Book Blast: Taught (Taught #1) by Jenna Tyler

Note: The following book blast contains material suitable only for readers over 18 years of age.

About the Author:

I was born and raised in South/Central Florida. Currently residing in Texas, I love spending time with my fur-baby, Roxy… and sometimes my kids (when they behave). I enjoyed writing poems as a teenager, but it was short-lived. I didn’t become an avid reader until… Twilight and became obsessed. My passion for reading led to stories and characters nagging at me. Then a friend suggested I write it out and have now released my debut novel, Something More.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Taught (Taught #1)
Adult Contemporary Erotic Romance
Expected Publication: 7 July 2015

Marissa Mitchell loves her job as a first grade teacher. Dating a student’s father is the furthest thing from her mind, even forbidden…until she meets Brady James. His sexy and confident demeanor captivates her, his tattoos giving him that bad boy edge for which every woman drops their mouths—and panties.

When Marissa agrees to meet Brady for drinks, she could never imagine what she would walk into. Her world tilts when she learns what kinds of things make up the man before her, the kind of man she never knew she wanted.

I want him…beneath me, above me, behind me…inside me.

Goodreads | Barnes and Noble

Taught Book Blast Arranged By Southern Belle Promotions.

Release Day Blitz: Master of Freedom (A Mountain Masters Novella) by Cherise Sinclair @InkSlingerPR @CheriseSinclair

About the Author:

Having to wear glasses in elementary school can scar a person for life. Dubbed a nerd at an early age, Cherise Sinclair has been trying to live up to the stereotype ever since. And what better way than being an author?

Known for writing deeply emotional stories, the USA Today Bestselling Author has penned sixteen erotic romance novels, most with a BDSM theme. (Please do not mention the phrase mommy porn in her presence.) Her awards range from a National Leather Award to a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nomination to a GoodReads BDSM group award for best author of the year. Called an “ascendant erotica queen” by Rolling Stone Magazine, Cherise spends her days writing, supervised by a sadistic calico cat.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest


Excerpt from Master of Freedom:

“Virg called. There’s a prison riot in Yard A. But while that happened, a Hummer took out the fence in the minimum-security section. Several racist gang members—skinheads—were on yard work. Four grabbed a couple of the female staff and escaped.” When Atticus’s hand stopped in midstroke, the mare nudged him chidingly. “What about Gin? Is she all right? Has anyone seen her?”

“Buddy,” Morgan’s gaze was stark. “She was kidnapped.”

“No.” The word came from his gut. Then he moved. Left the stall. Shut in the mare. “Lend me a car.” He could— Morgan grabbed his shoulder and ducked the reflexive punch. “Hold, man. They had a Jeep. Abandoned it up around Banner Mountain. The trailhead there breaks into a shitload of small paths. Virgil wants us to mount up, take the Flint trail, and see if we can cut their tracks.”

Smelling trouble, Trigger came to sit at Atticus’s feet.

Despite the fear for Gin tearing through him, Atticus forced himself to pause. Think. Hummer for the fence. Must have had the Jeep waiting. All on yard work. That shouldn’t have been allowed. Had they planned the riot as a diversion? They probably had gun or drug money to blow on bribes. Everything pointed to a coordinated plan.

Well thought out. So they’d know roadblocks would be set up. “They’ll have gear from the car. And maps. Are probably making for a point where they can be picked up by car.”

Wyatt had swung into action. When home, the Mastersons assisted Search and Rescue; they kept packs ready to go. “Ware, catch.” Saddlebags flew through the air.

Atticus caught the load. Yard A. Sawyer wasn’t in that one. Still… “Any word on my brother?”

“Virgil didn’t say anything.” Morgan was saddling his horse.

Stay safe, bro. Keep your head down. Atticus saddled Festus and turned his mind to the task. The fucking inmates were canny enough to set up a prison break. They had hostages. And they’d react like cornered rats if found.

Gin, hold on, sweetling.

Atticus only had his service weapon. We need more firepower. “Wyatt, we’re going to need rifles. Accurate ones.”

“On it, buddy.” Morgan ran for the house.

Time to go hunting.

