An Academic Dilemma by Alix Bekins

An Academic Dilemma by Alix Bekins
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (80 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/M, M/M/M, Ménage, Anal Play, Toys, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Peppermint

Art history student Rodrigo is in the middle of a busy semester when he literally runs into a sexy librarian. He and Ian discover they have more in common than just instant attraction and friendship; there's a kinky element to their affair they both enjoy. But Rodrigo is also drawn to Professor Daniel Sullivan, and he just can't shake the desire he feels for the older man.

The end of the term reveals a few surprising secrets about both objects of Rodrigo's desires, and while he's thrilled by the games of trust and passion with Ian, it's fantasies of Daniel dominating him that are setting Rodrigo on fire.

This was a unique and tantalizing relationship even for this genre. Rodrigo finds himself attracted to not only a librarian but also Professor Sullivan. So when Ian starts to show interest he thinks that maybe it will help him stop fantasizing about his mentor. Only the fantasies not only continue, they start to feature both Ian and Professor Sullivan.

Ian was in an open relationship. Though Rodrigo did not know whom the other person was he was still willing to accept Ian and what some may consider extra baggage. Which turned out to be one of the best decisions he could have ever made since Ian may just be the man of his dreams. As a reader I like the fact that for one - Ian was open and honest about his relationship status, and two - Rodrigo was still willing to invite Ian into his bed.

Another thing I really enjoyed about this story was that Ian and Rodrigo’s liaison was forged on much more than just sex. Although they were mutually attracted to one another they developed a friendship before pursuing anything romantic. I think this really allowed me as a reader to understand their
development and why Rodrigo was willing to accept Ian knowing he was in an open relationship. It also touched a personal belief of mine since I have always felt that a great romance is based off of a friendship and an attraction all together.

Rodrigo found out he may enjoy a little unconventional sex as well as vanilla. When Ian decides to take control of their lovemaking Rodrigo finds he's strangely aroused and decides we wants a little more. These encounters between the two men are explosive, no matter what way they come together. The more it pushed the limits the better the sex scenes got. It was good to see Rodrigo find someone he was comfortable enough to experiment with and with a teacher like Ian I am sure he will be an A student.

This was definitely a book I'd recommend. Now if only I could find a few teachers like Ian and Prof. Sullivan to join my fantasies...

Love Under Two Benedicts by Cara Covington

Love Under Two Benedicts by Cara Covington
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (213 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, Menage, Anal Play, Toys, Spanking
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Welcome to Lusty, Texas, a town that’s earned its name and is proud of it!

In the aftermath of personal tragedy, Kelsey Madison found a new beginning in Lusty, Texas. Uninterested in affairs of the heart, she doesn’t realize two of Lusty’s most eligible bachelors have turned their sights on her. Once she does, she decides there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun, as long as it’s only physical.

Matthew and Steven Benedict knew Kelsey was the one for them the moment they saw her. They set out to woo her with flowers, chocolates and wild sex designed to addict her to them.

Then an unexpected guest cracks the ice encasing Kelsey’s heart, making her face the ghosts from her past, finally putting them to rest. But her future with the brothers Benedict is threatened when an unknown enemy targets Kelsey. Can they stop him before it’s too late?

Welcome to Lusty, Texas where unconventional IS the norm.

If, like me, you fell in love with Sarah, Caleb and Joshua Benedict in Love Under Two Gunslingers as well as Amanda, Adam and Warren Jessop-Kendall in Love Under Two Lawmen this is your lucky day! Get ready to jump forward a couple of generations to see their dream fulfilled in the town of Lusty, TX.

In Love Under Two Benedicts you’ll meet the great-great grandson’s of the patriarch Benedicts, brothers Steven and Matthew. These two drool-worthy hotties have set their sights on one Kelsey Madison. Will she have the courage to let go of past tragedy and trust her heart to these two very persuasive and determined cowboys? It’ll take a little patience and a whole lot of addictive lovin’ but nobody takes to a challenge quite like a Texan and these guys have a long standing history of how three (and sometimes four) is anything but a crowd. They just have to convince Kelsey that she was meant to be a part of the Benedict Way.

