Small Town Siren by Sophie Oak

Small Town Siren by Sophie Oak
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length : Full Length (199 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, F/M/M, Ménage, Anal Play, Toys, Spanking
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Jack Barnes and Sam Fleetwood have been best friends since they met in foster care. They share a business as cattle ranchers and a house. All they need now is a woman to share. The men are sure they’ve found that woman when Abigail Moore returns to Willow Fork, TX.

Abby left her hometown twenty years before under a cloud of scandal. She’s raised a daughter, forged a new life for herself, and is ready for the next phase when she meets the handsome cowboys. They’re a dream come true; Jack is the sexy Dom, and Sam the playful lover. It’s everything she’s ever fantasized about. There’s only one problem. She’s still not welcome in Willow Fork, and someone is willing to kill to keep her away.

“She was legendary” Abigail Moore has returned home but no one is surprised that her welcome is less than warm. Luckily for Abby, Sam and Jack aren’t from Willow Fork and are more than willing to welcome her into their lives and their bed since she’s already claimed their hearts.

So you say you like your alpha male tough and determined on the outside but vulnerable on the inside? Let me introduce you to Jack Barnes. What a terrifically complex character. Jack had a childhood from Hell. Having grown up in one foster group home after another he learned quickly he had to appear tough or get hurt. He also realized early on that he would have to take care of Sam. Sam is the antithesis of Jack. Where Jack is coarse and demanding, Sam is like a eager little puppy that wants to play and to please. “Closer than a brother” only begins to describe the multi-faceted relationship between Sam and Jack.

Ms. Oak didn’t scrimp on character development with her heroine either. Thanks to some small minded townsfolk, Abby has enough self doubt and insecurities to last a lifetime. She also has a wonderfully supportive mother and a best friend who doesn’t hesitate to interfere on her behalf. One of the aspects of this story that made it a winner for me was the easy and honest communication between Abby and the men. While Abby worries that her reputation is going to be damaging to Jack and Sam’s business she makes a concerted effort into letting them know what she wants and not denying herself the pleasure that they offer.

There is so much more about this book that I would love to comment on including how well Ms. Oak created the mentally unstable villain but it would be to easy to spoil a this very emotionally sweet, sexy and tension filled story. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Small Town Siren and if, like me, you just couldn’t let the story end with their HEA you’ll want to read the follow up Siren of the City as well.

Cosmic Cops Collection by B.J. McCall

Cosmic Cops Collection by B.J. McCall
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (175 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed By Buttercup

Cosmic Cops is the nickname for the Galactic Enforcement Agency and the officers of the GEA don't like it, but they have to live with it. What's irresistible to alpha males? Three women packing heat!

Dark Ecstasy
Captain Isabet Renard has just landed every cop's fantasy beat – Club Xs, the most successful adult pleasure playground in the galaxy. But the best part of her new assignment comes after hours. Dark Ecstasy. It's nothing short of addictive.

Dark Pleasures
Lt. Sada Prentiss is a success story. She's hidden her notorious past, joined the Cosmic Cops, and her bravery has made the intergalactic news. But fame has its price and to survive she must revive the Dark Pleasures.

Dark Obsession
Captain Riva Vix has broken cop code and fallen for a criminal. He's a master thief and he's her Dark Obsession. Their relationship has one hard and fast rule: he can't operate in her territory. But as Riva know, rules are made to be broken.

Come and join the cosmic thrill ride that is The Cosmic Cops Collection, an anthology following the lives of some of the Galactic Enforcement Agency's (G.E.A.) most elite agents. Although the G.E.A. agents are generally know as Cosmic Cops, don't call them that to their faces -- they hate the nickname. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories, I only wish that they had been written as full length novels, I didn't want them to end.

Now everyone knows you don't sleep with the boss, but what if you don't know it's the boss your sleeping with? Before starting her new job the next day, Captain Isa Renard decides to visit Club X and partake in some of the club's services. Club X offers a wide variety of services including, for a nominal fee of course, safe and anonymous sex with a like minded human. Interested parties simply sign up, answer a few questions and are matched by a computer. Isa is matched with Commander Ander Slade, her new boss. Before engaging in an sexual acts both parties must imbibe a liquid that will distort their features, and cause them to glow the color of their choosing. So during the day Isa and Ander are commander and captain, but at night know each other simply as Lilac and Smoke. I love the idea of glow in the dark sex, and not only because my favorite color is purple, it just sounds like fun. All women have a favorite color, or dress that makes them feel sexy and powerful -- this would be like never having to take the dress off.

What really made Dark Ecstasy different was the way Isa and Ander's relationship formed. There were some of the basic elements of a menage relationship just without the third person. As Isa and Ander learn about each other during the day, Lilac and Smoke become more attached to each other at night. Although neither is looking for a menage relationship the closer that they get, the more Isa wonders what it would be like to have both Ander and Smoke in her life and in her bed, and the same holds true with Ander about Isa and Lilac. It was great fun watching them both struggle with their desires, wondering how best to broach the subject of a threesome, knowing all along that Isa is Lilac and that Ander is Smoke.

