Santa Please by Jade Falconer

Santa Please by Jade Falconer
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Short(28 pgs)
Other: M/M
Rating: 3.5 Cherries
Review by: Cactus

When handsome and distinguished Ian takes a job as a department store Santa, he hopes for a little extra money and some relief from the loneliness of the holiday season. What he finds is the gorgeous James, hired to be his elf, and despite their age difference they might just turn out to be perfect for each other.

When a sexy older Santa discovers his temporary help is a delicious young elf, Santa can’t help making an early Christmas wish.

Professor Ian takes a part time job as Santa to help fill the holiday time he normally spends alone and gets a surprise in flirty and outgoing James, a music student earning extra money as an elf. The temperature soars between these two as they flirt their way through the Christmas season.

James and Ian are two sexy and fun characters with a mutual chemistry that sparks immediately in the dressing room. Two ridiculous outfits make for an easy and quick comfort between the men and also a peek at two fit bodies. When they go for a drink after the first day of their new jobs, the flirting and teasing escalates until both men can’t wait to take advantage of the interest beneath the innuendo. Their scorching hot and sexy coupling sets the stage for their May/December relationship.

Despite the story length, both men are charming in their own way. Ian as an older man, uncertain and hesitant with a much younger new lover but wanting to spoil and take care of him out of love. James, while young and slightly immature, has a charismatic personality that delights and entertains. He clearly is enamored of the older man and cares about him regardless of age and differences in their lives.

When a story is this short, there is just enough to entice and this story gives that. With fun and witty dialogue and flirty, humorous antics these men give a romantic and entertaining glimpse at the beginning of their relationship. Neither character had much depth but that didn’t detract from the warmth of the story. If you’re looking for a short, holiday offering with a sexy Santa and his hot elf, this story definitely delivers.

The Gift by Kim Dare

The Gift by Kim Dare
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Paranormal
Length: Short (76 pgs)
Other: M/M, BDSM
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by: Cactus

If Charles prefers leather to tinsel, that's okay. Nicky is still sure he can teach his master to love Christmas – with the aid of a perfect gift.

Just because Charles doesn't see any point in making a fuss about Christmas, that doesn't mean he can't tolerate Nicky's passion for tinsel and holly. He's never forbidden his pet from enjoying any of his Christmas traditions and he thinks that's enough.

Nicky has one ambition – to give his master a perfect Christmas. He's willing to do anything to make that happen – even if it means taking risks and asking his master for special privileges - even if it means inviting a third man into their bed.

The Spirit of Christmas Past isn't used to visiting Christmases that involve quite so much nudity, passion or kinky sex. Leading a dominant man like Charles through the Christmases isn't easy – and keeping his eyes off the frequently naked Nicky is impossible. Still, all the spirit can do is enjoy the show – because his job is to bring lovers together and fade away inconspicuously. That's the plan. However, if someone suddenly wants to thank him, who is he to say no?

In a twist on the classic Christmas Story tale, Charles is visited by a sexy ghost of Christmas Past to help show him the meaning of Christmas. Mix in chocolate, sex toys, a delicious and obedient pet with a whole mountain of tinsel and the recipe for a great Christmas has never been better. Unfortunately Charles was never a big fan of Christmas and only indulged his beloved pet Nicky during the holiday. It takes a spirit to show Charles and Nicky that some of the best things can be had at Christmas.

Both Nicky and Charles are wonderfully drawn and engaging characters. Charles demonstrates loving domination and cares deeply about Nicky. While Charles has never been a particular fan of the Christmas holiday, he indulges Nicky’s love of the season every year. What Charles sometimes mistakes is Nicky’s deep seated insecurities that never really go away as well as Nicky’s need to be praised often. Nicky’s wonderful obedience often leads to miscommunications on both sides.

Nicky is delightful with his insecure yet loving service of Charles. Nicky’s adoration for his master is so evident and obvious that he often forgets himself and second guesses his own instincts. He frequently misconstrues comments, always expecting the worst and the negative connotation. It takes Charles’ unwavering love and support to work out these problems and reassure Nicky of his place in Charles’ life and heart. Nicky’s love of Christmas and his desire for Charles to love the holiday too is an extension of Nicky’s wish to make Charles happy and share something he loves. Also, the spirit was a fun addition to the story, adding an element of steamy sex to a normally forgettable character.

