October book of the month is Rare Form by Jen Crane

Rare Form by Jen Crane

Link to buy Rare Form: Descended of Dragons, Book 1

Rating: 5 out of 5

Blurb:

A Secret Past
Fiery redhead Stella Stonewall can’t decide between a margarita and a manhattan.
The rest of her life? Please. Stella has never really fit in, and her pretty world comes crashing down when she learns it was never her world at all.

Rowan Gresham is domineering, brooding, and as sexy as chocolate-dipped sin. When he transports Stella to the magical realm of her parents she recognizes her rightful place immediately. Gresham’s motivations are less clear.

A Scorching Chemistry
The enigmatic Gresham aids in Stella’s metamorphosis and their chemistry ignites, though a long-time girlfriend and a significant age difference stand in the way.

A Battle for the Rest of Her Life
Stella’s life fast-tracks to extraordinary when she enrolls at Radix Citadel for Supernatural Learning, an enchanted college whose students turn furry on the regular. As Stella learns to navigate the magical new world of Thayer she must also find her animal form, a task as elusive as her ancestry. Stella soon faces an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn to manipulate an animal form she never knew she possessed.

Review:

I really enjoyed this story. It was extremely well written with it's unique magical theme, Jen Crane quickly takes you into a realm where magical creatures are the norm. The people who became creatures and their magical abilities combined with an alternate world was clearly and cleverly depicted.

Intrigue and a little romance keep things lively. There is very little sex in this book, but what was there was nicely done. There were some hot bursts of passion to keep things interesting. Even though I thought I knew were the story was going to take me, there were unexpected twists and turns that kept it exciting.

I would like to read more from this author as the story line was unfinished. It ended on an critical event and left me hanging wondering what will happen next.

Reviewed by Foxy Loxy

Review: Rare Form by Jen Crane

Rare Form by Jen Crane

Link to buy Rare Form: Descended of Dragons, Book 1

Rating: 5 out of 5

Blurb:

A Secret Past
Fiery redhead Stella Stonewall can’t decide between a margarita and a manhattan.
The rest of her life? Please. Stella has never really fit in, and her pretty world comes crashing down when she learns it was never her world at all.

Rowan Gresham is domineering, brooding, and as sexy as chocolate-dipped sin. When he transports Stella to the magical realm of her parents she recognizes her rightful place immediately. Gresham’s motivations are less clear.

A Scorching Chemistry
The enigmatic Gresham aids in Stella’s metamorphosis and their chemistry ignites, though a long-time girlfriend and a significant age difference stand in the way.

A Battle for the Rest of Her Life
Stella’s life fast-tracks to extraordinary when she enrolls at Radix Citadel for Supernatural Learning, an enchanted college whose students turn furry on the regular. As Stella learns to navigate the magical new world of Thayer she must also find her animal form, a task as elusive as her ancestry. Stella soon faces an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn to manipulate an animal form she never knew she possessed.

Review:

I really enjoyed this story. It was extremely well written with it's unique magical theme, Jen Crane quickly takes you into a realm where magical creatures are the norm. The people who became creatures and their magical abilities combined with an alternate world was clearly and cleverly depicted.

Intrigue and a little romance keep things lively. There is very little sex in this book, but what was there was nicely done. There were some hot bursts of passion to keep things interesting. Even though I thought I knew were the story was going to take me, there were unexpected twists and turns that kept it exciting.

I would like to read more from this author as the story line was unfinished. It ended on an critical event and left me hanging wondering what will happen next.

Reviewed by Foxy Loxy

The June Book of the Month is The Girl and the Raven by Pauline Gruber

The Girl and the Raven by Pauline Gruber

Link to buy The Girl and the Raven

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Lucy Walker just wants a normal life, until she learns she is half-witch, half-demon. Now she's got other problems, like keeping her demon dad from killing her boyfriend, keeping the witches in her life from killing her demon dad, and keeping her non-supernatural friends safe from both sides. All the while she's desperately searching for the family raven that carries her magical legacy. She's walking a tightrope between good and evil, drawn to both, uncertain which she will ultimately choose.

Review:

Now, before starting this review it should be mentioned that this book falls more into the YA category than New Adult, but due to the subject matter it overlaps both genres. That being said, this is a fantastic read. This is the type of book you read and immediately fall in love with, and wonder why isn't everyone reading this? The story line is fresh and I loved the characters. There are witches, demons, bitchy high school girls, and even a gargoyle. I thought all the supernatural aspects of this story were very cool and loved that it took place in Chicago. There are times in the beginning where the story can be a little confusing, but the reader is figuring out what is happening right alongside the main character Lucy. And once the story really takes off it sucks you right in until the very end. I can totally see this as a movie. Seriously. I can't recommend this enough. I'm hoping there will be another book after this one.

