Protective Custody

Protective Custody by Paige Tyler
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Novella
Other: M/F, Light Bondage, Spanking
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Anthurium

Paisley McCoy is a sexy reporter who writes about the San Francisco club scene for a local magazine. Having a dad on the police force has led to one hard and fast rule--she doesn’t date cops. She likes her men sensitive and intellectual, two qualities in short supply in any cop she’s ever met. However, when her safety is threatened and her life in danger, she gets stuck with a standard-issue cop for a bodyguard--aggressive, opinionated, and certain he’s always right. In short, the complete opposite of the kind of man she usually goes for.
Gray Beckham is a no-nonsense cop who’s peeved about being taken off a major burglary investigation to babysit the captain’s bratty daughter. Just because she’s gorgeous doesn’t change the situation. His career is important and she acts as if the whole situation is a joke and insists she doesn’t need his protection. While she might be sexy as hell, there’s no way he’s going anywhere near her, not if he can help it.

Despite their differences, though, Paisley and Gray can’t deny the chemistry between them. As that connection turns into a romance neither can avoid, they find out that the stalker is a far greater threat than they originally thought. They’re dealing with a crazed lunatic who has decided that if he can’t have her, no one will.

Paisley and Grey can’t deny the chemistry between them, even though they are brought together by the most unusual of circumstances. Paisley’s father is a Police Captain, and she has one hard fast rule, she doesn’t date cops...well at least she doesn’t until she ends up with a stalker, and her dad insists that Gray Beckham, a hot, no-nonsense cop protect his daughter and neutralize the stalker.

This book is an exciting thrill ride from the moment that Paisley refuses protection and gets her first spanking, to the end when their relationship and stalker conflicts are resolved.

There is mystery and suspense as they find out that the stalker is a far greater threat, and much closer than they first thought. The sex scenes are fun and frequent and definitely hot! This story blends suspense, romance and eroticism is the best of ways and is defiantly a keeper.

Through Topaz

Through Topaz by Leona Grey
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Short Story
Other: M/F
Rating: Best Book
Review by Amaranth

Who would’ve thought Gnomes could be sexy?

Ember has spent months preparing for the spell that will rescue her father. Now, all she has to do is lure the Gnome, Dowan, into her cave and convince him to help her. She doesn’t know why, but he’s the one she needs to raise the energy that will power the spell -- a spell fueled by sex magic.

Dowan is intrigued by the sexy witch with the sincere eyes. The woman has guts but will she be a match for Lilia, the Faery who has kidnapped Ember’s father and is the enemy of the Gnomes?

Ember is a powerful witch who has spent months preparing a spell to rescue her kidnapped father. Lilia, a faery, kidnapped him and Ember must save him before it is too late. Ember’s bowl told her that a gnome, Dowan, must be the one to help her, with sex magic.

Ember lures Dowan into her cave and captures him. Once she explains her need for his help, will he trust and help her? Dowan cannot help but be attracted to Ember, but can they truly save her father and defeat Lilia?

"Through Topaz" by Leona Grey was an exceptional book. I was drawn in by the first page and held captive by Ember, much like Dowan, until the very last page. Ms. Grey did a wonderful job of describing this world with vivid images; combined with strong and very likeable characters.

The passion between Ember and Dowan was almost a palpable thing and heated me quickly. This short story did not hold many secondary characters, other than Ember’s father and Lilia, but there was no need. Ms. Grey put just enough sex and passion into the book to make it hot and add to the needed sex magic, but never too much to take away from the story. Each sex scene was exactly the right length and full of heat and emotions, making them perfect for this couple and this story.

My only regret is that the book was short and I would have loved to read more about Ember and Dowan and what their future may hold. I will be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Steamy Encounter

Steamy Encounter by Samantha Gentry
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Hibiscus

Event planner Afton Pendleton was very pleased with her arrangements for the upcoming grand opening party at the luxury ski resort. But she hadn't anticipated the resort's dynamic owner, Gage Brennan, arriving on the scene and making arbitrary last minute changes to her carefully worked out preparations. Angry sparks fly fast and furious between them. But before she can regain control of her project, the worst snow storm in fifty years shuts down everything. The two adversaries are stranded together in an empty lodge. Sparks of a different type fly as the physical attraction between them spirals out of control. Could this steamy encounter possibly lead to a lasting relationship?

