Hot Text by Cari Quinn

Hot Text by Cari Quinn
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (87 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Kennedia

Sometimes what you think you want and what you need are two very different things.

As a technical editor, Jeffrey Maddox deals with plenty of words, leaving him few to spare on people, except his baby sister. To keep Daisy from wrecking her newly rehabbed life by shacking up with her older, married lover Lonny, he impulsively texts Lonny’s wife, Karyn. And then meets her at a coffee shop on a snowy night, ostensibly to convince her to stay with her philandering husband.

But soon texting turns to sexting. After spending the night getting to know Karyn, Jeff wants something much more personal—Lonny’s wife. For himself.

Despite her misgivings about Jeff’s intentions, Karyn can’t fight their attraction. She’s still not divorced, though she knows there’s no way she’ll return to her husband. But maybe an amazing night of conversation—and even more amazing lovemaking—can lead to more than just one night of hot text.

Cari Quinn’s, Hot Text, is most certainly that, a very hot read. This is a story of two average, everyday normal people who meet under some unusual circumstances and then proceed to light the sheets on fire.

Jeff Maddox, the hero of this story, is a technical book editor, but also a meddlesome older brother with a bad attitude and a bit of a recluse. When Ms. Quinn first introduced this character, I wasn't sure this guy was my idea of a hero. He’s been divorced twice, he’s sticking his nose in business he shouldn’t be and he’s got a foul mouth. Have no fear readers, he is all of these things but he is also a man with a tender heart, a sense of humor and he knows how to treat a lady. I loved him. Ms. Quinn does a marvelous job of getting into Jeff’s head and making her readers see him for the truly wonderful man he is.

Karyn James, the heroine of Hot Text, is a quirky preschool teacher with a passion for painting and peppermint lattes. The author allows her readers to bear witness to this character’s journey of self-discovery through Karyn’s thoughts and actions. I really liked Karyn because she is one of those characters readers can identify with. She’s an average woman facing some difficult times in her life but she isn’t really dealing with them; she feels broken and just can’t move on and find peace in her life.

Hot Text is a beautifully written character study of two people who are almost complete opposites yet seem destined to be together. The love scenes are exceptionally hot, with plenty of foreplay, believable dialogue and a little humor to keep it even more real. Ms. Quinn has outdone herself with this story of everyday average characters that discover each other and themselves.

Although Hot Text is a short story, it is the perfect length to curl up with on a lazy afternoon, with a pitcher of your favorite frozen drink -- you are going to need it -- and just enjoy!

The Widow’s Revenge by Rue Allyn

The Widow’s Revenge by Rue Allyn
Publisher: Red Sage
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (159 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Stephantois

Maggie Winters blames Carter Enterprises CEO, Alec Carter for the death of her husband. She believes that revenge is the only way to regain the joy she once had in life, including an active and adventurous sex life. Lacking resources to match those of rich and influential Alec, Maggie plots to lure Alec into a sordid sex scandal which will ruin his business reputation. Just as he puts plans in place to rescue his company from the brink of disaster, Alec Carter becomes obsessed with a mystery woman who lures him into a weeklong sexual tryst. Both Maggie and Alec are unprepared when lust promises to become love. Both must learn to trust if they want the promised lifetime of love and loving.

Maggie is on a mission of revenge. Her target is Alec, CEO of Carter Enterprises who she believes is responsible for the death of her husband, David who was killed while working for him.

Ms. Allyn plunges you in at the deep end with this story. When it opens we are introduced to Maggie and learn that she is setting a trap for Alec. When the story switches to his POV, you sense that Maggie will have a tough time staying angry and vengeful toward him for long. He’s sexy, borderline charming, very intriguing, and because of all these qualities you want to turn the page to see how this will play out.

Best thing I liked about this story was the dialogue and the secondary characters. The pacing was also just right for this length of book. The only thing that stopped me from thoroughly enjoying this tale was the language used for different body parts, for example "rod". It had the feel of "purple prose" and was jarring and I think took the edge off the sexiness of this tale.

However, if you’re looking for something a little different than the usual boy meets girl type story, or if you enjoy books with characters who seem destined to be enemies for eternity, this might be a good pick for you.

Lunar Eclipse Collection by B.J. McCall

Lunar Eclipse Collection by B.J. McCall
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (148 Pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Foxglove

Lycaon Moon: Veda has left the pack, rejecting its edicts, its laws and the lycan rituals. The last thing she wants in her life is an alpha wolf and since leaving the pack, she's refused to run beneath the Lycaon Moon. Kane's been gone for three years, but he's back and determined to mate with Veda.

Lunar Eclipse: The pack elders order Violet Winter to choose a mate by the conclusion of the lunar eclipse. Violet wants to mate for love and in defiance of their edict seduces an unacceptable half-breed. Canon Ross is establishing his place in his mother's pack until he's seduced by a she-wolf, but the flames ignited aren't easily extinguished and Canon refuses to be dismissed.

Mark of the Moon: The mark of the moon prophecy ordains that Ivy Ward must mate with the werewolf bearing a birthmark similar to the one she bears, a crescent shaped moon. Lodan Hunt bears the Mark, but there is far more to this prophecy than a preordained mate.

