Review: Chalan’s Story by Kissa Starling

Chalan’s Story by Kissa Starling

Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Chalan can turn a submissive into a well-trained pony girl within a few months. So what if he delves into their deepest emotions and fools around a little? It's more urging them on than dumping anyways- until Amalee comes along. She's sweet and innocent like all the others but something about her catches his eye. When his negligence causes her harm he knows he's been bitten. But how long will it take him to admit that newfound knowledge to himself and her? Sometimes when you ponder the most desirable objects slip away...



Lily's Review

From the very first moment Chalan feels there is something different about Amelee even though she has no previous experience as a pony. When she wants him to train her in this alternative BDSM lifestyle he is ecstatic.

The scene is well set in the stable yard, the scents of the hay and manure and the descriptions fo the horse tack all add to the ambience. The sexual tension between the couple buzzed from the page and was heightened further when it went five months before they finally had sex. When they did it was short and sweet but very intense with the addition of a tail!

I particularly enjoyed the tangled emotions Chalan went through as he fell for Amelee and then his acceptance that although he was a tough Dom she melted his heart and was the one for him.

Verdict:

Chalan’s story is a fast paced well written read about an alternative lifestyle in the world of BDSM, namely pony play. I felt Ms Starling did a good job with the intimate voice of Chalan and as I read felt I also understood Amelee’s desires and emotions very well too.

It is a short book which makes you feel as if you had read something longer. The ending a reminder that the real world does encroach on fantasy but fantasy can still reign supreme. Definitely an author to look out for.

3 ½ Tea Cups!

   

Review: Dangerous Persuasion by Claire Adele

Dangerous Persuasion by Claire Adele


Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
Genre: Western Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Undercover Ranger Kurt MacConnor has vowed to arrest an outlaw leader and settle an old debt. Overwhelmed by guilt, he fears his own bullet may have killed a close friend in a shootout with bank robbers. He's the last man any woman should want to settle down with and marry.

Feisty Cassie Leland carries the guilt of her mother’s death and is now determined to protect her father and their ranch from outlaws. She admits MacConnor is the most handsome man in town, but he's not for her.
When MacConnor rescues her from the outlaws, feisty Miss Leland lands in his lap, and they're drawn together in erotic pleasures. MacConnor endeavors to protect Cassie from the outlaws, but his passion for her may be the biggest threat.


Monica's Review

Being a Texas Ranger does not mean that you have to sacrifice being a family man worthy of having a wife and children.

Kurt is a Texas Ranger and excellent shooter and has made a life for himself in Arizona. He is on a mission trying to solve a case with his best friend and the Sheriff in Leland Valley and will stop at nothing to solve it. He is a typical cowboy that believes his word is law and that it should be followed but when he encounters Cassie things change. He believes that he can tell Cassie what to do and that she will listen but he has another thing coming. No matter how drawn he is to Cassie he needs to keep his head cleared for the case but one night in a cave totally unravels him and he cannot keep his hands off of Cassie. It was only a matter of time before his feelings for her would come out and his heart would be conquered.

Cassie is a strong determined young lady that will do anything in order to keep her father safe even if she needs to be the one to find out who is responsible for the crime that was committed. I admired her determination in her wanting to help and making plans where she uses herself to gather information. Cassie’s first encounter with Kurt she had that instant connection with him but no matter what she fought for what she believed. She needed to make sure she could trust him because of their first encounter. After she found out what his life history was she feels compassion for him and knows she can trust him. Cassie was determined to enjoy her time with Kurt for as long as she could because she realized that he was probably going to leave as soon as he finished solving his case.

The storyline of this book was enjoyable and held drama when needed. The passion between Cassie and Kurt was so remarkable they were burning up for each other but no matter what they stood their distance. It was just a matter of time before they would give into temptation especially after an intense kiss. Try reading this book, you will like it.

3 ½ Tea Cups!

   

Review: Moon Thrall by Mel Teshco

Moon Thrall by Mel Teshco


Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Elyse Wellston escapes from her brutal, violent ex-fiancé to a remote cabin in Australia. Fearing for her life, Elyse knows it doesn’t make sense for her to react the way she does upon meeting the enigmatic Dane Maddox.

Only when she discovers he is a werewolf and she is his weren—his mate and a werewolf herself—does she begin to understand the hot, sexual yearning within. No longer does she need to act out a desire she doesn’t feel. Dane is everything she wants. But will her ex end her happiness and her sexual fulfillment before it even has a chance to begin?


Yadkny's Review

After escaping an ex-fiancé from hell, Elyse thinks she's going crazy when her body starts doing unexplainable and painful things. She doesn't know of the beast dwelling within waiting to break-free, but the tall, dark, and handsome stranger knows exactly what to do and who she is.