If that were their only problem, it could have been easily resolved, by taking Lilac and Smoke's relationship out of the dark, which they both want to do anyway. But everyone has baggage and Isa and Ander are no exception. Ander's baggage comes in the form of Cyn the owner of Club X, and former lover. Cyn, Ander and Jana, Ander's late wife, had a menage relationship, one that Cyn wants' back, replacing Jana with Isa. The fact that neither Ander or Isa want that does very little to deter Cyn. I know that Cyn is physically beautiful, shallow, scheming, and manipulative, but I can't help feeling sorry for her. She lost the woman that she loved and is in love with a man that never did and never will love her. She is trapped in a world of meaningless beauty and self gratification. Granted her circumstances are of her own making, and there are lots of people who would love to be in her position, but Cyn is just self aware enough to know that her life will not satisfy her forever, what she currently lacks is the ability to change.

Dark Ecstasy is a great and fun read, I love these characters. It works great as a short story, I just didn't want it to end.

Lt. Sada Prentiss is rising in the ranks at the G.E.A. and gaining the notice of her superiors, but not all of the interest is strictly professional. Lt. Brace Ryn has just accepted a dangerous mission, and with only four hours until he ships out he intends to spend them with Sada doing everything he's ever wanted, but as her commanding officer couldn't do.

Dark Pleasures grabs you right from the beginning doesn't let go. How B.J. McCall managed to cram such a wild emotional rollercoaster into such a short story is beyond me, but it is a great ride. Like most stories it starts with a secret, Sada's secret. Sada was a princess who lived on Ibatha, until she ran away. Her planet is ruled by the priests who consider most everything a sin, but most of all sex. The only form of sex allowed is the missionary position, and the woman must be praying the entire time. All other forms of intercourse are forbidden, and if one is found to have engaged in the Dark Pleasures, well then it is the woman who is to blame, never the man. If I lived on a planet where sex was forbidden, I'd run away too.

When Brace's mission goes wrong and he is captured, Sada must not just face her past but immerse herself in it if she wants' to rescue Brace. It's easy to see why these two work so well together, both professionally and personally. There is a bond between them that has only been enhanced by their hours of training and numerous missions together. Of course, like many things about their relationship, Brace and Sada's capture is not exactly what is seems. When the cavalry comes charging in expecting the find torture, and instead find Brace tied up and receiving head from Sada, it is not something he will soon live down. Over time I think that Brace's career will be helped more than hindered by this incident. Lt. Brace Ryn was able to bring down Kradic, kidnapper and human trafficker, by getting a blow job. He will become a G.E.A legend, young boys will hear the story and join the ranks hoping to be so lucky as to be put in a similar position. I can just see some enterprising young man petitioning to have "The Art of Fellatio" added to the curriculum, stating that you never know when it might save your life.

I would have liked to seen more of Sada and Brace, maybe five years down the road, after the initial sensationalism has worn off.

The idea of cops and criminals having secret liaisons is as old as... well, cops and criminals... but it is still a story line that I never tire of. In Dark Obsession Captain Riva Vix works for the G.E.A. and her lover, Landis Eden is a professional thief. The only rule they have is that Landis never works in Riva's jurisdiction. It's a good rule and one that has been easy to follow until Landis gets an offer he can't refuse, so to speak. When Riva gets assigned to case involving industrial theft, she knows that Landis is the thief, even if she can't prove it.

Riva and Landis' relationship walks a fine line between love and lust, the desire for a real relationship and the excitement of the clandestine. As a reader you are thrown into a very pivotal point of their relationship, with no idea of how they arrived there. I would have liked to have seen the beginning how the two met and got together. How they met is not instrumental to the story but would have provided a better understanding of the characters, their motivations, and reactions. Right from the start I got the feeling that Landis was truly in love with Riva and striving to find a way to make them permanent, while Riva might be looking for a way out. As it turned out I was correct, just not in a way I ever thought of. On the surface Riva seems to be very simple and straightforward, but she is more complex than she seems at first glance, I think even more complex than what we are shown.

After Riva finds that Landis has broken their agreement, she completely shuts him out of her life, refusing to talk or even see him. I can understand her anger, but I think she would want to know why he did what he did. Granted, Landis is a thief, but everything about this robbery has been out of character for him. I would think that the cop, if not the woman in Riva would want to know why. Despite the unanswered questions I did enjoy Dark Obsession, but I do think this story in particular would have benefited from a longer telling.

B.J. McCall pulls you in right from the start, with great characters and fantastic storylines. Explore new worlds that make the extraordinary seem believable, and the ordinary more fantastical than it is.

Rent-A-Husband, Inc. by Moira Reid

Rent-A-Husband, Inc. by Moira Reid
Publisher: Loose ID
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (169 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Violet

Crete Gannon witnesses his brother’s murder and finds himself next on the hit list of a killer notorious for eliminating witnesses under police protection. He discovers the perfect place to hide, a location no one would think to look for him -- Rent A Husband, Inc. His plan is simple: he’ll work under a false identity, cloistered safely away inside some anonymous, lonely, old lady’s house then put his brother’s killer away when he testifies at the trial.

But Tasha Henslow, a bed and breakfast owner whose building faces foreclosure, is not lonely and she’s not old. Nor, unfortunately, is she anonymous. He can get the work done while avoiding the killer, but not if she recognizes him. How long until she remembers the perfect night they spent together before she left him in a cold bed alone?