This is a delightful collection of wolf stories, and I was caught up in the world Ms McCall built here.

Shifters live by the rules of the pack. They follow their Alpha, whether they agree with the rules or not, or face being banished or alone. BJ McCall has written three stories of unusual shifters, wolves that go out of their way to flaunt the rules and live life on their own terms. Until they each come up against the one thing they can’t escape: their one true mate, one destined to love them and stand with them.

In Lycaon Moon, Veda Pearl has chosen to go her own way, refusing to run under the Lycaon Moon that lets her mate claim her. She wants no part of the pack or the mating process.

Passing for human, Veda is a bounty hunter, satisfied with life away from the pack. At least she was, until Kane came back into her life after being banished from the pack three years ago. Kane Ryland is as determined to claim Veda as she is to avoid being claimed. Can Kane win Veda’s heart and convince her to accept him?

In Lunar Eclipse, Violet Winters is determined to mate for love. When pack elders decree she must choose a mate before the end of the lunar eclipse. Violet rebels, and decides to choose the least acceptable prospect. She seduces a half-breed wolf, one trying to find acceptance with the pack his mother left years ago to marry a human. Canon Ross succumbs to Violet’s seduction, and decides to do the right thing by facing the elders who must decide both their fates. Can these two find love in spite of the way they met?

In Mark of the Moon, Ivy Ward is destined to mate with the wolf who bears the Mark of the Moon, a crescent shaped birthmark that matches the one she has. As a result, she was considered off limits in her hometown, even gaining the nickname Poison Ivy. She takes an extended vacation to California, where no one knows of her birthmark or the prophecy it involves. Lodan Hunt is participating in a grueling forty mile cross country race, a race he has won two years in a row, with the lead in this years competition. At least he leads until the sudden jolt of electricity up his spine and the enticing smell of she-wolf throws him off his stride. Once the race is over, he realizes the crescent moon birthmark he has is burning like fire. Ivy doesn’t understand why, after brushing the fur of one of the wolves racing past her, the birthmark that causes her so much frustration has begun to sting and burn. Can these two find each other, and fulfill the prophecy as they were meant to?

BJ McCall has a marvelous way with shifters, especially her werewolves. The characters in these three stories are all well crafted and finely detailed. Each has their own unique style and personality, and all are fun to meet and get to know. These each take place in different locales, but the world remains decidedly constant and interesting.

The three women are all strong, and as different as can be. Veda is strong and independent, choosing to ignore her wolf side as long as possible. Violet is soft and determined to mate and marry for love and no other reason. Ivy is ready for some fun in a strange place, where no one knows about her mark or the prophecy. But all three share some common traits. All are strong, sassy and determined to live life on their own terms, rather than be dictated to. I like that in all of Ms McCall’s books, and especially with these three women.

The men are all determined and ready to settle down. Kane is strong and refuses to give up on Veda. Canon wants to learn about his wolf side, but he also wants the woman he loves by his side while he learns. Lodan has always doubted the prophecy, until s twist of fate brings Ivy into his world. But all three will do whatever it takes to keep their mates in their lives. I like the determination Ms. McCall instills in her men, and that never give up attitude they all have.

I loved the brief glimpses into pack rules, laws and traditions as decided upon for this world, and I look forward to more in this world in the future. There is a happy ever after and two happy for now with future stories to come here. I recommend these for all shifter fans, but keep the fan on, and a supply of cold drinks, because like all of Ms McCall’s work, these can get hot.

Club X Megabook by Shauna Hart

Club X Megabook by Shauna Hart
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (524 pgs)
Other: M/F, voyeurism, BDSM, spanking, anal play, masturbation, sex toys
Rating: 3.5 Cherries
Reviewed By Dianthus

THE PLEASURE OF SIN
When Jade Monroe's sister, Ruby, is murdered, she vows to find her killer. But coming to New Orleans means facing the one man she has never been able to get over, her sister's ex-boyfriend.

Clay Devlin stole more than just a kiss years ago. He stole a piece of her heart. Now, he is her only link to the life her sister led. But Clay wants Jade to leave New Orleans. And the closer she gets to him, the more she begins to wonder what he is hiding.

As Jade investigates, she discovers that Ruby had secrets. Secrets she kept hidden from the people around her. Secrets she indulged in a private club. But Club X is not your average club. It's a sex club that caters to all kinds of tastes, no matter how dark or forbidden. As much as she tries to deny it, she is pulled deeper into a world where fantasy is reality.

Will she discover the truth before it's too late? Or will her passion become the ultimate weapon against her?

DEN OF DESIRE
Mara Templeton may be a bestselling erotic romance writer, but deep down, she knows her identity’s a lie. She’s never come close to experimenting like her characters. Weeks from a deadline, she’s desperate to find inspiration. So when she accepts an invitation for a private tour of Club X, a club known for its exotic pleasures, she knows she is in way over her head. But nothing can prepare her for the club’s sexy owner.