Master of Freedom (A Mountain Masters Novella
Adult Contemporary Erotic Romance
Published: 14 April 2015 by Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated

Detective Atticus Ware gave up his beloved Idaho to start again in the mountains of California, close to his imprisoned brother. He has a rewarding job and friends, but the experienced Dominant wants more than the Do-Me submissives who flock around him. He needs a woman who will give her heart as well as her body.

Virginia, “Gin,” is damn good at her challenging career as a prison psychologist. However, one problem inmate is mired in misery and unable to overcome his guilt at causing a friend’s death. To clear her mind, she joins a friend’s kinky backpacking excursion, planning to hide in her tent during the evening BDSM pursuits. But Atticus lures her into the activities. She’s read about BDSM, but submission under the hands of a powerful Dom is beyond anything she’d imagined. She doesn’t trust men, doesn’t want a relationship, and yet…wants more from him.

Finally, Atticus has found the woman he wants in his life. In his bed. In his cuffs. But she’s not only his brother’s therapist, but also works in a prison. How can he tolerate his woman walking into danger every single blasted day?

Gin knows she has no future with Atticus Ware, but still, hope is rising in her heart.

Goodreads | Amazon

Check out the rest of the Mountain Masters and Dark Haven Series on Goodreads HERE.

Master of Freedom (A Mountain Masters Novella) Release Day Blitz Arranged by InkslingerPR.

Cover Reveal: Unexpectedly Yours (Beachwood Bay #6) by Melody Grace

About the Author:

Melody Grace is the New York Times bestselling author of the Beachwood Bay series. A small-town girl turned SoCal beach lover, after spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time she wrote one herself. She loves steamy romance novels, happily-ever-afters, and lusting after fictional menfolk. She is the author of the USA Today and international bestselling Beachwood Bay series.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Unexpectedly Yours (Beachwood Bay #6)
New Adult Contemporary Romance Novella
Expected Publication: December 2014

Sophie Young has been dreaming about the perfect Christmas in New York ever since she was a kid. But when her boyfriend bails on their romantic trip for two, she finds herself stranded in the city on Christmas Eve, with only a holiday-hating smooth-talking, utterly sexy stranger for company…

Rock-star Austin Kelly is fed up with Christmas – he’s more interested in who’s going to be cozying up under the mistletoe. But when his little black book comes up empty, he finds himself on a whirlwind tour of the city with the most unlikely partner in festive fun…The snow is falling, but things are definitely heating up inside. And by the time the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve, there will be plenty to celebrate with old friends and familiar faces back in Beachwood Bay.

A heart-warming, sexy new stand-alone holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Melody Grace!

Goodreads | iBooks

Haven't read the Beachwood Bay Series yet? Check it out on Goodreads HERE.

Unexpectedly Yours (Beachwood Bay #6) Cover Reveal Arranged by Mark My Words Book Publicity.

ARC Review: Demon Bait by Moira Rogers

Book: DEMON BAIT 
Author: MOIRA ROGERS 
Genre: POST-APOCALYPTIC/SCIENCE-FICTION ROMANCE 
Published: November 2011, SAMHAIN PUBLISHING  

Series: Children of the Undying #1 (upcoming series)  
Source: Author, no other compensation given for honest review

From Good Reads:  
Fifty years after a demon apocalypse devastated the world, summoners still bear the bulk of the blame. Marci lives in secret, hiding the gifts that could cost her a secure spot in one of humanity’s underground cities, and access to their virtual world. After all, her chances of avoiding the genetic-testing lotto are better than her chances of surviving topside. 

The bastard son of a terrifying incubus, lust heats Gabe’s blood and sex fuels his magic. Innate charm and charisma help him navigate the cultural gap between the outcast town he calls home and the human settlements he infiltrates for trade. His latest mission nets him an unexpected asset–a summoner strong enough to soothe his darkest needs. 

Trust a half demon, especially one who uses a lockdown to trap them together? Not in this lifetime. Yet Marci can’t resist Gabe’s offer to see her safely to a selective outcast settlement where she can live without fear. The journey alone is as dangerous as the way Gabe makes her heart race, but it could be her one hope of a real life. 

