A Darkness of Wolves by Nicole Bea

July 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment


A Darkness of Wolves by Nicole Bea
Publisher: Evernight Teen
Genre: YA (14+), Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

One weekend changed everything for eighteen-year-old Wynrie Lowe, and she’s been on a downward spiral ever since. Her moods change from one extreme to the other, happiness to sadness, with nothing in between. Something is very wrong, and she doesn’t know how to fix it.

As Wynrie’s emotions grow dangerously unstable, her boyfriend, Ezra, struggles to weather the storm. But will he even still want her once he learns the truth about that weekend? And as her world is torn apart and rearranged, can Wynrie find the strength to reach out for the help she needs before it’s too late?

What would you do if one moment you were on top of the world and the next, crashing down hard? Wynrie (Wyn) goes through this regularly and without provocation. What could be the problem? True, she kissed her best friend even when she had a boyfriend, and true, she felt guilty about it, but there is more to the matter.

Things get worse. Something is definitely not normal. Wyn is trying to deal with the mood swings while also trying to figure out her feelings for both her best friend, Dawson, and her boyfriend, Ezra. These two story-lines support each other and tell a story of a young woman trying to find herself and lead a normal life.

Wyn’s ups and downs are described very well, so well that readers can gain an understanding of just how difficult of a struggle this is. Dawson and Ezra are quite likable characters. There is suspense about who Wyn will choose, and how she will live through her mood disorder.

The author has written a realistic story with characters readers will engage with. If you’re a fan of YA fiction, why not give this one a try?

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

Signs We Don’t See by Carrie Beamer

July 13, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Signs We Don’t See by Carrie Beamer
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Romance, Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Etta Litali has grown accustom to the superstitious behavior that comes along with being in an Italian family. But when her dad begins to spend his nights stealing signs from every city pole within three miles of their home, her house becomes overrun with dirty poster boards and the neighbors begin to notice. Stressed her dad will end up on Oprah as the man who hoards stolen signs, Etta distracts herself with a boy named Jordan. Despite the ban Jordan’s clique has on Etta, their connection grows into something special. Jordan starts to miss school and disappear leaving Etta confused and wondering if their relationship was ever real. Knowing Jordan is hiding something, Etta has to find a way to show Jordan he can trust her or she will lose him. The only way to do that is to reveal to him that she’s been keeping a secret too.

Everyone struggles with something.

This was such a compassionate take on how one working class family handled mental illness in the 1980s. Obviously, the medical treatments and community understanding of the disease Etta’s father was eventually diagnosed with was not as advanced as it would be today. It was fascinating to me to see how everyone tried to understand what was going on with him. Their reactions were as true to the era they lived in as they were true to the individual personalities of the family members, friends, and medical professionals who were trying to help in the best ways they knew how.

It would have been useful to have a little more time spent developing the romantic plot, especially during the last few scenes. While I appreciated the slow, natural pacing of it during the beginning and middle of the story, I did think there was space to explore it further once the main conflicts had been resolved and Etta had enough emotional energy to devote to lighthearted matters like these. This is a minor criticism of something I thought was otherwise well written. If the author ever writes a sequel, I hope the romantic subplot will be given more attention then as it really was a delightful part of this character’s personal growth.

I absolutely adored Etta’s relationship with her best friend, Nessa. Their personalities and interests complemented each other beautifully. The only thing better than seeing how they used their strengths to improve each other’s lives was how loyal they were. No matter what they were going through, they were always there for each other.

Signs We Don’t See was a thought-provoking read that I’d recommend to anyone who is interested in mental illness or 1980s culture.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Perfect Gift by Raven McAllan

July 8, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Perfect Gift by Raven McAllan
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance, Historical
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

My lord. Let the battle commence.

You wish to play games?

So do I.

But be warned, you may be the overall winner of the battle, but I, my lord, well, I will win the skirmishes.

Are you ready?
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He thought at first there was no signature, but then he saw inscribed in tiny letters at the foot of the page—

I am not, my lord, your obedient servant. I am, however, your willing partner. In all manner.