Take one hunk of a man, add incredible joy, throw in two drinks plus way too many antihistamines, and this equals Tasha’s “Saturday Night Fever,” the best night of her life that she can only remember in glimpses.

Trying to open her dream Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is turning into a nightmare for Tasha Henslow. So her best friend Sage brings her a “Rent-a-Husband” named Sven. Sven’s name is actually Crete Gannon, and he is shocked to see Tasha is the lady he’s going to help. Years ago, they shared a night he still dreams about, but he was never able to find her. He can't stop thinking about her and wonders why she can't remember him. However, a one night stand years ago is the last thing he should be thinking about with his brother’s murderer hunting him down.

Tasha has no idea Sven is who she calls her “Saturday Night Fever.” Yet whoever he is, she cannot deny her attraction. Nor can she deny the fact that he’s saving her B&B from disaster. Tasha is plagued by self-doubt and thinking she’s not capable of doing things for her business since she initially trusted the wrong people. Crete does try to reassure her, but it doesn’t seem enough until she figures out he’s her fantasy man. I loved Tasha’s references to films, and calling her one night stand with Crete her “Saturday Night Fever” was fun.

Ms. Reid created two well-rounded characters in Crete and Tasha. They both had faults and were captivating to read about. Tasha discovering Crete was her fantasy man was the best part of the story, especially the great sex that followed. Ms. Reid also developed her villain. His motivations for his actions were sad but believable. Although his story was poignant, I started to resent the time spent with his thoughts. Sympathy for the devil works, but I don’t want the hero to feel guilty for doing the right thing.

The suspense portion works well, too. It was real and compelling. However, on occasion it felt like the book went off on tangents. For example, Tasha’s self-doubt just went on too long. Also Crete’s actions when he escapes from the villain kind of lingered. Yes, it makes sense to hide and what he did while hiding was noble, but did it improve or further the story? Although the story is solid it just needed some “tightening” on occasion.

Ms. Reid’s Rent-a-Husband concept really worked. I definitely could see a sequel with this concept. The sexual tension between Tasha and Crete was fun. If you’re looking for a book with a strong hero, smart heroine, evil villain, great sex, and good suspense, try Rent-a-Husband, Inc.

Calendar Boy by Helen Hardt

Calendar Boy by Helen Hardt
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (103 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Sweet Pea

Forty-five year old erotic romance author Stacy Oppenheimer has always been an introvert, and her recent divorce has left her scared of her own shadow. But when her favorite cover model, Michael Moretti, corners her at a writers’ conference, she swallows her inhibitions for a moment and teases him a little.

Michael Moretti, age thirty-six, knows his career as a cover model and exotic dancer is rapidly coming to an end due to his age. He has his own reasons for attending this conference—find an attractive older woman who he can woo into keeping him in the lifestyle to which he’s become accustomed. Lovely Stacy Summers fits his requirements nicely.

With Michael’s help, Stacy begins to overcome her shyness and engages in some exciting activities both outside and inside the bedroom. But she’s nobody’s sugar mama, and she makes that clear to him when she finds out his ulterior motive. Too bad for Michael, who finds out he just might be in a little deeper than he thought.

Michael Mortelli is definitely one hot cover model. But with his career ending in the near future he goes on the search for a woman to take care of him. After spotting Stacy looking at his pictures something clicked inside him. This woman was going to be the one for him. Little did he know what a little firecracker she would turn out to be, and how easily she could turn him inside out.

Stacy Oppenheimer is a shy erotic novelist, just out of a bad marriage. When Michael comes on to her she almost can’t believe her ears. After one day with him, the world as she knows it is turned upside down. For once in her life she feels the freedom she has always wanted, thanks to one very sexy calendar boy.

I now have a new appreciation for cover models. Don’t get me wrong I always salivate over the men on the covers, this one included, but Ms. Hardt takes it to a whole new level showing an in-depth look into the life of a model. Michael is one sexy male specimen if I do say so myself. Stacy is a great leading lady. I loved how she channeled Starr.

Once I picked up this book I couldn’t put it down. I was riveted from page one to the very end. I love Cougar stories and this has just made my top five. I highly recommend this book.

Love Thy Neighbor by Jack Greene

Love Thy Neighbor by Jack Greene
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (23 pgs)
Other: M/M, M/M/M, Ménage, Voyeurism
Rating: 3 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Gerard's new apartment comes with a view--of his exhibitionist neighbors, male models Quinn and Ash, who aren't shy about their bodies, or leaving their blinds open.

Gerard can't help but watch, but it's not long before he wants more than a visual. Quinn and Ash are more than happy to welcome their hunky new neighbor.

Mix one voyeur with two horny men and watch the sparks fly.

When I read a Jack Greene story, I know it’s going to be hot and quick. The writing is tight and quick paced. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put this book down.

Love Thy Neighbor puts a new spin on the getting friendly with the fellow from down the hall theme. Quinn and Ash aren’t your average neighbors. These two make women look tame. Phew! My fingers singed just from clicking the keys to keep reading. And Gerard? Hey there’s a certain similarity, but the way Mr. Greene writes him, he’s a total individual.

The love scenes in this story are hot! Real hot! Quinn and Ash love to play for an audience—especially Gerard. He’s not much of a voyeur—until he saw them. As I read about the view across the courtyard, I felt like I was right there with him. I definitely squirmed in my seat.