This is a well-written and charming tale that managed to elicit a lot of emotion for its short length. My heart broke a little for Nicky as he tries so hard yet can’t quite believe the compliments he’s given and I loved Charles’ gruff demand instead of asking at the end. The newfound confidence both men had as well as Charles’ final quote added a romantic and lovely ending to a great holiday tale.

Sweet Dreams by Jenny Penn

Sweet Dreams by Jenny Penn
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short (128 pages)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, Ménage
Rating: 4.5 Books
Review by: Hibiscus

Shawn and Trent Baxter have a problem. They need a woman. Not just any woman--their soul mate. They'll do just about anything to get her.

Anna May might be just the woman the Baxter twins are looking for, but she isn't about to let two arrogant cowboys just walk into her life and take over, soul mates or not.

Passions flare and tempers ignite when these three collide. When the dust settles will Shawn and Trent be able to convince Anna May to take a chance on love or will they lose it all?

As Shawn Baxter soon realized, I also saw that this is not your average fairy tale. There is no Tinker-Bell or light, happy fairies in their fairyland. This is a fascinating story of curses, debts and magic that affect the Baxter boys and I loved it from beginning to end.

Mike Baxter is the eldest brother who fooled around with a supposed witch’s little sister. Leslie puts a curse on the family starting with the youngest brothers, Trent and Shawn. The story is hilarious when I listened to Trent and Shawn talk about their life in Lillie Mae’s dollhouse but she does help them get in touch with Peter the Great and brings Anna Mae to them. I enjoyed watching Trent and Shawn figure out what they had to do in order to break the curse.

Shawn reminded me of a wounded warrior. He is very rough around the edges. On first look, a person would not like him very much but as I watched him in the story, I could see the huge hole that he had that needed to be filled with love. I could tell that Shawn is also the stronger of the twins as he was the brother that had to promise a future favor to Peter the Great in order to obtain his help. Trent is very sexy also but he is more of what I would consider a peacemaker. Trent smoothes over any damage that Shawn may have inadvertently done by his words or actions.

I learned quite a bit about Anna Mae as she was in Dreamland with the twins. I knew that she was a caring person, not only with her relationship with her mother but also with the twins. She believes that she is married to them both and her every action shows the depth of her love for both of them. Unfortunately, when the curse is broken, Anna is ripped from Dreamland and the twins and the real fun begins. I like to think of it as an eye for an eye.

I really liked this quirky tale of tiny twins; leather clad, motorcycle riding fairies and a Dreamland where nothing is a dream. This story is definitely worth picking up especially if you like ménages as Ms. Penn has a fantastic way with them and had me wanting the twins even if they were only two inches tall. I can’t wait to see what the curse is for the rest of the Baxter boys.

Exposure by Lisabet Sarai

Exposure by Lisabet Sarai
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full (185 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, F/F, Multiple Partners, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by: Freesia

Stella is just minding her own business and having a bit of fun, working as an exotic dancer at the Peacock Lounge. Through no fault of her own, she witnesses a double murder and gets pulled into a shady dance of deceit with political bigwigs, mob bosses, dirty cops and scheming widows. Now she’s everyone’s target; her only chance is to sift through the lies and expose the truth.

Exposure starts off with a bang and the action never stops! There is hot action as in a murder mystery complete with mobsters, wicked politicians, and even a voodoo Barbie doll. There is also hot action as in such a large quantity of scorching sex scenes that you will have to take short breaks in order to recover!

I thoroughly enjoyed this heroine who will knock your socks off, literally. Stella is a stripper and she’s proud of it. She lives a simple live in her late father’s home and works as a stripper by night. She knows what she wants and her attitude is infectious. No matter what is going on in her life, she always takes time to fantasize about sex with both the men and women in her life. She has a voracious appetite for sex and she has no qualms about giving and taking what she needs.

