Category Archives: M/F

February 1, 2013 · 3:58 am

Review: Complications by Cat Grant

Title: Complications by Cat Grant
Courtland Chronicles Book Three
Publisher: Cat Grant Books
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, M/F, M/M, Light BDSM
Length: Novella/30,000 words
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:
Tired of taking a backseat to his lover Eric Courtland’s burgeoning political career, Nick Thompson decides to call it quits. A devastated Eric seeks consolation in liquor—and the arms of college friend Ally Taylor.

Their passionate rebound affair deepens into something more. Still, Ally’s thrown when Eric proposes marriage, with no mention of love. His wealth and connections would certainly help her career, but is their intense physical connection and Eric’s promise of fidelity enough?

Ally soon finds herself falling for her husband, and he for her. But the growing bond between the newlyweds is threatened when Nick re-enters the picture. Secrets, lies and betrayal will add up to heartbreak for everyone—unless Eric can bring himself to choose between the man he’s loved for over a decade, or the wife he can’t bear to hurt.

The Review:

Complications, Cat Grant’s third installment in the Courtland Chronicles, is aptly named. With his lover Nick Thompson out of the picture, Eric Courtland renews his friendship with old college friend Allison “Ally” Taylor. Their friendship quickly turns sexual and the two are soon dating. When Eric proposes to Ally, she has reservations about marrying Eric. But the benefits to becoming his wife along with Eric’s promises of fidelity and honesty convince her to say agree to the marriage. But will Eric honor his vows when Nick comes back into his life soon after their wedding?

In Complications, Eric seems to finally have his life together. He is still ambitious, but his head is finally in a good place and he is actively working toward his future political aspirations. While he appears to have genuine feelings for Ally, their romance and marriage feels more like a business arrangement than a true love match. Eric is still controlling and manipulative, but for the most part, Ally seems accepting of this part of his personality. They do have a few minor clashes, but Eric is able to smooth things over with Ally fairly quickly.

Ally is Eric’s match in many ways. While she does offer some objections to Eric’s assistance with her career, she gratefully accepts the opportunities presented to her. Ally is a shrewd businesswoman and she engineers a very advantageous career move when she finally agrees to marry Eric. She comes across as a little mercenary while bargaining with Eric and even though part of the story comes from her perspective, I am not sure exactly what feelings she has for Eric. She also appears spineless on a few occasions when she concedes too much power to Eric despite her uneasiness in certain situations.

The sex scenes between Ally and Eric are quite sensual. Early in the novella, the sex is quite tame, but Ms. Grant does eventually turns up the heat a bit. One of their encounters later in the story has a light BDSM theme. There is also one minor M/M scene that takes place as well.

Of the three installments in the Courtland Chronicles, Complications is the least angsty and the overall story flows much more smoothly. It is a nice change of pace to see Eric finally at peace with much of his past. But it is quite heartbreaking to see him give up the man he loves for his political future. I felt like he was marrying Ally to further his career goals and while she knew what she was getting into, I am sure there is future heartache in store for Ally, Eric and Nick.

The ending of Complications neatly sets the stage for The Arrangement, and I am quite eager to see what Cat Grant has planned next for Eric, Nick and Ally.

Read my review of By Chance & Strictly Business HERE.

4 Comments

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

December 5, 2012 · 3:56 am

Review: It Takes a Village by C.R. Guiliano

Title: It Takes a Village by C.R. Guiliano
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, M/F, M/M
Length: 214 pages/ Word Count: 43489
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher

Summary:

Too much alcohol results in a pregnancy between Skylar and her gay best friend, Jonah. But Jonah’s passions belong to another man, and Skylar flees with her secret. Tensions rise as the relationships grow more complicated and hearts intertwine.

To Skylar, Jonah’s the most perfect man in the world–sexy, sweet, and funny. But there’s one problem–he’s gay. After too much alcohol is consumed one night, her dreams come true, and she finds herself in his arms.

The closer Jonah gets to Triston, the more he believes this is the man of his dreams. However, Triston holds some resentment against Jonah’s best friend, which Jonah believes led to Skylar’s sudden and inexplicable disappearance. Burying the ache he feels at her loss, Jonah plunges headfirst into his relationship and gives his heart to Triston.

