Early Book Review: Stroke of Luck by Opal Carew

Stroke of Luck by Opal Carew is a MMF, second chance romance currently scheduled for release on October 27 2020. April Smith’s luxurious Las Vegas wedding crashed and burned when her wealthy fiance cheated on her and left her with a hotel bill that costs more than she makes in a year. Even more humiliating, her college ex-boyfriend Quinn Taylor has come to her rescue and bailed her out. They didn’t part on the best of terms and never expected to see one another again. For Quinn, April was the one who got away and despite the heartache she caused him, he’s never gotten over her. Not wanting to be in his debt, April makes Quinn a tempting offer: she’ll spend the next month with him during his Vegas vacation, fulfilling his fantasies. Being with April has always been Quinn’s number one fantasy, and next on the list is sharing a woman with his best friend and business partner, Austin Wright. Since he can see an undeniable attraction between April and Austin, he makes that a condition of their deal, too. Enjoying the attention and affection from two hot and handsome men, April gives in to her desires to be with both of them. But with those desires comes a growing love that she fears may force her to choose between Quinn and Austin—or lose them both.

Stroke of Luck had some very good moments, and some that just made me reread passages wondering if I missed something. I liked the character development and how Austin and Quinn were best friends that balanced each other out. I liked April's personality and her desire to stand on her own two feet and deal with her problems. I thought the chance meeting, personalities, and different fears they all carried through most of the book were well handled. I thought the sex scenes were reasonably well done, but there were some overly repetitive words and some issues. I like that Quinn and April discussed terms and condoms before anything happened. However, they did not discuss pregnancy, only being clean, which left me a little confused. There were more then one sexy moment interrupted by me having to go back and reread to see if they moved or shifted position because I could not see something working or being comfortable- and worst of all was when in one scene there was no lube or prepping before anal while standing became an option- especially with limited experience being part of the story. I have read a few triad books before, and it just seemed like some important steps were skipped at important intervals, which brought down my enjoyment of the book.

Stroke of Luck was a mixed bag of good characters, hot scenes, and huh? for me. 

Early Book Review: Teach Me (Filthy Rich Billionaires) by Caitlin Crews

Teach Me is the first book in the Filthy Rich Billionaires by Caitlin Crews. It is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2020. Socialite Erika Vanderberg has been planning for this night for months. Years. All so she can finally gain entrance to Berlin’s most exclusive sex club. Erika is here for one person: Dorian Alexander, her brother’s best friend and her secret childhood crush. Only, now her childish crush has been replaced by something hungry, raw and oh-so-wickedly adult. And the moment Erika sees Dorian—his dark eyes intent and focused, that hard body—everything comes crashing into place. Yes, she’s submissive. And yes, she desperately wants to surrender to Dorian over and over again. But Erika has spent her life pretending to be a spoiled little socialite who pushes everyone away. Submitting to this delicious man and all his heady power won’t change who she is—will it? After one taste, there is already a dark hunger between them, one that threatens to unleash who Erika really is.

Teach Me is from the Harlequin Dare line, which means that the heat level is much higher than what some people might expect, if the mention of the sex club did not already warn you about this. So, if BDSM and related themes are no goes for you then I suggest moving along. However, I have to say that I liked the way the dynamics of the lifestyle are laid out and explained, how a healthy and safe relationship is all about communication and honesty. I think those are things everyone can improve on in their relationship no matter what form it takes. Now, this is about so much more than the sex and lifestyle. The emotion aspects of the relationship are tied to the lifestyle, but have their own part to play as well. Both Erika and Dorian have family trauma that shaped them and changed them over the years, affecting their values and how they see themselves. Erika's character arch is sometimes painful to watch, but so important to the story. I liked that we got both Dorian and Erika's points of view in the story, but I would have liked to see more of a struggle on Dorain's part- if felt a bit one sided in the character growth and while there were a few introductions to secondary characters there was not much outside Erika's personal story arch to the book.