Judith

Judith knew Stephen had extreme tastes. Tastes he thought not suitable for one so innocent as her.

However she had other ideas. How could he know, how could she know, if he didn’t share them?

Stephen knows his sister has a hidden motive for changing her house party at the last minute to be held at his place – their family estate – rather than her own perfectly suitable marital home, but Stephen can’t fathom what his sister’s reasonings might be. Even when Stephen starts to suspect what his sister’s machinations might be, he still refuses to indulge in his more secret desires with the innocent and sweet Judith. Eleven years his junior Stephen struggles to express his needs to far more worldly paramours, yet when Judith shows every indication of not only welcoming but wanting those harder desires but reveling in them as well, Stephen can’t turn away this perfect gift.

This is a racy and explicitly spicy historical romance story. While the first half of the book is mainly setting up the scene between Stephen and Judith, I really did enjoy the slower pace to get them together. It helped feel that the lightly kinky BDSM desires they each harbored were not just added into the story for extra heat but was something they each truly desired and – true to the historical setting – each feared somewhat to express even in privacy between each other. While light dalliances might have been fairly common in those days gossip was rife and each could have been thoroughly ruined had their true desires been exposed. I felt this aspect of the plot was really well handled – though readers wanting a faster paced story or something a little less realistic and more bedroom-based might find it a bit too slow for their tastes.

Once Stephen and Judith do hit the sheets, however, things move between them at a very fast – and fiery – pace. Readers should be aware while the main physical relationship is between Stephen and Judith, a female maid is sometimes a third in a quasi-ménage style of situation during much of their play. With some seriously sexy scenes – spanking, restraints and a few BDSM kinks – and an exceptionally fast-paced second half of the story this was a great and quick historical read. I also enjoyed the epilogue which hinted at a following book revolving around one of the other characters that I’d be interested to keep an eye out for. Recommended.

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

Love In Chaos by Sam Crescent

July 6, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Love In Chaos by Sam Crescent
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

After the world’s population is nearly wiped out, Maggie has been able to protect herself—until now. Captured in the dead of night, she is offered to a man. A leader. Only this man isn’t a stranger. Three years ago, he was the first man she ever had a crush on. Her teacher.

Clayton would recognize Maggie anywhere. In all his years, Maggie was one who got under his skin. He thought she was dead, perished like so many others. But she’s back, and he’s not going to let her go. He wants every single part of her, hoping she won’t hold back.

She always imagined love, but she must settle for what she can get. When Clayton realizes his carelessness and that his woman could be pregnant, he screws up. His fears keep him from admitting his love for her.

Heartbroken, Maggie plans to have her baby, but she’ll protect her heart from Clayton. Is it too late, or does he already have the key to her heart?

Three years ago – when she was barely eighteen – the world as everyone knew it ended. Maggie had travelled, mostly alone and avoiding men, and until now had survived far beyond her expectations. Kidnapped while she was sleeping, Maggie is dragged as an “offering” and she’s completely shocked when she’s dragged before her old History teacher – and major crush – Mr Knight. She hadn’t expected him to remember her at all, but he does, and now the world has ended there’s nothing stopping either of them from acting on their very mutual, very adult attraction.

Readers will need to understand that this is set is a very harsh, post-apocalyptic world. There are no hearts and flowers here, no rainbows and glitter or soft, sweet world and gentle love-making. Readers who want a softer or more romantic style of story probably won’t be very satisfied with this quick read. It took me a moment to adjust my own expectations of this story, but once I did I found it an interesting albeit harder read than I had expected. I was surprised how in such a harsh and forbidding world the author did a decent job of creating a sense of intimacy – albeit one heavily laced with survival and the human instinct to band together, not a more traditional style of romance – between Clay and Maggie.

