Review: Captain Gareth’s Mates by Cassandra Pierce

Captain Gareth’s Mates by Cassandra Pierce

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

As far as Captain Krys Gareth is concerned, life is perfect. He’s happily commanding a ship for 24th-century Earth’s Border Patrol, and his relationship with another man, the alien ambassador Brennar, is hotter than a supernova.

Then his ship is summoned to Anubis, a small planet facing an attack by space brigands. In exchange for his help, the ruler awards the captain his daughter’s hand in marriage. Gareth and Brennar both know that refusing could result in diplomatic chaos.

To Gareth’s surprise, marriage with the feisty Princess Izbal is better than he imagined. His new bride is even willing to accept a relationship with both men, and before long, the trio has bonded both physically and emotionally. One obstacle remains, though: duty soon calls Gareth back to his ship and Brennar to his home planet. Now the three mates must find a way to stay together without risking intergalactic peace.


Hunter's Review

I really enjoyed this story. Ms. Pierce does a wonderful job of making interesting, well-defined characters admist this hot futuristic romance that has plenty of sex for the reader that likes erotic works.

The book starts out with a sexy high note and does not let go until the end. It isn’t a long tale and I found I was transfixed to my e-reader wanting to know what was going to happen next.

Don’t miss this one.

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: Her Full Moon Cowboys by J. Rose Allister

Her Full Moon Cowboys by J. Rose Allister

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Being a die-hard virgin who is irresistible to men is the least of Lily’s worries. Her plan for a "quiet" weekend escape goes wild when a pack of wolves crash into her cabin—and a hot, naked cowboy saves the day.

Chaz reveals that the wolves are far from ordinary—and he bears the same curse. Her only chance to escape becoming their sex toy is for Chaz to claim her as bond-mate—but he’s no lone wolf. Sexy alpha Kade Winchester comes with the deal, and both shifters will share her passion just as they share passion for one another. But even if she gives herself to the two men with a dark, animal secret, will their bite on her truly put an end to the other pack's demand for mating rights?


Monica's Review

Two sexy cowboys ready to fight for what belongs to them, but there will be a set back if Lily has anything to say about that.

Lily thought that she would be able to leave her past behind her and come back to a cabin that she shared in the past with her parents. The only problem is that she had no idea that wolves would ruin her weekend and shatter her weekend bliss. That is not the only problem, she is a breeder and about to realize that her future has began but no idea that there would be two sexy cowboys that would give their life for her.

Danger is all around her and she has only one person that has come to her rescue, Chaz, and he will do anything in order to save her. Chaz was a person from the past that she had certain little fantasies about. He does his best in order to get her away from the wolves but there is something that needs to happen in order for them to leave her alone. Mate. He is compassionate and sincere but there is only one problem that he has—sharing her with his partner, Kade. The only problem is that the wolf that turned him has his own agenda in regards to Lily.

You can clearly sense that Kade is the alpha because of how he handles himself but there is something about his character that leaves you sensing that there is more. He has something that he needs to resolve in order to be happy with Lily beside him. He understands that Chaz is her mate but he has feelings for her since he is the alpha. Their feelings are shared between them because of the claiming but what happened in the past will come back to haunt him.
I had fun reading this story and feared for Lily to see if she could truly be what was destined in her future. Read this story and see if she is able to cope with the distance between her and Kade, can she really leave them and never return because of what she did?  See if they can truly have a happily ever after even after mating.

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: Desire and Deception by Sharon Buchbinder

Desire and Deception by Sharon Buchbinder

Publisher: Red Sage Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Pampered princess and daughter of a Mexican crime boss, Isabel (Izzy) Ramirez is a newly appointed assistant professor working toward tenure and promotion. Driven by voracious desires, including ambition for advancement in the legitimate world and lust for her boy toy, Izzy’s house of cards is threatened when the department chair confronts her about a major transgression. Izzy’s take no prisoners approach means she makes sure her boss can never expose her deceptions.

Graduate assistant and guy-on-the-side, Sean Richards wants Izzy to leave her sleazy husband. If she would only get away from that crook, he’s convinced that he can bring out the better woman who exists beneath Izzy’s tough sex siren exterior. He adores his hot blooded Latina and will do her bidding--up to a point. Despite the mind blowing sex, he can’t and won’t murder for her.

