Review of Reaper’s Property By Joanna Wylde

Reaper’s Property by Joanna Wylde

Genre: Motorcycle, Erotica, Adult Fiction.

Published: January 2013

Length: 285 pages (Kindle)

4.5 out of 5 Stars (I am glad I bought and read it.)

This book was a little pricey so I was leery of purchasing it.  However, I was in the mood for a biker read and thought why not give it a try.

Let me tell you, it was awesome.  No disappointment.  It had everything I like in a good biker book.

#1 – Hot, alpha biker guy

#2 – Sweet, pretty non-biker girl who thinks the scary biker is hot.

#3 – A great story.

#4 – It was steamy

Marie just left her abusive husband and moved in with her brother, Jeff, who does some business for a motorcycle group called the Reapers.  The Reapers are a dangerous motorcycle club and one of their members is the hot, bad-ass biker, Horse. Yes, Horse is his name.

The minute that Marie sees Horse, she knows he is danger and everything she wants avoid.  However, Horse is one man that knows what he wants and does not take no for an answer. When Jeff is found stealing from the Reapers, Horse makes Marie an offer that she knows that she cannot refuse if she wants to save Jeff’s life.  The offer is for Marie to move into his home and do everything and anything he asks her to do…no questions asked.

Horse can be a jerk and I wanted to kick him sometimes.  I understand through his POV in the book why he had to be a jerk, but it doesn’t mean I had to like it. Horse is just lucky he was as hot and sexy and showed his loving side to Marie or he would still be on my crappy jerk list. Yeah, I have a list!

This is a book that many friends told me to read and said even though the plot is very simple story with an alpha biker it is worth my time. After finishing it, I have to agree.  No regrets paying the money and reading this one.

• Did I skim? No. The story had my interest.  I loved the writing style. The story did not drag.
• Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes.
• Will I pick up other books by this author? Yes.
• Pace of story? Good
• Positives:  It was hot with enough drama that it kept my attention.
• Negatives: It could be a little corny sometimes, but you know in the end I loved it all. It worked.
• Do I recommend? Yes.

 

Joanna Wylde’s website: http://www.joannawylde.net/

Follow Joanna Wylde on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joannawyldebooks

 

 

Review of Escorted By Claire Kent

Escorted by Claire Kent

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotica,  Adult Fiction (18+),

Published: December 2012

Length: 326 Pages

4 out of 5 Stars (It was worth my time to read)

Synopsis: The main character, Lori, is a 26 year old successful romance writer who is also a virgin. Lori has become frustrated with all her previous attempts at losing her virginity so she looks into hiring an escort just for one night. Who Lori “hires” is a highly paid escort by the name of Ander. Lori’s one night with Ander turns to a regular weekly appointment and before she realizes it she can’t stay away from him even though she knows it is foolish for her to develop any types of feelings for him.

When I picked this one up, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a “relationship” between a woman and a male gigolo. The whole prostitution factor bothered me.  I wasn’t sure of I was going to buy anything more than “sex” between Lori and Ander. There was obviously steam in the story, but more than it being descriptive sex, it was emotional. Yeah, I can’t believe I just said that about a relationship between a woman and a male prostitute, but there was growth that you saw in the characters.

So I understand if you started rolling your eyes and thinking “so predictable.” If you are having those thoughts, stop them. It was worth my reading time which is precious to me as I know it is too many of you. Yes, some things are predictable, like any contemporary romance novel, but this one was written so well that I got lost in the story.

• Did I skim? No.
• Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes.
• Would I reread? Yes.
• Did I look forward to returning to the book when I had to stop reading? Yes.
• Positives:  Just enough of “everything” for the story to flow nicely.
• Negatives: I was skeptical as to how a 26 year old can’t just find a date and get the issue of her virginity over with. The author discusses that in the book, but that is the one thing that I questioned even when I finished. I guess that is one thing I did not “buy” in the book.
• Do I recommend? Yes. It was a great read.

Happy Reading!

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Review of Fight or Flight By Vanessa North

Genre: Sci-Fi, Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction.

Published: December 2012

4 out of 5 Stars (I am glad I found this one)

I love when I come across an author I have never heard of and end up reading one of their books and loving it.  I can’t recall how I came across Vanessa North’s website and read the description to Fight or Flight and became curious.

I used to read sci-fi in college, but not the Star Trek kind of sci-fi.  I used to read a lot of Ben Bova. Not sure if anyone has ever heard of him, but he writes about human expansion through the solar system.