Ms. Covington has done something I think most authors just dream of doing. She has created a place where the stories could literally be endless. In the prequel books to the Lusty, TX series she set the stage for countless stories if she chooses to write them. This reviewer for one hopes that she has plans to keep the series alive for a very long time. But, just coming up with a great theme for a series isn’t enough. The characters have to be “real”, original, and multi-dimensional. The plot has to be well developed and character motivation understood. The dialogue has to be engaging and flow smoothly. I’ve read many a book where the premise was good and it had potential but it lost me on all the other elements. That hasn’t happened in any of the books I’ve read by Ms. Covington. She doesn’t just write…she creates.

I spotted so many great secondary characters that just seem to be begging to have their on HEA told I can’t wait to see who lands in Lusty, TX next!

Deep in the Woods by Annabel Joseph

Deep in the Woods by Annabel Joseph
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (126 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, Ménage, Anal Play, Fetish, Toys, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Mistletoe



Sophie finally finds the courage to reenter the Atlanta BDSM scene after extricating herself from an abusive relationship. At a local munch, she meets Dave, a funny, laid-back erotic photographer. When she sees him again later at a dungeon, Sophie is surprised by her strong attraction, and nervous about starting a new relationship, but Dave eases her fears. They embark on a sexy, thrilling D/s relationship and Sophie finds healing and fulfillment in Dave’s arms.

But Sophie is still haunted by nightmares of her past. On a dark night in the woods with Dave and his friend Ryan, frightening memories overtake her. She knows that in order to move on, she must uncover the tragedy that haunts her subconscious.

Sophie’s quest for answers brings her face-to-face with her previous tormentor. She finds herself once more in the deep woods, not only fighting for answers…but also for her life.

This story was a very intense read full of emotion and depth. From the first time Dave sees Sophie he knows that he must meet her, but Sophie is just coming off of an abusive relationship and is very wary about men. As Dave and Sophie begin a tentative relationship the reader is treated to an interesting read. The love that the two feel for each other shines right off of the pages.

Sophie is a strong woman. She endures many hardships and even though she is still working through some things, she still strives for happiness. Dave is a smart and honest man who loves with all his heart. He is a Dom and loves to play hard but he always watches his subs and makes sure that they are safe. As Dave and Sophie play he is always watching and aware of her reactions and emotions, making him the good Dom that he is. I enjoyed reading about the deep connection that Dave and Sophie had, it was a wonderful read. It was also nice to see Sophie going to a therapist throughout this book showing the reader that one can get through abuse and continue to get better. The author takes a serious look at what happens to people who are abused and what happens after.

Annabel Joseph does a wonderful job of bringing the reader into her world and keeping them entertained all the way through to the end. Add in the over-protectiveness of Dave’s dog Cerberus, whom I loved and you have a great read that should not be missed. My only comment would be that readers should be aware that this story contains some very strong BDSM play that may be a bit much for some. However, I enjoyed this book and will be sure to watch for new work from this author.

Enticing Emma by Allie Standifer

Enticing Emma (Club Botticelli) by Allie Standifer
Publisher: Total E Bound
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (53 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Stephanotis

To win back the woman he loves, Brock’s prepared to break all the rules.

Emma gave up on love a long time ago. Now she’s content to write about the mythical emotion. With her good friends and a great career, what more can a girl ask for?

Brock knows he made a mistake letting Emma go all those years ago. He’s back now and willing to do whatever it takes to convince her he’s back for good this time. Even if it involves a little kidnapping and a few handcuffs, Brock’s ready to go all the way in his quest of Enticing Emma.

Can two people overcome a painful past to find love? Read Enticing Emma and find out.

Emma Flintock is a successful romance writer and part of a group of friends who frequent Club Botticelli which caters to not so skinny women. Although dealing in romance, Emma's cynical in matters of love because Brock Cage stood her up on their wedding day. He's in the National Guard and Emma thinks he's long gone and forgotten but in he walks into Club Botticelli one night and things get complicated.

