Devil’s Own by Suzy Shearer


Devil’s Own by Suzy Shearer
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

By 51, Miranda Fleming had become a world famous artist. She lacked nothing, except a relationship. In fact, in her entire dating life not one man had ever asked for a third date. She often joked she was the oldest living virgin.

But that was about to change and not in a way that she could’ve ever imagined—or desired.
He was The Devil. Satan. Lucifer. The Beast. So many names, the list went on and on. A taker of souls, a dealer of desires and greed, the ultimate evil.

And now it was time to collect on the deal made about Miranda years ago. He’d kept her pure since then, just so he could torment and torture her.

That is, until he tired of her.

If you are looking for romance, then I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong book. There are some soft and tender moments in it but heavily disguised amongst the sadism and masochism.

Miranda has been having dreams since her twenties about a faceless man whipping and torturing her, giving her the orgasms she doesn’t have in real life. When her grandfather dies, she finds out that it is true, and she belongs to the Devil.

Although dark, this book doesn’t go into too much detail, skimming along the surface of what S&M consists of. Time passes with the blink of an eye, first weeks, then months, then years. Because of the jumping, I didn’t feel like I got to know Miranda or Hell as much as I would like. I certainly wouldn’t name romance as a genre, but instead, say there are romantic elements.

This was a quick read, filled with dark erotica, so if that’s what you’re after, then I can recommend it.

The Way to a Man’s Heart by Ann Marie James


The Way to a Man’s Heart by Ann Marie James
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

The heart wants what the heart wants…

Christian Diaz grew up as the best friend and unofficial bodyguard to the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Corazón. After an incident left him questioning his place in the castle, Christian joined the military and didn’t return for ten long years.

Now he’s been assigned to the castle as Royal Military Liaison to investigate the source of some recent threats against the crown. The annual Midsummer’s Ball is the perfect place for the anti-monarchy group to make their next move, so that’s where Christian will be too. If it gives him a chance to reconnect with his friends in the castle and make a play for the man he has compared all others to, it’s even better.

Max Ramirez is now the head chef for the castle. He started as a sous chef at age twenty when Christian was just an awkward teen. Now that Christian’s back at the castle, all grown up and interested in Max, the chef is determined not to let an opportunity with Christian pass him by.

When someone tries to sabotage the Midsummer’s Ball, Max and Christian need to work together to track down the people determined to make this event their last.

Being sent back to the palace he grew up in is a mixed bag for Christian. He gets to be with his best friends again, plus the man he’s been crushing on for years, but he also has to be with his father, and that’s never a good thing.

This is the first book in the Kingdom of Corazón series and we are introduced to a warm and caring Royal family, plus a bunch of guys that I can’t wait to hear their stories about. It isn’t a deep and meaningful story, not going into much depth about any of the issues raised. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t any good! I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and it was exactly what I needed at the time.

The downside to this story is that it is over far too quickly. I felt there were relationships, issues, and questions left unresolved. Small things, possibly classed as insignificant, but to me, it would have helped round out the story and give it that added oomph.

On the whole, this was a fast-paced, warm and fuzzy story, about how a long-term crush can become the love of your life. I found it to be a great read, and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

Trigger Warning: A memory of attempted rape is discussed due to the unknowing consumption of GHB.

Glamour by Mychael Black


Glamour by Mychael Black
Fae-ry Tales, Book 3
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, LGBTQ, Action/Adventure, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Prince Erilan is expected to do many things within Light Fae society. He is Captain of the Queen’s Guard, Queen Ivena’s advisor, and heir to the Light Fae throne. He’s always performed his duties — royal and familial — with unflinching loyalty. When he meets a Dark Fae scout, however, Erilan’s sense of duty wars with an unholy desire for the enigmatic Fae.

Lyren of House Kehru much prefers covertly spying from trees and shadows to jumping into the forays of the frontlines. He loves his job as a scout. Having far more magic than most of his Dark Fae brethren is a big plus. So when he’s ordered to do recon on the invisible borders of the Light Fae realm, he employs his magick to do just that. What he doesn’t count on is the insanely gorgeous Light Fae who nearly takes his head off with a sword.

Who needs a head when dealing with this Light Fae? Especially when the Light Fae has him not wanting to think about anything or anyone else?

