You Want/Need To Read

Review – Let It Snow by Leslie Kelly & Jennifer LaBrecque

June 18, 2013 by Brynna Curry Leave a Comment

Title: Let It Snow

Author: Leslie Kelly & Jennifer LaBrecque

Publisher: Harlequin Blaze

Buy Link: Buy Let It Snow Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Brynna

Blurb:

Put some heat in your holidays with these scorchin’-hot fairy tales from bestselling authors Leslie Kelly and Jennifer LaBrecque.

The Prince Who Stole Christmas by Leslie Kelly

Between her ne’er-do-well brother and her candy shop, Claire Hoffman has her hands full. But when sexy sparks start flying between Claire and her gorgeous but enigmatic tenant “Phil,” Claire wonders if all the chocolate has made her a little Christmas crazy. But what will happen to her fantasy when her dishy fling tells her that, er…he’s actually a prince?

My True Love Gave to Me… by Jennifer LaBrecque

Years ago in the town of Good Riddance, Alaska, Gertie and Knox were best friends—until Knox fell under the “spell” of a rather cold, remote woman. But three years later, Knox and Gertie are reunited at the Chrismoose festival…and all it takes is a snowed-in night in a cabin for Gertie to turn Knox’s chill into a red-hot blaze of sexstasy!

Review:

In The Prince Who Stole Christmas, Ms. Kelley spins the sweet, steamy tale of chocolatier Claire Hoffman. When her trouble making brother owes money to dangerous people, he goes behind Claire’s back and rents out her vacant apartment to two men. These guys are out of this world er realm…literally. Turns out her gorgeous tenant is in a bit of a predicament of his own. Claire allows him and his friend to stay.

Phil is looking for true love outside his realm. He only has a short time to meet his princess and then hope she falls in love with him. For not only will she help rule his kingdom one day, she’ll have to leave her world and those she loves behind. There is plenty of steam, surprises and “aww” moments to make this modern fairy tale a fun read.

In My True Love Gave to Me-

Gertie and Knox were the best of friends, until a jealous girlfriend ended that friendship. After the death of his grandmother Knox cut ties with Gertie for what he thought was love. Fast forward a couple of years, the former friends are reunited at the Chrismoose festival. Knox sees Gertie in a different light, while Gertie realizes she loves Knox but fears losing him again.

The premise of old friends meeting and falling in love is a great one. Still, I found these two missing that instant meshing that comes with friends reunited, even after a long time apart. Part of this comes from their trust issues. I think this story lacked the space needed to fully develop its potential.

Overall both stories were good reads. I did feel the holiday element wasn’t as strong as it could have been in either story. These snippets did intrigue me and I plan to pick up a longer book by each author to see how their longer stories fare.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Brynna, Harlequin Blaze, You Want/Need To Read

Review – Dragon Lord’s Captive by Cynthia Sax

May 29, 2013 by Donna B. Leave a Comment

Title: Dragon Lord’s Captive

Author: Cynthia Sax

Publisher: Changeling Press

Buy Link: Buy Dragon Lord’s Captive Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

What is a maiden to do when the dragon shifter she loves won’t claim her?

Rhoslyn volunteers to be the village’s virgin sacrifice. She is bound and stripped, presented as an offering to appease their dragon protector, a dragon she has intimate knowledge of, a dragon who refuses to meet with her outside their mate link.

Lame from a past battle wound, Blau knows Rhoslyn deserves a more worthy knight than himself, but with one look at his mate’s naked body, all of his noble plans fly out the turret. He doesn’t deserve to claim Rhoslyn, but he can’t let her go.

Review:

Rhoslyn is not exactly a maiden, but she is being sacrificed to the dragon lord, Blau. He has already taken her in the dream world, but he stays far away in the light of day. Something drastic must be done to force his hand.

Dragon Lord’s Captive is a short story with lots of imagination. There is plenty of sex, a battle between dragons and a whole bunch of craziness. The plot was interesting, but there were a few holes that were a tiny bit confusing.

