Runner’s Moon: Simolif

Runner’s Moon: Simolif by Linda Mooney
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
Genre: Sci-Fi
Length: Full
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by: Anthurium

Seven years ago they landed on Earth—thirty-one aliens, fugitives from a lifetime of slavery and cruelty. Now they were dispersed among the populace, unidentifiable because of their shape-shifting abilities.

Simolif knew when his brother Jebaral found his life's mate. The blood lines in his arm had increased by one, and the sight of it had thrilled him like nothing else could...unless he, too, could find someone who could accept him for what he was, and who would not scream in fright to see his true self.

He never expected to find Professor Sarah Drumman. As an astronomer, she suspected there were creatures from another galaxy now walking the Earth. And she planned to prove her theory to the world.

Their meeting would forever change their lives. Too bad hers meant nothing to the creatures who had landed on Earth looking for their missing cargo.

This is the third book in a series, but the story is fully readable as a stand-alone book. Similof or Simon as he is known here on earth is a very hot construction foreman at a job site. He has been searching to meet his life mate, because his race only bonds with one person for life. Little did he realize that Professor Sarah Drumman would turn out to be that person. Sarah is an astronomer who works at the local college, next to his job site, and catches her first sight of him, out of her office window.

The sparks that fly between these two characters are very hot and very romantic. This reader immediately became enmeshed in the story and did not want it to end. This story has it all, great sex and romance, and the suspense qualities of a good thriller. When the enemy of these alien shape shifters comes after them, and tries to capture them, it is Sarah who through her love and connection to Simon that is able to save them from being recaptured.

I recommend this story to anyone who likes his or her erotica with a sci-fi twist. I definitely want to go back and read the previous parts of this series.

The Rapture

The Rapture by Missy Lyons
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Fantasy
Length: Short
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Hibiscus

The lure of a demon lover is difficult to resist, and impossible to leave, because sex is highly addictive. Sex with a demon is known as the rapture, since it brings absolute pleasure so intense that it is almost painful. But is the price worth gambling your life and your freedom?

The Rapture is a prequel to Dragon Heat. It tells the story of how Isabella is born.

Genevieve is a Druid who believes that her daughter's child will be the salvation of the Druids and the Demons. But to accomplish this feat, her daughter's father must be a Demon. This goes against the rules and covenants that Druids have; Never seduce a married man who loves his wife and never cross the boundaries of different species or mix magic. I feel that Genevieve is a very strong willed woman who would do whatever it takes to accomplish what she believes is right. I saw when she gave up a bit of her magic to make the flute that she was willing to do anything to help her race. I enjoyed how Genevieve approached the Demon Court and was able to play her flute for them.

So much action occurs in this book that I am amazed at the short length of the story. The tale progresses quickly once Genevieve plays her music flute. I laughed at how feisty King Darius was with his wife Emma. The scene with King Darius and his uncle Trax had my heart pounding in my chest. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see if Genevieve would accomplish the goals she had set down for herself.

Ms. Lyons write a highly compact, beautiful story of a woman's love for her race and the lengths she would go to accomplish her goals. A definite must read for any fan of fantasy.

Stormy Nights

Stormy Nights by Tonya Ramagos
Publisher: Siren Bookstrand Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Lilac

Tall, dark, and built for distraction, former Navy SEAL turned firefighter Ryan Magee has no trouble convincing a woman to share his bed, until he meets Tina. As infuriating as she is beautiful, Tina is the last woman he should want. So why does one night with her and Timmy have him thinking of picket fences and mini-vans?

Tina Walker might be a struggling single mother, but the last thing she wants is a man in her life, especially a hotheaded playboy like Ryan. Trouble is the sight of him sends her body on a vacation to Hormonal Happy Land. Her hunger for him increases when she and Timmy are forced to ride out a storm in Ryan's home.

But when Ryan's past follows him to Silver Springs, putting them in far greater danger than the hurricane, their time together may come to a grave end neither of them anticipated.

