From the start, Eva Jacob enters a torrid affair with Derrick Hoffman with her eyes wide open. It is strictly a sex affair. SoHawthorne Family, Book 2
From the start, Eva Jacob enters a torrid affair with Derrick Hoffman with her eyes wide open. It is strictly a sex affair. So, why after many months did she have to go and fall in love with him? And to make matters even more complex, after Eva ends things with Derrick because she knows that he will never share her feelings, she discovers that she is pregnant with his child.
Derrick Hoffman is a ‘No-Strings-Attached’ type of guy. Continuous childhood family rejection issues have manifested themselves into his adult life to where he shows no emotions for fear it is a sign of weakness. That is until he learns that Eva Jacobs is having his baby. Yet, instead of admitting to his true feelings, Derrick bulldozes Eva into agreeing to what appears to be a loveless marriage.
A Hard Man to Love is a spectacular read! Just as Eva, I have a love/hate relationship with Derrick. One minute I despise him to no end because of his coldhearted actions and then, in the very next, I feel sorry for him because of his heartfelt emotional pain. I commend Eva for not allowing Derrick to walk all over her. But, when you think about it, it takes a special kind of woman of strength and determination to forever hold Derrick’s heart. It was a joy to see how Eva masterfully cracks Derrick’s protective shell forcing him to receive love, not only by her, but from his family as well. The passion showcased between Eva and Derrick is spicy hot and very naughty. Whew! I loved everything about this novel and I am excited to bestow Delaney Diamond’s A Hard Man to Love as a Joyfully Reviewed Recommend Read!
Note: A Hard Man to Love is book two in the Hawthorne series and can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
Reviewed by Nikita Steele for Joyfully Reviewed
Merged review:
Hawthorne Family, Book 2
From the start, Eva Jacob enters a torrid affair with Derrick Hoffman with her eyes wide open. It is strictly a sex affair. So, why after many months did she have to go and fall in love with him? And to make matters even more complex, after Eva ends things with Derrick because she knows that he will never share her feelings, she discovers that she is pregnant with his child.
Derrick Hoffman is a ‘No-Strings-Attached’ type of guy. Continuous childhood family rejection issues have manifested themselves into his adult life to where he shows no emotions for fear it is a sign of weakness. That is until he learns that Eva Jacobs is having his baby. Yet, instead of admitting to his true feelings, Derrick bulldozes Eva into agreeing to what appears to be a loveless marriage.
A Hard Man to Love is a spectacular read! Just as Eva, I have a love/hate relationship with Derrick. One minute I despise him to no end because of his coldhearted actions and then, in the very next, I feel sorry for him because of his heartfelt emotional pain. I commend Eva for not allowing Derrick to walk all over her. But, when you think about it, it takes a special kind of woman of strength and determination to forever hold Derrick’s heart. It was a joy to see how Eva masterfully cracks Derrick’s protective shell forcing him to receive love, not only by her, but from his family as well. The passion showcased between Eva and Derrick is spicy hot and very naughty. Whew! I loved everything about this novel and I am excited to bestow Delaney Diamond’s A Hard Man to Love as a Joyfully Reviewed Recommend Read!
Note: A Hard Man to Love is book two in the Hawthorne series and can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
Reviewed by Nikita Steele for Joyfully Reviewed...more
For the first time in my entire romance reading career, I was literally sobbing after I finished a book. Last night I read The MusThe Muse WRECKED ME!
For the first time in my entire romance reading career, I was literally sobbing after I finished a book. Last night I read The Muse, I am still trying to process the right words to describe how I feel! O M G!!! I am still drained, phew. Man o Man!!!! Twyla Turner, WOMAN!!!!!! Muse is a great story of love overcoming all odds and ends with a truly satisfying HAPPILY EVER AFTER.