Now keep in mind, this is a short story and it’s happily ever after, but I wanted to know what happened beyond the after. I felt like I got to know Gerard, Quinn, and Ash, but I needed to see where things went once the book closed. Still, it wasn’t enough to keep me from reading and getting emotionally involved in the story.

If you want a book that’s hot, times three, then you need to read Love Thy Neighbor. I give it three cherries.

Dragon's Sanity by Nicole Dennis

Dragon’s Sanity by Nicole Dennis
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (54 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Can an amnesiac warrior recover his memories in time to find his missing love and help his entire race?

The red dragon warrior appeared out of a storm, a traumatic injury, leaving him only with the memory of the name of Jackson. Suffering from agonizing seizures, he dreams and draws intricate portraits of the same ethereal woman.

After a making his way across the snowy lands to the remote cabin he’s seen in his dreams, Jackson tries to unlock the door of memories to discover who he – and the woman haunting his vision – are.

Will the angelic face of his dreams be the one to open the door or will the darkness of his missing past overwhelm any chance of love and recovery?

Content warning; A sexy dragon warrior chivalrous to the core. He can just as easily handle a sword, a drawing pencil, or skim a finger over a woman’s body. An evil Councilor’s defiance against destiny and a beloved leader.

A dragon with epilepsy and amnesia plagued with dreams of a maiden of rare beauty must find out who did robbed him of memory before it’s too late. It’s an interesting premise that grabs the imagination.

Jackson seems to be an interesting man based upon the things that he does intrinsically. He has no memory so a reader has no idea of he’s a good guy or a bad guy. I could only figure things out by the conversations of the other characters that populate the story early on. He seems to have an honorable inner core and isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right. Not a bad first impression if he’s a good guy. Awesome possibilities if he’s something else. Only by reading until the end will a reader find out how cool he really is.

Marissa is at first a bit standoffish but warms up once she realized who he was. Surprisingly enough, there’s a lot more to her that a reader is aware of at first introduction. She’s independent and has a lot of inner strength, some of which comes from a surprising source. She’s not shy once she decides to do something and when she makes up her mind about a course of action, she plows on through. No simpering Miss this one. I liked the surprise that she gives Jackson and the revelation proves to be icing on a very saucy cake. She’s a good match for Jackson.

As much as I liked the idea behind the story and the dialogue between Marissa and Jackson once it got going, I had some issues with this book. Part of it perhaps could come from the fact that this is a second installment in a series of which I had not read the first. It took me a bit to realize that this isn’t a sci-fi fantasy but a contemporary paranormal. It was the writing. I was thrown for a loop every time modern conveniences were bandied about. The talk of castles and clans then wind turbines jarred me. I found the mysterious foreshadowing by one of the secondary characters early on to be a bit heavy handed. I also take issue with Marissa initially stating she didn’t know who Jackson was and then turning an about face and acting like a mysterious gypsy fortuneteller who ‘knows all’. Perhaps a better editing eye could have smoothed out these jumps in believability.

In spite of the aforementioned editing burps, once Marissa connected with Jackson, mentally and physically, the plot movement of the story really gelled and it saved this book from being merely just a good read. It seemed to me that at that point the author hit her stride and the characters came alive. I liked the two of them together, I liked that the book had heart and passion and didn’t waffle with unnecessary relationship games. They proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were true mates and it was a very touching scene with drama and good tight writing. I also enjoyed how the author wrapped up the story with humor, sweetness and a warm happily ever after. If readers are into dragons then this story has a lot to like and it’s worth looking into.

Master of the Abyss by Cherise Sinclair

Master of the Abyss by Cherise Sinclair
Publisher: Loose Id, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (176 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Anal Play, Toys, Spanking
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Mistletoe

On the mountain, the watcher seeks out evil women. And then they die.

Two years ago, when Jake Hunt uncollared his slave, she committed suicide. Guilt-ridden, he will commit to a woman for one night only, devoting his energy to a mountain lodge that caters to a BDSM crowd.

Kallie Masterson is tough. Unwanted as a child, she worked hard to become a wilderness guide. She’s proud of who she is, and hurt that Jake frowns on her for acting like a man.

After rescuing the macho guide from a bar fight, Jake is stunned that the ugly men’s clothing hides a warm, responsive woman. A submissive woman. When guide business brings her to the lodge on BDSM night, and she is obviously aroused by the play, Jake takes the little sub right into his world of pain and pleasure. He warns her: one night only. But she responds so beautifully -- so joyously -- under his command, that one night soon becomes two, then three...

Then a missing hiker reminds Jake of his past lover, and he realizes he’s become too involved. He pulls back.

Meanwhile, the watcher on the mountain has rendered his verdict: Kallie Masterson is evil. The sentence: Death.

Once again Cherise Sinclair has written a wonderful tale full of emotion and depth. This story is definitely a page-turner that I could not put down. I was so drawn into Jake and Kallie’s world that I read this book in one sitting. This story is a continuation of the characters we met in Master of the Mountain. Jake is Logan’s brother who was the hero in that book. It can be read as a stand-alone but you really should read Logan book as well as Simon’s story to have a better understanding and enjoyment of this book and its characters.