Stormy Nights features former Navy SEAL turned firefighter, Ryan Magee. A playboy, Magee rarely has problems charming women. That is until he meets single mother, Tina Walker. However, despite his attraction to Tina, she reminds him of his own mother and memories he would rather not recall. His misconception and scathing comments lead to some stormy encounters between the two strong-minded individuals. But when a hurricane forces Ryan, Tina, and her son Timmy to take shelter together, they learn that their perceptions of one another might not be accurate. However, an enemy from Ryan’s SEAL past is out to get him and his relationship with Tina and her son has placed them in danger.

Stormy Nights is a wonderful addition to the Heroes of Silver Springs series. The characters of the story are very appealing and help to make this a great read. Ryan is a complex character who has allowed his memories and feelings about his own mother color his view of Tina. His is an emotional story and I enjoyed seeing his sensitive side as he bares all. We learn that the playboy/tough guy image he has is a façade that hides his true pain and personal issues. The author did a wonderful job of making me care about this character.

In addition to the romance between Ryan and Tina, we once again get to see the relationship between firefighters Tripp and Bailey progress. Their relationship started in the first book of the series and has continued with each book adding to my enjoyment. This book is really a turning point for the two of them as more about Bailey’s past is revealed.

There also another secondary storyline in this book involving Tina’s married friend Rhonda and DEA agent Michael Cosmos. This storyline was left unfinished, in my opinion, so I hope that means a future book might be in the works. I would have loved to see how this growing relationship played out.

Overall, Stormy Nights is multifaceted book featuring quite a few interesting characters that I enjoyed immensely.

Ride a Cowboy

Ride a Cowboy by Pamela LaBud
Publisher: Cobblestone Press
Genre: Historical (American Western)
Length: Short
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries

An ex-con wrongly convicted of bank robbery, Wade MacReynolds must raise enough money from his cattle ranch to pay restitution or be sent back to prison. Other ranchers in the territory have cut off all of the water that had been diverted to his property.

Desperate, he offers to buy water rights from the local Brothel Madame, Lily Barnett. But, Lily is not one to be taken advantage of! Her terms include that their contract only lasts a single week at a time and he must pleasure her in bed prior to each renewal!

Set in the 1880's of West Texas, "Ride a Cowboy" is the story of ex-con cattle rancher, Wade MacReynolds whose water supply has been cut of by the locals. He is desperate to keep his herd alive because he has to get his cattle to market in order to pay restitution to stay out of prison for a bank robbery he didn't commit. His only chance is if he can convince the local brothel madam to let him buy water rights from her land.

Lily Barnett is willing to strike a deal, but only on her own terms. A woman who has spent her lifetime pleasing men decides that once and for all a man is going to return the favor. She tells Wade that he can have seven days of water if he is able to pleasure her in bed one night each week. A battle of wits and wiles ensue as this headstrong cowboy wrangles the beautiful and demanding brothel madam. It is the first in a series of trysts between this randy couple.

I enjoyed Ride A Cowboy. The story line itself was cute. One night of satisfaction for one week's worth of water rights.

Lily Barnett is a no nonsense businesswoman. I know Lily cares for her girls as it was graphically illustrated at the beginning of the story. Lily was hurt in the past and intimidates all the men with her temper and collection of goodies. I think she is looking for someone who cares for her and that she can care for in return.

Enter Wade MacReynolds. No other property owner will help him with his problem because he served time in jail. Wade seeks out Lily as the last property owner from whom he can access water rights. I liked the character of Wade MacReynolds. I wanted to know more about him and his ranch. He seemed to be a very confident man and his boasting to Lily was classic. I enjoyed how he turns Lily's bedroom conditions to his advantage.

The end of the story left me wanting to know more. I wanted to find out more information on Lily and Wade. This is a good thing for an author as I know I'll be looking for more stories about these characters. I can't wait to see what will happen next in this series of trysts. For a very short story, I found Ride A Cowboy to be a nice quick read that held my interest and kept me wanting more.

