Love with a Notorious Rake (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall #3) by Karyn Gerrard

Title: Love with a Notorious Rake (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall #3) by 

Author: Karyn Gerrard 

Source: NetGalley

Genre: Historical romance 

Length: 

Rating: 5

Sexual: 4

Reviewed by: Laurie 

He's as dangerous as he is irresistible...

The heir to his family's fortune, Aidan Wollstonecraft is ready to put his prodigal ways in the past and prove himself worthy of his illustrious name. Going undercover in a factory to expose the wretched working conditions, Aidan believes his noble act will lead him to a better future. Until he's reunited with the sweet beauty who saw him through his darkest days. Cristyn Bevan stirs him like no other woman before. Makes him yearn to claim her, despite the damning curse that dooms any Wollstonecraft wife to an all-too-early death...

To fall for Aidan would be her undoing. Yet, something about the blue-blooded scoundrel draws Cristyn to him like a moth to a deadly flame. Is it a desire to heal him that keeps the lovely nurse close? Or her secret hope that somehow, some way, Aidan can let go of his dark past and see the light—and the love—waiting for him? 

This book is an emotional roller coaster that will take you into our past and even present working conditions.

First off I want to say kudos to the author for the amount of research that she had to have put into writing this book. People tend to think child labor was thousands of years ago, but it really wasn’t and even in the 1920’s America corporations was still using child labor and even today several countries including China still uses child labor so keep that in mind while you are paying for cheap goods.

I have loved Cristyn’s character since I first meet her, I knew she was a strong willed and minded woman of her time and she just proves this in hers and Aidan’s story.  These two go into horrible working conditions to help those that don’t have the means to help themselves and before you know it they are working together to fight for those less fortunate, this is true romance at its best.

Warning this story is not for the faint of heart if you love kids, but for those of you who buy cheap goods, you really need to read this to find out what real child labor is all about and this is why I look high and low for made in the USA or any country goods that don't have child labor and I will pay more for these goods because of things such as this.

I recommend this to everyone, you need to remember our past and present in child labor and you get a good romance story along with it. 

Marriage with a Proper Stranger (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall, #1) by Karyn Gerrard

Title: Marriage with a Proper Stranger (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall, #1)  
Author: Karyn Gerrard 
Genre: Historical romance 
Source: Netgalley 
Lenght: Novel
Review by: Laurie 
Rating: 5
Sexual rating: 4

“Build a wall about your heart.”

Riordan Wollstonecraft labors under the heavy burden of his forebears. For generations, a curse has followed the dashing young men of his family, guaranteeing the women they love an untimely death. The youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall, charismatic Riordan is quietly resigned to his fate, an educator who devotes his life to good works, and ignores any longing for something more.

Widowed and penniless, Lady Sabrina Lakeside is desperate to avoid a second forced betrothal—this time to an aged marquess. Her chance encounter with Riordan leads her to an impulsive offer: a temporary marriage of convenience that could benefit them both. His agreement is as surprising as it is welcome. Before long, Riordan’s keen intellect and kind words have Sabrina rethinking her plans of a union in name only. But her new husband is holding something back. Will giving in to their tantalizing passion lead her only to further heartache . . . or could it be the first step toward healing them both?

Who knew a temporary marriage of convenience could be sexy, dangerous and yet fun!  

When Lady Sabrina offers a marriage of convenience to the schoolmaster Riordan she wasn’t expecting to truly find a husband, all she wanted was an escape, she also has no clue what her father has done behind the scenes that come back to haunt her.

I really enjoyed both Sabrina and Riordan, their sparks flew off the pages as they both unravel each other’s hidden mysteries. You also get a peek at other great characters that will be in future books.

I recommend this to any historical romance lover out there that wants a different twist. 

Review The Copper and the Madam (Blind Cupid #3) by Karyn Gerrard

The Copper and the Madam (Blind Cupid #3)
Author: Karyn Gerrard
Source: Author Request
Length: Novella
Story rating:4
Sexual rating; 4

In 1897 London, Detective Sergeant Rory Kerrigan never expected to find love among the crime-ridden streets he’s vowed to protect. His wretched past has hardened his heart, keeping emotion from his life. This ensured no interference with his police work. Yet an unlikely woman finds a way around his defenses.

Rea is owner of the brothel, The Blind Cupid, and harbors a desolate past of her own. As a result, she trusts no man. However it is hard to deny the ruggedly handsome Rory is everything honorable and appealing. He awakens feelings she’s never experienced before.

A grisly murder has Rory and Rea determined to bring the killer to justice. As danger lurks, secrets are revealed and passion ignites between them. Despite the obstacles, will the copper and the madam acknowledge their mutual yearning even at the peril of their lives? 

Review
The Copper and The Madam story is fun and full of surprises. I read it in one day, each time I put it down to do something I had to hurry up to get back to read the story.

