Moon by Laurann Dohner (New Species #10)

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

My Copy: Sent

Reviewer: Michelle

Dr. Joyce Yards has never met anyone as irresistible as 466. Their therapy sessions are growing hotter, his raw sexual hunger becoming aggressive, and he refuses to discuss anything except the possibility of getting her naked. Joy understands the dire consequences if she indulges her passion. It will break her heart but she must walk away.

Moon has been drugged, his memory shattered, and he’s now little more than feral, a dangerous threat to everyone. In their need for help, the NSO doctors turn to the only female Moon ever cared about—the one who left him behind two years ago.

Moon isn’t the same male Joy once knew. There are no rules now. If sex tames the wild beast and triggers his fractured memories, allowing him moments of lucidity, then Joy will give him everything, body and soul. She’ll do whatever it takes to save him—even at the cost of her own life.

Just what I need – another new author to add to my already overwhelming pile of books to read! I’ve heard good things about the New Species series so I jumped on the opportunity to read Moon (even though it totally goes against my OCD tendencies to begin a series with book number ten!!). The author has created a unique world in which the New Species were created in a lab by combining human and animal DNA. They were rescued from that lab after being subjected to experiments and torture, and an alliance with humans was formed in order to help them adjust to life in the outside world.

Part of that help comes in the form of therapy, where Joy meets Moon. She is a human psychologist hired to work with and counsel members of the New Species after their rescue. Moon is known as 466 to her then, strictly a subject needing her expertise but refusing to talk. Going against protocol, she arranges for all of his sessions to be strictly one on one with her, with no guard in the room. This helps him to begin to lower his guard with Joy. Since they spend so much time alone, it also allows him to blatantly pursue her sexually. He is raw, primitive and uninhibited and makes no excuses for wanting her. Joy finds herself growing closer to 466 emotionally and has difficulty fighting her sexual attraction to him. Knowing it would be unethical for her to act on that as his therapist, she feels her only option is to leave.

Fast forward two years when Joy is once again brought in to help the New Species. She has moved on professionally, taking a job at a hospital hours away from where she worked with 466. She never forgot the incredible male she fell for, though, and when she realizes that he is the one in trouble, she vows to do whatever it takes to help him. Moon has been drugged, making him lose touch with reality and even attack his fellow Species. When Joy comes face to face with him, she finds herself staring at a primal male in the throes of something no one knows how to handle. He is full of rage and aggression, but remarkably he responds to Joy.

What follows is a long, slow journey to get Moon back, healthy and sane. While the heads of the New Species work around the clock trying to determine what drugs Moon was given as well as finding the people responsible, Joy literally puts her life in Moon’s hands by locking herself in the basement cell where he is being held. She is determined to break through and heal him, willing to use whatever means necessary. On some deeper level, Moon recognizes Joy and responds to her. The fact that they once shared a bond helps to break through the barriers the unknown drugs are putting up in Moon’s mind.

When he loses control over and over, Joy reaches out to him using their physical connection, unashamedly acting on their sexual attraction as a way to bring him back. She aches for him and second-guesses leaving him two years ago, but she couldn’t see a way back then for their relationship to be anything but doomed. Now that he is back in her life and no longer her patient, not only is she willing to do whatever it takes to get Moon back to normal, she swears she will never leave him again.

I enjoyed delving into this new-to-me world of the New Species. Moon was an excellent hero (although he harped a little too much on Joy leaving him). He was sexy, aggressive and surprisingly sentimental. I loved that he recognized Joy on a deeper level, even when he was out of his mind. Joy was a good match for him. She almost came across as a stronger character, but I believe she needed to be in order to help him out of the dark place the drugs put him in. I don’t feel I missed much by starting this series in the middle, but I would definitely enjoy reading some of the previous New Species books.

I give Moon by Laurann Dohner 4 stars!

One Last Night by Eliza Lloyd

Available: NOW Amazon/B&N

Type: Historical Romance

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

My Copy: Sent

Reviewer: Michelle

A dark past and unrequited love make John’s life difficult until he is offered the chance to spend one night with sensual, widowed duchess Lucinda Aversham. Pleasure he can provide, but one night with the woman he loves won’t be enough. Neither will living a half existence as he watches her from afar.

Lucy wants to experience a night of exquisite passion. She doesn’t want to know the man’s name or see his face. She wants to know pleasure—in any way her mysterious lover can provide.

When an unwelcome note from her one-time lover arrives, Lucy knows she must have him again. But she could lose everything if she is exposed.

Wow! I can’t remember the last time a very short story impressed me this much. In a mere 49 pages the author managed to pack in an interesting plot, scorching sex scenes and plenty of emotion. Lucinda Aversham, the Duchess of Wallingford, spent years in a loveless marriage. Her husband was insensitive and cruel, not to mention unfaithful, until his death one year ago. After years of dedicating herself to a man who showed her little regard or passion, Lucy is emotionally beaten down and sexually unfulfilled. She knows what her future holds as a duchess – she will either live out her life as a respectable widow or she will once again marry some nobleman. She also knows, however, that she missed out on a great deal while married to the duke and all that remains is a well of passion that has never been ignited.

Left with the title of Duchess and their seven-year-old son, Lucy follows what society dictates and mourns her husband for a year. After shedding her mourning attire and curious about how intimacy between a man and a woman should be, Lucy decides to allow herself one night of pleasure before settling in to the new phase of her life. She hungers for something real before rejoining proper society, so she approaches Madam Dupuis, a woman known for providing sensual entertainment. Her requirements were simple: someone who looks nothing like her deceased husband, someone not a peer of the realm, and someone willing to give her tender fulfillment. When she arrives at Madam Dupuis’ establishment, Lucy is in turn appalled at her own behavior and eager and filled with the promise of sexual fulfillment.

The man Madam Dupuis provides for Lucy Is John Allen. Lucy doesn’t recognize him because she requested he wear a mask to hide his identity. She assumes that being away from society and dressed nothing like a duchess, her identity is safe. What she doesn’t realize is that John not only recognizes her, he has secretly been in love with her for years. He was employed as a valet in her household when she married the duke, and upon his death, took over as caretaker for her son. John knows that a future with Lucy is impossible. She is a duchess with her son’s future to consider, and he is a servant with a disreputable past. He had been rescued from the streets as a boy by Madam Dupuis, and in fact received his current position based on her recommendation. When approached by Lucy, and knowing how John feels about her, Madam knows he is the perfect man to fulfill the duchess’ request.

