Review: Saved by the Spell By: Casey Keen

 Title: Saved by the Spell

 Author: Casey Keen

 Source: Review Request

 Genre: Paranormal with a bit of Romance 

 Reviewer: Emi

Rating: 5

Sexual Rating: 2

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Two worlds in danger. A Grand Witch behind bars. A stunning Werewolf and a devilishly handsome Warlock’s pursuit for her affections. You think you have it bad? Grand Witch Anna Wolfe awakens to find herself imprisoned by Micah, the Prince of Darkness. Micah’s on a quest for world domination—and it’s not just the Netherworld that’s in danger. The human world is threatened as well. Now, it’s up to Anna to escape from Micah's clutches so she can locate The Scholars and an ancient book before both fall into the wrong hands. With a fiercely loyal Werewolf and immensely powerful Warlock by her side, what can go wrong? A lot apparently. If fighting off the Prince of Darkness wasn't enough, Anna’s emotions are a whirlwind, as she battles between what fate demands and what she actually wants.

Saved by the Spell is the second book in the Anna Wolfe Series, and is an excellent second installment in the series. It picks up exactly where we left off and is full of action with a pinch of spice. I love all of the characters in this series, even the villain! I will admit that I am torn between  Roman & Valen, i'm hoping that she'll be with both, lol! Who could possibly decide between a sexy wolf or hot warlock?! While trying to save the world from becoming a playground for the Dark Prince & the Underworld, Anna is also trying to perfect her magical skills, and find the scholars who can help prevent Micah from taking over the world. 

If you are looking for a fun action packed paranormal read, The Anna Wolf Series, I'll be Damned &  Saved by the Spell is definitely the way to go. I absolutely loved both of them, and highly recommend them! 

Connect with Casey 

Goodreads 

Website

 Facebook 

Twitter 

Buy The Books:

Amazon - I'll Be Damned 

Amazon - Saved by the Spell 

B&N - I'll be Damned 

B&N - Saved by the Spell 

"A Ghostly Menage" by Eve Langlais

"A Ghostly Menage"

by Eve Langlais

Re Releasing on May 23rd

New Look, new price and more story.

On Sale $.99

Forget ghosts who rattle chains, try living with ones that like to grope.

Desperate for change, Jenna buys a repossessed home on a whim. The townsfolk claim it’s haunted, but Jenna’s pretty sure all it needs is some TLC to stop the drafts. It doesn’t take long before she realizes there’s more going on than the vagaries of an old house. Something, or someone, is playing poltergeist with her house, and whatever it is keeps stroking her with ghostly fingers and haunting her dreams.

Derrick and Mark learned the hard way not to piss off a witch. But in their defense, as cocky werewolves, they weren’t used to anything actually defying them. Unable to ask for help, they’re forced to haunt their own home, which turns out to be less boring than expected when their fated mate suddenly becomes the new owner. Disembodied or not, they end up taking haunting to a whole new erotic level.

Please note, A Ghostly Menage was originally published by Cobblestone Press from October of 2010, until May 8th of 2014. Published anew in late May of 2014 by Eve Langlais, this book has been expanded from its original version of 17.5K to 27k and features a new cover and, a new price. I hope you enjoy this newer version.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iBookstore

also at,

Kobo

Google Play

BookStrand

All Romance ebooks

Smashwords

evelanglais.com

Review: Forbidden Call By: Martha Bourke

Title: Forbidden Call
Author: Martha Bourke
Genre: Paranormal
Source: Review Request
Reviewer: Emi

Rating: 1

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Shapeshifter civil war has spilled out onto the streets of Boston, Massachusetts and it’s

up to the Order to keep the peace. The New Breeds, eight of the most powerful shifter warriors in existence, must prevent the renegade Toltec from overthrowing the human race. Soaring Eagle has received the call to join the Order. The only problem is he doesn't remember anything but his name. Injured while on the way to join his new brothers, he meets Ana, a mysterious female he's immediately drawn to. Unable to fight the mating call, their souls bond. Just when it seem nothing can go wrong, he discovers that he's fallen for the very enemy he's meant to defeat. Memories flood back, and he's torn between the ghost of his dead mate and an endless desire for a forbidden female. No matter how he chooses, there will be betrayal. But who will face the consequences - his new mate or his brothers in the Order?

