Review: Snowbound: A Snowball's Chance

Snowbound: A Snowball’s Chance
by L. Shannon

Trapped in an ice cave and nearly frozen to death, Josh’s only hope is the demon sent to claim his soul. But “Get Out of Hell Free” cards don’t come easy. To earn his, Josh will have to satisfy a fire demon’s insatiable lust.

Quick, hard and fiery. Three words that perfectly describe L. Shannon’s A Snowball’s Chance. Once started, turning away from the story was not an option. It’s a story that’s focused almost exclusively on a sexual encounter with a twist.

Josh Franklin is about to die. He’s trapped in a cave with ice and snow as his only companions. Enter Chance, a hunky, horny fire demon with an offer that is literally a case of life or death. The men are a pleasing match and the vivid, rough sexual play between them is electrifying. The sex is a battle, a challenge that pits both men against each other as Josh fights for his life against a man that probably sculpted the definition of hot!

The ride was wild and satisfying. Perhaps the only thing I found perplexing was Josh’s almost too easy acceptance of Chance’s appearance, falling instead, directly into lust. Yet as the story drew me in, I found it easy to ignore this blip and eagerly followed the rapid-fire pace straight to its smile-worthy ending. Ms. Shannon did an excellent job with this steamy romp and both men will have you smiling as you wait to see who ends up the victor of their sexy fight.



Review by Narcissus

Review: Snowbound: Lunar Seduction

Snowbound: Lunar Seduction
by Kira Stone

Gideon has lost his lover and gained a trip to the stars. Well, at least as far as a remote stellar observatory in Alaska. Unfortunately, winter storms make stargazing impossible. It also delays supply shipments. This is something of a problem for Roth, the observatory’s caretaker and resident vampire. What’s Roth to do when the only available food is in the form of a human who’d rather gaze at heavenly bodies than have sex? Good thing he’s a master at seduction…

When you think of vampires, you think of sexy bad guys, enthralling thousand year old creatures with enough seduction powers to make you melt. And when you think of their victims, they’re either freaked out or magically drawn in but always, always the victim. Kira Stone takes a different route, creating a duo so compelling, I was swept into their story from the start.

Gideon is a faintly bitter man, fresh from a relationship with a man who, in his words had “more sex appeal than sense”. He no longer trusts his judgment in men which means he’s more than a little wary of his wild attraction to Roth, the caretaker of the observatory they’re trapped in and oh yes; did I mention he’s an extremely gorgeous bit of vamp?

I fell in love with these men. Gideon is no victim but a sad man looking for love (if a little hopelessly) and Roth offers it in possibly one of the most seductive sex scenes I’ve ever had the joy of reading. Ms. Stone did an absolutely wonderful job and I would definitely enjoy learning more about Gideon and Roth!



Review by Narcissus

Review: Adventures In Space 2: Command Me

Adventures In Space 2: Command Me
by L. A. Day

The war is over and Commander Michel Giat faces his toughest task yet. He is asked to babysit the general’s daughter. Expecting a child, he’s pleasantly surprised to find out Jade is a sexy woman. However, her sex appeal creates other problems.

Just because he’s lonely doesn’t mean he’s ready to settle down. Sensing a trap, Michel assumes the general is matchmaking until he’s told only a land man will do for Jade.

General Valant may be Jade’s father and his superior officer but that wouldn’t stop him from marrying Jade if he chooses to.

When Jade disappears on Vre’ Lio everything becomes clear. Michel wants Jade as his own. Finding her in a bar with two sex droids sets him on a course for revenge. Sexual manipulation is the game and he plans to teach her to follow his every command.

In her second installation of the Adventures In Space series, L.A. Day has another hit. She has created another world of intrigue, adventure and heat. LOTS of heat!

