Gonna keep it short and sweet. It’s got unusual characters, with darker themes to the story and deals with child abuse, jealous OW/OMQuick(ish) Review
Gonna keep it short and sweet. It’s got unusual characters, with darker themes to the story and deals with child abuse, jealous OW/OM but it’s never a question that the MCs care for each other. It’s all external obstacles and angst, and there’s a lot of it. Also, it’s not BDSM, but it absolutely has a dominant, possessive male lead. I can dig it if I’m in the right mood but this is not for everyone. But if you’re into darker themed romances that isn’t about the toxicity of the main romance, you may enjoy this. ...more
The Good Realistic. There are some elements that are interesting and not considered the norm in romance novels. The hero and heroine are older ([image]
The Good Realistic. There are some elements that are interesting and not considered the norm in romance novels. The hero and heroine are older (the heroine slightly older than the hero) and they are NOT the idealized BBW and Dom/biker. She's 47, widowed, significantly overweight. He's 41 (I think), skinny, with a wart and toe fungus (I am not making this up). These two are clearly as "normal" as you can get in a romance. It also deals with the hero's past abuse by spouse, and that's very rarely addressed in a romance so I have to give props for this being part of the story. It kept my interest strictly because these are not folks that you read about normally and it was refreshing in that respect.
The Bad However, some characters are meant to be supporting and there's no shame in that. But taking that supporting character and making him the lead does not necessarily a good book make. I haven't read the entire Nirvana Flats series, but it felt like the hero of this book should have stayed a supporting player.
He's alleged to be a Dom, but he's not dominating at all. He's not alpha or really a beta either, more like the Omega of the group and when other characters are on the scene, he is manhandled, slapped upside the head, has to be sedated, very tentative in any type of BDSM scene and generally comes off as the sweet sidekick, not the hero. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, but he just didn't work for me. The writing is a bit stilted, and there's alot of different plot points to deal with, some of the character actions are repetitive, and generally, the flow was off for me.
Also, if you're into BDSM and that was the selling feature here, it's the weakest part of the story. Again, if your hero is the Omega of the group, if I try to picture him slapping my ass and I just want to laugh, it's no bueno.
Everything in Between Since this is the fourth in the series, I got strong Cherise Sinclair vibes from the group scenes of the earlier books' heroes and heroines, and they seemed to have potential, just not sure if I'd be up for trying to start this series from the beginning.
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While it has an interesting setup, it fails in several key areas and I just didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped. I just can't recommend it, but I didn't hate it. If you into this series, you may like this entry more than I did. Otherwise....yeah, just no.
I was engrossed in the suspenseful twists and turns, and at times, it got really soapy (and perhaps a bit much), but yes, overall I really enjoyed this. If you’re a longtime reader of the M&M series, I think you’ll be happy with this, and if you’re new to the ‘verse, I’d encourage you to give the early books a read first to get the full effect of this romantic suspense series.
I was happy to see Kayla and Josh work their way to an HEA, and I’m eagerly anticipating what will happen with the next generation of Ms. Blake’s spies in their new surroundings.
**ARC provided by author via InkslingerPR for review**
-The sitch. Best friends Gemma and Walker are drawn into the search for what really happened with their friend Liam (set up in the first book),[image]
-The sitch. Best friends Gemma and Walker are drawn into the search for what really happened with their friend Liam (set up in the first book), and along the way, Gemma decides she wants to learn about submission and wants Walker to teach her. Um, yes please. Then romance happens. -Friends to lovers is my jam. Sign me up. Every time. -Works as standalone. There’s plenty of detail to catch you up on the overarching storyline. -Love scenes were smoking. There’s good chemistry between the leads as well as some BDSM, but it’s pretty light, just enough to up the heat factor. -Not a super safe read. If you’re into absolutely no OW/OM contact, there is some in this book. It’s all on the heroine’s side and it never leads anywhere, so I was able to get past it but I know some folks won’t, so there’s your warning. -A tad repetitive. It suffered a little from the constant reminder of “he/she couldn’t/doesn’t want/love me THAT way.” Could have cut some of that out. -I would read the next one. The teaser at the very end lets this chapter of the overarching storyline wrap up and entices the reader to continue on. I was intrigued enough that I would be willing.