The night of passion John gives her is nothing at all like what Lucy expected. Instead of tender and romantic, it is raw and real and sexual gratification at its most carnal. He orders her around and ties her up and touches her in ways she’d never imagined. John knows he has this one night to consider Lucy his and he does his best to show her how incredible passion can be between a man and a woman. Lucy leaves the next morning knowing that her mystery lover will forever be a memory for her. John leaves knowing he will have to face Lucy day in and day out, reliving their one night in his mind every time he sees her. That proves to be impossible, and weeks later he gives in to temptation by sending her a note in secret. Lucy is shocked when she receives his missive. How does he know her? When will he tell her secret to society? When will she see him again? When he comes to her in the night, unable to stay away, she realizes that he doesn’t want to use her shameless behavior against her – he just wants her as much as she wants him.

I liked everything about this book, starting with the cover and ending with the very last page. It’s rare that a book cover accurately depicts the characters, but this one shows exactly who I envisioned Lucy and John to be. Their romance was sexy and emotional, and I found myself pulling for their happy ever after, even knowing their situation was impossible. The way the author provided a solution for their problems may not have been entirely realistic or even all that surprising, but it worked for me and it gave John and Lucy a future they never expected to have.

I give One Last Night by Eliza lloyd 4.25 stars!

Grabbed By Vicious by Lolita Lopez (Grabbed #1)

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Sci Fi Erotic Romance

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

My Copy: Sent

Reviewer: Nikki

Hallie has never run so fast in her life. One of the frightening sky warriors from the warship Valiant is hot on her heels and intent on capturing her as his new bride. He takes her down and places his collar around her neck. With one word, he claims her.

Mine.

Born and bred for the military, Vicious has spent the last twenty-four years rising through the ranks. This dark-haired sprite ensnared him with one glance. Now she is his reward.

Despite her fear of Vicious, Hallie surrenders under his skillful hands and mouth. Vicious makes a promise to her. If she’ll submit to him, she’ll know only pleasure and comfort. After a lifetime of hardship, his offer tempts her greatly.

One night with Hallie and Vicious feels his protective instincts flaring. He’ll do anything to make her happy and keep her safe, even if that means surrendering his heart. Though he intended to master her, Vicious realizes it may be his sweet Hallie who masters him.

Inside Scoop: Our heroine endures trials and violence with strength equal to that of her warrior mate. (She also witnesses F/F play, and endures a collar and light BDSM. Fortunately she likes that part.)

.

Grabbed By Vicious is Lolita Lopez’s new sci fi erotic romance and the first in her “Grabbed” series. Lopez is a new to me author but after some research I see she’s a quite established author with a nice size backlist. When I read the back cover copy for the book it jumped out at me. I’ve been glomming sci fi erotic alien romances lately and this one fit right into my cravings.

Vicious is a very decorated member of his military and he’s decided it’s time for him to take a human mate. He finds himself surprised that the mating he chooses is a small female that seems to be bursting with attitude. To take her he must first best her in a chase. If she reaches the finish line she earns her freedom. If not, she becomes his in every way.

Hallie just wants to leave her pathetic planet and be free from everyone. A rough upbringing and horror stories about the aliens make her shy away from Vicious and what she views as his barbaric ways. She soon finds he is more then meets the eye and that their ways of living aren’t quite so different.

I really liked Hallie and Vicious together and thought they were well suited for each other. Even though Vicious is a trained leader and can be lethal at a moments notice, he goes out of his way to make Hallie feel comfortable with her new surroundings. A virginal heroine is never at the top of my must read list but it seemed to work okay in this one. The village Hallie was from seemed to be filled with asshats of epic proportions who went out of their way to make her life hell. Not that her home life was any better with a abusive father and brothers who looked the other way. Vicious spends a great deal of time assuring her he can be trusted and trying to figure out what she needs from him. As an erotic romance I expected the sex to be scorching, frequent and explicit. While I didn’t really find it inventive, it was everything else and I enjoyed every intergalactic minute of it.

Lopez introduces readers to a man who I really hope has the next book. Terror, Vicious’ best friend, is simply an AWESOME character. Tall, broad, scarred and full of supreme alpha-ness, I loved him! He seems to hide a lot of his emotions behind a surly attitude so it will be interesting to see him become unraveled over a woman. His presence in the book made the story line branch out a bit more then what I normally find in an erotic romance. I liked that Lopez went the extra mile to add in a longer, more evolved plot then just sex.

As far as dislikes I could say the same thing I say about all of these romances. There isn’t much variation between them. The story lines all kind of run together in these alien books and yet I still enjoy them. I still jump at the chance to read them. They easily pass the time and Lolita Lopez is no different. It’s hot, it’s well written and she’s definitely and author I would pick up again.

I give Grabbed By Vicious by Lolita Lopez 3.50 stars! 

Undressed by Avery Aster (The Manhattanites #1)

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Erotic Romance

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

My Copy: Sent

Reviewer: Michelle

Milan’s notorious playboy, Massimo Tittoni, seems to have everything–Lamborghinis, exotic women, palaces throughout Europe and business success. Ramping up his fabric company to go global with a new apparel brand, he ruthlessly stops supplying fabrics to the American client who inspired the collection. But once they meet, what’s he willing to give to get her in his bed?

Upper East Side designer Lex Easton will be damned if she’ll let an Italian stud muffin knock her down. So what if she named her favorite vibrator after him. With Fashion Week approaching, she’ll do whatever it takes to secure the fabrics she needs to become the next Diane von Furstenburg– even sleep with her rival. Lex’s Louboutins stilettos are dug in deep to win this war. All’s fair in love and fashion! But when she arrives in Europe the paparazzi chronicles her every move and she finds herself in a situation never imagined. Lex’s Louboutins stilettos are dug in deep to win this war. All’s fair in love and fashion!

After forcing myself to read this book all the way through (I admit I skimmed some parts), I’m wondering if I read the same book as other readers. Looking at other reviews for Undressed, I can’t believe this has been described as “smoking hot” or “outstanding”. I struggled with it for a variety of reasons, and it’s disappointing because the book had so much promise.

Lex Easton grew up the child of a rock legend, so she knew all about being in the limelight. After her father’s death and her mother’s subsequent fall from grace (which resulted in a rehab stint), Lex took life by the horns and became a huge success as a behind the scenes clothing designer. In two short years she conquered the fashion world and was hoping for even more success following her next NYC show. The only blip on her horizon was Massimo Tittoni, European royalty and head of the Milan company that supplied her fabrics.

Prince Massimo lives a privileged life, thanks in part to his birth but also due to sheer hard work and determination. When his father died, leaving him with only the title, the estate(s) and the textile company, Massimo was determined to become a success. Girasoli, his family business, had made its mark as an elite textile company, and he planned to take it a step further by branching out into the fashion design world. What he didn’t count on was Lex Easton. When he canceled shipment of her latest order (for nonpayment) and Lex showed up on his holiday to demand he fulfill their bargain, his interest was piqued in a big way.

