Queen’s Gambit by Marie Treanor

Queen’s Gambit by Marie Treanor
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Short (101 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by: Wisteria

The Grand Master of her body—and her fate.

Ever since a jealous wife cursed her, Christi Blythe has lived seven hundreds years of a half life, trapped by day in the black queen of a chess set. She lives only between the hours of dusk and dawn, waiting for the one true love who is willing to sacrifice a vital game of chess to break the curse.

Now, years after she has given up hope, her remote Highland hotel is hosting a chess match between two high-profile Grand Masters of the game. One of them is the brilliant but erratic Russian, Andrei Zuvaran.

Andrei suspects there is something different about the luscious barmaid and her chess set. One hot night with her—and one shocking dawn—confirms it. But he can’t afford to lose this match. Not even to free her.

He’s got more riding on it than money, more than his heart. His next move could cost a life.

This book has been previously published and has been revised from its original release.

Warning: This story includes adultery, enchantment and hot, sexy Russians, and defies the widely-held belief that chess is for geeks.

As the prisoner of a curse brought on by her sexual appetite, Christi has had a lifetime to ponder her wicked ways and the pain she has caused others for her own selfishness, all the while stuck living as a chess piece during the day. There is only one way to break the curse: By true love you must be won, Yet the winning your love must shun, In one vital game or in none.

Absolutely a cute, well-written story and a worthwhile read, I completely enjoyed "Queen's Gambit". Although I despised the heroine at the beginning for being a selfish brat, as she grew and changed in the story, my disdain for her lessened and I started to feel for her. Between her and the hero, who must choose between his love for her and his duty to protect his brother it made for a very lovely story.

A definite one that I would recommend to others. I will be looking for more from this author in the future.

Executive Positions by Kyann Waters

Executive Positions by Kyann Waters
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (33 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by: Xeranthemum

Four years of foreplay is enough...

Avril Blanco experiences several positions with a sexy, driven executive in the advertising firm of William Carver. The complication... Monday morning the determined and powerful man will be her boss.

Ian Carver is taking over as CEO for his ailing father. His first executive decision—renegotiate Avril’s job description. He’s looking for a partner, in and out of bed.

But will she risk the reputation of sleeping her way to the top?

Executive Positions cuts to the chase and dives into the fray as the results of four years of subtle seduction and foreplay called ‘restraint’ come to fruition in a very sexy encounter.

Avril is a woman who has finally breached the glass ceiling and is determined to not let her actions undermine her worth. Thing is, over the past four years, she’s been drawn into fantasies about a man who could never be hers. He’s off limits yet her mind paints what she’d rather do in increasingly vibrant detail. She’s fighting it and although tormented, is pretty proud of her controlled and responsible actions --even though it’s killing her.

The reader gets the picture that Ian is Avril’s personal Chippendale revue. He’s got moves, confidence and looks. He also has brains and determination. He’s not just pecs and abs; Ian did things the hard way and worked diligently from the ground up to earn the right to be where he is. Although this story is mostly told from Avril’s POV, a reader gets enough from Ian that we know he’s going to turn that determination and focus on Avril – she just doesn’t know it. Nor does she stand a chance.

Executive Positions drops the reader right at the cusp of Ian’s move and Avril’s thrilled amazement that her fantasies could possibly come true. Ms. Waters doesn’t rush something this good. No, she draws out the yearnings, the shivery anticipation and the seduction of the heroine’s good sense. The reader gets the impression that there might be bumps along the way, but Ian is a man who won’t let anything get in the way of what or who he wants. Avril eventually realizes that Ian is serious about everything and there’s nothing more romantic than a man who accepts a strong woman and respects her position. It’s even better when he says the words she needs to hear and means them.

I really liked that Executive Positions showcased romance using a condensed sensual and pivotal moment. It captured how it feels when our senses are heightened, the realization that the realm of possibilities is open and we just might get everything we ever wished for, and then some. And that ‘and then some’ is very hot indeed.

Witch of Air and Fire by Eliza March

Witch of Air and Fire by Eliza March
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short (70 Pages)
Other: Ménage, M/F/M
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewer: Holly

The Fates have a way of playing silly games with Immortals.

Cian is the Chosen—the only being capable of initiating the unfolding of the events foretold in the Prophecy. However, he must claim a female mate first.

After waiting centuries for his partner to be born, she would have to be his equal—as powerful as he—physically capable of handling the daemon possessing him, capable of freeing him from the immortal Droughan.