Some of my favorite stories are those where two characters, especially ex lovers, reunite. There's the magic of them falling in love all over again and Standifer does a perfect job with that. At first you dislike Brock but when you enter into his head, you realize, hey, this guy isn't all bad and maybe Emma should give him a second chance. However, the author keeps you on edge as to why he jilted Emma and it makes you uneasy, especially during love scenes. The author does a good job making you wonder if someone is going to get hurt, and it takes the tension up a notch.

My only complaint, I wanted more story for these two. The first chapter focused on most of Emma's friends. I realize this is part of a series but I would have preferred more emphasis on Emma. I would have also preferred that she and Brock reconnected sooner. The love scenes are spicy hot and there are lots of them.

The book does feature an array of fun characters and it did perk my interest into maybe reading another book in the series. If you like story with a common thread and reoccurring characters in erotic romances, I'd say give the Club Botticelli books a try.

Darkest Hours by S.K. Yule

Darkest Hours (Darkest Book I) by S.K. Yule
Publisher: Amira Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (165 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Poinsettia

When small town librarian Ebony learns of her illness, she is devastated to think of the many things she has missed out on in life . . . especially true love.

Ashe, however, has experienced nearly everything during his considerable years as a vampire and thinks only one thing about love . . . never again.

When fate throws the two together on a journey laced with deceit and lies, Ebony and Ashe discover the one thing neither thought to ever find... love.

Can Ebony convince Ashe that true love lasts forever? Can Ashe overcome the betrayal of his past in time to save Ebony?

Ebony never thought she’d fall in love, but when she meets Ashe, she dares to hope for a happily ever after.

Ebony White leads a quiet, predicable life. She never expected to be diagnosed with a terminal illness. Still reeling from the horrible news, she literally runs right into Ashe Aleksandrov in the middle of a dark alley. Ebony is frightened and intrigued by Ashe, and practically runs away from the encounter, never thinking she’d see him again. However, fate has other plans. Ebony’s encounter with Ashe has put her in more danger than she could ever imagine. Ashe, a vampire dedicated to protecting humans, takes it upon himself to personally protect Ebony.

Both are immediately attracted to each other. However, Ebony is convinced that a man as handsome as Ashe would never be genuinely interested in a simple woman like her. Ashe has been in love before, and the experience left him scarred. He vowed never to lose his heart to a woman again. As Ebony and Ashe fight their attraction, there are those who plot against them. Will Ebony and Ashe embrace their connection before it is too late?

Ebony is one of the sweetest most selfless characters I’ve encountered. Even though she has little time to live, she is more concerned with the people around her and how they’ll handle the news of her illness. As if that wasn’t enough, she is soon attacked and thrust into a world filled with vampires. It would be perfectly normal for her to have a nervous breakdown given all the pressure she’s under, but she handles everything that comes her way with an amazing amount of grace. As nice as Ebony was, I would have found her a bit more relatable if she’d been a bit more flawed. She just seemed to be a bit too perfect at times.

Ashe is the classic tall, dark, and handsome hero. Not only is he amazingly attractive, but he is a good man who is fiercely loyal to those he cares about. He feels his connection to Ebony immediately, but denies it almost to the point of losing her forever. He will have to open his heart if his old wounds are ever going to heal. He and his brothers also tend to be a bit over protective of the women in their lives. I would have liked to see the women play a more active role in the action of the story.

Ms. Yule also makes excellent use of descriptive language. “Fall sighed a gentle breeze, felling numerous leaves of gold and red from gnarled branches of the huge Oak tree that stood in the center of Plainview, surrounded by the old red brick roads of the town square.” This is the opening line of Darkest Hours. I could immediately picture the scene in my mind and felt as though I was walking next to Ebony.

Another aspect of Darkest Hours that I found intriguing was the concept of shadow drifters, which are vampires who have made a deal with Satan. These evil vampires play a minor role in this story, but it is clear at the end of Darkest Hours, that they will play a larger role in the series as a whole. Something big is on the horizon that will affect Ebony, Ashe, and Ashe’s family. Ms. Yule reveals just enough information to tantalize the reader and make them want to pick up the next book.