As I said, this book had so much promise. I liked the idea and the storyline moved along well. Lex and Masi had an instant attraction that neither of them wanted to act on. She was irate that he not only refused to continue their business arrangement, but also that he was going to become her direct competition. She thought of him simply as a rich European playboy who was looking out only for himself. Even after developing feelings for him, she was reluctant to enter his world, determined to not live her life in the media’s eye ever again. Masi can read Lex loud and clear and knows she’s not a casual sex type of lady. Everything about her screams commitment, and he vowed never to lose his heart to a woman again (based on a tragic misunderstanding between him, his father and a woman he thought loved him when he was younger). He convinced her to spend time with him on the pretext of working out their business disagreement, but he really wanted to get to know her better.

Unfortunately most of this book reads like the screenplay of a porno flick. The dialogue is vulgar and crude and the love scenes are choppy (most of the writing in the book was this way, in fact). I am a fan of erotic romance, but there was nothing romantic or even very erotic about it. Every scene was like wham, bam, no thank you, wham bam thank you. The author threw in way too many “ooohs” and “aaahhhhhs”. She even gave the dogs a speaking part, as in “Woof woof woof”.

The characters all come off as some of the shallowest people you’ll ever read about. If this is what the high fashion world is like, I’m glad I am very far removed from it. I had a hard time believing these were two mature, successful business people – they simply seemed juvenile and raunchy. The author may have been trying for a sexual push & pull, but there was no sensual build-up, only inconsistent behavior by Lex & Masi. There were moments in the second half of the book that slightly redeemed the story. Massimo’s love for Lex practically jumped off the pages and Lex’s frustration over her life spiraling out of control was obvious. Massimo wanted to care for her and love her, and eventually Lex let him. I would have liked their love story to be portrayed in a more romantic and touching way.

I give Undressed by Avery Aster 2.5 stars

Sidney Bristol Guest Post

Thanks so much to Nikki for hosting me today! I’m touring the blogesphere in honor of my latest Ellora’s Cave taboo line book, Collar Me in Paris. In short, it’s the story of a husband and wife figuring out what it means to be family – in the midst of an Amazing Race like challenge against the heroine’s family.

I chose Paris because I got the opportunity to go to France and spend the majority of that time in the namesake city of the book, touring the very spots my characters race through. That, and what better foreign location to set a romance book than the most romantic city in the world?

You can’t go to Paris without seeing the Tower. The Eiffel Tower, in case you aren’t following me. It’s one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Even as Americans we put it on our clothing, monogram it on trinkets, and purchase statues of it to decorate our homes. It embodies the idea of romance and the romantic ideal.

I remember traveling from the airport to where we were staying in the western part of the city. Our bus driver took the scenic route, circling around the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, down the Champs-Élysées and straight for the Eiffel Tower. I think you can use the Tower as a point of reference anywhere in the city. I know I used it more than a few times to tell the cardinal directions to get myself un-lost!

One thing I didn’t know when I went to see the Tower was that every night at sunset there is a lighting ceremony. At set time, just as the sun is beginning to dip below the horizon, people gather up and down the lawn stretching between the Tower. It’s pretty popular to get a picnic dinner, a bottle of wine and set up for a show. The Tower goes from being a metal monolith to lighting up the Paris sky. Thousands of tiny lights running along the lines of the Tower sparkle for about sixty seconds, making the tower look like one, huge sparkler. It’s crazy, and beautiful and something I’ve never seen anywhere else.

I couldn’t write about Paris and not talk about the Tower. I didn’t want it to factor too much into the story, but I couldn’t write about France, the characters experiences all over the city – and not even touch on one of the most important monuments in the world! I won’t tell you when, where or why the Tower factors into Collar Me in Paris, but only that I was pretty excited to fold some of my experiences into the book. I think that’s one of the secret joys of writing, putting little bits of yourself into what people are going to read and enjoy. This time I got to share my vacation and experiences losing myself in this beautiful city. Next time, who knows what I’ll get to share?

Paris was the last, big vacation for me. What was yours? Any one memory stick with you more than others?

It can never be said that Sidney Bristol has had a ‘normal’ life.  She is a recovering roller derby queen, former missionary, and tattoo addict. She grew up in a motor-home on the US highways (with an occasional jaunt into Canada and Mexico), traveling the rodeo circuit with her parents. Sidney has lived abroad in both Russia and Thailand, working with children and teenagers. She now lives in Texas where she splits her time between a job she loves, writing, reading and belly dancing.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Collar Me in Paris | Purchase from Ellora’s Cave, Amazon or Barnes & Noble 

What begins as Clay’s first family vacation with his new wife quickly dives into disaster. He may be the submissive in their relationship, but he’s no shy violet. Bianca has taught him the quickest way to turn her on is a challenge, so he’s throwing down the gauntlet. 

Bianca butts heads with not just her brothers but her husband when the family torturing begins. But the joke is on him. She’s ready to put him through the most erotic misery of all. In public, at a night club and all over the city, she’ll show him who is Dominant in their relationship until he’s screaming for more. 

Their relaxing Paris vacation turns into a mad dash through the ancient streets, a competition of wills and a new exploration of what it takes to make their relationship work. From bondage, discipline and very public orgasms to navigating the Métro, family feuds and overcoming the language barrier, they’re going to redefine the word fun. 

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Excerpt 

Clay’s  feet squicked inside his tennis shoes. For all of a second he felt guilty for tracking mud and God only knew what else into the apartment, but someone had thoughtfully laid out newspaper and cardboard. Other, equally filthy shoes were lined up, as well as a few articles of clothing too soiled to wear any farther. He toed his shoes off and left them in the foyer. Bianca slammed the door shut and didn’t bother with removing her sneakers. She stomped down the hall to the tune of her family’s laughter and ignored their calls.

Today had not gone well.

That was an understatement.

It had been a wreck.

“There you are!”

“Hey, thought you guys would never make it in.”

“About time you showed up.”

The teasing jibes kept coming as Bianca passed the living room and stormed to their suite.

She was beyond angry.

Angry was a fire ant army out to take a pound of flesh.

Bianca was beyond that. Furious, enraged, those words fit her better, and he didn’t think he had it in him to care anymore. He’d changed from the sub he’d been three years ago who had no limits. He had them now, and being used as an emotional punching bag all day was a yard too far.

Clay paced slowly into the fray. The scent of stale water and excrement clung to his clothing. The sense of accomplishment from having completed the day’s challenges was dampened by the knowledge the rest of her family had finished in half the time and probably with a lot more cooperation from their spouses.