Trouble looms when she’s propositioned to entertain a V.I.P. for a hefty sum of money and she takes the offer. It turns out to be a choice that will change her life forever. When Stella tries to solve the mystery, she finds herself in the middle of a huge, dirty political vortex and will spin her life completely out of control.

I will warn you that this author will not lead you on…when it comes to hot sex and erotic writing, she delivers again and again. This book is not for the easily shocked, faint of heart, or squeamish type of reader. There is some violence with sexual objects and very graphic sexual situations.

If you enjoy a great mystery thriller chock full of sex with multiple partners and rich fantasy content, you’ll love Exposure.

Trackers by Rileigh St. James

Trackers by Rileigh St. James
Publisher: Wicked Women of Color LLC
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full (198 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

Lukah is the first and only female Alpha in the history of wolf shifters. When enemies rise up to threaten her pack and her family, Lukah turns to the one man she knows can help her: Jacob, Grand Alpha - and her former lover. Can years of animosity be wiped clean, or is he the one she should truly fear?

There’s a time to be tough and a time to be soft. If you’re the alpha and you’re a woman, you don’t have time to be anything but tough as nails. Such is the story of Trackers.

Ms. St. James writes a gripping romance, packed with action and adventure. Her heroine, Lukah, is the type of woman we strive to be: she’s smart, cunning, and independent. The hero Jacob comes off as a bit smug, but he seems to have her best interests at heart.

I enjoyed the twists and turns in this novel. I would’ve liked the romance to be a bit more pronounced between Lukah and Jacob. Though she claimed to be tough, her emotions ran the gamut of hot and cold where Jacob was concerned. But with her mind running in so many directions, it was easy to see why she acted so combative with him. The reader can relate with her struggle to maintain order despite the fact that she was the female alpha in a male world.

If you want a story about a strong, independent woman, with wolf-shifter twist, then grab a copy of Trackers. I give this novel 4 cherries.

The Devil Made Me Do It by Jaxx Steele

The Devil Made Me Do It by Jaxx Steele
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (48 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/M, Spanking
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Cholla

What happens with the devil comes a knockin’?

Rick Michelson was a good man with a good life. He liked his job and had a great relationship with his lover. All was well in his life until the night Lucifer showed up in his living room. Lucifer decided Rick was the perfect one to target to relieve some late night boredom.

Find out if have what it takes to read The Devil Made Me Do It!

A fascinating twist on a story as old as time! A conservative, straight-laced teacher is taken on the journey of his lifetime in one night of pleasure. What would you do, faced with a challenge from the devil?

Jaxx Steele took one of literature’s most common themes and turned it into a delicious and decadent overnight romp. The pairing of Rick and Terry is great – one more reserved while the other is a tad on the wild side – shows them as a very realistic couple. Rick’s trials the night he’s approached by the Devil run from the mildly erotic to the unbelievably kinky. His struggles to accept what is happening to him while trying to reconcile it with what he knows to be right.

The Devil Made Me Do It is a must-read for any lover of a good, hot male-male romance. Layered with a loving relationship, steamy sex, and internal struggle, it’s a sure pleaser!

SnowFire : Fire and Water Gate by K. Z. Snow

SnowFire: Fire and Water Gate by K.Z. Snow
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short
Other: M/F, Voyeurism
Rating: 3.5 Cherries
Review by Agapanthus

When fire elemental Salomon “crashes” a wizard’s astral gate, he’s fortunate to be invited into the Magic Circle rather than kicked to the cosmic curb. When water elemental Acwilla joins him there, he’s even more fortunate.

By adopting human form, they discover that the coupling of opposites can not only elevate their natures, it can also result in a sizzlingly good time.

It can take time and patience to find the mate of your dreams. This fact is instilled once again in the short story Fire and Water Gate.

Showing once again that the SnowFire series of shorts is a growing group of talented writers with a great potential, K Z Snow shows a great depth of characters and a good grasp of thewritten word with vivid and descriptive erotic scenes.

Fire and Water Gate is a good story, with a depth of characters and amount of foreshadowing that could very easily lead to a much longer story with this wizard and these two elementals. Despite wishing for just a little more story to the story, I heartily enjoyed this hot read.