Aaron finally locates his estranged cousin, Jonah, and briefly meeting the shattered Skylar has turned Aaron upside down. Her disappearance is flaying Aaron as well as Jonah, but a chance meeting draws the threads of all three men’s lives back to one point–Skylar.

The Review:

C.R. Guiliano’s It Takes a Village is a very emotional, slightly melodramatic romance that is quite enjoyable. It is a complicated story about an unexpected pregnancy, unrequited love and new beginnings.

Skylar Taylor and Jonah Winters are childhood friends who are also BFFs and roommates. Skylar has been in love with Jonah forever although she knows he is gay. One drunken night later, Skylar discovers she is pregnant and now that Jonah is in a serious relationship with Triston Gallant, she decides to keep her news to herself and moves out. To make things even more confusing, Skylar is attracted to Jonah’s cousin, Aaron, who bears a striking resemblance to Jonah. Aaron is instantly drawn to Skylar, but any chance he has of pursuing a relationship with her ends with her disappearance. Until a chance meeting turns all four lives upside down….

Jonah is crushed and bewildered by Skylar’s disappearance, but since she refuses to see him, he concentrates his attention on his burgeoning relationship with Triston and rebuilding his relationship with Aaron. The relationship between Jonah and Triston is realistic and it grows slowly over several months. They are at a critical juncture when Skylar comes back into their lives and throws them into a tailspin. Given Triston’s background, his reaction to the situation is credible but it is his stubborn refusal to listen to Jonah that moves the story into an overly dramatic direction.

While I completely believed there were real emotions between Jonah and Triston, I cannot say the same about Skylar and Aaron. Aaron’s close resemblance to Jonah casts serious doubt about Skylar’s attraction to him and their romance progresses extremely fast. Their part of the storyline was very rushed and their romance had an insta-love quality to it. I was never quite sure if Skylar truly loved Aaron for who he is rather than who he resembled. Maybe if more time had been devoted to their relationship, I would have had an easier time accepting that she truly loved him.

Despite a few flaws, It Takes a Village is a unique story that I found quite engrossing. The characters are well-developed and three-dimensional. C.R. Guiliano’s epilogue brings the whole story together and I greatly enjoyed seeing how these four people found a way to make their relationship work for all of them. The happily ever after is unconventional but quite heartwarming.

1 Comment

Filed under C.R. Guiliano, Contemporary, Erotic, It Takes a Village, M/F, M/M, Rated B, Review, Romance, Silver Publishing

November 6, 2012 · 3:58 am

Review: Double Time by Olivia Cunning

Title: Double Time by Olivia Cunning
Sinners on Tour Series, Book Five
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, M/F, M/M, Ménage M/M/F
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

He Craves Her Music and Passion

On the rebound from the tumult of his bisexual lifestyle, notoriously sexy rock guitarist Trey Mills falls for sizzling new female guitar sensation Reagan Elliot and is swept into the hot, heady romance he never dreamed possible.

She Can’t Get Enough of His Body

Ecstatic to be on tour learning the ropes with Trey’s band, The Sinners, Reagan finds she craves Trey as much as she craves being in the spotlight.

They Both Need More…

When Reagan’s ex, Ethan Connor, enters the scene, Trey’s secret desires come back to haunt him, and pleasure and passion are taken to a whole new level of dangerous desire.

The Review:

Double Time, Olivia Cunning’s latest installment in her wildly popular The Sinners on Tour series, is scorching HOT. The chemistry between Trey Mills and Regan Elliot is absolutely sizzling. But the heat goes through the roof when Ethan Conner provides some much needed man on man action for Trey. And the novel becomes positively scorching when Trey, Regan and Ethan decide to experiment with a seriously smokin’ three-way.