Reviewed by Joy for Joyfully Reviewed Link to follow...more
CALLING Kenya Wright!!! You are a new to me author and I just finished Dirty Kisses. OMG! I honestly didn't expect that twist :O. I am totally into KaCALLING Kenya Wright!!! You are a new to me author and I just finished Dirty Kisses. OMG! I honestly didn't expect that twist :O. I am totally into Kazimir and Emily. You have me on the ropes and I NEED PART 2 RIGHT THIS MINUTE!!! ...more
The dynamic duo of Tessa Bailey and Eve Dangerfield have co-written a book filled with blazing hot sex, funny dialogue and endearing characters. Meet The dynamic duo of Tessa Bailey and Eve Dangerfield have co-written a book filled with blazing hot sex, funny dialogue and endearing characters. Meet Autumn and Blake, the couple that will definitely keep you Captivated until the very last page :DD
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy. ...more
Dirty British Romance, Book 2 Self Published Contemporary Reviewed by Joy for Joyfully Reviewed
Rahul is totallllly swoony, the perfect hero and a virgin Dirty British Romance, Book 2 Self Published Contemporary Reviewed by Joy for Joyfully Reviewed
Rahul is totallllly swoony, the perfect hero and a virgin when we begin. meow!!! Jasmine is a thoroughly modern heroine who is unrepentantly herself and owns her sexuality. Jasmine is extremely wary of committment and has lots of issues when it comes to relationships, she doesn't do them, ever. Her lack of a relationship with her mom at a very young age formed within her a total fear of abandonment.
After a one time sexual encounter, Jasmine gives Rahul the option of either being a friend or a casual hook up, but not both. Rahul takes door number one as he can't imagine not being in Jasmine's life for the long haul. You see Rahul falls very much in love with our very independent heroine and being her friend means more to him than trying to change her.
Ms. Hibbert gives Jasmine and Rahul time to not only figure out themselves within these thirty days together, but as individuals. Their journey towards finding love is very realistic. I felt like I was witnessing a realtionship work out in real time.
I loved that everything wasn't wrapped up in a neat bow after those thirty days were up. Rahul realizes that for them to continue going forward in any sort of relationship, their friendship has to be on a more even keel. He's been a great friend to Jasmine much more than she has been to him. Jasmine realizing that not only does she need to be a better person to her friends, especially Rahul, but she needs to learn to how to love herself, seeks therapy. She also has another issue she must deal with as well.
Talia Hibbert is a new to me author and she certainly delivered on all levels. Wanna Bet is a very intuitive, romantic, relevant and hot read. For some couples, the journey to true love isn't always a total joy ride. Working on being a better you, means you need to step back for a bit in order to go forward in a relationship. I finished Wanna Bet with a complete sense of total enjoyment. I am a big sucker for an epilogue, Jasmine and Rahul's was the icing on a romance filled cake. I declare Wanna Bet to be a Joyfully Recommended Read.
***Trigger Warning: Wanna Bet contains themes of parental neglect and abandonment, parental death, and alcohol dependence.
The Red was truly is a gripping, intense, page turning, erotic read told from the heroines POV. The Red not only challenged me as a romance reader by The Red was truly is a gripping, intense, page turning, erotic read told from the heroines POV. The Red not only challenged me as a romance reader by taking me out of my comfort zone, but continued to keep me there by the sheer unique premise of the story. Kudos to Ms. Reisz for keeping me intrigued enough to continue reading because the mystery really had me wondering how it would be resolved. She truly had me guessing how the story would end until almost the last page. I literally couldn't put it down.
I consider The Red to be more erotica & kink with romantic elements as I didn't feel that the hero/heroine had time to develop an actual emotional relationship, given the nature of the overall story. The Red starts out and continues throughout as more of a series of sexual encounters and sexual situations. The paranormal elements actually made me want to continue reading and adds to the uniqueness of the book. If you are looking unique and erotic with lots of sex and intrigue then The Red is for you.
Note: I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
DUKE IS IN THE WILD & running free!! Hardcore ripped me to pieces, in a good way. We have been waiting for Duke's story since meeting him in Perv and DUKE IS IN THE WILD & running free!! Hardcore ripped me to pieces, in a good way. We have been waiting for Duke's story since meeting him in Perv and Dakota didn't disappoint us. The wait was well worth it.
PHEW! Duke is one stubborn man!!! Kennedy was more woman than me (lol). At times I wanted to gut punch Duke but Kennedy was patient and well you have to read the book to find how the mighty Duke falls and falls hard. Mwahahhaha.