Jake is a wonderful man who has been hurt by a tremendous tragedy in his past that prevents him from getting close to anyone. Yet when he finally interacts with Kallie he finds himself drawn to her and fighting feelings he thought he would never have again. Kallie is a smart and feisty woman who has her own hurts from her past and tries to deal with them all on her own. I really enjoyed the interaction and bantering between these two. It was nice to watch Jake discover what kind of woman Kallie is underneath all her bravado and when Kallie figures out just what makes Jake tick it was nice seeing him deal with things emotionally. The two make a wonderful couple. Not only do the two have to deal with their feelings but it also seems that someone is out to hurt Kallie. When the chips are down we see that they each can count on each other to stand by them.

Cherise Sinclair does a wonderful job of combining just the right amount of suspense into this great story. I enjoyed the way Jake and Kallie got to not only share their pasts but their futures as well. It was nice to see how patient Jake was with introducing Kallie to his world of Dominance and how open Kallie was to it.

This was a beautiful read that was well written and should not be missed. I know that I will certainly be on the look out for more from this author in the future.

Demon Scorned by S.K. Yule

Demon Scorned by S.K. Yule
Publisher: Amira Press, LLC
genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (67 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Spanking
Rating: 3 cherries
Reviewed by Ambrosia

After Dante, Demon of Justice, executes his sister’s murderer, he is imprisoned by Bianca, Demon of Scorn, sister to the man he’s killed. The daily tortures make his blood boil, yet he begins falling for his sexy tormentor. Still, grief and pride conspire, keeping him from explaining his actions to her.

Bianca can’t imagine why her brother deserved Dante’s execution. And, after a plan to avenge his death backfires, she becomes Dante’s captive. More troubling, she is falling in love with him.

Can Dante and Bianca overcome their differences and a journey to hell to find true love?

Love can be hell, that’s for sure. Take a Demon of Scorn, throw her together with a Demon of Justice, mix together some misunderstandings, and you’ll have a story that just might peak your interest.

When Demon of Scorn, Bianca, seeks revenge on the Demon of Justice, Dante, for killing her brother, she soon finds herself at a loss as to what to do with her feelings. Torture is the game of the day as she keeps him prisoner for weeks and whips him daily, falling in love with his hot body and steely determination to fight back. What she doesn’t know is that Dante had valid reasons for seeking justice.

Even the most devoted professional can go over the edge now and then when pushed to the limit. When Dante finds Bianca’s demon brother raping his virtuous sister who in turn kills herself because of it, he is lost in grief and tears the demon apart with his bare hands. Captured by Bianca who whips him each day to suffer for doing his job a little too well, he hates himself for being drawn to her sexy body and vows revenge…if only he can escape. Dante captures her and keeps her his prisoner, though his torture is sweet and he retains his honor by not harming her.

The plot is interesting, the characters full of vim and vigor, yet the story is not what I’d consider an erotic romance due to the fact that there is only one major sex scene at the end of the story. There was lots of sexual tension leading up to the climax (pun intended). Though a short story, it’s great for a quick read for anyone who likes soft erotic romance.

This story captures 3 Cherries.

Touch Me Gently by J.R. Loveless

Touch Me Gently by J. R. Loveless
Publishing: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (206 pgs)
Other: M/M, anal play, mention of rape and self mutilation, thoughts of suicide
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by Canterbury Bell

Always hiding his tormented past along with his scarred body, Kaden James finds it difficult to keep a job. Luck finally turns his way when he finds work as a cook on a Montana ranch, where he meets terrifyingly handsome Logan Michaels. Logan is different from any man Kaden’s ever met, and before long, he finds himself falling in love with the big cowboy.

But Kaden’s nightmares won’t let go of him so easily, and he’s not just jumping at shadows. He has nearly a lifetime of abuse, horrifying memories, and pain addiction to overcome. Can Logan's gentle touch help Kaden heal inside?

When you begin a book by recalling the events of a sexual attack of a young man by an older step-parent you know that you are in for quite a ride. Touch Me Gently is the story of a damaged young man Kaden, and his difficult journey to self-acceptance and through that accepting the love of another man.

Kaden is the victim of a physically, mentally and sexually abusive stepfather. This creates a pattern of self-mutilation, no self-esteem, haunting nightmares and the inability to maintain a lifestyle or relationship, so Kaden wanders from place to place and from job to job. A difficult situation at a new job ends up with Kaden leaving for a ranch in Montana and taking a job as the cook. Logan Michael, the ranch owner and Kaden’s employer sees the results of Kaden’s life and find himself shocked at his own attraction to his young cook. With the help of his sister Shea, Logan is able to reach the inner soul of Kaden and help him heal his internal and external wounds while both men discover the healing powers of love and conditional devotion.

In truth, this is an emotionally difficult story to read but so worth it! J. R. Loveless has given us a full plate with every page but combines it all together in a story that will make you cry, laugh and smile. You carry the life of Kaden with you throughout the story and ride his emotional rollercoaster with a sigh of relief when you can finally see that life can go on successfully and happily if you are willing to open your eyes and your heart and accept that you are worthy of all the great things that life can bring.

Eternal Pleasure by Nina Bangs

Eternal Pleasure by Nina Bangs
Gods of the Night Book 1
Publisher: Dorchester Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Action/Adventure
Length: Full Length (308 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Holly

The Eleven—an alliance of ultimate predators. Primal, lethal, irresistible. The Prophecy—an ancient Mayan prediction that the world will end on 12-21-12. The Prey—where can you hide from pure evil?

