A Silver Lining by Beth D. Carter

A Silver Lining by Beth D. Carter
Publisher: Loose ID
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (117 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Stephantois

When Heather Hart was fifteen, her parents brought her to Wyoming to visit her grandfather’s ranch where she met cowboy Tristan Rogers when he helped patch her twisted ankle. Young, sweet, and impressionable, she promptly lost her heart to the young rodeo rider. Twenty years later Heather has been summoned by her dying grandfather to determine if she is worthy, being the last of the Harts, to inherit the ranch.

The man she’ll be competing against for the prize is none other than Tristan Rogers, the ranch's current foreman, who loves the land like no other. Heather has one month to learn five things about the ranch and Tristan is given the task of “showing her the ropes,” so to speak.

Heather recognizes her adversary and uses all the weapons in her arsenal to fight for Hart Ranch, namely sex appeal and attitude aplenty. But Tristan can’t help remembering the sweet young girl who'd had a crush before she became this hellcat on high heels. As Heather tries to transform into a woman worthy of her grandfather’s approval, Tristan works to learn what embittered her and tries to win her heart and trust.

Heather and Tristan first met when she was a teenager and sprained her ankle while visiting her grandfather’s ranch. Now she’s all grown up and returned there to compete with him for the right to take over the running of the family ranch once her ailing grandfather dies.

I really enjoyed the opening to this story. A step back in the past to see both main characters and how they first met. When we fast forward to the present we meet a completely different Heather. The author did a great job showing us the transformation of her character. She’s now someone you almost despise but somewhere in the back of your mind you sense something has happened to her to turn her into this rebellious and sometimes unlikeable young woman. Tristan is still his delightful and in many scenes I felt sorry that he had to endure Heather’s temper and attitude.

The secondary characters in this story are great and helped to round out this short read. The dialogue and pacing were both spot on. It’s a sexy story full of sexual tension as Heather and Tristan go about their business at the ranch and the author does a first class job with making you finally see Heather through Tristan’s eyes which eventually makes her more tolerable.

I won’t give away what Heather was hiding but when the author did finally reveal the dark secret, all became clear as to why she acted out during the first half of the story. I would have liked to have been told this earlier in the story so we could have spent more time with this couple while Tristan mends the hurt she’s been through.

This is definitely a story to pick up if you like a sexy cowboy and a quick read.

Cowboy Drifter by Winona Wilder

Cowboy Drifter by Winona Wilder
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (79 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play, Toys, Spanking
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Coreopsis

James doesn't know how he'll survive a road trip with Jet Cartwright. The cowboy drifter has been his wet dream for years, and keeping his true feelings hidden takes a herculean effort.

Jet travels the rodeo circuit and handles horse trading for busy ranchers. Settling down never crossed his mind—until he meets James, a mix of innocence and raw sex appeal. Jet quickly learns that he's willing to give up his ways for the young blond.

Will James be able to come clean with his feelings? Will Jet be able to show the younger man the many pleasures of the flesh, and will that be enough?

James is a young man with a secret, a secret he shouldn’t have to keep, but the fear of being shunned by his family has him keeping his lips tightly sealed. After seeing his father disown his brother for being gay, James doesn’t want to take the chance that his father will cast him aside for being in love with another man. This is a character who is torn between coming out of the closet or staying trapped in his own personal prison just to keep his family happy.

Jet Cartwright drifts between riding the rodeo circuit and helping rancher’s sell their purebred horses. He was hired by James’ father to teach him the ropes of trading horses, but what Jet teaches James has nothing to do with horses. He’s a man of many hats and is good at disguising his true nature. Jet has always admired James from afar but Jet knows his limits when it comes to relationships and he isn’t the settling down type. Still every protective instinct comes out in him when he's with James and has him thinking forever isn’t so bad.

I really liked the character of Jet; he doesn’t broadcast his sexual preference but he also doesn’t hide who he is. At times I found him to be frustrating, he is afraid of putting down roots and committing to one person for the rest of his life. But love outweighs any uncertainties he may have had; he just has to prove to his young and naïve cowboy that he’s in for the long haul.