Overall, it is an entertaining quick read.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Changeling Press, Donna, You Want/Need To Read

Review – Falling For Him by Alexandra O’Hurley

May 22, 2013 by Donna B. Leave a Comment

Title: Falling For Him

Author: Alexandra O’Hurley

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Buy Link: Buy Falling For Him Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

A fateful childhood accident changes the course of Olivia Owens’ life. Her body left broken by a fall, she becomes a near recluse. She chooses to hide from society by pursuing a writing career, never stepping into the spotlight. Her loving parents coddle her, which only makes it easier to withdraw from the life around her.

Liam Palmer was twelve when he helplessly watched Olivia fall, and he blames himself for the mishap. Guilt propels him into a career in medicine, as he seeks a way to lessen the weight of the responsibility he bears.

After years apart, Liam visits Olivia to offer a surgical solution to her pain. He’s shocked to find a woman where the young girl had once stood. He struggles with his attraction at first, but soon realizes his perfect woman was right before him his entire life.

Olivia is leery, as the surgery he suggests has risks. She also shuns his advances, knowing he could never love the broken woman she is, no matter how much she wants to give in to the man she’s had a crush on her entire life.

Tied together by pain and guilt, they must break free of their past if they’re ever to have a future together.

Review:

Olivia and Liam have been tied together for twenty years without the other realizing it. Olivia has had a crush on Liam all this time, and Liam feels personally responsible for the accident that caused Olivia to walk with a limp and live in pain every day. Now that they are adults, Liam is determined to fix the problem that he caused and help set Olivia on the path to complete well being. Little does he know that he is the answer to Olivia’s happiness.

First of all, let me say that I have come to really enjoy most of Alexandra O’Hurley’s books. This story is no different in that I love the plot, I love the character development, and the setting was perfectly laid out in clear detail. On occasion, however, there is a book that does not get a good scrub before publishing, and this is one of them. There are way too many typos and grammatical errors for me to give the book a 4 star rating, even though I really loved the story itself.

Overall, it is a heartwarming and very entertaining tale. I am looking forward to the next book in this series where Bastian gets his girl.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Donna, Liquid Silver Books, You Want/Need To Read

Review – The Billionaire’s Unwanted Virgin by Doris O’Connor

May 20, 2013 by Donna B. Leave a Comment

Title: The Billionaire’s Unwanted Virgin

Author: Doris O’Connor

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Buy Link: Buy The Billionaire’s Unwanted Virgin Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Lie back and think of England. She could do this. It was only sex, after all. Auctioning off her virginity was the easy part—going through with it not so easy. When Alice realizes who has acquired her, keeping her emotions out of the deal seems an impossible task.

Self-made billionaire Lakota, Lance Kemnay has no time for women, let alone one who would sell her virginity to the highest bidder. Ever practical, however, he sees in Alice a solution to his immediate need for a wife. The emotions she stirs in him are just lust, and lust can be dealt with. As they connect emotionally and physically, his resolve to keep his heart aloof is tested beyond limits.

Can he trust his tender feelings, or has he been taken for a fool by the one woman he thought he could trust?

Be Warned: BDSM, spanking, rimming, anal sex, wax play, erotic asphyxiation

Review:

Alice is holding her small family together by a thread. She’s working two or three jobs at a time to put food on the table for her mom and her niece, but her young niece’s cancer is going to take a miracle and lots of money to cure. So, Alice decides to sell the only thing she owns that has an value…her virginity. Lakota has cleaned up his brother’s messes for years. Unfortunately, his last trouble has killed him and left a very large debt and a winning bid for a virgin, of all things. Meeting this woman to keep the scandal from the papers is required, but he never expected to be drawn to the innocent young woman who stepped out of his limo in baggy clothes and with a gentle, compassionate nature. She spells trouble with a capital T, but perhaps there is an answer to one of his problems in the mess his brother left him.

I love this story. The characters are great with sex appeal, realistic emotions and endearing quirks. The setting was well described, and the sex scenes were yummy. I would have rated this story higher, but there were quite a few typos and grammatical errors throughout that were distracting.