This is a fun way to bring Victorian romance to readers by having a cop and madam romance together. Both Roy and Rea sparks sizzle on the pages and as a romance reader this is what I look for, it doesn’t matter if there is sex in the books if the characters connect in the right way you can feel the attraction right off the bat and these two had it for me. But believe me, this is an erotic romance so, you have plenty of sex in the story. LOL. The author also goes into some detail of the settings that is going on around them so all in all you get a good quick story.

My only wish for the story is that the author would have gotten more into the villains POV, so many authors miss these side characters and they just make the stories much more interesting to the readers.

I recommend this to anyone that would like a twist to Victoria romance.

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Freakn' Cougar by Eve Langlais ~ Review

Title: Freakn’ Cougar (Freakn’ Shifters #6)

Author: Eve Langlais
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 221 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: January 29, 2014
Source: Purchase
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Forget taming their cougar. These young studs want her as is, even if she scratches.

Someone's killing shifters in prison, and Patricia needs help catching the culprit. The cougar enlists the help of Stu and Ricky, a techno geek and a reformed criminal, a mismatched pair, who turn out to also be her mates. But Patricia's already loved and lost one man. Does she dare allow herself to care again?

Older isn't just wiser, it's sexier, or at least that's what a socially challenged wolf and a bad boy panther think. Forced to work together to catch a killer, Stu and Ricky soon find out they'll have to learn to do more than tolerate each other when they realize a hot, almost forty cougar is their mate. Can they find a way to work together and make their cougar purr?

Ok, so yes our heroine is a cougar - as in she turns into one - but I never really pictured as a cougar in the older woman type of way. She just didn't seem that much older than the guys, unless someone was specifically mentioning it (which was kind of awkward). The image on the cover also makes her look much older than she is in the book.

The awkward reminders of the age difference aside, this was a pretty exciting story. A mismatched group of shifters sent undercover to a prison to try and catch a killer. There are lots of opportunities for craziness, and Eve Langlais takes advantage of most of them. I wish she had left a few out, it got to be a tad overdone at times, especially when paired with three over the top personalities.

The bad guy was great. Super creepy and I was surprised when I found out who it was - so kudos to Eve Langlais because I usually figure a good chunk of it out before I'm supposed to. This was a fun trip back to the Freakn' Shifters series, but I feel like some of the characters are starting to be copies of each other. I'll keep with it though because they are hilarious and hope it goes back to the inventive beginning that first drew me in.

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Freakn' Shifters

Delicate Freakn' Flower #1

Jealous and Freakn' #2

Already Freakn' Mated #3

Jungle Freakn' Bride #5

Come Undone by Gabi Moore ~ Review

Title: Come Undone (Bad Boys After Dark #3)

Author: Gabi Moore
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 252 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: January 5, 2017
Source: Review Request
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

WARNING: This book contains dark and disturbing themes, strong language and over the top sexiness that may be uncomfortable for some readers!

Kat Lilith is confident, successful, and supremely organized.

Newly divorced, she’s soon proposed to by a man who ticks all the same boxes she does. He’s everything she knows she should want in a man… so why does she find herself yearning for the first time in her life for something a little …different?

Mark Cane is... different .

Not only does he not tick any of her boxes, he blusters into Kat’s life and tears up her whole list. When she discovers that he runs a successful business, constructing intricate BDSM furniture for his devoted clients, she can no longer contain her curiosity.

Soon, Kat learns that although it’s fun to have control, it’s way more fun to lose it.

Mark is a little wild, a little dangerous… and very good at unraveling her world. But maybe that’s just exactly what she needs…

First, I'd like to note that the warning on this one is a little off. Is there some kinky stuff, yes. Is it what I could call dark and disturbing - definitely not. There's some power play and a little 'daddy' going on, but not to the extent the warning portrays.

That being said, this was a pretty fun book. I liked how straight-laced Kat was.  She seemed to have her new life mapped out, and it was going to be perfect. But she found out that she was wrong - in a big way. The man of her dreams has no spark, no lust, no excitement.

But once she meets Mark, things are very different. I loved how Gabi Moore was able to contrast these two men - from the way they looked, they way they spoke, and what they wanted from Kat. I thought Kat's indecision was very real. Her ideas conflicting with her desires. What she thought was "right" conflicting with her curiosity.

This is a romance - so we can guess how it ends. But along the way, there are grown-up issues brought to light. Dating as a single mom - when to introduce your child to your new boyfriend? How do you handle meeting your girlfriend's kid? This was all written very well, with a good mixture of fear and hope.