Joe Gates sees right through Mara’s cool façade. He’s made a business of learning people’s secrets in Club X. And he’s good at what he does. He sees the unsatisfied desire in Mara’s eyes. And he’s more than ready to show her just what she’s been missing.

But someone else is watching, too. Someone who will stop at nothing to claim her.

SHADOWS OF ECSTASY
Cal Rutledge never expected to see Emma Lake again after she walked away from him fifteen years ago. She was the daughter of his father’s worst adversary, and getting involved with her had been a mistake, a mistake he couldn’t make again. But when she walks into Club X, a club he secretly owns, logic and reason seem to disappear.

Emma Lake has lived a lie for the past fifteen years. Ever since she walked away from the only man she ever loved to marry someone else. But now the only thing she wants is to get her life back together.

Fifteen years ago, they kept their affair a secret. But someone else knows the truth. Someone who is watching them.

Someone who will do anything to keep them apart.

Looking for a place where you can let all your inhibitions go, shed your social disguises and just be your prime sexual selves without fear of ousting? Sounds almost too good to be true, but it’s not. Club X is such a place, and more than just kink is served up on the menu……love is the specialty of this book. This book is three separate stories and, as such, many of the characters overlap and interact with each other, and without all the players the stories wouldn’t be complete. But since each story is a capsule until itself this review will attempt to showcase that.

Book 1: The Pleasure of Sin

After the death of her younger sister, Jade goes back to New Orleans to find out who her killer was and make sure that justice is given to her sister. But going back means opening old wounds and sometimes once a wound is healed its best to leave it alone least it reopen and make the pain of the past worse. But will seeing Clay again make Jade want all the things that she knows she shouldn’t want. Can she be strong enough to resist him, or will giving into Clay be the final piece to the puzzle in solving Ruby’s murder? For so long Jade has repressed what she thought were desires no one ever needed to know about, but once she learns her sister had the same desires things get harder to resist and in the end Clay could just end up being the savior Jade never realized she needed.

Clay Devlin, has been in love with Jade since he met her younger sister Ruby years ago. After indulging in stolen kisses and caresses, Jade ran away from Clay and the temptation she found in him. But now that Ruby is dead, Clay is determined that Jade won’t walk away from him again. He means to have her at any cost, body and heart. Can having Jade in his bed be enough for now, or will tasting her once, like before, be like a match to kindling. But when Ruby’s killer discovers that Jade is on to something, will she become the next target of his sadistic rage, or will she be able to outsmart this killer in time to have a future with Clay and the good memories of her baby sister?

This was a great opener to this series. Not only were the characters well thought out but they also all had their own voice that Ms. Hart let them grow with. Each character was able to tell their own story and make the reader want to know them better. Meeting Clay and Jade was like actually meeting real people, the story was so well written. Not only did Shauna Hart make the reader fall in love with Clay and Jade she also gave you sneak peeks into the dynamics of the relationships from the next two books without giving the whole story line away. All in all this was a great starter story and one that I will definitely read again. This is a story that can be read even out of order of the series and still be a great stand-alone read. Very well done!

Book 2: Den of Desire
Writing about erotic romance can only be truly believable if you have some knowledge on the subject yourself, or at least this seems to be the case for Mara Templeton. She is an erotic author with nothing to compare to her characters’ lives. She needs new material for this deadline that is coming way to fast and sees only one way to have that happen. She needs to get inside the notorious “Club X” and see what she can learn, and maybe experience some for herself. But can the pleasure she is sure to find in this club enough to die for, or is Mara doomed to die before she knows true passion and love?

Giving private tours of his club isn’t something that ever happens and Joe Gates isn’t sure what changed his mind this time. Mara Templeton isn’t someone who you would call attractive in an obvious way but something about her draws Joe. Will showing her the ropes to his lifestyle make her run screaming in the other direction or right into his arms (just where he wants her to be)?

But someone is watching Mara, threatening her, and if these actions are any indication of things to come, it’s about to get ugly for Mara and Joe if they can’t figure out who is after her and why. Will the thought of losing Mara make Joe see that she is everything that he needs in his life or will she be better off without him?

This was a great follow up story to, The Pleasure of Sin, introducing two new characters Joe Gates and Mara Templeton. Shauna Hart continues to impress with her writing ability and making the characters so lively that you would expect them to be real people that you personally know. The story line for Joe and Mara was very realistic and makes me want to read more about them further down the road as maybe a story bringing all three couples together in a fourth for this series. I have yet to be disappointed by her work and Shauna Hart is a definite go-to author if you are looking for a good fun read.

Book 3: Shadows of Ecstasy
Living in the shadows of your father can never be easy, especially when the man you love is the son of your father’s enemy. Emma never meant for this to happen, but fall for Cal Rutledge she did, and what a great fall it was. Only when she has to choose between Cal and what her family wanted she turned away from Cal and lock away apart of her heart that would always belong to him. But when Emma can find Cal again, will time have healed their wounds or has it made the schism between them too great to cross. Finally listening to her heart could be the most liberating act and the most damning one Emma has ever done.