If only she could be sure Gabe’s telling her the whole truth…  

My Review:
Honest truth, I have never read a Moira Rogers novella or novel that I didn’t like. So, right off, DEMON BAIT is not going to be the exception. In fact, I would say with DEMON BAIT, Rogers has really stepped up her game. I love science-fiction and cyber fiction and romance. Rogers has combined all of these in this latest novella.

Though the page count is short and the pace is quick, I didn’t feel as if anything was missing from the plot. This is one of Rogers’ greatest strengths. The duo that writes under the pseudonym knows how to pull together a tight plot and make every word germane to the story. Their world-building is nominal; no long passages explaining the set-up of the world. No exposition that shifts the focus of the plot. No external characters that just serve to show that this is a fantasy world. That’s what I love, truly. The fact that Rogers can pull me into their world and their story that quickly and make the journey believable, no matter how short the novella may be.

DEMON BAIT does take a turn from their usual fare. The two other main series that Rogers writes deal with vampires and werewolves, shapeshifters and witches (oh my!). But, lately the author has been stretching into other genres, and even mixing and matching sub-genres that might have never been combined before. I would say that DEMON BAIT would appeal to readers that like science-fiction, or post-apocalyptic plotlines. Even readers who have read other work by Rogers outside of just the SOUTHERN ARCANA series, or the RED ROCK PASS series would probably really enjoy it.

The awesome writing and stunning tension that marks all of their work is present here, but DEMON BAIT might not strike the same interest if you do not have any interest in cyber or science-fiction based books. For me, it was one of their best, and I look forward to snapping up further books in this series, as well as anything else Moira Rogers authors.  

5/5 for plot 
5/5 for characters 
4.5/5 for language 
My Rating: 14.5/15 (5 stars) Must Read

Find the author at: Website | Blog | Twitter (Bree) | Twitter (Donna) | GoodReads | Facebook

Purchase book at: Barnes and Noble | Samhain Publishing | All Romance E-Books | Amazon

Available formats: NookBook, EPub, PDF, Kindle  

Book Review: Flash Gold by Lindsay Buroker

Book: FLASH GOLD
Author: LINDSAY BUROKER
Genre: STEAMPUNK/FANTASY
Published: March 2011

Series: none
Source: Author via Book Lovin' Bitches E-Book Tours, no other compensation given for an honest review

From Good Reads:
Eighteen-year-old Kali McAlister enters her steam-powered "dogless sled" in a race, intending to win the thousand-dollar prize and escape remote Moose Hollow forever. The problem? Fortune seekers and airship pirates are after her for the secret to flash gold, her late father's alchemical masterpiece.

With her modified rifle and a pocketful of home-made smoke bombs, Kali wouldn't normally hide from a confrontation, but taking on a whole airship single-handedly is a daunting task. Unfortunately, the other racers won't assist her--they're too busy scheming ways to sabotage her unorthodox sled.

When a sword-slinging stranger shows up, wanting to hire on as her protector, she's sure he has ulterior motives, but he's the only one interested in helping her. The question is...why?

My Review:
I've previously read work by Lindsay Buroker, and have been very impressed with the amount of detail that goes into her adventure stories. Because she does write true adventure books. They might fit under genres or sub-genres like fantasy, science-fiction or steampunk, but the one thing that Buroker writes well is a rip-roaring adventure story.

FLASH GOLD is no exception.

This time around, Buroker brings to the page Kali MacAlister and her extremely mysterious "partner", Cedar. I have to admit that I really wanted to learn more about Cedar. FLASH GOLD doesn't really explain his background, just how he came to be in Kali's orbit, and why he seemed so eager to help her in a sled-race across the Yukon. I found myself wanting Buroker to bring up his history, or delve a bit deeper into his background. In fact, I remember having the same feeling about her character, Sicarius, in ENCRYPTED, and feeling so psyched when he had his own story, THE EMPEROR'S EDGE.

Kali was just as fascinating a character. Though she is a woman alone in the Yukon (or perhaps, because she is), Kali is no shrinking violet. There are times when Cedar jumps in to help her from villains, but there are just as many times that she is utterly capable of taking care of herself, even in the face of people who aren't that concerned about whether they capture her dead or alive.