I didn't care for the daddy game they played at times. It just wasn't my style. I also had some problems with the way Kat's daughter was written at times. Her age seemed to fluctuate - I couldn't figure out just how old she was supposed to be, and when an age was given, it didn't seem to match her level of development.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book**

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Fashionably Dead by Robyn Peterman ~ Review

Title: Fashionably Dead (Hot Damned #1)

Author: Robyn Peterman
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Length: 323 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: September 2, 2013
Source: Purchase
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Vampyres don’t exist. They absolutely do not exist.

At least I didn’t think they did ‘til I tried to quit smoking and ended up Undead. Who in the hell did I screw over in a former life that my getting healthy equates with dead?

Now I’m a Vampyre. Yes, we exist whether we want to or not. However, I have to admit, the perks aren’t bad. My girls no longer jiggle, my ass is higher than a kite and the latest Prada keeps finding its way to my wardrobe. On the downside, I’m stuck with an obscenely profane Guardian Angel who looks like Oprah and a Fairy Fighting Coach who’s teaching me to annihilate like the Terminator.

To complicate matters, my libido has increased to Vampyric proportions and my attraction to a hotter than Satan’s underpants killer rogue Vampyre is not only dangerous . . . it’s possibly deadly. For real dead. Permanent death isn’t on my agenda. Avoiding him is my only option. Of course, since he thinks I’m his, it’s easier said than done. Like THAT’S not enough to deal with, all the other Vampyres think I’m some sort of Chosen One.

Holy Hell, if I’m in charge of saving an entire race of blood suckers, the Undead are in for one hell of a ride.

Before diving into a Robyn Peterman story a reader must know a few things:
1. Her humor is crude, but lovely - and way over the top in all the best ways
2. Her heroine will have a dirty mouth and a dirty mind
3. Things will get a bit ridiculous - but they are supposed to

So, if that sounds like something up your alley, then you will love these books.  When Astrid goes to be hypnotized to stop smoking and is turned into a vampyre instead, she isn't sure the amazing body she ended up with was worth not being able to eat her favorite ice cream. When she's paired with a potty-mouth guardian angel and a fairy warrior that channels his inner Schwarzenegger, things start getting really good.

Astrid has a lot of decisions ahead of her - which vampyre house to join (read sorority) and whether or not she should fall for the handsome Ethan - or one of the many other beyond gorgeous vampyre men around her.

Lots of laughs, lots of action (in every possible way), and a good dose of raunchy humor. The only drawback was that I really disliked some of the side characters. And I think I was supposed to like them. Hopefully they'll work out in the long run because I really love the rest of the story.

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Resisting the Bad Boy by Gabi Moore ~ Review

Title: Resisting the Bad Boy

Author: Gabi Moore
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Length: 238 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: February 16, 2016
Source: Review Request
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

He was everything I thought I didn't need...

WARNING: This book contains dark and disturbing themes, strong language and over the top sexiness that may be uncomfortable for some readers!

Living the wild life, bad girl Nyx was all about sex, drugs and running wild. That is until one fateful night when a car accident killed both her parents and left her in the care of her controlling aunt. Nyx wakes up to the cold, sobering new reality: she needs to clean up her act.

She’s accepted at Blackworth’s, an exclusive theatre college in London where she’ll learn to do set design for the country’s best stage productions. But the only condition?

She’ll have to behave.

When hot, unpredictable Adam Morgan enters the scene, Nyx is more than a little tempted, and realizes that being good is going to be a little harder than she first thought. Bored with staying on the sidelines, and unable to resist this actor’s dark charisma, Nyx soon finds herself falling fast into an exciting world where pleasure, chaos and magic reign supreme.

Adam Morgan is a bad influence, no doubt about it. But he might also be just the bad influence she needs…

Nyx is a problem child, but she's trying to turn her life around. That means digging in and being responsible, following her aunt's directions or she's cut off for good. She's living her dream and attending theater school, but one bad boy may screw everything up for her.

Adam Morgan, she's been warned about him, but she just can't resist. The lead actor challenges her to expand her mind and her experiences. They experiment with mind games and acting out some pretty hot scenes. But in the long run, she's forced to make a decision between following her heart or following the rules.

This is a bit dark at times - and I love the way the story parallels the play they are producing. It was done very well and added an extra layer that I found very enjoyable.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book**

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Big Package by Opal Carew

Title: Big Package
Author: Opal Carel
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas. Erotic Romance
Length: novella
Publisher: Swerve
Release Date: October 25, 2016
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Baby it’s cold outside…but things are about to heat up.

I missed the last bus to my sister’s for Christmas, and now I'm stranded in a bus station—in the middle of a blizzard—with a giant package covered in naughty wrapping paper.

Then he shows up: Kalen Welles, the football star from my high school fantasies—and offers me a ride.

Just when the car is getting cozy, the roads get shut down due to snow.

Luckily there’s a nearby cabin where we can hole up for the night.

A warm fireplace, cozy blankets, pent-up longing we both spent years ignoring… maybe I’ll be able to unwrap Kalen's big package before Christmas morning.