The Enchantress by Morgan Ashbury

The Enchantress by Morgan Ashbury
Publisher: Siren Bookstrand Publishing Inc.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary
Length: Short (91 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

It's rumored that Twyla Harper is a thief. With a smile and a wink, she seems able to get most anyone to do anything.
Then one day she meets Nicholas Coultrain, a charming Irish rogue. Used to keeping men at arm's length, she isn't prepared for the speed with which he gets under her skin and into her heart. There's only one problem: he's a security consultant whose company is about to be destroyed because of a heist Twyla pulled.

Nicholas is out of his element, out of his area, and nearly out of time. When a good client is robbed, his only hope is to find the thief, and return the millions of dollars worth of gems. An anonymous tip points him at Twyla. But meeting 'the Enchantress' only makes things more complicated: it's hard to set a trap for the woman when he's falling in love with her.

Add one thief, one security specialist, and stolen jewels and what have you got? The Enchantress: Song of the Sirens 2.

Ms. Ashbury writes a great suspenseful novel. The conflicts keep the reader entertained and on the edge of his or her seat. I liked that her characters were strong-willed, down to earth, and willing to bend to meet in the middle. That combination of traits made the characters, Twyla and Nicholas easy to relate to. I also liked Ms. Ashbury’s use of contradictions. A thief shouldn’t work with a securities specialist, but in her novel it works and works well.

I respected Twyla’s need to stay private with her life. When you meet someone, how much do you really want to divulge to them on the first date? I also respected her desire to follow her heart and give Nicholas a try. As for Nicholas as a hero, I respected his desire to clear his name and liked his vigilance when it came to convincing Twyla that they would make a good pair. I like a hero that knows when to stand up and when to stand behind, just as Nicholas did. Very touching.

If you want a novel filled with red-hot love scenes, action, adventure, and precious jewels, then look no further than The Enchantress: Song of the Sirens 2. I give this novel 4 ½ cherries.

Full Moon Heat by Lia Connor

Full Moon Heat by Lia Connor
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short (59 pgs)
Other: M/F/M, Ménage
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Agapanthus

BBW. Big, Beautiful, and definitely all Woman. Woman enough for any two men -- and she can’t find even one who won’t disappoint her. Park Ranger Dashika McMartin is tough as nails, and proud of her heritage as both a Black woman and a Native American. She’s looking for a man who can satisfy her, both in bed and out. But so far the men she’s dated have been a big disappointment. How’s she going to find a man when she’s been transferred to the ends of the Earth? For now she’ll have to satisfy herself with dreams -- and her battery operated toys.

Dashika’s dreams are about to crash headlong into a reality she could never have imagined. Her new job takes her on a trek through the wilds of Vermont’s National Forest, where she finds herself stalked -- by wolves? As if the heavens have opened up to drop her secret fantasies in her tent, not one, but two men appear out of nowhere. Before she can make up her mind which one she wants to keep, they transform into wolves and run off again! This reality is beyond belief -- but then so is the sex. There’s no way Dashika going to let her man -- men -- get away. Now it’s her turn to do the stalking!

Minding your own business in the woods camping, run into two really big wolves, end up changing your life.

Granted this story is a great twist to a traditional style of story of finding your path it rings with many of the same aspects of a traditional American Indian story, with considerably more sex than you find in traditional stories. Still, I have to say that I greatly enjoy not only reading a story about a mix blood Indian, but also one that has a life changing event slapped into her lap. As a mix blood, and one who has been on the receiving of spiritual spankings, and a BBW, I definitely relate to Dashika in this story.

Filled with characters full of spirit and attitude, a great story line, and on top of that very well written, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will look forward to more from Lia Connor. Keep those Indian stories rollin' girl.

Of Witches and Wolves by Allmine and Rileigh St. James

Of Witches and Wolves by Allmine and Rileigh St. James
Publisher: Wicked Women of Color Press, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal
Length: Full (154 pages)
Other: IR, M/F, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

Authors Allmine and Rileigh St James offer you three paranormal tales of lost love, seduction, and romance in their first anthology.

Echolalia ~ Under the light of the full moon, a powerful witch leads her followers into the forest where the men of the North await them. Part man, part beast, the Stag King reveals himself to be the true mate of the High Priestess, and together they embrace a seductive love truly sent from the Divine. Can the magick and mystery of an ancient ritual save them from separation?