This was a sweet loving story filled with plenty of misunderstandings between the two main characters. This author paired together a man still trying to figure out who he is with a man experience in life and in sex, so it’s a given these two men will butt heads often. The attraction is evident from the first touch they share. This is a couple that will keep me wondering what adventures they will share next long after the story ended. That's the true proof of a good book.

Dressed to Thrill by Kimberly Gardner

Dressed to Thrill by Kimberly Gardner
Publisher: Loose Id
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (103 pages)
Other: M/M, Anal Sex
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by Rosemary

Dumped. Right before spring break. What rotten timing! But since the trip to Key West is already paid for, Oliver decides that he'll go anyway. Who knows? Maybe he'll meet a hot guy to make him forget his woes. Little does he expect to be drawn to both a gorgeous local and a sultry drag queen that turn out to be one and the same.

Drew knows he has what it takes to be a star. If he has to wear a skirt and stilettos to make it happen, so be it. He looks good as a woman. But then he meets Oliver and has his doubts. He can't tell this terrific new guy what he does with his evenings. Not when they're having such a great time and not when Oliver will be gone in a week. Given the circumstances, where's the harm in a little white lie?

But plans and hearts have a way of changing. When both men’s secrets come to light, their hidden desires become their greatest thrills.

Dressed to Thrill by Kimberly Gardner is a quick read that is light-hearted, fun and super sexy.

While on Spring Break in Key West, Oliver meets Drew and his alter ego who just happens to be a glamorous and vampish drag queen named Faith. Attracted to both, he is unaware that Drew and Faith are one and the same person. And Oliver is just a little confused by how he, a gay man, can be lusting after a “woman”.

Drew is a talented singer who loves performing on stage. He runs the family business by day and in the evenings he transforms himself into the sexy and supremely confident Faith. When his emotions become involved, Drew finds it difficult to keep night job a secret from Oliver. But Oliver is keeping a few secrets of his own.

Dressed to Thrill is a fairly uncomplicated and cute story. Oliver and Drew’s relationship has an air of innocence which is due, in part, to Oliver’s wide-eyed wonder at his new experiences in Key West. Their romance is sweet and relatively conflict free. Their sex scenes are sizzling hot yet filled with emotion.

For a short vacation from everyday life, I highly recommend Dressed to Thrill by Kimberly Gardner. This feel good and humorous novella will transport you to Key West as you join Olivier and Drew on their romantic and passionate journey to happily ever after.

Lies and Consequences by Tatiana March

Lies and Consequences by Tatiana March
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing, LLC
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (149 Pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Myrtle

Journalist Christina Miller is determined to scoop the first ever interview with Lucas Frost, a reclusive scientist who has invented a gadget worth millions. On the way to his isolated lakeside home, her car breaks down, forcing her to shelter the night in an ancient boat. In the morning, she finds herself hijacked by a surly fisherman who refuses to take her ashore.

Christina strikes a daring bargain: if he takes her back, she'll sleep with him. No names, no personal details, just two strangers sharing pleasure in the night.

She has missed the chance of an exclusive interview with Lucas Frost, but at least she can make the press conference at his research lab. When she arrives, she finds her surly fisherman sitting behind a podium, facing a bank of microphones - Lucas Frost.

And he has no intention of letting her forget.

Women are like fish: you have to give them some slack, and let them wear themselves out before you reel them in.

Christina Miller sets out to be the first reporter to do an interview with the reclusive Lucas Frost who lives in total seclusion from the real world. Little does she know that she may get more than she’d bargain for. I have never read one of Ms. March's books nor had I ever heard of her before I purchased this manuscript so I did not know what to expect. However, one of the joys of reading a new author is coming across a story that is not only enjoyable but soothing as well. Watching the scenes play out in this delightful unique story was not only entertaining but also a nice relaxing read.

It did not take me long to become enmeshed in the story line or the characters who won me over from the beginning when Christina took refuge on Lucas' boat during a storm -- only to wake up in the middle of the lake with no way to get back to shore. Watching her having to put up with a hardheaded man and fight seasickness made me laugh out loud a time or two. One thing for sure she could not run away unless she wanted to swim to the bank. I will add that the title of the book, Lies and Consequences, is a good description of the deception that goes on through out the story. One thing that kept popping into my head while reading was Murphy’s Law: “any thing that can go wrong will go wrong”. Believe me, both Christina and Lucas test that theory to the end.

