Category Archives: M/F

June 20, 2016 · 11:57 pm

Review: Downtown Devil by Cara McKenna

Title: Downtown Devil by Cara McKenna
Sins in the City Series Book Two
Publisher: InterMix
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Ménage, M/M/F, M/F, M/M, Romance
Length: 347 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the author of Crosstown Crush comes the second sexy novel in the trilogy that explores the illicit pleasures of ménage à trois.

At the edge of thirty, Clare is feeling restless. Even though she’s gainfully employed and pursuing her passion for photography, she can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing. Then she meets Mica. A perfect subject for her portrait exhibit, Mica is sexy, exciting, and everything Clare desires.

One night with the charismatic stranger is all it takes to leave her craving more. But the intensity Mica brings isn’t confined to the bedroom, and Clare wonders if this summer fling might turn more adventurous than she anticipated—especially as a curious energy starts to simmer between the two of them and Mica’s handsome roommate, Vaughn.

As the three-way tension mounts, Mica makes a sinful proposal. It’s an invitation Clare can’t pass up, and an erotic encounter she’ll never be able to forget. Caught up between two irresistible men, Clare is about to get all the excitement she’s been looking for—and then some….

Review:

Downtown Devil is the newest blistering hot addition to Cara McKenna’s steamy ménage à trois trilogy, Sins in the City.  This latest installment can easily be read as a standalone since the series is loosely linked by subject matter not characters (but I highly recommend Crosstown Crush as well).

On the cusp of her thirtieth birthday, Clare Geddes is a little disappointed by how few of her goals she has accomplished.  Despite having a college degree, she is working a dead end job in a call center and she has not really dated since she ended her last relationship.  Clare is an aspiring photographer and she is hopeful her latest project will be selected for a show in a local gallery.  During her lunch break at a coffee shop, she is immediately struck by one of the barista’s stunning good looks and she is elated when Mica agrees to model for her. Once their photo session is finished, they indulge in an insanely hot one night stand. Thrilled when Mica wants to see her again, Clare is taken off guard when their next hookup turns into a ménage à trois with his roommate and close friend, Vaughn Tucker.

Clare unapologetically embraces her sexuality and she is completely comfortable with the knowledge that Mica is not boyfriend material.  Although a little disappointed when she does not hear from Mica after their night together, Clare pushes thoughts of him aside as she continues working on her photo project.  When he calls her out of the blue about a week later, she is eager to hook up with him again. After Vaughn interrupts their evening together, Clare is a little uneasy with some of Mica’s suggestions, but he easily persuades her to step out of her sexual comfort zone and she revels in their raunchy encounters.

Mica is edgy, sexually adventuresome and completely lacking in social graces.  His dysfunctional childhood left an indelible mark on him and he runs from any type of commitment.  Mica knows what he wants and he is not afraid to go after it which makes him a little calculating at times.  He is emotionally distant and a little thoughtless but these traits are easy to overlook when Mica turns on the charm.

Vaughn is just as sexy as Mica but he is much more settled and considerate than his friend.  Although Mica’s behavior frustrates and irritates him, Vaughn fully understands the reasons behind his actions. The men’s longstanding friendship thrives despite their differences but Vaughn is somewhat troubled by how easily Mica can manipulate situations to suit his needs.

The sex scenes between Mica, Clare and Vaughn are scorching hot and sometimes, just a little illicit.  Although initially reluctant to act on their desires, Clare and Vaughn willingly let down their inhibitions and fully participate in Mica’s carefully orchestrated sexual adventures. There is no shortage of erotic encounters and nothing is off limits as they indulge in dirty talk, phone sex, blazing hot guy on guy action and sizzling hot threesomes that will set your eReader on fire.

Downtown Devil is an unabashedly erotic novel that is full of delectably carnal encounters but it is the surprising conclusion that will delight readers.  Despite the abundance of sex, there is room for romance and Cara McKenna exquisitely builds anticipation as Clare unexpectedly falls for one of her partners. This latest addition to the Sins in the City trilogy is incredibly steamy with a happily for now ending that is quite satisfying.

