Review ~ Sin With Cuffs by Rhonda Lee Carver

I've read some fun books in my time, but I thought I'd share what I thought about Sin With Cuffs, by my dear friend and fellow author, Rhonda Lee Carver. I was given her book in exchange for an honest review.

I can honestly say I loved this book. Liam and Holly are intriguing characters that I needed to know more about. These are two people a reader can relate to. They have flaws and weaknesses, but those make them both stronger. I felt the sparks fly from the first time Holly and Liam meet. I rooted for them from the beginning and was so glad I got to take this ride with them. There is a healthy dose of heat, but there's also a good mystery as well. I won't get into too many details because I want you to read this book, too, but let me say, I'm glad I read Sin With Cuffs. I couldn't put the book down and will be on the look out for more by Ms Carver.

Want to know more about Sin with Cuffs? Here's a little bit about the book:

When Holly comes back to her hometown, the last thing she wants is to connect with her old flame, Liam, who is now Chief of Police. When someone in town wants Holly gone, Liam vows to protect her. One thing leads to another, and soon Holly finds herself full of craving for a man in uniform. Resisting the burning desire becomes torture, and neither is strong enough to deny the temptation. Wrapped in a cloak of heat and passion, things begin to unfold.

Holly has a reputation for being a “bad girl.” Is it all in rumor, or does it hold a sliver of truth? Liam swears he’ll never forgive her for breaking his heart years ago, yet he’ll do anything to keep her safe. Soon he finds something far more dangerous than murder and suspense…he realizes he is still in love with Holly. Can he trust her?

Holly can have it all—delicious man, lovely home and a stable future for only a small price…she must let go of the past. Is loving Liam enough?

Get your copy here!

Review ~ Lord of Wicked Intentions by Lorraine Heath

Lord of Wicked Intentions by Lorraine Heath

Avon Books
historical
spicy

Only one woman can break through his heart of stone...

Three young heirs, imprisoned by an unscrupulous uncle, escaped—to the sea, to the streets, to faraway battle—awaiting the day when they would return to reclaim their birthright...

Lord Rafe Easton may be of noble blood, but survival taught him to rely only on himself and to love no one. Yet when he sets his eyes on Miss Evelyn Chambers, and earl's illegitimate daughter, he is determined to have her, if only as his mistress.

After her father's death, Evelyn Chambers never imagined she would be sold to the highest bidder, yet circumstances give her little choice except to accept the lord's indecent proposal. Rafe is wealthy, as well as ruthless. Yet his coldness belies deep passion and deeper secrets. If she must be his, Evelyn intends to lay bare everything the Lord of Pembrook is hiding. But dark discoveries threaten to destroy them both until unexpected love guides the last lost lord home.

available here: 
http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Wicked-Intentions-Lorraine-Heath/dp/0062100033/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372348234&sr=1-1&keywords=lord+of+wicked+intentions+by+lorraine+heath

My take?

Some people are just meant to be. It's fate. Lorraine Heath's characters are two of those people. Eve and Rafe need to be together. The writing flows well and I couldn't put this book down. I couldn't! I felt like I was right there with them, realizing their feelings and what a cad the bad guy was.

Eve is in a bad situation. Her 'brother' is a jerk and is attempting to sell her off to the highest bidder. For what? He doesn't care. And she's too sheltered to know better. That's not cool. Rafe, though he's not interested in having a long term relationship with anyone, isn't going to let her suffer. He feels he's a bad seed. When he swoops in, he shows he's not. He's just got to realize that.

There were moments when I wanted to clock him and a couple where I wondered why she did what she did. But I chalk it up to emotional investment. Ms Heath had me turning pages needing answers. I'm glad I did.

If you want a historical that's sure to please, then this might be the book for you.