I actually could not finish this book. If you have read any of my reviews you that I like action & hotness, which this book had some of it, but to me It was almost like reading a B rated replica of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I tried multiple times to read it, have read other books and gone back to it. At more than halfway through,  I just couldn't get over the fact that is was just too much like BDB. I usually read books even if I don't like them, but I cannot get over something like that. Maybe its just me, because this book has received many great reviews so I hope I don't deter you from reading it, check out what the other reviews say or maybe even read a sample before you buy it. 

New Releases in Romance - Week of May 25, 2014

Hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day Weekend.  Here's a few new ones in case you find some time to sit outside and enjoy and good book.

Paranormal


Historical


Contemporary


Erotic

Review: Windswept (Kismet Cove 2) By: Susan Hayes

Title: Windswept (Kismet Cove 2) 
Author: Susan Hayes 
Source: Review Request 
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance M/F/M
Reviewer: Emi 

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

When Vivian arrives in the small town of Tofino for her best friend’s wedding, her own love life is the last thing on her mind. The winds of fate are changing, and soon she finds herself falling for the sinfully sexy owners of Breakers, the local bar. Tucker and Byron are selkies, seal shapeshifters from the colony of Kismet Cove. Bound together by blood, the two of them are destined to share a mate. They’ve just about given up hope of finding her when Vivian turns their world and their hearts upside down. Before long dark secrets, old wounds, and new enemies conspire against the three lovers. They’ll have to fight to stay together, defying family and tradition along the way. When trust is broken and forces conspire against them, can their love weather the storm?

 I have read many of Susan Hayes's books, and they are always a great read. Windswept, the second book in the Kismet Cover series, is another great addition in the world of Susan Hayes. I always enjoy books that have a little bit of everything, action, drama, and hotness. I was totally looking forward to Byron & Tucker's story and it did not disappoint. As we continue into the world of Selkie shifters on Kismet Cove, we get to know Vivian, Tucker,  & Byron a little better, who all made appearances Riptide. While Vivian is on vacation trying to get away from her everyday stress and see her BFF,  she was not expecting to fall in love, especially with two gorgeous men. Tucker & Byron are two selkies who follow their own rules, they still haven't found their mate, and they definitely were not expecting to find one anytime soon, until Vivian.

I thought Windswept was a great read, I definitely recommend this series. And honestly,  I totally recommend all of Susan Hayes books.    

Connect with  Susan 

Goodreads 

Links to buy Windswept 

Amazon  

  

 

Shifting my focus on other things besides reading and reveiwing

Hello Everyone

When I started this blog 6 years ago I never would have dreamed it would have grown so much in such a few years. I have seen authors and readers come and go and I have even seen a huge shift in the romance world over the last 6 years. I really feel like everything changes daily as I have too. I feel a great shift in what I do daily and reading and reviewing is not part of my world as much anymore. I really hate to say this but the large shift in romance has really affected me. I just don’t enjoy reading it as much as I use too. I feel like authors don’t put there soul into their books like they did a few years ago. It feels like they want to write a short story publish it and make money or just give it away to readers and to me they are missing out on giving us readers so much more. I want a story I can really lose myself in and over the last year I really haven’t found many authors to be able to achieve that. Most authors seem to skimp out of their story, characters and even villains but what is dishearten the most is the missing romance. I am so glad I kept most of my older books because I am afraid the romance world won’t be the same again. I know some romance writers will keep to the old romance path but most upcoming authors have no clue what romance really is and nor do the readers because they are getting told wrong buy bloggers and other readers who can careless about finding out what books is labeled what before the start promoting. I am sick of the rat race romance and the reading world has become so I am finding myself shifting.

I have always loved animals. I grew up with horses, cows, pigs, cats, dog’s heck we even had a pet raccoon and want to throw my focus more on helping homeless pets. There are so many being put down daily due to over population where people are not responsible pet owner. I have just recently volunteered with two animal rescues groups, and I am helping a couple of Friends pages on Facebook by sharing their homeless cats photos in hopes they get out of the high kill shelters. I just recently got a rescue kitten from a high kill shelter and opened a blog for her to help people become more aware of the situation I still love reading but I really feel the pull to help homeless cats in a large way. Some of you may be noticing the strong cat influence taking over on out Facebook page and that is totally my fault but it doesn’t help that I own 6 cats LOL.

Jasmyn is picking up on most of the load right now along with Emi. Caoledee is moving, Cynthia just started a job after years of being at home, so like me they are posing when they can.

As of right now the review request is still closed. We got overloaded and they need time to catch up.

