Category Archives: Karen Erickson

July 30, 2012 · 3:56 am

A Scandalous Affair by Karen Erickson

Title: A Scandalous Affair by Karen Erickson
The Merry Widow Series Book 3
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Historical, Erotic, Romance
Length: 22,000 words
Book Rating: C+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the moment Daphne, Lady Pomeroy, meets the mysterious Marquess of Hartwell at a masquerade ball, she’s determined to seduce him. The handsome, charming man cannot possibly be the cold, calculating lord who Society calls “Black Hart.” Risking everything, the lonely widow invites the elusive Hartwell to her dinner party…for two.

Hartwell’s arrogant reputation is built on a lie. For he has a shameful secret that keeps him in the shadows: a stutter–his downfall since childhood. He’d rather keep his mouth shut than look the fool. But he’s shocked to discover that in Daphne’s company–and in her bed–his stutter vanishes.

After one wanton evening together, Daphne is hurt when the lord lives up to his Black Hart name. Yet his reasons for leaving surprise even him. Now he must confess everything or risk losing Daphne forever…

22,000 words

The Review:

Like the other books in Karen Erickson’s Merry Widow Series, A Scandalous Affair is a quick read that is delightfully sexy.

Daphne is quite intrigued by her first encounter with the Marquess of Hartwell. With the Marquess keeping his distance from her, Daphne engineers a proper introduction to the dashing Marquess and issues him an invitation for an intimate dinner for two. Has the charming widow discovered a way to win his carefully guarded heart? Or will “Black Hart” continue to live up to his dark reputation?

One of the reasons I am a big fan of the Merry Widows series because Ms. Erickson’s heroines are such unconventional yet strong characters and Daphne is no exception. She knows what she wants and she does not hesitate to go after it.

While Hartwell may not be the typical romance hero, he is still quite appealing. Seeing himself through Daphne’s eyes changes the way he views himself and he gains some much needed self-confidence.

With the other novellas in the Merry Widows series, the main characters already have an established relationship which makes their romance believable. That prior connection is missing in A Scandalous Affair. Daphne and Hartwell do not spend much time together and their relationship felt superficial and rushed. More of an “insta-love” vibe than a true emotional bond. I did enjoy them as a couple and their sexual chemistry leads to some very steamy lovemaking.

If you are a fan of Historical romances, then you should pick up a copy of Karen Erickson’s A Scandalous Affair. It is a short yet satisfying story with two very likable protagonists and an enjoyably unique storyline. Although part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

My review of the first book in the Merry Widows series, Lessons in Indiscretion can be found HERE. The review will be found at the bottom of the Carina Post book sale.

Read my review of Her Christmas Pleasure HERE.

4 Comments

Filed under A Scandalous Affair, Carina Press, Erotic, Historical, Karen Erickson, Merry Widows Series, Rated C+, Romance

July 7, 2012 · 3:58 am

Saturday Series Spotlight: Karen Erickson’s Worth It & Contest

Title: Worth the Scandal by Karen Erickson
Worth It Book One
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: Novel

Summary:

Strictly business? Try telling that to her heart…

Worth It, Book 1

Alexander Worth, President and CEO of Worth Luxury Goods, is a man never to be crossed. His unwavering sense of responsibility to the family business requires him to always be in complete and utter control. Until it comes to Tessa Crawford.

She’s quietly professional, shy, voluptuous…and she works for him. Which means she is the one woman he must never touch, no matter how hard his gut twists with need for her.

After rising above her disadvantaged childhood, Tessa knows the last thing she should do is risk throwing it all away by falling into bed with her sexy boss. But on an extended European business trip, all self-imposed barriers burn away in the heat of their sizzling chemistry.

Once back home, though, whispers of corporate espionage turn into full-blown scandal—and Tessa finds out the hard way where Alex’s loyalties lie. Determined to soldier on, she picks herself up and carries on with a secret, yet welcomed burden. Never guessing that Alex will make a reappearance in her life, ready to show her once and for all that family does, indeed, come first.

Product Warnings: Contains a sweet-yet-strong woman, and a bossy alpha male brought to his knees by the woman he desperately loves. Involves enough begging and groveling that the reader may be tempted to “accidentally” leave it for her significant other to “find”. For instructional purposes only, of course!

Title: Worth the Risk by Karen Erickson
Worth It Book Two
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: Novel

Summary:

How to make a strong man fall hard? Refuse him.