As Izzy’s nosy parker friend and colleague doggedly follows an obscure trail of clues about the department chair’s death, Izzy is forced to choose between reverting to the ways of her unredeemable father--or becoming the extraordinary woman she sees in Sean’s loving eyes.


Monica's Review

When I read the blurb for this story, I was taken by it. I wanted to know what path Isabel “Izzy” would take, the path of what her father wanted or become the good girl that was truly deep inside of her, buried in all the turmoil that she had been though in her younger years.

This story had a couple of different paths it was heading towards that kept me intrigued about who was Izzy and what was she capable of when she would go into her deranged tantrums. First when I came across her character she seemed like a sex vixen just wanting to empower her husband and her lover, Sean. Then you read more about Izzy and it seems that you just want to slap the crap out of her and yell at her to control herself. With her thoughts and actions you can basically come to the conclusion that she had a horrible childhood but that should not give her cause or actions she has done. Sean just might have just the right touch or words to make Izzy see that she can change her way of life and they could have a happily ever after together. He really tries to make Izzy understand that murder, and violence is not everything and that he truly loves her and will not leave her. At one point of the story I actually smiled with her action that gave me hope that maybe Izzy was not so bad after all.

Then you meet her friend Sarah and her troubles with wanting a family that have you guessing how she fits into the storyline. Yes, Sarah goes through a traumatic experience in Florida but she becomes obsessed with the situation and this might cause havoc in her marriage. Sarah needs to be careful and watch what she is doing and whom she is confiding in because people are not what they seem. Sarah gives people the benefit of the doubt but later in the story this might come back to bit her in the rear. Sarah has had the perfect life but there are two exceptions but even with that she was able to overcome her hurdles. Sarah truly has a generous heart that seems to be able to empower everyone around her even her husband. Sarah went through hell and back in trying to find out who murdered her boss but at what cost. This is not the only problem surrounding Sarah and her husband but something from the past comes back to haunt them and will really test their marriage.

This book started with a murder but the true storyline started with the investigation of her murder. With that investigation, it also led to other discoveries that I would have never guessed that these situations would have been explored in this story. It really took me by surprise. I highly recommend this book to any reader that enjoys reading a book mystery/suspenseful book.  Believe me, the ending will leave you speechless!

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: The Craving by Jenika Snow

The Craving by Jenika Snow

Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Dark Lust series

Payton has isolated herself from everyone and everything she has ever known after a vampire brutally killed her mother. Living in the mountains, away from civilization, is the only way Payton knows how to cope. When a storm blows through and she is snowed in, she won’t be alone for long.

An injured man shows up on her doorstep—a vampire. She discovers Kristofer isn’t a monster at all, but a man who has been a prisoner of his cruel brother for the last fifty years.

As Kristofer and Payton grow closer, an evil force threatens to split them apart. It isn’t until she comes face-to-face with her mother’s killer that she realizes she and Kristofer have more in common than she thought.


LynnMarie's Review

Can you say, hot cover?? I was spoiled after reading The Taste of Blood and its four sexy vampires. The second book in the Dark Lust series is about one vampire, Kristofer, and the woman who learns to love him. But even not being a menage, it doesn't lack in passion or well written description.

Peyton has ill feelings for all vamps after the murder of her mother years ago. She keeps in hiding, living a life of solitude. When an injured vampire shows up on her doorstep during a storm, she's skeptic about even helping him, but does. She quickly learns that Kristofer is unlike the evil vamp she remembered when she was a child. He's gentle, and considerate, and extremely sexy as he recovers to full health.

The sex scenes in The Craving are scorching and very sexually descriptive. Jenika has a way with words and I enjoyed her first person perspective, even though I usually only read it in young adult books. The twist near the end was unexpected and intriguing, tempting me to re-read the whole novella.

For a short, erotic vampire read, The Craving provides an entertaining experience. I look forward to the next book in the Dark Lust series.

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: A Firm Merger by Stephanie Ganon

A Firm Merger by Stephanie Ganon

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

For nearly a year, Emily Dawson has quietly dated two men, Nick Scott and William Drake--both smart, attractive and great in bed. Because they all work at the same law firm, her various needs are met at a moment’s notice. During an out-of-town business trip, the men put their heads together and discover their girlfriend has two boyfriends. But when Nick and William confront Emily about her refusal to commit to a relationship, an unusual compromise is reached--one that satisfies them all.