However, the Fates gave him Candace, a young, inexperienced witch who looks more like an ethereal fairy than the first-level witch entrusted with an ancient power. She is a virgin, and Cian and his best friend Regan have to initiate her through the Trinity Ceremony.

Will the two alpha males be able to share Candace, thereby sexually enhancing her to make her physically capable of handling the daemon that possesses Cian?

Candace has been preparing to fulfill the Prophecy for almost a year, saving herself for her chosen mate. Now, in one night, all is changed.

Her fiancé has broken their engagement, claiming in part that she is to blame, since she was required to remain pure until the Samhain ceremony that would unite her with her mate and release her element of air. But Jeremy is going to wed a faery princess who is pregnant with his child, and Candace is feeling humiliated and angry. On top of everything else, she has a secret, known only to herself and her familiar, Samantha a cat shifter. Candace is a Keeper and must join with a Chosen to release her element of air and free the Chosen from the daemon within him. Cian is the Chosen who has been coming to Candace’s dreams, and bringing her glorious pleasure almost nightly, along with his friend Regan. Can Cian uncover the secret Candace holds within? Can Regan and Cian protect her when the dark forces try to claim her? And can Candace accept her destiny with both men?

Witch of Air and Fire is a sensuous story of romance, destiny and desire. I loved the fact that I was never really sure what was real and what was a dream. Eliza March has created a story with many twists and surprises. Every time I thought I knew where this was going, it went the other way.

Candace has great power, but she doesn’t seem to realize how strong she is. When she expresses her anger at Jeremy, the power hungry ex-fiancé, she creates a violent storm with her power over air. The sex scenes are hot beyond belief, but are they all fantasy, and will that fantasy be fulfilled? Did everything happen, or is it all a dream? To find out, you’ll have to read Witch of Air and Fire, but be sure to bring the fire extinguisher, you’ll need it.

Destined Hearts by Tonya Ramagos

Destined Hearts by Tonya Ramagos
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: 176 pages
Other: M/F, M/F/M, M/F/F, F/F, M/M, F/M/M, Ménage, Multiple Partners
Rating: 4 cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

Calliope wants only to join with her true love. The prettiest and youngest of Goddess Queen Ina's daughters, she watched as her sisters found their mates the nights of their joining celebration. Now her night has finally arrived. Her true heart, however, does not show.

When an anonymous note leads her on a mission of discovery, what she finds is a world of ecstasy she has never known. Not one but two mysterious strangers await her, both with the powers to send her heart and her hormones on a rapturous ride. Will she be forced to choose between the domineering, electrifying Reinn and the gentler but no less tantalizing Bronwen? Or can she keep them both?

She’s living with a curse. Both men have their own curses. How do they go together? Could she give her heart to both men? Want to know more? You have to read Destined Hearts.

Ms. Ramagos writes an intriguing novella filled with fanciful descriptions and characters you won’t forget. Her descriptions are rich with details, making you feel like you’ve stepped into their world. I couldn’t put this novella down.

Calliope has a curse. To break the curse, she must face the monsters. Reinn and Bronwen both believe they are the key to her curse, yet they both are in love with her. Will the emotions they share bring them together or destroy everything? Only Calliope knows the answer.

Reinn, the wolfshifter, has control issues. The reader can identify with him because we all have those things we need to control. Bronwen, a vampire, cannot share the sunshine Calliope brings to his life. She wants loved. Don’t we all? The reader can empathize with their desires.

The love scenes in this story are initially and emotionally rough, but as the story progresses and the characters get to know each other, the passion and love sizzle. You want to see them make the relationships work.

If you want a sexy read filled with fanciful characters and steamy scenes, then you have to read Destined Hearts. I give this read 4 cherries.

Animal Attraction: Embracing the Leopard by Michelle Houston

Animal Attraction: Embracing the Leopard by Michelle Houston
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short (19 pages)
Other: M/M
Rating: 4 cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

Born of leopard shifter parents, Erik had always known his feelings for other men weren’t natural for his kind. Caught between two worlds, his desires for another man and his animal within, he has chosen to be alone rather than surround himself with what he cannot have.

Then Brandon comes into his life, and he discovers a whole new way of looking at things, and of embracing both halves of his nature.

He feels unwanted by his pack because of his preferences. What’s a man to do? He’ll find that Embracing the Leopard will solve everything, if he’s strong enough to accept his fate.

Ms. Houston writes a sweet yet scintillating story of love between two men. You could feel the passion flowing between them from the moment they rekindled the attraction. I liked how the author made you feel Erik’s depression at being shunned by his own pack. Many people can identify with his sadness and longing to find the place he belonged. The impact of the emotion was very strong.