I was first introduced to Michele in Owned, the previous installment of Adventures In Space, when he comes to retrieve his sister and her husband. His story picks up where the previous left off. Commander Michel Giat is a formidable man: a leader, a soldier, a patriot, and a very sensual man. When he’s informed by the General that the man’s daughter will be needing a… babysitter he’s not a happy man. It isn’t said in those exact words, but the General never once corrects Michel’s assumption that the daughter is a child. Imagine his surprise when a full-grown, incredibly attractive woman shows up on his ship. The first meeting between the two is quite entertaining as misconceptions about Jade’s identity occur. Michel’s chagrin is quite charming, but he quickly recovers and the story takes off.

Jade is all woman and proud of it, even if previous lovers have caused her to question just how sexy she truly is. The attention she gets from the fascinating Commander Giat is exhilarating and she can’t help but fall for him. While he may not be a classically handsome man, she finds him incredibly compelling. Her spunk and sassy personality make for interesting and even funny interactions with Michel, and caused quite a bit of heat. You have to love it when a woman can so completely wrap a man around her finger that he doesn’t know if he’s coming or going. When he decides to turn the tables on her, she takes it with flair and gives as good as she gets.

I had great fun reading this book and again find myself singing Ms. Day’s praises. With her charming cast of characters that add a bit more spice to an already tasty stew, she has another winner. I found that I wanted to know more about Ro, and laughed at John and Aurelia’s newlywed antics. I always love it when I get to catch up with old friends from previous books. I definitely recommend this series and especially this installment to any looking for a bit of adventure and a lot of heat.



Review by Viscaria

Review: Caught Running

Caught Running
by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux

Ten years after graduation, Jake "the jock" Campbell and Brandon "the nerd" Bartlett are teaching at their old high school and still living in separate worlds. When Brandon is thrown into a coaching job on Jake's baseball team, they find themselves learning more about each other than they'd ever expected. High school is all about image – even for the teachers. Brandon and Jake have to get past their preconceived notions to find the friendship needed to work together. And somewhere along the way, they discover that perceptions can always change for the better.

Caught Running is an awesome twist on the classic theme of the high school prom king getting together with the valedictorian nerd long after graduation. I had a blast watching their story unfold.

Jake is the ex-prom king/homecoming king, now a high school coach. He's large and ripped, and his edgy-one-minute/joking-the-next manner made him interesting, attractive and real to me. I was blown away by the smoldering intensity of his reactions to Brandon. Brandon is the ex-nerd science teacher but has a tall, very fit runner's body that looks exceptional in baseball pants. Brandon strikes me as a sensitive soul; cerebral and compassionate. His gentle care and concern for Jake warmed my heart, especially in the way that Jake responds to him.

I loved this book; I can't say enough good things about it! Even though they've worked in the same school for years, they haven't interacted until Brandon is asked to help coach, and the way their rapport grows as a result is amazing and playful. Neither of them knows that the other is gay, and the entire first half of the story is just them getting to know each other as friends, and more than once I laughed out loud at some of their silly banter. I was in awe of how their feelings evolve and how they grow to care about each other. I was able to get inside both Jake's and Brandon's thoughts and feel the growing excitement and desire for the other man without being able to show it, and the sexual tension just keeps building and building at just the perfect pace to keep me biting my lip, anxious for more. Besides the physical attraction, they both recognize that they genuinely like each other and are surprised by the comfort level they share that neither had ever experienced before. Jake and Brandon are just so sweet together and I couldn't get enough of them! Once they consummate their relationship, it is physical and hot, and they can barely keep their hands off each other. But the emotions continue to show through and grow even stronger, and I loved them as a couple.

This is one of the most romantic stories I have ever read, and so vividly written that I felt I was a part of their journey. It has a double happy ending, increasing the feel-good factor. I'm pleased to award Caught Running my first "Best Book" rating and I recommend it with enthusiasm!



Review by Chamomile

Review: Snowbound: Are We There, Yeti?

Snowbound: Are We There, Yeti?
By: Celia Kyle

Giving into his natural needs, Yosi travels with his wife to ice-covered mountains for some yeti-sized loving.

In my review, Yeti! Were?, I mentioned that the HEA was quirky but intact. Well, Are We There, Yeti? lets me take a quick peek at how things are going between Yosi, the hunky and furry yeti and Sela, his spunky werewolf mate.

