Category Archives: Sourcebooks Casablanca

April 2, 2013 · 3:58 am

Review: The Summer He Came Home by Juliana Stone

Title: The Summer He Came Home by Juliana Stone
Bad Boys of Crystal Lake Book One
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Sometimes the best place to find love is right back where you started…

Falling asleep in a different bed every night has made it easy for Cain Black to forget his past. It’s been ten years since he packed his guitar and left Crystal Lake to chase his dreams. Now tragedy has forced him home again. And though Cain relishes the freedom of the road, one stolen moment with Maggie O’Rourke makes him wonder if he’s missing out on something bigger than fame.

For Maggie—single mother and newly settled in Crystal Lake—love is a luxury she just can’t afford. Sure, she appreciates the tall, dark and handsome looks of prodigal son Cain Black. But how long can she expect the notorious hellion to stay?

The last thing either of them wants is something complicated. But sometimes love has its own plans.

The Review:

Juliana Stone’s The Summer He Came Home is an emotional, sweet and steamy romance that had me in tears in the first chapter. I fell completely and totally in love the Bad Boys of Crystal Lake and I cannot wait for the next book in this captivating series.

Cain Black’s personal and professional lives are in transition when a tragic loss brings him back to his hometown of Crystal Lake. Despite a ten year separation, he instantly reconnects with his close friends Mac Draper and Jake Edwards and the three men support one another in the wake of tragedy. But it is his immediate attraction to Maggie O’Rourke that prompts Cain to rethink his future.

Cain Black is a tattooed rocker with a hell raising past that continues to haunt him despite his best efforts to prove he is not the man who left Crystal Lake all those years ago. Cain is not sure what to expect when he returns, but he is pleasantly surprised when he is welcomed back with open arms. But what he finds most surprising is the peace and comfort he discovers in his small hometown. Taking advantage of the lull in his career, Cain decides to extend his stay in Crystal Lake to contemplate his future and explore his attraction to Maggie O’Rourke.

A relative newcomer to Crystal Lake, single mom Maggie has carved out a low key life for herself and her young son Michael. An enigma with a mysterious past, Maggie is quite prickly and her defenses are firmly in place. But Cain reawakens long dormant feelings and Maggie cautiously relaxes her guard and tentatively lets Cain into her life.

Maggie is not the type of woman Cain usually dates and he is refreshingly honest with her and admits he does not know where their relationship is going to lead. Despite the intense sexual attraction he feels for her, Cain resists rushing Maggie into bed. Instead, he romances her and the sexual tension between them builds to a fever pitch.

The Summer He Came Home is a beautifully written novel of love and friendship. The characters are vibrant and life-like and the storyline is realistic and engaging. Juliana Stone provides readers with tantalizing glimpses of the characters and possible storylines for the upcoming books in the Bad Boys of Crystal Lake series. Secondary characters Mac Draper and Jake Edwards are tortured heroes who are battling some pretty intense demons. It is pretty clear who Jake’s love interest is going to be and I am dying to see exactly how their romance is going to play out.

1 Comment

Filed under Bad Boys of Crystal Lake Series, Contemporary, Juliana Stone, Rated B, Review, Romance, Sourcebooks, Sourcebooks Casablanca, The Summer He Came Home

March 5, 2013 · 3:57 am

Review: The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl by Gina Lamm

Title: The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl by Gina Lamm
Geek Girls Series Book One
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Time Travel, Historical, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher…

An avid gamer, Jamie Marten loves to escape into online adventure. But when she falls through an antique mirror into a lavish bedchamber—200 years in the past!—she realizes she may have escaped a little too far.

Micah Axelby, Earl of Dunnington, has just kicked one mistress out of his bed and isn’t looking to fill it with another—least of all this sassy, nearly naked woman who claims to be from the future. Yet something about her is undeniably enticing…

Jamie and Micah are worlds apart. He’s a peer of the realm. She can barely make rent. He’s horse-drawn. She’s Wi-Fi. But in the game of love, these two will risk everything to win.