Reviewed by Joy for Joyfully Reviewed Link: Full Review to follow...more
Do you love Toni Aleo’s Nashville Assassins series as much I do? Well you won’t want to miss Boarded by Love, the first book in her new spin off serieDo you love Toni Aleo’s Nashville Assassins series as much I do? Well you won’t want to miss Boarded by Love, the first book in her new spin off series, Bellevue Bullies and you guessed it, it’s about Phillip’s niece Claire Anderson. She is no longer the sourly teenager we met in Breaking Away. Claire is now a college woman with the whole world ahead of her, including catching the eye of campus playboy and team captain, Jude Sinclair.
Claire still has trust issues because of her past, which doesn’t always cause her to make the best decisions, but the support she gets from Phillip and Reese really help her along. She has tested them in many ways to make sure they would always love and support her. She finally realizes that no matter how she acts out, they are a family and will stand by one another.
I have to be honest, the only reason I wanted to read Boarded by Love was to see how Claire turned out. I know that might not be a reason to read a book but I liked her and was hoping she would find love and be a successful dancer. Some spin off series are really hit or miss with me but to my surprise I ended up really enjoying Boarded by Love. I was completely satisfied with how Aleo had the story play out. Plus, hello!, more hockey players was also an added bonus.
Jude and Claire go from zero to sixty in like 4.5 seconds … okay maybe it takes a little longer but the moment they catch each other’s eye it’s definitely a game changer for the both of them. They have spectacular chemistry and I just loved how they came together. While Jude was a player on and off the ice, I thoroughly enjoyed how completely smitten he was with Claire from the very beginning.
While the romance blooms with Jude and Claire, it was a bit rushed for me. Toni fleshed out these characters so well that I felt their emotions and could "see" all the happenings as if I was there. What I really liked was although there was a little drama, which is always needed in a good romance, the secret was the big issue. Not only was Claire keeping a secret from her family but she was also keeping it from her new boyfriend. I knew when the secret came out, things could go either way, it was swoon worthy when Jude finally comes to his senses.
Boarded by Love is a very emotional story, so much that I was totally tearing up at certain moments as well-being equally humorous. When Phillip and Jude met was very funny and of course since Phillip pretty much raised Claire, I felt how protective he was of her. Jude handled the situation well and really won me over in that scene. Jude respects Phillip but is also falling for Claire and wants to stand by her and her decisions. Seeing Phillip like that was different since when he was introduced into the Assassins series he was a player and the fun guy, now he is all settled down being the father that Claire needs.
I believe the whole point of a spin off series is to have some guest appearances by previous characters. While there were numerous ones that did appear from previous Assassins books, I was happy to catch up with the ones that did make special appearances. Phillip and Reese finally tie the knot and do it Assassins style with the whole team there to help support them. One of the cutest moments is when Jude is sitting next to Shea and threatens that if he ever hurts Claire he will have the entire hockey team out to get him. They were one big happy family and I loved it!
Boarded by Love strongly starts the Bellevue Bullies series off and I’m excited for Jude’s bothers and his sister upcoming stories. Yes, each of them will be getting their own story! I fist bumped at that news, because not only do we get more hot men, but more hockey! The Sinclair’s are definitely an interesting group and I’m hoping the series gets even better as more Bellevue Bullies books are released.
Reviewed by Dani for Joyfully Reviewed Link to follow: ...more
Jackson Stone never felt like he belonged in the Stone family and after his adoptive mother passed away those feelings only got worse. His adoptive faJackson Stone never felt like he belonged in the Stone family and after his adoptive mother passed away those feelings only got worse. His adoptive father took his brother everywhere, leaving Jackson behind and feeling abandoned. Now that Jackson is older and successful, he hires a P.I. to find his real family but what he finds out is something he never expected. Not only does he have three brothers but one of them is his twin. Jackson has no idea what kind of reception he is going to get from them but he knows he has to at least try to get to know them. His first stop is to meet his twin, Clay, when he walks into Kincaid’s Bar he comes face to face with Tara. When Tara offers to help make the brothers transition a little easier Jackson is grateful. The more time he spends with her the more he realizes she has demons of her own and he wants to get to know her better as well.
Tara Kent has just finished her degree and been working at Kincaid’s for years ever since Clay Kincaid gave her the chance of a decent life. The Kincaid brothers and their wives have become family to her. When a good looking gentleman walks in looking exactly like Clay, her boss, she knows things are about to become complicated. After hearing Jackson’s story she helps him and Clay forge a relationship, but Tara knows the journey won't be easy. Tara helps them to find a common ground but when secrets that were supposed to stay hidden come out into the open, and a past mistake comes to light, she wonders if it will put her new relationship with Jackson in jeopardy. Can this Sinner help Tara learn to sin?