I love the work of Mychael Black and am glad to find more by this author. The world building is great and the story flows well. I jumped right into the action with the characters and couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. This story is hot and sweet at times, but packed with action. I couldn’t put it down.

It’s part of a series, but I didn’t feel confused or lost by not having read the others in the series. In fact, I’m ready to find the others and get to catching up!

If you’re looking for a fantasy story that rocks, this might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a solid read.

What Happens in the Spare Bedchamber Stays in the Spare Bedchamber by Rosie Ann Rammjoy


What Happens in the Spare Bedchamber Stays in the Spare Bedchamber by Rosie Ann Rammjoy
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Historical, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Edinburgh, 1893

Highlander Donall is paying an overnight visit to some very bohemian friends at their Edinburgh residence, with his handsome-but-shy partner Benjamin. Open homosexuality may not yet be accepted in Scotland, but bohemian is as bohemian does—and Donall’s friends are famed for their open-mindedness.

But after dark (and after quite a few whiskies), Donall and Benjamin overhear something that gets them fiercely hot under their wing collars. Their reaction surprises everyone—especially themselves. Can Benjamin overcome his Victorian reserve and embrace what he truly desires?

Two men, one love and a lot of passion.

This is the first story by Rosie Ann Rammjoy for me, but it won’t be the last. I enjoyed Donall and Benjamin’s tale. It’s very hot, yet sweet. I know that sounds odd, but go with me on this. These two men want each other. They’re together, but they haven’t gone to that level yet. It’s 1883 and it’s not okay to be gay, but being bohemian is another thing altogether.

I liked that these guys are on a journey. Sure, it’s only over the course of a night, but it’s a sweet journey. The way they handle it is anything but sweet, and it’s exactly how it should go. Do I sound like I’m leaving out details? I am because I don’t want to spoil the story.

If you’re looking for a story that’s a little offbeat and cute, but hot, then this is the one for you. Recommended.

She’s My Everything by Sam Crescent


She’s My Everything by Sam Crescent
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

He’s a jock.

She’s a nerd.

Laylah doesn’t know what to think when Blue acts strange, even asking her out on a date. There’s no way it can work. Where Blue is many of her firsts: first kiss, first date, first boyfriend—she isn’t any of his. His reputation puts her off.

Blue Jones is in completely, head-over-heels in love with Laylah Miller. They’ve been going to the same school, but after one look at her, everything changes. He has to have her. She’s the first woman he’s ever fallen for, and he doesn’t want to go another day without staking his claim.

Blue Jones was the top jock, the football champion and a big deal in the school. He knew it and was finally prepared to make it work for him. He desperately wanted Laylah, the nerdy girl, and was determined to make her his. Blue had made it clear to his teammates she was off limits and he didn’t care his so-called friends made fun of him wanting the nerdy girl, Blue was determined and was prepared to use whatever he could to have her.

While I found the premise of this story pretty well-worn (popular high school guy with the serious hots for the nerdy not-so-popular girl in his class) I was relieved that the story wasn’t as straightforward as I initially expected. I thought the author found an interesting way to both keep Blue and Laylah from jumping immediately into bed together, but also to stop them from rushing into a relationship with no real “getting to know you” phase.

Readers looking for a slightly slower pace to their spicy romance stories should find that this fits the bill. Laylah and Blue don’t rush into things though Blue is very persistent and keeps a fair amount of pressure on Laylah to get what he wants. I was pleased that Laylah didn’t just cave in or let go of her own morals and feelings though I’m not certain more traditional readers will enjoy how hard Blue pushed until Laylah did capitulate. While I enjoy intimate and spicier romances I think more traditional romance readers mightn’t find this as comfortable as they might like.

With spicy and explicit scenes and a lovely happy ending I feel this story will appeal to a wide range of readers.

Mara by the Sea by Faith Talbot


Mara by the Sea by Faith Talbot
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, LGBTQ, Ménage, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Since her divorce, Mara has been moldering. Or at least that’s what her best friend tells her when she drags Mara to Cancun for a pick-me-up.

Mara finds more than a pick-me-up. On the beach, she meets two beautiful men who, though they’re obviously into each other, are very much into Mara, too. And when they invite her into their unique world, it’s an experience unlike anything she could ever imagine.

Two men, hot times and the ocean…what more could a woman want?