Bad Enough

Bad Enough by Lara Dien
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by Lilac

PI Lindy Cooper has spent her life playing by the rules—someone else’s rules. They got her the perfect job, the perfect fiancé, and a perfectly boring life. But when an unexpected case makes her rethink her career—and torpedoes her relationship—it’s time to think about what she really wants. Now she’s in Costa Rica on vacation, mustering the courage to break out of her good girl routine and be just a little bad.

Rafe Montero didn’t think he’d ever see Lindy break out of her good girl shell. She was well on her way to 2.2 kids and a white picket fence, and he definitely wasn’t. No, he was roaming the planet, bringing down international bad guys, and one thing he’s learned is that good girls and bad boys just don’t mix. But when he hears that Lindy’s dumped her fiancé and headed to Costa Rica, it’s the perfect time to mix business with pleasure and help Lindy discover her inner bad girl isn’t all that far from the surface.

Lindy and Rafe can take the heat of passion, but can their friendship survive finding out whether she's really bad enough?

In this sexy read, tired of being the “good girl”, PI Lindy Cooper has headed to Costa Rica determined to live out a few “bad girl” fantasies and escape for a few days. What she didn’t count on was the appearance of her friend, Rafe Montero. Rafe and Lindy have shared a friendship as well as a mutual attraction for years, but neither has ever said anything. Upon seeing Lindy, Rafe is more than willing to help Lindy be a “bad girl” for a few days, but will that be enough for them once their time in Costa Rica has ended?

In Bad Enough, Lindy and Rafe share an easy relationship and chemistry that I found very appealing. I enjoyed the humor and banter that comes with a couple that shares a longtime relationship. They were comfortable with each other and had a familiarity that kept their encounters from being awkward or seeming unbelievable. The chemistry and passion between the two sizzles in this hot read as their built-up sexual tension finally finds a release.

And while Bad Enough is a romance, it is also about Lindy’s personal growth. Due to changes in her life and her trip, Lindy grows as a person and as a result gains a confidence and a new relationship with her good friend. You could sense the changes in both Lindy and Rafe as these two friends make the transition from pals to lovers. Despite their insistence, they both knew there was no going back and that scared them as they feared losing their friendship.

Bad Enough is a wonderful read featuring a believable and hot relationship between two fascinating individuals.

Last Call: Hurricane

Last Call: Hurricane by Moira Rogers
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Paranormal
Length: short
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Hibiscus

Artist and witch Fiona Logan hasn't had an orgasm since a bitter ex cursed her five years ago. Whenever she gets aroused, bad things happen. Now, she's come to Last Call in hopes of gaining an audience with -- and help from -- its owner, a powerful wizard named Benito D'Cruze. If anyone can break the curse, it's him. And if he won't come downstairs to meet with her, she'll bump and grind until his bar caves in from the backlash.

Hurricane: Contents under magical pressure. Experience required.

Ben doesn't get involved with patrons not even the hot, sexually frustrated ones. But when a lush looking blonde threatens to wreck his bar with her curse and her need, he decides it's time to take matters -- and her -- into his own hands. After all, even if he can't break the curse, he can certainly ease her frustration. And what powerful wizard doesn't love a challenge?

Last Call: Hurricane is a unique story of a witch who was cursed by a vengeful wizard when she left him, to never achieve sexual fulfillment. All of Fiona's attempts to do so result in destruction of surrounding property and sometimes people. After five long years, she goes to the most powerful wizard there is for help.

Fiona Logan is a likable character. She seemed to be a young, innocent artist who got caught up in a bad situation with her previous lover, resulting in the curse. By going to the Last Call, I took it as her last shot at freedom. If anyone could free her it would be Benito D'Cruze.

Benito D'Cruze does not allow black magic into his bar but when he saw Fiona, he was intrigued. He became angry when he realized the severity of the curse and who placed it on her. I saw the level of respect that Ben has for Fiona grow as the curse is being worked on, along with his feelings for her. I liked how the number five was repeated in the story. Five years cursed. Five to be cured.