I have a book shelf full of books I bought over 4 years ago and I hope I can find some enjoyment with them and if I do I will make sure I post a short review so you can find a good romance book too. I will be keeping up the features on the blog when an author submits them and Pandora feature will still be continuing because believe me I have a lot of rants in the reading world. I will also be posting my random things on Facebook and keep up with my featured articles in hops someone will listen so I will still be around hooping authors will come back to writing the real deal again. 

So, for now go fourth and keep reading and hoping to find that perfect book you never want to put down.  Laurie 

Review: In Love With a Wicked Man (MacLachlan Family and Friends #9) by Liz Carlyle

Title: In Love With a Wicked Man (MacLachlan Family and Friends #9)
Author: Liz Carlyle
Source: Amazon Vine
Genre: Hisotrical Romance, Regency
Length: Novel
Release Date: October 29, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 5
Sexual - 3

What does it matter if Kate Lady d'Allenay, has absolutely no marriage prospects? She has
a castle to tend, an estate to run, and a sister to watch over, which means she is never, ever reckless. Until an accident brings a handsome, virile stranger to Bellecombe Castle, and Kate finds herself tempted to surrender to her houseguest's wicked kisses.

Disowned by his aristocratic family, Lord Edward Quartermaine has turned his gifted mind to ruthless survival. Feared and vilified as proprietor of London's most notorious gaming salon, he now struggles to regain his memory, certain of only one thing: he wants all Kate is offering—and more.

But when Edward's memory returns, he and Kate realize how much they have wagered on a scandalous passion that could be her ruin, but perhaps his salvation.

I did not know this was book nine in a series until I went to write my review - and I still completely loved it.  It worked perfectly as a stand alone, but now I have another series and eight books to catch up with!

Lady Kate d'Allenay is a rare woman in England - she was able to inherit her families title and estates without needing to have a husband.  She has poured her life into making the estate a well-run prosperous place for her family and her people.  Lord Edward Quartermaine is about to shake her simple life up quite a bit by falling on his head and forgetting who he is.

Edward is quite a handsome man, and there are a few dialogs about this topic that are quite humerous and very clever.  The dialog in this book was one of the things I liked best.  It flowed naturally and was a joy to read.  Both Edward and Kate know that their attraction shouldn't go anywhere, but they can't seem to keep their hands off each other.  In fact, once Edward's memory returns it seems to get even harder for them to stay apart.

Things become especially interesting during the house party Kate hosts for her mother (but god forbid you call her that).  Her mother is one of the most amazing characters I have ever read and pushes several situations to a head in this story.  With a horrid ex-fiance running around, Kate is a little overwhelmed and when things take a turn for an even worse side, well, I just couldn't put the book down.

To top it all off there are two side romances that are perfectly woven into the fabric of Kate and Edward's story.  It wouldn't have been the same without them, but they never stole the spotlight from the main show, just made it even better.

Goodreads - Amazon - Barnes & Noble

Review: The Lotus Palace (The Pingkang Li Mysteries) by Jeannie Lin

Title: The Lotus Palace (The Pingkang Li Mysteries #1)
Author: Jeannie Lin
Source: Amazon Vine
Genre: Historical Romance, China
Length: Novel
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

It is a time of celebration in the Pingkang Li, where imperial scholars and bureaucrats mingle
with beautiful courtesans. At the center is the Lotus Palace, home of the most exquisite courtesans in China...

Maidservant Yue-ying is not one of those beauties. Street-smart and practical, she's content to live in the shadow of her infamous mistress—until she meets the aristocratic playboy Bai Huang.

Bai Huang lives in a privileged world Yue-ying can barely imagine, yet alone share, but as they are thrown together in an attempt to solve a deadly mystery, they both start to dream of a different life. Yet Bai Huang's position means that all she could ever be to him is his concubine—will she sacrifice her pride to follow her heart?

This was my first historical romance in Chinese culture.  I'd read some fantasy based on old myths, but never anything set in "real life."  The culture of the pleasure houses is very vibrant.  If the woman is considered a great beauty, she can live a life of ease - hosting grand parties and holding discussions with intellectuals and poets.  If the woman is flawed she becomes nothing more than a piece of flesh to buy and sell.  Mingyu is a great beauty, but her maidservant Yue-ying is flawed.  They are both shocked with the oldest son of a wealthy family, Bai Huang, begins to show an interest in Yue-ying.  (I did have a problem with the names at first just because they were very unfamiliar.)