Worth It, Book 2

Hunter Worth lives life to the absolute fullest. As vice president and head of brand marketing for Worth Luxury Goods, he’s brought his family’s business firmly into the twenty-first century. Ruthless yet charming, he’s now set his sights on the sexiest member of the marketing team. First thing on his agenda? Seduction.

Gracie Hayes needs her job at Worth—and she’s not about to let the gorgeous owner and her direct boss distract her—again. Orphaned, and with a rough childhood behind her, she’s worked too hard to compromise everything for a fling, no matter how tempting. Independent, strong and resourceful, she will fight off Hunter. She has to.

Flirting, stolen kisses, a few nights of scorching hot sex…Hunter has all that in mind and more with the delicious Gracie. He never figures he’d fall in love or that she’d deny him. How will Hunter convince Gracie he’s the one for her?

Product Warnings: Contains yet another one of those sexy, bossy Worth brothers, though this one is too full of charm for his own good. Watch as he falls hard—and watch as she tries her hardest to dodge his every attempt at seduction.

I am giving away one eBook from the Worth It series-WINNER’S CHOICE. Here’s how to enter the Saturday Series Spotlight contest:

You must Do TWO of the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (upper left corner). One email daily with the day’s posts.

OR:

2. Be or become a fan of Book Reviews & More by Kathy Facebook page

OR:

3. Follow me on Twitter (@BookReviewsMore)

OR:

4. Friend Book Reviews & More by Kathy on Goodreads

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

5. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Reviews and More by Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don’t forget to:

6. Leave a comment on this post telling me WHICH book in the series you would like to win by 5 PM Mountain Time Monday afternoon.

It’s that easy! The winner will be selected using random.org. I will e-mail one lucky winner the eBook of their choice in their preferred format. The winner will be announced on Tuesday.

***The eBooks in this giveaway have been purchased by Book Reviews & More by Kathy.***

12 Comments

Filed under Contest, Karen Erickson, Saturday Series Spotlight, Worth It Series

December 21, 2011 · 3:52 am

Baby, Don’t Lose My Number by Karen Erickson

Title: Baby, Don’t Lose My Number by Karen Erickson
Fated Book Two
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Red Hots!
Length: Novella
Book Rating: B

Summary:
Never press the “ignore” button on love…

Fated, Book 2

In these uncertain times, Mia Skinner’s Blackberry is her lifeline to independence…and a twenty-four/seven chain to her overbearing boss. When she loses it on a girls’ night out, it’s a disaster with pink slip written all over it—until she takes a chance and calls her number. And ends up talking to Mr. Sexiest-Voice-Alive.

The moment Jacob Miller lays eyes on the phone’s beautiful owner, a bolt of lust makes him want to make a sexy mess of her tidy outfit and perfectly straight hair. Which is a good sign. It means he’s almost fully recovered from a near-debilitating construction accident. Perhaps a little horizontal healing will get him back on his feet for good.

As their passion burns bright and hot, a funny thing happens. Mia’s ignoring her phone—and Jake’s the one itching to get back to work. But he’s building a plan that’ll let her hang up on her increasingly creepy boss for good. If Mia’s willing to meet him in the middle.

Product Warnings: Delicious, toe-curling sex including a lusty scene in a truck flying down the freeway. A hero whose greatest thrill is lavishing all his attention upon the woman he wants more than anything in the world.

The Review:

Baby, Don’t Lose My Number is the delightfully steamy second installment in Karen Erickson’s fun and sexy Fated series.

Baby, Don’t Lose My Number is a scorching hot story with unexpected depth and strong emotion. Mia Skinner and Jake Miller are realistic, likeable characters that readers will find easy to relate to. Their first date is sweet and romantic, and they take the time to get to know one another before tearing each other’s clothes off. But when their clothes do finally come off? The passion explodes between this lusty couple and the sex is incendiary.

Baby, Don’t Lose My Number is a charming romance that is both erotic and heartwarming. Karen Erickson has once again written a story that will leave you believing in Fate and love at first sight. She also leaves her readers eagerly anticipating the next novella in this fabulous series.

Read my review of Book One in the Fated series HERE.