Review ~ Let Sleeping Rogues Lie by Sabrina Jeffries

Let Sleeping Rogues Lie by Sabrina Jeffries

Pocket Books
Historical
Spicy

When Madeline Prescott took a teaching position at Mrs. Harris's School for Young Ladies, it was to help restore her father's reputation. Instead, she's in danger of ruining her own. The devilishly handsome Anthony Dalton, Viscount Norcourt, has agreed to provide "rake lessons" to Mrs. Harris's pupils so they can learn how to avoid unscrupulous gentlemen, and Madeline is to oversee his classes. She has always believed that attraction is a scientific matter, easily classified and controlled — until she's swept into the passionate desire that fiercely burns between her and Anthony. Nothing could be more illogical than risking everything for a dalliance with a rake — even one who's trying to behave himself. Yet nothing could be more tempting....

Available here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416551514?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416551514&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

My take?

She wants to resist. Resistance is futile. Okay, that's a cheesy line, but it's true--for the both of them. She wants to resist him because he's a rake. He's the bad guy. Kind of. He wants to resist her because he's got a lot of issues and she can't be trusted. Tony's going to teach the girls at the School for Heiresses how to be smart around rakes. One issue? He's a little too good at his job and she's got a weakness for...well, him.

I liked this book. I liked how she stuck up for him and how he chased her. So much for being the tough guy all the time. He's got issues. Good! Men who are all brawn and no problems are good, but Tony's got lots of extra dimensions to him. Madeline isn't a slouch either. She's got pluck and even if she's obsessed with the nitrous oxide party, she's got reason. 

If you're interested in an intriguing historical read, then this might be the book for you. 

New Review For When You're With Me!

Natasha Blackthorne has posted a review for When You're With Me. Natasha is a dear friend of mine and I very much appreciate her thoughts on this book. Here's what she had to say!

I loved this story. The main characters are so well drawn and deep. They are two flawed human beings who are working hard to overcome the obstacles in their life, and in doing so, find love together.The journey that Jude and Drew takes is very emotional and erotic and a touch on the darker side. There is a definite feeling of hope for the future and healing and a very credible and satisfying happy ending. When I Am With You is one of my top two favorites of Wendi Zwaduk's works. I also love Please Remember Me. Her realistic heroines are so easy to cheer for as they struggle to grow and learn.

Read the full review here!

A topless dancer plus a cynical cop doesn’t equal a lifetime love...or does it?

There’s more to Jude Nelson than just a sequined thong. She has big dreams of becoming an artist. There’s one tiny wrinkle in her plan-she’ll never forget the bloody image of her friend’s battered body in the dumpster.

Who can a nude dancer turn to for help? Certainly not a hardened undercover cop...

Detective Drew Alwyn is on the case to find out who murdered his good friend and fellow officer. But the moment he sees Jude, he can’t look away. He has to decide which is more important-his dedication to his job or the girl who holds his bruised and battered heart.

Will these two opposites come together to solve the case or will their desire consume them?

Reader Advisory: This story contains scenes of bondage, mentions of drug use by secondary characters, silk, sequins and art supplies used in foreplay, voyeurism and a little spanking for good measure.

Available at Total-E-Bound or AllRomance Ebooks

White Hot Christmas: Stranded - A Review!

I love to read the seasonal collections with Changeling Press. It's fun and I always manage to find at least one new to me author.

Here's one of the White Hot Christmas books out this week and what I thought.

White Hot Christmas - Stranded
S Michael
contemp, m/f, m/m/f, anal sex, spanking, fetish, toys, bdsm, holiday
novella
Changeling Press
Available here: http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1735

Stranded in Vegas was not how Gretchen had planned to spend her Christmas, but that's exactly what's happened to her and hubby Russ. Just when she thinks it couldn't get worse, a stranger trips over their luggage and sends its contents flying. It turns out their stranger, Dave, is in Vegas for the holiday and he has a suite he's willing to share.

Can this threesome turn a Christmas disaster into a Christmas delight?

So what did I think?

Grab a fan and a cool drink or two...This story is what the name says, white hot. Heck, grab the one you love for a little private time when you're done.