Reviewed by Catherine

Review: The Girl and the Raven by Pauline Gruber

The Girl and the Raven by Pauline Gruber

Link to buy The Girl and the Raven

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Lucy Walker just wants a normal life, until she learns she is half-witch, half-demon. Now she's got other problems, like keeping her demon dad from killing her boyfriend, keeping the witches in her life from killing her demon dad, and keeping her non-supernatural friends safe from both sides. All the while she's desperately searching for the family raven that carries her magical legacy. She's walking a tightrope between good and evil, drawn to both, uncertain which she will ultimately choose.

Review:

Now, before starting this review it should be mentioned that this book falls more into the YA category than New Adult, but due to the subject matter it overlaps both genres. That being said, this is a fantastic read. This is the type of book you read and immediately fall in love with, and wonder why isn't everyone reading this? The story line is fresh and I loved the characters. There are witches, demons, bitchy high school girls, and even a gargoyle. I thought all the supernatural aspects of this story were very cool and loved that it took place in Chicago. There are times in the beginning where the story can be a little confusing, but the reader is figuring out what is happening right alongside the main character Lucy. And once the story really takes off it sucks you right in until the very end. I can totally see this as a movie. Seriously. I can't recommend this enough. I'm hoping there will be another book after this one.

Reviewed by Catherine

May Book of the Month! More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs

More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs

Link to buy More Than Music (Chasing The Dream Book 1)

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Blurb:

A band trying to win it big on reality TV. A secret romance that might ruin it all.

Music major Maddie Taylor just finished her junior year of college and has a summer internship lined up with the LA Philharmonic, yet every night she practices guitar and secretly dreams of a louder life. But geeky girls like her don't get to be rock stars. That is, until tattooed singer Jared Cross catches her playing guitar and invites her to join his band on The Sound, a reality TV show competition.

Once on the show, Maddie discovers there's more to Jared than his flirty smile and bad boy reputation - and that he's just as big a geek as she is. With each performance their attraction becomes impossible to ignore, but when the show pressures them to stay single, they're forced to keep their relationship secret.

As the competition heats up, Jared will do whatever it takes for his band to win, and Maddie must decide if following her dream is worth losing her heart.

*** New Adult romance suitable for 17+ due to mature content. ***

Review:

This is a fun read that flies by because it is so enjoyable. All of the characters in this series ( I read the novella that takes place before this book- More Than Exes.) are well written and easy to like which is not always the case in New Adult books. There are sex scenes that are very hot for a NA book which was surprising but greatly appreciated. The world building for the series really works and is believable. The behind the scenes of the reality show were interesting and I found myself rooting for Maddie and Jared's band to win the contest on The Sound. Based on the two books I've read so far I would recommend this series.

Reviewed by Catherine

Review: More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs

More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs

Link to buy More Than Music (Chasing The Dream Book 1)

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Blurb:

A band trying to win it big on reality TV. A secret romance that might ruin it all.

Music major Maddie Taylor just finished her junior year of college and has a summer internship lined up with the LA Philharmonic, yet every night she practices guitar and secretly dreams of a louder life. But geeky girls like her don't get to be rock stars. That is, until tattooed singer Jared Cross catches her playing guitar and invites her to join his band on The Sound, a reality TV show competition.

Once on the show, Maddie discovers there's more to Jared than his flirty smile and bad boy reputation - and that he's just as big a geek as she is. With each performance their attraction becomes impossible to ignore, but when the show pressures them to stay single, they're forced to keep their relationship secret.

As the competition heats up, Jared will do whatever it takes for his band to win, and Maddie must decide if following her dream is worth losing her heart.

*** New Adult romance suitable for 17+ due to mature content. ***

Review:

This is a fun read that flies by because it is so enjoyable. All of the characters in this series ( I read the novella that takes place before this book- More Than Exes.) are well written and easy to like which is not always the case in New Adult books. There are sex scenes that are very hot for a NA book which was surprising but greatly appreciated. The world building for the series really works and is believable. The behind the scenes of the reality show were interesting and I found myself rooting for Maddie and Jared's band to win the contest on The Sound. Based on the two books I've read so far I would recommend this series.