I enjoyed reading Darkest Hours. Ms. Yule's concept of vampires and their lifestyle was interesting and her characters were likable. The end of the book left me wanting to know more and had me seeking out the second book in the series. Any fan of paranormal romance will certainly want to pick up a copy today.

Mate Set by Laurann Dohner

Mate Set by Laurann Dohner
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (139 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3 Cherries
Reviewed by Fern

It’s werewolf mating season. All the males are in heat and the driving, sexual lust of their beasts is almost uncontrollable. Mika is human, in an alley, surrounded by four horny werewolves. She knows she’s in deep shit. A tall, handsome werewolf rescues her then demands payment. Hot, sweaty, intimate payment.

Grady is a half breed whose his human mother abandoned him to his werewolf father, so he knows human women just aren’t safe to fall in love with. The wolf within him wants Mika as his mate, but Grady will not give in. Never. Ever. He’s willing to fight his emotions and his beast, no matter how much sexy Mika tempts him.

But neither of them expected her Uncle Omar to assign Grady to protect her from other males—24/7, in her home, sleeping just down the hall. Mika decides to make the best of her vacation and keep the hot wolf in her bed. Grady can’t resist the scorching sex, but he is determined to resist the bond.

If you’re in the mood for a sexy werewolf, a sassy human female, and a whole lot of angst, Mate Set is just the book you’re looking for. As a fan of Laurann Dohner’s Cyborg series, I couldn’t wait to meet her shifters. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed. Her alpha heroes are just that - alpha - while her heroines are the perfect foil to bring them to their knees.

Mika and Grady are not a conventional couple. She’s a human who was adopted into a werewolf family and, though she knows of their existence, is off limits to them. He’s a half-breed who has seen the adverse effects of being born in between the two worlds and is determined not to mate with a human as a result. When a brawl forces Grady to mark Mika for her protection, things quickly go downhill. While their chemistry is off the charts, their emotions and fear to connect with each other make this story one hell of a roller coaster ride.

At first, the tension worked for me. Although Grady is alpha to the core and refuses to be swayed in his thinking, he also has moments of tenderness. Likewise, while Mika can be soft and nurturing, she can also be tough as nails and refuses to back down. Unfortunately, after a while, their relationship began to border on toxic. As a lover of an unrelenting alpha, Grady’s treatment became too much for even me. I felt this was due to the fact that the story is told from Mika’s point of view, which doesn’t give the reader the opportunity to understand Grady, his feelings, or his motivations. There were several scenes I had difficulty finishing, forcing me to push through to the end. While there is a happily-ever-after, I wasn’t convinced of it, and questioned Mika’s reasoning for staying with a man who treated her so cruelly, without any regard for her as an equal.

On a positive note, the sex scenes are burn-your-fingers hot. Ms. Dohner knows how to create and stoke sexual tension, and she uses her talent to the fullest here. I might not have cared for Grady all that much, but I can’t deny that when he and Mika get together they certainly know how to turn up the heat. I did enjoy the dialogue and the world Ms. Dohner has created, and feel this could be the start of a very promising series. There are several interesting secondary characters, and I hope to see more of them in the future.

Midnight Unseen by D. McEntire

Midnight Unseen (The Watchers, book 5) by D. McEntire
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (163 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Peppermint

The heart sees what the eyes cannot.

The Watchers, Book 5

A first impression is all it took to fill Tank’s nights with dreams of a beautiful woman caressing piano keys with long, graceful fingers. And to throw his level head completely off-bubble. Then the music vanishes, replaced by the woman’s frantic pleas for help.

Dreams clash with reality when a Watcher mission leads Tank into a musty, rat-infested basement where he finds his piano lady broken and bleeding from a Rogue attack—and suffering the beginnings of the change.

Music is Sonya Brown’s salvation, and her job teaching students to overcome their blindness—just like her—is a perfect fit. At least it was, until a new co-worker’s unwelcome advances cross over into an obsession that rips away everything she holds dear.