I liked how Brandon, though young, went for exactly what he wanted and showed the maturity to wait for his chance with Erik. It was beautiful to see two people, who really understood each other despite the age difference and time spent apart, find each other and make the relationship work.

I found this story short but touching because we all have felt those feelings of rejection and dissolution because of a choice we’ve made. This story shows that you can overcome your past, you can use it to your advantage, and grow beyond your own capacities.

If you want a sweet and saucy love story, then you need to read Embracing the Leopard. I give this short story 4 cherries.

Rough Stock by Cat Johnson

Rough Stock by Cat Johnson
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (133 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, Ménage, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by: Fern

The heart wants what it wants…

Bronc riders Mason and Clay have shared both good times and bad as best friends, but they never expected to share their boss’s daughter, April. Can two friends love one woman, body and soul, without it destroying them?

The heart wants what it wants. For April that means not choosing between the two cowboys she loves, no matter how wrong it may seem inviting them both into her bed.

Life sends the three lovers in opposite directions, but a devastating injury brings them all together again. Their relationship now is no less bittersweet—or complicated—than before. Once severed, old ties leave scars that are tough to heal…

This book has been previously published and has been revised and expanded from its original release.

Warning: When you choose a man who thinks 8 seconds is a long time, perhaps you need two of them. In other words: Watch out, this book contains hot ménage sex with two cowboys and the woman they love.

Ménage isn’t difficult to find nowadays, but ménage with heart is an entirely different story–literally. Oftentimes, it’s a couple searching for that necessary third, or it’s about consenting adults coming to terms with their sexual wants and needs. This isn’t a bad thing, but after reading Rough Stock, my expectations have been taken up a notch.

Mason, Clay, and April have been friends since childhood. Due to this, the emotions are so much more involved. Mason and Clay are you average best friends, willing to do anything for one another. Their love for April is the only thing to come between them, but neither is willing to step aside for the other. It’s believable and relatable, something all best friends have experienced at some point. Then they learn that April loves them as well–both of them.

April is very interesting character as she harbors guilt for loving two men, and experiences a great deal of shame for being unable to choose. What makes it even more heart wrenching is her feelings bloom when she is just a teenager, a time when all girls are most unsure of themselves.

The final summer before they head off into the world–Clay to the rodeo, Mason to the Army, and April to New York–the three friends succumb to their feelings and spend the remaining months discovering what love between the three will mean. It will take a near tragic event to bring them back together years later, but those feelings still exist. Mason, Clay, and April will have to decide what’s most important. Take the journey that is life together? Or go their separate ways?

Rough Stock is a fantastic story that I highly recommend. I loved the well developed characters and back story. It added so much depth to the material, and made it a joy to read. There is also tons of hotness to keep the erotica reader satisfied. If you like ménage, you can’t go wrong here. Definitely check this one out!

Reckless Abandon by Morgan Ashbury

Reckless Abandon by Morgan Ashbury
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (114 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, M/M, F/M/M, Ménage, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by: Fern

Chastity Sawyer, the ultimate "good girl," has lived the perfect life attending perfect schools, taking on the perfect job, and getting engaged to the perfect man. But when she discovers her fiancé is only marrying her for her money and her name, she decides that all that perfection is not a good thing after all. She yearns to be bad, and where better to do that but the hottest BDSM club in the city, Reckless Abandon?

Unrepentant satyr Jordan Fitzpatrick is in total control of his life. He has his lover Marcus, who understands him and takes care of his every want and need. He has a thriving business on the bad side of town, an exclusive fetish club called Reckless Abandon. He has a kick ass penthouse in an exclusive building with the enticing name of Sixty-Nine West. Now, if his deepest, fondest wish could come true his life would be perfect. He wants his snooty, goody-two-shoes neighbor Chastity Sawyer naked, collared and needy, on her knees before him.

Chastity soon realizes that she wants and craves both Jordan's dominant mastery and Marcus's nurturing care. But can she learn to relinquish control and live a life of reckless abandon?

Chastity is a woman that has done the right thing all her life but chooses to take a walk on the wild side when she learns her fiancé is having an affair. She breaks off the engagement and decides to push some boundaries by visiting a local BDSM club. What she doesn’t realize is that the club is owned by her super hot neighbor; a man that has ached to see her on her knees before him. When he reveals himself and confesses that he and his male lover have coveted her from afar, she’ll risk losing it all to have it all.