Kelly Maloy opens her car door to much more than a great looking stranger at the Houston airport. Terror, desire, and a horrible truth climb in with him. She’s only supposed to drive Ty Endeka around the city for a few weeks. Too bad no one tells her that once day fades she’ll become part of a battle fought in the darkened streets with an enemy that isn’t human. And the sensual man who feeds her fantasies hides a soul that gives new meaning to animal magnetism.

Eleven Gods of the Night… The only creatures more deadly are the ones they’ve been summoned to destroy.

Every sixty five million years, ten immortals descend on Earth, determined to wipe out the dominant race to make way for a new species to move to the top. The last time this happened, it signaled the end of the dinosaurs. Now, the ten are back, bent on total annihilation of the dominant species (humans). But there is a difference this time, and that is a group of eleven immortal beings determined to stop the ten at all costs.

These Gods of the Night, as they have been dubbed by the bad guys, have been sleeping for all this time: well, the souls of ten of them anyway. When their leader, Fin revives them, he places their souls into human males, all gorgeous and strong in their own right. But when their souls break free, they are nearly invincible, because they become what they were so long ago: the ultimate predators-dinosaurs.

When Ty Endeka gets to Texas, he is met by his human driver, Kelly Maloy, and sparks fly. Seems the emotions of these immortals kind of leak, and what Kelly feels is raw lust rolling off of him. But soon they are in the thick of battle, trying to send “Nine” back to the cosmos and prevent Houston from being destroyed. Can Ty get a handle on his inner beast, and survive the battle to come? Can Kelly see past the beast to the heart within?

Eternal Pleasure is the first book in Nina Bangs’ newest series, Gods of the Night. This is an interesting twist on the Mayan end-of-days prophecy, and I found this book to be a really riveting reading experience. When I think of Nina Bangs, I envision hot hunks, and we have lots of those here. She has come up with a new twist on shifters with this and there is a humorous twist as well. And no Nina Bangs book would be complete without a love story, and scorching hot sex. She has it all in this one. And the characters are unique and well crafted.

Kelly Maloy is a strong and determined female. She needs money to finish her schooling, and she accepts Fin’s offer of a job as Ty’s driver. I love her strength, and her willingness to jump in and do her part to save humanity, once she learns the truth. She is loyal, and honest, and willing to get in Fin’s face to get what she wants.

Ty Endeka is sort of “leader of the pack” in this one. Considering he was a tyrannosaurus rex in his last life, he is the “baddest of the bad” but luckily he is one of the good guys this time around. I enjoyed watching Ty get a grip on his inner beast, and learn how to be human to be with Kelly. His patience was a wonder. I mean, the guy hasn’t had sex in sixty five million years, and his fated mate is next to him in a car most of the time. Talk about frustration.

All of the characters are unique and well defined. I love the sense of humor that Ms. Bangs gave to their leader, Fin. His idea of names for his men is really tongue in cheek, and once you meet each of them, it becomes clear that this character (Fin) is the most enigmatic character ever written. And he doesn’t let them know everything at once, leading us to surprises along the way. I look forward to reading more in this series, and I highly recommend it for those who want something different.

Dinner and a Movie by Beth Wylde

Dinner and a Movie by Beth Wylde
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (16 pgs)
Other: M/M, Voyeurism, anal sex
Rating: 3 cherries
Review by Tiger Lily

Though Dane tries to hide his secret fetish from his partner, Jack discovers his husband's voyeuristic tendencies and decides to surprise his lover with a special treat. After a nice dinner and a hot trip to an adult theater, Jack is sure Dane will want every night to include dinner and a movie.

Punchy, hot, and oh-so-sinful!

When I opened this book, I knew I was in for a hot time. I wasn’t disappointed. Dreamspinner’s Daydreams books are short little teases and I loved every moment.

Dinner and a Movie by Beth Wylde might be short on pages, but not on heat. The writing is quick paced and detailed. I felt like I was right there with Dane and Jack, playing the voyeur. Although the reader is in Dane’s point of view and I never really got to see what Jack thought, I almost didn’t need to know.

Dane loves to watch. I liked him because he’s human and a bit afraid to admit his tendencies. I could identify with his apprehension. Who wouldn’t be afraid to come clean about things others might find inappropriate? Jack added to the story nicely as well. He’s totally engrossed in making his partner happy and living out the fantasy. Give the guy props for being observant.

What I found to be a downfall to this story was the length. Things happen fast. Now I realize there is only so much room in a short story and things can’t tarry, but I wanted to know more about Dane and Jack. I wanted to get into Jack's head and see how he enjoyed the scene in the theatre.

Still, I liked this scorcher and would recommend it to my friends if they want a steamy story for a bedtime read. It fits the bill perfectly.

I give Dinner and a Movie 3 cherries!

Earth and Ayr by Viola Grace

Earth and Ayr by Viola Grace
Elymyntyls Book 2
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (68 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by Holly

Sol has been trying to force information from the giants on the Raven’s Rest station above Jotunheim. No one can tell her where her friend Jin is until Morgarn the mountain giant walks into the bar. He knows where Jin is and is willing to tell Sol, but he trades information for kisses. Using the element of air to torture him, she finds that using air against rock is not an effective means of extracting information.