Trey Mills has been in love with best friend and fellow band mate Brian Sinclair for a very, very long time. With Brian now happily married, Trey knows it is time to move on. After deciding that his relationships with men make his life too complicated, Trey is only going to date women in the future. And luckily for Trey, he meets Regan Elliot, the woman who is about to rock his world, within hours of making that fateful decision. But as Trey soon discovers it is impossible to deny his sexual needs when his unexpected desire for Ethan Conner proves to be virtually impossible to resist.

Trey Mills is an über sexy rocker whose sex appeal is off the charts. He has no problem attracting men or women, and he is always ready to have sex whenever and wherever possible. But he is using sex to fill an emotional void and while it is satisfying, he feels a little empty afterward. Trey is surprised but pleased to discover the connection he finds with Reagan. For the first time in his life, he is fulfilled both emotionally and sexually by one woman. That is until he meets Reagan’s roommate and former lover Ethan Conner. The sparks fly between the two men, but Trey is committed to Reagan and he ignores his attraction. At least until it becomes apparent that he cannot be fully satisfied without a man in his bed.

Reagan Elliot gets the chance of a lifetime when she is selected as a guitarist for Trey’s brother’s heavy metal band Exodus End. An instant attraction to Trey at her audition leads to a fun-filled day that culminates in seriously smokin’ hot sex. Touring with The Sinners provides Reagan not only the opportunity to experience life on the road, but also the chance to spend more time with Trey. Their relationship flourishes and their passion burns hotter than ever.

The first half of Double Time is devoted to Reagan and Trey’s relationship while on tour with The Sinners. It is not until they return home that the story expands to include Ethan. Reagan’s relationship with Ethan ended when she discovered him cheating on her with another man. Despite their break up, they remain close friends and roommates, and when Reagan needs a bodyguard, Exodus End hires him to protect her.

Ethan is intensely attracted Trey, and with his finely tuned bisexual radar, he quickly spots Trey’s interest in him. When Ethan decides to act on his attraction, Trey realizes that as much as he cares for Reagan, he needs more than sex with her to be completely satisfied. Rather than lose him, Reagan pushes Trey and Ethan to explore their desires and to her surprise, she discovers how much the thought of the two of them together turns her on. And when Trey and Ethan decide to entice her into a threesome, Reagan is stunned by her eagerness to experiment with these two deliciously sexy men.

I really liked Trey and Reagan. They are perfect for one another both in bed and out. Reagan’s sexual confidence is refreshing and I loved how she connected with Trey emotionally as well as sexually. Trey has been my favorite character from the beginning of the series and I was eager to see him get Brian out of his system and find happiness. Even though I understood his reasons for doing so, I did not like how he felt like he had to hide his bisexuality from Reagan. But what I really disliked was how Ethan disrespected Reagan when he made a move for Trey. Yes, it was the catalyst to bring Trey, Reagan and Ethan together, but I thought that could have been achieved in a less harsh manner. It made it difficult for me to like Ethan and I was pretty surprised at how easily Reagan forgave him.

All in all, I greatly enjoyed Double Time. The writing is superb, the sex scenes are erotic, detailed and frequent, and the characters are well-developed, and for the most part, likable. There is a bit of a suspense element to the story when Reagan begins getting threatening messages from a stalker.

With Double Time, Olivia Cunning delivers yet another lust filled, incendiary romance with sex so blistering hot your e-reader is in danger of spontaneously combusting. Fans of The Sinners on Tour series will be delighted with Trey’s happily ever after as he, Regan and Ethan defy tradition with their unconventional relationship.

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, Double Time, Erotic, M/F, M/M, M/M/F, Menage, Olivia Cunning, Rated B, Review, Romance, Sinners on Tour Series, Sourcebooks Casablanca

September 24, 2012 · 3:58 am

Review: The Space Between Us by Megan Hart

Title: The Space Between Us by Megan Hart
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Ménage, F/M/F, F/F, M/F
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Tesla Martin is drifting pleasantly through life, slinging lattes at Morningstar Mocha, enjoying the ebb and flow of caffeine-starved customers, devoted to her cadre of regulars. But none of the bottomless-cup crowd compares with Meredith, a charismatic force of nature who can coax intimate tales from even the shyest of Morningstar’s clientele.