Once again Ms. Gentry writes a sizzling tale of romance between what seems to be an unlikely couple. Afton Pendleton is a working woman who does her job and knows how to do it well. Gage Brennan is a rich resort owner who is having a grand opening and wants it done his way. They are constantly butting heads.

I liked the character of Afton. She does her job well and everything runs smoothly until Gage comes to the lodge. I felt that she was a little timid with men as she gives in to Gage on some of the party things in order to avoid conflict. She also gets spooked several times when Gage come up behind her and she doesn't hear him. She keeps saying he startles her. I believe that Afton wanted more with Gage but was afraid to initiate anything because he is married and she does not want it to affect how people see her in her business.

Gage was portrayed as a tough, hard nosed businessman. From his dealings with his soon to be ex-wife to how he handles Cynthia Hargrove, he seems to be all business. I thought that was all a front. I believe how he deals with Afton away from the public eye is how he really is. This is the kind of man I like. Hard outside, soft inside.

The story has several suspenseful moments with the storm, possible break-ins and people trying to snoop where they have no right. There are several minor characters that add to the story line. Stuart, the lodge chef, is funny when Gage meets him in the kitchen. I laughed when that happened. I also laughed when I read the scene at the hot springs between Afton and Gage. There is also a reporter I did not care for. She poked her nose where it did not belong to stir up trouble.

This story is about two people trapped by a storm who fight their feelings at first and how the romance between them blossoms. Most of the time I was clearing the fog off my glasses as I read this steamy story of romance in a resort. I wonder where Ms. Gentry's next encounter will take place?

The Werewolf Whisperer

The Werewolf Whisperer by Ericka Scott
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Novella
Other: M/F
Rating: Best Book
Review by Amaranth

Celebrity dog trainer, Serena O'Toole, had the perfect life. She has a boyfriend, kind of, and a job she loves, well, she used to love it. And the audition for a national television spot could skyrocket her dog training show, “Woof”, to the stars…if it doesn't bore her to death first. Then, when she thought things couldn't get any worse, a sexy-voiced stranger calls to tell her that her brother, Michael, is missing. He's hiding in the desert outside his new home in Eclipse, California . It only takes her a few minutes to pack her bags and head off to a town not marked on any map.
The last thing Jackson Hardy wanted to do was to involve another civilian. But, unless the horror writer, Michael O'Toole, was found in the next two days, he would die. But, from the moment Serena's black VW Beetle rolls into town, Jackson knows he's lost his heart. He can't keep his mind, or his hands, off her. She's beautiful, talented, irresistible. Everyone in town notices her charms… Everyone . But Jackson knows to fall in love with her, and make love to her, would be a fatal mistake.

When Michael is found, Serena decides to stay and get to know Jackson better. When she looks in his eyes, she realizes he exudes a sex appeal she is helpless to deny. Nor does she want to. But for a man who can't keep his hands off her, Jackson is sure in a surprising hurry for her to leave. But someone in Eclipse is equally determined for her to stay…forever.

Serena O’Toole is a professional dog trainer with her very own television show. She is very close to getting a slot on a national network, but her producer is taking her show in a different direction, and she doesn’t like it; so the audition for that network slot is a total flop. Then, she finds out that her boyfriend has a wife, after she was so careful to make sure that she wasn’t “the other woman”, again. To top off one of her worst days, she gets a call that her brother is missing, and has been for about a month. The rescue team has spotted him, but he is running and hiding from them in the desert and they need her to come to Eclipse and help them catch him, because he is sick and delusional. Serena quickly packs her bag and heads off to Eclipse, a town that is strangely not on the map.

Jackson is the sheriff of Eclipse and he really doesn’t want to call Serena and involve another outsider. However, if he is going to save Mike’s life, he has no choice. From the moment that Serena walks into the sheriff's office, he knows that he and his heart are in big trouble. She is beautiful, intelligent, witty, and he wants nothing more than to either mate with her or run her out of town as quickly as he can.

Serena quickly finds Mike and decides to stay at his house until he is home from the hospital. In the few days that follow, Serena becomes more and more confused by all of the odd things happening around Eclipse. Her confusion quickly turns to horror and she knows that she must get away from Eclipse as quickly as possible or she will die. The problem is, she has fallen in love with Jackson and isn't sure she can live the rest of her life without him.