Assumptions ~ Lincoln Hastings assumes his live-in assistant is nothing more than that - his live-in assistant. However, when he has to track her down on her night off, after not being able to locate a much needed file for an upcoming business meeting, he's not prepared for what he finds. Soon, the shifter learns to never judge a book by its cover... or a woman by her wardrobe.

Peaches ~ Vivienne had never known love the way she'd known it with her high school sweetheat, Danny. After his death, she'd closed her heart to any possibility of knowing that same kind of love, or ever being whole again. But, when her past love begins to haunt her dreams, Vivienne learns that true love really is forever - even in death.

Mating ritual involving a high priestess and the Stag King? Check. Seducing a wolf-shifter? Done! Making love to a ghost… whoa! It’s all possible in Of Witches and Wolves by Allmine and Rileigh St. James.

This novel consists of three novellas: Echolalia by Allmine, Assumptions by Allmine and Rileigh St. James, and Peaches by Rileigh St. James. All three stories are unique and captivating on their own, but make a bold statement together in this novel.

I liked the idea that the hero and heroine weren’t afraid to bend the rules in order to forge their blossoming love in Echolalia. Allmine’s descriptions of the mating masks are rich in detail, drawing the reader into the story. I liked the theme of desiring someone even when society or convention forbids it. That point was easy for the readers to relate to and very poignant.

You can’t hide lust, no matter how hard you try. I liked this theme in Assumptions. Lincoln, the hero, assumed his prissy personal assistant Anika wasn’t his type, although he lusted for her. When he finds her at the club The Jaded Underground, all bets are off. This steamy story put a unique shape-shifter spin on the dom-sub relationship. The reader could relate to Anika’s desire to know about Lincoln and her clumsy way of asking questions. We all want to know things and sometimes alcohol isn’t the best truth serum, but it’s a fun way to open the conversation.

In Peaches, Danny’s a ghost. Vivienne’s not, but he still manages to come to her for passionate sex. This story could’ve been depressing, but Ms. St. James gives it a touching treatment that leaves the reader satisfied. Vivienne calls her departed lover, Danny, with her heart, making their joining more profound. The passion sizzling between the characters is very evident and powerful.

If you want a selection of stories to warm a cold night, then pick up a copy of Of Witches and Wolves. I give this selection 4 ½ cherries.

The Collettes: Willa by Dahlia Rose

The Collettes: Willa by Dahlia Rose
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short (88 pages )
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

The saga of The Collette sisters comes to a close with this thrilling third installment! The final battles draws near.

Betrayed by the one person they thought they could trust, Willa Collette had to fight for her life as she and her family fled the one place they could call home. To protect her sisters, she leaves them behind in search of her piece of the Lazarus amulet and her mate who has called her from another plane.

Tyson Finn is now her eternal love and together they travel to New Mexico to complete their destiny. In ten days the final battle will be fought for the fate of mankind. The vampire sisters and the allies that have joined their quest will travel to the lair of Carthos, where the balance might shift and forever change the world.

She’s a child of darkness – a vampire. He’s a psychic and her mate. Is their love strong enough to battle the forces of good an evil? Such is the story of The Collettes: Willa.

Ms. Rose writes an intriguing and fast-paced novella with passion searing each page. Although Will is deemed the quiet, introverted sister, she proves that even introverts can possess extroverted qualities when the need arises. The conflict was tight, drawing the reader in from page one to see what happened to engaging heroine, Willa. I found this story very relatable because many people go through situations where they don’t realize their strength until they have to summon it just as Willa did. As the hero, Tyson was a quality alpha male who understood the nuances of a woman. He possessed the common sense to know when to stand beside her and when to defend her.

If you’re looking for a vampire novella that’s a little off the beaten path, but totally worth the read, then pick up a copy of The Collettes: Willa. You’re in for the ride of your life. I give this novella 4 ½ cherries!