Reviewed by Catherine

Review: Campus Cravings Volume I & II anthology

Review: Campus Cravings Volume I & II: Higher Learning MM Bundle by Cassandra Carr, KyAnn Waters, Mia Downing, Sara York 

Story: 5 out of 5 

Blurb:

Welcome to Cathia University, where school is in session! Nine of today's hottest gay romance authors have crafted brand-new interrelated novellas celebrating everything wonderful about college, including sophisticated professors, sexy teaching assistants, ambitious grad students, and spirited undergraduates, all looking for the same thing: an A+ in true love.

Review:

How does the old saying go? There's a bad apple in every bunch. That tends to hold true with anthologies, with each collection containing at least one story that just doesn't measure up to the rest. Fortunately, this bundle proved the adage wrong.

Some of these apples--like KyAnn Waters' "Private Lessons"--were on the sweet side. This tale of young love dealt heavily with coming out, as did the story following it. Both were tightly-written and engaging, but made it seem like the choice of whether or not to stay in the closet would be the anthology's overriding theme. "The Eloquent Jock" by Cassandra Carr changed gears completely by throwing a hot teacher into the mix and upping the spice of level of the sex scenes. From there onward, the stories varied even more dramatically. "Switching Leads" relied on a truly tear-jerking plot, while "Winning Bracket" went for a party atmosphere. More importantly, all of the stories delivered well-constructed characters and engaging plots, making it a must buy for lovers of gay romance.

Lovers of BDSM, however, will find very little of interest here. It simply isn't that sort of anthology. That doesn't mean it isn't worth picking up!

Reviewed by Ethan X. Thomas

January Book of the Month! Spark Rising by Kate Corcino

Spark Rising by Kate Corcino

Link to buy Spark Rising (The Progenitor Saga) (Volume 1)

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Review:

I bought the prequel to this book because the premise looked very interesting. I really enjoyed “Ignition Point” and was thrilled to see “Spark Rising” was available for review. 

Lena is a female spark and strong women who can produce energy or charge is extremely rare.  Sparks appeared after a catastrophe destroyed all the fossil fuels and there was no way to produce the kind of energy mankind needed. Enter the sparks. They can control the “dust” that charges everything, creates energy and allows people to live comfortable lives. As long as the people obey the Councilors. 

Strong female sparks, however, are a mystery since there is rumor they “disappear”.  So when Lena is a child, she is warned by her father to “fail” the test as a spark but Lena wants to win so she shows her true power. This forces her family to hide her existence until her father is killed and then, Lena leaves the city. She lives on her own and likes it that way. She sells power on the black market and stays out of the council’s reach.

Alejandro (“Alex”) Reyes is a double agent, working for the council to control sparks, and leading a quiet rebellion against the councilors. It becomes his job to bring Lena in, to force her to wear a collar to fuel the people’s need for power. What he really wants is to help her to escape, to join his cause and fight the council’s hold.

Needless to say, everything goes sideways. Lena ends up captured by those loyal to the council.  Though she escapes, her trust in Alex is damaged and she isn’t sure she wants to be a part of his rebels who don’t seem all that different from the council that wants to enslave her. 

There were so many layers to this book, I’m not sure I can show how compelling the story is without revealing spoilers. First of all, the romance between Alex and Lena is a constant push/pull and just when I thought they were going to be happy together and figure it out, another barrier rises up to separate them. By the end of the book, I’m still not sure how they’re going to be together, though there is hope that they will. 

There was a political undertone with the story that was both complicated and in depth. The twists and turns of intrigue were surprising and the power dynamics within this new civilization were often uncomfortable. There were some heavy issues explored and I found them as disturbing as I was supposed to find them. There is no gratuitous violence or overkill in this book. Only the raw, exposed necessity that drives people to do what must be done to achieve the freedom that people deserve. 

Though I absolutely loved this book, there was only one drawback for me. Through a series of betrayals, Lena is left with a tremendous amount of pain in the end. I don’t find the peace that I hoped she’d experience. In fact, I had a hard time with at least one political move that Alex implements despite Lena’s hurt. It’s a move I don’t understand, though Alex is convinced Lena will.  My thought was that she may understand, but that didn’t change the pain it would cause.  Alex is Lena’s defender, her lover and her partner in many ways, he is also perfectly okay with keeping information from her in the end and I didn’t get that at all. 

Overall, “Spark Rising” delivered on the promise of “Ignition Point” with action, intrigue, fantastic sex scenes and compelling characters. I was emotionally moved by many of the things that happened in this book and that’s not an easy thing to do. This is a meaty story that gives the reader a full meal rather than a tasty bite. It’s intelligent, thoughtful and well written. 

The story contrasted with the other two NA books I read (the only ones I’ve read in the genre) in that it wasn’t a sweet story with a happy ending. I would call the ending a Happy For Now, not entirely convinced that Lena and Alex have come to terms enough to love each other with the kind of passion it takes to keep a good relationship strong.