Why was it so hot? S Michael writes scenes that literally melt the computer screen. And this is a short enough read that you can read it over and over, soaking in the details.

I have to admit, I thought it moved really fast, especially for the circumstances the characters are in. As the story unfolds, it's clear why and that's what added to my enjoyment.

The writing is snappy and kept me right in my seat. I needed to know what would happen next. If you want a story that's got plenty of heat, and the mighty whack of a crop involved then this is the short story for you!

Thank You Thursday ~ Peer Review ~ Bad Dawg

I wanted to share another book I just loved. It's short, sweet, and totally worth reading again and again and again.

Bad Dawg by Lena Austin

Changeling Press Paranormal, Contemporary, M/M, anal sex Short Story

One OTR trucker. One leather-clad biker. One very special town... Finding himself stranded in the middle of Nowhere, Kansas, Loren comes face to face with his favorite fantasy. Hard to say which turns him on more, the '69 Shovelhead, or Bad Dawg -- the bronze god of a biker in the seat.

But can there be any future for men whose livelihoods pull them in opposite directions? And what's with all the Prairie Dawgs all over the place?

Now I'll start this review with this: I love short stories. Love them. Throw in a furry critter and I'm golden. This book had both.

Ms. Austin's story has lots of heart, lots of heat and a biker. How cool is that? I know truckers, so the character of Loren was easy to relate to. He's realistic and loveable, even with his idiosyncrasies. Then there's Bad Dawg himself. The guy is rough. He's a biker, he's supposed to be. But there's something about it--it's almost cuddly and I couldn't not read more. I loved him.

The idea of a prairie dog shifter intrigued me. Pairing a burly biker with a quiet trucker was something I didn't know how Ms. Austin would pull off, but she did and with gusto. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next and when I found out there was more to the story...I was sold!

Grab a copy of this short story for your reader and keep it handy for a chilly night. It's sure to warm you up!

Thank You Thursday ~ A Review for Grey's Lady!

Grey's Lady by Natasha Blackthorne
Total-E-Bound Publishing
Historical, m/f,
Novella
Available now!
Philadelphia, PA 1812.

Seeking sexual excitement and conquest, poor but beautiful Beth seduces wealthy merchant prince Grey Sexton, only to find herself the pursued as he seeks to own her body and soul.

Flouting the moral standards of Jeffersonian America, temptress Beth McConnell lets no man touch her heart. Her motto is love them once and leave them burning.

But when she boldly seduces Grey Sexton, a self-controlled merchant prince from New York, she finds herself too fascinated by his ice-over-fire nature to stay away. His possessive determination to own her, body and soul, threatens to expose her secret erotic life to public shame.

But Beth will only surrender her love to a man she can trust. And Grey's materialistic approach to relationships leaves her little reason to believe he can ever give her what she truly needs.

For these two cynical yet lonely people, can deep sexual intimacy work a miracle and lead to the opening of their hearts?

She wants a good time. He wants a good time. Then they have each other and sparks not only fly...they scorch everything in sight.

I've said I'm not a big one into historicals. I don't seem to get them. Maybe it's the lingo, maybe it's the clothing. I can honestly say the tide is turning.

I picked up Grey's Lady because I'd read Waltz of Seduction. I like the author's way with words and the depth of the story. Naturally I had to see what else this promising author had in store.

I'm glad I did.

I felt like I was right there with both Grey and Beth. There is more than a few moments where things get tense between these two strong-willed people. Yes, there were times when Beth's motivations weren't clear, but rest assured. Everything is explained and worked out. I really enjoyed Grey. He's terse at times, coddling at others, but he's always got a flair with what he does. He's sexy and I couldn't get enough reading about him.