This is one book that I am glad that I got my hands on and would recommend to my friends to read and one author whose book I am looking forward to purchasing.

The Billionaire Cowboy Takes a Wife by Paige Cameron

The Billionaire Cowboy Takes a Wife by Paige Cameron
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (132 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3 Cherries
Reviewed by Dahlia

Samantha Riley's grandfather gives her an ultimatum: marry or lose her inheritance. Her solution? Propose to Jackson Stone, her neighbor and long-time friend. When she has second thoughts, Jackson won't let her cancel their agreement.

While in Houston to choose a ring, Samantha realizes she doesn't know this tantalizing Jackson, especially when a strong desire ignites between the two. In spite of the temptation, she is resolved their marriage will be a business union. Jackson doesn't agree. Strong willed and stubborn, she wants to be in control, but in him she's met her match.

Jackson makes quick arrangements for their wedding. Samantha is torn between her desire and her determination not to fall in love. When her closest friend helps Samantha realize her fears of commitment, Samantha faces the truth. She loves Jackson. But will their love be strong enough to keep them together when her fears return?

Samantha has only ever wanted to run, work, and live on her grandpa's ranch when he retired. She's a true country girl at heart and the ranch has been her safe haven since she was ten years old and her parents died. She never saw the day coming when her grandpa would give her the ultimate ultimatum. Marry or lose your inheritance. Samantha knew he was just stubborn enough to keep his word, so in her own haste to keep him from changing the will, she makes a sensible proposition to her best friend. A marriage of convenience (her working both ranches) without all of the “turmoil” (sex). It seemed like a good proposal at the time, but with the way Jackson's taken charge, now she's not so sure what she's gotten into.

Jackson knew the day would eventually come when he could return to his roots and start planing the rest of his semi-retired life. The person he wanted to spend that time with just happens to live on a neighboring ranch with as fierce a hunger for life on the range as his own. Imagine his surprise when Samantha storms into his office with the deal of a lifetime. It not only makes good business sense, but it helps that he's been in love with her for a long time. First he'll have take control of this situation and show her she made the right decision.

This story proves quite well how a person might think they know someone when really maybe they don't. Ten years later and Samantha is just realizing there is a whole different side to Jackson. He brings together the handsome ruggedness of a ranching cowboy and the sleek flare of an entrepreneur, but one completely eludes her. Samantha has a fierce stubborn streak and loves just as strongly, yet faces a personal demon she can't seem to shake.

Although the pacing of the story reads fast, the fluidity of the storyline felt lacking. The scene changes weren't always detailed and smoothly transitioned. However, it's still quite enjoyable with the character relationship development and the unfolding of a couple of underlying plotlines. It should also be noted how very attentive Jackson is as a lover and the erotic content is good quality. For readers who adore an erotic romance in a contemporary setting with a cowboy twist, I recommend reading this story.

Bodies of Light by Lisabet Sarai

Bodies of Light by Lisabet Sarai
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (53 pages)
Other: M/F/M, Ménage
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Clematis



Love travels faster than light

Physicist Dr. Christine Monroe has devoted her lonely life to research on hyper-space travel. Her continued failure leads her to sign on to the Archimedes, a sub-light-speed mission aimed at establishing a colony in the Sirius B system.

Waking from suspended animation, she discovers that the ship is wildly off course and the rest of the crew are dead due to equipment failure. At first she thinks the two handsome strangers who show up on the ship are figments of her imagination - erotic hallucinations created by isolation and stress.

However, Alyn and Zed are solid, real, and ready to sacrifice their lives for the strong woman they’ve found stranded in deep space. As her ship begins to disintegrate, Christine must choose between the planet she was sent to save and the two alien beings she’s come to cherish.

What a wonderfully refreshing and original sci-fi erotic romance. My only complaint would be that I finished it -- I wanted to keep on reading! A nightmare of epic proportions awaits Dr. Christine Monroe, when she is forced awake from suspended animation, to alarms and chaos. Something has drastically gone wrong and then she makes the heart-stopping discovery that she is the lone survivor aboard the spaceship, Archimedes, lost in space and that it is slowly but surely, disintegrating around her.