 Reviewed by Jennifer Leeland     

Review: Spark Rising by Kate Corcino

Spark Rising by Kate Corcino

Link to buy Spark Rising (The Progenitor Saga) (Volume 1)

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Review:

I bought the prequel to this book because the premise looked very interesting. I really enjoyed “Ignition Point” and was thrilled to see “Spark Rising” was available for review. 

Lena is a female spark and strong women who can produce energy or charge is extremely rare.  Sparks appeared after a catastrophe destroyed all the fossil fuels and there was no way to produce the kind of energy mankind needed. Enter the sparks. They can control the “dust” that charges everything, creates energy and allows people to live comfortable lives. As long as the people obey the Councilors. 

Strong female sparks, however, are a mystery since there is rumor they “disappear”.  So when Lena is a child, she is warned by her father to “fail” the test as a spark but Lena wants to win so she shows her true power. This forces her family to hide her existence until her father is killed and then, Lena leaves the city. She lives on her own and likes it that way. She sells power on the black market and stays out of the council’s reach.

Alejandro (“Alex”) Reyes is a double agent, working for the council to control sparks, and leading a quiet rebellion against the councilors. It becomes his job to bring Lena in, to force her to wear a collar to fuel the people’s need for power. What he really wants is to help her to escape, to join his cause and fight the council’s hold.

Needless to say, everything goes sideways. Lena ends up captured by those loyal to the council.  Though she escapes, her trust in Alex is damaged and she isn’t sure she wants to be a part of his rebels who don’t seem all that different from the council that wants to enslave her. 

There were so many layers to this book, I’m not sure I can show how compelling the story is without revealing spoilers. First of all, the romance between Alex and Lena is a constant push/pull and just when I thought they were going to be happy together and figure it out, another barrier rises up to separate them. By the end of the book, I’m still not sure how they’re going to be together, though there is hope that they will. 

There was a political undertone with the story that was both complicated and in depth. The twists and turns of intrigue were surprising and the power dynamics within this new civilization were often uncomfortable. There were some heavy issues explored and I found them as disturbing as I was supposed to find them. There is no gratuitous violence or overkill in this book. Only the raw, exposed necessity that drives people to do what must be done to achieve the freedom that people deserve. 

Though I absolutely loved this book, there was only one drawback for me. Through a series of betrayals, Lena is left with a tremendous amount of pain in the end. I don’t find the peace that I hoped she’d experience. In fact, I had a hard time with at least one political move that Alex implements despite Lena’s hurt. It’s a move I don’t understand, though Alex is convinced Lena will.  My thought was that she may understand, but that didn’t change the pain it would cause.  Alex is Lena’s defender, her lover and her partner in many ways, he is also perfectly okay with keeping information from her in the end and I didn’t get that at all. 

Overall, “Spark Rising” delivered on the promise of “Ignition Point” with action, intrigue, fantastic sex scenes and compelling characters. I was emotionally moved by many of the things that happened in this book and that’s not an easy thing to do. This is a meaty story that gives the reader a full meal rather than a tasty bite. It’s intelligent, thoughtful and well written. 

The story contrasted with the other two NA books I read (the only ones I’ve read in the genre) in that it wasn’t a sweet story with a happy ending. I would call the ending a Happy For Now, not entirely convinced that Lena and Alex have come to terms enough to love each other with the kind of passion it takes to keep a good relationship strong.

 Reviewed by Jennifer Leeland     

Our 2014 Read of the Year! More Than Exes by Elizabeth Briggs

More Than Exes by Elizabeth Briggs

Link to buy More Than Exes (Chasing The Dream)

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Blurb:

Keyboardist Kyle Cross may look like a bad boy with his tattoos and piercings, but he's really the good guy who's always stuck fixing his band's problems and never gets the girl. His band is competing in a college Battle of the Bands, but when their bassist doesn't show, Kyle must track her down with the help of the person he least expects: his ex-girlfriend Alexis Monroe.

Kyle hasn't seen Alexis since she dumped him in high school, and she's dropped her preppy image for fiery red hair and a bold new attitude to match. With only hours before his band goes on stage, Kyle has to be a little bad if he wants to win both the Battle and the girl he's never gotten over. But when their old problems resurface, the good guy might just get his heart broken all over again.

A stand-alone prequel novella to More Than Music.