Overall, a very entertaining read.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Donna, Evernight Publishing, You Want/Need To Read

Review – All Chained Up By Brynn Paulin

May 16, 2013 by Meingee Leave a Comment

Title: All Chained Up

Author: Brynn Paulin

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy Link: Buy All Chained Up Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Gabrielle

Blurb:

On the run from a stalker, Keera has carefully hidden her attraction to Theo, knowing surrendering to her lust isn’t an option. She can’t put him in danger.

Theo, however, is determined to take the choice from her hands. For months, he’s studied her and he has a few secrets of his own. The biggest is his D/s lifestyle. He’s a Dom without a submissive, but he’s not interested in anyone but Keera.

After a surprise night of passion, she consents to be his. But one minute she’s there, the next she’s gone and on the run again. Theo is determined to bring her back to his side where he can protect her. Then he’ll keep her there forever, wrapped in the chains of his love.

Review:

Keera and Theo are both trying to escape their pasts. Theo has had to deal with so much rejection because of the intensity of his lifestyle and what he enjoys and Keera has lived a life in hiding. A wonderful night together has the two looking to the future but it seems that Keera’s past has once again caught up with her and now she is once again on the run. Theo is not going to let Keera go without a fight. Can he find her and solve her problems before it is too late?

This fast paced read is packed full of emotions. The heat and the love are there right from the start. If only Keera would trust her heart and let Theo in than all would be well. Keera is a strong woman who is afraid to let anyone in, let alone to love someone. Her past will not let her but Theo may just be the man who can help her if she would just let him in. The two make a great couple, so full of love for one another. I enjoyed watching the trust grow between Keera and Theo. Both live and enjoy the D/s lifestyle and for them it binds them together strongly. The author does a good job of intertwining the action along with the romance in their story. The intensity of emotions made for a great read. Not only do the main characters shine but the secondary ones also make themselves known and had me wanting to find out more about the Cress brothers.

This book does contain some intense scenes and may not be for everyone.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Ellora's Cave, Gabrielle, You Want/Need To Read

Review – The Admission By Jamallah Berman

May 10, 2013 by Rachell Leave a Comment

Title: The Admission

Author: Jamallah Berman

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing

Buy Link: Buy The Admission Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Rachell

Blurb:

All she ever wanted was her father’s love.

Cathy Sanderson tries her best to impress her father despite his resentment over her. She seemed to contemplate most days, “Why me? Why do you hate me so daddy?”

He’d belittle her about every little thing. The pain and anguish she felt as his only child had her day dreaming that one day he would treat her special.

Cathy loves her father and tries to make him proud of her, but everything she tried, never seemed to work.

Her shyness plays against her, and makes her a prisoner within her own mind.

She feels nothing in her nonexistent life could be made any better.

Until, she met him.

Rodrigo “Rod” Coram lives the life that most men fantasize about. He’s the owner of a fabulous club, The Orchid Lounge. He has great clients, great friends and the eyes of every woman around.

One thing Rod didn’t have was a woman to love.

Rod’s best friend Frank asked him for his help. He needed an extra groomsman for his cousin’s wedding.

That’s when fate brings an unloved woman, and a man looking for love, together.

New Love. Secrets. Regrets. Two people find each other, but their personal lives may keep them apart.

Review:

I’ve read a few books by Jamallah Bergam, but somehow they never really did it for me. But still when I read the blurb for “The Admission” I just had to read it. And I have to say that I found this one the best out of them all till now.

I loved to read how Rod and Cathy got to know each other, and how that sweet connection they had blossomed into love progressively. I felt so sorry for Cathy about what she had to go through, and that her father was the cause of all her heartache. Thankfully she had the rest of the family for support and of course Rod later on. But her family couldn’t manage to heal her heart but Rod’s love managed to do that and helped her to break through her shell.

But Cathy’s father and Rod’s sick ex girlfriend /stalker can’t stomach their happiness. And they are determined to separate the two lovebirds. When they see that their separate approached don’t work they decide to work together.

I don’t easily hate characters, but hating Nayra (Rod’s sick ex) and Ausin (Cathy’s father) came easy. I don’t understand that Nayra was still walking around, I would have had her crazy ass thrown in jail. And Ausin, I can understand that it would pain him to see his wife in his daughter but his hatred and verbal abuse was too much. Nearing the end I saw an HEA for all characters coming. I can’t help but think that some of the characters (looking at Nayra and Austin) did not deserve a HEA whatsoever. No matter the blood ties, some things are just unforgivable.