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It was an enjoyable friends to lovers tale that, while a tad repetitive, made up for it with the sexy and the overarching storyline is one that caught my attention. I’d like to see how it all wraps up.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
-This is the third book in the series -Works as a standalone -Took me awhile to get into the story. This is all me, but I just could not muster t[image]
-This is the third book in the series -Works as a standalone -Took me awhile to get into the story. This is all me, but I just could not muster the enthusiasm to stick with this book at first. I struggled to connect with either of them. When I realized that the only person objecting to a relationship with Hadley was Ryder himself, it didn’t quite work for me. Hadley’s issues only revealed themselves the deeper you went into the tale, which is fine but it felt fabricated to an extent, sort of a way to make up for the fact that the obstacle of Ryder’s guilt wasn’t that strong to begin with. -Overarching storyline has some movement but it’s minimal. The real teaser is at the end of the story and I think the next installment has the real potential to give me some satisfaction regarding the overarching storyline, which is what has kept my interest in this series. -There’s some more BDSM than previous entries, though this series is all about them settling down and getting out of the life. If that is something that intrigues you
[image] The Bottom Line It was good enough read. I think the story really picked up in the second half and finished stronger than it started for me. I’m curious about the next installment, so I would continue with this series.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
[image] QuickShot Review I really liked this quick little read. I’d recently reviewed the latest in this series, but I decided to start from the beginni[image] QuickShot Review I really liked this quick little read. I’d recently reviewed the latest in this series, but I decided to start from the beginning and I was NOT disappointed. I loved Penny and Jack and the writing was sexy and funny. Even if their romance happened at warp speed (which, hey it’s a novella), the emotional development was there and it made all the difference. Also loved seeing Clarence has been there all along, that crazy pirate. Glad I picked up this series and I definitely recommend it.
The Good -Good chemistry. When Darius and Taylor were together, it was easy to get into their relationship and as a second chance romance, it do[image]
The Good -Good chemistry. When Darius and Taylor were together, it was easy to get into their relationship and as a second chance romance, it does what you think it will. -Better integration of BDSM into the romance than first. One of my issues with the first book was the practical non-existence of BDSM in a book based on a group called the Dominants’ Council. Here, I think it was woven well into the narrative and yet showcased what seems to be the central theme, that these men are moving away from their clubs because of the love of their women. -Likeable leads in Darius and Taylor.
The Meh -Mostly there isn’t much here that feels fresh. Very familiar plotline. -That lead to the “obstacles” to feel more contrived than genuine. It bothered me Darius dropped Taylor “for her own good” and spent alot of the book mansplaining to her and trying to make her decisions, even when he said he didn’t want to. -Inconsistencies such as the timing of their relationship and when he actually bought the BDSM club, helped to take me out of the moment. I was more interested in trying to make sense of those than in the romance. -Stylistically, I think the writing may be slightly different than what’s my cuppa tea. There’s alot of explaining of emotions and actions, but not enough showing those emotions and actions. The writing isn’t bad, just not quite what I like. -Still a bit uneven, with majority of action and energy happening towards end of book.
[image] Flaws aside, I liked enough of it that I could recommend it if you’re into just a smidge of domination with your contemporary romance.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
[image] The Bottom Line [3.5, rounded up to 4 stars] In a series that has improved as it goes along, LoganFull review to post on afterdarkbooklovers.com
[image] The Bottom Line [3.5, rounded up to 4 stars] In a series that has improved as it goes along, Logan and Auralie’s romance has a good mix of angst and kink fuckery, yet never loses sight of what brings me in the door - romance. The extra half star is for that Bridger-riffic epilogue. If you like yourself some romance with a side of kink, I’d recommend you check it out.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
[image] The Setup: Ruby is a PK (preacher’s kid) who is bound and determined to not follow in her mom’s footsteps. She grew up in a world where the men[image] The Setup: Ruby is a PK (preacher’s kid) who is bound and determined to not follow in her mom’s footsteps. She grew up in a world where the menfolk did their thing and women lived to serve. She’s independent, self-assured and anything but submissive. Well, at least that’s what she tells herself and the outside world. Until one night, she breaks down in a man’s arms and admits her big secret - she fakes it. Every time. That man, Chad, is a dominant who knows exactly what Ruby is, even if she doesn’t - she’s a submissive. However, he has alot going on in his life and isn’t ready to take on her issues. Except he can’t get her out of his mind. And you know what happens next.