Teach Me is a book that ran hot and cold for me. I liked the honest and realistic look at the lifestyle and what shaped the characters, but it was a little to 'big guy saves lost girl' to make me completely happy.

Book Review: Close to the Edge by Zara Cox

Close to the Edge by Zara Cox is a contemporary, suspense romance. The moment he meets sublime coding prodigy Lily Gracen, Caleb Steele knows his “never get involved with a client” rule is going to be broken. But not until he stops her stalker. Caleb might be in charge of Lily’s safety, but when they’re locked down in her Silicon Valley mansion she’s the master. For keeping his hands off Lily is bringing Caleb close to the edge of his control. 

Close to the Edge is a suspenseful read, not only with "when will they" but also with the stalker issue that brings our characters together. I like that both Lily and Caleb have their vulnerabilities, and that they are struggling with themselves as much as they are with what they want to happen, and what they think should happen. I did like the way they actually talked things out, for the most part, and kept working to find understanding for each other. Stubbornness and fear of getting hurt are their biggest enemies, and I think once they could admit that to themselves everything was bound to work out. I found Lily endearing in some of her ways, but was a little off put by her blacking out with every orgasm (or at least that's how it seemed to me) and how super observant protector guy never noticed. However, that was the only thing that really bothered me and otherwise I found the read to be entertaining and enjoyable.

Close to the Edge is an engaging read, and one that will keep you turning pages. I thought some of the sex was a little over the top, but that is more about my personal preferences than the writing. Not my perfect cup of tea, but definitely an entertaining ride. 

Early Book Review: Baking Lessons (Off Guard) by Katie Allen

Baking Lessons is the second book in the Off Guard series by Katie Allen. It is currently scheduled for release on March 12 2018.  The books can be read as stand alones, the only connection to the previous book is that the guys happen to be close- however they make no cross over appearances.

Leah loves everything about her bakery; the heavenly smells, the satisfaction of feeding people and, of course, unlimited cookies. The only thing she doesn’t like is her uptight landlord’s daily visits. Sure, the man’s drop-dead gorgeous, but for someone with an insatiable taste for treats, he’s anything but sweet. Army vet Hamilton knows he comes off as rigid. He just can’t seem to bite his tongue around Leah. He might be a virgin but he can imagine a dozen better ways to use his mouth. But when the woman he considers absolutely delicious is threatened by an unwanted admirer, Hamilton intervenes, captivating Leah with his softer side. Now the man Leah couldn’t avoid is swiftly becoming the one she can’t resist. Unrelenting temptation soon overwhelms them both, leading to an indulgence in everything they’ve been craving. But when past actions bring a fallout neither imagined, they’ll be forced to confront whether their affair is half-baked or something to savor forever.

Baking Lessons is a wonderful romance, with characters that are quirky in their way. I found Leah to be very relatable. She has loves her job and baiting her landlord to see if she can get a reaction from the stoic Hamilton. She was just very fun, and someone that I would love to hang out with in the real world. Her relationship with her roomate, and the way Ham interacted with her, just made everything even better. I loved seeing the pair discover each other beyond the verbal sparing that began their knowledge of each other. As with my reading of Acting Lessons, I found myself laughing out loud on occasion- not as often, but still. I was glad to see the depth of the characters, particularly the explanation of why Ham liked things so neat and controlled. He was just so in control, but such a soft touch and off center when it came to Leah that he was endearing. I loved the pair together, and that they actually talked about things like adults- when they got past their initial hesitation.  The secondary characters were on point, and I would love to see more of them. . I found the danger of the stalker to be realistic and well done, and something I could see happening all too well. I look forward to seeing more from this side of Katie Ruggle.

Baking Lessons is a sweet and fun romance with a hint of danger. There is plenty humor, well defined characters, a dash of danger, and plenty of steam. Well done all around. My only question is, how long do we need to wait for the third book?