But when the snow clears and the ice melts, will the former football star and the shy nerd finally get a happy ending?

Unwrap this sexy holiday story from Opal Carew!

This was just downright sexy and hilarious, in all the most perfect ways. It starts with a bang - with a "big package" that is dropped off by the ex-boyfriend. This package is just the best thing ever - in all the wrong ways. I was cracking up every time it was brought back into the story.

Full of great opportunities for our characters to re-connect, a snowstorm and a cabin are the perfect place to get it (and I mean all of it) done. There's some fun toys and lots of great one-liners. But in the end, it's still a really great romance. Just enough comflict to make it a worthwhile read, but lots of hot smexiness to make it all better.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Once Should Be Enough by Nikky Kaye

Title: Once Should Be Enough
Author: Nikky Kaye
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Length: 92 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: August 17, 2016
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Are friends with benefits worth the cost?

My cocky friend Will doesn't believe that I'm frigid, but what does he know? His promises might make me shiver but it doesn't mean he can give me a happy. He's so confident he's betting me money on it, and a thousand bucks is a lot of money to a poor college student.

Once should be enough to taunt him with "I told you so," right?

But I didn't know he meant trying everything once...

This was a super-hot, one night read, novella. I loved it! It gets the standard "I want to know more" ding that most novellas get because I get too attached and want to see what happens with the rest of their lives. I'm so glad that I picked it up though because I found a new author to stalk!

Once Should Be Enough looks deep (surprisingly deep for its length) look into what turns us on. Cass is about to get a lesson in kind and that everyone isn't the same. As Will convinces her to open up and let him show her how to "enjoy herself", she really starts to come out of her shell.

There are just enough tense moments where I wondered if it was going to work out to balance the sexy scenes and really give the story some depth. Nikky Kaye did a great job of putting a lot of story, romance, and emotion into such a small package.

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Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward

Title: Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #4)
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: AudioBook
Publisher: Onyx
Release Date: March 6, 2007
Source: Purchased
Rating: 2
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world—to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have Marissa, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...

Fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back. But even her love may not be enough to save him...

I wasn't a fan of this one. There were just so many things that didn't quite add up to me and it still bothers me. Butch seems to have been given part of the Omega - but the Omega can't find him? Thinks he's dead? Doesn't add up - especially as we find out more about how souls return and Lessers are created. I couldn't find a way to believe any of ti.

The part I did like was Vishous and learning more about his character and abilities. He's really quite fascinating. A lot of this book was taken up with characters that weren't our main couple. I still struggle with John. I just don't see him as an adult, but more of a 13 year old boy. Learning more about Rehv was amazing. I hope he gets his own story down the line - I think he deserves it.

All in all, this just wasn't the one for me. I'm going to move on and get started on the next because I think it's going to be much better, and I still want to see what happens in everyone's lives.

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Black Dagger Brotherhood

Dark Lover #1
Lover Eternal #2
Lover Awakened #3

Lover Mine #8

Divine by Choice by P.C. Cast

Title: Divine by Choice (Partholon #2)
Author: P.C. Cast
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy Romance
Length: 377 pages
Publisher: Luna Books
Release Date: December 1, 2006
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Shannon Parker has finally come to terms with life in the mythical world of Partholon. She loves her centaur husband, her connection to the goddess Epona and the pampering that comes with both! She's almost forgotten her old life on Earth—especially when she discovers she's pregnant….

Then a sudden burst of power sends her back to Oklahoma. Without magic, Shannon can't return to Partholon—and so she needs to find help. Trouble is, it might take the form of a man as tempting as her husband. And along the way she'll discover that being divine by mistake is a lot easier than being divine by choice….

I want to start by saying that you shouldn't let the 4 sexual rating scare you away from this one. I felt I had to rate it that way because of one crazy sex rite done by our bad girl. But it's short and easily skippable (is that a word?) if you don't want to read it. Seriously, like one paragraph.

Shannon has settled into her life in Partholon with her centaur husband and endless supply of handmaidens ready to wait on her every need. The danger seems to have passed and life is returning to "normal" once again. But she's uneasy, and with good reason. She finds herself ripped out of Partholon into her old life.

I enjoyed this story, but I had some issues with it as well. Seeing Shannon come in to her own as Epona's Choosen and learning to trust herself and the world around her was great. But I didn't like the twisted love story that wove through the middle of everything. When she meets the man that mirrors her husband things got a little tricky. I totally get her confusion and attraction to him. But I didn't like where that always led.

Finally meeting Rhiannon was very nice though. I love how damaged her character is, and the glimpse into her past only cements that she isn't a truly evil person, but more a victim herself as well. She just didn't deal with things as in a very healthy way. Finally being able to compare her beside Shannon showed sides of both that were quite eye-opening.