PKs Unite: As a fellow PK, I can totally understand Ruby’s rebellion against her upbringing and let’s face it, when religion is such a huge part of your childhood, it’s hard not to have a complicated relationship with sex. Ruby’s completely oblivious, and there’s alot of frustration that goes along with that, but I got it. I’m not sure if alot of folks would have the tolerance, though. Moving on...
Chad is hanging just fiiiine: [who can resist a hanging chad joke?: Not I] Chad’s the type of dominant I’m into - dirty talkin’, protective, patient, and willing to do anything to make his sub happy. He gets Ruby and they spend alot of time thinking they don’t have alot in common but the way he gets her attention (yum) and holds it, breaking down her walls and delving into her
Good old fashioned dirty fun: There’s D/s but it’s not about whips and chains and all the extras though there is some light slapping and mostly good old fashioned mind games. It’s fairly straightforward dominant men who like control in the bedroom and women who get off on that. Because of Ruby's complicated relationship with sex, it's the thought of doing something forbidden and dirty that gets her off hardest, and she's never embraced it until Chad shows her how good being dirty can be. Their chemistry works and the times are fun. Speaking of times...
At times frustrating: The heart of this plot is Ruby being ostrich-like and ignoring her submissive tendencies, refusing to believe that she’s “into that” when she’s precisely into that. Even understanding the whys, and appreciating a payoff at the end when she has her “come to Jesus” moment, I got tired. The road to that epiphany is also paved with alot of repetition and her internal monologue wore on me at times.
[image] [3.5 stars] Ultimately, I enjoyed myself even when Ruby frustrated me. It’s the D/s fun and high quality I’ve come to expect from Ms. Dawson and I cannot wait til we get to Brandon’s book.
[3 ½ stars] Woolf Jennings is a man with secrets. The biggest of which is his club, The Wicked Horse, and what kinky goings-on happen in the Silo. He l[3 ½ stars] Woolf Jennings is a man with secrets. The biggest of which is his club, The Wicked Horse, and what kinky goings-on happen in the Silo. He loves his hedonistic lifestyle, until Callie Hayes comes back to Wyoming and shows him what he’s really been missing, You know...romance.
[image] The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
-I love Bridger: Now this is rare that I start a review with this much love for a supporting player, but really? Bridger has the potential to be the shiznit. I have warned my fellow shorties that I have dibs on him. He’s the alpha, he has the dark and mysterious past, smoking sexuality, no problem with commanding a room and yeah, I want him. Like, right now would be great Ms. Bennett. Thank you.
-Good chemistry between Woolf and Callie: Ok, onto the main event - when it comes to the featured players, Woolf and Callie, I thought they were a good bridge between your usual Sawyer Bennett hero/heroine, into a slightly kinkier iteration in this series, which is more sexcentric than any of the previous books I’ve read by her. Woolf’s always been attracted to Callie, but he felt he didn’t deserve the good girl. Callie just wanted him since the moment she realized boys were different. There’s a sweetness to their attraction and I loved seeing Woolf get possessive (even with some of the events later in the book) and Callie break out of her shell. I would have liked some more dialogue between Callie and Woolf, to really showcase an emotional connection. There’s a hint of it when they go camping where you really feel their underlying friendship, but I just wanted more talking. But the sex did distract me, because it’s titillating.
-Kinky fuckery: Their sex scenes have a good amount of heat and they’re more daring sexually than traditional romances, especially with introducing another player into their personal mix. Like say, Bridger. Which made me all
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Now, as long as dirty talking’s your main thing, that’s cool because there’s no real BDSM scenes. There’s multiple partner sex and some anal play, but beyond that the rest is only implied. This book was more about Woolf stopping his kinky ways than any real exploration into the lifestyle. There’s alot of talk in the beginning about what goes on in the Silo, but I feel that the kinky fuckery is only window dressing here.