Caught in Meredith’s sensual, irresistible orbit, inexpressibly flattered by the siren’s attention, Tesla shares long-buried chapters of her life, holding nothing back. Nothing Meredith proposes seems impossible—not even Tesla sleeping with Meredith’s husband, Charlie, while she looks on. After all, it’s all in fun, isn’t it?

In a heartbeat, vulnerable Tesla is swept into a spectacular love triangle. Together, gentle, grounded Charlie and sparkling, maddening Meredith are everything Tesla has ever needed, wanted, or dreamed of, even if no one else on earth understands. They’re three against the world.

But soon one of the vertices begins pulling away until only two points remain—and the space between them gapes with confusion, with grief and with possibility….

The Review:

The Space Between Us is an emotionally complex and highly erotic romance. Megan Hart begins this compelling novel with a tantalizing peak at the ending. But this glimpse gives little of the story away. Instead, it entices the reader to join Tesla, Meredith and Charlie as they embark on an intense relationship that is quickly complicated by unexpected emotions.

The Space Between Us is told in first person from Tesla Martin’s point of view. Tesla is a free spirit, marching along to the beat of her own drummer. She and her brother, Cap, were raised by rather unconventional parents who took the family to live in a commune during their summer vacations. Tesla and Cap had little parental supervision during these visits and they experienced firsthand the free lovin’, partner swapping lifestyle her parents clearly enjoyed. As a result, Tesla is very open minded when it comes to sex and she is in fact, quite comfortable with her own sexuality. She does not conform to society’s expectations and she is actually considered to be a wild child by the people in her life. Of course, Tesla does not view herself this way. She is simply leaving herself open to all possibilities of relationships regardless of the persons’ gender.

At first, Meredith comes across as a warm and caring person. She is quite charming and she easily draws everyone around her into her orbit. She entices them to tell their most interesting stories but gives very little of herself away. A master manipulator, Meredith easily maneuvers Tesla into a ménage relationship with her and her husband Charlie. Although she clearly sees Tesla’s infatuation with her, she initially holds herself back from interacting with Tesla. Slowly but surely, Tesla and Charlie begin to see Meredith for what she truly is and the dynamics of the threesome begin to shift with this new awareness.

Charlie is a sweet, sensitive man. He is hesitant at first to enter into the ménage but Meredith pretty much steamrolls over any objections. Although their marriage is rock solid on the surface, the hidden cracks are slowly revealed. Meredith holds much of herself back and communication is definitely a problem with them. The affection and attraction between Tesla and Charlie is always apparent. As Meredith’s dissatisfaction grows, the more comfortable and close Tesla and Charlie become.

Interspersed with the ménage storyline are key events from Tesla’s past. Told in flashbacks, the events reveal how she became the person she is and provide hints as to why she makes the decisions she does. They show us her hidden desires even though she herself does not know exactly what it is she is searching for.

The Space Between Us is a well-written and multilayered novel. Megan Hart’s characters are always flawed and harbor deep emotional wounds. Her stories are learning experiences for both her characters and her readers. She always manages to touch a nerve and draw gut wrenching emotions from her protagonists. There are never easy fixes and love does not come easily. Many of her novels’ endings are not traditional happily ever afters. Instead, they are always a hint that maybe, just maybe, the couple might find lasting happiness.

Anyone who enjoys a steamy story with genuine and heartfelt emotions and realistic characters is sure to love The Space Between Us.

4 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Erotic, F/F, F/M/F, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, M/F, Megan Hart, Menage, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Space Between Us

July 19, 2012 · 3:57 am

Storm Bound by Alice Gaines

Title: Storm Bound by Alice Gaines
A Cabin Fever Novella
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon Books
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Ménage
Length: 124 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Stranded on a steamy tropical island, . . . these three will create their own heat . . .

Christie Lovejoy is normally all business. But when a hurricane bears down on the exclusive resort she’s sharing with two sexy businessmen, it’s time to throw caution to the tropical winds. How often do you find two gorgeous men with the hots for you . . . and the willingness to share?