Anyway, I would not consider sci-fi my favorite genre or one that I seek when I go through my Kindle wish-list. However, after reading Fight or Flight, I will be putting more sci-fi books on my wish-list, especially Vanessa North’s books.  She has opened a door to sci-fi that had been closed for a while.

The story starts with Tirzah Simonian, while trying to escape from her estranged husband, kills him and is arrested for his murder. Advacate-Commender, Zeke Lucassen, is assigned as the prosecutor in Tirzah’s case.  Zeke is pressured to win the case and make sure that Tirzah is stripped of her pilot wings and placed in work camps (jail). Zeke, has no problem prosecuting Tirzah since he has no love for women especially ones who abandon their husbands.  However, as more and more is discovered during the court proceedings, Zeke is not so sure that everything that is being said about Tirzah as being a ruthless woman and killer is true.

First, I love the characters. Tirzah is a strong woman even after her abusive husband ripped away most of her self-esteem.  Zeke, is a strong and kind man, who went through a very difficult experience in his marriage and is now leery to have any woman in his life.

I enjoyed reading how these two people who both gave up hope on ever finding love and happiness find each other.  However, some of their experiences in their past relationship does hunt them.

• Did I skim? No.  The pages are filled with the story.  Not meaningless inner monologue.
• Do I recommend? Yes
• Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes. The story is written through Tirzah and Zeke’s POV.
• Pace of the story? Good. It kept my interest the whole time.
• Steamy: Yes.
• Did I look forward to returning to the book when I had to stop reading? Yes.
• My Positives:  I liked the flow of the story.  I was not bored.
• My Negatives:  I did not really find any. My only thought is I would have liked the court proceedings to be extended.  I liked the way Vanessa North wrote those scenes, so I was disappointed when they came to a close.

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Review of Rule (Rule #1) By Jay Crownover

4 out of 5 Stars (I really liked this book.)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, YA/NA/College (18+), Bad Boy.

Publication: December 2012

Length: 327 Pages

Okay, let me start by saying that I really liked this book. I am not positive if Rule was Jay Crownover first book, but I could not find anything else by her.  All I can say is that she has a new fan and that is me.

I was getting a little frustrated and losing hope that I would not find another good, hot bad-boy with tattoos meets sweet cute girl love story. Well this book brought me out of that drought because I loved it.

These are of course my favorite type of YA/NA stories.   Bad boy meets good girl.  Bad boy has issues as does the good girl, but they start a relationship with a lot of baggage and other drama.  Rule, the bad boy, is a male slut. He is angsty and moody.  Shaw Landon is a beautiful, smart, good girl who happens to love Rule even though Rule has no idea.    Rule and Shaw have known each other since they were 14 years old.    Rule is estranged from his parents after his brother died in an accident 3 years ago.

Every Sunday morning, Shaw picks up Rule and drives him to his parents’ house for brunch only to find Rule with a different girl naked with him in bed. Shaw has not become immune to seeing Rule with those girls.  Shaw just keeps her feelings for Rule a secret, because she knows that he does not share the same feelings that she has for him.

This book had me yelling and frustrated with Rule and yet I could not stop reading.  The story has you sucked in at page one.  It does not drag. Even with the grammar and editing issues, I really enjoyed this book.  The romance was steamy, their relationship was hot and I loved all the characters.

• Did I skim? No.
• Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes.
• Do I recommend? Yes.
• Will I reread? Yes.
• Pace of the story: Good
• Will I read the sequel? Yes. I cannot wait to read Jet’s story.
• Positives: I liked that the author had one of the obvious angsty issues happen early on in the story.  I hate when the author leaves the obvious conflict for the last 20%.  In Rule, the main characters deal with the obvious conflict in the first half and then the characters deal with another conflict that I did not see coming later on, which made the story all the more interesting.
• Negatives: Grammar and editing.  The Kindle book edition I had said the editing problems were corrected, but I still saw a lot of misspelled words and grammar issues.  However, once I got passed it, I really enjoyed the story. I think Jay Crownover is a very talented writer and I like her writing style.

 

Series Reading Order:

Rule (Rule #1)

Jet (Rule #2) – Expected Publication 2013

 

 

 

Review of Knight (Unfinished Hero #1) By Kristen Ashley

5 out of 5 Stars (My favorite Kristen Ashley book. Yes, it is!!)

Genre:  Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Alpha Male, Drama.