During this time there are two horrible murders in the city, one of which is another courtesan, and Huang finds himself drawn into the investigation for a wide variety of reasons, dragging Yue-ying along with him.  This part of the story didn't flow as smoothly as the rest of the story for me.  It dragged quite often and slowed down the progress of the book overall.  I wish there had been either much more or less about it instead of it hovering uncertainly in the background for much of it.  It seemed to just be the excuse to get the two characters to have a conversation instead of a major driving force (which I think it was meant to be).

There is a HEA, but it seemed to be a little forced - but I won't be saying much more on that.  The romance was well written and I love how much of the culture was brought into the story.  From the clothing and hair accessories, to the family formalities it really brought the story to life.

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

Goodreads - Amazon - Barnes & Noble

KallypsoCon 2014

You are invited to join USA Today Bestselling Author Kallypso Masters and six of her BDSM-genre author friends for the first-ever KallypsoCon! The theme of this year's event is BDSM, of course, and she'll be joined by acclaimed authors Lexi Blake, Eliza Gayle, Annabel Joseph, Kennedy Layne, Red Phoenix, and Cherise Sinclair and our fans Oct. 10-12 in Everett, WA, near Seattle.

We'll spend a relaxing, informal weekend talking with our fans, watching demos from local BDSM community members, playing games, and talking about the books and characters you love. Here's a VERY tentative schedule:

Click here to learn more about the convention 

Review New Pack Order by Eve Langlias

Title: New Pack Order

Author:  Eve Langlias

Source: Author request

Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance

Length: Novella

Rating: 4

Sexual Rating: 4

Reviewed by: Laurie 

With the death of Roderick, an evil hybrid vampire, Marc and the other freed wolves should have breathed a sigh of relief. Instead, a new menace has arisen. It will take courage and cunning to battle it–or a cold hearted vampire who, despite his loner ways, not only forms a bond with a shewolf and a rogue, but establishes a New Pack Order.

Marc can’t escape the memories of what he did while under Roderick’s mental control, but he can attempt to atone. He begins his quest by saving a female Lycan who needs guidance—and a mate. The problem is convincing her to accept his help, and his love.

Thaddeus has lived too long to waste his time playing the games the other vampires indulge in. However, when it comes to keeping his kind safe from the notice of humans, he’ll do what it takes to stop a madman intent on starting a war. He embarks on a one man quest to avert disaster, but along the way discovers even a killer can become a hero—and a lover.

Antonia might regret losing her humanity, but with a werewolf and a vampire at her side, she discovers an inner strength and passion to not only live, and fight, but to love, not just one, but two very special men.

Eve Pack series are my favorites when it comes to reading erotic romance with M/F/M Ménage’s.

First off I have to say this is a series that needs to be read in order or you will be missing out on too much. I have followed this series and loved each book. I like this one but I felt like Thaddeus got more attention with Toni then Marc did. I basically felt like Marc was the third wheel in this relationship. I understand that Thaddeus was kind of the leader but he was able to explain himself more to Toni then Marc did. I know we got to know Marc in previous book but Toni has not. I just felt like that just because Toni and Marc were shifters then they should just accept each other without either one really declaring how they feel vs every time Thaddeus turned around he was declaring something to Toni even if it was a simple statement that he had feeling for her. I know I am probably picking things here, but I just wanted a more of a connection between Marc and Toni too.

I did love the way the new order was set and I felt Thaddeus, Toni and Marc did an excellent job coming together to set that order. I enjoyed the way the ashes were bought in and how strong Toni held things together.

The sex is hot, you just have to wait for it. I thought worked out of the best between these three. You get anal sex and more remember this is a M/F/M erotic romance.

This is a great action adventure addition to the series and I do believe it will be a hit with alot of readers out there. I recommend this series to anyone who love shifters and erotic romance. 

Cover Reveal and excerpt for Slow Hand by Victoria Vane

EXCERPT

SLOW HAND (Hot Cowboy Nights #1) Victoria Vane

He went to work on his shirt buttons. His collar was soon wide open revealing a generous show of muscular chest that make her hands itch to rip it off him. She diverted her gaze and curled her itchy hands by her sides.

“Have no fear, cowboy,” Nikki replied in a tone meant to disguise the warm flush that had come over her. “I corralled all my wild impulses long ago.”

“Did you, now?” He still stood in doorway, head cocked. “Somehow, I think you may have missed a few strays.”

“Maybe I need to make myself clearer. I have an aversion to cocky cowboys.”

Just keep telling yourself that, Nikki. Maybe if you repeat it often enough it’ll become true.

“Is that so?” His brows flew upward. “I can’t say I ever met a woman with an actual aversion to me.”