A Devil’s Bargain by Emma Wildes

A Devil’s Bargain by Emma Wildes
Publisher: Siren Publishing Inc.
Genre: Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short (109 pages)
Other: M/F, Sex outside
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

Lady Isabelle is a pawn in a game where she doesn't even know the rules. When she finds herself in the hands of her father's worst enemy, she might just lose her very soul to a man who offers her a devil's bargain. With limited choices, she accepts Lord Devon's proposition. As captor and seducer, he steals everything from her, maybe even her heart.

He's jaded, lost, and bitter. Devon Austin knows his faults, just as much as he knows his innocence. When he exacts revenge on the daughter of an old adversary, he expects to feel freed of his burdens. Instead he finds himself captive, chained by her beauty and sensuality, caught in his own web of retaliation. When Isabelle insists he accompany her back to England to try and clear his name, he yields to the insanity, knowing if he loses her, he might be doomed to hell...

He’s not allowed home because of a crime he claims innocence of. She can’t do home because pirates raided her ship. What’s Devon going to do when Isabelle comes up for slave auction? Buy her up and offer her A Devil’s Bargain.

Ms. Wildes writes a steamy novella, packed with action and intrigue. I liked that the hero, Devon, had a rough exterior hiding his kind heart. I also liked that Isabelle wasn’t afraid to explore her sensual side with him. The addition of Thomas, the best friend, was a nice touch that added an extra measure of humanity to Devon’s rakish character. My favorite part was the moment she told him that his rakish behavior didn’t mask his civility. I gave her a lot of credit for being comfortably blunt with him. The secondary story of the murder kept the romance moving a swift clip and kept the reader engaged throughout.

If you want a steamy historical, with a tall, dark, and handsome hero and a cunning heroine, the grab a copy of A Devil’s Bargain. I give this novella 4 ½ cherries.

Gamble’s Game by Tara S. Nichols

Gamble’s Game by Tara S. Nichols
Publisher: Siren Publishing Inc.
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (115 pages)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, M/F/F, F/M/M/F, Ménage, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

A notorious player, Desiree Jones resists all attempts to trap her in a relationship. According to her, it's what made her parents miserable, and therefore, it is what would make her miserable.

Once a lover of Desiree's, Andrew Gamble doesn't agree and it is his hope to be the one who makes her see reason. Smitten from the first kiss, Gamble has not touched another woman since, so a bet to go without sounds more like an opportunity to seduce her to him.

Desiree's other competition is Joshua Tully, perpetually single and harmless, until the temptation of two week's wages are up for grabs. After that, it is open season, and the three of them do what ever it takes to push their pals over the sexual finish line. A parade of firemen visit Desiree's cash counter, a pretendsbian tryst is performed for Gamble, and a date is arranged for Tully.

A grocery store might not be the best place to hook-up. But when best friends work together, sparks are bound to fly. Such is the case at Terguson’s Foods between Desiree, Tully, and Gamble and Gamble has a solution – Gamble’s Game.

Ms. Nichols takes what could’ve been a mundane plot and turns it into a great read with engaging characters the reader can identify with. By the end of the novella, I felt like they were all my friends and I hated to finish. We all go through issues like Desiree. We hide our true feelings for fear we’ll be hurt. I liked that Ms. Nichols gave her a sharp tongue to combat the two men in her life. And like Gamble, when we know what we like, we tend to chase with our entire beings. Throughout the story, their passion was understated, but very evident. I rooted for them to get together and to include Tully. Despite his awkwardness, he was still a sexy beta hero.

If you want a novella with sharp wit, steamy passion, and indelible characters, then Gamble’s Game is for you. I give this novella 4 ½ enthusiastic cherries.

Engaging Deception by Summer Jordan

Engaging Deception by Summer Jordan
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full (171 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

Book three in the Wives R Us Series

What do you do when you need a fiancé and a diamond ring in a hurry--and your steady guy says "no way"?

To get her nagging mother off her back, Erin Fox has told her she was engaged. Now, with the rapidly approaching marriage of her too-perfect cousin Angel, Erin needs to show up on the arm of a handsome man, wearing a solitaire on her left ring finger. But she doesn't have a man.