That last part influenced my rating a little, but I can see growth in the author’s reading style. Having said that in my opinion is “The Admission” certainly worth reading.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Rachell, Secret Cravings Publishing, You Want/Need To Read

Review – The Lottery by Alexandra O’Hurley

April 27, 2013 by Donna B. 1 Comment

Title: The Lottery

Author: Alexandra O’Hurley

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Buy Link: Buy The Lottery Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Living in a world where men were treated like a rare commodity, Ethan Spears did what he could in order to survive. But when the proverbial rug was pulled out from under him, desperate measures called for desperate actions. To save his sister, he entered The Lottery, offering himself to one woman for a year.

Karlyn Bowman was a rebel in her family, choosing not to climb the corporate ladder in order to pursue her love of art. Lonely, ostracized by the family who should have loved her, she pushed forward trying to become a success. When her friend gives her a lottery ticket to cheer her up, she puts it aside and forgets it. Imagine her surprise when the knock came to her door and her life—and his—were changed forever.

Be Warned: anal sex, masturbation, orgies, bondage

Review:

Karyln is a starving artist, almost literally, and her loneliness is broken only by her best friend, Sam. As a birthday present, Sam buys Karlyn a tiny little hope for possible companionship in the form of a silver lottery ticket. Unfortunately, the lottery ticket is non-refundable and non-transferable, and that information in the wrong hands spells disaster after she actually wins.

Ethan loves one woman in the whole world, and she is sick. Having only one way to make enough money to save his sister, Ethan enters himself in the lottery. One lucky winner will own him for a year, but when he is delivered to the lucky winner, she is shocked and doesn’t seem to want him. She is very different from every other woman he has had the misfortune of dealing with, and her innocence draws him to her like a moth to a flame.

The Lottery is a highly imaginative futuristic romance. The characters are everything that good characters should be – sexy, sweet, strong, shy, talented and emotional (depending on the character, of course). The plot was fraught with realistic conflict and resolution, the setting was interesting, and the ending was happy ever after. The only reason I didn’t score the book higher were the large number of typos and/or grammatical errors throughout. Overall, it is a very entertaining read that made me laugh and cry.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Donna, Evernight Publishing, You Want/Need To Read

Review – Homemade Hijinks by Debra Kayn

April 27, 2013 by Rachell Leave a Comment

Title: Homemade Hijinks

Author: Debra Kayn

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Buy Link: Buy Homemade Hijinks Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Rachell

Blurb:

Can a house make unlikely demands…and be the savior for unsuspecting lovers?

After being dragged around the world since birth by her parents, quirky hairstylist Shannon Johansson has sworn to plant her business…and her butt…in Seaport, California. Risking the loss of the love of her life, she settles in a defective Smart House.

A bulldog in the courtroom, Alex Yager has to convince Shannon he still loves her. Nine months apart has proven his success is nothing without her to share it with. When Shannon’s pain of a Smart House locks them in during his New Year’s visit, he seizes the opportunity to win back his girl once and for all. No matter what it takes.

Alex is back and playing hardball like the attorney he is, and Shannon’s tired of fighting. Can she give in to her love for Alex? He’s hoping he can get them out of the crazy house and propose before the town rings in the new year.

CONTENT WARNING: Old flames, a smartass smart house and NO dog. Hot reunion. There’s more than one way to ‘ring’ in a new year.

Review:

“Homemade Hijinks” is a short contemporary romance, which had me laughing out loud at some points. I liked the dialogue between them (and their reactions to the house) it was obvious that the two were still crazy about each other. They felt so at ease too.

After Alex and Shannon got locked in her house the two of them get closer once again, but Shannon still didn’t want to move and she wouldn’t talk about the subject with Alex (which frustrated me btw). But Alex was in the wrong as well. After all the time they had spend together as a couple he should have known how she felt about moving. I can imagine Shannon freaking out about that and breaking of their engagement nine months ago.