Cal Rutledge never expected to see Emma Lake outside of the society pages, until one night she walks into his club and wants to explore her dark side with some random man. Like Cal would ever let that happen... If only he could keep his hands off her for five minutes his questions about their past might be finally answered. All those years ago when Emma walked away from him, she ripped his heart out and never gave it back. But now that she's returned, does Cal have the strength to give her the option to hurt him again? And now that that someone is after them both is that what is keeping them together or is it fate calling?

Cal and Emma were meant for each other but let family duty stand in the way of love and let fifteen years go by without each other. Now that Emma is divorced and Cal is man enough to stand up to the scrutiny of both family, will their love be strong enough to weather the storm of two powerhouse families and a stalker bent on stealing their happiness?

This was great way to wrap up the series, even though if any more books come out of this club I would happily change that sentence! Shauna Hart delivered again and I am happy to say that I got to review this book along with the others in this series. Ms. Hart has steadily moved up my list of favorite authors to watch out for and I can’t wait to see what else she comes up with. So far all of her work has been gold and I don’t see that changing anytime soon!! This series will not disappoint and neither will this author in the future.

Grace in Moonlight by Stephanie Julian

Grace in Moonlight by Stephanie Julian
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (117 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Kaisie Giliati is the lucani king’s best tracker. He’s used to hunting and capturing his prey with little resistance. He’s also old enough to know exactly what he wants, and the feisty redhead who stirs him like no other is at the top of his list. Too bad she’s the enemy and seemingly impervious to his charms.

Grace Bellasario has a target on her back, two children to protect from their evil father and she’s in love for the first time in her life. With a man who should hate her—a man she has no business craving. But does she ever. Grace doesn’t have a chance in hell of shaking Kaisie off her tail. Now he just needs to keep her alive to live happily ever after…

Grace Bellasario did what any mother would do when faced with a sick and dying child. She kidnapped some super–healing shifters and tested their blood for anti-bodies. Okay, maybe that's a little extreme for most parents but the desperation to help her son was very real. When the boy’s father kidnaps the child Grace knows she needs a tracker, an amazing tracker, to find both him and his sister. What she doesn’t need is to fall in love with a bossy shifter!

Step into the world of author Stephanie Julian’s Lucani Lovers series. The love of the Lucani and their mates is passionate and palpable. Ms. Julian’s writing is exciting and vivid. If you enjoy getting to revisit with characters from prior stories you’ll be happy to see many returning faces book five. Ms. Julian includes a glossary at the beginning of each book that is helpful in knowing who is magical or human, good or evil, deity or royalty.

If you love an alpha male that tries so hard to be unlovable that he has the opposite affect on both the heroine and the reader, you will fall in love with Kaisie Gilati. He’s the tracker for the lucani king and he’s the best! When he and Grace butt heads there was so much sexual undercurrent sparks could have flown off the pages. When they fight it’s electrifying and when they make love it’s magical.

All the stories in the Lucani Lovers series have been thrilling adventures. Ms. Julian has a terrific writing voice that will keep you engaged from page one to the end. The stories have an underlying plot that continues from one book to the next. We’re getting closer to finding out the source of the evil that has been threatening the lucani and their mates. It’s building to a very exciting conclusion and one that shouldn’t be missed.

Secret Santa by Sierra Dean

Secret Santa by Sierra Dean
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Holiday, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (136 Pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewer: Foxglove

’Tis the season for ho-ho-homicide.

Secret McQueen, Book 2.5

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The season for mistletoe, Christmas lights…and a killing spree. When Secret’s friend, Detective Mercedes Castilla, asks for help to solve a series of murders longer than a string of lights, Secret resigns herself to the fact her holidays will be anything but peaceful.

It seems someone is killing New Yorkers in an unusually gruesome way, and as the bodies pile up faster than presents under the tree, the police are no closer to finding the killer than Secret is to finding the perfect present for one of her boyfriends, Lucas.

Tracking down a monster in Manhattan the week before Christmas is almost as difficult as shopping for her ever-expanding collection of loved ones. When tragedy strikes close to home, Secret must do everything in her power to put an end to the horror in time for Santa to come down the chimney.

Secret Santa is definitely a different kind of holiday story.

It’s Christmas, and Secret McQueen is meeting her friend Mercedes Castilla for some necessary shopping. What do you get for a billionaire werewolf king who has everything?

But Mercedes has another agenda, along with the shopping. There have been a series of strange occurrences, and she believes they fall into Secret’s expert area: paranormal beings. Because Mercedes is the only police officer that knows that the things that go bump in the night are real, she realizes that what is happening is not normal. When young shifters begin to go missing, and a series of grisly ‘gifts’ are left around town, Secret is persuaded to look into things.

Then there is the pressure of meeting the parents of one of her two wolf soul-bond mates, her sweetie Desmond’s family. When Desmond’s younger sister Penny disappears on Christmas Eve while on a trip to the corner store, Secret discovers the disappearances and the murders are all linked. Complicating matters even more is the simmering attraction between her vampire sentry and former mentor Holden Chancery.