*** New Adult romance suitable for 17+ due to mature content. ***

Review:

I loved this story for many reasons and the main reason is the character of Kyle. He is absolutely a hero beyond a shadow of a doubt. He's good looking, smart, kind, talented, and tattooed. And Kyle has a great "voice" in the story. The character of Kyle is written in the first person and it is done exceptionally well. First person is not always the easiest thing to pull off, but Elizabeth Briggs writes first person really well. (And BTW I loved that Kyle knew who Joy Division is!)

Now the story here is not very complicated but it works. These aren't a bunch of college kids trying to save the world. They're trying to survive a battle of the bands with a rogue band member though. But regardless, the story line is entertaining and I was rooting for Kyle and Alexis to get back together because it was very obvious they are hot as hell together.

After reading this I would definitely be interested in reading more from Ms. Briggs and I would recommend this if you're looking for something light and fun and sexy.

Reviewed by Elizabeth

December Book of the Month! Christmas With the Billionaire by Amy Lamont

Christmas With the Billionaire by Amy Lamont

Link to buy Christmas with the Billionaire (Holiday Encounters Book 1)

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Review:

Emma and her three friends have made a bet for the holidays that they’ll have a wild adventure and the one voted by the four of them to be the most wild will win.  Of course, Emma thinks she’ll never win.  She stays in on Friday in flannel PJs and oversized sweatshirts.  But her friends aren’t letting her off the hook.  Her best friend convinces her to take an adventure based on some of the fictional articles that Emma writes. When Emma draws “Sex with a Stranger”, she knows she’s screwed....and not the way she hopes.  

When I say that I love Christmas romances, THIS is the kind of romance I mean.  There is a magical innocence mixed with hot sex in this story that put me perfectly into the holiday mood.  Emma is sassy and sweet.  Nate is suitable smoldering and forceful.  I adored this from the moment Emma entered Hotel Wynter and the holiday magic was sprinkled all over me.  Most of all, I liked Emma.  A lot.  She was a good person with believable angst and great character growth.  Nate was understandably out the door when he ran from Emma and right back in when the moment called for it.  This isn’t a story if you’re looking for the more cynical view of love and sex.  This is for those of us who still love to root for Elizabeth Lane in “Christmas In Connecticut”.  This is for those of us who want Doris Walker in “A Miracle On 34th St.” to not only believe in Santa, but to believe in Fred too so that little Susan can have her house.  This for those of us who want Ralphie to get his Red Ryder BB gun.  

The thing about a great book like this is that if there’s things wrong with it, I don’t see it.  I was lost in the story, living vicariously through Emma and feeling her pain as her disastrous one night stand broke her heart.  I was hoping for her to get back up and kick some ass...which she did.  I cheered for her as she dragged Nate off to the pantry to give him a piece of her mind...and ended up with less clothing to wear when she left.

In short, if you’re looking for a holiday romance with a little spice, this is it.  The story manages to be sweet without being too sappy and sexy without being trashy.  It’s a fine balance and one the author has nailed.  

I very rarely say this, but go buy it. I think it’s worth it.  

Rating?  5 Reindeer....um snowglobes?......How about 5 Gold rings?

Reviewed by Jennifer Leeland

Review: Electrify Me by Bibi Rizer

Electrify Me by Bibi Rizer

Link to buy Electrify Me (The Fireworks Series Book 1)

Story Rating: 5 out of 5  

Gloria is cursed. Her birthday is New Year’s Day and every New Year’s Eve has been a disaster.  She’s covered her bases this year, though. She’s volunteering at a suicide hotline and hoping that helping out someone else will make her night a little better. (And yes, that makes sense when you meet Gloria.)

Of course, the power goes out and who comes to the rescue? Good looking Power Company guy, Charlie. Sparks fly and Gloria thinks maybe this time, she’ll have a New Year’s Eve hook up that will make her birthday finally fall into the “no suck” zone. 

But the evening doesn’t go as planned and Gloria and Charlie have to decide if the night’s events mean they should hang onto each other or run like hell.

This book made me laugh out loud, so I recommend not drinking while you enjoy this short, sweet story. Gloria is pretty well adjusted considering her experiences in life and Charlie is a nice guy with definitely sexy fetishes. I enjoyed the subtle kink in this book and I liked that the author didn’t belabor that part of it. It all fit with the characters who were a lot of fun to read.

New Year’s never seemed like a holiday with its own flavor to me. It was always an add-on to Christmas. But this story captures the whole “new beginnings” idea and runs with it. I thoroughly enjoyed it, cheering for the way these two people persevered and grabbed their happy ending. This is only the second New Adult book I’ve read and if this is typical, then I’m sold!  It’s worth buying.