Contains: Partner sharing; gay sex



Lorien's Review

A Firm Merger is a great erotic romance story where a girl falls for two men and can't choose between them. Emily Dawson has been seeing both men for almost a year. Each of the men satisfies her needs in their own way. Nick Scott is the southern boy with a charm and William Drake is the confident, successful one. However, Emily fears of losing them both if they find out.

What started out as fun and game eventually turns into something bigger. During their business trip in San Francisco, Emily prepares to confess everything to them. But when they took the news well, the night heats up to an unexpected turn and steamy sex. The story unfolds further and explores the emotional issues between Nick and William.

Overall, I was actually surprised to learn more about the character development. All three characters compliment each other and made their relationship work. Their chemistry sizzles off the pages. I enjoyed the story and found myself wishing it was longer. Readers looking for a quick, hot ménage read will enjoy this book.

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: Is Three A Crowd? by Louisa Neil

Is Three A Crowd? by Louisa Neil

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
Genre: Menage Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

Five years ago, land appraiser Maris lost all personal memories after an accident.

Now, she is looking forward to a job in the mountains. Then, the sight of Nathan, the landowner, and his business partner, Blake, triggers a sexual response unlike any other.

Maris soon discovers both men were once her lovers, and she is shocked by their past ménage relationship.
Only finding out the details of her accident will unlock her suppressed memories and allow Maris to come to terms with the freethinking woman she once was. But getting her men to agree to continue their previous three-way relationship may be her most difficult quest.



Monica's Review

When reading this story there were several different plots that I envisioned the story line going. I was totally wrong but I enjoyed seeing how everything unraveled and how Maris was able to find happiness. The mystery of the story kept me on the edge of my seat because there is someone out in the woods, out in town that was following her. Trying to figure out was it truly an animal or a person or maybe just in her mind but why. At the end there was a major twist that I never expected that left me shocked.

Maris is an intriguing person that is so outgoing and independent. Before her accident she was so liberating and carefree. She knew exactly what she wanted, when she wanted it and with whom and how many. I loved how she was able to express herself after a while, once she started realizing who she was five years ago before her accident. Maris was the instigator of their sexual encounters and directs how she wants to be pleased and will also let her lovers know when they can come. She holds the power to their future as either a regular couple or have a ménage relationship.

What can be said about Nathan and Blake only that they are two men that are in love with Maris. They have waited for five years in order to be with her and they are willing to see where their relationship will lead them and see who she picks. Nathan is your alpha male that enjoys taking charge of the situation but with Maris there are certain situations that he does not mind she take the lead. He is lost without her and is willing to do anything in order to make her happy. Blake is the young sexy artist that is carefree and will do anything for Maris even if it means that he needs to step aside if Maris chooses Nathan. These two men crave the same thing and that is the love of Maris, but both are afraid that they might lose her.

All three characters compliment each other and can make their relationship work. You will truly get lost in her glimpses of her memories that are surfacing of her prior life with her two men. After being kept apart for five years and not being able to see each other they deserved their happily ever after. I enjoyed seeing these three characters come to realize that they will only be truly happy being together.

 

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: One to Keep by Sophie Oak

One to Keep by Sophie Oak

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance

Heat Rating: 4

Blurb

Stefan Talbot let Jennifer Waters run from him once. He knew she was far too young for him, but he kept a watchful eye on her, protecting her from afar. When she’s arrested for a crime she didn’t commit, Stef knows the time has come to get close again.

Jennifer ran from Bliss only to find herself in hot water in Dallas. She’s longed to return to Bliss, but not in handcuffs. The only thing she longs for more than her mountain home is the man she ran from—Stef Talbot.
In the middle of the Winter Festival, Stef and Jen find themselves fighting for their love and their lives because danger has followed them back to Bliss.



Clare C's Review

Part of the Bliss series, One to Keep fits right in with the rest of the books. In order to convince him they belong together, Jen Waters must fight against Stefan Talbot’s penchant for keeping people at arm’s length while simultaneously controlling their lives. Throw in the Russian Mob, and we have a vintage Oak novel. Much of the book is devoted to furthering Jen’s association with the characters presented in Three to Ride and Two to Love. Some chapters are told from the point of view of a character that will probably have a book devoted to him next.