The Werewolf Whisperer by Ericka Scott grabbed my attention on the first page, and I was hooked until the very last. Ms. Scott has done an exceptional job of creating an imaginative story, with a unique plot filled with suspense and passion, strong and admirable characters, and the perfect dialogue and descriptions to keep this book flowing at a nice even pace that had me thinking about it, even when I wasn’t reading. Jackson is a kind man, struggling with his inner demon and his feelings for Serena. He is a delightful mixture of both alpha and beta male. Serena is a strong, independent woman, with quick wit and intelligence, and the backbone to make it through life’s troubles. Although they have a huge hurdle between them, they still manage to fall sweetly in love and share a deep and emotional passion, in the midst of a life-threatening situation. This book and characters could easily be turned into a wonderful series and I would be the first to pick up each copy of each new book! I look forward to reading more works by Ericka Scott. If you enjoy erotic paranormal romance of the werewolf kind, I highly recommend The Werewolf Whisperer!

In His Sleep

In His Sleep by Hollie Brooks
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Scarlet Rose
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Hibiscus

Is it possible for the man of your dreams to find you in his sleep? Angie Thompson is desperate for a hot, male--a last minute replacement model for the most important shoot of her photography career. When she stumbles upon Chad Gregory wandering the halls of her hotel in nothing but a pair of boxers, she can't believe her luck. Not only does Mr. Sexy agree to help her out with the shoot, but he gives Angie the best orgasm she's ever had...right there in the hall...up against the wall. The catch? He won't remember a thing. Chad is sleepwalking.

What a novel concept for a story. I can honestly say I have never read a story involving sleepwalking as the major story point.

I liked the character of Angie Thompson. She was a no nonsense photographer who needs a replacement model, stat. I thought it was hilarious when she stood up in the bar and introduced herself and said she was looking for a man willing to pose in his underwear. I could just picture it at a busy hotel bar where there is a conference going on. I liked how she handled Chad in the hallway when she thought he was drunk, she was still Ms. Businesswoman. I enjoyed the struggle she had with herself when she felt like she wanted Chad for more then just a model. Angie seemed to me to be a soft hearted person who wants to be respected for her work but also just wants to be loved.

I thought Chad Gregory was a beautifully written hunk. He seemed to be a quiet reserved man who does not really think he is anything special. I liked the fact that he could only remember bits and pieces of what occurred when he sleepwalks. I thought it added to his imagination of what could have happened since he couldn't remember and made for some cute dialogue with others. I also liked how he was hesitant about posing. I thought it made Chad seem more real.

The minor characters in story were pretty good. Chad's sister Gretchen did not do too much for the story except be there for Chad to talk to. The gruff, all business sponsor, Robert Winds helped with the pressure that was building around Angie and the shoot. Kirk, Angie's assistant, I believe was the best minor character in that he helped relax Chad at the shoot by talking to him. I felt that Kirk also had a lot of really good lines.

I found it interesting at how toward the end of the book, Angie and Chad found some common ground.

When I read In His Sleep, I was definitely awake and enjoying each word of this delightfully different story.

Black Planet 2: Dragon's Blood

Black Planet 2: Dragon's Blood by Belinda McBride
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Futuristic
Length: Short Story
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Cholla

San Francisco, 2183 CE

San Francisco was never the same after the Great Shake of ‘08. On the ruins of Fisherman’s Wharf, a ramshackle city rose like a mushroom, a strange dichotomy of safety and corruption. In this forbidden city, a monster prowls the corridors and alleys, seeking the nanite-enhanced flesh and blood of underground cage fighters.

Detective Annie Tanaka once survived an encounter with the monster. The attack left her clinging to life and riddled with fear. Now the monster has returned, and is hunting in her territory. She will need every weapon in her arsenal to face this enemy and prevail.

Unfortunately for Annie, her partner hates her and is next on the monster’s menu. And Annie’s mentor is a legendary fight master who hasn’t been seen in decades.

As she closes in on the creature, Annie Tanaka quickly discovers that her real enemy isn’t the monster, but her own fear. And against that fear, Annie must stand alone.

Sent undercover to discover the truth about the monster attacking the city, Annie goes underground to become bait – a cage fighter like the ones the monster has been feeding on. Suddenly enmeshed again with her one-time partner, she will have to use every ounce of her training, her skill, and her strength to overcome the mysterious creature terrorizing the city and the thing that stands between her and Aiden.

Ms. McBride has a way of weaving the ancient into the future. Her combination of ‘improved’ humans and ancient styles of fighting bring a fresh, new outlook to her stories. Stuffed full of action, delicious love scenes and a lot of self-discovery, Black Planet 2: Dragon’s Blood will keep you on the edge of your seat. Do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy for yourself!