There are lots of twists and turns and emotional turmoil that makes Grey's Lady a good read indeed. Grab a copy today.
http://natashablackthorne.blogspot.com/

Thursday Review!!! Waltz of Seduction by Natasha Blackthorne

Waltz of Seduction by Natasha Blackthorne
Ellora's Cave
Short Story (42 pgs)
Historical, m/f, light spanking, light bondage

A painful personal experience makes Lord Lockhart believe that a gentleman doesn’t inflict his passionate desires on a wife. The marriage bed is for begetting heirs, not animal lust. No matter how much he desires his wife. But under Lady Lockhart’s shyness is a determination to tempt her handsome husband, to satisfy them both and spend every night together in her bed.

Innocent waltzing lessons in their chambers soon become indecent, and may lead the newlyweds to overcome their preconceptions and learn to be lovers, as well as man and wife.

Ok, I'm going to start this out by saying, I'm not a huge fan of historicals. They don't, yanno, tickle my fancy. That said, this one is a great one. Really. The characters are full of depth and I felt like I was right there in the room with them. Maybe this is a short read, but there is a lot of heart in those forty-two pages.

I liked Colin. I could totally see him, steely-eyed and stifling his frustration. Maybe that's why I liked him so much. He's technicolor vivid, strong, and persistent--all the things a woman wants.

Then there's Sara. I'll admit, I was a little...flummoxed by her hesitancy. I mean, you've got a stud in the bed and ... nothing. At the same time, she's human and I could relate to her. She's SHY. Lots of people are and it's a hard thing to deal with. Once I really got to know her, I loved it. And pairing these two people is dynamite.

Ms. Blackthorne has penned a sure winner. Grab your copy today!!!

Peer Review For Please Remember Me!! I'm Squeeing!!!

Please Remember Me
by Wendi Zwaduk Reviewed by Sam Crescent

Please Remember me is a story about a young woman trying to discover who she is and gain her independence.

Jaden Marie is twenty three years old, has a very precarious past, a bad relationship with her father and just wants to be left alone to discover the woman she was meant to be. For years she has been living a lie, making sex tapes and living the high life where she didn’t care about anyone.

When she meets Deputy Marlon Cross, he makes her want to be a natural woman. She wants to be loved and wants to love someone in return.

I do not want to delve too much in discussing the main story line. The book speaks for itself and talking about the plot would ruin the experience of reading every single word.

Every page deals with Jaden and Marlon moving past their insecurities to find the love they truly feel for each other. Their relationship is filled with twists and turns but all of it is worth the roller coaster ride to the end.

I found this an emotional book to read. Any woman who has spent time wondering who the hell they were, will be able to relate to this book. Wendi Zwaduk really works on the emotions and describes the character’s fears and hopes wonderfully. The relationship was brought together beautifully, each scene working together into a wonderful ending.

There were moments that made me laugh and then made me want to cry, I got angry and sad. Please Remember me is a must have and I highly recommend this to anyone.

Thanks!!! Love It!!

Three Great Reviews!!!

now I just had and author thank me for a review I'd written and she made a couple really good points. For example, she said many authors wait with nervous energy to see what the reviewer will say about his/her work. We want acceptance and approval for our work. Sometimes it's great. Other times its not so great. I had another author friend (actually many) tell me they don't read reviews. To some, reviews are there for the readers and shouldn't make a difference to the authors. I'm still not sure where I fall on this spectrum, but, when I opened my email and saw the linky for these three reviews of my work, well....I'm still smiling. :-)


http://dragonsandshiftersandbooks.wordpress.com/2011/06/19/three-to-enjoy/

Like this:

There is such passion and romance in each of these short stories, and they made me feel like these were people I would like to meet and spend more time with. While all three books deal with people in love, each has a different slant on life and romance.

Heck yeah! That's what I (I should say we, as the characters are the ones in charge when I write) was going for!

Ms Zwaduk has a creative imagination and a very descriptive style. The passion jumps off the page at times.

Wow! What a compliment. Made my day!!!

Which books is the reviewer referring to?