The action gets going right from the beginning and continues throughout in the form of either painful shifting, sizzling sex, or fighting the villain. The story has such great potential for more world building, so I was a bit disappointed. There seemed to be holes throughout the storyline that would've benefited had there been more depth since it felt as though this book were part of a series. However, I was riveted by the plot and the characters. The scene descriptions are very well done and provides easy imagery. The story may be short on length, but doesn't lack in enjoyment.

Any paranormal romance reader will devour this short fated love story and will absolutely be on the look-out for more from Ms. Teshco.

3 ½ Tea Cups!

   

Review: Stefan’s Wicked Ways by Ava McKnight

Stefan’s Wicked Ways by Ava McKnight


Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Billionaire British bad boy Stefan Van Halderon is a confirmed bachelor who likes the thrill of the chase. But when he sees former lover Anna DeVane at his best friend’s wedding, Stefan is instantly ensnared. Winning over smart and sexy Anna is a challenge, since Stefan once cheated on her. Yet with Anna’s job as a famous gossip columnist on the line because of budget cuts at the American magazine that employs her, Stefan sees a prime opportunity to help her make a strategic career move—while working his way back into her good graces.

Resisting Stefan has never been easy for Anna. The fire still burns bright between them, despite their sordid past. When Anna accidentally buys a date with Stefan at a bachelor auction, she’s lured by his wicked ways once more, and soon caves into temptation. But when aftermath complications with the auction threaten to wreak havoc on her new business venture, Anna refuses Stefan’s help, driving a wedge between them.
Can two independent people with vastly different backgrounds, living on different continents, find common ground long enough to see they’re meant for each other?



Monica's Review

True or false, once a playboy always a playboy? Can a person really change their way of life and stay faithful? Can they not run away from a problem if one should arise? Will the other person always carry that small amount of doubt that they can once again cheat? Well in this story there is Stefan, the playboy bachelor and then you have Anna, the ex- girlfriend.  Should she give him another chance or try to forget that amazing sexual pleasure he was able to give to her that no one else has been able to succeed?

Stefan is your typical playboy that is charming, adorable, and rich and knows how to please a woman. He knows how to sweet talk a woman and knows what buttons to push in order to get what he wants. When he encounters Anna in a wedding and she does not budge he is determined to get into her life again and win her back. Stefan finds a way to become even with her and let bygones be bygones and find his way back into her life. The only thing that Stefan does not realize is that he will have to work for her to trust him again but maybe not so hard it just might only take a little something something. He truly knows how to please her to the maximum and he fully takes advantage of that and he gets what he wants but for how long.

Anna is a successful columnist that is about to lose her job, but after Stefan finds a way for her to become an entrepreneur and do what she loves to do. Anna has been trying to keep her distance from Stefan but there are times that it is impossible especially when it only takes a kiss from him for her to lose her mind. Anna has an issue that she needs to recognize in order for her to have a successful relationship.

The story was too fast paced from when Stefan and Anna reunited to when she realizes she cannot stay mad with him. I would have liked to see Anna give Stefan a harder time in trying to see if they could once again have something special and stay committed to each other. Yes, they both found out why their first relationship did not work but somehow they were able to work it out and they had their happily ever after. I really enjoyed how Stefan was able to open up to Anna and let her know how he felt about the past relationship and where she had some faults. I recommend this story anyone who has faith that not all playboys stay playboys, and they can actually commit to a relationship.

3 ½ Tea Cups!

   

Review: Wolf's Magic by Rebecca Royce

Wolf's Magic (Westervelt Wolves, #4) by Rebecca Royce


Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Wolf’s Magic is the story of Azriel Kane, fifth brother in the royal Westervelt wolf pack. Always different from his siblings, Azriel prefers to spend his time underground in a lab than out fighting battles to save the pack from destruction. In his own way, he feels he is contributing to the pack’s success. However, when fate plants his destined mate in a cage where he can’t ignore her, Az will be forced to face up the demons that have plagued him since childhood and be the shifter she needs him to be.

Leah St. James has no idea who she is or how she came to be trapped in a cage in Azriel’s lab. The only thing she is certain about is that she is not a wolf and that she wants out of her false wolf body as soon as possible. Counting on Az to save her from the same doomed fate as the other wolves Az is given to study, from the distance of her cage she can see Az for who he really is and not the false front he presents to the world.

But Kendrick Kane is not done with Westervelt and when he steps up his game to eliminate the Kanes from Westervelt, Az and Leah will need each other to discover the truth behind his evil plans, that is if Azriel can finally reveal the secret he has been keeping since he was a child.