A great addition to the world of Partholon, but I just didn't enjoy all the aspects presented.

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Partholon

Divine Beginnings #0.5

Divine by Mistake #1

Review: Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare

Title: Say Yes to the Marquess (Castles Ever After #2)

Author: Tessa Dare
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 384 printed pages
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: December 30, 2014
Source: Purchase
Rating: 3 1/2
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Vashti

Your presence is requested at romantic Twill Castle for the wedding of Miss Clio Whitmore and . . . and . . . ?

After eight years of waiting for Piers Brandon, the wandering Marquess of Granville, to set a wedding date, Clio Whitmore has had enough. She's inherited a castle, scraped together some pride, and made plans to break her engagement.

Not if Rafe Brandon can help it. A ruthless prizefighter and notorious rake, Rafe is determined that Clio will marry his brother—even if he has to plan the dratted wedding himself.

So how does a hardened fighter cure a reluctant bride's cold feet?
● He starts with flowers. A wedding can't have too many flowers. Or harps. Or cakes.

● He lets her know she'll make a beautiful, desirable bride—and tries not to picture her as his.

● He doesn't kiss her.

● If he kisses her, he definitely doesn't kiss her again.

● When all else fails, he puts her in a stunning gown. And vows not to be nearby when the gown comes off.

● And no matter what—he doesn't fall in disastrous, hopeless love with the one woman he can never call his own.

I think the opening scene pretty much set up the tone of this book as classic Tessa Dare. She is very good at "dare" I say, romantic comedy, but in a historical setting so to speak. Even though I must use the term Historical as say, more of and idea, than actuality within the premise of this book.

The opening scene has us seeing Clio as she walks in on Rafe, thinking he's ready to give up and hang himself when in fact, he's only setting up his boxing punching bag for training. The shenanigans don't stop there, they pretty much continue throughout the book, including a scene involving the dog, a ruby ring, and Rafe's trainer, Bruiser. Yeah it was really gross.

Miss Clio Whitmore, AKA Miss "Waitmore" as she has been dubbed, and Rafe have have been friends since childhood, in their youth Rafe always teased her and pulled mischievous tricks on her. Now he is wanting to "play" with Clio in a different manner all together.  Yet he is at odds because she is his brother's fiance. Rafe pretty much spends the entire book trying to convince Clio that she does in fact want to be married to Piers, and fighting the attraction that he has carried for her since his youth and yes the love he has for her.

Clio and Rafe had really good chemistry together, but Clio herself did not have much of a backbone. I blame that on her overly critical mother and her less than supportive family. Cleo's older sister Daphne is a witch, with a Capital B, a social climber and more than a bit annoying.  Daphne's soft in the middle husband Teddy is no better, with their crude remarks constantly about Clio's weight.  Her younger sister Phoebe was a nice break to watch although she was a bit quirky, with a touch of "Rain Man" about her, but I look forward to reading her story.

Recommended for fans of Tessa Dare, and anyone wanting a nice Romance, with a little bit of comedic flair thrown in, plenty of sexual heat that does not go unanswered, and if Historical accuracy is of no concern, well this book is for you.

I did enjoy the book, I enjoyed the progression of the relationship between Rafe and Clio very much. It was a quick read and certainly not one that's going to have your heart tugging and pulling at strings just to see the H/H get together, but it was pleasant. Even though the historical accuracy was really a joke, which usually does drive me insane, for some reason didn't really bother me that much.  A nice afternoon read overall.

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HeVan Sent by Lucy Kelly ~ Review

Title: HeVan Sent (Nephilim #1)

Author: Lucy Kelly
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Length: 294 pages
Publisher: JK Publishing
Release Date: July 20, 2012
Source: IRC Convention
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Addie thinks she is a boring Archeologist with a quirky gift. One that will get her the biggest find of her life is she plays it right. But Addie gets more than she bargained for when she discovers a hidden treasure. Now, faced with making a decision to leave her world and travel to another with the three brothers who are her mates, or so they say. Addie has to make the hardest decision of her life, or wake up form the dream she is having. But the men are hot and the sex hotter, why wake up? HeVan is a world trying to find their lost Queen. When they send out their best men to travel to find her, they find more than they ever dreamed of. HeVan has been dwindling in populations since the loss of their Queen, they need her back and they also need her descendants. Finding them will be the easy part, convincing them they are from another planet will be the hard part.

I really loved the society and history Lucy Kelly has created in this story. She has gone to great lengths to give the reader a new and different world that is just similar enough for us Earthlings to relate to. When the Hevanthians injured queen crash lands on Earth, her only thought is to keep her people alive and well, and part of that involves procreating with the natives.