Convinced she’s ‘losing the plot,’ fighting panic, stress, isolation and depression, Christine is barely surprised when two gorgeous alien males show up to make love to her. But Alyn and Zed are more than they appear and Christine soon comes to realize that with time running out and certain death if she remains on board, going with them may be her only option.

Bodies of Light, is original erotic sci-fi at it’s best. Superbly crafted and thrilling, short but satisfying, with all the T’s crossed and the I’s dotted. Her characters are wonderful. I found myself easily transported into the future, aboard the doomed Archimedes and as anxious as the good Doctor to find a way out. But it's her alien lovers, Alyn and Zed who hold the key now and if she's brave enough, a new beginning is possible.

New to Lisabet Sarai's work, I was pleasantly surprised and am full of nothing but praise, for Bodies of Light. Being a dedicated lover of sci-fi, my own one unshakeable, steadfast conviction of the genre is simply that it must be believable, and this one is. All kudos to you, Ms Sarai. Just great!

Do yourself a favor and be sure to pick this one up if sci-fi, and especially erotic sci-fi, is something you enjoy.

Dominance Program by Katherine Kingston

Dominance Program by Katherine Kingston
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (67 pgs)
Other: M/F, BDSM, Spanking,
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Amaryllis

Lieutenant Kevin McQuade isn’t looking for love when he visits a house of pleasure while on a break from his space travels. He just wants a chance to indulge his submissive sexual fantasies. But in Gilya he finds not just an exquisite dominatrix, but a woman he admires and connects with on many levels. Their lust is immediate, her connection with him intuitive.

When Kevin admits the dark secret that drives most people away from him, Gilya copes with it, because she has a secret too—one that might just push him away.

You can’t buy happiness, but in the future you can buy a perfect lover. Gilya is a sympathetic but strong heroine that I connected with right away. Her dilemma speaks to something universal in humans, how much is love a result of our biological programming and how much truly comes from the heart and soul?

Lieutenant Kevin McQuade is a strong man with a soft heart and a vulnerable side. He has suffered isolation and heartache in his life, he hungers for connection. This immediately engaged my compassion for him. I wanted to see him get a HEA. The sex was plentiful and hot. Gilya is the Domme and Kevin is the sub for the most part. Gilya is a warm and giving Domme, strong and yet able to be tender. Kevin is strong, a little rebellious but also giving and warm. It worked for me. The sex here is definately not for the faint of heart. This is a BDSM erotic romance and the punishments are graphic.

I liked the view into Gilya’s inner conflict over doing such intimate work at a pleasure house, the toll it takes on her but how she manages to hold it all together. I thought that added a realistic aspect to the story.

But the road is rocky for the lovers and their time together is marked by conflict both inner and outer. The story definitely kept me on the edge of my seat wondering how their story could ever work out. Kingston did a great job of delivering a believable solution.

Pride and Prejudice: Hidden Lusts by Mitzi Szereto

Pride and Prejudice: Hidden Lusts by Mitzi Szereto
Publisher: Cleis Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (265 pages)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, F/F/F, M/M, ménage, multiple partners, toys, spanking, anal, BDSM, voyeurism
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

In Pride and Prejudice: Hidden Lusts, Mr. Darcy has never been more devilish and the seemingly chaste Elizabeth never more turned on. The entire cast of characters from Austen's classic is here, caught with their breeches unbuttoned and their skirts raised high in this re-imagined red-hot Regency romance. And of course, there's plenty of good old-fashioned bodice ripping that shows no pride or prejudice and reveals hot hidden lusts in every scandalous page-turning chapter.

Do the “classics” entertain you with their period language and beautiful imagery but leave you wanting the characters to break out of those molds and just get real? No, I’m not suggesting a Real World Regency England. But if you would like to know what happens when the BBC gets crossed with Cinemax look no further than Mitzi Szereto’s Pride and Prejudice: Hidden Lusts. This is not your high school lit teacher's Jane Austen but she would have to have appreciated the unerring way Ms. Szereto keeps the story within the proper time period in both language and setting.