With Leah’s help, can Azriel finally take his place in the pack hierarchy or will they fail and lose Westervelt forever?



Yadkny's Review

Being a wolf shifter has it's benefits, but what if you were stuck as the wolf with no memory of who you are or look like as a human?

Azriel has been diligently working to find a cure for the “made” wolves. So far he's been unsuccessful, but has kept himself down in his lab vowing to keep at it until progress has been made. While watching all of the others eventually die in their cages, there is one curious little wolf who seems more alert than the others. After Theo sheds some light on Az's protective instincts of her, the situation hits critical because now there's no way he can let her die.

Leah doesn't know who she is and what's worse is she doesn't know what she looks like. She experiences these blackouts where she is not in control of what she does and has no recollection of when she comes to. The urge to kill comes as a voice in her mind and obeying feels like the only option. Her target is the Kane brothers, the same people who are trying to save her.

I really enjoyed both Az and Leah's characters. Az might be deemed as the weakest of the brothers, but he more than proved otherwise in the story both physically and mentally. His mindful musings often puts him as somewhat of a joke to his brothers, but once his mind is set to something he doesn't give up. Leah should be a freaked out mess for someone in her situation, but she's actually quite calm and especially trusting that Az will find a cure for her. Az's insecurities are counter-balanced by Leah and vice versa. Their romantic relationship is sweet and sexy at the same time. With every story in the series we progress further into learning what happened in the past and how everything and everyone is tied together. It's especially nice to see all of the little updates that are given on the other couples. Great storyline and I can't wait to see what happens with the rest of the Kane brothers.

3 ½ Tea Cups!

   

Review: The Summoning by Tatiana Caldwell

The Summoning by Tatiana Caldwell


Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Gailyn Bridges is a psychic who is ready to end her troublesome career as a private investigator. For the last time, she summons a powerful spirit to help her close a final case.

However, the mysterious entity who answers, Malak, is no ordinary spirit. He’s more than willing to help Gailyn save the would-be victim of a violent crime.

But who’s going to save Gailyn when Malak returns to collect payment for lending her his power?


Lorien's Review

As a private investigator with psychic ability, Gailyn Bridges makes contact with the lost. Every time she communicates with them, she summons Malak as well, a demonic spirit from the First World War. On her last case, she requests for Malak’s assistance and allows him any sexual favor in exchange.

The Summoning is quit different than most books that I have read. Each chapter features a subtitle about a particular scene between the characters. Characterization development definitely drives the whole story between the character’s world and the spiritual realm.

While Gailyn and Malak did find their happy ending with each other, I had a hard time with the twist ending. Gailyn’s personality and actions came across as annoying at times where she wants Malak one minute and refuses him the next. Yet, the book features an entertaining paranormal romance with a hint of romantic suspense.

3 ½ Tea Cups!

   

Review: Wolf Reborn by Rebecca Royce

Wolf Reborn (Westervelt Wolves, #3) by Rebecca Royce


Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

A lone wolf is a dangerous creature, until he meets his mate. Then he’ll become lethal to protect her.
Faith Anderson never asked to be a wolf shifter, but one strange encounter with the Westervelt Wolves and she suddenly has a past she knows nothing about and a future wrought with danger. No one is more disappointed than she to discover that the island does not hold a mate for her…that is, until she collides with Theo Kane, the missing prince of the Westervelt Wolves who has chosen isolation to save his pack from what he believes are his insane tendencies.

Theo couldn’t imagine anything worse than the near death experience that left him scarred and forever changed. Until some of the same things start happening to Faith. Now he has no choice but to face what he has avoided for over a year if he doesn’t want the past to repeat itself, this time taking Faith along for the ride. Together they will battle demons, invisible wolves, and worst of all his father to find their eternal love.
But if the price is eternity, are they willing to risk it all?


Yadkny's Review

There is a traitor among the Westervelt pack in this third installment to the Westervelt Wolves series. The betrayer has been sending intel to the former Alpha while masking not only their identity, but also scent. Now it’s up to Theo and Faith to flush out the enemy while battling both inner and outer demons.

Theo continues to deal with both physical and mental repercussions from his fight with a demon in a previous story. He believes himself to be too dangerous to be around other pack members and has exiled himself to live in wolf form.

Faith is now head of security for the Westervelt pack. Since a forced shifting during a rescue mission in Mexico, she finally feels more like herself. Her long denied wolf-half has been freed and a suppressed past is unraveling.