Reviewed by Jennifer Leeland

Review: Christmas With the Billionaire by Amy Lamont

Christmas With the Billionaire by Amy Lamont

Link to buy Christmas with the Billionaire (Holiday Encounters Book 1)

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Review:

Emma and her three friends have made a bet for the holidays that they’ll have a wild adventure and the one voted by the four of them to be the most wild will win.  Of course, Emma thinks she’ll never win.  She stays in on Friday in flannel PJs and oversized sweatshirts.  But her friends aren’t letting her off the hook.  Her best friend convinces her to take an adventure based on some of the fictional articles that Emma writes. When Emma draws “Sex with a Stranger”, she knows she’s screwed....and not the way she hopes.  

When I say that I love Christmas romances, THIS is the kind of romance I mean.  There is a magical innocence mixed with hot sex in this story that put me perfectly into the holiday mood.  Emma is sassy and sweet.  Nate is suitable smoldering and forceful.  I adored this from the moment Emma entered Hotel Wynter and the holiday magic was sprinkled all over me.  Most of all, I liked Emma.  A lot.  She was a good person with believable angst and great character growth.  Nate was understandably out the door when he ran from Emma and right back in when the moment called for it.  This isn’t a story if you’re looking for the more cynical view of love and sex.  This is for those of us who still love to root for Elizabeth Lane in “Christmas In Connecticut”.  This is for those of us who want Doris Walker in “A Miracle On 34th St.” to not only believe in Santa, but to believe in Fred too so that little Susan can have her house.  This for those of us who want Ralphie to get his Red Ryder BB gun.  

The thing about a great book like this is that if there’s things wrong with it, I don’t see it.  I was lost in the story, living vicariously through Emma and feeling her pain as her disastrous one night stand broke her heart.  I was hoping for her to get back up and kick some ass...which she did.  I cheered for her as she dragged Nate off to the pantry to give him a piece of her mind...and ended up with less clothing to wear when she left.

In short, if you’re looking for a holiday romance with a little spice, this is it.  The story manages to be sweet without being too sappy and sexy without being trashy.  It’s a fine balance and one the author has nailed.  

I very rarely say this, but go buy it. I think it’s worth it.  

Rating?  5 Reindeer....um snowglobes?......How about 5 Gold rings?

Reviewed by Jennifer Leeland

Review: More Than Exes by Elizabeth Briggs

More Than Exes by Elizabeth Briggs

Link to buy More Than Exes (Chasing The Dream)

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Blurb:

Keyboardist Kyle Cross may look like a bad boy with his tattoos and piercings, but he's really the good guy who's always stuck fixing his band's problems and never gets the girl. His band is competing in a college Battle of the Bands, but when their bassist doesn't show, Kyle must track her down with the help of the person he least expects: his ex-girlfriend Alexis Monroe.

Kyle hasn't seen Alexis since she dumped him in high school, and she's dropped her preppy image for fiery red hair and a bold new attitude to match. With only hours before his band goes on stage, Kyle has to be a little bad if he wants to win both the Battle and the girl he's never gotten over. But when their old problems resurface, the good guy might just get his heart broken all over again.

A stand-alone prequel novella to More Than Music.

*** New Adult romance suitable for 17+ due to mature content. ***

Review:

I loved this story for many reasons and the main reason is the character of Kyle. He is absolutely a hero beyond a shadow of a doubt. He's good looking, smart, kind, talented, and tattooed. And Kyle has a great "voice" in the story. The character of Kyle is written in the first person and it is done exceptionally well. First person is not always the easiest thing to pull off, but Elizabeth Briggs writes first person really well. (And BTW I loved that Kyle knew who Joy Division is!)

Now the story here is not very complicated but it works. These aren't a bunch of college kids trying to save the world. They're trying to survive a battle of the bands with a rogue band member though. But regardless, the story line is entertaining and I was rooting for Kyle and Alexis to get back together because it was very obvious they are hot as hell together.

After reading this I would definitely be interested in reading more from Ms. Briggs and I would recommend this if you're looking for something light and fun and sexy.

Reviewed by Elizabeth

October book of the month is Unconventional Desires by Victoria Louise Sadler

Unconventional Desires by Victoria Louise Sadler

Link to buy Unconventional Desires: A diary of discovery... Domination, Submission, Sadism and Masochism

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Review:

Unconventional Desires: A Diary….is the story of young twenty something Victoria who is a biology graduate and lives at home with her parents. At the beginning of the story, we find that she has agreed to a date with Sebastian, who she met online in a BDSM chat room. The story covers the next year of her growing relationship with Sebastian and how she balances her secret relationship and desires from her family and vanilla friends. She shares all of her thoughts, feelings, and worries she experiences in her diary. Sebastian leads her down the path of submission, exposing her to different types of toys, various levels of pain, public play parties, and what it means to be submissive. During her journey, numerous times Victoria questions what she’s doing with Sebastian, her desires to submit and enjoyment of pain. She also struggles if she will have to give up some of her more vanilla dreams if she is to continue on the path of submission.