“Don’t take it personally. It’s nothing against you in particular, but to your type.”

“And what do you think you know about my type?”

“Since I don’t have a pole handy, enough to keep you at arms-length. Besides that, this whole line of conversation is entirely inappropriate in light of professional ethics, don’t you think? You are my attorney, after all.”

“Well, darlin’,” he scratched his unshaven jaw, “there’s a little hitch to that.”

“What do you mean? You said you’d help me.”

“And I will, but you can’t engage my professional services until I know who you are.”

“I’ve told you who I am!” she insisted.

“Sweetheart, I’m a lawyer, and according to the law, your claim don’t weigh without authentication.”

“Authentication?”

“Proof.”

“So what are you saying? That you don’t believe me?”

“I’m not saying that at all. Only that our professional relationship will commence once you get your I.D. In the interim,” His gaze slid over her in a way that threatened to melt her insides, “you’d best find yourself a nice, long, sturdy pole.”

About the author 

Victoria Vane is an award-winning author of smart and sexy romance. Her collective works of fiction range from historical to contemporary settings and include everything from wild comedic romps to emotionally compelling erotic romance. Her biggest writing influences are Georgette Heyer, Robin Schone, and Sylvia Day. Victoria is the founder of Goodreads Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers and the Romantic Historical Lovers book review blog. Look for her sexy new contemporary cowboy series coming from Sourcebooks in 2014.

Email: Victoria.vane@hotmail.com

Facebook: Author Victoria Vane

Twitter: @authorvictoriav

Link to author blog:  VICTORIA VANE’S TITILLATING TIDBITS

Review: Blackmailed by the Billionaire Brewer by Rachel Lyndhurst

Title: Blackmailed by the Billionaire Brewer
Author: Rachel Lyndhurst
Source: Entangled - Indulgence
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: May 19, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 3

Piper Reilly is in trouble. She needs a cash infusion, and she’s just left a scorching hot man
in Florida to get her life in Colorado back on track. Then her surfside one-night-stand turns out to be her new boss, billionaire Matt DeLeo, with an offer she can’t refuse – agree to be the face of his brewery’s newest concoction or lose her job. A few weeks modeling for the billionaire playboy and her money worries are over, and she can definitely resist Matt’s gorgeous smile and muscular, tattooed arms. It’s strictly business. Right?

Matt DeLeo is in trouble. He’s found the perfect woman to sell Passion Creek Brewery’s newest brew, but if he wants her on his posters, he’ll have to keep his hands to himself. His problem? All he wants to do is drink in Piper. It will take more than blackmail for Matt to get his way.

I almost didn't pick up this one to read.  The title seemed a little extreme and I wasn't a big fan of the cover (yes I do judge books by them - especially if I'm on the fence about the blurb).  I'm glad I decided to give it a go because there was a lot of good stuff in these pages.

Piper was a riot.  She was sarcastic, opinionated, artsy and had a soft spot for stray kitties - just my kind of girl.  Piper and her pregnant cat have quite the adventure with billionaire Matt DeLeo - and I loved that the cat actually played a minor role in helping push the two together.  I wish I could talk one of my furry ones into finding me a billionaire.  Of course, Piper doesn't see it as such a good thing.

Matt is an obnoxious rich boy snob that thinks he can somehow buy whatever he needs in life.  I really didn't like him at first - but his good will toward kitty made me willing to give him a chance.  It let him show a small bit of his softer side that kept me hoping he would turn out all right.  Throughout the story he seems more concerned with keeping Piper at arms length and promoting his new beer than anything else.

Their relationship was an odd one.  I'm still not sure how they ended up falling for each other eventually.  There were parts of it I loved and parts that I either didn't get or didn't like as well.  I'm very glad I decided to pick it up though, the ending was one of the sweetest I've seen in a long time - just ask kitty, she was there, too.

Goodreads - Amazon - Barnes & Noble 

Romancing the Capital 2015!!

Calling all Canadian readers and authors to one of the first ever Canadian Romance Convention 

Welcome to Romancing the Capital (RTC2015), the information site for the upcoming Ottawa Romance Convention hosted and sponsored in part by Eve Langlais

When: April 17th & 18th, 2015

Where: Holiday Inn & Suites Ottawa/Kanata

Registration: $115 for Readers / $150+ for Authors

Click here for complete details  Make sure you see that already impressive list of attending authors. 