Kevin glanced up from the TV where the brothers were currently engaged in what appeared to be the latest multiplayer shooter game. “You look like shit.”

“Thanks.” Unlike his wife, their razing didn’t bother him. Who were they to him? Her family. Not his.

“Seriously, what took you guys so long?” Michael didn’t divert his attention from the action. He even managed to snag a handful of popcorn and shove it in his mouth without breaking stride.

A random assortment of snack foods littered the coffee table—cheese, crackers, chips, some cookies and even a bottle of wine. The empty plates attested to there being even more to offer at one time.

There was enough there to feed several people. Despite being exhausted, he itched to pack some of the food away.

Jason’s voice broke his concentration. “We missed you guys at dinner. Everything okay?” Unlike his brothers, Jason had paused the game and turned toward him. Michael and Kevin grumbled, but took the opportunity to shovel yet more food in their mouths.

“Yeah, took us longer than you guys. Where are the girls?” He glanced at the kitchen, but still no one.

“They went out shopping or to a show or something,” Michael replied and restarted the game.

The game ramped up and the three brothers began a flurry of attacking something. He’d never understood the appeal of video games, but he hadn’t been exposed to them until he was in high school, and by then other things had taken on more importance. Like finding an after-school job so he could have shoes without holes and jeans that fit.

He shuddered as a chill crept down his spine from the clinging, cold clothing and shook off the nervous tic as well. He’d left those days behind. “How did you guys get into the catacombs so fast? We waited almost two hours.”

Kevin snorted. “Oh fuck waiting.”

“We don’t wait, man. We offer the first people in line fifty bucks and skip the wait.” Michael glanced at him. “You didn’t seriously wait, did you?”

He grimaced. “Yeah, yeah we did.”

“Sucks to be you.” Michael laughed and focused on the game.

“Hey, do you want join in? We probably have a spare controller around here somewhere,” Jason offered.

“No thanks. I’m going to clean up. Tromping through those sewers was gross.”

He left the living room to a chorus of laughter, maybe directed at him or the game, he didn’t care.

Bianca had known her brothers would bribe and do whatever it took to win. That was their way and she hadn’t told him. He’d waited in line for two fucking hours while she gave him the silent treatment. They could have been strategizing, discussing how they wanted to play, learning the rules. But no. He had no way of playing with a full deck if she didn’t confide in him.

They were supposed to be a team.

A fucking team.

He pushed the door to the suite open and slammed it behind him. If she could slam doors, so could he.

Bianca jumped but did not turn around from where she stood at the foot of the bed. This was not the way things were supposed to be between them. Sure, B called the shots and he was comfortable in his role as her husband and submissive. He did not play the role of a carpet to be walked upon.

He ignored the instinct to kneel at the door, to wait for Bianca to present the collar and slip his necklace off. His knees tried to buckle, but he locked them in place. Instead he began removing his jacket and peeling off his shirt.

“I didn’t give you permission to undress,” Bianca snapped. Waspish behavior was unlike her. Even when she gave him pain she laughed and smiled.

“I don’t want your permission.” His voice was cold, foreign to his own ears. He wadded up his shirt and tossed it through the bathroom door where it plopped onto the tile.

Bianca turned to face him. She’d stripped down to her navy boyshort panties and matching camisole. The set was old, relatively speaking, but one of his favorites. The material had a silky sheen to it, and the lace was soft to the touch, not rough. Her firm breasts filled out the top and her nipples were visible through the fabric. Goose bumps rose on her flesh, and her damp, shoulder-length hair stuck to her face and hung in clumps.

She was beautiful, but not when her face was drawn and tight. Anger didn’t become her. Her makeup was smudged, streaked across her cheeks or completely gone, giving her something of a sad clown look. It ruined the ferocity of her flashing gaze and tight lips.

“What’s wrong with you? Is this some twisted plea for punishment? Because I’m not amused.”

He fisted his hands. He would never lay a finger on her in anger, but he wanted to do something to work the frustration out. “No, this is about you and your family, and keeping me in the dark.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You knew they would pay to cut in line and cheat.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yeah. They do. And where do you think that money comes from? My brothers spend months preparing and saving bribe money. We had one night. What are you willing to forgo to pay for this? Club membership? Wine club? Hockey tickets? Because to me, those are a lot more important than cutting in line.”

He pitched his voice to match her volume. “Why do you get to make that decision?”

“I thought I was the Dominant here.”

He stared at her, not seeing her but everything that was wrong with this situation. The lack of communication, their attitudes and most of all, the missing fun. They laughed and enjoyed themselves.

The years had built a level of intimacy between them, and now it was as if all that work had disappeared. “This, this isn’t like us. I don’t want this.”

Bianca’s gaze widened, glistening with sudden tears. Her lower lip trembled though she fought to hide it. Sorrow speared him. He didn’t want his wife to cry.

She threw up her hand when he took a step toward her. “What are you saying?”

“Christ, B, I don’t want to do this damn race if it’s going to fuck with our heads.”

She sank down on the edge of the bed, her shoulders slumped, and stared at the ground, or maybe her toes. He could hear her trembling breath, see the tension in the cords of her neck. Clay slid between her and the wardrobe to kneel in front of her and took her hands in his. She stared at the carpet, her face twisted into a painful mask.

“B?”

Her fingers were cold to the touch. The stench still clung to their hair and skin, disgusting reminders of the failure of a day they’d had.

He pushed to his feet, Bianca’s gaze tracking him under the cover of her lashes. She might bust his balls, literally, for this whole fiasco, but he was her husband. He could bend the rules a little.

He scooped her up and settled her slight weight against his chest. The silky material was ice cold, her skin clammy.

She began to wiggle in his grasp. “What are—?”

“Let me take care of you. Please?” Though he spoke in an almost whisper, she stilled.

She didn’t respond, but she relaxed in his hold, leaning against his shoulder and curling her hand over his heart, not one protest on her lips.

He breathed a sigh of relief and edged around the bed, careful not to bang her knee on the wardrobe or clock her head against the bedpost. He set her down on the miniscule counter space in the bathroom and turned the shower on.

Bianca watched him, worry lining her brow and pinching her lips. Her green eyes appeared so much larger than normal. She was always so put together, the quintessential modern woman, and he admired her for all of her feminism and femininity.

“Let’s get you out of these clothes. They smell.” He ran his fingers along the lacy edge of her camisole covering her hips. “May I?”

She lifted her arms in silent permission. The stretchy fabric clung to her skin and had to be peeled off. She shivered and gripped the edge of the counter. She didn’t often allow him to undress her. He wished the circumstances were different, that he could enjoy the privilege.