Learning How to Bend
Their marriage is about to fall apart, but not if she can help it and he's willing to bend.
Available at Total-E-Bound, Amazon, All Romance Ebooks














Must Be Doing Something Right
If she can open her heart, she’ll find he’s her naughtiest dream come true. Being mischievous with him is exactly what she needs.
Available at Total-E-Bound, Amazon, All Romance Ebooks















Tangled Up
What if the person you want for the rest of your life isn’t one... but two?
Available at Total-E-Bound, Amazon, All Romance Ebooks

Red Hot Reads for the Summer!!

This isn't a super long list, but these are some of the books I've read lately and think you might like them, too. I mean, I am a reader as well as a writer. :)

Take the Shot by Missy Welsh
Loose ID
Contemporary
Short Story (111 pgs)
Other: Voyeurism, masturbation, M/M, anal sex/play, BDSM, spanking, ménage, M/M/F, M/F, toys

Good gravy this is one hot book. Imagine the two hottest guys on the planet getting together. Touching, licking, and pleasuring. Now add a girl. Sound exciting? In Missy Welsh’s book, Take the Shot, it sure is.

Not Knowing Jack by K.A. Mitchell
Samhain Publishing
Contemporary
Full Length (198 pgs)
M/M, anal sex

Tattoos, a sous-chef, and a couple kids shouldn’t work in a relationship, but written at the hand of K.A. Mitchell, it works and so much more.

American Love Songs by Ashlyn Kane
Dreamspinner Press
Contemporary
Full Length (252 pgs)
M/M, anal sex

“My heart went boom when you crossed the room.”

That line sums up the spark between Parker and Jake and yeah, I was so glad I got to go along for the ride. Ashlyn Kane, you have a reader for life.


Make the Yuletide Gay by Lena Austin
Sugarplum #8
Changeling Press
Contemporary, Holiday
Short Story (22 pgs)
M/M, anal sex

Ever wanted to go back and get a do-over? Ever wanted to find out what might have been with the one person you couldn’t get out of your mind? Then you need to read Make the Yuletide Gay by Lena Austin.

Cover Art by Caroline Stephens
Dreamspinner Press
Contemporary
Short Story (38 pgs)
M/M, anal sex

Sometimes the best pairings are the ones no one expects to work at all. Guys with hang-ups, guys with issues are realistic. Readers can relate. Caroline Stephens hits the nail on the head with her short story Cover Art.

A Review!! What's Up Matilda? by Phyllis Levine

What's Up Matilda? by Phyllis Levine
Wasteland Press
Contemporary
Length: Full Length (202 pgs)
available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Wasteland Press

Matilda is about to take her final science exam, which will finish up her first year at the University of Miami in Florida, Coral Gables, but her mind suddenly becomes intrigued by Richard Evergreen's confession to her. Newly married to Mark Rosen, she questions herself. Is it possible she could be in love with two men? Or is it that she misses being a nanny to Richard's two children? Matilda is in a panic. What can she do? She must concentrate on this final science exam. Follow Matilda in this fourth series of her remarkable adventures. This is the book you requested to learn more about her.

A book with heart and soul, guaranteed to make you smile.

I know when I pick up a book by Phyllis Levine, I’m in for a good time. Her latest book, What’s Up Matilda? is a winner. Fans of Ms. Levine’s work will love the return of Matilda. The writing flows and draws the reader in page by page. I couldn’t put the book down.

Matilda’s in her hardest challenge of all—she’s out of her comfort zone and trying to find her way in the world. I could identify with her feelings of frustration and confusion. Being a newlywed is tough and Ms. Levine writes Matilda in a way the reader can feel like he or she stepped into Matilda’s shoes. The whole cast of characters returns, Mark, Richard, the children. It’s nice to see what feels like old friends and fun new characters. Jennie and Joey are delightful additions. I loved seeing how they’d come along from the first book.

And talk about tension. This book comes with boatloads and it’s fantastic. I couldn’t get through the book fast enough o see what would happen next.

If you want a story guaranteed to leave you with a grin on your face, then you need to read What’s Up Matilda? If you want a new-to-you author to try, then you need to read the rest of the books in the Matilda series. You won’t regret it one bit!