The steampunk aspect of the novel really captured my attention. This is one of the things that I love about reading Buroker's books. Yes, they are undeniably fantasy, but she always adds a little something in each story line that makes it unique and intriguing. In ENCRYPTED, there was code and code-breakers. In THE EMPEROR'S EDGE, there was counterfeiting. Each story is driven by an idea that seems like it's never been done before.

FLASH GOLD could certainly never be confused or lumped in with anything I have read before. Even with the brevity of the page numbers, this is a complete story that I enjoyed reading. Fans of a pronounced romance might hesitate with this one, but any readers who love an adventure, a little bit of danger, and a woman who can make mechanical dogs, will want to check this book out.

4.5/5 for plot
4.5/5 for characters
4/5 for language

My Rating: 13/15 (4 stars) Highly Recommend

Find the author at:
Website | Twitter | GoodReads

Purchase book at:
Barnes and Noble | Smashwords | Amazon

Available formats: E-Book, NookBook, Kindle

Challenge Participation:


Tour Participation:

A Flash of Fiction: Day Two (NOVEMBER)

Book: LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR
Author: INEZ KELLEY
Genre: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE


Published: November 2010, SAMHAIN PUBLISHING

I received this e-ARC free from the author Inez Kelley, in exchange for an honest review


From Good Reads:
“Make me your goddess and I’ll take you to heaven.”

This sultry promise sparks a scorching, unforgettable one-night stand. The next morning Bram Winters awakes with a hickey and a head full of wicked memories—alone. His nameless goddess is gone without a trace, along with his shirt. And his heart.

Five months later, he stumbles across his mystery lady in a Laundromat, but she still won’t give up her name. Worse, she begs him to leave, no questions asked. Once he catches the spark of terror in her eyes, though, his firefighter training takes over—and he digs in for the duration.

Lady never wanted Bram to see her life’s ugly underside, but it’s too late—his socks are already in the washer. He was supposed to be her declaration of independence from her unstable ex, a bittersweet memory to carry into her new life.


I Liked -- Plot: Bram and "Lady" come together in a sultry tangle of chemistry and desire on a hot summer night. It's just supposed to be a one-night stand. However, it's Bram who wants more, and when he encounters her again, he intends to keep her high on the fireworks that the two create, until he can convince her to stay with him. Whew, the best scene by far, was the one in the laundromat, where Bram "distracts" her from her creepy ex lurking outside the building. The scene could have turned into a revenge scenario, where they "show" her ex exactly what they have together, but it's more about how they both lose themselves when they come together.

I Liked -- Character: "Lady" is an interesting character. I like that she admits her sexual feelings for Bram. Though he is hot under the collar for her, she is really the one that comes off as a sensual, confident character. She is the one that really saw their encounter as a hot, one-time coupling. And later, even though she is aware of the danger that her ex poses, she never comes off as meek or afraid.

My Rating: 13/15 Highly Recommend (4 stars) if you liked:
Coin Operated by Ginny Glass
Veiled Desire by Alisha Rai


Links for the author:
Inez Kelley website

A Flash of Fiction: Day One (NOVEMBER)

Book: WINTER WISHES
Author(s): VIVI ANDREWS, VIVIAN AREND, MOIRA ROGERS
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE

Published: December 2010, CARINA PRESS

I received this book for free from NET GALLEY, in exchange for an honest review.


From Good Reads:
A woman has the Christmas Eve from Hell. Two cat shifters play naughty games. And a witch brings out the beast inside the man. The magic of the season takes on a whole new meaning in these three fantastic—and festive—novellas from some of the best voices in paranormal romance.

Anthology includes:

Tangled Tinsel by Vivian Arend
No Angel by Vivi Andrews
Freeze Line by Moira Rogers


I Liked -- Plot (TANGLED TINSEL): I admit that I am not much of a cat person, but Vivian Arend made me laugh out loud with the antics that she put her cat shifters up to. Because El is a cop, and she is ordered to protect the irascible Kyle from some unknown harm, she ends up fake engaged to him. The two of them are now obliged to spend the winter holidays together under El's parents' roof. Kyle wants to get in her pants, and El has to embrace the side of her that isn't human. The side of her that wants Kyle with equal fervor.