Book Review: Acting Lessons (Off Guard) by Katie Allen

Acting Lessons is the first book in the Off Guard series by Katie Allen. It's an offer she can't refuse. Two weeks of work for enough cash to quit her day job and focus on auditions is a dream come true for struggling actress Topher. All she has to do is play girlfriend to a wealthy friend, helping him secure his trust fund. Then she meets her friend's sinfully handsome, firmly off-limits uncle, and all bets are off. Not only is Uncle James surprisingly younger than imagined, he's charismatic and hot as hell. And there's something about the wounded veteran's hungry stare that has her thinking the feeling is mutual. Topher's determined to ignore Uncle Sexy, but the forbidden temptation is too much to handle, especially after James flashes his dominant side. But surrendering to temptation is easier said than done when the plot thickens. Even if Topher can manage to fool everyone involved, she's not sure she can fool her own heart—or the man she's definitely not supposed to be falling for.

Acting Lessons is a romance with touches of the ridiculous, and more than enough steam. Topher's act of a ditzy bad girlfriend is hysterical, and the fact that she is more endearing and entertaining than annoying despite her efforts. I loved the comments she made, and I will admit to giggling out loud several times during the read, prompting my children to ask me what was so funny- although I dare not share.  I got a kick out of Topher's character through the whole thing. The sparks between James and Topher were extreme, and although I do not always go for my main couple jumping into bed, it kind of worked here. The whole daddy/baby girl thing never did it for me, but James' strength and desire to take care of her worked. I also like that they actually discussed what they wanted to do or try, and set up a safe word so that if the play went too far Topher could stop it. Then there was the additional character building for the secondary characters, the danger and crazy family drama, and general likability once Topher let more of herself shine through the act is what really made the story. I could have passed on some of the age play stuff, but there are some readers that will love it. I still love the book, and will be checking out more from this side of the author.

Acting Lessons is an erotic romance with some kinks that never really did it for me, but fun dialogue that had me giggling and adults that had real conversations about what they were doing made the read wonderful. I loved it, and was delighted to discover that I was already a fan of the author, since Katie Allen is a pseudonym for Katie Ruggle. I cannot wait to get my hands on Baking Lessons, the second book in the series, which is scheduled for released in March of 2018. 

Book Review: Bonnie and the Beast by Alexa Black

Bonnie and the Beast by Alexa Black is very short, I would call it a short story rather than even a novella. The Beast's castle has been lonely since an angry sorceress cursed her years ago, and resigned herself to it a long time ago. But now a woman has promised to brave the curse, and for the first time in too many years the Beast has someone to talk to—and perhaps even break the curse. But tricking people into visiting your castle isn't how you find a soulmate. And looking stranger than a werewolf doesn't help.

Bonnie and the Beast is at a bit of short erotica. The Beast is waiting for a promised girl to come to her castle and make the attempt to break a curse. I still have no idea what the beast looks like and could not even hazard a guess because five eyes and some serious claws and teeth? I felt like there was room for a bit of character growth, or at least some insight into them. There was a little bit of information on each through the story, but not enough to let me care about either. It seemed like it was an excuse to write a sex scene between a curvy girl and a female something rather than a story. I was annoyed at the length, and at the lack of character depth. A bit more story would have been appreciated but this might just be what someone else is looking for. 

Book Review: His Alone (For Her) by Alexa Riley

His Alone is the second book in the For Her series by Alexa Riley. The first book was Everything for Her, which I did not read. While having read the first book will give you a better insight on the characters and their connections, I was able to fully enjoy the read.

Ryan Justice may be her boss, but nothing will stop him from making her his. Paige Turner is trying to outrun her past, but there it is, tossed back in her face anytime she manages to get two steps ahead. Her need for Ryan got in the way of revenge, took her off course. Redirected her focus. Before she knew it, he'd made his way into her life. Into her heart. True love doesn't let secrets as big as these stay buried. And when the truth about Paige's father is finally exposed, Ryan will do anything to fix everything. Paige has always been his and his alone.