Can Secret find Penny before she becomes another of the ‘gifts’ left by the killer? Just what kind of creature is causing the deaths and disappearances? Will Secret ever find the perfect gift for Lucas?

The world that Sierra Dean has created is a unique mix of reality and fantasy, with humans and paranormal beings living and working together. Ms. Dean writes the Secret McQueen books with a marvelous mix of romance, danger, humor and lots of action. I like the growth of Secret and the people in her life, and enjoy watching as these people interact with genuine feelings.

Secret is strong and smart, but frustrated at her new position. As a Tribunal Leader, she misses the action of chasing rogues and fighting. So when this case comes with a chance for some action, Secret steps up to help. She is even more determined to stop the creature when it hits close to home. I enjoyed watching as Secret agonized over ‘meeting the family’ just like any normal human, and loved her confusion as Holden confronted her about the unspoken attraction between them.

Desmond is Secret’s soul-bond mate: at least he is one of them. He is the second to the wolf-king Lucas Rain, the other part of their unique soul-bond triangle. He is strong, handsome and very family oriented. I love that he surprised Secret by completely decorating her apartment for the holiday while she was out shopping, and I love that he isn’t afraid to be domestic around her. He has become comfortable living in her home, and isn’t shy about being exactly who he is.

There is a touch of mystery in this, because whatever is killing the victims is leaving gift bags filled with body parts in public places without being seen. When one such ‘gift’ turns up in the police station, Secret knows she has to stop this thing. Then, when Penny becomes one of the missing, the stakes become higher than ever.

The secondary characters here are mostly Desmond’s family and the police, with very little from the Vampire side of things. There is one extremely tense scene with Holden, but the focus in this is the wolves, and the missing teens. I liked that Secret didn’t try to do this all alone, but called in as many favors as she could to discover what was doing these awful things and how to stop it. And I enjoyed the scorching hot scenes with Desmond, as Secret and he become closer.

This is one holiday treat for those who like things a bit different for the season.

Fire Woman by Megan Slayer

Fire Woman by Megan Slayer
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (56 Pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Foxglove

Atria Moline isn't your average photographer. She controls fire. Sounds fun, being able to scorch whenever you like? Think again. She's lonely and desperate for the touch of the man who can dance in her flame -- if she doesn't immolate him first.

Zac "Iceman" Frost controls the stage with his band Glow. He's not about to back down from Atria's challenge. He's got secrets of his own and his sights set on her.

Fire Woman is Megan Slayer' first book. I loved the world created in this story, and I sincerely hope to see more of the world of Glow and the band members who make up this unique group.

Atria Moline is a photographer. But she has a secret, one that has kept her alone for most of her adult life. Atria is a fire elemental, and she can’t be with the one man she has loved since the day she met him; at least not without turning him to ashes with her fire.

Zacchaeus ‘Iceman’ Frost is the bass player for the popular band Glow, Atria'srother Lucien’s band, and the most gorgeous male she has ever seen. She’s kept her distance, because she doesn’t want to be the cause of his destruction. When Atria is threatened by another magical fire elemental, Zac hides her to protect her from Niccolo. As he spends time with her, Zac become more convinced she is the one woman for him.

But Zac has been hiding a secret of his own: he is a water elemental, and controls ice. He realizes that Atria is his counterpart, the one being who balances his power. Can Zac save her from Niccolo? Can he convince her they belong together? When a deluded fan tries to come between them, can Zac survive it all?

The characters in this story are well defined, with just the hint of supernatural powers to make them different. These are people who could live down the street or across town from you, but they have that something special to keep them from being ordinary.

Atria Moline is strong and sassy, but afraid to open up and live life. She wants Zac, but fears her desire would destroy him. I loved her sarcastic wit and her determination to face her demons on her own terms, no matter the cost. I enjoyed watching as temptation lured her in and brought her to Zac’s side.

Zacchaeus ‘Zac’ Frost is handsome, sexy and hiding his own secret from Atria. He has been attracted to her, but kept his distance for eight years. But when she is in danger, all his instincts scream for him to claim her and protect her from impending trouble. I enjoyed watching Zac charm Atria, and show her he is more than capable of withstanding her fire. His sarcasm and wit is a good counterpoint to her attitude, and they soon discover they are perfect for each other.

This is a romance with bite, and a couple of serious twists along the way. The secondary characters are wonderful, and I hope to see more of Luc and the band in the future. I enjoyed the way Ms Slayer handled the overbearing Niccolo, and the twist with the drug-addled stalker was something I didn’t see coming.

I hope this is the beginning of a long and enjoyable ride with Megan Slayer’s stories. This may be her first book, but I believe she has a great future ahead of her.

Savannah’s Ghost Tale by Kali Willows

Savannah’s Ghost Tale by Kali Willows
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Length: Short Story (44 pgs)
Genre: Contemporary, paranormal
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Stephantois

Savannah Teale has an obsession with the supernatural—to disprove it. An unorthodox Ghost Hunter with a dark secret, she doesn’t believe in life after death. Not anymore. Being romantically challenged since the traumatic death of her fiancé, she has no interest in dating, but her sister’s loving interference has led her to accept a date for a 1Night Stand.

