the daughter of “Preacher” and yearns to be free from her father’s influence and that of the club. When a friend offers her the chance to visit her at a different club’s compound, she jumps at the opportunity. From there, she runs into Cyclops (a scarred former veteran who is now a Reckless Kings member), and her life changes forever.

This is an age-gap romance (more than 10 years) and borders on insta-love, but I surprisingly didn’t have any issues with either aspect. I have always been in awe of the way that bikers love their “old ladies” in my favorite motorcycle club romance books, and this one is no exception. Cyclops and Leigha are a ship-worthy couple in every way possible. I was also quite impressed by how the bikers handled the bad guys and saved the children. Children are innocents who should never be used as pawns in the conflicts of adults, and the fact that the rough bikers took the time to treat the children with kindness and care was touching.

As a note, this book is part of a series, but I didn’t have any issues understanding what was going on without having read any of the previous installments. I do, however, think that the best reading experience will be provided by reading the books in order. Take from that whatever direction you will.

Overall, it was a very entertaining story and I look forward to checking out more books by Harley Wylde in the future. With regards to trigger warnings and content to be aware of, there are darker themes and references to minor abuse. There is also an attempted assault scene on a page (the hero swoops in to save the heroine just in time). It can get very sad at times, but don’t get too discouraged because the book ends in a happily ever after.

The Wrong Mate by Jade Marshall


The Wrong Mate by Jade Marshall
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Finding your mate should be the happiest time in any wolf shifter’s life. But what if your mate is the wrong mate?

Raine is finally old enough to find her mate, and she couldn’t be happier. Being in love with Max since the first time she met him, he is the only male that she has ever wanted. Now she has to convince Max that they’re meant to be together. Getting Max to accept their mating bond is the least of Raine’s problems, especially with the hunters closing in again.

Max loves Raine, but she can’t be his mate. He isn’t worthy. He can’t offer her the life that she deserves, so he leaves. Now he only has to convince his wolf to stay away because he knows he will never be able to refuse her. But when Raine is in danger, will he really have a choice?

There might be a ten-year difference between Max and Raine, but they’ve been best friends for a very long time and Max is not looking forward to the fact now Raine is about to turn eighteen her fated mate will likely claim her, and their friendship will be at an end. When Max meets Raine to give her the present he bought for her birthday, he discovers to his shock it’s he who is her fated mate. Certain this must be a mistake, can Max and Raine retain their friendship but still be what the other needs in a mate?

This is a very steamy and short shifter romance. While the plot was certainly little cliched to my mind, I still found this was an enjoyable read. Max needed to fight his own lack of self-confidence and realize that he and Raine were very well suited. Raine, for her part, was a modern woman – and confident enough in herself to know what she wanted. I enjoyed this balance of power and felt it added a good amount of conflict to the plot.

I was pleased the author added an interesting secondary plot once Max and Raine finally started to come together and work on their intimacy and their relationship began to grow. Rather than have the second half of the book just be purely sex-based I felt this really added a welcome depth and complexity to the short story that helped make it stand out amongst the other man paranormal shifter types of books out there. With a number of strong secondary characters and an interesting shifter world I feel this could be an interesting place for this author to set more future stories about other members of the pack.

With interesting characters, a bunch of steaminess and an interesting plot this was a great, albeit quick read. I’d definitely read more by this author.

Dance of Love by Sandra Carmel


Dance of Love by Sandra Carmel
Intertwined Love, Book 3
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

An unexpected dance into virgin territory…

Jeb, a hot, late-twenties virgin is plagued with guilt and a history of heartache. Issy, his passionate physio patient is the first woman he’s fallen for in forever but she’s travelling overseas in a month to advance her dancing career. So why does he still want her so bad? After what he’s endured, he must be crazy. Although he shouldn’t pursue her, he can’t ignore his heart’s desire.

Issy has craved Jeb for months and plans to proposition him following her farewell drinks. But instead of flirting back, he wants to chat. What straight, hot-blooded man refused guaranteed sex? Surprised and intrigued, she indulges him and he relays his heartbreaking story. Touched by Jeb’s admission, combined with her incredible attraction to the guy, she offers to teach him how to be a great lover before she leaves. With their feelings deepening each day, can they work out a way to stay together before time runs out?

They weren’t supposed to happen, but what if they do? Would that be so wrong?

This is my first story by Sandra Carmel, but it won’t be my last. This book stayed with me long after the last page and had me thinking about the characters. I liked the way the author allowed them to be relatable and fun, but heartbreaking, too. I read this in a matter of an afternoon and it was time well spent.

Issy is sweet, but she knows what she wants–Jeb. She wants him so much, but when he puts her off a bit, she’s got a choice to make. Help him become better in the bedroom or leave him alone. I liked how she handled the problem and how the book seemed to unfold rather like a TV movie–I could see what was happening and felt like I was there. Jeb is so sweet, too. He feels like he’s the last of the virgin men. I liked his fumbling and his confusion. I also liked his interactions with Issy. So good.

This book is part of a series, but I wasn’t lost. Not at all. I’ll read the others, but if one picked up this book without reading the others, it’s not a bad thing.

This book has steam, heart and I can’t wait to read the others in this series. If you’re looking for something hot for the afternoon, then this might be good. It’ll sear your ereader!

The Last Hard Boy by Sam Crescent


The Last Hard Boy by Sam Crescent
The Hard Boys, Book 3
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Rome Hard is in love with his ex-teacher, Andy Evergreen. She entered his life ten years ago, and he’s tried to deny his feelings for her, but they won’t disappear.

There’s only one way to solve this: get her to fall in love with him.

She’s never fallen for a student, but Rome isn’t a student anymore. He’s a full-grown man, and he’s intent on making her realize it.

One date, that’s all it’s supposed to be. She never expected what could come next. One look, one touch, and it all leads to more. She should resist him, but how can she turn away from him? He’s everything, and no other man has made her heart race.

Rome’s all in, knowing this woman will be his wife and the mother of his children. But how far is he willing to go?

Will Andy fall for the last Hard boy, or will her fears keep her locked up in her cage?

He’s been waiting for her and she’s been looking for a man like him. Should be an easy pairing, right?

Wrong?

I like the work of Sam Crescent. I know I’ll get a hot story with plenty of interesting characters and will be transported to their world for a while when I read one of her books. This one was no different. It’s quick, hot and full of passion.

I’m a sucker for teacher/student stories. These can be tricky because it can be taboo, but not in this sense. They’re both old enough that the taboo isn’t so bad. I liked that she’s the older character and he’s the younger one, too. The author writes them with an authenticity that’s hard to find and they’re both relatable. She wants to be loved, but she’s afraid and he’s ready to go all in, but he doesn’t want to push her. It’s a well-used trope, but still nicely done in this book. I haven’t read the others in the Hard series, but that isn’t so bad. This book stands alone well, but I do want to go back and read them. I mean, how can you say no to a hot guy–in a book? I can’t.

If you’re looking for something hot, romantic and great for a chilly afternoon, then this is the one for you.