Dirty Sexy Cuffed, book three in the Dirty Sexy series, ended with a bombshell. Dirty Sexy Sinner picks up right where Dirty Sexy Cuffed left off, which I found was the prefect was to start the next book. Dirty Sexy Sinner was hot and a great addition to the series. I enjoyed both the writing and getting to know Tara a little better as she's been in all of the previous books. Although the story was interesting, I did feel that some important information was skipped over in regards to Jackson's back story. Jackson and Tara spend time together but it also didn’t feel like enough time was spent developing their relationship before they actually became a couple.
Dirty Sexy Sinner is the fourth and final book in the series and while I have enjoyed each and every book, I can’t wait to see what this writing duo have in store for their fans, to which I am most certainly one. A new series that contains more book boyfriends to make me swoon? Yes, please. I am already looking forward to the next journey they take us on. Can these new heroes top the Kincaid men? I most certainly hope so. Ms. Phillips and Ms. Wilde ended the Dirty Sexy series on a high note with Jackson Stone.
Raven Crowne could not believe her luck. A representative for Hoan Dwell, a well-known and mysterious photographer, wants to showcase his work in her Raven Crowne could not believe her luck. A representative for Hoan Dwell, a well-known and mysterious photographer, wants to showcase his work in her art gallery. But, there is one catch, Raven must agree to have dinner with him. Grudgingly, Raven agrees because loner by choice, she does not allow anyone to get too close other than her best friend from college, Noah Caldwell. Raven is shocked to discover that the covert Hoan Dwell is no other than Noah.
Noah Caldwell has been secretly in love with Raven since the moment they became friends ten years ago. However, Noah has never told her about his true feelings for fear that his past would cause her physical harm. Unable to deny his desire to have her any longer, Noah proposes a deal that Raven could not refuse – a month long affair in exchange for an exclusive showing of his renowned artwork in her gallery.
Exposure is a must read type of novel. From start to finish, I was deeply captivated by thrilling suspense and sensual romantic affair. I just had to know how the storyline would unfold. Would there be a ‘happily-ever-after’? What would become of Raven and Noah’s friendship once the intimacy lines were cross? Would Noah’s secret past cause harm to Raven? These are all the good mixtures of a spectacular novel and will keep you hanging on the edge of your seat with breathtaking anticipation. Raven and Noah are a dynamic couple that will have you rooting for them to overpower and eliminate the baggage from their past; but, most importantly, for them to find happiness with one another. The chemistry between them is off the charts and the sexual encounters will have you fanning your flaming face. Kudos to Kelly Moran for writing such an emotional, sexy, and suspenseful storyline. I Joyfully Recommend getting your hands on Exposure. You will not be disappointed!
Those who survived called it the Chaos. Earth’s atmosphere was crippled, volcanos erupted, and the land barely limped along. A thick layer of ash coveThose who survived called it the Chaos. Earth’s atmosphere was crippled, volcanos erupted, and the land barely limped along. A thick layer of ash covered the skies and torrential, deadly rain storms seemed endless. In the end those who had underground hideaways were the strongest.
In post apocalyptic Chaos the Defiance Motorcycle Club and Keller’s mafia compound were able to thrive. Other groups survived as well, like the Lords of Vengeance Motorcycle Club who recently attempted to decimate Keller’s compound and caused great loss of life before they were driven off. Retaliation, however, was brutal. Whispers of another group called the Nomads were reported to have psychic talents, though no one ever lived to verify their existence.
To strengthen their home bases Defiance and Keller call a truce, an alliance against all others. Willing hostages are exchanged between them. Keller sends one of his top men, the assassin Declan to Defiance. The club is unaware that Declan and Rebel, one of the MC’s ranking members, are engaged in a secret relationship. Rebel is adamant that no one can know. His life could be in danger within the club if anyone found out. At first they were scratching an itch, but now it’s different. Neither will admit to love yet… Declan will be with Rebel every day, within reach. Talk about Chaos.