When they’d first played within the confines of the club, he hadn’t understood how intimate the process of taking off this woman’s garments could be. In those first months she’d never allowed him to so much as remove her shoes.

“Do you remember the first time you gave me permission to undress you?” He studied her face as he lowered to his knees.

Her brows lifted and a crackle of lust zipped between them. Their relationship had still been new, going on barely five months officially when they took that first weekend trip. Before that, he’d been under her protection for close to a year and was elated they were finally at a more intimate place in their relationship. Though they’d checked in at a bed and breakfast, they’d snuck into a nearby hotel pool.

Under the cover of starlight, she’d instructed him to remove every stitch of her clothing.

She sucked in a breath. “Of course.”

He slid his hands into her silky panties. When they’d been at the pool, she’d leaned against a low wall.

He’d removed her underwear much like this, caressing her with his palms as he pushed them off. Like that long-ago night, she kept her legs closed and her pussy unavailable. Instead he kissed her knee and rested his chin against her while he knelt on the ground.

“That’s when I fell in love with you.”

She snorted. “I thought you fell in love with me the first time I locked up your balls?”

He laughed against her skin. “Okay, I fell in love with the Mistress then, but the woman later.”

Mine To Chase by Luarann Dohner

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Erotic Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

My Copy: Sent

Reviewer: Nikki

Jasmine met the guy of her dreams and lost him. She’s spent a year filled with lustful fantasies and soul-deep yearning for a man who didn’t want her. Now she is locked away in a dark hole, kidnapped by a madman, her life almost over. She’ll never know what could have been, if only he’d felt the same. 

She was supposed to be his but Chase walked away. To protect her from his world. He’s a mixed-breed—vampire and werewolf—and his list of enemies is endless. His mission is to hunt down and kill a rogue vampire who’s preying on humans, but what he finds changes everything. She’s one of the victims. Instinct demands he protect her, possess her. He won’t be denied again. Everything Jasmine thinks she knew is about to change. This time he’s keeping her.

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This is going to be a short and sweet review. Ok maybe not sweet per say. I didn’t like this one, let me tell you why. I enjoy the hell out of a good novella. Getting right to the chase (ha funny b/c that’s the characters name too) and having a story told to me in a shortened version. *IF* it’s done right. Something vital was missing in Mine To Chase. The heat between Chase and Jasmine felt manufactured. Fake. Not there. Chase and Jasmine had previously met when she served as his realtor though nearly a year has passed. Chase is half werewolf and half vampire, a combo nobody seems to like because it makes him a threat to both sides. He acts as an enforcer and a leader to his pack though every single one of them would love nothing more then to take him down.

Unbeknownst to him Jasmine has been taken hostage by a volatile murdering vampire who Chase has been sent to dispatch. Finding Jasmine in his clutches and near death sends him over the edge and engages his mating instinct. He decides he HAS to mate her. To keep her safe. Except everyone now wants her dead because he mated a human. Didn’t make one lick of sense to me. Dohner goes out of her way to immediately pose a threat to Jasmine by adding a female intent on making Chase her mate. Arry shows up all mouthy and trying to convince Chase to leave the pesky human to die and instead run off with her. Perfect set up for a further conflict. Except Chase tells her no and that’s that. Instead towards the end another female shows up named Kim…and the exact same thing happens!

Add to this that Jasmine is incredibly weak. She’s wishy washy and can’t make up her mind. She’s backed into a corner but the sex is just so good she can’t form a rational thought. She never fights back. Even when faced with death, holding a gun in her hands….SHE FAINTS. Um no. Just no. I can’t do fainting heroines.

I’ve enjoyed Dohner’s books in the past. I’m sure I’ll enjoy them in the future. They all center around sex as an erotic romance, but this just didn’t do it for me. This one I can’t recommend.

I give Mine To Chase by Luarann Dohner 2.50 stars. 

The Italian by Lisa Marie Rice

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Romantic Suspense/Erotic Romance

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

My Copy: Sent

Reviewer: Nikki

Designer Jamie McIntyre is on a working vacation in Palermo, Sicily, soaking up the sunshine and the art, trying to contact a former law student of her grandfather’s. She’s thinking “nerd in a suit”. But Judge Stefano Leone is as far from a boring suit as possible. He’s also the toughest, sexiest man she’s ever met, in bed and out. There’s no resisting his commanding presence—or his beautiful body. Jaime quickly falls under his mesmerizing spell. 

Until she’s forced to make an impossible choice. 

Stefano Leone is closing in on one of the most dangerous mobsters on earth. He’s surrounded by armed men, his life under constant threat. He’s not had time for sex in years, let alone love. The beautiful American woman, however, slips right under his guard and into his bed…and his heart. But does she truly want Stefano? Or has she been sent to seduce him—or worse?

.

Jamie has been looking for some inspiration in Italy while also trying to track down her grandfather’s prized past student who seems to be as elusive as his business practices. When she finally gains access she finds an enigmatic man who sets her blood on fire with every look he sends her way. His touch ignites a passion in Jamie she doesn’t know how to respond to but his commanding presence insists she learn….quickly.

It has been years since Stefano has let himself think about anything except bringing closure to his mobster case. He’s finally getting close to taking the operation down and in walks Jamie who represents everything that is right and that he can’t have. Allowing himself to feel again comes easily, letting her go does not.

I enjoyed the writing in The Italian but I think the story lacked a thrill. It was too short for me to get invested in the characters and for a romantic suspense there was much, well, suspense. Not much happens in the respect of the mobsters Stefano is so dedicated to taking down, until near the very end. What does happen doesn’t really involve Jamie directly and I was a little let down by that. The mobsters go all the way to the US to terrorize someone else when Stefano’s woman is basically right down the street. Why not just take her and really bring Stefano to his knees?

The book is mainly Jamie and Stefano laying low because he can’t go out in public, and sex. Lots of sex. Which is why I added in my own classification as an erotic romance. The sex is plentiful, and decently hot but not in any way original. So while it was nice…I wasn’t having any problems sitting on my couch if you catch my drift.

I will try something longer from Ms Rice because the writing was descriptive and I think, given more time, I could have enjoyed these characters on more then just on a surface level.

I give The Italian by Lisa Marie Rice 3 stars!

Reaper’s Property by Joanna Wylde

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Erotic Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

My Copy: Sent

Reviewer: Nikki 

Marie doesn’t need a complication like Horse. The massive, tattooed, badass biker who shows up at her brother’s house one afternoon doesn’t agree. He wants Marie on his bike and in his bed. Now.

But Marie just left her abusive jerk of an ex-husband and she’s not looking for a new man. Especially one like Horse—she doesn’t know his real name or where he lives, she’s ninety percent certain he’s a criminal and that the “business” he talks with her brother isn’t website design. She needs him out of her life, which would be a snap if he’d just stop giving her mind-blowing orgasms.