Reckless Abandon is a fantastic story about grabbing life by the horns. It was inspiring to take the journey with Chastity–from being an in-charge rich girl, to a willing submissive in a ménage BDSM relationship. Then, of course, there are the sexy bi-sexual lovers that have admired her from afar. Jordan is the Dom, while Marcus is the submissive. Each is alluring in his own right, and provides Chastity with exactly what she needs. There is also a subplot involving her unfaithful fiancé that adds some tension and conflict to the story, giving it that extra something readers will surely enjoy.

A wonderful short story when you want something sultry, intense, and fast paced. Be sure to check out Reckless Abandon.

Perfection: Eternally Three by Kris Cook

Perfection: Eternally Three by Kris Cook
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full (283 Pages)
Other: M/F, Ménage, M/F/M, Spanking, BDSM, Anal Sex/Play
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewer: Holly

While searching for her missing brother, Micki Langley visits a nightclub with a notorious reputation as ménage a trois central and comes face-to-face with two amazing men straight from her fantasies.

Ancient jinn Jared endures heavy guilt and wants nothing to do with the human girl. Tripling is necessary to keep immortals alive, but his hunger for Micki is far beyond normal.

Though warrior angel Bradley completes their threesome, he despises Jared for his tainted reputation. He vows the jinn won't hurt the gorgeous human and has no problem fighting him to prove it.

But when the threesome comes together, they share more than an exchange of energy, they share an unshakable bond that generates astounding power. Their enemies seek to destroy their perfect triad, which could unsettle the balance of power between angels and demons. Will the threesome be able to stand strong together - in trust and love - to defeat the relentless evil?

Micki Langley’s brother is missing. He left a voice mail telling her to bring his flash drive to a club called Zone Three, and give it to someone named David. What Micki doesn’t know is that Zone Three is a ménage club, and it caters to more than just humans. As Micki waits for David, she catches the attention of Jared, a jinn carrying a heavy load of guilt, and an angel named Bradley. David has told them to help her, because Micki is not altogether human herself. And she is throwing off so much magical power, it is starting to bring the wrong kind of attention to her presence in the club.

The only solution is for Jared and Bradley to “triple” with her to draw the power into themselves. Problem is, Jared is unwilling in spite of his attraction to Micki, and Bradley hates Jared because of his past actions. Can these three put aside their feelings and work together to keep the dark warriors from winning? Can they survive the tripling when they find that they have become a Perfect Triad, something rare and extremely powerful? Will they be able to find Eric and prevent the release of the most evil mastermind ever? And just exactly what are Micki and Eric?

Perfection: Eternally Three is a terrific story of good and evil. Micki is a strong heroine, and her determination to find out what has become of her brother is the driving force throughout the story. No matter what might sidetrack her, she always comes back to her search. When she first meets Jared, she wants him, and it is the same with Bradley. She doesn’t understand how she can be attracted so quickly to both of them, but if it can lead to Eric, she’ll do whatever it takes. Kris Cook has written a strong woman in Micki. She has determination, courage and pure old fashioned guts.

Bradley and Jared are hot hunks, and they begin as enemies, but realize they must work together to save Micki and help her in her search for Eric. When they form the Perfect Triad, they are as surprised as David to see the power they can generate. The sex is some of the hottest I have ever read, and every time I think they can’t go higher, this author kicks it up to another level altogether. If you are ready for a hot and sensuous reading experience with a very hard won happy ever after, this book is the one for you. Do they find Eric, and discover the secret to Micki and Eric’s heritage? Read Perfection: Eternally Three by Kris Cook, and find out.

Beyond The Veil by Amanda Sidhe

Beyond The Veil by Amanda Sidhe
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short (46 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Spanking
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by: Fern

In the basement of the Warren Mansion Museum, Carolyn discovers a diamond ring enchanted to allow the wearer to see and interact with spirits. Bruce, cursed hundreds of years ago, is trapped as a spirit beyond the veil between worlds. Carolyn is the first person to see him in many years. And not just see him, but touch him. The attraction between the dominant and sexy Bruce and the passionate Carolyn builds with each sizzling encounter. But curses have a way of not wanting to be broken, putting them both in serious peril.

Beyond The Veil is a ghost story that isn’t entirely what it seems. When Carolyn Bennett goes in search of a fabled ring that will allow her to walk between the veils, she never has no idea of the magic she is about to unleash. For the man cursed to exist as a ghost is bound to the jewelry, able to cross the veils and appear to those in possession of the ring.

Bruce Warren has existed in isolation between the veils, until a beautiful temptress appears and he cannot control himself. Soon, love flourishes between the would-be lovers, but it’s up to Carolyn to uncover the wielder of the curse and discover a way to set Bruce free.