Generations later, Addie stumbles upon a find that will completely blow her mind - and she is suitable shocked. It's a pet peeve of mine when characters accept things a little to easily, but Addie handles this sudden change in her life realistically and bravely. Although I'm sure the fact that her discovery includes a boatload of hot guys that all seem to adore her helps a little. There are some side characters (which I'm assuming come into the story more later) that accepted a little too easily for me, but Kelly did a good job of trying to explain why and most of the time I believed her.

The romance was a little sudden - but I tend to see that a lot in fated mates type of stories. And at times things tended to jump around a little too much with not a lot of transition from one issue to another. This was a great start to a series with a solid base for many more happy couples (triples? quads? I'm not sure what to call them) in future books. The men needed to have a little more backbone at times. They caved a little too easily to Addie's demands at times and a nice conflict of differing opinions is a great way to show some personality and how the characters think. I hope to learn more about HeVan and what's happened since the queen left. It sounds like a fascinating place.

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Wonder Lust by Lavender Daye - Review

Title: Wonder Lust (Somewhere, TX #5

Author: Lavender Daye
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 116 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: December 18, 2014
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 2
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Max Travis loved his life. A great job, a nice apartment in NYC, and a thriving social life. Amazing how one little infraction, one slip into forbidden pleasure, could shake up a lifestyle. Delia Kelly enrolled at JCMU to study history and social work. She had a solid plan, one that didn’t include dating. Studying and working part time would fill her schedule and she'd already found a job at a local diner.

The Jackalope café wasn’t known for romance, but when Max and Delia met, the rules disappeared. Could a one-night-only affair be enough?

This is a low point in the series for me. The story of naive-ish college student hooking up with a womanizing history professor seemed a little cliche, but there were some nice highlight in it. The professor was always upfront with women about not being interested at least, so he was a good womanizer - sort of? There just wasn't a whole lot of meat to their relationship and the mini BDSM elements fell short of being very realistic. In fact, the part that I wanted to see them most - their trip to Dallas - was skimmed over in just a few paragraphs.

In order to beef the story up, a stalker was added, but he was never really part of the story. To be honest, I forgot about him until he had his next couple paragraphs later in the story, and then again towards the end. He seemed to be added just to give the reader something to read.

I'm also confused as to why Delia's family history was so important. We actually hear more about this than the stalker, but then it just went away and we don't hear more about it. I was very confused. There were some many good directions to go, but none of them were taken.

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Somewhere, TX

Rock Star Cowboy

Saddle Up

Fire Away

To Save a Mate

My Warrior Wolves by Krystal Shannan - Review

Title: My Warrior Wolves (Sanctuary, Texas #4)

Author: Krystal Shannan
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: novel
Publisher: KS Publishing
Release Date: January 5, 2016
Source: Author Request
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Charlotte “Charlie” Mason struggles to put her pack back together after the horrifying loss of her parents. But her Uncle has other plans. Plans to turn the pack over to the one creature who ruined her life. She turns to the mates she sent away to help her salvage not only her broken heart, but what’s left of her family.

Travis and Garrett have been waiting not so patiently for Charlie to call. The mating heat between them is unbearable, but they won’t go back on their word to give her space to grieve. When she finally calls to ask for help, it might be too late. Can they save her from the very people she’s trying to protect? Or will they lose their mate before they’ve had a chance at all?

I really loved this story. Charlie and her boys are going to have to overcome a lot if they are going to be together. Her doubts about them and herself, a pack divided, and a murderous Xerxes with his attention on her. There's a lot going on in this story.

We get plenty of really good romance. Lots of growth in the relationship, which I really love. They are not only facing issues outside of themselves trying to force them apart, but there are some emotional walls that will need to be overcome before they can truly be a fully mated trio. And Charlie - I just adored her!! She was such a geniune character that I totally wish I could be best friends with.

There is also tons of action and we get to see a little of what the folks from Sanctuary are doing in the battle against Xerxes as well. While they may manage to strike a blow against him, there's still a lot more to be done. Great mix of romance with some heart-stopping action for quite the ride.

I think this is my favorite in the series so far!

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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More Sanctuary, Texas

My Eternal Soldier (Sanctuary, Texas #3)

Mastered: Teagan (Sanctuary, Texas Novella)

Jungle Freakn' Bride by Eve Langlais - Review

Title: Jungle Freakn’ Bride (Freakn’ Shifters #5)

Author: Eve Langlais
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 246 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Warning: Hot, steamy threesomes, chauvinism and more are running wild in the jungle. Can you handle the heat?

Abducted by a pair of hunky, tribal warriors, Carlie doesn’t think things can get any stranger until the first time she purrs.

Everyone’s heard of the mysterious Moon Ghost Jaguars, supposed shapeshifting men who steal women as their brides. What they forgot to mention was that half naked, ripped and oh so delicious, they always came as a pair – and turned into really big freakn’ cats! But Carlie’s not about to let these furry Tarzan’s dictate her future, even if they seem to have conquered her body.