Horse is part of the Reapers Motorcycle Club, and when he wants something, he takes it. What he wants is Marie, but she’s not interested in becoming “property of”.

Then her brother steals from the club. Marie can save him by giving Horse what he wants—at home, in public, on his bike… If she’s a very, very good girl, she’ll get lots more of those orgasms only he can offer, and he’ll let her brother live.

Maybe.

Reaper’s Property. Where to begin? The hero, and I use that term loosely, is named Horse. How can you go wrong with a name like that? It’s common for people in motorcycle gangs to have nicknames and so now I know you’re wondering…why “Horse”? Oh, it’s for the reason you’re probably thinking. It’s because he’s hung like one. Yes. I said it. He has a giant peen and he certainly knows how to use it. Horse was a character that I found myself hating and equally lusting over. He’s mean, crude and demanding. He’s just a hard man who has had a hard life and who lives by the code of the brotherhood. No one is above the code.

Marie has had enough male problems lately with her abusive ex, she isn’t wanting to start another relationship. Her mind may tell her that but her body seems to light up like a bottle rocket whenever Horse is nearby. Not gonna lie, Marie is slightly trashy. She meets Horse for the first time pulling weeds from around her brothers overgrown trailer in a bikini top and shorts. Her mom is in prison. She’s mouthy and kinda dumb at times and she really has no idea what she’s getting into when she starts something with Horse. Underneath it all though she’s a good person who is protective of her brother even if he doesn’t deserve it.

When Marie’s drug addicted brother steals from the club Marie strikes a deal with them in order to save his life. She’ll stay with Horse and do whatever he tells her to in exchange for them sparing him. What starts out as a plan born out of necessity quickly turns into some deeply rooted feelings. She takes over Horses life and his house with equal skill. Completely consuming him and making him long for something he never thought he’d find. An old lady.

Mean heros seem to be all the rage these days and Horse definitely fits the criteria. I made a fatal mistake though. I read this not long after reading Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley. The two books paralleled each other in a lot of ways and that book was so incredibly well done it made it hard for me to transition to this one.  I did enjoy this one though. A lot. Horse takes alpha to another level but in a lot of ways Marie holds all the power over him. He craves her just as much as she craves him. The sex is hot and plentiful though not terribly inventive. The story line is engaging enough to keep readers interested and wanting to know how Marie’s brother could possibly screw up any more.

I will be sure to check out more from Ms. Wylde!

I give Reaper’s Property by Joanna Wylde 4 stars! 

It’s A Takeover…..

Last October when I went to Ellora’s Cave Romanticon I met some pretty crazy ladies….Danica and Lea in  particular called me over and we spoke in very unhushed tones about sex and erotic romance. There was even a guy video taping part of it…oh yes. They asked me what I thought of a spoof erotic romance. I was instantly on board because really…who hasn’t thought “What the ever loving fuck” when you’re reading romances? Guys can’t come that many times. There isn’t really a dick that big. What if I randomly blurted out what goes through my head during sex? Which, of course, are never sexy thoughts. My husband doesn’t want to hear “What’s that squishy noise?” or “Look how my arm fat jiggles when I’m bouncing around”…. Apparently I am not alone. A group of erotic romance authors have come together for greatness of epic proportions. Fondled and Gobbled was born! I wanted to interview the ladies behind these books….below is the mass craziness that results from trying to talk to them all at once. It’s not pretty. It’s downright hilarious.

Fondled and Gobbled: Someone Had To Do It
http://www.ellorascave.com/fondled-and-gobbled-someone-had-to-do-it.html

The perfect man—with the imperfect cock and oral skills. The Dom who isn’t a dom, and the man who proves it to him. The alien with dessert-flavored semen and three cocks. The older man (a kajillionaire with a penthouse in Seattle…) who has limitless ability to come all night with his naïve little virgin. A woman on a diet who craves a feast of meat and finds herself five Broadshaft Brothers who can deliver.

If you’re looking for the perfect romance with the perfect hero and heroine, this isn’t it! This is a series of spoofs, parodies, just-for-fun lighthearted take-offs. It’s for all us longtime, hard-core romance readers who can laugh at the clichés, purple prose and “suspend your disbelief” plot devices that haunt our beloved favorite genre.

Fondled and Gobbled: Going Back for Seconds
http://www.ellorascave.com/fondled-and-gobbled-going-back-for-seconds.html

The virgin whose carefully planned hymen removal doesn’t work out the way all the romance novels told her it would. A busty broad doing what she can to get over her penis anxiety—assisted by a cadre of male strippers. A not-so-bright (and not so “big”) alien who comes to claim his life mate, and the Earth girl who wants to be claimed at all costs. A cursed, mute shapeshifter who needs to pop his cherry with his unsuspecting fated mate.

If you’re looking for the perfect romance with the perfect hero and heroine, this isn’t it! This is a series of spoofs, parodies, just-for-fun lighthearted take-offs. It’s for all us longtime, hard-core romance readers who can laugh at the clichés, purple prose and “suspend your disbelief” plot devices that haunt our beloved favorite genre.

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Group Interview Chat for Ramblings of a Chaotic Mind

Nikki: “Ok, so tell me…who’s idea was this really?”

Danica A: I’m totally pointing stabby fingers at Lea

Anya B: NOT MINE! *hides*

Lea B: *raises hand* that would be me… but it didn’t take long for others to chime in. LOL

Griffin C: Cant remember. But I think Lea

Amy R: Cristal roped me in, but I believe she said it was Lea.

Anya B: The cray-cray was contagious

Danica Avet

Danica A: And I wasn’t even drinking when it happened originally, so yeah…It’s Geeky’s fault

Cassandra C: Yeah Lea is the culprit, wait, mastermind behind the project.

Lea B: I think it took the words… wouldn’t it be cool if… and we were running.

Griffin C: We all fueled the insanity

Anya B: Cristal roped me in too

Danica A: Then there was talk about rolls and froggie styles on the floor in the bar

Lea B: Drinks were definitely involved LOL And the Oklahoma, and froggie…

Griffin C: oh yes!

Amy R: Froggie styles? 0_o

Anya B: Yeah, I remember hearing that and realizing I needed IN

Cara C: LOL!!!

Lea B: Both of which are from Griffin

Griffin C: I’m limber

Sasha D: *falls over*

Danica A: She is

Lea B: We were talking about how its Griffin’s fault that we’re together!

Anya B: WAIT, wasn’t it your fault? Now you’re blaming Griff??

Griffin C: Dont blame me!