Cameron Evans is one of Savannah’s most handsome, charismatic, and sexy bachelors. He’s an exceptionally gifted tour guide, and a psychic, but hasn’t learned how to turn off his gifts. Since his conversations with the dead are a turn-off for most women—to put it mildly—Cameron has turned to Madame Eve to find a woman who can accept him for himself and all he has to give.

They may be a great match—if a certain, lingering ghost would just step out of the picture.

Vannah is mourning the loss of Mark so her sister arranges a 1 Night Stand for her.

This is the sixth story in the 1 Night Stand series I’ve read and so far I’ve enjoyed them all and this one was no exception.

The setting of Savannah with its history of ghosts and things that go bump in the night was an added plus to this paranormal tale. Vannah is a great character who you get to know quickly through her interactions with her sister Stacia. When they set off on a ghost walk and meet with Cameron, the tour leader, you sense there is some connection between him and Vannah and want to read on to learn more.

I can’t give away what happens because that would spoil the main part of this story but let’s just say there’s a very happy ending for Vannah and she is able to find closure.

The dialogue is natural sounding and the pacing spot on for this short read…although I wanted this one to last longer.

If you’re looking for a sexy paranormal that can be read in 30 minutes or less I’d say don’t miss this one.

How to Worship a Goddess by Stephanie Julian

How to Worship a Goddess by Stephanie Julian
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (269 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

HE'S EXACTLY WHAT SHE'S ALWAYS WANTED, AND SHE UNLEASHES HIM LIKE A FORCE OF NATURE...

Lucy was once the beloved Goddess of the Moon, and she could have any man she wanted. But these days, the goddesses of the Etruscan pantheon are all but forgotten. The only rituals she enjoys now are the local hockey games, where one ferociously handsome player still inflames her divine blood...

Brandon Stevenson is one hundred percent focused on the game, until he looks up and sees a celestial beauty sitting in the third row. A man could surely fall hard for a distraction like that...

If a reader is looking for a book that will grab them from the first chapter then How to Worship a Goddess will do the trick. Ms. Julian sets the seduction up with teases about who and what Lucy is and how she’s yearned for the sexy and scarred hockey player. He turns up at her bar and the heat just sizzles between them. At first it’s a slow burn but the reader gets drawn in because of the eager anticipation thrumming through the scenes. It doesn’t take long for the pages to ignite and a reader is in for an eye-popping start to their relationship. I expect some readers will feel flushed because the descriptions are intense and I felt the emotions all the way to my toes. From that moment on, I simply could not put this book down. That same first chapter ends with a twist. What I found incredible was that it was only the beginning of the amazing and entertaining journey that Lucy and Brand embark upon. Where could the author go from there?

Internal and external conflicts – that’s where. Ms. Julian imbued her characters with a boatload of problems to overcome. Trust issues, life changes, nefarious manipulations, overprotective offspring, and the truth about Lucy. How’s a guy, used to playing the rough and tumble game of hockey, ever going to believe in what Lucy is? What will he do to keep her? And will the heroine get out of her own way so she could accept the happiness that’s just a touch of skin away? I had a great time watching how the author made the hero and heroine dance around all those dilemmas while falling in love the whole time.

Another great thing about this story is that it made me laugh. The out loud wanting-to-stifle-the-giggles-lest-people-thought-I-was-nuts laugh. I loved it when Ty showed Brand what he could do. The hero’s reaction was priceless and I could imagine what that must have looked like –making me giggle all the harder. That’s just one great example of the author’s sense of fun.

Then Caeles showed up and that exchange between Dogbreath and the “intelligent son” had me in stitches again. I completely enjoyed the banter and camaraderie that jumped off the pages between the main protagonists and the secondary characters. In fact, there were other secondary characters that played key roles in moving the plot along or gave me greater insight as to what makes both Lucy and Brand tick. Great writing all around.

Just when I thought all the cards had been played, Ms. Julia threw down a winning hand with a secret about Brand. It was awesome! It was exciting! And I thought I’d been gripped and engrossed before? Half way through the book and it was like I was recharged -- I could not stop reading. I never saw that revelation coming and it knocked my socks off. Again, the drama, the writing and descriptions brought it all to vivid life for me. I love surprises and every one of them is delightful in this tale.

The scene where Brandon gave into his passion despite his fighting not to do so – that whole encounter was combustible, totally screaming hot and made for a sexually intense and satisfying relationship scene that wowed me. If erotic romance readers like what I like, then they’re in for a treat. They’ll thrill to his mastery and loss of control. The author wrote it to perfection.

Just to be clear, the story isn’t all internal angst and sex. There’s this really scary demon thing that hurts someone Lucy loves and they all have to band together and outwit the thing. It was dramatic, heart thumping and emotional. More kudos for that well written action.

The happily ever after is everything that I could wish for and I was very satisfied and content with the romantic declaration towards the end.