Published: April 2012

Length: 273 Pages

I love this book and I love Kristen Ashley for writing a great story about a hot, controlling, alpha male named Knight.  If you have never read a Kristen Ashley novel, you must.  She is one of my top 5 favorite authors.

Was the story:

• Predictable – YES
• Hot and Steamy – YES
• A lot of unnecessary swearing – Yes
• Did I enjoy Knight – Hell Yes

A friend originally lent me this book. I loved it so much that I bought the book a month later and reread it.  It was better the second time. There is something about this book that I just love.  Knight is true alpha male and I find him appealing and sexy.  I love him. Yes, there are some bad qualities in him, but I do not care. I am willing to overlook them because he is so awesome to Anya. He is my favorite Kristen Ashley male character.

 The plot is Anya Gage has worked for everything she has every gotten in her life.  She has no expectations, no dreams.  She is just a good person who accepts life for what it is. Then she finds herself at a party where she doesn’t want to be and she meets Knight. OMG and he is hot!!!  While at the party, Anya walks into a bedroom looking for a phone to call a cab only to run into Knight Sebring. Knight knows what he wants and what he wants is Anya.  Knight learns that Anya is kind and loving, everything he feels he is not, so he tries to leave her so she can find what she deserves…a good, normal and clean life. Only Anya walks into Knight’s nightclub and he finds it is hard to stay away from her.  He only hopes that she does not find out his dark secrets.

• Did I skim? NO. The story did not drag at all.
• Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes
• Do I recommend? Yes
• Did I think about this book after I finished? Yes.
• Will I reread? Yes.  I already read it twice.
• Ending/Cliffhanger? The ending and everything was awesome.  It completed the story. I love Knight! *sigh*
• Pace of the Story: Perfect.
• Positives: Everything.
• Negative: That Knight and Anya do not have their own series. I want Knight and Anya to have their story continue.  I know that they were mentioned and ‘appeared’ in CREED, but I want more.

I do not understand why more people do not love this book.  I see the mixed the reviews and cannot believe it.  Are we reading the same book????

This is how I picture Knight and Anya:

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Series Reading Order:

Knight (Unfinished Hero #1)

Creed (Unfinished Hero #2)

Raid (Unfinished Hero #3) – Expected Publication: February 28, 2013

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Review of Star Crossed (Battered Hearts #2) By Kele Moon

4 out of 5 Stars

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports, Adult Fiction, Erotica

Published: July 2012

Length: 295 Pages

Well written story.  I love sport stories, but my favorite are with cage fighting.  I loved Romeo and I loved Jules and I loved them together.  This romance was a breath of fresh air since they fought the obstacles in their relationship together.

The chemistry is from page one.  You feel it and want it.  My favorite scenes are when they are apart and do what they do to stay “connected.”  *wink*

Yes there is a lot of steamy sex.  However, there is also a story/plot, therefore making it an interesting read.

Romeo Wellings is a Heavyweight MMA fighter that grew up in the streets of New York where he has ties to the mafia.  He wants to cut those ties, but that is easier said than done.

Romeo meets Jules Connor and has one night with her in Vegas only to discover that there are strong, mutual feelings. Jules is a law abiding citizen that practices law and is also a volunteer deputy sheriff.  Being involved with a man who has a record and has ties in the mafia is not what she hoped. Plus, Jules’ twin brother, Wyatt, has always thought Romeo was more trouble than good. Jules loves her brother, but loves Romeo too.

The story does not only focus on Romeo and Julia, but also Romeo’s half-brothers, Valentino “Tino” and Casanoa “Nova”.  Tino and Nova’s father is a mobster.  Romeo wants his brothers to walk away from the mob, but it is harder said than done.   One brother wanting to do right thing, but feeling “stuck” in that world; while the other feels there is no other option but to stay committed.

Did I skim? No.

Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes.

Do I recommend? Yes.

Did I think about the book after I was done? Yes.

Ending/Cliffhanger? It was sweet.  Wasn’t a favorite, but it was nice.

Sequels: Defying the Odds (Battered Hearts #1) Published: December 2011

 

Review of The Gamble By Kristen Ashley

The Gamble (Colorado Mountain #1) by Kristen Ashley

4 out of 5 Stars

Published:  April 2011

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Erotica

Length: 555 pages

Nina Sheridan’s takes a timeout from her clueless, cold fiancé and heads to Gnaw Bone, Colorado.  When she arrives to the A-Frame that she rents for 2 weeks, she meets Max, the owner. Max tells her there was a mistake and kicks her out of the house.  With nowhere to go, she goes back out in the snowstorm, gets stuck in the ditch only to  wake up in the morning in Max’s bed sick with the flu.  Max ends up taking care of Nina something her “safe, but uncaring fiancé would never do.  Nina ends up staying in Max’s house and meeting all the interesting people of Gnaw Bone. The first week, Nina is in Gnaw Bone, a murder occurs to the most hated man in town.