Review: Bencher Family Bundle by Inara Scott

Title: Bencher Family Bundle (Rules of Negotiation, The Boss's Fake Fiance, and Falling for Mr. Wrong
Author: Inara Scott
Source: Entangled - Indulgence
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella Bundle
Release Date: February 10, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 5
Sexual - 3

Rules of Negotiation
In a no-strings attached fling, NYC’s most eligible bachelor, Brit Bencher, vows to make a high-powered corporate attorney, Tori Anderson, feel like a woman. But what will she do when he decides he won’t take “one night stand” for an answer?

The Boss's Fake Fiance
No relationships, that’s billionaire Garth Solen’s rule—especially not with a woman like his new employee Melissa Bencher, who thinks with her heart and not her head. But all bets are off when Melissa tries to make her jerk ex-boyfriend jealous by suggesting that she’s dating her gorgeous boss. The game is clear: for one month, they play the part of an engaged couple, and then they part ways. No emotions. No entanglements. But when it comes to matters of the heart, Melissa’s never been good at following the rules…

Falling for Mr. Wrong
Kelsey is as far from Ross Bencher's ideal as a woman can get, but she continues to bewitch him at every turn. As a single father of three, Ross knows the kind of woman he needs: someone predictable, reliable, and safe; someone who can give his kids the security they deserve. Someone completely different from Kelsey, his temporary nanny, who only has the Himalayan climbing expedition on her mind. She knows that she can't afford any second-guessing, attachments, or distractions, but try telling that to her heart when Ross's blue eyes and strong hands leave her gasping... and questioning everything she's ever known about love.

Rules of Negotiation:
Meet Sam and Brit - I can't figure out which one I loved the most at the end of the book.  Sam is a workaholic that puts in 80 plus hours a week trying to make partner at her law firm.  She's an amazing lawyer and that's how she runs into Brit.  He's buying her clients company - but he has something else he wants as well, and plans to seduce her to get it (the big jerk face).  But it all comes back to kick him in the butt when he falls for her and she figures out what he's done.

Now I don't normally like romances that start with a bunch of lies - but something about Brit really won me over.  In this book we get to meet Brit's family - which star in the next novels in the bundle and it really sets the stage well for their stories to begin.

The Boss's Fake Fiance
Melissa is Brit's little sister.  She's a technology genius and has landed her dream job with Garth Soren's company.  One small problem, she's got a crush on the boss.  When she tells an itty bitty fib to get back at her cheating bastard of an ex-boyfriend things get really out of control.

Garth is a private man - a man that doesn't like his emotions or personal life to be anything but personal.  So when the papers announce that he has a fiance he didn't know about he's pissed.  His punishment is to make Melissa play along for awhile.  Their plan leads to some very interesting things.  I loved Melissa for her personality and I loved Garth for his awkwardness.  They made such a cute couple, even if it was fake...but the ending...the ending had me almost in tears.

Fall for Mr. Wrong

On the surface Ross and Kelsey are all wrong for each other. Ross wants a stable, reliable, and safe woman. Kelsey is far from that. She hikes deadly mountians and risks her life, no challenge is too big for her. So why can't they seem to keep away from each other when Kelsey takes a temporary position as the nanny for his three kids (I loved all three of them by the end). As they grow closer and closer they both realize that neither one of them really knows what they want out of life. But Kelsey is about to leave to attempt the most dangerous summit in the world, and they are running out of time to figure it out. This was a fantastic book, with just the tiniest hint of danger on the horizon. Kelsey was so very relatable - while appearing perfect at first, I grew to love each and every one of her flaws as they showed up.

Goodreads - Amazon - Barnes & Noble

Cover Reveal: Torrent by Gemma James

Torrent by Gemma James
Publication date: July 22nd 2014
Genres: Erotica, Romance

I’ve been obsessed with Rafe Mason since I was thirteen. The twisted part of this story is that I still want him, even now.

Now that he’s holding me captive on an island.

Rafe has his reasons for doing what he’s doing, and if I’m honest, I can’t blame him—I’m the girl who sent him to prison for a heinous crime he didn’t commit.

But now he’s free and the tables have turned…now he’s the one driven by obsession.

Goodreads

AUTHOR BIO:

Gemma James (a pseudonym for Christina Jean Michaels) loves to explore the darker side of sex in her fiction. She's morbidly curious about anything dark and edgy and enjoys exploring the deviant side of human nature. Her stories have been described as being "not for the faint of heart."

She lives with her husband and their four children—three rambunctious UFC/wrestling-loving boys and one girl who steals everyone’s attention.