Frozen

Frozen by Morgan Q. O'Reilly
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Action/Adventure
Length: Full Length
Other: M/F, Bondage
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Hibiscus

Destiny waits for all... especially a headstrong princess.

Royal blood can take a princess only so far in life. Sooner or later destiny will sweep her off her feet. If she's lucky, he's tall, blond, fun to push around, and helps her save their ice ball planet from a killer comet.

This book reminded me a little of the old Flash Gordon movies and the planet Frigia. Nordia is an ice planet where everything is white and cold. Noreen is the older twin Princess and also The Profetia who is destined to marry the One and conceive the first male heir.

I enjoyed the characters of Noreen and Gunnar. Despite the fact Noreen was spoiled when she was allowed to run away at sixteen to avoid marriage to Gunnar, I thought it was clever that she used her skills to increase trade with other countries and send goods to help improve life on Nordia. I thought that Gunnar was very patient to wait ten years for his bride to come to him. I loved his idea of being pure for his Profetia. I smiled as he tried to explain it to Noreen.

The use of Odin and Thor and other Norse gods throughout the story was also very cleaver. It was cute how the Clash of Thor's hammer sounded when the Profetia and Chosen One find each other and when they conceive. I laughed when the crew called to make sure everything was fine in the transport as they heard the clash and saw the transport rocking.

There are a lot of very good minor characters all of whom are fleshed out and play important parts in the story. I loved Noreen's twin sister Coreen, they always talk to each other in their minds. Then there was Hollis, Noreen's ex-beau. It was funny that he claims to be married to Noreen through some weird ritual on the day before she left him. When he followed her to Nordia, I felt that there was something more to him than meets the eye.

Lest I forget, there is the small matter of a comet coming at the planet Nordia. I thought the way they figured out how to save the planet was ingenious. Even Doctor Zarkov could not come up with a better plan.

The love between Noreen and Gunnar was very touching. He had been planning with her father for ten years and been supplied with books on how to tame Nory. Some of Gunnar's methods had me wishing I was Nory. I melted when he stepped on the broken glass from the shower door to carry Noreen to safety. And the lovemaking in the Arbor and resort. Wow.

For a story that takes place on an icy planet, there was a lot of heat. I highly enjoyed the hot story of Frozen.

Daringly Delicious

Daringly Delicious by Leigh Ellwood
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Hibiscus

When it comes to chocolate, Tish Richmond delivers the goods. Her home business, Tish's Dishes, is booming, and a new contract with Dareville's popular grocery store allows her the opportunity to expand her reach. Happy as she should be for the exposure, Tish longs to stop her waistline from expanding further so love can reach her.

Gorgeous Vinnie comes to Dareville to work for his uncle's limousine company. One look at Tish and he's struck by the sexy, voluptuous entrepreneur. Can he convince Tish that the size of her dishes don't matter to him, and will she let him satisfy his sweet tooth?

Daringly Delicious continues the Dareville stories with a tasty treat about truffles. I love chocolates and hot hunks so I just loved this tale of Trish and Vinnie and how they come together.

I liked the character of Trish Richmond. She seemed to me to be a woman who does not know her own value nor how beautiful she really is. Trish thinks of herself as unattractive and lacking in confidence but I thought she was beautiful, successful and very imaginative. The things she imagines in her mind to do with Vinnie were great.

I loved the character of Vinnie Petrocelli... but then again I love tall, dark, Italian men with accents, New York or not. I found it a little hard that such a hunk would be shy around Trish. He appeared to be a chick magnet in the story. There were some funny moments in the story as Vinnie and his Uncle Dom discussed a plan of attack on dating Trish that would start in a month. I also liked that Vinnie was not above blatant exhibitionism to get his way. It definitely grew hotter as he kept his shirt off in Trish's house and what can I say about the chocolate on the chest except Yum.

There were a few minor characters in the story. I liked Uncle Dom, who is very possessive of his wife and also funny, see the above plan. I also liked Lupe, who is Uncle Dom's wife. She helped boost Trish's confidence in herself and was instrumental in getting Trish and Vinnie together. I did not like to character of Lola. She came off as the obligatory office slut who wants Vinnie and bad mouths Trish.

I must say that this Dareville story was a delicious treat and good to the last.