Wolf Martin and Jon Carlson have been friends for years, and their taste in women has never overlapped . . . until now. Wolf, Jon, and Christie use the luxurious resort to take the kind of sensual journey that only total isolation will allow. But when the storm recedes, will they be ready to leave their island paradise?

The Review:

Storm Bound by Alice Gaines is a sinfully sexy erotic romance. A luxurious resort and an exotic, isolated island are the perfect setting for this decadent threesome to act on their wicked desires. Their relationship heats up when Christie, Wolf and Jon indulge in an erotic ménage in the midst of a hurricane. But what will become of this explosive threesome when the storm has ended?

Jon and Wolf are business partners and the best of friends. For the first time in the history of their relationship, both men are attracted to the same woman. Extremely competitive, they set out to win the woman they both desire.

Christie Lovejoy is a sexually confident woman who knows what she wants and does not hesitate to manipulate events to get it. Instantly attracted to both Wolf Martin and Jon Tucker, she quickly senses both men’s desire for her. When she becomes aware Jon and Wolf are willing to share her, Christie eagerly begins to fulfill her passionate fantasies.

From voyeurism and masturbation to some light bondage and spanking, the sex scenes in Storm Bound are varied and plentiful. The chemistry between Christie, Jon and Wolf is scorching and the resulting sex between them is explosive. What begins as a short term affair quickly takes on deeper meaning for Christie, Jon and Wolf. While not a conventional happily ever after ending, this threesome comes up with a creative solution for their non-traditional relationship.

If you are looking for a quick read that is delightfully naughty and just a little bit on the wild side, then you are going to love Storm Bound. Alice Gaines’ Cabin Fever novellas provide a wonderful escape from every day life.

Read my review of Heat Rises HERE.

1 Comment

Filed under Alice Gaines, Avon, Cabin Fever Novella, Erotic, HarperCollins, M/F, M/F/M, Menage, Rated B, Romance, Storm Bound

May 2, 2012 · 3:56 am

The Pleasure Dial by Jeremy Edwards

Title: The Pleasure Dial by Jeremy Edwards
Publisher: OC Press
Genre: Historical, Erotic, Romance, M/F, F/F, Voyuerism
Length: 43,000 words
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher

Summary:

The year is 1934, and amiable New York gag writer Artie Plask has taken the West Coast plunge. His first day on staff with a top radio show introduces him to the irresistible Mariel Fenton, a wit among wits who immediately takes an interest in all aspects of Artie’s life—especially his private life. As Artie finds his feet in a world of blustering comedians, pansexual sex goddesses, timid screen legends, exhibitionistic scriptwriters, and self-infatuated geniuses, Mariel leads him on a zany journey up and down the pleasure dial—a giddy romp through Hollywood that’s chock-full of airwaves showdowns, writing-room counterplots, devious impersonations, naked meetings, and a sensuality-drenched assortment of erotic escapades.

The Review:

The Pleasure Dial by Jeremy Edwards is an extremely fun and incredibly sexy story set amidst the glamour of 1934 Hollywood. Artie Plask’s first day on the job as one of Sid Heffy’s comedic writers is full of surprises and unexpected sexual adventures.

The Pleasure Dial has a superb cast of vibrant characters. Artie Plask is easy going, laidback and sexually adventurous. He is immediately attracted to Sid’s daughter, Elyse, a highly sexual young woman who does her best thinking with her hands between her thighs ;). He is also captivated by the equally attractive and sexually alluring Mariel Fenton. Mariel also possesses a keen wit and sharp intellect that Artie fully appreciates. Rounding out this fabulous cast of characters is vivacious group of writers and Hollywood starlets who keep this rollicking story moving at a brisk pace.

The Pleasure Dial by Jeremy Edwards is an animated and light-hearted story with lushly detailed and highly erotic sex scenes. It also has a fresh and innovative storyline with smart and intelligent characters who unapologetically embrace their sexuality and fully indulge their sexual appetites. A delightfully charming novel that readers are sure to enjoy.

4 Comments

Filed under Erotic, F/F, Historical, Jeremy Edwards, M/F, OC Press, Rated B, Romance, The Pleasure Dial, Voyeurism