Though short, Beyond the Veil is wonderfully written and presented. You’ll get enough back history to follow along, get to know the characters, and gain a genuine interest in future together. The sex scenes are super-duper hot, and you’ll melt right along with the words on the page. But for those that need more with their erotica, the mystery behind the person responsible for the magic that has trapped Bruce will keep you on your toes.

If you’re in the mood for something that is short but hot, definitely give Beyond the Veil a read.

Magic Man by Wendy Stone

Magic Man by Wendy Stone
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full (173 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by: Fern

Brady Knight has abilities that are shocking and mind boggling, abilities that he doesn't always use for the good of man. He is a "magic man", gifted with a mixture of telekinesis, mind reading, and mind control which he uses for his own gain.

Molly Wolfe is in trouble. Kidnapped by a group of men trying to figure out her people's secret to longevity, she's managed to escape and she needs help.

Can Brady help her and rescue the Were left in the compound, including her litter mate? Or will he become lost in the desire that she flames inside of him so easily? Only the Magic Man will find out.

After enjoying the story, A Strange New Breed, I was very excited to have the opportunity to read Wendy Stone’s most recent, Magic Man. The premise snagged my attention – a half white-witch, half werewolf girl in danger to a man that uses magic to run a successful detective agency. What’s not to like?

I loved the magical elements here, as well as the shifter lore and characters that return from A Strange New Breed. It’s always fun to find out what past characters are up to and to see how their lives have evolved. As always, Ms. Stone also manages to introduce us to new characters, magical abilities, and expands on the already amazing world she’s created. It’s rare to find someone with such a vivid imagination that brings their unique reality to life, but she never fails to deliver.

All of the characters are fantastic–funny and witty. You’ll love Molly and Brady, but you’ll also carry an interest in the supporting cast. Father Joseph snared my interest especially, and I hope that Ms. Stone decides to share his story with us in the future.

If you want something enjoyable to read that includes tons of sizzling chemistry, hot sex, and a magician who can move all kinds of things with his mind, then be sure to check out Magic Man!

Alphas’ Mate by Leah Brooke

Alphas’ Mate by Leah Brooke
Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full (227 pgs)
Other: Multiple Partners, M/F/M/M/M, Spanking, Anal Sex
Rating: 3 Cherries
Reviewed by Gillyflower

When Lacey Roberts visits her beloved godmother, the last thing she needs is more complications. She's on the run helping a woman and child disappear. But her godmother's grandsons are definitely complications. All four have decided she's their mate. To top it all off, she discovers that they're werewolves, Alphas of the pack. And they have no intention of letting her go.

Lars, Damien, Wes and Seth Tougarret are half brothers, Alphas, kept apart as children. Their father's death before they were born divided the pack. Because of their grandmother, they've learned to get along. Barely. Stunned to learn they share a mate, they must form a bond. Especially when they learn someone wants her dead.

Four wolves … and a lady.

Leah Brooke has departed from the Westerns she does so well to branch out into the paranormal with a family of werewolves. Four half-brothers (same father) have split the Tougarret pack into four sub-groups, coming together only to see their grandmother. All that changes when grandmother’s goddaughter Lacey comes to town for the first time, and all four discover she is their mate. Yes, their mate – the mate to all four of them. This idea takes some getting used to, by the brothers, of course, but also by Lacey, who doesn’t even know they are werewolves and isn’t in the habit of engaging in foursomes. How these relationships play out provides the framework for Alphas’ Mate, along with some secondary stories about a murder and an abused wife and daughter that keep things even more interesting. This story definitely moves along with some nice pacing.

Although most of the characters are drawn with broad brush strokes, the relationship between them is explored in more detail. I really enjoyed the fact that Lacey did not just roll over and accept that all of a sudden, the Tougarret brothers would be dominating every aspect of her life. She expressed her confusion and skepticism. And the brothers had quite a bit to figure out for themselves, having never been close to each other before nor, of course, having been mated.

Each brother bringing Lacey into his world outside the bedroom makes for some funny and tender scenes, and in the end, who needs a bed, anyway? The love scenes are trademark Leah Brooke, steaming up the pages. Though I didn’t particularly care for one scene in which the brothers used sex to make a point, neither did Lacey and she definitely let them know it. And even if four gorgeous alpha men taking care of their mate is the stuff of fantasies, Lacey’s responses to her situation are fairly realistic, lending credibility to the story and drawing the reader even further in.

I was, however, somewhat distracted by the relatively high frequency of editing errors, including spelling, punctuation, and the mixing up of names, especially in important back-story scenes. And while perhaps a minor point, and one over which an author rarely has complete control, I was nevertheless disappointed that after many references to the heroine’s hair color in the story, the cover did not match.