Romance that makes you smile, cheer and swoon doesn’t get any better than How to Worship a Goddess. It’s a wild and amusing tale with great emotion, intense dramatic flair topped off with sizzling sexual chemistry between the main characters. Ms. Julian has given a marvelous gift to readers in writing her Forgotten Goddesses series and I can’t wait to read the next adventure. It’s truly worth waiting for.

Mistress’s Master by Jayne Rylon

Mistress’s Master by Jayne Rylon
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (256 pages)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, M/M, Multiple Partners, Anal Play, Forced Seduction, Fetish, Toys, Fisting, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by Kennedia



Nothing can bring her to her knees—except a dose of her own medicine.

Men in Blue, Book 3

Mistress Lily, proprietress of the elite Black Lily club, battles something more frightening than the dark forces of her own desire. SexOffender, a potent aphrodisiac designer drug with terrifying side effects, is ripping through the BDSM community.

Determined to protect her charges, Lily plays a dangerous game, cozying up to the drug’s creator while secretly smuggling victims to safety. It’s a war she’s losing…until the night she spots an undercover cop at what is supposed to be a private bash.

Blind luck scored Jeremy Radisson the break he needed to get close to Morselli. Gaining the kingpin’s trust, though, means revealing parts of his past as a legendary Dom. And teaming up with a woman who doesn’t have a submissive bone in her body, yet dominates his every fantasy.

When Morselli unexpectedly changes the rules, Lily and Jeremy find themselves pitted against each other in a wicked game of who’s-on-top. Lily’s forced to make a desperate choice to prove her loyalty. Jeremy relies on every ounce of his power to keep her safe without blowing their cover while praying they survive long enough to find out if she’ll kneel for him…forever.

Buckle up! This book is a one-way ticket to Dir-tay Town. Stops along the way include Massive Ménage Village, Sex Machine Square and Fisting City. What else would you expect from an experienced Mistress and the Master who tames her?

Mistress’s Master is the third book in Jayne Rylon’s Men in Blue Series and in this reader’s opinion the best yet. This tale will have you riveted with its nail biting suspense and overheating from its nuclear eroticism, and a happy ending that will leave you feeling completely fulfilled.

JRad, geeky computer detective turned badass Dom, Master Jeremy Radisson is the hero of Mistress’s Master. Jeremy is an alpha male in his purest form, he possesses an inherit sense of honor, confidence and conviction in his beliefs and is a natural born leader daring readers not to fall in love with him. Jeremy is put through his paces in this story. He goes undercover to infiltrate a dangerous sex slave operation and drug ring in order to bring the criminals to justice, has a boss who isn’t exactly forthcoming with information and the need to protect the object of his dark fantasies, Mistress Lily. Jeremy’s character has suppressed his Dom personality, however this case has forced Jeremy to let his true identity loose and there is no going back. Our hero has found his true mate who threatens his ironclad control and fires his lusts. Can he make the illustrious Mistress Lily kneel before him, can he accept her Domme side and be supportive and will she let him? Anything less than everything, is unacceptable.

Mistress Lily, the heroine of this story, is a complex character with so many facets that readers cannot help but become emotionally involved with her. Lily is a beautiful woman who exudes self-confidence and possesses a larger than life personality, she is brave and heroic in her quest for justice and she can wield a whip like nobody’s business. Mistress Lily is described as seeming like an ‘avenging angel or violent fury’ and yet we are also told of her dedication and devotion to her subs/slaves. Lily is the epitome of a Domme, strong willed, always in control with the ability to know and grant her subs what they truly desire. Our heroine is not a perfect character, she has weaknesses and vulnerabilities too. She lacks the ability to trust -- and who could blame her after everything she has survived and witnessed in her young life? In Lily’s quest to save those being harmed by a mastermind criminal she is faced with a choice to fight or submit to the one man who has had her questioning her identity as a Domme. Can she really kneel before Master Jeremy and trust him with the care of her body and soul?

Jayne Rylon is a remarkable storyteller with her ability to lay out both Jeremy and Lily’s struggles and conflicts that kept this reader captivated by these characters, compelling me to relate and sympathize with them. The power struggle between the two equally dominant personalities allows readers to feel the tug of war in the characters minds knowing that ultimately one will have to sacrifice for the other. Ms. Rylon has an amazing talent for creating a clear picture in her reader’s minds that transports them into the middle of the action, creating a heart pounding, emotionally charged experience. This story was fast paced with non-stop action, believable dialogue, characters displaying raw emotions and a plot with twists and turns that would not allow me to put this book down.

The eroticism portrayed in this story had me turning the pages to find out what was next and asking myself if I could stand the intensity. Ms. Rylon’s love scenes are written expressively with vivid descriptions and extreme imagery connecting her readers to the scene with their minds and emotions.

The BDSM scenes are portrayed to the readers in a fashion that makes you feel like you are an actual spectator or even a participant in the unfolding action and are fraught with tension and excitement. Although there are scenes of forced seduction, and I use the word "seduction" loosely, it is very important to note that they are an integral part of the story. I believe Ms. Rylon wants her readers to truly despise the antagonist, Tony Morselli, and see him for the monster and criminal he is and how he has twisted and degraded the BDSM lifestyle to suit his purposes. All of the erotic love scenes in this story are poignantly written and executed in a manner that stays true to the overall plot of the story and feeds the readers appetite.