She awakens frightened. Confused. Somehow…different. But not alone. Gentle hands tend her wounds, feed a strange, new hunger. And build an inner fire she’s never before known.

Keeping Sonya safe from the Rogue who would fully claim her is only half of Tank’s battle. Sonya must accept her new life, or his dream will become only a memory.

When silver eyes meet milky white irises lives are changed.

Although Sonya is blind she does not let her disability control her. If anything it has made her a much stronger person. So when faced with danger she meets it head on and not only tries to protect herself but also others involved. Sonya gives all women something to aspire to. I wish I could be half as courageous as she is. Now she just hopes that Tank will see past her blindness to the woman behind the exotic eyes.

Tank has been the leader of his cell for years and rightfully so. Part of what makes him a good leader is his ability to keep a clear head no matter what the danger. That was until he started having strange dreams about Sonya. I like that Tank loses his cool over this woman - that shows he really cares. Every man has lost his head over love and Tank is no exception. And what a girl wouldn’t do to hear that rich Nigerian accent whisper in her ear. Sonya may cause him to lose his cool but he seems to have the same effect on her.

The conflict between David and Sonya is epic. He was truly one sick individual and deserved everything Tank was going to give him. It was clear he was mentally disturbed as a vampire and I am sure he was as a human as well. With his sick twisted mind at work Sonya and readers were in for one bumpy ride that left both her and me on the edge of our seats.

The plot development in this story was spot on and I would not have changed one thing about it. I love that Tank and Sonya both want the same thing but seem to tiptoe around each other and do not realize their mutual attraction. I also love the fact the other watchers clearly see the emotions better than Sonya and Tank see themselves.

This is another story that is part of a series but could be read as an individual story. If you have read the previous stories you will enjoy seeing many of the old couples. If you are new the series, do not worry, you will feel right at home with this group of vampires. I know I do!

Barefoot Bride For Three by Reece Butler

Barefoot Bride For Three by Reece Butler
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (213 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/F/M/M, Menage, Anal Play
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Elizabeth James escapes an odious fiancé by heading west on the first Bride Train of 1870. She finds herself at the end of the line in the Tanner’s Ford jail, forced to marry the town bully unless someone else defies Big Joe to marry her.

Sheriff Chambers banned the Elliotts from town until one got a wife and settled them all down. Finding a defiant Trace Elliott in town, the sheriff offers a tall, ornery barefoot woman to solve all their problems.

Beth is shocked how the stranger’s touch inflames her and mortified the next morning when hotel patrons comment on her amorous wedding night cries. She discovers the Elliott men share everything and intend to seduce her into agreeing. Trace, Simon and Jack heat her blood, but do they care for her, or only what she provides? Then Big Joe offers gold to bring her to him…

Be careful what you wish for, you might get your wish times three. Elizabeth James may be a “smart talkin’ Eastern virgin” but she knows a good deal when it's presented. Heck, almost anything has to be better than being forced to marry the town bully or being pawed by an unscrupulous deputy. One kiss from Trace Elliott, and Beth knows she has found the husband she has sought when first catching a ride on the Bride Train. She didn’t count on the added bonus of two handsome and welcoming brothers at home who had one goal: get her naked and make her happy!

Barefoot Bride For Three was a really fun story to read. Reece Butler has a true talent for building plot, characters, motivation, tension and some sweet and sexy love scenes. As a reader, I empathised with Beth’s plight and Trace’s lost childhood. I can see how the whole scenario could have been a true event considering the lack of marriageable females on certain parts of the country during the land rush era. Ms. Butler kept my attention and built the anticipation for the moment when Beth realized she was to be wife of three rather just the one Elliott brother.

Speaking of the eldest Elliott brother, I think the story had more believability by making Trace the man who first meets Beth. Trace has internal and external scars that affect not only his speech but his ability to give his heart to Beth right away. I loved that Beth met and fell for him first before ever meeting the charming twins at home. That first bonding between Beth and Trace was vital to making the ménage relationship work for the rest of the family. The one-on-one scenes for Beth and Trace are beautifully scripted and breathtaking to read.