I was not blown away by Alphas’ Mate, but I may have set myself up to be disappointed because I love Ms. Brooke’s Desire books, which have a permanent home on my keeper shelf and made her an auto buy for me. So maybe Leah Brooke has set the bar so high even she can’t always live up to Leah Brooke. Though lengthy, this is a fairly simple story told in straightforward language. It was really just your basic entertaining piece of erotica without a lot of depth or subtlety. That said, it was a fun and very steamy read, and if you like hot, dominating alpha werewolves taking their mate to new erotic heights, then Alphas’ Mate is the book for you.

Singapore Fling by Rhian Cahill

Singapore Fling by Rhian Cahill
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (44 pages)
Other: M/F, some mild D/s
Rating: 3.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Gillyflower

Carly Simmons has lusted after her boss for six months. Throwing caution to the wind while on a business trip in Singapore, she suggests a fling. When Saxon takes her up on her offer, Carly gets far more than the conservative businessman she’s expecting.

Saxon Grant is definitely up for a weekend of red-hot sex, but once he gets his hands on Carly he knows a couple of days will never be enough. Months of wanting her explode into a weekend of tangled sheets and twisted emotions.

And after one wild weekend, these two hearts will never be the same.

Singapore Fling opens with one of the most delicious, amazing, detailed, and thorough descriptions of how a woman’s body comes alive with arousal, which sets the scene for a delightful sexual romp.

Ms. Cahill has done some great work developing two likeable characters in a very short amount of space. Carly Simmons is a smart, confident, straight-shooting professional woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to ask for it. Facing a weekend in Singapore with her sexy boss of six months, Saxon Grant, she lets him know she’s interested. He reciprocates both her interest and her willingness to be candid about it. Ms. Cahill also lets us know that Carly and Saxon’s attraction is more than just physical. She shows us that they truly like each other as people, and don’t just appreciate each other’s – considerable – assets. And we’re off to the races for some super steamy lovin’, and lots of it.

It turns out that Saxon has a dominant streak, and while he’s trying to figure out how to reveal that side of himself to Carly, she discovers she quite likes being mastered. While as a reader, I really enjoy a dominant male and a BDSM tale, there is one scene in Singapore Fling that simply crosses the line in my opinion. It didn’t keep me from enjoying the work, but it did pull me from the story. But my view is exactly that, personal taste, and I still enjoyed and recommend Singapore Fling to you.

Some other minor plot points struck me as straining credibility, but this is fiction, after all. And being a fly on the wall as Carly and Saxon explored their feelings for one another almost as intimately as they explored each other’s bodies was lots of fun.

If you're looking for a steamy read, with tons of heat and the odd bit of hard play, Singapore Fling has plenty of erotic moments to satisfy your needs. And I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of Ms. Cahill’s stories.

Trick Of The Moon by Melinda Barron

Trick Of The Moon by Melinda Barron
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Genre: Contemporary, BBW, Multicultural, Mystery
Length: Full (158 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F/M, Ménage, Multiple Partners, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by: Ambrosia

BBW Maura Atwell has put away her attorney shoes to run her father’s guest ranch while he recovers from a stroke. When what looks to be a Native American kiva is discovered on her father’s land, she does what any good attorney would do: she has it investigated.

Archeologist Declan Littlecreek has wanted Maura since they were in college. Knowing sex and friendship don’t always mix, he kept things from getting too heavy. Now that Maura is asking for his help in exploring her new find, he’s all game. And he’s ready to explore the attraction between them if she is.

Declan and his best friend, policeman Dario Fuentes, travel to the Full Moon Ranch to see what they can learn. While the threesome explores the kiva, they also discover a passion that burns hot between the three of them, binding them together. Will it survive the end of the exploration or will it turn out to be just a trick of the moon?

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, ménage (m/f/m).

What a gorgeous, sensual book cover. It enhances expectations of a ménage romance while the heated love scenes were well up on the rating scale of this light hearted, fun tale.

The wonderful humor and good rapport with the trio kept the fun alive and well as they worked together to resolve a mystery. The suspense could have been more intense, though. The author filled in story background smoothly using the characters to explain to each other things like what a kiva is and a Kuchina, as well as tell the story of the history of the native modern Puebloans, descendants of the ancient ones.

Great showing. The scenery came from the POV of the characters whose natures were well defined and intense. Though Dario was the more fun loving charismatic man, Declan was the serious minded archeologist with an analytical outlook who walked on eggshells around his desire for our heroine until his friend pushed his hand and he fulfills his desire to be with her.