3 Comments

Filed under Baby Don't Lose My Number, Contemporary, Fated Series, Karen Erickson, Rated B, Red Hots!, Romance, Samhain Publishing Limited

November 28, 2011 · 4:00 am

Her Christmas Pleasure by Karen Erickson

Title: Her Christmas Pleasure by Karen Erickson
The Merry Widows Series Book 2
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Historical, Erotic, Romance
Length: 20,000 words
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Damien Morton is madly in love. Unfortunately, it’s with his best friend’s widow, Lady Danver. Damien is not worthy of Celia. Or so he thinks. Desperate to escape his feelings for her, he plans to leave the country at the first of the year. Celia treats him as a family friend and nothing more-until they share a heated kiss beneath the mistletoe…

Celia is shocked by the passions that surge within her at her dear friend’s kiss. One touch and one taste aren’t enough to satisfy her cravings, and she is startled into action. Damien has stirred something inside her that she never expected to experience again, and she must have more. Full of shameless desire and emotions newly discovered, she decides to pursue Damien and won’t be deterred. Will she be able to convince him to stay-both in her heart and life-forever?

20,000 words

The Review:

The Christmas season works its magic as unlikely duo Celia Danver and Damien Morton unexpectedly discover passion and love in Karen Erickson’s Her Christmas Passion. Celia has recently discovered a disconcerting attraction to her close friend Damien. When faced with the prospect of losing him, she boldly pursues Damien which results in the most passionate and satisfying sex Celia has ever experienced.

Celia and Damien are engaging characters that are well developed and likeable. Although Her Christmas Passion takes place over just a few days, their transition from friends to lovers is very believable since they share a long-standing and close friendship. Given Celia’s social standing, Damien’s concerns about their relationship are credible but Ms. Erickson resolves this conflict in a realistic and satisfying manner.

Her Christmas Passion is a delightful romance that is both steamy and sweet. Fans of historical romance are sure to fall in love with this charming couple. I am eagerly looking forward to Karen Erickson’s next installment in the Merry Widows series.

My review of the first book in the Merry Widows series, Lessons in Indiscretion can be found HERE. The review will be found at the bottom of the Carina Post book sale.

Comments Off on Her Christmas Pleasure by Karen Erickson

Filed under Carina Press, Erotic, Her Christmas Pleasure, Historical, Karen Erickson, Merry Widows Series, Rated B, Romance

November 14, 2011 · 12:37 pm

Carina Press: Get Novellas for $1.99

Looking for a quick read at a great price? Head over to Carina Press and check out the novellas they have on sale!

Here are two of my reviews (originally posted at Blackraven’s Reviews) of novellas that are on sale:

Title: Do Over by Mari Carr
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Erotic, Contemporary, Romance
Length: 24, 000 words
Book Rating: A+ and A Recommended Read

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Sometimes once is not enough…

After twenty-five years of marriage, Faith Wainwright wonders what she’ll do next. Her kids have moved out and sometimes she feels so distant from her husband, Troy.

Right before their anniversary, Troy gives Faith an unexpected gift: a journey through their hometown to reenact all their “firsts.” Their first date. Their first kiss. And especially the first time they made love—only better.

Each stop on their tour becomes an opportunity for Faith and Troy to rediscover how explosive their passion can be. Now Faith knows exactly what she’s going to do—Troy, over and over again…

24,000 words

The Review:

Do Over by Mari Carr is an incredibly romantic, highly erotic, and playful read. Ms. Carr packs a lot of powerful emotions in this amazing short story.

Faith Wainwright’s nest is empty, and she is struggling to figure out where she belongs now she is no longer focused on raising her children. When her husband, Troy, suggests a weekend visit to their hometown, Faith readily agrees with high hopes the change of scenery will raise her spirits. When Troy surprises her with their tour of the places they had so many firsts, Faith is stunned to discover that neither she nor Troy knows the other as well as they believed. And that maybe her future will be even more amazing than the past she is leaving behind.

Do Over is more than a walk down memory lane for Troy and Faith. It is a wonderful snapshot of their marriage as they reminisce about the milestones of their life together. It is a learning opportunity for Faith as Troy reveals facets of his personality she did not know he possessed. For Troy, it is a time of self discovery as he reflects on the important events of their life. Faith and Troy are stunned at the depth of their newly reignited passion as they push their sexual boundaries to new limits with every erotic interlude.

Do Over by Mari Carr is a heartfelt, captivating read. Like fine wine, love only gets better with age.