While much of the intimacy – at least initially – wasn’t overly romantic to my mind, I was really pleased when as Clay and Maggie worked together to survive and keep their crew safe and fed they slowly really did begin to built a more lasting relationship together. With the world so completely different to what we’re used to this relationship and the romance/attachments that grew weren’t what anyone could feel were standard or traditional, but I slowly came to believe with more and more strength that both Clay and Maggie truly did love each other and that their bond could survive through anything.

By the end of the story I was not only convinced that Clay and Maggie were perfect for each other, but I really genuinely believed they had a healthy and loving relationship together. That was an awesome high note for me to end this quick read on and while I admit this won’t be good for all readers, those who want something completely different and enjoy post end-of-the-world style of stories I feel it’s well worth the effort to read this.

A good albeit quite different style of story.

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

Craving Tara by Lila Fox

July 5, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Craving Tara by Lila Fox
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Since her mom became sick, Tara’s had to work hard, even doing things she never thought she would consider in order to pay the bills.

Soon after meeting Traeger, the sexy and broody VP, she agrees to come live with the Devil’s Sons MC and cook for them. She moves to the clubhouse, but she’s unsure if it’s the right place for her. While her mom is being taken care of by professionals, Tara needs to find out where she fits in.

Traeger takes one look at Tara and knows she’s his. He just has to get over the guilt of his last girlfriend’s death to move on with Tara. Can he make peace with his past before he loses his chance at love again?

Tara had needed to quit her regular job when her mother got sick, needing to earn more money with less hours left her with only the one option – stripping. While she adored dancing, she hated how tiring it was and how little she enjoyed the stripping. Still, she was determined to do everything she could for her mother. Traeger had been devastated when his previous girlfriend had been killed right in front of him. For years, no one else had stirred him since that moment until he met Tara. Innocent but strong, self-conscious but full of fire she drew him and Traeger almost felt as if he was ready to try again for something as difficult and painful as love.

I really enjoyed this longer length MC story. Tara and her bff Amelia are interesting and modern women who are both in difficult situations but don’t let the stress of their positions drag them down too much. I particularly enjoyed how while there was attraction between Tara and Traeger (and Amelia and Fury) neither women just rolled right over and jumped into bed with their respective men. They all took some time to interact together and try to adjust to their new positions and lives before making a commitment or delving into something that would have been painful and messy to undo. It helped me as a reader to get a bit more comfortable with their respective situations and allowed me to see the depth of friendship and genuine love between Tara and Amelia as they both navigated their new and rocky romantic relationship with their respective men.

I also felt there was plenty of conflict and tension in the plot – Traeger still feels guilt a number of years later about the murder of his previous girlfriend, which was a different and really interesting plotline for me reading an MC romance. I also thought while a little predictable, the club whores being so antagonistic to Tara and Amelia added a good bit of tension to the story as well.

While the sex was hot and intimate I was pleased that Tara and Traeger both clearly became emotionally connected to each other and it wasn’t just purely physical. Readers looking for a spicily hot, explicit MC style of romance novel should find this really suits their purposes. I enjoyed the other guys in the club and even thought the author did a good job introducing what I expect might be the next story’s heroine toward the end.

With realistic and interesting characters and plenty of steamy sex this is a great read and a story I really enjoyed.

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

Stranded With Her Bullies by Sam Crescent

June 30, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Stranded With Her Bullies by Sam Crescent
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

When a lockdown is declared, Daphne is forced to close her successful bed-and-breakfast for the foreseeable future, which she expects to spend alone. However, three men from her past didn’t leave with all the others. After twelve years, her high school bullies are back. She doesn’t know what game they’re playing, but she won’t be part of it.

Eric, Micah, and Dean intend to win her heart. What started as a challenge soon turns into more as the three friends band together to claim the woman of their dreams. There was only supposed to be one victor, but now they will all win.

Daphne doesn’t plan to fall for them, but when an opportunity opens up, they’re just too damn hot to turn down.

It’s a lockdown full of promise. Three guys, one girl, and many possibilities. Why not enjoy the moment, even if she doesn’t intend for it to last forever. Or will it?