Sasha D: actually it’s Lea’s fault we were all going a lil capt insano crazy after the con and the drinks and Lea was the one who tried to band us together and make sense

Piper T: I thought the idea was a little…screwy (no pun intended) when I was approached. The group sent Lea to lure me in…i.e. we’re not crazy! It’s nice in here…. You should totally come an play… The rest of the group was like the insane aunt hidden in the closet. But it was too late for me by then…

Cassandra Carr

Griffin C: Wait. Wasn’t Danica the narrator?

Danica A: I didn’t do anything illegal!

Danica A: Did I?

Cara C: Yeah Danica was the voice for the app.

Griffin C: And I was the visual. We made a good team.

Lea B: OMG the app! LOL I forgot about the voice.

Sasha: *stares off into space* Next year we’re selling tickets

Piper T: but my “creative” side is very rebellious, so it starts working in the background, the gears turning, “could it be done? What would be funny and hot too??” At some point before I turned down the offer my brain had already written the story

Danica A: and we get Nick to stand there with his trophy in a lewd, not nude pose

Danica A: unless he really wants to be nude

Lea B: ROFL Nick and that trophy!

Lea B: Okay, so it was in THAT environment that this whole thing was born!

Nikki: With “the book that shall not be named” rise over this past year, what do you think is the future for a genre that previously sold well already, but more low-key?

Anya B: Ladies will start sinking their teeth into the real stuff, and the men will run scared.

Amy R: A question that makes me think. *brain melts*

Griffin C: I think more people are talking about it so I expect more break out sales

Anya Richards

Cassandra C: Geez. That sounds like a serious question. Do we “do” those kind of questions?

Sasha D: I think we’re entering the Golden Age of Smut and I like it

Lea B: Ugh… can I just mutter about the book?!

Sasha D: I think there’s very little we won’t do Cass

Anya B: I won’t go there, Lea. I just won’t

Cassandra C: This is a good point Sasha.

Amy R: I’ve been with EC since 2007, I see an uptake in recognition.

Lea B: I don’t want to, and I will admit in this company that I haven’t even finished reading the first book.

Amy R: I’ve never read it.

Cassandra C: Okay, if you want me to be serious. I *hope* it will bring in more readers but honestly I’m not sure it will.

Amy R: I have no desire to read “it” …like ever.

Piper Trace

Anya B: Me neither. My sensibilities were shocked, and it had nothing to do with the sex

Cassandra C: I read all three and my brain still hurts.

Danica A: honestly, as much as I hate bandwagon stuff, I’m all for things that will sell my books…even though there’s barely any nasty naughty stuff going on at all. It’s almost inspirational even

Anya B: I was so damned hurt that THAT was the erotic romance breakout book.

Griffin C: Inspirational LOL

Anya B: I mean, freakin’ stab me through the heart, why not? Cassandra Yeah the total crap is what sold our genre. Excellent.

Piper T: I think 50 shades will bring kink a bit more into the mainstream. In much the same way that Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” song made me immediately go out to a club and French kiss a girl. But only because the song was so catchy and upbeat. The catchiness & upbeatness made me feel like kissing girls was suddenly something I could talk about at work and at Christmas dinner.

Anya B: OMG I want to have Piper’s babies

Amy R: LMAO

Piper T: I’m working hard, bitches!!!! Did anyone get the subtle answer to the question hidden in my answer, PLUS that I was kidding about kissing a girl??

Amy Ruttan

Piper T: not that I wouldn’t

Piper T: I just didn’t

Lea B: I think Piper should just answer all the questions and we can chime in with DITTO

Nikki : What can I expect in these two books?

Cassandra C: Caramel-flavored cum?

Amy R: Scooby Doo talking, werewolf lovin’

Cassandra C: A forty-eight-year-old dude who can shoot a dozen times and still want more?

Lea B: Triple cocks

Griffin C: Spaceships, aliens and life mates

Sasha D: hilarity w/ a side of smexy

Griffin C: Little dicks too

Danica A: It’s the epic story of a girl searching for her cookie…and not getting it until she brings out Hoss

Sasha D: or in a word…. Fraken-Vag

Lea B: Side busting smut

Amy R: Helicopter cocks, right @Anya

Cassandra: : Definitely hilarity. Freaking tons of hilarity. Wanted to swear there but I held back.

Anya B: Subs that D om and doms that Sub

Griffin C: Yellow teeth and red eye aliens without a lick of sense

Danica A: Which (Hosss) is a sex toy, by the way. And a cookie is an orgasm. For those of you not in the know

Anya B: The report of helicopter cocks has been greatly exaggerated

Cristal Ryder

Amy R: *whappah, whappah, whappah*

Cassandra C: “Come to the dark side, we have cookies! Which are apparently orgasms.”

Danica A: And everyone wants orgasms

Cassandra C: And cookies.

Danica A: (has the shirt…not the orgasms one, but the other one)

Lea B: I’m laughing so hard I can’t type.

Griffin C: What question are we answering?

Nikki: Which one of you is the craziest…point some fingers ladies

Piper T:

Danica A: Griffin.

Anya B: PIPER!

Danica A: Piper

Amy R: Piper

Anya B: WAIT…DANICA

Griffin C: I say Piper is bat crazy

Lea B: Right now?! It’s a toss up… but most of the time I’d tag Piper with that!

Danica A: Uh no, I’m the tour guide in the nut house

Cassandra: Only one of us can be the craziest? Eesh. I’m going with Griffin. I have no idea why though.

Sasha D: Griff

Lea B: Or Griff

Sasha Devlin

Amy R: All of us?

Piper T: what??

Lea B: Or, maybe Danica

Griffin C: Lea do you remember when we first met Piper?

Danica A: I have THE VOICE for it

Piper T: I am batSHIT CRAZY!!

Anya B: (anyone but me. I’m a sober, sane influence on the group. Or I TRY to be)

Lea B: Piper you’re the craziest!

Griffin C: She sat her computer down next to us and said “You bitches watch my computer with your lives!”

Piper T: I hope you understand why I don’t do drugs or drink hard liquor. Because this is how I

am sober.

Lea B: Griff- Holy Hell I forgot about that!

Griffin C: And then she walked away and stayed gone for about an hour

Lea B: Piper wanted to write with us but needed something other than the diapers in her purse.

Piper T: HAHAHa you guys were great computer watchers

Griffin C: LOL. We just said “OK”

Piper T: oh yeah! “watch my computer, I’ll be right back” *……1 hour later……*

Danica A: But then…I read Anya’s story and realized she’s a freak. Then read Cara’s story and realized she’s a freak. Then there’s Amy who’s all into redneck duck hunters *sad smile*

A.M. Griffin

Griffin C: So I want to bring up here that Danica thought I was famous. Dont edit this out!!