Sometimes it is wise to remember who, or what, you’re up against. This is especially true for Solial Kellan, an air elemental, and one of three friends who one the bar Elymyntyl on the Raven’s Rest space station. When her friend Jin goes missing, Sol and Fen are left to carry on with the business. And it is business as usual until the bounty hunters that caused Jin to run reappear trying to grab the other two partners.

They hire Morgarn, a giant from the planet below, recommended by the Gaia Group as reliable, to escort them on nightly bank runs. But there is more behind the sudden influx of giants to the station than meets the eye. When Morgarn promises Sol he can help her find her friend, Sol agrees to accompany him to his home. When Morgarn seems intent on seduction, Sol uses her air powers to try and stop him, until he explains to her that she can’t suffocate rock.

Can Sol accept what Morgarn ultimately offers her? Once she finds Jin is safe and happy with her fire giant, will Sol find a life with her mountain giant? Can she escape the bounty offered by Thosnos for her and her friends?

In this, the second book of Viola Grace’s Elymyntyls miniseries, she takes us back to the space station that the three friends call home. I love this new world, and I wish the stories could be longer. I enjoy the imaginative and fantastic characters that Ms. Grace creates, and the marvelous worlds that they inhabit. Ms. Grace never seems to run out of worlds to present, or races to uncover, and this makes for very unusual pairings at times.

Solial Kellan is the daughter of a Terran scorcher and her Dhemon/Nyal mate. She is hot headed and independent, used to having her way. She believes that her control of air gives her the advantage, and with most beings, it does. I like the spirit that Sol shows, and her deep loyalty to her friends. And I loved how she made Morgarn earn his way into her heart.

Morgarn is seven feet of mountain giant. He believes in the prediction that his mate would be an air elemental, and he does what it takes to secure the mate of the prediction. He is strong and determined, and just a little bit obsessive with counting. I loved how he got Sol to fall in with his plans by making a deal that for each question she asked, he would give her an answer but he also earned a kiss as payment. And the interaction between the two is great -- the fun ways Sol used to try and not ask questions.

There is, once again, a surprise twist to the story here. I enjoyed each revelation as it came, and there were some points I was not expecting at all. This is a fun story of romance, revelations and passionate sensuous sexiness. This is best read with the first book, as there are definite links that need to be connected. I recommend both as great fun.

Blacque/Bleu by Belinda McBride

Blacque/Bleu by Belinda McBride
Publisher: Loose Id
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy, paranormal
Length: Full Length (220 pgs)
Other: M/M, anal sex, bdsm
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Cactus

Lukas Blacque is a deeply closeted werewolf, and almost more than anything in life, he desires his neighbor, Oliver Bleu. Oliver is a vampire who is slowly dying from insomnia. More than anything, he needs Lukas Blacque and the rich blood that flows through his veins.

On the day that Blacque makes an important commitment to his family and pack, he also succumbs to temptation and agrees to a passionate weekend with the alluring vampire. At sunset on Friday, it’s all about urgent lust and the drive to lose his virginity. When the sun rises on Monday, lust has shifted to love and devotion. He's not sure he can walk away, even for the commitment he's made. He's even less sure Bleu will let him go.

In Blacque’s world, vampires and werewolves make uneasy bedfellows, and a gay werewolf is an impossibility. In Bleu’s world, all living creatures are little more than vessels for food and sex. But in the mysterious and magical town of Arcada, the unexpected is always waiting right around the corner. Now Blacque and Bleu just need to survive long enough for Arcada’s magic to work for them.

Can a gay werewolf and ancient vampire find love in a closet? Lukas Blacque is a werewolf mechanic. He’s also gay, but since gay werewolves aren’t supposed to exist, he’s careful not to let his orientation be known. Lukas is also determined to resist his sexy as sin neighbor, the gorgeous old vampire Oliver Bleu. Yet Oliver isn’t looking so healthy lately and a chance encounter leads to a weekend of bliss for the lovers. Their happiness can’t last as Oliver’s maker has returned and Lukas is in line as the next alpha.

Blacque/Bleu is an entertaining and enjoyable story in a field littered with too many cliché vampire/werewolf stories. The story may not be especially new but the clever details and subtle humor woven into the writing makes this stand out amongst the crowd. Oliver is gradually fading from existence due to insomnia. The less he sleeps, the weaker he feels and less easily he can hunt. The longer he goes between hunting, the weaker he becomes in a vicious cycle. Lukas is a gay werewolf in line to take over the pack, a position he doesn’t want but feels he must take.

The dynamic between the two men is instantly engaging. They dance around each other but when they get together, the sex is hot and plentiful. There is a D/s element to their relationship but it’s very minor and only related to sex. There is also a host of other characters from family members to mysterious and intriguing town residents that serve to keep the story going with great interest. The town itself is a magical place that chooses its residents, a clever twist. Along with the play on the men’s names, the story offers several moments of tongue in cheek humor.

From beginning to end, Blacque/Bleu offers something different in the usually overfilled field of supernatural stories. The characters become like old friends that you want to see happy while even the crankiest of men meet their match. The story can’t be over for this unusual town or these great men so until their next adventure is published, get this now and indulge in some light but thoroughly satisfying reading.