I have to admit something that I’m not terribly proud of: I’ve never read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. How silly is it that a lover of literature has never cracked the binding on one of the most well known and acclaimed pieces of written word in history? But it didn’t stop me from being completely intrigued at how well it might be rewritten. With a healthy dose of human sexuality that had me reaching for fan I couldn’t put this book down before reading its exciting conclusion. Ms. Szereto leaves nothing on the taboo table unexplored…okay, almost nothing…the animals are safe and I’m pretty sure everything else is mostly legal or at the very least consensual.

Even though I haven’t read the original manuscript I had a working knowledge of the story and its characters. Who wouldn’t with as many times as the story has been made and remade? I knew who Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy were and that there was a conflict that kept them from being together but admittedly I didn’t understand how the title of the book played into that conflict. Ms. Szereto does a beautiful job of keeping the underlying story true to form even with the sexy little side adventures that had this reviewer thoroughly entertained. I actually finished the story and have considered more than once that I should finally read Ms. Austen’s book so I can better compare the two versions.

Ms. Szereto has taken some artistic liberties with a number of well known fairytales and successfully brought them into adult mainstream reading venues. I believe she was taking a real risk by “tampering” with a classic but she did it with obvious respect for the original premise and a true talent for creative story telling. This is a “must read” for anyone who loves spicy and entertaining literature. You’ll be shocked, uncomfortably aroused and planning to re-read it over and over. Bravo Ms. Szereto for bringing us all a little more culture *VBG*.

I Caught the Sheriff by Cerise Deland

I Caught the Sheriff by Cerise Deland
Publisher Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (49 pgs)
Other: M/F, bondage
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Stephantois

There’s a new sheriff in town with a strong need to show folks who’s boss. But rancher Lex Coltrane has steered things his way too long to let the sassy redhead with the curvy bod run wild. He figures he’d better catch the luscious sheriff and lay down the law.

Lana jumps at the chance to get Lex into her bed and show him what’s really beneath her badge. Show him how she wants him—tough, tender, attentive. Show him how she needs him — fierce, eager and dominant.

Lana knows Lex is always in charge in bed. But who will be in charge out of it?

Lex Coltrane has a thing for the new sheriff, a woman named Lana.

This story has sexual tension from the beginning and it stops even when Lex and Lana enter into a sexual relationship. The pacing is fast, the dialogue crisp and Lana comes across as not only a tough law woman, but one who knows what she wants in and out of the bedroom. In this particular case it’s Lex and the author did a great job showing us why. He’s sexy, smart and wants Lana no matter what.

The sex scenes are very hot and there’s something for just about everyone’s taste in erotic stories. Sometimes I laughed at Lana and wanted to cheer her on when she hooks Lex. I liked the idea that not only had the author chosen to make the law person female in this story but also enjoyed that Lana was a modern woman in other aspects of her life too.

I thought the story would have a different ending and the one the author chose surprised me. It was satisfying and if you’re looking for a ‘quickie’ read for a hot summer day or night, this one fits the bill.

Full Frontal Fantasy by Lyla Sinclair

Full Frontal Fantasy by Lyla Sinclair
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (82 pages)
Other: M/F, light BDSM, anal sex
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by Carnation

When Murray Training V.P. Celeste Phillips realizes she’s drained every drop of excitement from her sex life with her own anti-sexual harassment trainings, she decides to visit a fantasy-fulfillment center for a night of anonymous sex. Finally she’s living her lewdest, most politically incorrect dream—with a younger man, no less—and no one will ever know.

Until “The Warden” from her fantasy shows up at her office…as her new coworker.

Ryan Marshall is more than just a coworker, a fact he’s sworn not to reveal. His unusual situation makes it even more difficult to gain Celeste’s trust, but she seems to be staying as far away from him as possible anyway. However, Ryan knows her darkest secrets…her deepest desires…and he’s more than willing to use his knowledge to lure Celeste back into his life.

If you're ready for a tension-filled, sexy and energetic reading ride, then grab this well-rounded romance by Lyla Sinclair. There are several dynamic layers to this delightfully well written story, but it starts out with fun. And hot, carnal fun, it is. The fantasies in this tale are gripping and intensely hot. I loved the way I was drawn in immediately.