I have to say, Kristen Ashley is one of my top 5 favorite authors. I really liked this book and recommend it.  Whenever I read a few bland books, I know I can pick up a Kristen Ashley book and enjoy a good read.  The Gamble was a GREAT read!

I do like a little drama when it is in an erotica romance and this drama was just enough for me. It had me in tears and I loved it.  I love when there is enough angst to cause my heart to ache a little.

The Gamble was steamy and sexy.  Also, I liked that the sex did not happen on day #1.  Sometimes, the anticipation is worth it.  It makes it hotter.

Did I skim?  No.  After I finished the book, I went back and reread my favorite parts.

Did I feel connected to the characters? YES.

Will I reread? Yes

Did I think about the book after I was finished? Yes

Do I recommend? YES

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Sequels: Sweet Dreams (Colorado Mountain #2) Published: April 2011

Lady Luck (Colorado Mountain #3) Published: October 2011

Breathe (Colorado Mountain #4) Published: July 2012

Colorado Mountain (Colorado Mountain #5) Expected Publication: 2013

 

Review of Beneath This Man (This Man #1) By: Jodi Ellen Malpas

3 out 5 Stars (4 Stars for first ¾ and 2 Stars for the last ½)

‘ Beneath This Man’

Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas

Published: January 2013

Genre: Erotica, BDSM, Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Length: 524 pages

Three…Two…One…Zero…

Did I hear retribution sex???

Let me first say, it is worth the read.

I am giving the first ¾ of this book 4 stars since I thought that the story was well written and interesting.  Then somewhere at 72%, I was like “what?”  No!!! My opinion changed simply since what happens, I did not see or feel the sex was hot anymore.

Jesse is so beautiful.  Yeah, I get it, he is hot.  Yeah, he is a rich, controlling, alpha male.  I know. While Jesse reminds us of all the type of controlling sex he is going to “give” Ava; Ava reminds us that he is a god and all she thinks about is sex when Jesse is near. But can the woman just step back, for one minute, and think about how dysfunctional this relationship is getting??? The pill, the BDSM club, the man making you say ‘yes’ to things that you do not want to agree to…you need to seek help!  At some point, it is not hot and sexy anymore.

Plot: Ava O’Shea knew she was heading towards disaster. Every instinct told her to run, but Jesse Ward was a hard man to escape.

It has been five days’ since Ava left Jesse drunk and raging at Lusso – left behind a man who drowned her in his intensity and blindsided her with his touch. Getting over this man was never going to be easy and now he’s back in her life.

She has questions she needs answering, but her determination to get these answers will give the pleasure-seeking playboy the power to destroy her again. She needs to keep her eyes wide open and caution at the forefront of her mind, an ambitious intention when Jesse Ward is within touching distance. And he plans to be.

He’s dark, he’s broken – Ava knows this, but the only way to find out how dark and how broken is to get beneath the steely exterior of this man.

I love a hot, wealthy, alpha, controlling male.  If you would look at my Kindle library, I think ½ of my books are stories about rich, controlling, alpha males.  I love them.

However, someone needs to talk to Ava.  There is a point when you are in a relationship and you think “yeah, that is not healthy” and you leave no matter how hot and crazy good the sex is.  When there is a lack of mutual respect in a relationship, it’s over. There was one scene with Jesse where he crossed the line that I know I would not be able to forgive no matter what.

In the end, no real answers, just more questions that I want answered.  And it was not hot and sexy for me.

 -Did I skim? No.  The writing is very good

-Do I recommend?  Yes.  I think that the author does a create job creating a story about a dysfunctional relationship.  However, at this point the relationship is making me sad.

-Did I think about the book after I was done?  Yes, thinking and praying “I hope my daughter never gets into a relationship with a man like Jesse.”

-Do I look forward to the sequel? Yes, I will read the sequel.  I have to know how it all ends. Plus, I want some answers!! I just don’t think the sex is hot anymore. 

Other Books: ‘This Man’ (This Man #1) – Published: October 2012

‘This Man Confessed’ (This Man #3) – Expected Publication: Spring 2013