The Review:

I am a HUGE fan of time travel novels that go back in time, so as soon as I saw The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl by debut author Gina Lamm, I knew I just had to review it. And boy, oh, boy, am I ever glad I did! The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl is fast-paced romance that is absolutely hilarious and deliciously steamy. I stayed up way past my bedtime because I just had to know how this divine love story was going to end.

The first thing I have to mention is I love how Ms. Lamm had our geeky heroine Jamie Marten travel back in time. Exactly how and why Jamie goes back in time is pretty unique. Major props to Ms. Lamm for a fresh spin on this fun genre.

Jamie Marten is the epitome of a 21st century woman. Hardcore gamer and addicted to modern technology, she knows surprisingly little about life in 1813 London. So life with Micah Axelby holds a few unpleasant surprises for her, but luckily she has the sweet and helpful Mrs. Knightsbridge to teach her how to dress and act like a lady. Mrs. Knightsbridge is also a very determined matchmaker for our intrepid main characters.

Lord Micah Axelby has just emerged from a rather unpleasant scandal when Jamie magically appears in his bedroom. A gentleman through and through, he won’t throw her out, but he is also not advertising her presence either. About to propose to a young, pliable and socially acceptable young woman, the last thing Micah needs is an intense attraction to the very unsuitable and headstrong Jamie Marten.

The relationship between Micah and Jamie is absolutely delightful. Their banter is wonderfully snarky and laugh out loud funny. Jamie manages to shock Micah on a fairly regular basis with her lack of modesty and use of unladylike language. Micah’s strong sense of duty is a source of aggravation for Jamie. Add in their smoldering desire for one another and you have the perfect recipe for a some rather spirited interactions that are as humorous as they are frustrating.

The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl is an entertaining novel with engaging characters and a wonderful storyline. I loved watching Jamie try to conform to old fashioned standards while maintaining her individuality. But what really kept me glued to the story was trying to figure out how their relationship was going to work out. Would Jamie stay back in time? Or would Micah travel to the future? The answer might just surprise you!

An all around fun read that fans of historical romances are sure to enjoy. I am very much looking forward to the next installment in Gina Lamm’s Geek Girls series.

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Filed under Geek Girls Series, Gina Lamm, Historical, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sourcebooks, Sourcebooks Casablanca, The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl, Time Travel

February 21, 2013 · 3:57 am

Review: A Shot of Sultry by Macy Beckett

Title: A Shot of Sultry by Macy Beckett
Sultry Springs Series Book Two
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where home can be the perfect place for a fresh start.

For West Coast filmmaker Bobbi Gallagher, going back to Sultry Springs is a last resort. But with her career in tatters, a documentary set in her hometown might be just what she needs to salvage her reputation. She just can’t let anything distract her again. Not even the gorgeous contractor her brother asked to watch over her. As if she can’t handle filming a few rowdy Texans.

Golden boy Trey Lewis, with his blond hair and Technicolor-blue eyes, is a leading man if Bobbi ever saw one. He’s strong and confident and—much to her delight—usually shirtless. He thinks keeping his best friend’s baby sister out of trouble will be easy. But he has no idea of the trouble in store for him…

The Review:

A Shot of Sultry, the second installment in Macy Beckett’s Sultry Springs series, is a feel good romance that is smokin’ hot and wickedly funny. With just enough seriousness to give the plot substance and depth, this deliciously fun story will keep you glued to the pages as Bobbi Gallagher and Trey Lewis fight their sizzling sexual attraction while filming a reality show starring Trey and his good friend Colton “Colt” Bea.

Bobbi and Trey are both pretty cynical when it comes to love and commitment. Her drug addicted mother’s numerous unhealthy and co-dependent relationships have left a lasting impression on Bobbi and she does not believe that love will last. In Trey’s case, it is his personal experiences with cheating girlfriends and his father’s long term infidelity that have turned him into someone who plays the field and avoids any type of serious relationship. So when they are unable to fight their searing passion for each other, they should have no problem keeping their relationship nothing but a summer fling. Or so they keep telling themselves….

First introduced in Sultry with a Twist, Trey Lewis is Luke Gallaher’s best friend and all around good guy. Trey’s loyalty to Luke earned him a dishonorable discharge that has strained his relationship with his parents and affects his professional life as well. He now has an opportunity to clear his record that will hopefully salvage his relationship with his parents and provide him with better career options in the future.