In the end they thankfully do get their happy end, but I still wonder about Shannon’s parents. I’ve enjoyed Alex and Shannon’s story, but at some points I had the feeling not much happened and the book did lose its appeal at those times (then again maybe I’m just missing the smut).

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Lyrical Press, Rachell, You Want/Need To Read

Review – She Ain’t a Lady By Sadie Sinclair

April 20, 2013 by Brynna Curry Leave a Comment

Title: She Ain’t a Lady

Author: Sadie Sinclair

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Buy Link: Buy She Ain’t a Lady Here!

Rating: You Want/Need to Read

Reviewed By: Brynna

Blurb:

The Prince brothers are ready to start building a family dynasty on their large ranch. In order to do this, they need women. Or as Heath points out, one woman.

He’s observed his neighbors and their wives and has come to the conclusion that two women in one kitchen is not conducive to peace and harmony. Besides they’ve shared before. Horses, guns, and even an occasional prostitute.

Heath and Jeb sit down to make a list of attributes they want in a wife. When Jeb adds ‘love’ to the list, Heaths says, “Love? I’m not sure we would recognize it if it jumped up and bit us in the ass.”   

Be Warned: menage sex (MFM), anal sex.

Review:

Brothers Heath and Jeb Prince have built a good life for themselves. Their ranch is thriving, but with success comes the need to pass it on. Neither are married and after witnessing the ways of his neighbors, both Jeb and Heath agree the solution to their problem is a woman. They need one–to share. After making a list, the brothers make a pact to begin their search soon. The most important characteristic? A woman they won’t fall in love with but fate has a way of changing things.

While on a working trip to San Francisco, Jeb meets a lady of the night who fits the requirements, but will Heath like her? And even then will she agree to the arrangement? Rosie grew up priviledged until her father died leaving her mother a penniless mistress. Soon her mother passed and she found herself with no other options but to enter “the trade.” She hates the life she is in and Jeb’s offer seems to good to be true. Both brothers are equally intriguing but seem wounded at heart. She aches to comfort them and herself.

I found Heath and Jeb to be endearing characters. They are in themselves like ying and yang, completing each other. They grew up together in an orphanage and this has made them very close. Rosie, while a flawed and likeable heroine, felt a little more distant to me. While I enjoyed She Ain’t a Lady, I think the story would have been more satisfying if her character had been developed further with more length to the story. All in all, I think this is one you will enjoy.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Brynna, Evernight Publishing, You Want/Need To Read

Review – Unexpected Top By Cassandra Carr

April 6, 2013 by Admin Leave a Comment

Title: Unexpected Top

Author: Cassandra Carr

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy Link: Buy Unexpected Top Here!

Rating: You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Sometimes a wife has to go to extreme measures to save her marriage. Cissy Holden isn’t happy. Her husband Len doesn’t help out around the house and shows little respect for her. Even worse, their sex life leaves much to be desired. The chemistry they enjoyed when they first met has faded and Cissy is at her wits’ end.

She decides to take matters into her own hands—literally—and introduces her wayward husband to the concept of a Female-Led Relationship (FLR). At first he’s all for it since he’s getting sexual favors for doing chores, but as Cissy ratchets up the control, Len starts to wonder if he’s less of a man if he lets her. Even more confusing is the fact that the sex, another area where Cissy has taken control, is through the roof. What does that say about him? Only time will tell if Len will fully jump on board, or if Cissy has made the biggest mistake of her life.

Review:

Cissy is sick of being taken advantage of. A little research later and she has a plan. It’s unconventional and perhaps a bit uncomfortable, but it’s a plan nonetheless. Len is tired of always having to instigate sex. And he’s tired of his wife harping at him to do housework. Women’s chores are not something he’s willing to do until his wife turns into a sexy siren with rewards of a sexual nature. He can get into that! Wow. This story is very much outside my comfort zone. Kudos to Cissy who was able to take control of her husband, even though she is not dominant in the least. Some of the things that she experienced in the book are easy to relate to, and I applaud the author for presenting a common problem and unique solution while “saving a marriage”. A good story for those feminists out there who want to take charge of their men, and an entertaining read for the rest of us.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Donna, Ellora's Cave, You Want/Need To Read