I Liked --Character (TANGLED TINSEL): Though Kyle comes off as a layabout, he is anything but. I love his lighthearted outlook on life, and the great embodiment of cat shifters that Arend manages to show in his character. He's basically what I love about reading Arend. She builds characters that can be playful, sexy, protective, and badass all at the same time.



I Liked -- Plot (NO ANGEL): Wow. This is the first work of Vivi Andrews' that I have read, and I was certainly not disappointed. In a contemporary world where angels and demons are common-place, Andrews matches up the demonic Jay (Jevroth), step-son to the Morningstar, and Sasha, a seemingly normal human. I was impressed at how involved I got while reading about Sasha's quest to retrieve Jay from Hell.

I Liked -- Character (NO ANGEL) Though I usually do like a bad boy, Sasha was the character that I really enjoyed while reading this novella. Clearly she has a right to her anger toward Jay. Not only does it seem like he wants to break up with her, then he disappears into a hell vortex, and later when she sees him again, she finds out that he has been hiding his demon ancestry. But, Andrews writes Sasha true. Yes, she gets upset with Jay, but she also recognized her deeper feelings for him. AND, she doesn't rely on him to get the two of them out of Hell.



I Liked -- Plot (FREEZE LINE): Moira Rogers rocks the post-apocalyptic paranormal story line! I never have anything bad to say about any of Rogers' work, and this is no exception. It's not just that FREEZE LINE involves a world split between heat and cold, but also a world split between witches and werewolves. One is infinitely dangerous to the other, both in terms of weather and humanity.

I Liked -- Character (FREEZE LINE): Typically, the werewolves in Rogers' books are at the very least, semi-alpha and very protective. Shane embodies these attributes, but he never seems derivative of other male characters that Rogers has written about before. Though he cannot survive in the same temperatures that Nadia needs to exist, he still escorts her to safety when she is at her most vulnerable. He leashes what he considers his "animal", and though the two have an explosive chemistry, he still comes off as tender and caring.


My Rating: 14/15 Must Read (4.5 stars)


Links for the authors:

Moira Rogers website
Vivian Arend website
Vivi Andrews website

Book Review: Whirlpool by Vivian Arend

Book: WHIRLPOOL
Author: VIVIAN AREND
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE/MENAGE


I received this e-ARC from the author for review
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Review:
Braden and Chelsea share a hunger for each other. Chelsea's always wanted him, but her plans for the future are looming, and she knows that she will be leaving Jaffrey's Cove for college. Only those plans have come to an abrupt halt, and Chelsea might be staying right where she is. What better time to express her feelings for the handsome sheriff?

Though Braden would like to be with Chelsea, he knows that her hormones - her merfolk hormones - are in full swing. And, sometimes, one man isn't enough for a lusty merwoman. Sometimes, she needs two men to assuage her need. Braden doesn't think that he could be with Chelsea, and share her.

But, then a very human Jamie Powell enters the picture. As a marine biologist, he's supposed to be cataloging the various finds in the merfolk leader's house. The chemistry between Chelsea and Jamie is instantaneous, and doesn't wane when they decide to make Braden jealous. What starts as a sensual game, soon turns into a three-for-all, with Braden and Jamie putting Chelsea in the middle.

Vivian Arend is one of the authors that I have spoken to on Twitter. One of those authors, that has such a personality that I think to myself, I bet I'd like their books. And I do. Without even realizing it, I've had her GRANITE LAKE WOLVES series on my computer for several years. In fact, WOLF SIGNS is one of the few e-book novellas that I have read more than once. So, I jumped at the chance to receive an e-ARC of WHIRLPOOL. Not realizing that it was the second book in the Forces of Nature series. The great thing about WHIRLPOOL though, it wasn't really necessary to have read the first, in order for me to immerse myself into the world of Jaffrey's Cove.