Lea B: LOL @ Griff

Piper T: You guys were so sweet. I remember being struck by how sweet you were for moving my computer with you when you moved.

Griffin C: And it made me happy

Piper T: awwwww

Danica A: I did!

Lea B: We all thought you were famous… it was the sexy undies!

Piper T: and I had to go replenish my swag (I think that’s what I went to do)

Piper T: but as you’ve figured out…I’m easily distracted

Danica A: I thought Griffin was someone I should have known…and then she did an impression and talked about Oklahoma (not the state) and I realized this bitch was cray cray

Griffin C: I tried to act famous after that. All good and shit

Amy R: OMG. I LOVE that musical

Danica A: Swigging wine at the dinner table from a canteen

Sasha D: not that kind of Oklahoma Ames

Amy R: Dang.

Nikki: Any other shenanigans brewing with you ladies writing together again?

Anya B: Oy vey, when will it end is the right question…

Cassandra C: Other than volumes 3-2,184? Nah.

Sasha D: Let’s go w/ Cass’ answer

Danica A: really, there’s way too much insanity in the world for us NOT to make fun of

Amy R: Ditto @Danica

Cassandra : We have material for decades. Centuries.

Anya B: AND if we don’t do it in our loving way, someone else will in a less loving way, and then I’ll have to kill them

Danica A: I mean, hello…did we not just have a discussion about Amish spoofs???

Amy R: Rub me in jam and lick me clean on top of my quilt

Danica A: ROFL @ Amy

Anya B: Shenanigans is one of my favorite words. We (da family) decided that the cops here should have a law called “creating shenanigans” that they could hassle the kids with

Lea Barrymire

Lea B: Other than the next 3 volumes of F&G? Oh, I’m sure there will be shenanigans aplenty!

Piper T: you mean other books? or just shenanigans? because there’s not enough time for all our shenanigans

Piper T: in fact I think this group is 15% work and 85% shenanigans

Cara C: Just wait til we have the blowup dolls @ RomantiCon13

Anya B: As much as 15%? That’s generous

Danica A: Oh yes, blow up dolls, tiaras…sashes

Sasha D: uh WHAT?

Lea B: And turkeys.. oh, my

Cassandra C: Low-cut shirts…

Danica A: We have T-shirts, thongs

Anya B: Jumping cocks

Lea B: AND THE APP!!!

Griffin C: I see a lot of shenanigans in our future. Why just the other day me and Danica were dancing and working out in the gym.

Cassandra C: I might bring a flask.

Cara C: Yes THE APP

Danica A: *gasp @ Griffin*

Lea B: LOL @Griff

Danica A: You weren’t supposed to SAY anything about that!

Griffin C: LOL. What? I’m proud of our high kicks

Piper T: I’m still lost…my answer is…Volumes 3 & 4?

Piper T: is that the right answer?

Piper T: Ooh! I’ll be appearing in Columbus soon!!!!

Griffin C: Oh!! Are you going to the sexapolooza Piper?

Cara Carnes

Piper T: some sex show….

Piper T: is that it?

Griffin C: I’ll be there with my street team. You are so hanging with us.

Piper T: I’m signing books from 10-midnight

Anya B: Be prepared to have your boots licked Piper!

Griffin C: Feb 1-3rd

Piper T: on Friday

Cassandra C: With the brand-new bus wrap.

Piper T: YAY! Griffin you’ll be there???

Griffin C: Yes Piper!

Cristal Ryder, also known as Honey Hotness was on the run from the bees buzzing around her. They all want her honey. So sadly she couldn’t be with us today.

****If you want more of this wonderful craziness…find all the ladies at  http://cabalofhotness.blogspot.com ****

Dangerously Mine by A.M. Griffin

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Erotic Sci Fi Romance

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

My Copy: Sent

Reviewer: Nikki

After aliens invade and conquer Earth, Eva is transported to a distant slave-trading planet. Freedom and escape are her only priorities, but none of her martial arts training could have prepared her for enslavement to the warrior King Taio. Eva finds herself drawn to this sexy alien male who ignites her heart and body.

Taio is disgusted with the idea of owning a slave—until now. From the moment he sees her, he knows Eva is his for the taking. Torn between lust and duty, Taio discovers nothing will stop him from protecting his little warrior.

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Dangerously Mine is book one in a new series for new-to-me author A.M. Griffin in which the earth has been invaded and the people sold off like cattle to be used as slaves in galaxies far away.

Black belt Eva doesn’t know the meaning of give up. Even long after the farming of earth she’s not only managed to stay alive but stay with her friend Ally. After a vicious attack on the auction block she awakens long gone from her friend and the meager life she’d come to know. Scared and determined to find her way back to the only “family” she has left, Eva bargains with the hard male who is now her owner. Taio is royalty and doesn’t know the meaning of compromise. The only thing he’s interested in is possessing the feisty human female in every way his mind can imagine.

I enjoyed this one a lot! Eva had so much spunk and undying determination to find her friend. Loyalty like that, especially faced with such insurmountable odds,  is hard to come by. Her need to make a human connection was heart felt and as realistic as you can get in a sci fi romance. Taio, though incredibly hard headed, made great strides in the book toward being more of a partner instead of a dictator. I found the world building to be great and intriguing me to look forward to more from this line. There are a couple of F/F scenes, which aren’t really my thing…so be prepared for those is you’re not keen on them either. The rest of the sex scenes are well detailed and smoking hot.

Taio, in looking for a mate decides to have an invitational of sorts to find the perfect female. I cringed inwardly how he just couldn’t understand why that upset Eva, his concubine, so much. He had me wanting to smack the back of his head often and even his friends understood her emotions better. I was also slightly confused with his mothers position on Eva because she seemingly does a 180 in her opinions. First she tells Eva to leave Taios room and then she’s telling Taio what a dumbass he is for letting her go. I wondered why she’d bother to tell her to leave in the first place if she was on board with them being together.

The only bad thing I can say about this was that it really paralleled Laurann Dohner’s Zorn Warriors series. In particular Ral’s Woman. That book also had an auctioned off female (though it was a fight to the death and winner got the woman), alien royalty, huge well endowed alien men hehehehe, smoking hot siblings of the hero, threat from other male aliens intent of teaching the human a lesson….. I suppose it’s probably common because you can only introduce so many new elements to a already well documented genre. But the entire time I was reading this I kept thinking about how similar the two books were.

I liked this one…I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series and hoping at some point, Eva finds her long lost friend Ally. A.M. Griffin is an author to watch!

I give Dangerously Mine by A.M. Griffin 4 stars!