A Matter of Trust

A Matter of Trust by Zena Wynn
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story
Other: M/F, BDSM
Rating: 3.5 Cherries
Review by Bittersweet

Traci Morgan thinks her marriage is over. Her husband, Rick, is determined to prove her wrong. What he'll need is a blindfold, a few silk scarves, and a whole lot of trust from Traci to put things right between them.

A perfect mix between romantic and hot is what Ms. Wynn creates in “A Matter of Trust”, leaving me with a smile of pure contentment and a feeling of “the magic of love is not only fantasy, you can find it in the real life as well”.

In “A matter of trust” reality is present in every way, from the relationship issues than any couple can suffer, to the bed scenes, to the characters.

Particularly, I loved her characters. Ms. Wynn is able to portray a real woman, one which with I could easily identify myself with. Her main character, Traci is a woman with curves (not the usual perfect model look-a-like). She is a woman that feels embarrassed by her looks, that is worried about her appearance. Throughout the story we see Traci as her husband sees her, and it is described and explained in such a wonderful way that I was able to place myself in Traci’s position, and be seen as any woman should: beautiful.

The sexual scenes are described quite well, inciting I would think, any woman to try out those moves with her man (I for sure I’m going to give some a try). Besides, the dominant roles that are played by both Traci and her husband, Rick, make it all more exciting.

They say trust is one of the pillars to a relationship, and across this story Ms. Wynn convinces me that this is so. No man can please a woman or vice versa if there isn’t complete trust; lack of trust leads to misunderstandings and unhappiness.

Everything in this story is reachable, available for anyone to have experienced or experience.

Dragon's Song 2: Nioral's Quest

Dragon's Song 2: Nioral's Quest by Cameo Brown
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Amaranth

Nioral, healer dragon of the Kilsh Brood, spends his days collecting roots, mixing potions, and having human sex with as many women as possible. The evidence of the human female's desire produces strong medicine for the dragon kind, and Nioral is determined to pay back his broodmates for taking him in when his own brood, the Lynial, was wiped out during the Great Change. The gods are sometimes unkind, though, and Nioral, genetically coded to only know desire when he finds his bonding partner, feels nothing when he mates and believes he will spend his life alone, the last of the Lynial line.

However, a trip into the forest changes Nioral's life forever when he rescues Merigone, a bewitched beauty injured while trying to escape greedy villagers and the advances of Fudalon, the amorous King of Snakes. A healer herself, Merigone awakens in Nioral a deep passion such as he's never known, and he finds himself torn between keeping the dragon secret and loving the only woman he's ever truly wanted.

Ms. Brown grabbed my attention on the very first page and I was enthralled throughout the book. First, I met Nioral, a dragon with the ability to shape shift into human form. I was immediately touched by his caring and gentle ways, and his dedication to his brood. Although he cannot feel any pleasure during sex, he has to complete the act many times a day on most days, because he needs the cream from females for his medicine. He finds the ladies that he has sex with in brothels and treats them with more dignity and respect, and gives them more pleasure than they get from their other customers, which shows, to me, how truly wonderful he is.
Then I met Merigone, who was sick from poison, was very weak, and was being hunted by some boys from a nearby village. Once she was healed, she proved to be fun character, with a lot of love and witty humor and intelligence. The King of Snakes, Fudalon, wanted her for himself, but he can see that she is too sick. He asks that Nioral bring her to him once she is healed. Later in the story, he offers Nioral and Merigone help, when they may have not been able to win the battle that they were fighting without him.

Ms. Brown brought this fantasy world to life with descriptions that had me first picturing what she described, and then surprised by how imaginative this world really is. Nioral’s Quest had a few twists and turns, intermingled into this fantastic world with strong and admirable characters. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading others from the Dragon’s Song series! This book would be a good read for anyone who enjoys very erotic, fantast romance, or for someone looking to explore a new genre.

Big, Blooming and Wild: Texan Bound!

Big, Blooming and Wild: Texan Bound! by Dawn Montgomery
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story
Other: M/F, BDSM, Spanking
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Amaranth

The aliens have come… to Texas!

Hot-blooded and horny Maria is stuck in a rut. Pain in the ass exes and crazy fathers aside, she’s caught herself in quite the predicament. Nothing that a little silk, a lot of sex, and a good spanking won’t fix. Hopefully her heart is up to the task, because her libido sure is!