I really fell in love with this story for many reasons, but the biggest reason is because the author really focuses a lot on what it’s like to be a new submissive and the roller coaster of emotions that comes along with that journey. The main focus of this book isn’t the sex or the kink scenes, it’s Victoria’s journey. For me, it was refreshing to read a book about BDSM that wasn’t all about the sex. I think this is a great book for novices to the lifestyle so they can see and understand that they’re not alone in how they feel.

Reviewed by Tequila Rose

Review: Unconventional Desires by Victoria Louise Sadler

Unconventional Desires by Victoria Louise Sadler

Link to buy Unconventional Desires: A diary of discovery... Domination, Submission, Sadism and Masochism

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Review:

Unconventional Desires: A Diary….is the story of young twenty something Victoria who is a biology graduate and lives at home with her parents. At the beginning of the story, we find that she has agreed to a date with Sebastian, who she met online in a BDSM chat room. The story covers the next year of her growing relationship with Sebastian and how she balances her secret relationship and desires from her family and vanilla friends. She shares all of her thoughts, feelings, and worries she experiences in her diary. Sebastian leads her down the path of submission, exposing her to different types of toys, various levels of pain, public play parties, and what it means to be submissive. During her journey, numerous times Victoria questions what she’s doing with Sebastian, her desires to submit and enjoyment of pain. She also struggles if she will have to give up some of her more vanilla dreams if she is to continue on the path of submission.

I really fell in love with this story for many reasons, but the biggest reason is because the author really focuses a lot on what it’s like to be a new submissive and the roller coaster of emotions that comes along with that journey. The main focus of this book isn’t the sex or the kink scenes, it’s Victoria’s journey. For me, it was refreshing to read a book about BDSM that wasn’t all about the sex. I think this is a great book for novices to the lifestyle so they can see and understand that they’re not alone in how they feel.

Reviewed by Tequila Rose

September Book of the Month is Deep Enough To Bleed by Margie Church!

Deep Enough To Bleed by Margie Church 

Link to buy Deep Enough to Bleed 

Story Rating: 5 out of 5 

Review:  

Deep Enough To Bleed by Margie Church is the emotional journey of Jolene Parks as she learns to find her way in life after the physical abuse her father puts her and her brother Adam through. Not only does she have to suffer through the abuse but she has to deal with the fact that her loving grandmother sacrifices her freedom when she kills her son for the abuse he has put his children through. And so begins Jolene’s journey into adulthood and not on a very good note. Eighteen months after or so after she graduates high school enters the man who will help to change her life. But will Brendan help her overcome all of her fears and help her to love unconditionally? Will he be able to help her see that she will not repeat her father’s sins?

Margie Church takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster that has the reader smiling, laughing, and crying. This story will bring tears to the eyes in many different sections as she tells the story of one very emotionally scarred person’s story. Not only does the story have a great deal of back story to it so that the characters seem to come to life but Margie Church touches on a rather taboo topic that needs to be talked about more often and that is the life of a cutter and why the person cuts. Margie Church sheds light on this topic in an eloquent way without making the topic scarier than it already is. Kudos to you Margie this is a topic near and dear to this reviewer’s heart.

All in all the story is very well written and keeps the reader’s attention with a couple of different storylines going on that tie back into Jolene’s story. Though the story does not end with a totally happy ending the ending does the story well but if you want to know how it ends you will have to read it to find out. So once again kudos to Margie Church for a very well written story and thank you for sharing your talents with us. This story receives an astounding five out of five! And a special note for the content on the cutting thank you Margie for sharing this very important story with us.

Reviewed by Unrequited Spirit

Review: Deep Enough to Bleed by Margie Church

Deep Enough o Bleed by Margie Church 

Link to buy Deep Enough to Bleed

Story Rating: 5 out of 5 

Review:  

Deep Enough To Bleed by Margie Church is the emotional journey of Jolene Parks as she learns to find her way in life after the physical abuse her father puts her and her brother Adam through. Not only does she have to suffer through the abuse but she has to deal with the fact that her loving grandmother sacrifices her freedom when she kills her son for the abuse he has put his children through. And so begins Jolene’s journey into adulthood and not on a very good note. Eighteen months after or so after she graduates high school enters the man who will help to change her life. But will Brendan help her overcome all of her fears and help her to love unconditionally? Will he be able to help her see that she will not repeat her father’s sins?