I believe the hallmark of a really great story is when you can connect with the secondary characters as well as the main hero (or heroes in this case) and heroine. Ms. Butler built and layered the support cast in Barefoot Bride For Three in a way that left the reader in little doubt that the story progression would have been lacking without them.

As this is the first in the Bride Train series, this reviewer enjoyed speculating on who all will be a part of the next bride train. There were several siblings not yet introduced but mentioned as well as a neighbor who gained a promise from Beth. I won’t tell you any more, so, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Barefoot Bride For Three before the next bride train rolls through. You won’t be sorry!!

Summer Of The Cougar by Nicole Austin

Summer Of The Cougar by Nicole Austin
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (94 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Sweet Pea

With the big four-oh looming, Larissa Cross is more than ready to shed the roles that have defined her and make drastic changes. Gone are the widowed Army wife, soccer mom and empty nester. She’s even setting aside the schoolteacher until fall.

A naughty challenge issued by fellow erotic romance booklovers on their blog, Tempt the Cougar, has come at the perfect time and ignited Rissa’s competitive drive. It’s going to be a glorious summer full of hot younger man lovin’ for a new cougar on the prowl. Rawr!

Tattooed and pierced fireman JD Harmon is tempting prey but there’s much more to the hunk than his bad boy good looks. A one-night stand isn’t in his plans, and sex—no matter how mind-blowing—won’t distract him from his goals. JD intends to tame the wicked cougar and stake a claim on her heart.

Larissa Cross was only looking for a summer fling to fill out her newly free existence. So when sexy fire-fighter, JD Harmon walked up to her, her hopes soared and her body ignited. But could she have more then a casual fling with this hot hunk without wanting something more?

From the moment, JD laid eyes on the beautiful latina bombshell his body was lost. After spending time in her company and many steamy nights in her bed, so was his heart. But Rissa had other plans, never letting him get to personal and keeping him at a distance. His dreams were becoming reality, but what he now realizes is that he wants to share them with his woman.

I adored Rissa for her actions of putting herself out there after living her life as a mother for the past nineteen years. And let me tell you, I loved how she handled her daughter in one scene. She had the guts to go after what she wanted and take what she needed and that is an excellent quality to see in a woman. JD is one sexy male alpha. I love alpha males and he is definitely one of those gorgeous types you just can’t get enough of. Oh, and his piercing is a first for me that I have read about in a book and I loved it.

I absolutely loved this book, which is yet another great addition to the cougar challenge. Nicole Austin is the queen of steamy romance scenes and I bow down to her supreme skills. I fell in love with her many, many books ago and keep falling with every new one she puts out. This book is a great read and I highly recommend it.

Coyote Run by Rhian Cahill

Coyote Run by Rhian Cahill
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (31 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Holly

Forced to make the heartwrenching decision to leave Whispering Mountains, Rowan Wilder isn’t about to go without securing her bond with Quinn MacClellan. Neither expected their first time to be on the forest floor or while running to escape a madman but when it comes to claiming their mate, nothing can stop the hunger from burning out of control and consuming them both.

Sometimes, the only way to solve a problem is to leave it alone. After her brutal attack by the sovereign of the pack, Rowan realizes she must leave the only home she knows, and the man she loves, to keep them all safe. But before she goes, she will mate with Quinn, and take that memory with her until she can return. Quinn, and Rowan’s brother Brogan will miss her, but until she can be safe, it is better if she just… disappears for a while. Will these two be able to follow through with the plan, and separate for who knows how long? Can Quinn give up the woman, the mate, to keep her alive?

In this prequel to her marvelous Coyote Hunger books, Rhian Cahill gives us a peek into why Rowan left Whispering Mountains all those years before. We get to see the pain that the attack caused, and the agony that both Rowan and Quinn faced when they made the difficult decision for Rowan’s future.