His Alone is a contemporary romance, with an over the top alpha male ready to do anything for the woman he cares about, even when she has no idea he feels that way. Yes, a little stalkerish- but somehow Riley makes that work in this series. I liked that Paige is aware that his possessiveness should bother her, but since she has the same reactions to him I would call that even. The book starts with the pair already at a low simmer, and it does not take long for the pair to catch fire. The physical obsession is similar to the paranormal romances where 'mates' find each other and then cannot keep their hands to themselves. I did like that there was some danger and reveal with Paige's history, and that love is the answer to everything. However, the stalker style is not romantic to me, although entertaining for a weekend read. My only other issue several epilogues and a bonus scene. I love getting a little extra, but every time I thought I was done and could go wash dishes or something I discovered another two pages that I could not leave unread.

His Alone is the perfect read for those looking for a hot read, and that enjoy the controlling male leads. If you liked the first book, which is described fairly well in this installment, then I expect that you will enjoy this one as well. 

Early Book Review: The Farther He Runs (Kick) by Lynda Aicher

The Farther He Runs is the third book in the Kick series by Lynda Aicher. It is currently scheduled for release on December 6 2016. I have not read the other books in the series, but I caught up on the two main players quickly and do not feel like I lost much because of the learning curve.

After years away from home, Tanner Dorsey is back and sorting through feelings that have him in a stranglehold. The hardened Marine will do anything for a fallen comrade, so when an accident leaves Finn Kelley fighting for his life, Tanner’s eager to be there for him. In fact, Tanner’s ready and willing to do anything Finn asks—especially if it means finally acting on the sexual tension that’s always kept him craving more. Finn senses it too—when he brushes against Tanner’s stubbled jaw, when he inhales the scent of the T-shirt that clings to Tanner’s body like a second skin. Now that he’s more vulnerable than ever, Finn knows the time is right to take control, even if it means risking the heart and soul of their friendship. The bond they share goes beyond desire; it’s a bond of brotherhood, forged under conditions few could imagine. But once they cross that line, there will be no more secrets. No more boundaries. And no turning back.

The Farther He Runs is a story that is rich in character development, emotion, and plenty of steamy moments. I liked that we get to see the intensity of the attraction and emotion shared by Tanner and Finn. They are both battle scarred, emotionally, mentally, and physically, and they have huge battles to face individually and together. I also liked that when the pair understand each other, and their wounds, so well that they often understand what the other needs without words but still communicate more than most couples in romance novels. While I was not expecting the amount of BSDM the book included (my fault for not reading up on the series before reading) but it was dealt with perfectly. The explanation of the hows and whys, and the strength of the submissive and the emotions and desires that often come with it all was well done. So often authors toss in moments of bondage, pain, or humiliation without touching on the importance of consent, care, and boundaries. Again, with military characters many authors do not cover the mixed emotions and wounds that many men that had or are serving our country face, it is handled extremely well and accurately. You can tell that the author has a full understanding of the subjects and took the time to write it correctly and honestly. Even though this is not my typical read, I very much respect and appreciate the authors writing and handling of the multiple aspects of the story.

The Farther He Runs was more than expected. I was ready for an LBGQT romance, but I was not expecting the level of BSDM that was included. This was my fault for not reading the full description. However the handling of the aspects of military, BSDM, and recovery included in the story are all extremely well done and has earned my respect and admiration for the author. 

Book Review: Even Odds by Elia Winters

Even Odds by Elia Winters is the first book in the Slices of Pi series. As a design manager at PI Games, Isabel Suarez is no stranger to the struggles of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. But when her team attends a gaming convention on the other side of the country, she figures there’s no harm in putting aside her professional demeanor for one weekend to participate in a risqué scavenger hunt. Why shouldn’t she let loose and have a little fun? A careless romp soon turns into more, however, when Isabel ends up having a fling with Caleb Portland, an artist and animator, without knowing he has just been hired to partner with her at her company—and Caleb can’t bring himself to tell her. When they end up coworkers a few weeks later, they need to find a way to work together and keep things strictly professional. Caleb doesn’t want to take on a relationship and risk failure. Isabel doesn’t want to risk ruining the professional reputation she’s worked so hard to develop. But when faced with the undeniable sizzling chemistry between them, will either of them be able to resist temptation?