Margie Church takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster that has the reader smiling, laughing, and crying. This story will bring tears to the eyes in many different sections as she tells the story of one very emotionally scarred person’s story. Not only does the story have a great deal of back story to it so that the characters seem to come to life but Margie Church touches on a rather taboo topic that needs to be talked about more often and that is the life of a cutter and why the person cuts. Margie Church sheds light on this topic in an eloquent way without making the topic scarier than it already is. Kudos to you Margie this is a topic near and dear to this reviewer’s heart.

All in all the story is very well written and keeps the reader’s attention with a couple of different storylines going on that tie back into Jolene’s story. Though the story does not end with a totally happy ending the ending does the story well but if you want to know how it ends you will have to read it to find out. So once again kudos to Margie Church for a very well written story and thank you for sharing your talents with us. This story receives an astounding five out of five! And a special note for the content on the cutting thank you Margie for sharing this very important story with us.

Reviewed by Unrequited Spirit

August book of the month is Not Quite Dead by Lyla Payne

Not Quite Dead by Lyla Payne

Link to buy Not Quite Dead (A Lowcountry Ghost Story)

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Blurb:

A broken engagement sends Graciela Harper crawling back to Heron Creek with her tail between her legs, but finds the sleepy little town too changed to set her life right. Not even her budding drinking problem can obscure her Gramps’s failing health, or erase the mental picture of her first love happily married to her childhood best friend. To top it all off, she’s having a heck of time convincing the town’s dashing young mayor of her unfit-for-dating status.

When the ghost of 18th century lady pirate Anne Bonny starts insisting on a near daily audience, Graciela has to confront something else she never expected—being certifiably nuts at twenty-five years old.

Her brand new “I don’t give a crap” attitude makes it easy to dismiss the mysterious threats that seem to be tied to her search for more information on the long dead pirate, but when her family becomes a target, Gracie knows she needs to find out why the ghost insists on being a constant, reeking companion.

If Graciela can put aside her prejudice against people without a pulse, she may discover that Anne Bonny’s problems are intricately linked with her own. The past harbors answers could help the cantankerous spirit find closure, but she is, after all, already dead. If Graciela doesn’t move fast, she might find herself doing the haunting, instead of the other way around.

 Review:

What a thoroughly entertaining book! I found this very intriguing and kept me engaged throughout the entire read. The trials that Grace goes through, the good, the bad and the sad. Yes, there are some sad parts so you’d better make sure you’ve got the tissue handy! I absolutely loved Anne Bonny as well, talk about a woman who won’t take no for an answer! And gee, just when you think things have calmed down there are even more surprises! This is highly recommended.   

Reviewed by Cat

Review: Not Quite Dead by Lyla Payne

Not Quite Dead by Lyla Payne

Link to buy Not Quite Dead (A Lowcountry Ghost Story)

Story Rating: 5 out of 5

Blurb:

A broken engagement sends Graciela Harper crawling back to Heron Creek with her tail between her legs, but finds the sleepy little town too changed to set her life right. Not even her budding drinking problem can obscure her Gramps’s failing health, or erase the mental picture of her first love happily married to her childhood best friend. To top it all off, she’s having a heck of time convincing the town’s dashing young mayor of her unfit-for-dating status.

When the ghost of 18th century lady pirate Anne Bonny starts insisting on a near daily audience, Graciela has to confront something else she never expected—being certifiably nuts at twenty-five years old.

Her brand new “I don’t give a crap” attitude makes it easy to dismiss the mysterious threats that seem to be tied to her search for more information on the long dead pirate, but when her family becomes a target, Gracie knows she needs to find out why the ghost insists on being a constant, reeking companion.

If Graciela can put aside her prejudice against people without a pulse, she may discover that Anne Bonny’s problems are intricately linked with her own. The past harbors answers could help the cantankerous spirit find closure, but she is, after all, already dead. If Graciela doesn’t move fast, she might find herself doing the haunting, instead of the other way around.

 Review:

What a thoroughly entertaining book! I found this very intriguing and kept me engaged throughout the entire read. The trials that Grace goes through, the good, the bad and the sad. Yes, there are some sad parts so you’d better make sure you’ve got the tissue handy! I absolutely loved Anne Bonny as well, talk about a woman who won’t take no for an answer! And gee, just when you think things have calmed down there are even more surprises! This is highly recommended.   

Reviewed by Cat