Temperance sets the stage for madness in a world few are equipped to handle. Life is cheap and love can be deadly in the fourth Defiance story. Brutal times, intense characters, and excruciating emotional baggage Temperance delivers a dynamic tale. Author S.E. Jakes, otherwise known as Stephanie Tyler, pens a terrific story set in a cruel future with potent characters, driving dialogue, and deadly rivals. This complex book will keep you up reading long past bedtime. I Joyfully recommend Temperance for her passionate cast, incredible sexuality, and a story not to be missed.
Ten years ago Luc Dodd left home because he could not tolerate seeing the woman that he has secretly been in love with for years fall for and marry anTen years ago Luc Dodd left home because he could not tolerate seeing the woman that he has secretly been in love with for years fall for and marry another man. Now that Luc has returned home and Meghan is single, he is determined not to allow her to slip through his fingers again.
Meghan Montgomery-Warren is struggling to maintain control over her life both financially and psychologically. During her marriage, Meghan’s self-esteem took a downward spiral from the constant verbal abuse from her husband. Now years later, divorced and mentally broken, Meghan is fearful of starting another relationship with any man. That is until Luc, her childhood best friend, returns home and charms his way into her heart.
Harder Than Words is an expressive story about second chances. This romance journey will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. You will laugh. You will cry. You will yell. You will lust with heated desire. Meghan is a mentally damaged woman who is determined regain control over her life and make a good living for her children. I greatly admire her for that. Luc is a compassionate, patient, and sensitive man who is prepared to lay it all on the line to win Meghan and her children’s hearts. I sincerely enjoyed Meghan and Luc as a couple and their sexual encounters were scorching hot and sweet at the same time. Throw in an idiotic, abusive ex-husband and you have a sensational novel that you will want to continue reading until the dramatic conclusion makes its appearance.
Katrina Livingston is the daughter and sister of Alphas. It is no wonder that she possesses dominant she-wolf characteristics and it is very difficultKatrina Livingston is the daughter and sister of Alphas. It is no wonder that she possesses dominant she-wolf characteristics and it is very difficult for her to ask for help. In spite of this, while on the run from demonic forces that are trying to steal her wolf, the only person that she can turn to is the Agrestis Wolves Alpha, Jax Chandler. Who just happens to be her mate…the same mate that she has been avoiding for over a year for fear the magic that has infected her will cause him physical harm.
Jax Chandler is out for blood. He is determined to find and eliminate the lead scoundrel who kidnapped and tortured him. While escaping from his torturous event, Jax rescues another captive who just happens to be Kat Livingston – whom he believes to be his mate. With a scorned past wedged between them, will Jax and Kat be able to put their differences aside in order to destroy the evil predator that is determined to steal their wolves? But, more importantly, can their love survive without trust.
Whereas, I found Jax to have a good storyline with thrilling action, something is still missing that does not totally capture me like the preceding novels within this series. Do not get me wrong, Kym Grosso continues to deliver the spine-tingling ambiguity and intense sexual tension between the hero and heroine in her amazing writing style. Yet, my desire to finish this read as quickly as possible was not there. Nevertheless, I adore the dominant Alpha personalities of Kat and Jax. As you can imagine, it leads to some steamy sexual encounters and fascinating, robust dialogue. The suspense behind the abductions is an attention-grabbing mystery with the need to discover the whys. Overall, Jax is a satisfactory read and I eagerly look forward to Ms. Grosso’s next installment in the Immortals of New Orleans series.
She has a real name, but it doesn’t matter, because now she is only known as “Girl” in her new Master’s house. She just recently became a member of hiShe has a real name, but it doesn’t matter, because now she is only known as “Girl” in her new Master’s house. She just recently became a member of his house and accepted a contract which will test her very core. From the minute Girl met her new Master, she was enthralled with him. She is the lowest member of his house and even the other house members can tell her what to do and use her. Girl might have agreed with her old Master that she needed this change, but it won’t be easy, and it will be painful.
Yet, as the weeks go by, Girl becomes a focal point with her Master, and she learns a lot about both of them. The training is harsh, yet lately her nights have been pretty good. Girl was just beginning to think she might be moving up in status and even have some good regard with her Master when she is taken from him and put into the unknown.