Rowan is a strong woman, but more than that, she is intelligent enough to realize the only way to be together with the man she loves is to leave him. I loved that she was determined to “have her way” with him before the separation, and the scene of Rowan and Quinn in the woods is both touching and yet immensely hot.

Quinn loves Rowan enough to send her away, and yet I was touched by the agony he displayed at parting. I love the strength of all of Ms Cahill’s characters, but I think Quinn is my favorite because of his inner strength.

This is a wonderful introduction into the Coyote Hunger series, and I would recommend it to anyone planning on reading the series.

In The Cards by C.D. Yates

In The Cards by C.D Yates
Publisher: Blade Publishing
Genre: Contemp
Length: Short Story
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Statice

Alex Demille writes historical fiction, not erotica. But now, her editor wants her to write a story about a cowboy and a bordello and gives Alex a “present” to aid her. Can she do it? Will Alex, a woman who writes sweets, be able to come up with enough erotic scenarios to write a best seller, the best seller her editor is hoping for?

Zach O’Conner is a cowboy cursed by his own looks. His best friend Alex, the one woman who doesn’t treat him like a piece of meat, has asked him to give a demonstration at the upcoming romance writers conference on what real cowboys do. Given the chance to be alone with Alex he accepts. He’s going to show Alex she’s not just the sexiest, most exciting woman he’s ever known, but the woman of his heart as well.

One cowboy. One writer. Silk scarves, sex cards, and a bathtub built for two. It’s all In The Cards.

Short, but oh so sweet and sexy, is the only way to describe this novella by C.D Yates. Ever had a best friend who you can get on well with, talk about anything with and yet there is just a teeny tiny fly in the ointment – you are attracted to that person and aren’t sure how to or even if you should try to take it beyond friendship? After all, there is so much to lose and so much to gain. I can’t say I have been in this position, but after having read In the Cards, if I ever were, this would be the ideal way to go to that next level, and I sure would hope that it would work out as well for me as it did for the characters Zach and Alexis.

Zach and Alexis have been friends for years. Zach is a teacher and Alexis is an author and if there is one thing that would describe Zach, it would be honey – he just attracts the females. Despite this fawning and obvious adoration from the opposite sex he has remained a down-to-earth person and a very good friend to his pal Alexis. But are they both prepared to take their friendship to the next level? Can they cope if their plan doesn’t work and their friendship suffers as a result?

Alexis is an author who has asked Zach to create a workshop for cowboy-romance writers. On top of that, she has been asked to write the first of the book publishers new line – a historotica and her editor gifted her with a deck of cards to help with the research. Zach is and always has been attracted to Alexis and it has only been her soon to be fiancé that has kept him at a distance - as friends only.  Then, at the conference, where they share a room and he finds out that there is no more boyfriend, he offers to help Alexis with her research and the deck of cards is all he needs to take that extra step.  Really, Alexis is more than willing to take what the cards deal out – all in the name of research of course! What happens next is determined by the cards and by Alexis and Zach – it is certainly not all smooth sailing, but this was a great story that had me hooked from the first draw of the card to the last card that was dealt!

Despite the brevity of the story, it was very obvious that the characters and the situation had been thoughtfully developed and cleverly written. I felt for both characters – they both had some issues, Alexis perhaps more than Zack, but Zach sure was a great help with helping Alexis work through some of hers in really innovative and downright sexy ways. The use of the deck of cards as part of the story was a masterstroke on the part of the author, and it allowed the development of the relationship between Zach and Alexis. For a short read, this was definitely one of the most satisfying I have read in a long time – great work C.D. Yates! Let’s hope that there are more and that they get longer!

Love By Design by Jambrea Jo Jones

Love By Design by Jambrea Jo Jones
Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (59 pgs)
Other: M/F, Anal Play
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Sweet Pea

A Soldier can be programmed for war, but what about love?

Zeke Andrews and his band of soldiers volunteered to be experimented on by the government to help protect the world from an invading force of aliens.

Is there more to the programs implants than he thought?

An overwhelming urge fills his soul when he meets an intriguing woman.