Bobbi Gallagher is Luke’s younger half-sister. When they were kids, their mother abandoned Luke when she took off for California with Bobbi in tow. Both have been deeply affected by their mother’s actions and while Luke has found love with June, the scars still remain. Their relationship is loving but a little uncomfortable, and when Bobbi needs a place to stay while she tries to revive her failed career, Luke is quick to offer an invitation for her to stay with him and June. But things quickly get tricky for the siblings when Luke extracts a promise from Trey to stay away from Bobbi.

A Shot of Sultry is a fast paced and engaging story that is laugh out loud funny and heartwarming. The dialogue is delightfully witty and the plot is unique and well-written. The cast of characters is charming, vibrant and three dimensional. Bobbi and Trey are realistic protagonists with plausible issues to overcome. Although both have trust issues, they fall into an easy friendship that naturally transitions into a romance. Their sex scenes are sensual without being overly graphic.

While A Shot of Sultry is the second novel in the Sultry Springs series, it can be read as a standalone story. Macy Beckett provides enough backstory to get the reader up to speed, but you won’t want to miss a single installment of this fabulous series. I absolutely cannot wait to read Colt’s story, Surrender to Sultry, due out later this year.

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

2 Comments

Filed under A Shot of Sultry, Contemporary, Macy Beckett, Rated B, Review, Romance, Sourcebooks, Sourcebooks Casablanca, Sultry Springs Series

February 5, 2013 · 3:57 am

Review: Hot Ticket by Olivia Cunning

Title: Hot Ticket by Olivia Cunning
The Sinners on Tour Book Three
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, BDSM
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

He needs her to mask his pain…

When Jace walked through the doors of Aggie’s dungeon, the last thing he expected was to find self-forgiveness and the love of a remarkable woman. But when a terrible accident sidelines Jace during the band’s tour, the burdensome chains of his past wrap ferociously around his heart.

She needs him to forgive himself…

Determined to crack through Jace’s armored shell, Aggie must go beyond her usual methods to mend his heart to love again.

The Review:

Fans of Olivia Cunning’s Sinners on Tour series are going to fall in love with tortured bassist Jace Seymour. Tantalizing glimpses of Jace in the previous installments have given little away about this shy, reclusive band member but in Hot Ticket, we finally learn about his tragic past and why he craves the release that only pain can give him.

Jace meets Mistress V (aka Aggie) at Brian’s bachelor party and there is an instantaneous attraction between him and the sexy Dominatrix. Jace is desperate for the physical pain that quiets his emotional torment while Aggie relishes the rush of power that she gets from dominating her clients. What should be nothing but a business transaction quickly crosses over into personal territory when Aggie breaks all of her rules with this very wounded and closed off rocker.

My heart positively ached for Jace. His back story is so complex and multi-layered that it takes almost the whole novel to reveal the tragedies that haunt him. Jace is so emotionally scarred from his childhood that he refuses to let anyone past his defenses. His insecurities keep him from letting his band members get to know him and even after three years with Sinners, Jace still feels like he is a temporary member. The reasons behind his desire for pain go beyond sexual gratification and this is what makes Hot Ticket so different from other novels in the BDSM genre.

For as complicated as Jace’s story is, Aggie’s is surprisingly simple. The reason behind her need to dominate men is a little unexpected, but believable. Her childhood was dysfunctional and her mother still exasperates her, but overall, Aggie is a strong heroine. She does not let Jace push her away and while she is sometimes a little smothering, her heart is always in the right place.

The sex between Jace and Aggie is raw, gritty and extremely carnal. The first scene between them is harsh and Aggie briefly loses control when Jace refuses to submit to her. This is just one of the reasons Hot Ticket is so unique. While Aggie is a domme, Jace is not a submissive. Jace feels like he deserves pain and he is confused by the pleasure he derives from receiving it. The BDSM element is nicely balanced by highly sensual lovemaking and since Ms. Cunning does not hesitate to push the sexual envelope, there are also some scenes between Jace, Aggie and Eric.

Hot Ticket is my favorite book in the Sinners on Tour series. Jace and Aggie are a perfect fit and I love how accepting they both are of one another. This intense story will break your heart but you will love every minute of it.