This short story is a condensed view of all the best parts that made the first story so enjoyable for me; their chemistry, Sela's humor, the volcanic passion and furious coupling, and those simple one word phrases that pack a seductive punch.

This story served to illustrate that Yosi's and Sela's HEA is alive and well by giving me a delightful winter romp filled with Yosi's pursuit and Sela's surrender. I'm thrilled they are still so much in love. Ms. Kyle had a great idea in letting me see how things are going. What fun!

Rating:

Reviewed by Xeranth

Review: Sundown Investigations: Here Kitty Kitty

Sundown Investigations: Here Kitty Kitty
by: Cat Masters

Nathan and Wolfe always fought like cat and dog -- because that’s what they are. But there are some things that test even the loyalty of a werewolf, and now the ruthless jaguar shifter is Wolfe’s number one enemy.

Newly bitten by a shifter, Kat’s trying to juggle student life in a strange city with turning into a big cat once a month. If that’s not enough, she’s in heat, and the fever is only soothed by the darkly handsome Wolfe, who’s more than happy to satisfy her mating needs.

But someone else is chasing Kat: the wickedly sensual Nathan, seducing his way across continents to find her. Does he really want to help Kat, or is he just out for revenge against his former partner? And when he catches her, Kat’s going to have to decide whether she wants the loyal Wolfe or the insanely exciting Nathan.

Or is it possible for her to have both?

The title, Here Kitty Kitty had me intrigued and the story delivered just what I was looking for - shifter antics that had me both rolling my eyes and smiling with enjoyment.

Kat is now a were-cat and a unique breed. She's acclimating to her new self while trying to continue on with her life. I found it refreshing that her character wasn't written with a lot of internal angst - "why me's?" or anger or conflict over her new urges inherent in being a cat. I was also impressed that the author decided not to have all human ailments or non-working body parts miraculously fixed when shifting thereby making them like they never existed. This was a more realistic touch that, for me, enabled a better connection to Kat's character. Another thing I liked about Kat was her willingness to be open to new things, whether it had to do with her new talents or exploring this hot attraction she has for this guy in fatigues.

Wolfe is the guy in question. When first introduced to his character, I saw a very sensual and intense situation turn into a dance of foreplay. It was well written and it very much had me hoping that this was the guy for her. The strength of his personal character and his dogged pursuit of Kat was exciting to read. When he and Kat get together, it was deliciously erotic and fun. As with all fun things, they do come to an end. Yet this end was just the beginning because another Were has Kat's scent and he is just as hot as Wolfe.

Nathan is a dog. No, he's a cat, but he's a dog. You'll figure it out as soon as you meet him. For all his faults, Nathan has some redeeming qualities that I only got a peek at. I'm thinking he's the perfect bad boy that needs to get his own tail in a twist and after reading this book, I hope he gets his own story. Anyway, Nathan is good for Kat in small doses and the dose he does give her in Here Kitty Kitty is smoking.

You might think that the romance is a bit fast paced but I thought it was just right. This relationship deals within a shifter's reality and as such, certain elements have to be accepted as fact. Another point in the romance's favor between Kat and Wolfe is that the connection started prior to each knowing about the other's issues and I was happy that the thread was picked up later when the frenzy was over and their brains totally re-engaged.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the absolutely fun dialogue in the book. The ire and wit traded back and forth between Nathan and Wolfe was well done and at times quite funny. Kat has some good one-liners too. This story shines because of it.

Here Kitty Kitty is a sexy romp with bite and a shifter romance wouldn't be complete without it. This story delivers hot sheet action, snappy personalities, a world rich in shifter community and it was perfect for me.

Rating:

Reviewed by Xeranth

Review: Torrid Teasers Volume 45: Epic Turns & Dark Memories

Torrid Teasers Volume 45: Epic Turns & Dark Memories
By Piper Evyns

Epic Turns – Professional snowboarder Jacee Lennox has become disillusioned with her life as a sports hero, then suddenly she finds herself in a strange land with a gorgeous man who shows her the real definition of heroism and temptation.