A Ghoul Like You by J.L. Merrow

A Ghoul Like You by J.L. Merrow
Publisher: Noble Romance
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (20 pgs)
Other: M/M, anal sex
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Cactus

Niall's just a ghoul looking for a quiet life. Instead, he meets Jamie, a kid on a vampire-killing spree. And nothing says, "I love you," like a stake through the heart . . . .

A visceral story of love (or something like it) among the undead.

Sometimes a stake in the chest is love and sometimes it’s hate. Figuring out which is which isn’t always easy for amateur vampire slayer Jamie. He’s hunting vampires and accidentally stakes Niall. Unfortunately for Jamie Niall isn’t a vampire, but a ghoul. When Niall recovers from the staking, he’s rather annoyed at having to chew on his own arm to survive. He decides to find Jamie and teach him a lesson. Yet Niall finds that maybe Jamie isn’t all bad and the two may find common ground.

A Ghoul Like You is a witty, entertaining short story. It’s a fast read and definitely leaves you wanting more. Niall is a funny man, living in a rather gothic basement and eating raw meat for survival. He never meant to eat Jamie when he picked him up in a club, but merely chew on him a little. The story can be graphic in places as the bloody meat ghouls eat to survive is depicted in gruesome detail. Yet this is always offset with humor and wry wit to help any who may be squeamish.

The author’s trademark humor is sprinkled throughout this enjoyable story. From the small details to the large, this short story is littered with great lines and sly nods. The characters and their dialogue are particular highlights and create a very engrossing story that you never want to end. The sex scene between Niall and Jamie is very sexy and surprisingly hot – considering one of the men is undead and eats flesh.

For a few dollars this unconventional story is completely worth reading. It hits many high notes and the writing is high quality. You may find yourself rooting for ghouls as the newest heroes.

A Shared Range by Andrew Grey

A Shared Range by Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (203 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Sex
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Phlox

After a year in medical school, Dakota Holden returned home to take care of the family business full time and help his father cope with multiple sclerosis. Devoted to his family, Dakota allows himself just one week of vacation a year, which he spends in some exotic location having all the fun he can stand. On his last vacation, a cruise, Dakota struck up a friendship with Phillip Reardon, and it fills an important role in Dakota’s life.

So when Phillip decides to take Dakota up on his invitation to visit the ranch, Dakota is happy to see him and meet his veterinarian friend, Wally Schumacher. Despite Wally’s inclination to help the wolves Dakota’s men shoot to protect the cattle, he and Dakota find they have a lot in common, including a fierce attraction. But they’ll have to decide if the Wyoming range is big enough for Dakota’s cattle, Wally’s wolves, and their love.

Wyoming – the “Equality State”, so named since it was the first state to give women the vote, is also Matthew Shepard country as our hero points out, and not the most encouraging place for a young man to come out. This story, which looks to be the first in a new series from Mr. Grey, takes us to a beautiful locale and face to face with some highly relevant, timely issues – homophobia driven violence, the heartbreaking issues of caring for an ailing parent, and, also appropriate to the locale, the reintroduction of wolves onto national park land.

While these are all important topics, their handling never felt heavy or preachy in the context of the plot. These are simply facts our characters have to face. Dakota, who leaves medical school to come home and care for his MS-stricken father, has managed to keep his balance through life’s upheavals. Strong and stoic, sensible and practical, he hides his pain and his loneliness from himself and soldiers on, never becoming bitter or resentful. While he’s loyal to a fault, kind and compassionate with others, he hides his sexuality while he’s home, from his father and from the community, for fear of hurting the ranch and the people he loves.

Enter Wally, a feisty, passionate little fireball of a vet-school graduate, who disapproves strongly of the ranchers’ practice of shooting wolves, whose joy in working with animals shows in all his actions, and who doesn’t need anyone’s help in a fight, thank you very much. While Dakota and Wally initially butt heads, it doesn’t take long for the two of them to feel the magnetic pull of attraction and to anticipate the gray, empty spot that would shadow their hearts if they were apart. Some readers might argue that their coming together happens too quickly and that their disagreements resolve too easily. I would respectfully disagree. I found it more realistic that two people who are meant to be together would have a natural connection and that two such kind and caring people would be mature enough to be able to compromise.

All that said, there is a touch more high drama in this story than in many of Mr. Grey’s works. His stories often have a gentle, contemplative quality, stories of inner struggle and turmoil. We lose none of the inner life of the characters here, but there are guns and fistfights, snarling predators and actual physical danger. Snarling predator-wise, one of my favorite aspects of the story is how Dakota’s view of the wolves shifts as he begins to see them through Wally’s eyes. On the flip side, the only aspect of the plot that I felt a bit forced was in the too-easy acceptance of most people outside the relationship, both wolf and gay couple-wise. This did not affect my enjoyment of the story, however.

Against the backdrop of breathtaking mountains and in the context of the struggle for acceptance, A Shared Range is a tender and heartwarming love story. The importance of family, of compassion, loyalty, and kindness, which we have come to expect in Grey stories, are all here, wrapped around endearing characters, both major and minor. This is one of those stories to read when your heart is bruised and your world feels dark. You’ll take a deep breath afterwards and see the sun again.