Even Odds is a fun romance with a whole lot of hot. There is plenty of sex, but the book does not ignore the emotional and realistic aspects of life. Concerns about employment, self-doubt, and personal hang ups are not ignored in the grand scheme of things, which does not always happen in romance with this level of steam. I liked Isabel. she has dealt with issues on the job before, and is super cautious about doing anything to damage her professional image. Caleb is more than ready for a fresh start, but not quite ready for a relationship. The coming together, keeping of secrets, and ultimate explosion between these two is very realistic. Not the choices everyone would make, but easy to see others making them. I liked that none of the characters were perfect, but portrayed as real people, warts and all. I am glad to have discovered this author, and will be exploring her other works. 

Even Odds definitely boarders the line of steamy romance and erotica, so those that are not comfortable with that might want to skip it. There is a great deal of character building and growth, and adults that actually talk thinks out (eventually) rather than just ignoring their issues. Realistic situations and characters with some humor made for a fun weekend read. 

Book Review: Loaded by Roxie Noir (A Bad Boy Novel)

Loaded by Roxie Noir is part of her Bad Boy series. Alex’s nickname is the scorpion, because he is fast and lethal. When you’re street muscle for the biggest drug cartel in North America, you’re hard or you’re dead. His boss swore kidnapping the accountant’s daughter would be quick and easy. Just find Tessa at the wedding, stuff her into a car and let someone else drive her off. The only thing more dangerous than doing his job is not doing his job. Tessa was just at a college friend’s wedding, at least until the guy that was dancing and flirting outrageously with her kidnaps her. Next thing she knows they are stuck together in a safe house, deep in the desert and she discovers that he is cocky for one really good reason.

Loaded is about survival, betrayal, and crime. Alex is a criminal with a weakness for the ladies, and that weakness rears its head when he sees, and flirts with, Tessa. Things only get more out of control as the kidnapping goes sideways and the pair end up breaking all the rules and end up not just in bed together, but falling for each other. Things only get more and more dangerous as they follow their own rules to survive and move forward. I do not want to give the plot line away, so I wont say much about the dangers and trouble they face. I will say that there is plenty of sex, dirty talk, and so much arrogance on Alex's part that some readers might not enjoy the story. However, I think most readers that have read the summary, or anything by Noir in the past, have a pretty good understanding of what they will be reading and expecting it.

Loaded is not for the faint of heart. Alex is an arrogant guy and the kidnapping and stalker like behavior that crop up could be triggers for some, and might bother some readers on the basis that controlling behavior is not just condoned but a little glorified. While Alex is well aware of his flaws, and admits to them, it does not change he attitude or behavior.

Book Review: Reign: A Royal Military Romance by Roxie Noir

Reign: A Royal Military Romance by Roxie Noir is something I bought on a whim, I admit to being intrigued by an Amazon on a Facebook. Thankfully, it was well worth by time. The crown prince Kostya and Hazel have nothing in common. He's a rugged, battle-hardened soldier who spent four years in the Royal Guard, an elite military unit. Hazel met the King and Queen for the first time wearing leggings and a sweatshirt. He's the serious, quiet, straight-laced heir to the throne, and she accidentally got drunk at a formal dinner.  Hazel is the ambassador's daughter and knows better than to mess around with a foreign head of state. His father is threatening to strip me of my title if he touch her, but she makes him want to break every one of his own rules. 

Reign: A Royal Military Romance is a romance that made me laugh, bite my fingernails, and fan myself a little. Hazel and Kostyra have a great chemistry and their banter is fantastic. I like that readers get a glimpse into both their minds, seeing the hardships that Kostya has faced, and the self doubt Hazel has despite her impulsive nature. This is not just a steamy romance, although it is certainly that. There are well written characters, political intrigue, and danger as well. Kostya’s country is not as tranquil as his father likes to portray, and that danger is going to land on their doorstep and everyone is going to have to make some hard choices and take some chances. I like that the characters are not perfect, but perfectly compliment each other. The give and take between Kostya and Hazel is pretty close to perfect, and the secondary characters are not just background noise, I found myself almost as interested in their long term well being as I was in our staring couple. I am impressed and am going to have to explore more books from this author. 