Here is my review of Lessons in Indiscretion by Karen Erickson (originally posted at Blackraven’s Reviews:

Title: Lessons in Indiscretion by Karen Erickson
The Merry Widows Series, Book 1
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Erotic, Historical, Romance
Length: 17,000 words
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Widowed Lady Julia Renwick is still young enough to crave a man’s touch; but she’s too old to think that the Earl of Bedingfield could see her as anything more than a family friend. Garrett Walker is handsome, charming and only 26 years old—the perfect catch for any one of this year’s debutantes.

Garrett has no interest in the maidens vying for his attentions. He wants only Julia. With just two weeks left in the season, he makes a bold move by asking her to dance. When she counters with a shocking request of her own, Garrett eagerly agrees.
Soon, they are stealing away for passionate encounters at every society event they attend. Garrett introduces Julia to excitements she never knew existed, and her newfound confidence quickly attracts other eligible men. It’s not long before Garrett realizes he must find a way to keep the lady all to himself…

17,000 words

The Review:

Lessons in Indiscretion by Karen Erickson is a deliciously steamy romp that is sure to delight fans of historical romances.

Out of mourning the death of her husband, Lady Julia Renwick is ready to indulge in a passionate affair. The object of her desire? The Earl of Bedingfield Garrett Walker, a long time family friend. Surprised by Garrett’s quick acquiescence to her proposal for a quick affair, the two embark on a deeply sensuous and lusty tryst.

Although Lessons in Indiscretion is a short novella, their long-standing friendship lends credibility to Julia and Garrett’s relationship. The sexual chemistry between Garrett and Julia is intense and their sex scenes are passion filled and extremely sexy. Ms. Erickson provides a degree of originality to Lessons in Indiscretion with the older woman/younger man story line that is not commonly found in historical romances.

Lessons in Indiscretion by Karen Erickson is an engaging romance that is sweet yet sexy and refreshingly conflict free. The first book of The Merry Widows series, Lessons in Indiscretion leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment of this promising new series.

3 Comments

Filed under Carina Press, Do Over, Karen Erickson, Lessons in Indiscretion, Sale

October 11, 2011 · 3:00 am

Under My Umbrella by Karen Erickson

Title: Under My Umbrella by Karen Erickson
Fated Book One
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Red Hots!
Length: Novella
Book Rating: B

Summary:

It’ll take more than a fire hose to cool down this attraction…

Fated, Book 1

Rain, rain, go away. That’s Jenna’s mantra as she suffers through yet another rain-soaked walk home from work. At least the tight butt of the guy walking in front of her offers some distraction. When he turns around and asks to share her umbrella, she realizes his front view is as smokin’ as the back. What better way to get up close and personal with the object of her ogling?

Brett noticed his hot little neighbor weeks ago, but until now hadn’t worked up the nerve—or found the opportunity—to approach her. Too many hours at the fire station has left him longing for something more out of life. Like the company of a sweet, sexy woman. Maybe, if he’s lucky, kindling a relationship.

Jenna surprises herself again when she offers to let him dry off in her apartment. One minute he’s toweling off his hair, the next their chemistry explodes in the hottest sex either of them have ever experienced. And suddenly they’re both wondering if he’s the match to her tinder, or if it’s too much, too fast…

Product Warnings: Contains smokin’ hot sex with a delicious stranger who turns out to be her neighbor who turns into the hottest firefighter she’s ever met. Grab a glass of ice water to cool these flames!

The Review:

In Karen Erickson’s Under My Umbrella Jenna and Brett’s chance meeting leads to pure, unadulterated sex. Is it just hot sex? Or will Fate guide this couple to love?

Under My Umbrella is a delicious mix of erotic sex and romance. The sexual chemistry between Jenna and Brett is scorching, and their sex scenes are delectably steamy. Brett is undeniably hot and I love how he loses control when he is with Jenna. Jenna is supremely self-confident so I will admit her moments of self doubt caught me off guard. Luckily her good friend Morgan talks some common sense into her when she needs it!

Under My Umbrella is an engaging story about love at first sight and believing that Fate plays a hand in our lives. I must confess I am usually not a fan of “insta-love” plots, but Karen Erickson pulls it off with Jenna and Brett. I am really looking forward to the other books in the Fated series.

2 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Fated Series, Karen Erickson, Rated B, Red Hots!, Romance, Samhain Publishing Limited, Under My Umbrella