The scenery from Maura’s eyes during the drive to the kiva and on the tour of other ancient sites as well as the park and desert night sky was skillfully done, allowing you to visualize it beautifully.

Each man was able to keep her in a submissive place while letting her explore also, Dario spanking her for cutting herself down about being a big beautiful woman (BBW). She oozes sex appeal to them both while exploring her sensual side without inhibitions regardless of her self-doubts. The integration during the hotel scene with the two men connecting on a mild physical level was intriguing. Good use of the senses; smell, sight, touch, taste, and so forth. Having them take in a deep breath of her fragrant hair was titillating

Only a mild repeating statement or two such as: Dario could practically see the wheels turning in Declan’s mind as he thought of something to say… repeating that he’d brought a friend along… The fact that they were gorgeous men also didn’t need to be repeated but it was only mentioned a few times in the story so you can get away with it without issue.

One thing that might require a second thought is when Dario has Declan tied to the chair in the hotel room and tells her not to talk, only allowed to moan and groan, and Dario threatens to gag her if she speaks, yet he and Declan ask her questions that she answers without paying a penalty. We never find out what was on the film in the camera set up in the truck which leaves questions in the mind.

The great sense of humor and report never stalls between the trio while the plot runs smoothly with a medium level of suspense and a who-dunnit theme which left only a few unanswered questions that are easily explained in the final chapter. However, this is a 4 Cherry story due to the smooth and fun read and I’d recommend it if you’re looking to unravel a moderately suspenseful book. Well done, Melinda Barron.

Sex and Chocolate by Reese Johnson

Sex and Chocolate by Reese Johnson
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (41 pgs)
Other: M/M
Rating: 3 Cherries
Review by: Phlox

Jim Williams is tall, black and beautiful and when he meets gorgeous Steve Wheeler, the attraction is instantaneous and hot!

Steve Wheeler hasn't been with a man in more than seven months, but when he meets his new associate, Steve wants to know more about Jim.

As the two men get to know each other over golf and beer, they realize their chemistry is right on target and when they have dinner together at Steve's house, the sex is hotter still. But when Jim's ex-lover, Alan, comes back into his life with devastating news, will it be more than Jim and Steve's new love can survive?

Who in their right mind wouldn’t be attracted to this title? That and the gorgeous cover both caught my eye right off. The title fits, too. The sex in this story is just about hot enough to melt the metal lamp next to my PC.

That said, as an erotic romance, the story has some issues which might have been addressed in editing. The often flat dialogue and the characters’ actions make it difficult to connect with the heroes. They’re both successful attorneys but don’t sound vaguely like they could be. Jim seems willing to bang anything with a heartbeat while Steve is so overly understanding, he doesn’t quite strike the reader as a real person. No tension exists between the two after their first bout of sex, which relegates the romantic part of this romance to a secondary position.

There are, however, two secondary characters which lend the story poignancy and depth. The first is Alan, Jim’s ex who, granted, is on the media-stereotyped end of things as the flamboyant gay man, but his struggles are real and his dialogue, for the most part, rings true. The other is the specter of AIDS, which the author paints in a way that says he has, like many of us who have watched friends die over the years, seen the terrible toll it takes rather than merely read about it. This is where the emotion and the meat of the story lie; this is where Jim’s conflicts and struggles with himself rest and where he strikes the reader as more than just a man on the prowl.

In the final reckoning, the story is one of renewal and a late awakening to adulthood with a satisfying, if bittersweet, ending.

Chicken Fried Beefcake by Carolyn Gregg

Chicken Fried Beefcake by Carolyn Gregg
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (94 pgs)
Other: M/F, mild bondage
Rating: 3.5 Cherries
Review by: Ambrosia

Beth was wanting out of her engagement to Wyatt when she met his younger brother Billy. But where Wyatt was suave and worldly, Billy was a hick country boy who didn't mind getting his hands dirty. Yet there was something about Billy's gentle ways that touched her heart.

Unfortunately, Beth was a born klutz. Bad luck followed her wherever she went, and Beth was positive bad luck would continue to plague her if she allowed herself to fall in love with Billy.

That was before she fell into a tank, and right into Billy's arms!

The book cover is gorgeous, the book title delicious making you hunger for a good read. You'll love to get lost in this quick leap into fun and frustration from the very first chapter with great beginnings that lure you right in like a fish on a line. The hotty hero stirs your embers from behind, in front, and anywhere else you care to look at him from the start. Humor abounds as cute klutz dating dashing jerk falls fast for his sensitive handsome hick brother on first sight in a big splash of heat.