Ms. Royce incorporates both man and beast in her wolves with a solidified presence in both mind and body. The witty dialogue and banter between the two halves makes for enjoyable reading. The wolf has a more simplistic view of the world whereas the human takes on a more emotional approach. Not only does the wolf portion of the shifter benefit the human with heightened senses, but also with a more sensible, less complicated tactic to various situations.

Much of the story is centered on Faith and Theo as they time travel back to critical moments in their own pasts to unlock mysteries that will ultimately affect their future. The romance between the two is sweet and they accepted each other much easier than I initially thought they would. The plot is nicely paced with a continuing build-up in the overall series storyline. Lots more Kane brothers left to highlight and as the pack continues to search for the lost unmated females, danger is still just around the corner.

3 ½ Tea Cups!

   

Review: Paradise Cove by Stephanie Haefner

Paradise Cove by Stephanie Haefner

Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Paradise is nothing if you choose to enjoy it alone.

When Shelby Meyer jetted off for a relaxing week in Cancun, she never expected to fall in love with the quaint piece of Mexican heaven. Or make on offer to buy it.

The Paradise Cove, a run-down Cancun resort, is in desperate need of TLC. Shelby can easily envision the resort as it was in its heyday and sees its potential. She vows to do everything in her power to return it to its former glory.

Though the previous owners’ grandson, Gabriel, insists that she will destroy his family’s resort, and a neighboring resort owner doubts in her ability, Shelby’s resolve strengthens.

But when she finds her lists of repairs and the stack of bills piling up around her, hope begins to fade. Will she swallow her pride and accept Gabriel’s love and financial help, or be forced to give up her dream of Paradise Cove?

Warning: Contains brief sexuality.


Denise's Review

Shelby had no way of knowing a vacation to Cancun would change her life, or that she would end up a landowner. For whatever reason, the rundown Paradise Cove resort calls her home, prompting her to uproot from her bank teller job and relocate permanently to Mexico. She doesn’t anticipate stepping on anyone’s toes, and she definitely doesn’t bank on falling in love.

This is a very sweet story about finding love and happiness in unexpected places. I liked the author’s voice and look forward to seeing more from her in the future. She managed to interweave a more dreamlike tale that, while blended with hints of eroticism, was more about awakenings and going after one’s ambitions.

I do wish I’d heard more from Gabriel, the male lead. While his point of view is shown a few times, those breaks were brief and sparing. His motives were uncertain, and while I can appreciate that from a storytelling perspective, allowing him room to speak but cutting him off seemed odd. Likewise, I had a hard time connecting with Shelby, but overall the story’s romance was enough to carry it to the conclusion.

Anyone looking for a feel-good read should check out this novella.

3 ½ Tea Cups!

   

Review: Sugarberry Road by Caroline Johnson

Sugarberry Road by Caroline Johnson

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Newly divorced, Jenna Stewart unwillingly leaves her two children with their father for his allotted month and heads to her grandparents’ now vacant Texas farm. The last person she expects to see that summer is her adolescent crush, Ethan Ehlers. He shows up at her door, handsome as ever and bearing two pages of astonishing prose — a love letter from Jenna’s grandfather to Ethan’s grandmother. Her wounded heart gradually heals as she uncovers the details of her grandfather’s unrequited love and explores the possibilities for a new love in her own life. But who is trying to scare her away? And why?


Monica's Review

After reading this story and rereading the synopsis it was not what I had expected. Yet, the characters in the story brought it together, Jenna and Ethan and their grandparents. They had different life experiences but their grandparents life experiences will teach Jenna and Ethan something new to where they can build a relationship if they could both begin to trust again.

Jenna already had a crush on Ethan since she was a teenager and after getting married, and now divorced she does not know if she could let anyone near her heart again. Jenna and Ethan both started as a sweet friendship that was slowly building into a true romance. I love how they are able to enjoy each other’s company not only the adults but their children get along beautifully. They seem like an actual family that warms Ethan and Jenna’s heart. Jenna’s ex-husband did wonders on her self-esteem it seems that anything that Ethan does for her she compares it to her ex or if he says anything thing to her she automatically reflects it to what her ex would comment to her. She has lots of insecurities that she needs to deal with before even thinking about getting involved in a relationship soon after her divorce. I like how she was able to go talk to Grace, Ethan’s grandmother, about her relationship with Jenna’s grandfather and clear up any miss understanding that was lurking in her mind. Grace was able to make Jenna understand for her not to go forward living a life with any regrets. After it seems that Ethan and Jenna are heading in the direction of something wonderful there is always someone in the way, but not whom I thought would object in this relationship.

This is a book that I would recommend to someone that really enjoys a book that entails two different times with one new prospective romance. There are moments of happiness and moments of sadness but overall it is a good read.

3 ½ Tea Cups!