Robert Carmichael makes a brief appearance as the evil wizard who placed the curse on Fiona. I thought it was cute that the power of suggestion was made to seem as powerful as magic.

Last Call: Hurricane is a very good story. The scenes are described in such vivid details, I felt that I was in the room with Fiona and Ben. The sex is hot and heavy and the magic used is both destructive and healing. Another good story in the Last Call Series.

Binding Ben

Binding Ben by Violet Summers
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: short
Other: M/F, BDSM
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by Lilac

Stacey Stanton is a self assured Dominatrix. Imagine her surprise while attending a BDSM party, her former trainer brings along a new submissive.. Only this isn't any ordinary sub, he's her ex lover. Ben Reynolds is instantly attracted to the female Domme hiding behind the mask. Her curvaceous body makes him crave to serve her.

Stacey and Ben parted years ago, she'd been unable to tell her big strong fireman that she was a Dom. Now he is on his knees in front of her. Stacey decides to take Ben for a night of sinful play. He doesn't recognize her behind the mask and the weight she's gained. She's never forgotten him and the idea of having this man at her mercy is a temptation that Stacey cannot resist.

What happens when the night ends and the mask comes off. Will Stacey and Ben part forever or take a chance on a new beginning built on trust, total honesty and a love neither could forget?

Dominatrix Stacey Stanton hid her penchant for domination from her former lover. The suppression of her true sexual preferences eventually led to their break-up, although, he never knew about this side of her. When her former trainer brings a new submissive to a party, Stacey is shocked to see that it is Ben, her ex.

Determined to have one night with Ben where she can be true to her sexual nature, Stacey decides to keep her identity a secret by hiding behind a mask. New to the scene, Ben has yet to find a strong connection to a Dom, but is instantly attracted to this one. But what happens when he discovers the identity of his mystery woman?

This was definitely a hot read that illustrated the importance of honesty in a relationship. Had Ben and Stacey been honest about their sexual needs and preferences they might not have broken up with one another when they did. Fate seems to have reunited them though, and it was interesting to see them reconnect despite the secrecy surrounding Stacey’s identity.

Binding Ben is a very quick and hot story filled with passion and eroticism.

All or Nothing

All or Nothing by Tonya Ramagos
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by Lilac

Bailey Lamont's struggle to come to terms with a past that left her nights filled with nightmares and her days consumed by fear ends with a surprising reward. Finally, she has the two things she wants most in life: a satisfying career and the heart of the man she loves. But will Tripp Barrett's hardheaded determination cause her to lose it all?

Lieutenant Tripp Barrett may be down, but he is far from out. When an injury threatens to end his career, he refuses to sit around and wallow in self-pity. One way or another, he will return to the life he worked so hard to obtain. But is that life the one that is centered on his career or the one he's just begun to share with Bailey Lamont? Can he have them both or will he be forced to give up one love in order to keep another?

In this short, but highly enjoyable read, firefighters Bailey Lamont and Tripp Barrett deal with the changes and complications that arise when coworkers become lovers. When Tripp returns to work following an injury he and Bailey must deal with their worry and concern over one another and figure out a way to work together. One misstep could cost them not only their careers, but also their lives. But when Bailey suggests she transfer, Tripp is angered and hurt by her decision to leave.

All or Nothing is a fabulous story about compromises and love featuring a wonderful couple who have finally gotten their own book. I fell in love with the characters of Bailey and Tripp in the first book in the Heroes of Silver Springs series and have enjoyed watching their relationship progress with each book. Both are fascinating and complex individuals and this story really illustrates that. In All or Nothing, they must deal with some of their doubts and fears. Both love their careers and each other and don’t want to lose either. They have to figure out a way to have both or risk losing one of the things they love most…firefighting or each other. I enjoyed how the story played out and how they solved their problem.