Daphne had carried on with her grandmother’s B&B, a beautiful quaint place near the mountains. Closed until further notice due to the pandemic and the lockdown, she’s looking forward to the quiet as a chance to recharge her batteries and tinker with the B&B and be ship-shape when they reopen. She hadn’t counted on the three very determined men who flatly refused to check out or leave her premises. Eric, Micah and Dean had been her high school bullies – the three handsome, popular, intelligent men who had made her teenage years miserable. They were determined to win her over, but Daphne was equally determined never to let them have any sort of power over her ever again. Can they weather this storm together?

A part of me wasn’t sure if this was a little too soon for me. With much of the world still in dire trouble from the pandemic – and lockdowns and clusters still popping up here and there to keep society as a whole on their toes – I really wasn’t sure I wanted to read a story where, even loosely, the pandemic and lockdown was a part of the fictional world I immersed myself in. I feel strongly for some readers this won’t be the right fit – yet – and so I’m grateful the author was quite up front about those settings. I still don’t think I want to be reading too much about pandemic life and lockdowns, but I have to admit the references were fairly fleeting and limited to only sporadic comments throughout the story which I was grateful for.

I also wasn’t really sold on the idea that Daphne could overlook such horrible treatment through school from the trio of men and give in to her sexual craving for them. To actually enjoy the story I really needed to just disconnect my brain and try to go with the flow. I didn’t question the logic – regardless of how sexy they were or how hot the attraction, how could someone fall in love with the bullies who made her childhood hell? – and I just relaxed and enjoyed the sexy shenanigans.

Once I got to this place, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Three hot and handsome men with no one else around to judge or criticize Daphne or her choices… It was a decent fantasy. Readers looking for a steamy hot menage style of story – three men with one woman – should find that this suits their needs delightfully. While the three men are best friends, they are not sexually intimate, but they are open and communicate their desires and talk about the changing scenarios of their desires with Daphne, so there’s no real cheating (in the traditional sense) and while Daphne is kept in the dark about their discussions and bets/deals for some time, the men are all honest with each other.

I really don’t feel this will be enjoyed by every reader – both the style and plotline are a bit on the edge of what’s romantic verses what’s erotic/dark-romance, but for readers who want something a little edgier I feel this is a well written and quite intense storyline that should appeal to many. With plenty of intimacy and some intense scenes this is a very explicit story but a full length novel that should appeal to many.

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

Xandore’s Naughty Princess by Sheila J. Noel

June 22, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Xandore’s Naughty Princess by Sheila J. Noel
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

The planet is counting on Princess Ellegra and Prince Xandore. Their union will assure Procalus is welcomed into the Planetary Alliance.

Princess Ellegra is smart and beautiful and won’t take no for an answer. She understands her obligations and will make the best of her arranged marriage to Xandore. He thinks he can have his Artemisian cake and eat it too, that scoundrel. But she holds a few cards. Can she hold his heart and his fidelity?

Prince Xandore has always had his own way, so why should he stop now? He has led his planet to victory in battle but when it comes to commitment, will he ever be able to give Ellegra what she longs for?

A true fairy-tale love comes to light in this cute novella.

Ellegra has been sheltered for most of her life, but now is called upon to marry for the sake of her planet. The man she’s marrying? Well, let’s just say he hasn’t been sheltered… at all!

This is a fast-paced, sweet and sexy novella, with poisoning, rebels, new schools, you name it. A lot goes on in the small number of pages you have. The pacing isn’t rushed though, it just moves along with a hop, skip, and a jump in places. There are some steamy moments, but even those have an air of almost innocence about them.

This was a good story that I enjoyed, but would have preferred something a bit longer so I could fully enjoy the relationships and back stories of those mentioned. Overall, a lovely story to remind the reader of the power of love.

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

Devil’s Own by Suzy Shearer

June 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment


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.

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

June 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment


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.

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

She’s My Everything by Sam Crescent

June 14, 2021 By Leave a Comment


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.

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