1 Comment

Filed under Cara McKenna, Contemporary, Downtown Devil, Erotic, InterMix, M/F, M/M, M/M/F, Menage, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sins in the City Series

July 28, 2014 · 11:55 pm

Review: Tempting a Sinner by Kate Pearce

tempting a sinnerTitle: Tempting a Sinner by Kate Pearce
The Sinner’s Club Book Two
Publisher: Kensington Books
Imprint: Aphrodisia
Genre: Historical, Erotic, Romance, Mystery/Suspense, M/M, M/F, F/F, M/M/F, F/F/M
Length: 337 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Known only to a select few, these inscrutable men are bound by dangerous desires and enigmatic pasts. They are the Sinners Club. . .

Cold Calculation

Within the circles of British intelligence, Benedict, Lord Keyes, is known for his cold brilliance and strict military demeanor. Yet this icy exterior masks a man of smoldering passion and scorching sexuality who will do anything to keep his past a secret. . .

Sultry Satisfaction

Miss Malinda Keyes refuses to be intimidated by Lord Keyes. In fact, she enjoys a good battle, especially one of erotic wiles and carnal cunning. Determined to expose his lordship’s past, she will use every wanton weapon in her arsenal to tease and tempt this sinner into the ultimate sensual surrender. . .

The Review:

Tempting a Sinner, the second installment in Kate Pearce’s highly erotic historical series, The Sinner’s Club, is the highly anticipated and long awaited romance starring Lord Benedict Keyes. It is another scorching hot novel that finally provides answers for the intriguing questions about Keyes and his mysterious past.

Benedict’s eighteen year separation from his wife, Malinda, comes to a very unexpected conclusion when Malinda returns to England following the death of her mother. Their reunion is very unorthodox and although a bit rocky in the beginning, Malinda and Keyes are soon in the midst of a very perplexing mystery surrounding the death of Malinda’s father years earlier. With both Malinda and Benedict keeping secrets from one another, will they uncover the truth before it is too late?

Although Benedict has been featured in previous novels, he continues to be a rather mystifying figure. He has an impeccable reputation and he is quite honorable and well respected by his peers. In his private life, Benedict keeps things simple and he is unencumbered by emotional entanglements. But when he is reunited with Malinda, his hard won control is threatened and she definitely shakes up his well-ordered, quiet life.

Malinda is a mature woman, who is feisty and not afraid to do whatever it takes to untangle the web of deception surrounding her father’s death. She is not exactly forthcoming with information, so she and Benedict stumble around a bit in their investigation until she divulges most of the secrets she has been keeping. Their relationship suffers a bit from the lack of honesty between them, but their emotions and feelings always feel genuine.

Benedict and Malinda’s relationship is complicated by lies and betrayals from their long ago past, but nothing can diminish the fiery passion that burns between them.  Outside of the bedroom, secrets continually come between them, but in the bedroom, these two are definitely on the same page. Sexually adventurous, Benedict and Malinda indulge in a ménage or two (with both another woman and another man). Malinda experiments with a little girl on girl action while Benedict continues his occasional encounters with Adam Fisher, a longtime friend and fellow Sinner’s Club member. Their sexual repertoire also includes voyeurism, bondage, light spankings and a little backdoor action.

A deliciously sensual novel that has no shortage of incredibly passionate encounters, Tempting a Sinner is a beautiful blend of mystery and romance. Kate Pearce keeps The Sinner’s Club series fresh with introduction of new characters and innovative, intriguing storylines. Once again, I am very much looking forward to the next installment in this delightfully provocative and alluring series.

Read my reviews of the other books in the series HERE.

3 Comments

Filed under Aphrodisia, Erotic, F/F, F/F/M, Historical, Kate Pearce, Kensington Books, M/F, M/M, M/M/F, Tempting a Sinner, The Sinner's Club Series

March 5, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: Telling Tales by Charlotte Stein

tellingTitle: Telling Tales by Charlotte Stein
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Ménage, M/F, M/M/F, M/F/M, Foursome
Length: 240 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

One Steamy Reunion
Back in college, Allie and her friends used to come up with the wildest stories. When a professor bequeaths his mansion to Allie and three other former students, it’s the chance they’ve all been looking for to get back together. But there’s more than friendship bubbling beneath the surface…

As secrets are revealed and relationships rekindled, the stories get dirtier and the stakes get higher. And now Allie’s realizes that she isn’t quite sure who she wants…fun-loving Wade or quiet, restrained Cameron. Neither has been honest about their feelings, and now they have the chance to act on all of the tales that ignite their most primal desires.