I've read menage stories before, but because there are so many combinations that can occur, I didn't really start reading with any particular expectations. Character-wise, I liked that Braden, Chelsea, and Jamie were all fully-fleshed out. It did seem as if Braden and Chelsea would be the focus of the menage, by the description, and I had high hopes that Jamie wouldn't fall by the wayside. He didn't. Actually, in terms of love scenes, I would have liked to have had more of Braden. Chelsea and Jamie formed a bond early on, and Braden never really seemed as if he was truly Chelsea's preference.

Almost all of the menage stories that I have read, were written one of two ways: a smutty, smexy, one-night stand, or a group of men sharing a woman as a lifestyle. Not that I have any problem with either, but WHIRLPOOL straddled this line very nicely. Braden was the more intense, husband-type guy, while Jamie was the younger, not-staying-permanently-in Jaffrey's-Cove guy. While the end seemed as if Braden was left alone somewhat, while Jamie and Chelsea went off together, I was happy at how Arend resolved their arrangement and commitment to each other.

4/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
4/5 for language

My Rating: 12/15 Highly Recommend
Bonus Cover Points: 4/5

Dirty Laundry and Hot Lovin'!

Book: TALK DIRTY TO ME
Author: GINNY GLASS AND INEZ KELLEY
Genre: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE/ EROTIC ROMANCE


I received this e-galley from the publisher, Carina Press, via NetGalley
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Review
Nora MacGregor is used to thinking of sex in cold, clinical, and technical terms. As a scientist, she has collected copious notes, detailing her research of the power of sex. When she loses those notes, she is willing to do something way outside of her comfort zone to get them back.

Enter Jarod. He's the man who has found Nora's notes. He's also the man who has decidedly naughty thoughts of Nora between his sheets. One wrong turn leads Jarod down the path of being her 'phone sex' lover. It's a chance for him to explore the feelings that he has for Nora, and to bring those feeling out in her. But, the persuasion and deception of 'James' might just ruin any real-life chance that Jarod has with the only girl of his dreams.

So, right off, I will say that there was something that bothered me in this novella. Jarod held all of the power in their relationship. And not really in a good power exchange kind of way. He knew who Nora was, and became attracted to her. But, she was attracted, or even conflicted in her attraction to the alias, 'James'. While he was able to coax her out of her scientific shell by using this anonymous personality, if there hadn't been the insight into his motivations, I would have definitely had a creepy, stalker vibe from Jarod.

Recently, I read the first novella in the DIRTY LAUNDRY series, COIN OPERATED. (See my review here.) It is also written by Ginny Glass. I have to say that I enjoyed COIN OPERATED much more than I did TALK DIRTY TO ME. In trying to analyze my feelings, I'm a little stuck on whether it is because the first novella just struck my fancy more. That is to say, did I like it better because I identified better with the characters? Or was it the subject matter that pushed my buttons, in the right way? Probably both, to some degree.

In the end though, if I was being objective, and not rating TALK DIRTY TO ME, as compared to COIN OPERATED, I did enjoy reading it. It was a well-written read. It explored the emotional response between the two main characters, as well as within their own consciousness. Nora's clinical look at sex was cleverly broken down by 'James' without having a face-to-face encounter, while her interaction with Jarod was sweet and endearing.

3/5 for plot
3/5 for characters
3.5/5 for language

My Rating: 9.5/15 Worth Trying
Bonus Cover Points: 4/5

A Flash of Fiction: Day Three (JULY)

Book: A SAFE HARBOR (BUILDING SANCTUARY)
Author: MOIRA ROGERS
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE/SUSPENSE

I received this e-galley from the author as a promotion for the book.
Picture courtesy of Good Reads

Overview
Joan Fuller is on the run from a powerful Alpha werewolf. She's allied herself with a vampire, an unheard of alliance, and now she needs help bringing the rest of her ragtag group of werewolves to safety. Though she's strong, the Alpha she's running from would seek to break her, and she has too much at stake to let that happen. Joan is out of a home, and out of options.

Seamus Whelan just wants to savor the fruits of his labor, namely the profits he's made from his bootlegging business. At a time when alcohol is prohibited, but very much in demand due to The Great Depression, he's made his fortune. But, first he will repay a favor to a friend. This favor leads him straight to Joan. Out of necessity, they will forge a path to sanctuary, and build a home for them both.