This is a hot short story. It’s truly a fish out of water story in that Mara wants to be something besides herself. When she goes on vacation, she gets what she wants. It’s hot, like I said, and moves fast, but I liked it. This story is nicely written and fun. I liked that there weren’t many complications in the tale.

I see this is part of a series and I can’t wait to read the others. This one certainly packed the heat. I liked how Mara allowed herself to be the best side of herself with her men. This does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it’s good. I liked it.

If you’re interested in a hot ménage that features love in the ocean, then check this book out. Recommended.

Baby For Two by Sam Crescent


Baby For Two by Sam Crescent
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

When two strangers meet outside a fertility clinic, sparks fly. Jared has always wanted to be a father, but the right woman has never come around.

Meredith has always been used to disappointment. A baby is something she can’t make alone, so going to the clinic is her only choice. The moment Jared sees her, he wants her, giving her an alternative option.

He wants this baby the natural way, so she’s going to have to sleep with him. And he wants to be part of his baby’s life. Meredith is willing to do whatever it takes, but she doesn’t expect to fall in love. But Jared isn’t the cold, heartless man she expected, and he makes her glow.

When his family tries to tear them apart, Jared vows to keep Meredith in his life. She’s the family he wants, and no one is getting in the way.

Meredith wanted to be a mother very badly. With no daddy prospects in sight though she finds herself in the sperm bank hoping to go it alone. While there she meets Jared, who had been visiting to try and find out how to go about hiring a surrogate mother. Jared felt an instant attraction to Meredith and considering they both want the exact same thing Meredith is finding it hard to say no to Jared’s outlandish idea.

Grab a large drink, turn off your ringer, sit back and disconnect your brain. I found this to be a fabulously fun, albeit highly unlikely short story. Thankfully I didn’t need or expect realism, logic or real life when I picked up this quick read and so I adored every minute of it. Meredith and Jared are strangers – that’s why she doesn’t initially know he’s a multi-millionaire and in charge of his own company from an exceptionally large and even more wealthy family. Jared wants a baby and a family of his own and isn’t going to let pesky details – like the many compromises, problems, difficulties and small facets of conceiving a baby then raising it to adulthood – get in his way. They both want a baby and Meredith is attracted enough to Jared to let herself be talked into doing it the old fashioned way, in bed. Let the bedroom shenanigans and heart-wrenching emotion begin.

Readers looking for a light hearted, fast paced and intimately graphic short story should find this an excellent read. I felt an immediate empathy with Meredith who I found to be relatable and somewhat sensible and practical. Jared was one handsome and smooth-talking hero and while I didn’t warm to him immediately in the same way I did Meredith I did enjoy him and found myself really growing to like him as much as I initially hoped for. After the first few pages I realized I needed to leave realism and logic at the door but the lack of logic didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story once I embraced it.

Meredith and Jared were interesting and vibrant characters, the situation they found themselves in (crazy as it was) was something I feel most people could understand and relate to. Add in a bunch of chemistry and a real and honest desire to be parents and this was a fun and enjoyable read.

The Poison of Bitterness by Serenity Snow


The Poison of Bitterness by Serenity Snow
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Alstroemeria

Remi can feel the presence of a ghost lurking, lying in wait to destroy the life she’s building with Sarina. She knows her own fears are part of the danger that could prevent her from being happy.

Then, the ghost makes his first move, and Remi is certain it’s only the first wave and prepares to deal with the trouble before it turns into a nightmare. But what Remi doesn’t know is there’s shadow with a twisted plan of its own. So, as Remi lays her plan, the shadow makes moves that plunge Remi into the middle of a murder investigation that tears the scab off old wounds and reveals dark secrets bound to destroy two families.

As she navigates the murky waters, Sarina is kidnapped, and Remi is prepared to do whatever it takes to get Sarina back and close the doors of the past for good.

The Poison of Bitterness is fifth in the Cozy Bend mystery series, but as a novel it can surely stand on its own. Main characters Remi and Sarina have already been through their fair share of struggles within the town’s limits, but little do they know that trying to plan a wedding with their two best friends will be the least of their problems!

While the heat between Remi and Sarina is scorching, will they be able to take it when their enemies begin to rain fire over them? Each moment of the novel feels like standing on the edge of the unknown, wondering if they will make it out unscathed. Remi and Sarina as characters are written with very strong opposing characteristics, but somehow it is those differences that pull them together in their relationship. Sarina’s extreme patience and independence is the perfect match for Remi’s hot temper and suspicious mind. While things often come to a head between them, Sarina is always able to communicate with Remi and help her away from her dark past and her trust issues.