The Review:

Telling Tales is another scrumptiously steamy erotic novel by Charlotte Stein that I highly recommend to readers who like their romances on the naughty side. Voyeurism, threesomes, foursomes and a little D/s play-nothing is off limits as college friends Allie, Kitty, Cameron and Wade reunite and explore all of their sensual desires.

Throughout college, Allie, Kitty, Cam and Wade were close friends who entertained one another with their lusty tales. Allie kept her crush on Wade a closely guarded secret but she poured out her fantasies in her erotic stories. When the four meet again, Allie still desires Wade, but she finds herself captivated by quiet and unassuming Cameron. A startling encounter in the dead of night piques her curiosity and suddenly Allie is not sure which man she craves more…

Allie is the novel’s narrator so we experience firsthand her ambivalence about reuniting with her college pals. She is not very confident sexually and she is a little embarrassed about the stories she wrote years ago. Her conflicted feelings about Wade begin as soon as they meet again and although she is still drawn to him, it is Cam who catches her undivided attention. When the four renew their old hobby of reading sexually explicit stories aloud, the sexual tension between them quickly rises to a fever pitch.

Wade and Cam are at completely opposite ends of the spectrum and I loved watching them evolve throughout the story. Wade is not quite what Allie remembers or maybe it just a case of her crush clouding her perception of him. He is player-smooth and self-confident but arrogant when it comes to women. Cam is reserved and that saying about still waters running deep? Yeah, that aptly describes this gentle man. He is repressed and ashamed of his sexual fantasies but Allie pushes him way out of his comfort zone. Once she figures out what makes him tick, Cam is an enthusiastic participant in some pretty kinky but smoking hot sex scenes.

Their deepest, darkest fantasies are fully explored in sex scenes that are highly detailed and incredibly erotic. Dominant and submissive roles are fully explored and there is also a little bondage as well. While Kitty is an active participants in many of the scenes, there is only a brief amount of sexual interaction between her and Allie. However there is male/male penetration between Wade and Cam during the foursome scenes and while the women are also involved, one of them is usually a voyeur until they switch places.

Telling Tales is the second novel I have read by Charlotte Stein and while similar themes are explored in both, the storylines are quite distinct from one another. While the beginning of the novel is a bit uneven, I was quickly drawn into this fascinating story. It is a deeply sensual romance with depth and unexpected humor and although the romantic aspect is understated, there is never any doubt it is a love story in the making. Another outstanding novel by a true master in the erotic romance genre.

2 Comments

Filed under Charlotte Stein, Contemporary, Erotic, M/F, M/F/M, M/M/F, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sourcebook Casablanca, Sourcebooks, Telling Tales

January 5, 2014 · 11:59 pm

Review: Control by Charlotte Stein

controlTitle: Control by Charlotte Stein
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Ménage, M/F/M, M/F
Length: 258 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Will she choose control or just let go?

When Madison Morris wanted to hire a shop assistant for her naughty little bookstore, she never dreamed she’d have two handsome men vying for the position—and a whole lot more. Does she choose dark and dangerous Andy with his sexy tattoos? Or quiet, serious Gabriel, whose lean physique and gentle touch tempt her more than she thought possible?

She loves the way Andy takes charge when it comes to sex. But the turmoil in Gabe’s eyes hints at a deep well of complicated emotions locked inside. When the fun and games are over, only one man can have control of her heart.

The Review:

Charlotte Stein’s Control is a delectably naughty erotic romance that hits all the right spots. Plenty of steamy, lust-filled sex scenes perfectly compliment the surprisingly emotional storyline and the resulting story is sizzling, funny and poignant. An absolute must read for readers who enjoy a novel that is not afraid to tread into forbidden sexual territory.

Bookstore owner Madison Morris is in a quandary about which applicant to hire as her assistant. Über sexy Andy Yarrow with the deliciously yummy tattoos and a penchant for taking control in the bedroom? Or shy, quiet, inhibited Gabriel with the tempting voyeuristic tendencies? No matter which man Madison chooses, her control is going to be sorely tested!

Madison is not afraid to take a walk on the sexual wild side and there is not a fantasy she is not willing to try. With the right man, she is more than willing to unleash her dominant side. But Madison is also comfortable taking the submissive role as well. She also likes some dirty talking-both as the talker and the listener. I think Madison is the perfect heroine because she is willing to do what we’d all like to do: embrace and explore our sexuality without limits.