I Liked -- Plot: There was such an urgency that was built by the language while I was reading. It directly echoed the urgency and danger that Joan and her group of werewolves were facing. I liked how the reader was dropped straight into the story, which probably was necessary, because this is a novella. However, it kept up the pace. I was able to feel the emotions that Joan had: the danger, the fear, the concern for her responsibilities, and her despair that they might not get away. I was almost upset at the end that the story was so short!

I Liked -- Character: Joan was such a strong character in A SAFE HARBOR. Usually when wolves are concerned, the males overshadow the females, because they are so alpha. And, yes, Sean was a very sexy and attractive character (werewolf bootlegger, hello?!), but Joan was the character that shone for me. She was independent and alpha, in her own right. But, she retained that femaleness that allowed her to truly care about the wolves in her keeping. Even when she had to make the hard decisions about who lived, or who died.

My Rating: 13/15 Highly Recommend

A Flash of Fiction: Day Two (JULY)

Book: DARKNESS AT DAWN
Author: DEVIN HARNOIS
Genre: ROMANCE/POST-APOCALYPTIC FANTASY

I won this book from the author, in a contest hosted by Moira Rogers
Picture courtesy of Good Reads

Overview
Richard Everson prowls the night, where other humans wouldn't dare venture. Since his world was overrun by nightmare creatures, he hunts them down and kills numerous nasties, so that people can live without fear. But, the nasties keep coming, so Richard shoots first, and never has regrets.

Until the night that he meets Jennifer. Dawn has just come, and he is ready to relinquish his vigil, when the naked woman takes his breath away. She seems unconcerned by her appearance, and the two have so much spark between them, the air fairly crackles. Richard will have to deny his certainty that Jennifer's one of the nasties, to continue a scorching affair that is against all of the rules.

I Liked -- Plot: The set-up of the novella is very clever. I really like how Devin Harnois isolated Richard. He is a warrior, a loner, and he has to fight the nasties on his own. His choice, but it also leaves the door open for when he does meet Jennifer. Here is someone that tempts him to abandon his control, as well as his preconceptions about the creatures that haunt his world.

I Liked -- Character: Jennifer is a really interesting character. Though the reader doesn't really have a chance to be inside her head, it is obvious that she is self-sufficient, and confident. Whether that has to do with her dual nature, or the fact that she is forced into loneliness, is irrelevant. She has adapted to her surroundings, and is written as a perfect foil to Richard. Because of her dual nature, she has to be the one to break down his barriers, or his loss of control doesn't have the same impact.

My Rating: 12.5/15 Highly Recommend (Adults Only 18+)

A Flash Of Fiction: Day One (JULY)

Book: COIN OPERATED
Author: GINNY GLASS
Genre: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE/ EROTIC ROMANCE

I won this book in a contest hosted by Natasha from My Disorganized Ramblings
Picture courtesy of Good Reads

Overview
Elijah Elliot is a highly capable businessman. Not only does he decide to start his own business, after making his mark in a prestigious advertising firm, he lures away Beatrix London from the same firm. As his associate, the two work well together, but Elijah has other 'dreams' of them working together. Dreams that don't involve much clothing.

Little does he know that Bea feels the same way about him. And, then the two are pushed to work very closely on a racy advertising campaign. It won't be long before all bets are off, and Elijah and Bea find themselves unable to deny their mutual attraction.

I Liked -- Plot: COIN OPERATED is a smexy quick read, where Elijah and Bea have several sexual encounters from the outset- that turn out to be fantasies. Obviously for a novella, the characters have to have a previous knowledge of each other, otherwise it might seem... sordid. Ginny Glass solves that by making the two long time associates, and moves the pace along with their hot-under-the-collar imaginings.

I Liked -- Character: I was all about Elijah! He was a good alpha guy, taking charge in his fantasies, and their real encounters, but not coming off as a neanderthal. Plus, the inventive way that he used those spare quarters from the laundry room...

My Rating: 10.5/15 Recommend (Adults Only 18+)