They also have zero issues communicating in the bedroom. The few steamy scenes we were gifted throughout the book show the established trust between the two that might be questioned elsewhere within the novel. As two powerful women, the ‘strong heroine lead’ role is not just fulfilled by one of them, but rather they split the lead with their own unique characteristics. This power dynamic is also fully alive and visible in their relationship as well. The partnership is completely 50-50, even if control is oftentimes given to Remi in the bedroom.

The story was very fast-paced, and at moments I think the action could have been fleshed out a bit more and extended, just to really seal in that suspense. But all in all, this story had just the right amount of tension. Serenity Snow was able to pack a lifetime in 30 chapters, leaving no stone unturned, and no women unsatisfied.

I have only read this book of the series, but I would like to go back and read the four previous. I would love to see this rubber band of tension stretched from page one! I recommend this to anyone who likes a lot of twists and turns, and powerful women.

Paddles & Smooches: The Spanking Of Angora Wells by Montgomery Raye


Paddles & Smooches: The Spanking Of Angora Wells by Montgomery Raye
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: Two stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When Angora Wells crossed paths with her father’s newest farmhand, Jake, things get out of hand, leaving this smart-ass young lady with a stinging surprise.

A stinging surprise is right.
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This is a short read and it packs the heat. It read quickly and was straightforward. Angora wants to be used. Get ready to grab the fan and a cold drink. This story is hot.

I do have a few quibbles. This story, while hot and short, could use a bit of a going over by an editor. There were missing words and the flow could be improved. It’s a hot story and enticing, but the cadence of the story needed just a little TLC. I also would’ve liked to have been in the head of the characters. It felt more like I was told the story rather than shown.

Now, this is a purely erotica style story. It’s meant to be decadent and hot and on that point, it hits the mark. There is spanking, back door play and dirty talk which will be great for erotica readers.

If you’re looking for something hot and short for an afternoon read, then this might be the one for you.

His Refused Mate by Jade Marshall


His Refused Mate by Jade Marshall
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Wolf shifters are fated with one mate. Losing your mate or refusing it causes immense pain and, in some cases, death. But what if fate gives you a second chance?

Payton has been on her own for longer than she can remember, even when she was still part of a pack. Being refused by her fated mate has her fleeing, starting a life of solitude away from any other shifters

Caine is the Alpha to his pack and although he loves his pack dearly, he longs for his true mate. When he catches her scent he will do everything to make her his. But can he convince her to take a chance?

While Peyton hasn’t enjoyed the last few years effectively being a servant in her Alpha’s house, she has the warm, loving memories of what her family life had been before her father had left and the life as Peyton knew it had irrevocably changed. On the morning of her eighteenth birthday she thought something might change, but she could never have guessed that it would have been her whole world shifting around. In a matter of minutes she’d discovered her one true mate only to have him refuse her and sever their bond, casting her callously aside without even attempting to try. Caine is rightful Alpha of a small pack and while he’s been desperately lonely the last eighteen months he’s determined to wait for his true mate – for the life partner the goddess has chosen for him. When Caine and Peyton find each other how will they manage to merge their two very different lives?

While I was a little disappointed that this enjoyable short story was quite predictable, I was impressed that the author managed to infuse the book with a few really interesting and relatable main characters. Peyton still held compassion and had a strong streak of independence that I really enjoyed. I was considerably relieved when Caine didn’t just beat his chest and let his ego or arrogance overtake his brain when Peyton refuse to submit immediately to his claim they were mates. I loved how Caine was willing to show and prove himself to Peyton, to show her he could support her and take some time to really get to know her and what she wanted from their relationship. This really helped sell me on the story.

There is some conflict in this short story and I thought for the most part it was handled really well. I felt the author put a really interesting twist on the end result of the conflict and could easily see how it could become important in the next few books as Caine’s brothers also find their own true mates. I feel readers looking for a unique or vastly different paranormal romance might not find themselves completely satisfied with this story but I admit I really enjoyed Peyton and Caine’s characters and found that reading their interactions was time well spent.

A fun and sexy short story this was a good paranormal romance.