Because I have read the previous two books, I didn’t get lost among the vast cast of characters. I would not read this as a stand-alone for that reason alone. It was nice to visit with characters from previous novels, but I felt they sometimes intruded on Jen and Stef’s story. I would have liked it to focus more on developing Jen’s and Stef’s characters, and on developing the emotional relationship between them. Also, given how devoted Stef is to the BDSM lifestyle, I thought there would be more S&M involved. I have too much respect for Ms. Oak to give her a pass on that.

Even so, the vivid characters of Bliss welcome everyone. One of the things I like about Ms. Oak is how her friendly writing style invites the reader inside the story. Her plots, like her characters, are larger than life. I’m willing to suspend my disbelief long enough to believe stalkers, biker gangs, murderers, and mobs can upend life in a small town. It’s enjoyable, and it really makes me appreciate the relative safety and boredom of my small town. Thoroughly entertaining and pleasurable, fans of Oak will love One to Keep. If you’re new to Sophie Oak, pick up Three to Ride first.

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: Heart of Stone by Angela Claire

Heart of Stone by Angela Claire

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
Genre: Historical Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Widowed Colorado cowboy Jake Stone has a baby to take care of. But when he asks his aunt to come west to help, she sends Melinda O'Chauncey instead...a walking, talking inspiration for sex if Jake ever saw one. But Jake has no intention of ever marrying again, so he vows to keep his hands off the sexy new nursemaid. Easier said than done!

As skittish as Jake is about matrimony, Melinda couldn't marry the handsome cowboy, even if he got down on his knees and begged her. She has secrets of her own that she hopes are far, far behind in Boston.

Add to that a rash of mysterious happenings on the ranch that make Jake's wife's death a question mark, and a wedding may turn out to be the least of Melinda and Jake's problems. In fact, it looks like a funeral might be in store for them instead.


Monica's Review

Life of a cowboy back in 1869 was complicated especially when left alone with a beautiful young woman that is there to be a nanny to his baby after becoming widowed.

Jake Stone is a strong willed rancher whom has just lost his wife and has a baby to take care of but he needs help. He is encountered with a beautiful young woman that has come to help him sent by his aunt instead of her going to go help him. Temptation is something that Jake is dealing with on a daily basis since encountering Melinda. Melinda seems to change the tables on Jake and makes it a point to seduce him but does she really know what she wants. After their first encounter in his bedroom it is only a matter of time before something romantic happens between them and can Jake really give into love after losing his wife.

There is an evil person that has made it a point to get his daughter to marry Jake but things don’t happen just the way he planned. After his first obstacle out of the way a new one is present but not even this person is able to stand in his way of gaining what he wants.

Heart of Stone is a very romantic historical western read that will have you thinking of the kind of struggles that could happen back in the mid 1800’s. The characters in this book were made for each other and there are parts that will make you laugh and others that will melt your heart. Enjoy this sweet story, sit back and enjoy the Wild West and true romance.

4 Tea Cups!

   

Review: Wait for the Wind by Brynna Curry

Wait for the Wind by Brynna Curry

Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Fantasy Romance

Heat Rating: 2

Blurb

Ryan and Kate must reunite to break the second of a three-part thousand-year-old spell.

Kate O’Connell grew up loved by the Corrigan family, all the while suffering from the inescapable reality of her own alcoholic father. At a young age she gave her heart and innocence to Ryan Corrigan. For once happiness seemed within her reach, until in one horror-filled night, the monster she called ‘Daddy’ changed everything.

Too many misunderstandings forced Kate and Ryan apart, but now Kate’s come home to open her clinic and raise her daughter, Allaina, closer to his family. Will she be able to open Ryan’s heart to his magic?

Ryan is glad to be back on Irish soil, but the reason he left still haunts him. As he tries to build a new life and redeem his past, can he forgive Kate and reclaim his healing gift in time to save his sister and her twins?

Content Warning: Steamy love scenes, adult language


Hunter's Review

Wait for the Wind is the third book in a series. I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but I will after this. It is so well written. From moment one, the tension that propels this unique story forward is palpable. Ms. Curry obviously knows how to create and keep action and romance. I was very impressed.

I did find some parts of this book confusing, having not read the first two books. But it was my own choice to pick up a story in the final part. I recommend this book to everyone but I would suggest that perhaps it might be best to start with Book 1.

4 Tea Cups!