Book Review: The SEAL's Rebel Librarian by Anne Calhoun

The SEAL's Rebel Librarian is the second novella in the Alpha Ops series by Anne Calhoun. The first novella was The SEAL's Secret Lover, which I have not read. While there mention of the characters from the previous book, and their story seems to continue, I think they can each stand well on their own. 

Jack Powell never planned on leaving the Navy, but his final mission as a SEAL left him with a tremor and a bad case of nerves. He's home, taking some college classes and trying to figure out what comes next when he meets Erin Kent, a divorced college librarian with an adventurous bucket list and a mission to get her ex-husband's voice out of her head. Jack guides Erin through skydiving and buying the motorcycle of her dreams, blithely accepting Erin's promise that their relationship is purely temporary. But when Jack gets the chance to go back into the shadowy world of security contracting, can he convince Erin to break her word and join him on the adventure of a lifetime?

The SEAL's Rebel Librarian is a hot little novella. It is not quite erotica, but it definitely comes close to that line. Erin has just been through a divorce and is trying to do all the things that she could to do when married, like buy a motorcycle and skydive. Jack is a Navy SEAL dealing with PTSD and trying to get his life more together. Lust brings them together, skirting the rules of course. Their casual affair gets a little too real for both, and the dangers rise for both of them. I liked Jack’s honor and outlook, but parts of Erin’s personality bothered me on occasion. 

I originally picked this book up because I was curious as to how the librarian character would be portrayed. I was a little unimpressed, she is not the bun and cardigan wearing librarian, which is good. However, she gets a little too close to the fantasy “sexy" librarian that some think the only alternative. The canoodling in the library was a little much for me. As adults you could not wait? Beyond that, I have to say that a librarian that rides a motorcycle or wants to skydive is not as unusual as people might think. We are as diverse a group as any other profession. Although, that being said there most likely are some that might resemble the heroine as well. 

The SEAL's Rebel Librarian is a quick, sexy read. If I were not a librarian I think I might have enjoyed the read more, but that is more from having worked in both University and Public libraries than anything wrong with the author’s storytelling. The characters were otherwise believable and had me engaged in their future. 

Book Review: Taming a Highland Devil by Kimberly Killion

Taming a Highland Devil is a novella by Kimberly Killion. Laird Magnus Sutherland loves women. His prowess in the bedchamber has earned him the name Devil of Dunrobin, but no woman has ever stirred his heart. Magnus needs to provide his clan with an heir, which is the only reason he agrees to marry the neighboring chieftain's sister. When his betrothed arrives, he discovers the chieftain has two sisters. If Magnus must bind himself to one woman, he intends to discover which is best suited to be his wife, for he wants more than a body to plant his seed. He wants a mate for life. There are three reasons Lady Effie Reay refuses to vie for Laird Sutherland's affections. For one, she is thirty-two and would surely lose a competition to her beautiful, younger sister. Secondly, Laird Sutherland is a well-reputed rake, and she holds no desire to wed another faithless man. And thirdly, the sight of him makes her tingle, shiver and ache. Will Effie be successful in thwarting Magnus' advances, or will her body succumb to a temptation that can only lead to heartbreak?

Taming a Highland Devil is a short, and sex heavy, romance. I was a little thrown when the story begins with Magnus and two women having a good time in bed. When Effie and her family arrive is seems like it is mere moments before Effie’s sister and Magnus are getting to know each other rather intimately. For such a short book there is a whole lot of bedsport. The slow evolution of Effie coming together with Magnus, and the near miss at the end make for a good story. I would dub this much closer to erotica than the historical romance that I expected. I think the details of the story could have been used, and elaborated on, to create a full length novel.  However, since about 2/3rds of the story involves someone in bed (and not having vanilla sex), I worry what a full length novel might involve.