Of the two heroes, Gabriel is the one who pretty much stole my heart. He is gentle, charming and sexually inexperienced with just the right amount of vulnerability. Madison’s dominance is something he craves and although he is embarrassed about some of his desires, he is up for just about anything she commands. But the most compelling scenes between these two are the ones where Gabriel reveals information about his past. Their emotional connection is just as strong as their sexual one but it takes them both a while to realize it.

Ah, I just love a bad boy and Andy fits that role perfectly. In real life he is pretty laidback but in the bedroom? He prefers calling the shots. Andy completely dominates Madison and he makes an intriguing third in Madison and Gabriel’s ménage explorations. He is a bit of a wanker (I just love that word!!!) but he manages to surprise me with his unexpected insight into Madison and Gabriel’s relationship.

The sex scenes are scorching hot and plentiful. Despite the dominant and submissive roles, it is not a BDSM novel and although there are a couple of ménages, it is not a true ménage either. It is a sexually adventurous book that defies categorization and I think that’s why I liked it so much.

Control is written in first person from Madison’s perspective. There is a stream of consciousness feel to her inner monologue but once I got used to it, I really enjoyed it. It is a little confusing for the first chapter but by the second chapter, the story flows very smoothly. The humor is well-timed and laugh out loud funny. The characters and overall plot have depth and substance and in between bouts of incendiary sex, a true romance develops. I think it is safe to say that Charlotte Stein is now on my auto-buy list and I have been eagerly purchasing her backlist!

4 Comments

Filed under Charlotte Stein, Contemporary, Control, Erotic, M/F, M/F/M, Menage, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sourcebooks, Sourcebooks Casablanca

December 18, 2013 · 11:56 pm

Review: The Sinner’s Club by Kate Pearce

Title: The Sinner’s Club by Kate Pearce
The Sinner’s Club Book One
Publisher: Kensington
Imprint: Aphrodisia
Genre: Historical, Erotic, Romance, Light BDSM, M/M, M/M/F, M/F
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

It’s known as the Sinners Club. . .a private gentlemen’s club whose members have mysterious pasts and secret fantasies too hot to reveal. . .

Total Pleasure

Unsure of his reception, Jack Lennox adopts the guise of his own secretary upon returning to his ancestral home to claim his father’s earldom. When he arrives, he’s stunned to discover the previous earl’s lovely young widow, a woman of beguiling curves and sensual smiles, warming the bed. . .

Absolute Surrender

Mary Lennox is determined to remain in Pinchbeck Hall and a mere secretary isn’t going to tell her otherwise. But Jack Smith is a man of many talents and soon she’s succumbing to his erotic games of pleasure. Only Mary may have underestimated the intensity of her wanton longings and the depths of Jack’s dark desires. . .

The Review:

Kate Pearce’s spin off series, The Sinner’s Club, is off to a scorching hot beginning with Jack Lennox’s story, The Sinner’s Club. Intriguing glimpses of Jack in the last book of the House of Pleasure series left me eagerly awaiting his novel and I am thrilled to say that it was well worth the wait!

Jack Lennox is next in line to inherit the family estate and title but a few questions about the previous Earl finds him going undercover to unearth the truth. He is also asked to look into Lord Keyes disappearance (an unresolved storyline from the House of Pleasure series) and coincidentally, Keyes’ trail leads to the same vicinity. Jack visits his ancestral home in disguise and he is shocked to discover his elderly uncle was married to a beautiful young woman, Mary. Jack quickly learns that Mary is prepared to go to any lengths necessary to secure her inheritance and keep a roof over not only her head, but her brother Simon’s as well.

As a child, Jack and his impoverished father led a vagabond life. Growing up, Jack learned to use any means necessary to make enough money to survive. Working as a government agent, he utilized the same tactics in order to obtain information from his enemies. This includes trading sexual favors and when he first arrives at the family estate, Jack is more than happy to continue this practice with both Simon and Mary. When his dream of finally putting down roots remains elusive, Jack returns to London where he continues searching for answers about Mary and Simon’s past.

Mary and Simon share a very complicated history and there is much more to their relationship than meets the eye. They are carrying as much emotional baggage from their pasts as Jack and they are fiercely loyal and protective of one another. Mary and Simon are likable characters but they are difficult to get to know because their secrets are not fully divulged until the very end of the novel.