The arranged and acted out fantasy that the title refers to is riveting, blazing and fun. Something that the heroine has denied herself for far too long in the pursuit of her very successful career. Fun and men. Celeste is an ultra-conservative business woman who desperately needs the easygoing, open-hearted, yet dominant Ryan to teach her to let go and enjoy her life. Although conservative, she is incredibly passionate, and in this has met her match in Ryan.

Their meeting in the fantasy fun house sets the tone of intense sexual tension and anticipation that builds into a lover's unique and fascinating problem. The conflict between Celeste and Ryan is an unintentional situation of seemingly insurmountable facts that drives the story and the couple into a climactic solution which will inevitably be either devastating or wonderfully life-transforming.

Ms. Sinclair has written an absorbing story involving a thoughtful and realistic dilemma that plays out with believable situations, characters and meaning. The hero, Ryan is irresistible and I fell in love with him, immediately. He's everything that Celeste needs and more than she ever thought she would find in a man. I became emotionally invested in these characters right from the start. I enjoyed Ryan's gentle seduction and powerful, dominant lovemaking. I was able to mentally and emotionally embrace the characters who were fascinating, multi-dimensional people. I admire any writer who is as adept at this ability as Ms. Sinclair.

The only fault I found was that the story would be better if it were longer. It is ripe with opportunity and it would have been interesting to me to add to the good thing the author has going with even more in depth detail and secondary character development. Ms. Sinclair's writing is filled with sensitivity, charm and intelligence. I loved the ending, but didn't want it to end. This is an uplifting romance with a good dose of fun, and I recommend it to everyone who likes a sexy-hot, engaging read.

Grand Jete by Diana Copland

Grand Jete by Diana Copland
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Full Length (170 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Edelweiss

Jordan Armstead is not a ballet fan, so finding himself at the Opera House with his family, watching his niece in 'The Nutcracker', is not his idea of a good time. That is until a god-like specimen wearing little more than a loin cloth and simmering oil appears on stage, effortlessly partnering his female counterpart through the sensuous 'Arabian' pas de deux.

That night, when the very same man, after suffering a potentially career ending injury, appears in the emergency room where Jordan is a nurse, Jordan finds himself as attracted to the man as he was to the dancer. The attraction is mutual, and they share a magical twenty four hours. But at the end of it, Jordan finds himself wondering if he's impulsively given his heart to someone who has more important things to do than think about a one night stand. Against the backdrop of Christmas trees, sugar plums and falling snow, two men with absolutely nothing in common find out that where the heart is concerned, it just doesn't matter at all.

Can two completely different men take the Grand Jete and risk all to be together? This charming Christmastime tale about a pair of unlikely lovers warms the heart like a cozy holiday fireside.

The male leads in this book both followed non-traditional career roles. One, a nurse and the other, a ballet professional, were written as strong and confident protagonists. The witty banter was lighthearted and I laughed out loud several times from the clever dialogue. I was especially impressed by the way the author created a completely believable world with plot lines that were well paced, and secondary characters that truly enhanced emotional climate of the story. In real life, this romance would seem impossible, as there was not much angst involved. The true beauty of this story is that it captured the magical spirit of the holiday and left me smiling. The happily ever after was continued in the epilogue and served as a satisfying end to the tale.

The love scenes were also written well, as the emotion was well conveyed not only with words spoken between lovers but also with a surprisingly detailed description of the background. Kudos to the author for including in these scenes the practice of safe sex. Both men value the safety of their partner above their sexual needs.

Edits on this book were carefully done, with very few spelling or grammatical errors. Each sentence flowed into the next effortlessly, with the storyline progressing to the finale. It reminded me of a well performed ballet, almost perfectly choreographed and executed.

Fans of M/M romance will love this feel good tale of blossoming love during the winter snow. Grand Jete was a treat to read and I highly recommend it. I'll end with my favorite quote from this holiday romance, “It's almost like magic, having you here now. I still don't quite believe it.”