Action and scenery fly slowly by at a moderate pace as Elizabeth (Beth) Runnels heads to her best friend Susan’s family ranch, who just happens to be her fiancé’s sister. However, since she’s there to end her unsatisfying and verbally abusive relationship with the woman’s brother, she runs a gamut of guilt until her friend reads between the lines and figures it out for herself.

Drawn to Billy Byrd, Beth can’t help but fall for his sweet charm and sexy body. The chemistry between the two is palpable right from the start, yet the five senses could use a little oopmph! One can feel her mixed emotions as she sets about plans to dump one, and lusts after the other brother, fears of losing her best friend foreshadowing her tumultuous thoughts.

She does give in a bit too quickly. It could have used a little more sexual tension build up before she literally ‘fell’ into his arms. The barn scene was titillating when, even though she has no plans to escape him, Billy uses his ‘tools’ to harness her desire. There’s nothing like a little ‘vet’ talk while being examined by a hunk and a half.

The fact that the parents and the sister are good with keeping Beth in the family makes for a heartwarming tale of a happily ever after.

All at once romantic, bittersweet, and forbidden, this romance will make you ache for fulfillment not only of sensuality, but of the heart. It earns 3.5 cherries for the excellent writing, though the heat could be turned up a bit.

Rose Red and Black Bear by Gwen Williams

Rose Red and Black Bear by Gwen Williams
Publisher: Red Sage Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Erotic Fairy Tale
Length: Short (99 Short)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by: Snowdrop

So many of us loved fairy tales when we were children. Princesses and magic, evil sorcerers and wicked witches, curses and dark surprises -- and above all, a handsome prince who could see beyon...

When I was little one of my favorite fairy tales was the story of Snow White and Rose Red. So when I saw this, I had to see how Ms. Williams had altered it to add in the erotic element. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised.

Ms Williams has twisted this into a heart wrenching tale of Rose Red's search for love. I enjoyed the way Ms. Williams worked the fairy tale into her work, keeping some what true to the original. Yet she also incorporated her own scenes that I don't think the Grimm brothers ever considered.

Rose Red and Black Bear is a thoroughly enjoyable, very hot read.

The Second Ex by Brit Ryan

The Second Ex by Brit Ryan
Publisher: Linden Bay Romance
Genre: Mystery, Contemporary
Length: Full (238 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by Stephanotis

If Lily McInness had known not being married to her exes would be this exhausting, she’d have stayed married to at least one of them.

No sooner does she have ex number one, Les, squared away by getting his moody butt involved in a fundraising calendar featuring Chicago’s most powerful men, than ex number two shows up with a whole new set of problems. Randall, a hot-shot hedge fund manager, returns from Brazil riding a caffeine high and poised to make a killing in coffee futures. He’s also got a souvenir on his arm—a drop-dead gorgeous Brazilian Mob princess.

Who promptly drops dead.

With the help of her ever-patient lover, Paul Mascara, and unexpected aid from Les’s calendar boys, Lily pulls out all the stops to clear the prime suspect—Randall. And hopefully clear her plate of exes who just won’t seem to stay exed.

Warning: This book contains a feisty redhead, her interfering exes, and a tall, dark, and extra bulky police superintendent who wants to bed her ten times a day. Includes excessive coffee drinking and torrid bar-top sex. Beware of a coffee-buzz hangover.

Seems Lily’s ex husbands can’t keep away from trouble. Not to mention, they can’t stop involving her in their dramas too. This time it’s ex-husband number two, Randall Pendelton who (just like Les in book one) needs Lily’s help in bailing him out of jail. However, in Randall’s case the crime is more serious. He’s the main suspect in the murder of Juliana Valdez. We saw Lily help Les out in book two, but can Lily be of assistance to Randall in helping him clear his name?

What I like most about this series is all the reoccurring characters come together and interact with Lily. In this book we gain more insight into her relationship with Randall and her new love interest, Paul Mascara.

Although Lily is sometimes confrontational with her exes, it’s easy to see she still has a soft spot in her heart for them. And it’s fun to see her interact with them and watch them interact with one another. I liked book two better than the first one simply because the plot was more suspenseful and Lily’s character started to unfold even more. Plus, things are heating up with Lily and Mascara. I hope Ryan decides to write a third book.

Don’t be put off by the word mystery/suspense in the description of this book. This isn’t a whodunit. If you like a sexy contemporary romance with a touch of suspense or just like series characters, Ryan’s books are definitely worth reading.