While it is not necessary to read the previous two books in this series, I highly encourage you to do so. Those stories provide readers with insight into the secondary characters and provide valuable insight into the events leading up to Mistress’s Master. Ms. Rylon has given us a peek at the upcoming stories in this series; deliberately I am sure, to keep us hooked and waiting on pins and needles for the next installment, I know I will be first in line to read it. If you like a book filled with a perfect blend of fast-paced suspense and explosive sexual tension, go get yourself a copy of Mistress’s Master you will not be disappointed.

Hidden Depths by Emma Holly

Hidden Depths by Emma Holly
Publisher: Smashwords
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (242 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, M/M, F/M/M, F/M/M/M, Ménage, Anal Play, Forced Seduction, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

James and Olivia Forster have been happily married for many years. A harmless kink here or there spices up their love life, but they can’t imagine the kinks they’ll encounter while sneaking off to their beach house for a long hot weekend.

Anso Vitul has ruled the wereseals for one short month. He hardly needs his authority questioned because he’s going crazy from mating heat. Anso’s best friend and male lover Ty volunteers to help him find the human mate his genes are seeking. To Ty’s amazement, Anso’s quest leads him claim not one partner but a pair. Ty would object, except he too finds the Forsters hopelessly attractive.

If a reader is looking for a happy ever after that leaves scorch marks on the sheets, flushed cheeks and fluttering heartbeats, then this latest sensual adventure by Ms. Holly is sure to please. The title, Hidden Depths, has a subtext to it that my brain appreciated. I believe it refers to where the action takes place and what is hidden in the hearts of the initial two main protagonists, Olivia and James. Later on, it delves into the hidden yearnings of the two other heroes. No one is quite what they at first appear – if that makes any sense. Every person is multi-layered and this book takes the time to find and explore those layers in each of its characters.

I valued the detailed approach the author took in giving me insights into what made the relationship between Olivia and James work so well. The set up gave me a solid foundation in understanding just how strong and pure their love for each other was before Ms Holly set the first lure. You see, most people have sexual fantasies, whether they admit to them or not. The most amazing kind of relationships are those where the couple can talk to and share with their partner about even the kinky kinds that makes them blush and stutter. Not only that, but actually explore them within the framework of their marriage – making it more vibrant and healthy. But some fantasies, those in the deepest, darkest part of us, are still considered too potent for exploring because of the possibility that they might take on a life of their own. What would happen if the opportunity to experience such a thing presented itself? What would happen if it turned out that what was feared as being ‘too much’ ends up being not only a sexual high for one but for both? How far would they explore it? Where then would the boundaries be? The author leaves no skin untouched, no emotion unfelt and no heart unaffected in the telling of Hidden Depths as those questions get answered and more.

The dynamics between Anso and Ty, the other protagonists in the story, is another intricately woven relationship. Anso is royalty and Ty is …not. I intuited early on that Ty and Anso actually loved each other but they were blinded by expectations, perceptions and position. It was very sad. I felt the most emotion for Ty because he was so hard on himself. It didn’t help matters any that there was a secondary character that dismissed him and reinforced his belief that he was less.

Truly, Ms. Holly knows how to engage a reader. Each character has something that needs healing, that needs loving and their own insecurities and worries seem like insurmountable stumbling blocks. Singly, with only Anso and Ty, or Olivia and James, that is true. But when the author gets all four together, it’s emotional magic.

Erotic romance readers are in for a thrill that satisfies on every level. Every little thing that can hobble a relationship is brought out into the light and explored until all the shadows are dispelled and the power of their love is proven. I thrilled to that little eye trick that proved just how perfect and right the ménage ends up being. Out of all of them, I was happiest for Ty. Very romantic and so perfect, I sniffled just a bit.

There were some important secondary characters, one being a troublemaker and the other, Violet, Olivia and Jame’s daughter. Violet doesn’t affect too much but she’s part of the healthy family portrait and the author was very respectful of that.

One thing Ms. Holly does is mix great emotional conflict with external drama and suspense. Readers will find that aspect in this story as well with the plot to overthrow the current king. Thing is, this is a paranormal so the machinations behind it all were fascinating and really cool. The descriptions were very well done and action packed. The only thing I was mad about was Olivia’s continued thinking about leaving. Even I could see that wasn’t going to work – she was in LOVE! Good thing her heart was stronger than her manipulated brain – it proved crucial.

Hidden Depths takes a reader on an exciting journey of sexual and romantic explorations; a feast of the senses that teases, pleases and satisfies a reader’s cravings for a well told tale. I had a ton of fun reading this story and didn’t want to stop reading for anything. Each character, Olivia, James, Anso and Ty, found a place in my heart and in my dreams. This is one ménage that has a depth of character with a sturdy foundation I could believe in. The happily ever after included every possible thread being tied up in perfect harmony and and it made me feel sentimental and gooey. Thank you, Ms. Holly, for writing another winner!