Texas Passion by Anita Philmar

Texas Passion by Anita Philmar
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (56 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3 cherries
Reviewed by Myrtle

After a long cattle drive to Abilene, Trent McCall just wants to unwind. But in his absence, his father's been making wedding plans...for Trent. The last thing he needs is a spoiled and pampered socialite for a wife. What he needs is a hard drink and a willing woman. An uncomplicated woman who understands a man’s need for release after a hard ride. Good thing he’s got one waiting for him.

Four years back East haven’t changed Catherine Turnberry’s mind. Her heart is set on neighboring rancher, Trent McCall. When an end-of-the-trail party threatens to put him in the arms of another woman, Catherine grabs the bull by the horns. Taking the place of the whore hired to pleasure Trent, she intends to give him a welcome he'll never forget and show him what Texas passion is all about.

After the weeks he’d spent in the saddle, he could use a different kind of ride. Returning home from a cattle drive, Trent McCall is ready for a woman for the night. Knowing that there will be a party for the wranglers with drinks and women, Catherine Tumberry is determined that Trent will not bed another woman now that she is back in town.

A captivating tale of seduction and love, Texas Passion, is a cute albeit too short story, but a nice summer read. This tale was a light and entertaining story without the nail-biting depth, or the real down and dirty sex scenes, with just enough heat to keep me reading.

Based on what little detail I got from the story, I liked Catherine. She was full of determination to go after what she wanted. Trent's behavior, on the other hand, had me a little confused, but it may be because the story was short and I didn’t have enough time to really form a connection with either of the characters.

While the author does a good job of creating an interesting plot, a longer story would have allowed for better character development, so that I could have felt more emotions for hero and heroine as well as the story line as a whole. Texas Passion is one of those books to read when you don’t have a lot of spare time but want something light and entertaining without having to keep your mind focus on the story-line.

Scales and a Tail by Stormy Glenn

Scales and a Tail by Stormy Glenn
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (155 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play, Toys
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Coreopsis

The paranormal world is in chaos. The elders are tired of their younger people playing the field, causing trouble, and fighting with each other. Everyone who attends the UPAC Conference now has twenty-four hours to claim a mate of a different species. If they don't, they will never have a mate. The spell is cast. There is no escaping the Midnight Matings.

Beauregard Stratford is a bunny shifter. Simple enough, right? Unfortunately, he is the only white bunny shifter in existence. He also is cursed with violet eyes, hyperactivity, a strong weakness for anything shiny, and a penchant for leaving bubble gum everywhere.

When he finds himself mated to Sebastian Drakus, a dragon shifter and prince of his kind, Beauregard can't seem to make himself behave no matter how hard he tries. He wants to be good, to make Sebastian proud of him, really he does, but things just keep happening to him…bubble gum mishaps, getting drunk, not to mention that fact that he is a true bunny and constantly horny. Nothing seems to go right. Can he convince Sebastian he's worth the trouble, or will the dragon prince wash his hands of the whole bunny fiasco?

I have to say this is a very entertaining story with a lot of imagination. The idea of forcing shifters of different species to mate is comical and destined to wreak havoc for everyone involved. In this story we meet a rabbit and dragon who, for lack of better words, have been forced to mate. With a pairing like that it’s only natural for there to be a lot of mishaps and misunderstandings. This author took an unconventional pairing and made them into an unforgettable couple.

Sebastian is a dragon prince and he is not custom to following others orders. When informed that all shifters have to mate with someone of another species, he makes a hasty escape for the exit. He is stopped when he gets distracted by a small man running for his life. One small act of kindness on his part has his life changed forever.

Beauregard is an anomaly amongst other rabbits but even more so with his dragon mate. Beauregard is a very likeable character. He marches to the beat of his own drum and his quirkiness adds life to this story. His whole life he’s been made to feel different and when he meets his mate he grabs for his chance of happiness. When events unfold that Beauregard never for seen coming cause the relationship to go south. It takes love and forgiveness on both these mates part to make this relationship work.

The story line of demanding that people mate with the deadline being death if they don’t succeed is very inventive. The hijinks that ensue when you force people to step out of their norm cause endless conflicts. With this couple in particular there is a surprise that you will never see coming when involving two men. This story steps out of the realm of possibilities in more ways than one. Ms. Glenn has written a story that will keep you reading until the very end. I highly recommend giving Scales and a Tail a read.