When the feisty Texican offers sex to his competition, Cody sees red. Since his heat or pollen began, his hormones have been screaming for the full-bodied woman’s loving. Well, if the transplanted pecan tree has his way, she’ll be tied up, tasted, and in his bed for the rest of their lives.

Maria has a knack for getting into messes. She chooses the wrong men, who use her and dump her, and she knows it is because she is fat. While attending a dance, she flirts with a man and is just getting ready to leave with him for a hot night of sex, when she is kidnapped!

Cody took over her father’s farm three months ago, after he saved Maria’s father’s life. He is as hot as they come and can get any woman he wants. When he kidnaps her for flirting with another man, she thinks he has gone crazy. She knows that she cannot embarrass her father anymore than she already has, but Cody is taking things a little too far.

She can’t believe it when Cody tells her that he wants her. After all, she is fat and he is unbelievably hot. Cody must convince her that he truly wants her and has for a long time, not for her family farm, but for her. He finds her beautiful and knows that she is his mate.

After a night and morning filled with passion, Cody must save Maria from a tornado that is bearing down on them. He knows that the only way he can save her is to shift into his true form. Will Maria be able to love him when she learns Cody’s secret, or will she run from him in sheer terror?

I love paranormal romances, especially shape shifters. Never could I have imagined that I would read a story about an alien tree that shifts into human form! I was immediately touched by Maria and felt that Ms. Montgomery may have taken a peek into my life and fantasies.

Cody is a hot cowboy, who thinks that a woman with curves is beautiful, and he is determined to show her that she is beautiful. This story moved along at a good pace, with interesting dialog and plenty of heat between Cody and Maria. I was drawn into this story from page one and couldn’t stop turning the pages until the very end. Maria and her low-self esteem, along with Cody’s secret, gives this story a few twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat; and the passion between the two jumps off the pages to heat you up and leave you panting!

Tempt Me With Darkness

Tempt Me With Darkness by Shayla Black
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure, Paranormal
Length: Full Length
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Cholla

He’s an immortal knight hungering for satisfaction. . . .

As soon as Marrok sees Olivia Gray, he’s sure they met in eons past. He’s felt her soft, gentle curves writhing in pleasure beneath his own powerful body. . . Morganna! For centuries, towering Marrok, once the mightiest of King Arthur’s warriors, has endured a terrible curse the witch cast upon him when he spurned the witch.

She’s a modern woman about to discover ancient magic. . . .

Olivia shares a mystical—and irresistible—connection with brooding Marrok. Soon after the sexy warrior appears in her erotic dreams, he abducts her, demanding she uncurse him. Their intense passion is more powerful—and intimate—than either of them has ever known. Olivia may be the key to unlocking the diary that will break Morganna’s hold on his life. But in the wrong hands, the book also holds the power to destroy magickind. As they search for answers, a ruthless wizard returned from exile is building an army of evil. When he discovers Marrok and Olivia have the diary, only their love—with the help of a powerful group of magical Brethren—can save them.

Despite their horribly rocky introduction to one another, Marrok and Olivia dance around their obvious attraction – and strong desire – for one another until they can’t deny the pull any longer. Sparks fly – both in passion and anger – once they give in to their passions. Will Marrok ever forgive Morgana enough to love Olivia? Will Oliva learn to move beyond her past enough to trust Marrok to love her?

While racing against time, Marrok and Olivia try to find the secret to opening the Doomsday Diary and thus freeing Marrok from Morgana’s curse of immortality. They are also forced to exchange energy – through sex – in order for Olivia, an untransitioned mated witch – to remain strong and healthy. At times there was a bit too much sex and not quite enough action for my tastes. However, with a strong story and likable characters – as well as those you love to hate and even one you’re not so sure about – you almost don’t even notice the bumps in the road along the way to the exciting conclusion. A definite must-read for any fan of the Arthurian legends and Morgan Le Fay.

Rough Justice

Rough Justice by KyAnn Waters
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story
Other: M/F, M/F/M, ménage, light bondage
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Poppy

It is not Roxanne Savage's night...but it will be.

Five miles from home, she runs out of gas. Unable to reach her best friend Jay on his cell, she calls local sheriff--and current object of lust--Ivan Soto. On the dark and deserted country road, Ivan shocks Roxie by forcing her to assume the position--against her car with her legs spread.

When Jay rushes to Roxie's to make sure she's made it home safely, he discovers her in the custody of Sheriff Soto, experiencing a little Rough Justice. Jay wants Roxie to have a good time, but if Ivan wants to frisk her further, he'll have to learn to share.