Acat didn’t think he wanted a mate until he came across the outspoken American with golden hair. Making her his bride is only part of the battle. With the help of his best friend, Chaob, can he find a way to convince this strong willed woman to follow the traditions of his tribe? Or will this reluctant jungle bride get her lovers to accept the fact she’ll never be a classic barefoot and pregnant mate?

I really loved Acat and Chaob. They are great friends and their personalities work perfectly together - a very well balanced pair full of confidence. But when they finally are sent on a mating hunt and find Carlie is their prize - they wonder if something may be wrong. Not only is she not a native - which if frowned upon - but she refuses to settle down and be a "good little woman." Watching Carlie but her new mates through hell as she insists on answers and turns the tables on their tactics a few times was a lot of fun.

But I wish the book had focused more on just them. Instead we get an extra non-native involved about half way through that just really seemed to be a red herring - thrown in for the sole purpose of creating more conflict - unnecessary conflict. It almost seemed like it was there to add pages - which I really dislike.

But once we get that little hiccup resolved, it all becomes very fun again. These primitive men will surprise you at every turn and Carlie is just a very nice breathe of fresh air.

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Delicate Freakn' Flower (Freakn' Shifters #1)

Jealous and Freakn' (Freakn' Shifters #2)

Already Freakn' Mated (Freakn' Shifters #3)

Mastered: Teagan by Krystal Shannan - Review

Title: Mastered: Teagan (Sanctuary Texas Novella)

Author: Krystal Shannan
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: December 15, 2015
Source: Author Request
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Nobody could fix her or claim her.
She belonged to nobody.
Pain was her game.

Self-deprecating and guilt-ridden she-wolf, Teagan Rourke, has been to hell and back. Now, all she wants is agony to reinforce what she already knows--she doesn't deserve happiness. Frequenting Castle, a local BDSM club, and succumbing to a sadist's wishes is the only "happily ever after" she's looking for. And all the magick in Sanctuary won't change her mind.

But when Teagan gets paired with a new Dom, Finn O’Connor, it seems that all bets are off. The type of pain this sexy and rugged wolf might inflict might be too much for her to endure. Swearing to never open herself up again to the type of suffering that love can cause, Teagan tries to deny the pull she feels for him. But Finn isn't giving up; he's waited too long for a perfect mate like her. It's up to him to show her the light beneath the darkness of her past. Can a little luck of the draw turn into fated magick for Teagan and Finn?

Teagan's viewpoint that pain is the only thing that can make her forget isn't a new one. But Kyrstal Shannan did an amazing job of portraying the utter despair she feels when she doesn't get her dose of physical pain to drown out the emotional.

Having sworn off ever finding love or real pleasure again, she is terrified to realize that she may have found a mate - one that isn't interested in hurting her, but is much more interested in healing her. Their introduction is intense but fast (in the reading sense). But the chemistry is impossible to ignore.

I love that this can be a stand-alone. It is a great way for people to give Sanctuary, TX a try. A nice little sip that will get you addicted to the fast paced writing and great characters of Krystal Shannan.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Seven Sins Anthology - Review

Title: Seven Sins Anthology

Author: Anthology
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 462 Page
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: April 23, 2015
Source: Author Request
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Can't get enough of hot contemporary romance? Buy this sexy, daring anthology with seven novellas from top authors, including USA Today Bestsellers, and discover your favorite sin today!

Blaze for Me – Natalie Anderson

When Austin Tate busts Nicoletta Valeri in a blistering moment of voyeuristic orgasm-envy, it’s the perfect chance for some payback, but instead she’s lit a fire than can be extinguished by only one thing…

Glutton For Punishment – Amy Andrews

With a sudden hankering to be spanked, Darcy Henderson figures Mitch Callaghan is the man for the job. But is she woman enough to take it?

Burned by Lust – Michele de Winton

Biker, Hade Corban is set to take over the Raising Hellfire Gang and love isn’t on his agenda, but lusty goodtime girl Lee Delevinge is hell bent on burning up his heart.

Sleeping with the Enemy - Robin Covington

All’s fair in love and baseball…but when Kat Carter, the newly-minted GM for the Virginia Venom, is determined to recruit rival superstar shortstop (and former lover) Derek Foxx the last thing she expects is a sexy ultimatum…

Princess Sin – Avery Flynn

There’s trouble on the horizon when Cynthia Aston, who the tabloids have nicknamed Princess Cyn for her slacker party girl ways, stows away on a yacht that belongs to workaholic billionaire Hunter McKenney, her older brother’s sexy best friend.

Accidentally Sinful – Carmen Falcone

Stranded due to a snowstorm, Santiago Cruz must let go of his pride and acknowledge forbidden feelings for the woman he loves but can’t forgive—his stepsister.