Then Derek, a handsome, hot-blooded bartender, winks at her one night and she hopes she's found the right guy to play the role. But when they wind up making torrid love every chance they get, she realises she'd like to sign him on for real. She's falling for him and he can't get enough of her, but he's made a commitment she doesn't know about, and everything Erin thinks she knows is untrue.

Derek is under a deadline of a different kind, but each must make a move by the same date. Is he really engaged in deception, or is he just too kind for his own good?

Erin Fox wants the tall, dark, and handsome love of her life to swoop in, sweep her off her feet, and help her prove to her mother that she really is engaged. Joe wasn’t the right guy and neither was Mitch, but Derek thinks he could be. But there's a catch...

So is the story of Engaging Deception.

Ms. Jordan writes a tight, well-developed story with charming characters that could be the reader’s best friends or the guy next door. Just the searing glances between Erin and Derek were enough to scorch the pages! Even the secondary characters were delightful in their own mixed up fashions, making this story shine. I respected Erin’s willingness to walk away, even when her heart forbid it. I found Derek’s desire to help a friend in need noble, but a bit foolish in a cute way.

If you want a sexy read chock full of twists, turns and a hunky alpha male, then look no further than Engaging Deception. I give this book 4 ½ cherries.

Moonlight and Magic by Mina Carter

Moonlight and Magic by Mina Carter
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short (48 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, Ménage
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Agapanthus

Moonlight & Magic isn’t your average club. Proudly marketed as a paranormal club, it boasts demon waiters and shifters as dancers, but none of these are as exotic as twins Daelas and Jaren, the club’s incubi owners.

Part Fae, Sage is looking for a demon. Not just any demon though, she wants a sex demon. She’s in for a disappointment, easily seeing through the glamour cast over the mainly mortal waiters. Then Daelas makes an appearance and decides, as soon as he lays eyes on her, that she is his.

However, the twins share everything, even their women. If one demon lover blows her mind, how is Sage going to cope with both?

Every woman dreams of having two dashing men all at her feet. Well little does Sage, the lady of this short story know but that is just what she is going to experience at the super hot nightclub Moonlight & Magic.

Steamy sex, studly sex demons, a self conscious but strong part fae woman, toss in a jerk of an ex boyfriend and see the sparks fly in this story about finding your life mate and sure as heck not letting her get away.

The biggest challenge I have found while reading short stories is finding a depth of characters in the story without seeming to bog the story in needless descriptions. Author Mina Carter, does a great job of telling you what you need to know about the characters, endearing them to your heart, while at the same time propelling the story forward at a break neck pace. Definitely a worthy read. Ms. Carter, please keep them coming.

Polar Reaction by Claire Thompson

Polar Reaction by Claire Thompson
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full (312 pages)
Other: M/M, BDSM
Rating: 3.5 Cherries
Review by: Cactus

A passion hot enough to melt a glacier. A love that shakes them to the core…

The savage Antarctic winter is closing in, and three research scientists are scheduled for the last flight out—until an unexpected blizzard traps all three of them in the compound. There’s Tuck, who only joined the project to be close to sexy-but-straight Brendan, the man of his dreams. And Jamie, who has always admired the other two from afar.

Thrown into a dangerous situation, the three of them turn to each other for survival, solace…and more. As Brendan overcomes his confusion over his impulses, the trio begin a sexual exploration that explodes into passion and unbridled lust.

Yet once the rescue helicopter airlifts them to safety, Brendan comes to his senses, returning home to his carefully constructed, closeted life. But there’s a Brendan-shaped hole left behind in Tuck’s and Jamie’s hearts. There’s only one way to fill it—by breaking through Brendan’s reserve to reclaim the man they both love.

Warning: Dangerously hot m/m/m ménage sex will melt the layers of ice and snow keeping three sexy scientist prisoners on the edge of the world. Peek through your fingers at scorching sex between three men—the possibilities are endless!

What happens when three sexy scientists are caught in a snowstorm at the edge of the world? Well the chemistry and sparks created may be enough to clear their path to rescue in this sweetly romantic story about three men who give in to their desire while stranded, yet can they make this budding relationship last when they’re back in the real world?