Could it be science or love? Cassandra Dawson could have the answers. Is Zeke man enough to find them?

Sometimes curiosity can kill the scientist, and wipe out human life. Zeke Andrews has signed up to help save the planet. The last thing he expected was to be friends with one of the aliens that have been threatening its well-being or to fall head over heels in love with a woman he barely knows.  Zeke's in over his head, but Cassandra Dawson is too good a partner to lose.

Cassandra protects what is close to her, and when her sister needs protection she jumps at what is offered. Little does she know that by accepting she will be making even more major changes in her own life. Now she must trust a man she barely knows, but can’t keep her hands off of for one minute.

Oh, there are so many aspects of this book that I love. Cassandra makes a great lead character, both caring and compassionate. And you can truly tell she is trying to make the best out of the crappy situation she was handed in life. The opening scene had me laughing so hard. Poor Roth.

Ms. Jones does a great job writing sci-fi. She can to take you out of this world with words. I love how she was able to portray that no matter what the species, you can love one another if your body and mind will it. This book is definitely going on my keeper shelf. If you are into sci-fi and are looking for a quick, great read, this is the book for you.

Love Bites by Margie Church

Love Bites by Margie Church
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (200 pgs)
Other: M/F, Light Bondage
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Holly

An accidental encounter turns into high stakes love when Jui Fabrice meets Wade Kairos in Germany. She has no idea he’s a vampire and Wade has every intention of keeping his secret.

A vineyard cottage is the perfect place for Jui and Wade to make love until he discovers her unique link to his living years. He vows to stay away from her forever, but he can’t let her go completely. Wade’s repressed human feelings continue rising. He invades Jui’s dreams and communicates telepathically with her at will. Evil jealousy consumes him when Jui becomes involved with Rob Hawthorne and she rebukes Wade for his controlling behaviors.

Then Wade’s lifelong companion dies in a vamp war and his desolation is too much to
handle alone. He turns to the only person who cares about him—Jui—and for one hot night, he becomes the man she’s wanted all along.

The Ancient One, Ladislav Husek, learns of Wade’s risky human behavior and gives Wade a taste of how viciously he’ll die if he doesn’t bury his tracks with Jui. Husek promises to turn Jui into his personal playmate and Wade has to choose. Can love prevail over evil in a relationship that never was supposed to happen?

Wanting something doesn’t mean you should get it. When Jui Fabrice meets Wade Kairos while on a business trip to Germany, there is an instant attraction between them, one Jui wants to follow up on.

Every time they are together, Wade wants to forget the danger Jui represents to him and his kind. Wade is a vampire, and Jui is actually the granddaughter of his former fiancée, whose family believes him to be dead. When Wade is warned to either turn Jui or forget her, he struggles with the decision.

Jui becomes confused, and turns to Rob, a co-worker, for romance and passion. But neither can forget the depth of feeling between them. Can these two find a way to overcome the barriers and find happiness in each other’s arms? Or will their love doom them both?

Ms. Church has written an interesting new angle on the vampire story, one where vampires are punished for having humanity and feelings. In this world, humans don’t realize vampires are among us, and those who endanger this secret by acting too “human” are destroyed. I love the characters in this story, and how they manage to grow and evolve.

Jui comes off as very shallow at first, but you soon realize that there is much more to her than meets the eye. She is honest, and becomes confused when she believes Wade is just another playboy type, especially after she indicates, on several occasions, that she is ready to be in a relationship with him. Her confusion continues to grow, and the unfortunate recipient of her attentions gets hurt in the process. When she discovers that Rob wants her more than she wants him, she breaks it off, and it is the only ugly scene in the book.

Wade is the most delicious vampire, but so very conflicted. I really enjoyed watching him try to find a way to have Jui and not turn her. He is so strong, and his determination to keep away from her is admirable. I love the temptation theme throughout this story, and how both of the characters deal with it. There are several very surprising twists in this one, and one was something I did not see coming, but when it did, I loved it. The trials that these two endured for their love made the happy ever after all the sweeter. This is a marvelous love story, with some unique twists to a wonderful story.