Girl is the first in a series of hard core BDSM books about a training house, the Master, and the people who live with him. I will say right off that some of the things written are a bit hard to read, very realistic, and true to life for those in this type of a lifestyle. However, with this all said, I found the writing engaging, and I could feel what Girl was feeling because of how it was written. In other words, Ms. Bradley put this lifestyle in words that even someone who had never experienced it could peek in and understand. Girl is the first of part of a journey in to a woman’s life for a certain period of time and how she strives to embrace it and fulfill a need.
Tina Edwards was born with a birthmark that covers half of her face and because of this she does not trust easilBeauty is in the eye of the beholder…
Tina Edwards was born with a birthmark that covers half of her face and because of this she does not trust easily for fear that she would be evaluated by her appearance. The one and only time she let her guard down resulted in an unplanned pregnancy and her falling prey to a cruel joke. Now, all Tina lives for is taking care of her beloved nine year-old daughter and managing her plant business. Then, she meets Johnny Guerra.
Johnny Guerra owns Hot Dreams, a male dance company. Since he lost his wife and unborn child thirteen years ago, Johnny has been living his life as half of a man. That is until he becomes instantly taken with Tina’s confident and genuineness as a real woman. To him, Tina is so unlike the superficial women that he meets at Hot Dreams.
Both are self-tortured with secrets from the past. Can Tina and Johnny overcome the hurtfulness stemmed from so long ago in order to have a bright future together as a couple? Or, has hope gone astray?
Hot Dreams is a heartfelt story that will speak to you about one’s emotional insecurities. From the start, Johnny wins me over because he is able to look past Tina’s physical imperfection and fall in love with her as a person. Not only does he show her with words; but, he also conveys his desires with constant physical affection. The wall that Tina had built around her heart could not help but come tumbling down. The chemistry showcased between Tina and Johnny is electrifying and their sexual interactions are smoking hot. On countless occasions, I was fanning my face with heated desire. All in all, Hot Dreams is a good read that lives up to its name.
The past year was the worst time of Diana Moore’s entire life. She fell hard for diplomat Jeremy Moore, but after they married and he was transferred The past year was the worst time of Diana Moore’s entire life. She fell hard for diplomat Jeremy Moore, but after they married and he was transferred to Bogota, Columbia the abuse began. At the local market one day she was kidnapped by bandits and held for ransom. Soon after her rescue Jeremy was killed and Diana went home to her parents in Wales to nurse her sorrow.
Finally the day came when Diana felt strong enough to start over. She accepted a job in Paris and made a new life for herself. It wasn’t long however before Diana began to feel as if someone was watching her, following her. Unable to shake the feeling Diana journeys to London and straight into the arms of Seth Armstrong, the man who rescued her in Bogota all those months ago. He saved her life once. Seth Armstrong is the only man she can trust. It’s up to Diana and Seth to figure out what’s truly going on – if they can keep their hands off each other long enough to think.
Hot and sweaty in bed – butting heads the rest of the time. High tension drama from start to finish Rogue Alpha ignites. Diana and Seth challenge each other at every turn. Intrigue and adventure are the hallmarks of this intense Alpha series. Rogue Alpha fits perfectly into their testosterone filled world. Sensual entanglements and suspense make Rogue Alpha a worthwhile addition.
Whereas, Devin Spencer’s reputation as the Champions League goalie is legendary, his personal status leaves a lot to be desired. On more than one occaWhereas, Devin Spencer’s reputation as the Champions League goalie is legendary, his personal status leaves a lot to be desired. On more than one occasion, Devin’s off-field disreputable activities have shined a bad light on him. So much so, that he needs a sports agent to revamp his persona or he can kiss his career goodbye.
Gemma Clarke is an up and coming sports agent who is good at her job. All is well until her former lover, Devin Spencer, is added to her client roster. Determined to prove that she can keep things strictly business between them, Gemma sets out to restore Devin’s image in the soccer world.
After reading the first book in this series, I was a little leery of diving into Player’s Challenge. I am glad to say that I am happy that I did. I so love second chance type storylines. The plot is a sincere love affair that could no longer be denied by Devin and Gemma and with a little begrudging added in to spice things up. It has the right amount of excitement, humor, emotions, and sex encounters to keep one turning page after page to see how the saga would unfold. Koko Brown has redeemed herself with book two in the Hands Off series.