Blog - Twitter - Facebook - Goodreads

Erotic Romance...What It Is, and Is Not. by Romance author Tracy Cooper-Posey

Erotic Romance...What It Is, and Is Not.

Erotic romance first crept into the publishing industry at the turn of the millennium.  Fast forward nearly fifteen years, and it’s one of the hottest genres in town, thanks to books (and now movies!) like Fifty Shades of Grey.

But despite fame, fortune and a decent dollop of notoriety, there are still a huge number of readers and even authors and editors, marketers and agents, who still don’t fully understand what erotic romance is.

…and what it is not.  The most common misconception about erotic romance is that it’s just romantic (read “emotional” or “sappy”) erotica.  It isn’t.  Erotica is a quite separate genre with very little in common with erotic romance. 

Erotic romance is many things, but it is not a sub-genre of Erotica. 

Erotica is a specialized form of storytelling with very different aims from those of erotic romance.

Its primary function is to arouse and titillate the reader using language, metaphor, imagery and more.  Everything in the book, including word-choice, is designed to provoke a physical response in the reader, and to stir their sensuality. 

Erotica may have a coherent, linear plot.  Then again, it may not have anything resembling a story at all – it could be a series of vignettes, scenes or “moments” all compiled with the sole objective of stimulating the reader’s physical responses.  Viewpoint characters can change without notice, and there may not be a lead character at all.

There is a strong argument in favor of classifying Fifty Shades of Grey as Erotica – and not erotic romance.

Why?

Erotic Romance is a sub-genre of Romance

Erotic Romance began as a (very) racy sub-genre of romances.  Romance authors were drawn to the freedom of story-telling available within erotic romance, as well as the unique (back then) method of telling a romance via the sexual sub-plot, plus all the very different types of stories that could now be told with the bedroom door wide open.  Broad-minded readers loved them. 

There are a great many rules and conventions that the Romance industry and its devoted readers expect to find within the pages of any romance.  Erotic Romance meets every single one of those expectations…and delivers more, besides.

1.  There is always a hero and a heroine.  Sometimes there is more than one hero, but there is always at least one.

2.  A romance always develops between the hero and heroine…and it always, always, always ends happily.  (Thus disqualifying a huge number of stories that the non-romance reading public consider to be romances, including Gone with the Wind, and the Fifty Shades series).

3.  There is romantic conflict.  The happy-ever-after ending is always put in jeopardy in an Erotic Romance, just as it is within the pages of a “normal” romance – although often, the conflict is played out via sexual issues (but not always).

4. The hero(es) is/are always to die for.  J

5.  And often not acknowledged:  Just like any other popular fiction genre, romances tell a story.  There is a coherent plot, conflict, and a happy resolution.

Then there are the bonuses that Erotic Romance brings, including:

1. More adventurous story-telling.  There are very few limits on what erotic romance readers are willing to try.

2. Sex!  In all its steamy glory, described in loving detail.

3. Because the bedroom door is left open, the reader gets to see the romantic relationship developing through all its stages, from awkward (often hostile) strangers, through all the intimacy and trust that develops through sex , to the final conclusion of the romance.  All the little by-plays and fun relationship building stuff that happen in a bedroom (or anywhere else!) the reader gets to share, too.

Erotic romance is a mature market

Erotic romance, when it first became popular, inched its way into the hearts and minds of romance readers a step at a time.   The very first erotic romances (including a few of mine) were considered racy and risqué, and for most of the romance industry, quite shocking with their frank language and imagery.  But now, fifteen years on, those early erotic romances are just sexy romances.  They don’t qualify as erotic romance anymore.

Those tamer, older erotic romances’ frank sex scenes barely raise eyebrows, while the other end of the erotic romance spectrum has extremes of BDSM, multiple partners, and much, much more.  Erotic romance authors keep pushing the limits, experimenting and having a great time telling new, fresh stories.

Erotic romance has been absorbed into romanceland and now, quite often (and especially for the milder version), there are no warnings about hot sex, and the erotic romance is shelved amongst its tamer cousins, instead of being stuck in a discrete corner with plastic wrap and R-Rated labels slapped on it.

In other words, erotic romance is now just another sub-genre of Romance, like paranormal, romantic suspense and historicals.  You get to pick and choose according to your personal reading tastes.  

Makes you wonder what the inventive writers of romance will come up with next, huh?