I'll be honest. When I chose this book for review, I expected your "usual" ménage with lots of hot sex, but not so much romance or emotion. And, I absolutely got the "hot sex" part right (just reading this book gave me an aerobic workout if you judge from my pounding heart!), but this book packs a doozy of an emotional punch as well.

When Roxanne runs out of gas on the side of the road, and can't reach her best friend with benefits, Jay, she calls the police for help. When Ivan Soto, sexy alpha male, shows up to offer roadside assistance, Roxanne has no idea that all her fantasies are about to be fulfilled. Off duty, Ivan gives her a ride home, with every intention of giving her even more once they get there. Little do they know, Jay has gotten her message and decides to make sure she's okay. When he pulls up to her house and sees the sheriff's car, he knows exactly what's going on, and decides he wants in on the fun.

Jay is a hoot. He's funny, easy-going, sexy and he loves Roxanne but he has dreams that just don't allow him to make long term commitment plans. When he walks in on Ivan and Roxanne, he's more than ready to join in, but Ivan isn't so sure he's into sharing. In fact, he goes as far as getting ready to walk -- not only is he jealous and doesn't want to share Roxanne, he wants nothing to do with another naked man at all.

KyAnn Waters handles Ivan's discomfort believably and with a great deal of humor. I loved the awkwardness, and the way all three of them dealt with their needs and their emotions. Even after they have one hell of a good time, and everyone is more than satisfied sexually, Ivan is still not thrilled with the choice, and he leaves. Roxanne is devastated, but allows him to make his own decisions.

Jay, though is having none of that. He confronts Ivan and they have a man-to-man talk. I enjoyed every last minute of these two and their guy talk. I have never read a story with a ménage where one of the parties is so incredibly uncomfortable with the idea. Watching Ivan slowly understand that he could love Roxanne, and she him, and they could still include Jay and it wasn't wrong, nor did it make Ivan any less of a man ... just, wow.

This story was so well written, and I enjoyed every word. I would have liked it to be a little longer, but only because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to these three yet, not because of any deficiency in the plot. Ms. Waters very happily brings this group of people together in a loving, sexy, rough-and-tumble, romantic way. This book is a must-read, and then a must-read again!

Love, Lust and Scandal in Professional Football

Love, Lust and Scandal in Professional Football - Sports Wives 1 by Destiny Blaine
Publisher: Bookstrand
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story
Other: M/F, Multiple Partners
Rating: 3.5 Cherries
Review by Hibiscus

Cassie Teller is a woman who appears to live a simple life. But look beyond the surface and discover a complicated lady with very scandalous secrets as two incredibly sexy men bide for her love and everything that goes along with it.

Cassie knows what she wants. She wants Steve in her bed and a PFC football to keep her warm at night when he's not. That is, until she meets the most eligible bachelor in the Professional Football Confederacy. He runs straight into her life. And plans to stay there.

Steve has had many opportunities with Cassie. She's been his best friend with sexual benefits but never the woman on his arm. When PFC Superstar Corby Teller meets Cassie, he knows she's something special. He plans to spend his life making her the happiest woman alive. And she could be. That is, if Steve would stay out of her bed.

As I read this book I was reminded of the TV show Desperate Housewives. Everything happens so fast and is a little unbelievable at first but once you get into the book, you just go with the very fluid storyline.

Cassie struck me as the type of girl I don't mind hating. She's one of the boys. Knows about sports, the history and how to play them and loves football. She has her best friend, first lover and bed buddy no matter when or where in Steve. I believe that Steve liked having his cake and eating it too. He knew he would always have Cassie available for him all the time even if he was with another girl. It seemed as though they both looked out for only themselves and did not want anything to go anyway except their way.

Corby was a sweetheart. He fell in love at first sight with Cassie. I fell in love with him as the story went on. I felt his emotions as he cried, loved. laughed and was in pain . I kept rooting for Corby and wanted things to work out for him. Yes, I know he can have a temper and be a little demanding but he just seemed to be a big lovable teddy bear that I wanted for my very own.

I can see how this could happen in real life sports. What happens to the ex-wives? I learned a little in this story. Did I like the main characters as people? Not especially but they played the roles they were written extremely well. I loved the secondary characters. With them I got the charisma, charm and smiles I wanted.

Even if you're not a sports nut, this is a hot read that I would recommend instead of forcing yourself to sit through that game on television.