The overall story is enjoyable but it felt a little disjointed in the beginning and I kept feeling like I was missing something. About a quarter of the way in, the writing is much more cohesive and the information I thought I had originally missed about Mary and Simon is finally revealed. The second half of the novel flows more smoothly and is much easier to follow.

The sex scenes in The Sinner’s Club are explicit, exquisitely detailed and plentiful. Jack and Simon share several steamy romps and while there is not an emotional bond between them, the encounters are quite meaningful for Simon. Jack also has an intense desire for Mary and their sex scenes are passionate and extremely erotic. Jack, Mary and Simon also indulge in steamy ménages that are so sizzling hot I am surprised my eReader did not melt.

The main storyline with Jack and Mary unfolds at a leisurely pace and is fully wrapped up by the novel’s end. The secondary story arc with Lord Keyes remains tantalizingly unresolved (again!). I am also left wondering what the future might just bring for Simon as well.

The Sinner’s Club is a must read for anyone who enjoys erotic historical romances. It is a steaming hot love story that is sure to be a hit with old and new fans of Kate Pearce. This first installment of the The Sinner’s Club series is absolutely brilliant and I am eagerly anticipating the next novel.

4 Comments

Filed under Aphrodisia, Erotic, Historical, Kate Pearce, Kensington, M/F, M/M, M/M/F, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Sinner's Club, The Sinner's Club Series

March 4, 2013 · 3:55 am

Review: The Arrangement by Cat Grant

Title: The Arrangement by Cat Grant
Courtland Chronicles Book Four
Publisher: Cat Grant Books
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Ménage, M/F, M/M, Light BDSM
Length: 68,000 words
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Author

Summary:

Most people are lucky to find one love – Eric Courtland has two. But when Allison, his new wife, discovers his secret affair with Nick, his on-again, off-again lover of over a decade, Eric can’t bring himself to choose between them. Instead, he stuns them with a bold proposition neither can refuse.

Jealousy mars the early days of their relationship, but trust and growing intimacy lead to a deeper and more satisfying arrangement—as long as they keep their non-traditional partnership under wraps for the sake of Eric’s budding political career.

Blackmailing political rivals, the pressures of living in the public eye, and a serious illness all threaten their relationship—and force Eric to decide what he’s willing to sacrifice to keep the only two people he’s ever loved.

Note: This title has been previously published. This edition has been revised and re-edited.

The Review:

Ah, my love/hate relationship with Eric Courtland continues in The Arrangement. This fourth installment in Cat Grant’s Courtland Chronicles series begins with Eric’s wife, Ally, discovering his affair with his on again/off again lover Nick Thompson. Eric’s solution for the three of them is a committed ménage relationship. Nick and Ally agree, but their relationship is soon challenged by jealousy, Eric’s political career, blackmail and a health crisis.

Here is a quick recap of the history between Eric, Ally and Nick. Nick briefly dated Ally in college and they remained friends after their relationship fizzled out. Nick and Eric are college roommates turned lovers. Eric’s political aspirations led him to end his relationship with Nick. Ally and Eric married in book three, Complications, and Eric resumed his relationship with Nick. Throughout all of the books in the series, Eric is the one in control of the relationships and his ambitions pretty much dictate the path that everyone follows.

I continue to be conflicted about Eric and his feelings for Ally and Nick. His needs and goals trump everyone elses’ desires and he remains incredibly self-absorbed. Their relationship is strained by the limitations placed on it by Eric’s career and Nick and Ally are on the periphery of Eric’s life for much of The Arrangement. Eric and Ally’s involvement with Nick must be kept secret and I hated how often Nick was shunted aside. With Eric mainly focused on his career, Nick and Ally become quite close and while I often wondered if Eric truly loved either of them, I never questioned the love Nick and Ally have for one another and Eric.

The Arrangement spans a few years and their relationship is an emotional rollercoaster that is full of ups and downs. The dynamics between Ally, Nick and Eric are quite fascinating and the fleeting glimpses of Eric’s feelings for Nick and Ally are compelling. The many unexpected twists and turns keep the reader fully engaged in the story. I am eagerly awaiting the release of Triad the final installment of Cat Grant’s extraordinary Courtland Chronicles series.

Please click HERE for my reviews of the other novels in this series.

1 Comment

Filed under BDSM, Cat Grant, Cat Grant Books, Contemporary, Courtland Chronicles, Erotic, M/F, M/M, Menage, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Arrangement