Brandon, Tuck, and Jamie are three gorgeous men that can’t help but give into their hidden and not so hidden desires when a brush with death reminds them that life can be fleeting and never to live with regrets. Jamie is the youngest of the three, yet has the most experience in gay sex as he’s the only one of the group that is openly gay. Jamie is brash, outgoing, humorous, and the driving force between the men ensuring they act out their desires. He can be immature and needy, thus consistently positioning himself as the middle person in the threesome. Yet without his actions and stubborn determination, the relationship wouldn’t be what it is.

Brandon is the formerly straight guy in this gay love triangle and therefore his journey to understanding and accepting his new and confusing desires and emotions is the most complicated of the three. He struggles against expectations and social norms that he’s always accepted and believed in, yet his love and need for his two lovers is overwhelming. Brandon is a complicated character with the hardest journey but he has considerable support from Tuck and Jamie.

Tuck is the most easy-going of the three and perhaps the most sensitive. He has been in love with Brandon well before their ill-fated scientific outing and his dreams are fulfilled when Brandon admits the same. Tuck struggles with the decisions his lovers make when he is unsure of the right choices, yet wants desperately for their threesome relationship to work.

Although the sex was plentiful and scorching hot, the emotional impact of the threesome fell short as the dynamics between the men were occasionally awkward and ill-fitting. Individual relationships between each of the three men formed easily and were explored but the actual threesome felt mostly sexual rather than emotional. Although all men claim to love each other fiercely and deeply, in my opinion is was not portrayed very well in context to all three men together.

Overall, if you can look past the unfortunate awkwardness of the men as they struggle with their jealousy and position in the relationship, no doubt you’ll enjoy the book. The sex as I said is bountiful and incredibly steamy. The men are likable with charming quirks and although the ménage fell flat for me, perhaps for another person they wouldn’t mind as much. The author certainly knows how to keep the men hopping and their love life spicy.

Embracing Midnight by Devyn Quinn

Embracing Midnight by Devyn Quinn
Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Horror
Length: Full (304 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Ménage, Multiple Partners, Spanking, Forced Seduction
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Cholla



Undercover FBI agent Callie Whitten is tracking an outlaw like no other: Iollan Drake. And one hot night she finds him-and finds the ultimate in extreme sexual pleasure in his arms. Callie craves more. And more.

But Iollan Drake has a lethal secret: he is a vampire, drawing his passionate strength from blood energized by sexual arousal. He in turn craves Callie. She is beautiful and yielding—and utterly fearless. Compelled to brand her as his own, wrapped in darkness, he whispers to her. Give me your soul, Callie. And your body. I will have you! She hears ... and she obeys.

A dark and delicious thrill ride from beginning to end! With nearly every character harboring some sort of deep secret, you are constantly on your toes with action and intrigue.

Devyn Quinn creates a world that any one of us could be living in and then populates it with the supernatural. Her characters are rich and unique, everyday people you’d meet on the street. She has an unusual twist to add to the traditional vampire that makes this creature of folklore all her own.

Callie Whitten is an FBI agent trying to redeem herself from past mistakes. She’s been given a chance to prove herself and wipe her slate clean. Trouble is, the man heading the investigation is not only her boss but her ex-lover. The added tension between Callie and her boss only sweetens the pot when sexy Illoan Drake is added to the mix. Callie struggles with her past while using it as a springboard to further her goals within the FBI. I like how she takes hold of her rough childhood and uses it to try and make her life better, determined to not let it bring her down.

Iollan Drake is the mystery man the FBI is looking for. Accused of sex trafficking, he’s being hunted ruthlessly. However, he has a surprise for Callie; he’s a vampire. He is a paradox of sorts – both your typical old world vampire and yet, he can be modern and down to earth at the same time. I really enjoyed the different take on the vampire that is Iollan Drake. He has unique gifts befitting the world he is living in.

One word of warning: this novel has some dark undercurrents running through it due to the nature of the story and the characters. While this only intrigued me more and drew me in, it may not be right for everyone. However, if you do like an edgier, more serious story then please give it a read.

Embracing Midnight is an action-packed story full of steamy sex, mystery, and intrigue. A well-woven story that will keep you reading and unable to put it down. A definite must read for any lover of intense paranormal stories.