Olivia Cunning is a master at revealing just enough of each of the characters to leave her readers chomping at the bit for the next story and I am dying to know what makes Eric Sticks, the Sinners’ drummer, tick.

Read my review of Double Time HERE.

3 Comments

Filed under BDSM, Contemporary, Erotic, Hot Ticket, Olivia Cunning, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sinners on Tour Series, Sourcebooks, Sourcebooks Casablanca

January 31, 2013 · 3:56 am

Review: Cowboy Tough by Joanne Kennedy

Title: Cowboy Tough by Joanne Kennedy
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

She’s looking for paradise…

When Cat Crandall ditches her career in advertising to take a job teaching painting workshops in exotic locations, she’s hoping to be sent to Tuscany, or maybe France. Instead, she’s assigned to lead a group of aspiring artists through the backcountry of the isolated Boyd Dude Ranch in Wyoming.

He’s looking for a way out.

Mack Boyd is in the middle of the best bronc-riding season of his life when his mother asks him to help lead an artists’ retreat at the ranch. Mack might be able to ride a wild stallion to a standstill, but he can’t say no to his family.

Together, they just might find what they both need.

It doesn’t take long for Mack to figure out that artists are a lot harder to herd than cattle—especially when they’re led by a spitfire of a city girl who doesn’t like to be bossed around. Cat Crandall is nothing but trouble—so why is he so drawn to her?

The Review:

Joanne Kennedy brings her readers another romance that perfectly captures not only the Western way of life, but the wild and untamed beauty of the vast Wyoming countryside in her newest release , Cowboy Tough. This beautifully written novel is sweet, sexy and full of emotions. It is also a marvelous story about the importance of family and following your dreams.

Following her sister’s death, Cat Crandall is burned out in her career in advertising. Re-evaluating her priorities, she takes a job as an art instructor that she hopes will allow her to pursue her dreams. It also gives her an opportunity to spend time with her grieving niece, Dora. While the Boyd Dude Ranch is not exactly the exotic location she was hoping for, Cat is enthralled by the beauty of the land. She is also instantly attracted to the sexy bronc rider and “dude” wrangler Mack Boyd. With nothing going quite as planned, Cat’s future plans are becoming more and more uncertain with every passing day.

One of the things I enjoyed most about Cowboy Tough is the fact that Cat is not a cowgirl. She is definitely out of her element on the ranch, but from an artistic viewpoint, she fully appreciates the splendor of the surrounding landscape. She slowly adapts to her rather rustic living conditions and she gradually comes to realize that she does not enjoy life in the city as much as she originally thought. It is this realization that finds her rethinking exactly what she has been searching for.

Mack Boyd is the quintessential cowboy. His good manners and love of the family ranch are deeply ingrained in him. Protective of those he loves, Mack willingly puts his rodeo career on hold to help his mother save their ranch. He too has an instant attraction to Cat, but with a failed marriage to a city slicker in his past, he has his doubts about a relationship between them.

One of the secondary story arcs involves Cat’s niece Dora. Cat is determined to help Dora reach her potential as an artist despite Dora’s overwhelming resistance. Dora is still deeply mourning the loss of her mother and she clings tightly to her anger and continually lashes out at Cat. Mack’s experiences with his teenage daughter, Viv, prove invaluable and he does not hesitate to offer his advice to Cat. This part of the plot reveals a lot about Mack’s character and gives him added depth and dimension.

Many of the subplots in Cowboy Tough involve the secondary cast of characters. They are a well-developed and eclectic group of people that I really enjoyed getting to know. There is also wonderful storyline with Mack’s mom, Maddie, that is very endearing. Equally interesting is the mystery aspect of the plot. It does not overpower the novel, but it adds another layer to the complex and well-executed plot.

Cowboy Tough is another delightful and engrossing novel from Joanne Kennedy that I heartily recommend. A truly wonderful cast of characters along with an entertaining storyline make this a must read for anyone who enjoys contemporary Western romances.

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, Cowboy Tough, Joanne Kennedy, Rated B, Review, Romance, Sourcebooks Casablanca

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.

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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