Dark Memories – Jon Brand hunts the things that go bump in the night, but when his ex-fiancée turns up almost dead, in a pile of corpses left by a vampire gang, he might find the key to bringing down the bad guys, as well as a second chance at love.

This is a two story anthology that is sure to take you on some unique adventures into the paranormal.

Epic Turns has a fresh and surprising choice of occupation for a heroine. Jacee is an Olympic snowboarding champion who makes a jump into a whole new realm of possibilities. The greatest goal in her life is to realize her dream of being accepted for her accomplishments, for herself. Can you believe that some people actually think that being an Olympic champion is worthless and undeserving of recognition? Well, that’s what Jacee’s family thinks and it hurts. I felt for Jacee; her frustration, her yearning and her sadness. I enjoyed seeing her pluckiness and determination to not give up but continue to be the best that she can be. I love the fact that all her training and expertise is about to be appreciated in ways she never dreamed.

I’ve read stories of teleporting humans to other realms before and they usually have to drudge through the culture shock. Not Jacee. Nope, she gets Oryon; the gruff and disgruntled fur covered hunk of a man who doesn’t give her time to catch her breath. Calling her ‘warrior , Oryon gives Jacee the opportunity Earth never did, to show her just what she‘s made of and what she’s capable of doing. And what she’s expected to do shocks the heck out of her. I was hooked. How can a snowboarder possibly be the answer to a people’s prayers? How can a talent so unusual and specialized be practical in the real world? How can a woman do the impossible? And will she find with Oryon what she never found on Earth?

Oryon was funny. Perhaps it wasn’t meant that way, but I liked the fact that Jacee had him in a tizzy. On one hand, he knew what needed to be done so he was focused and committed to the goal even if Jacee wasn’t what he expected. On the other hand, his confusion over Jacee and how she took him by surprise by acting and being the liberated woman of Earth that she was,kept me turning the pages. That includes, of course, the sex. Jacee isn’t ignorant yet still is sort of shy and she throws Oryon for a loop. He isn’t stunned for long and when they come together it’s fun, hot and furious. Let’s just say there’s a lot to be said for cavemen.

Epic Turns is exciting, sexy and fun while taking us on a journey of love and self-affirmation in a fresh and unique world.
*
Dark Memories keeps us on Earth and is intense. Vampires are the bad guys and Jon Brand is our hero.

What a flawed man he is. He’s dedicated to his job and he can’t talk about it. He loves a woman but can’t keep her. And he’s a Royal Canadian Mounted Police – or at least from a special office of them. I thought that was so cool - Dudley Do-Right fights vampires. What a great concept!

This story delves into the darker side of a paranormal Earth. Jon discovers that Holly, his ex-fiancé, has been traumatized by vampires. Why did they leave her alive when they always kill their food? The reason will break your heart. It made Jon’s fight against the vampires very believable and I found myself cheering for them to win. I could understand even Holly’s desire to find the horrible creatures who would do things like that and stake them or do whatever needs to be done to rid the world of their vileness.

Lest you think this story is too intense, let me reassure you. The romance part is wonderful. Jon never stops loving Holly and what he does to get her back reminds me of the movie Overboard with Kurt Russell, remember that? Except this story is a LOT spicier and I can picture Kurt in the role of Jon. Yum.

When Holly figures out what Jon did, I was expecting a clichéd response. What a pleasant surprise when Holly not only got her own back but her reaction was perfect and unique to her character. How refreshing. The ending has adventure, drama, suspense and a lot of humorous innuendo that assures me that Holly is going to give Jon a frisky and naughty HEA.

Dark Memories is a fast paced suspenseful romance that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.

Torrid Teasers Volume 45: Epic Turns & Dark Memories is an attention grabbing, page-turning book that will appeal to fans of paranormal worlds filled with humor,relationships that are hot, plots to sink your teeth into and reasons to re-read it again and again.

Rating:

Reviewed by Xeranth