Taming a Highland Devil is a short read for those looking for a hot and sex filled story. The main characters are interesting, and their story is well done, but I could have done with less sex. Wow, dd I really just say that?  

Book Review: Captive of the Deep by Michelle M. Pillow

Captive of the Deep is the third book in the Lords of the Abyss series by Michelle M. Pillow. Merman Rigel the Hunter has prayed for an end to his people's curse. Immortality comes with a high price, loneliness. When he rescues Lyra Harne from drowning, her fate is in his hands. Living in the lost city of Atlantes, women are rare and this sexy mortal is more than this hard up warrior can resist. Lyra was sailing wit what was left of her family. believing that her rescuer is to blame for the death of her father and brothers Lyra refuses to speak until Rigel can break through her defenses. However, the truth of Lyra’s shipwreck just might prove too much for both of them.

Honestly, Captive of the Deep is the reason I kept reading this series. I wanted to know the story behind the ship of people in period clothing and the silent woman that was rescued from its destruction. Lyra was my favorite of the three heroines, and Rigel was a wounded alpha male that was her perfect match. If you made it through the first two books, then keep going since this is the best of the three and offers a lot of questions about the Scylla that sink the boats and reason the hunters are so diligent in their efforts to stop them.

If possible, I suggest skipping straight to Captive of the Deep, rather than reading the whole series. If you are not into books with tons of sex, or mer, or usually do not enjoy Pillow's work then skip it. However, if you like any of these things you might want to give Captive of the Deep a chance. it is still not a great book, but it is good for a steamy night's read.

Book Review: Commanding the Tides by Michelle M. Pillow

Commanding the Tides is the second book in the Lords of the Abyss series by Michelle M. Pillow.

Cassandra Nevin has come to the ocean to live out her days on a boat with a bunch of scientists who don’t even know she is terminally ill, or that she is not even a scientist. When something from the depths of the abyss attacks their boat she knows it’s her time and is ready. But then the unimaginable happens, she lives. Iason the Hunter does not understand why the woman he is trying to save insists that he save anyone but her. To try and save her would mean possible disgrace and being banned from ever swimming in the ocean again. But what else can he do? From the first moment he saw her, she had command over his heart.

Commanding the Tides, like The Mighty Hunter, has plenty of inventive sex. This book also has the benefit of a heroine that I like. Cassy is ready to die, she has made her peace and rolls with the punches pretty well. She excepts some of the paranormal bits pretty easily, but takes some more convincing with the rest. Being at deaths door has her with nothing to lose, and living life to the fullest. it is only when feelings and real life get too close that she is uncertain. Iason is a strong hero, willing to risk everything to save the life of a woman he barely knows but feels so connected to.

Commanding the Tides is far from perfect, but is a step up from The Mighty Hunter. However, I would still only recommend this book (and series) to die hard mer fans, Pillow fans, or those that are reading for the 'good parts'.

Book Review: The Mighty Hunter by Michelle M. Pillow

The Mighty Hunter is the first book in the Lords of the Abyss series by Michelle M. Pillow. Scientist Bridget Dutton's heart belongs to her work. When her boat is attacked from below, Bridget’s dream to study the deep waters of the ocean just might come true sooner than planned. Caderyn the Hunter may have rescued her from death, but who’s going to rescue her from him? With a deliciously hot body and all the right moves, the man is a walking seduction that’s too hard to resist. There’s only one problem. Caderyn claims they’re in the Abyss, living on a cursed island along the deep ocean floor. And, if that wasn’t bad enough, he says he’s a merman. attraction and logic battle for Bridget's attention.