How to Seduce A CEO – Talia Hunter

Hot shot CEO Marcus Bolton’s decided who to hire for the top job, and it’s not Angel Moore, no matter how temping she might be. But Angel will do whatever it takes to land the job of her dreams—even seduce the boss.

Lots of variety here with some really great ones, and ones that just didn't do it for me.

Blaze for Me: This was really cute. When Nicoletta is busted spying on a couple having sex by her longtime crush, neither one of them is really sure what to do. There's a lot of heat here and I really enjoyed the word play between Nicoletta and Austin.

Glutton for Punishment: This was a borderline for me. I like that it was a different take on the BDSM appeal and it seemed very real to me.

Burned by Lust: I couldn't do this one. The Hade picks Lee up out of a fellow bikers bed and that just didn't sit right. Totally a personal preference.

Sleeping with the Enemy: Outside of some of the baseball trade and agreement lingo - I loved this. I loved Kat and Derek's past and how everything just seemed all tied up so nicely together. Now, there wasn't too much baseball business lingo, but I'm totally clueless so I may have missed a few of the underlying bits and pieces in this one.

Princess Sin: This was one of my favorites. Cynthia appears to be a lazy do-nothing rich girl, but it isn't what you think. When Hunter realizes what lies beneath the exterior, his long time passion for her really comes out. I loved the two of them together.

Accidentally Sinful: I just can't do the step-sibling thing - sorry. I know a lot of people love it, but it isn't for me. Carmen Falcone is an amazing writer though, so I'm sure this one was great!

How to Seduce a CEO: Talia Hunter really had me cracking up with this one. Another favorite from the bunch, I loved Angel's go to attitude for business and pleasure. She attacks life with such gusto that I just couldn't help but cheer for her every step of the way.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Commanded by Stacey Kennedy - Review

Title: Commanded (Club Sin #6)

Author: Stacey Kennedy
Genre: Contemporary Romance, BDSM
Length: 3195 pages
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: July 7, 2015
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

A dedicated cop, Sawyer Quinn blows off steam by immersing himself in his role as a Master at the hottest club in Las Vegas. But when Sawyer goes after the perp who brutally beat his sister, he teams up with Chloe Nash, a sexy private investigator who awakens a sweet new need: to keep her to himself, away from the dungeon of Club Sin. Chloe is beautiful, smart, and too innocent for the BDSM lifestyle. Sawyer’s never wanted a woman like this before. Is her love worth swearing off the one thing that keeps him sane?

There’s something different about Sawyer: a commanding strength that pulls Chloe into a vortex of heady desire. But when she learns about his double life as a Dom, she’s shocked—and afraid she could never complete him. Then he saves her life, and just like that, Chloe knows she will be able to give him anything he desires. She is his—wherever and however he wants to take her.

Commanded really took a different look at the BDSM lifestyle and how it works with different relationships. Chloe is about as vanilla as they come, so Sawyer is a bit surprised when he finds himself attracted to her. He feels the need to claim her as his woman and teach her the ways of his world. But instead, he finds himself changing in subtle ways that surprise everyone around him

Chloe is blown away by the total hotness that is Sawyer Quinn. But when she finds out he's in the BDSM lifestyle, she has some very serious reservations about pursuing a relationship with him. Things are a bit dicey between them for awhile as she becomes more and more convinced that she could never be what he really needed.

This was something far different than what I had expected, but that ended up being a wonderful thing! A completely different look at the Masters of Club Sin that gives you such a good look at what it truly means to be with someone.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Review: Enticed (Holloway Pack #4.7) by J.A. Belfield

Title: Enticed (Holloway Pack #4.7)
Author: J.A. Belfield
Source: Author Request
Genre: Erotic Fiction
Length: Short Novella
Release Date: April 16, 2015
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 4

Happy Birthday to Ethan.

Or is it?

Gifts aside, Ethan’s morning hasn’t been anything to write home about. Sure, life is good, the pack is staying out of trouble, he finally has a mate who boils his blood ... in a good way.

Except Shelley hasn’t called. Hasn’t come by. Didn’t even bother to join her son and his girlfriend for Ethan’s annual I’m-a-year-older breakfast.

What Ethan doesn't know is that Shelley has plans. Plans that have been in progress for weeks. Ones that Ethan will never see coming, and that she’s banked on him not knowing a thing about.

She can only hope her secrecy doesn’t force his inner wolf to the surface—at least, not too early.

This was a fun sexy short novella.  The characters have a romance going on that carries over from other parts of the series, and it's Ethan's birthday.  I think every man out there would want to have his surprise present!  And Shelly definitely enjoys giving it to him, I really loved the little notes and clues.

You can really see some of the tension in their lives come out a few times, and it was kind of fun to see the play back and forth between them.  Definitely a nice quick read at bedtime.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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