Bailey is a strong heroine who still has some insecurities and I loved the fact that she was a firefighter. She has fought hard to get where she is at, but still must deal with prejudice and insecurities. Her insecurities, doubts, and fears really add to the character making her all the more realistic. Tripp also has a few of his own fears that he has to deal with in the story. He and Bailey make a wonderful couple and I enjoyed reading how they helped one another overcome their fears.

To get a feel for these characters as well as learn more about their relationship and past, I recommend reading the entire series in order. Tripp and Bailey’s story starts in the first book of the series (Caught off Guard) and continues in the two subsequent books (Twin Games and Stormy Nights). Each book sheds a little more light on this fascinating couple making All or Nothing all the more enjoyable as there were a few things in this one that might or confuse those who haven’t read the other books.

Adam and E-V-E

Adam and E-V-E by Bridget Midway
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi
Length: Short
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 cherries
Review by Hibiscus

E-V-E, or Emergency Violator Equalizer, is an enhanced woman with a computer chip in her head that makes her the ultimate fighting machine. When faced with a Cerillion robot, she's more than annoyed to have to fight along side an unenhanced human...especially one who brings out her human side.

Lieutenant Adam B'Luven wants to protect the last few Earth inhabitants without the aid of a machine like E.V.E. that's making the human Army obsolete. But in order to save the humans, he'll have to drop his prejudices...and his pants.

I enjoyed Adam and E-V-E immensely. It was a very complex story with at least three different lines being interwoven into a steamy romance set in the future.

E-V-E is an Emergency Violator Equalizer. She is a human with computer and scientific enhancements. Forty percent of her body is bionic. This is kept a secret and most think that only a computer chip is implanted in E-V-E's brain. I found E-V-E to be very heart-warming to watch as she discovers that her computer chip malfunction may be something else entirely.

Lieutenant Adam B'Luven hates robotics and never wanted E-V-E to be on his planet let alone partnered with him, however I believe he doth protest too much. I loved how he figured out how to destroy the Cerillion robot and the reactions he got from E-V-E. From that point on, Adam was all for keeping Eve on the planet.

I loved the story within the story of E-V-E's creators, Dr Urlean and Dr. Tuumlar. The split between them and Dr. Tuumlar's revenge. The world and the struggle to survive is very good and covered quite well in these few pages. The play on Adam's and Eve's names is very cute and adds to the storyline.

Adam and E-V-E is one sci-fi, action. romance that had it all in a compact story that I did not put down until I was finished.

The Chosen One

The Chosen One by Marisa Chenery
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Genre: Fantasy
Length: Full
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Review by Eglantine

Kali, warrior queen of Zudris, had her heart broken five years before when Gar, the warrior she had chosen for her mate, walked away. Now he has returned bringing two priests of the Order of The Chosen One. The Order has singled her out to do their test because of her Pantherinae blood that has marked her with eyes of a cat.

Walking away from Kali had been the hardest thing Gar had ever done. But if he hadn’t, she would have depended on him and wouldn’t have grown into the strong queen she was.

Doing the test awakens something inside Kali. In her dreams, she meets an ancient Pantherinae shaman who can shape shift into a black panther, one who wants to claim her as his mate.

Kari, queen of the Zudris, is not pleased when she sees Gar standing at the back of the throne room. Not pleased that the man who deserted her on the eve of her greatest battle five years ago is back. Not pleased that he had brought two priests of the Order with him. And most of all, she is not pleased that her body screams out for him the moment their eyes meet.

Gar is determined to regain Kari’s trust. He had good reason to leave her when he did, and spent the five years away from her pining for the only woman he could ever love. He brought the priests to challenge Kari to take the test, believing she is The One. Kari is not at all sure. If Gar’s belief in her is misplaced, the test will kill her. And if she passes, will she be able to deal with the new dark presence her awakened destiny brings into her life?

The Chosen One is an interesting story with original ideas and steamy sex scenes. The characters are strong and believable, and the plot has enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. I would have loved to see more detail in the world building, and language purists might take issue with some mistakes in the use of words, such as naval instead of navel. However, turning off your inner editor is certainly worth it. A good read I would recommend to any lover of fantasy romance.