The Mighty Hunter is almost erotica but not quite. There are a lot of steamy scenes to be had and those are pretty well done. Caderyn is a strong man, and strong minded. He is more patient and tolerant than I. Bridget, on the other hand, might have been intelligent but grated on my nerves with her lack of common sense. Even after all the evidence made it clear where she is, even when she sees with her own eyes, even after multiple romps in bed with Caderyn, she still needs more proof for her own piece of mind. It just got a little repetitive and bothersome after a while. I only continued to read because the intimate scenes were so entertaining, and I wanted to know more about the secondary characters.

I would only recommend The Mighty Hunter to readers that are die hard mer fans, Pillow fans, or those that are reading for the 'good parts'. I will admit that I kept going and finished the series, and the other heroines are a little better, but the stories as a whole do not improve much.

Book Review: Red Hot Dragon (Dragon Heat #2) by Lolita Lopez

Red Hot Dragon is the second novella in the Dragon Heat series by Lolita Lopez. In this installment we see Griffin Cadogan is shocked to see Avani Monroe, sworn enemy of his dragon family, walk into his gym. With his mating phase soon approaching, Griffin is curious as to why she has to come enemy territory knowing the risks. Not only does she surprise Griffin and his cousin, Mad, by coming to enemy territory, but what she wants is borderline insane. She wants Griffin to help her have a baby.

Red Hot Dragon is a novella with plenty of steamy sex scenes, but very little character and greater plot development for the larger story arc. Griffin is a mega alpha male, that is entering his mating phase and while more than willing to make a baby, is not willing to walk away from any child that might result. Avani is the last of her line, and desperate to be everything to a child that her parents were not. the pair start off all about the sex, but almost instantly feel more for each other. The hunters play their part, and there is a tantalizing glimpse at who best be the staring couple of the next book. when I finished the book I was more interested in the characters for the next book, than in Griffin and Avani.

If you are looking for a short read with lots of sex, then Red Hot Dragon is for you. If you expect a little more character and plot development, yes it can be done in a novella, then you might be disappointed with this offering. it was not a bad read, it just did not live up to my expectations. that being said, I do think I will read the next book, if only because I have had my interest peaked in the characters and due to the length of the stories I will not be sacrificing much of my time if it does disappoint.

Book Review: Dead Sexy Dragon by Lolita Lopez

Dead Sexy Dragon is the paranormal romance novel by Lolita Lopez that begins her new  Dragon Heat series. It is a novella length novel that could be considered erotica. Stig Wyvern is a dragon shifter entering his mating phase, a dangerous time under normal conditions.When his dead friend’s kid sister Cora Cardenas shows up on his doorstep things can only get worse. Stig has lusted after her for years, and she shares his desire. Sharing an isolated house when he can barely control himself, or his shifting, is a recipe for disaster. But Cora has nowhere else to go, she is in serious trouble with some really nasty people and Stig is the only one who can protect her. It is not long before Cora notices that Stig is hiding something from her, and she intends to figure it out.

Dead Sexy Dragon is short, around 25000 words, and I really did not expect a great deal of characterization of plot. Thankfully, Stig had a good back story and changed as the plot moved onward, so was a three dimension character and well formed. Cora was lacking a bit in the back story department, but like Stig does grow and change through the story. There is plenty of sex, and for the most part that is very well done. There is not a whole lot of 'romance', mainly because of Stig's hormone issues and the fact that they pair have wanted to get together since they have known each other and just never crossed that line. I will admit that there was a few times when Cora's words for her body, and Stig's ability to whisper in Cora's ear at moment I thought to be physically impossible distracted me- but for the most part I was satisfied with the story. Being the first book in the series, there is a primer of background information about the dragon history and the Knights trying to kill them all, which of course plays into this story, providing some danger and action along the way. We also get to met some of the dragons that expect to have their own stories in the books to follow.

I would recommend Dead Sexy Dragon to readers that what a quick, hot read. It was not a really stand out in erotica or romance for me, but does offer a satisfying read. The second book in the series, Red Hot Dragon, is scheduled for release on October 1st 2013. I will probably be reading that volume as well, because I did like the set up about the dragon species and have hopes that the series will get even better.