______

Tracy Cooper-Posey writes erotic vampire romance series and hot romantic suspense. She has been nominated for five CAPAs including Favorite Author, and won the Emma Darcy Award.  She published 35 titles via legacy publishers before switching to indie publishing in March 2011. She has published over 45 indie titles to date.  Her indie books have made her an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author and have been nominated four times for Book of the Year.  Byzantine Heartbreak won the title in 2012.  Tracy has been a national magazine editor and for a decade she taught romance writing at MacEwan University.  An Australian, she lives in Edmonton, Canada with her husband, a former professional wrestler, where she moved in 1996 after meeting him on-line.  Her website can be found at http://TracyCooperPosey.com.

If you're a erotic romance author and you like to write an article telling everyone the difference between Erotic Romance and Erotica please email Laurie at bittenbyromance@gmail.com 

Review: THE PAYMENT SERIES by Cassandra Carr

THE PAYMENT SERIES (Prized, Possessed, Purgatory)

Author - Cassandra Carr

Source:  Provided by the author for an honest review

Genre:  Erotica (Consensual Non Consent)

Length:  Written as a three part Serial

Reviewed by:  Cynthia (Artemis)

Rating - 2

Sexual - 5

Catrina Carter is in over her head. Way over her head. She’s in debt and, short of bankruptcy, which wouldn’t happen fast enough to pay the creditors nipping at her heels, Catrina has few choices. Eviction is coming any day, and even though she traded in her great car for a “more affordable” model, it's about to be repossessed too. Catrina goes to Debt Management Associates, or DMA, for help. The cost for DMA's help is something she never thought she could pay, but out of options, Catrina agrees to serve a man who pays her debt in full, and begins training in how to please him. Jared. Her new benefactor. He is tasked with helping Catrina get her life back on track, in addition to taking his pleasure with her and ordering her to oblige friends, colleagues, and even total strangers sexually on his whim.When Catrina leaves the DMA program after her one year term of service, will she be able to keep the lessons Jared literally spanked into her topmost in her mind, or will old habits rear their designer heads?

Individual blurbs:

Prized: The Payment series, part 1

After agreeing to a one-year term of service with a benefactor who can pay her debt, Catrina Carter begins training in how to please a man. But will a benefactor be willing to spend such an astronomical sum—one hundred and fifty thousand dollars—just to have her for a year? She’s about to find out.

Possessed: The Payment series, part 2

Jared, Catrina’s “benefactor”, has agreed to pay off her debt in exchange for one year of service to him. In addition to taking his own pleasure with her, Jared offers Catrina to friends, colleagues, and even total strangers on his whim. But it’s not all fun and pleasure for Jared. As part of the agreement, he’s tasked with helping Catrina get her life back on track. He’ll succeed even if he has to spank every piece of financial information into her, and he finds he just might have to do that.

Purgatory: The Payment series, part 3

Catrina has finished her year-long term of service to Jared, her benefactor, who paid all her debt off. Now she’s on her own again. Will she be able to keep the lessons Jared literally spanked into her topmost in her mind, or will old habits rear their designer heads.

Poor Catrina.  She's a silly girl who likes trendy clothes, a trendy car, lives in a trendy neighborhood, but doesn't have the income to support her spendthrift ways.  When her girlfriend tells her about DMA, she jumps at the chance to find a quick fix to her money problems.  Unfortunately, the featherbrained twit has no idea what she is getting herself into and would have been better off filing bankruptcy.  Instead to have her debt wiped clean, she signs a contract to serve as a sex slave for one year - no questions asked.  Tacked on to the year is the training she must endure before and the months of "follow-up" after her year of service is completed. 

At the auction, Jared antes up and pays off Catrina's debt (and then some; so she will have a "little extra" in the bank when her term of service is finished).  Jared takes his duties very seriously as Catrina's "benefactor" ensuring she is "regularly spanked as per program guidelines."  The majority of Catrina's learning and training was performed on her knees servicing and being available to Jared and others.

THE PAYMENT SERIES is hard-core erotica.  There are no fairytales here, lusty sex scenes or love.  The purpose of Catrina's service is because she "couldn't control her spending."  Some of what you will find are numerous spankings with various implements, gang bangs, anal sex, oral sex, ATM, humiliation, and a machine. At times, the scenes became repetitive and boring, and I didn't really think they served a purpose. Catrina's ass was "reddened" each and every day, often many times a day - it's a wonder she didn't have permanent physical damage.

Finally, Catrina's year of sexual servitude has cum to an end...she's free!  Jared did his utmost best teaching Catrina about finances and how to be financially responsible.  And now the DMA are kind enough to obtain new employment for her.   **Unfuckinbelievable**  That did it...they're all TSTL.