-Woolf’s more of a beta: Woolf is hot with Callie, and their chemistry is strong, there is no doubt. But Bridger is the alpha man who captured my interest. Woolf deferred to Bridger for his kinks, and Bridger’s the reason he’s even into the Silo. Bridger’s the one who guides Woolf through alot of this story and just felt like the man in charge. While I enjoyed this book, the one I really want is Bridger.
-Callie wants to walk on the wild side: Callie meets Woolf after years apart when he catches her about to enter a wet t-shirt contest at the Wicked Horse. Callie’s pretty clear about her feelings for Woolf and is willing to dip her toes into the kinky waters, but she’s really not built for that lifestyle. Especially considering her family connections. My only quibble with her is how she tends to back down and fall into “good girl” mode a little too easily. She’s more passive than I would ave liked and she defers to daddy when the inevitable final obstacle happens. That didn’t work for me that well, even if it fit her character.
-Series potential: With the introduction of Bridger and the other employees at the Wicked Horse, there is good potential for future books. Basically, I felt there’s a good tease that makes you want more. Did I mention that I think Bridger’s book is going to be the one that really hooks me? Because, yeah I’d like that one now.
[image] [3 ½ stars] Woolf and Callie have their own sweet heat, and for a foray into BDSM for Ms. Bennett, I think it's a good start to a new series. I liked it, but I have a feeling it’s the future entries in the series that will really be my faves. Yes, I’m still looking at you Bridger.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**...more
-Strike two on the stepsibling craze. It seems like that's all there is everywhere I look, so I figur The Bad, the Even Worse and Everything in Between
-Strike two on the stepsibling craze. It seems like that's all there is everywhere I look, so I figured I'd try it again. The blurb is the best thing about this.
-The BDSM angle was pointless and strictly for show. He's not a Dom, he's a good looking college kid who's playing at dom to make money. But even if he "had" to play at BDSM, that was done on the shallowest of levels.
-Not even sexy to make up for the lack of story: Honestly, I was bored.
-I'm not quite sure why they cared about each other except they grew up together.
-For a forbidden romance, there was precious little that goes on. When it's finally discovered, the reaction seemed false and over the top. And it's resolved by Cole's mom, which just screams manly when your mommy fixes everything.
In the seventh book in this series, (yes seven), Tori is the virgin and Oliver, Rory and Callum are the brothers wanting to share everything. Oh yes. In the seventh book in this series, (yes seven), Tori is the virgin and Oliver, Rory and Callum are the brothers wanting to share everything. Oh yes. [image]
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
If you’re interested in the Virgin series by Lexi Blake and Shayla Black, you may think
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Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But I would tell you
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Well, maybe not the aliens. *blinks* But anyway. Now, because I’m all about the giving :), I’ll save you some time - they all go a little something like this:
Virgin meets the three mens: the grumpy Gus, the nerdy/awkward/techie/goofy guy and the smooth talker/manwhore. Grumpy is close off emotionally, smooth talker also has his issues but covers by flirting.
Nerd/awkward/tech guy is the only one who accepts his feelings and pushes for the relationship. Big Beats are (percentages are approximate, but pretty damn close) 25% The first Oh-my-gasm 50% De-virginization and/or first with multiple partners 90% welcome to the gang bang! We’ll have a fine old time... The only thing left to determine is who gets which orifice. It’s a party!
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Ok, honestly - these are crackilicious fun for me. Some are more boring than others, but they follow their formula and I enjoy it for what it is. Can the men be a bit chauvinistic, the story a bit over the top and the fact that there's so many folks who know each other and live in devoted menages a bit crazy? Yes. Do I care? No. I’m ready for the next one. #sorrynotsorry
The Bottom Line It’s menage times with a virgin. As long as you don’t think too long and hard (*blinks* nah, too easy), you can just have fun with it. I did. ...more
Got it as a great deal on ARe, and decided to try it out, had no idea what to expect.
Historical romance (light on the historical) with quad-sex (FMMFGot it as a great deal on ARe, and decided to try it out, had no idea what to expect.
Historical romance (light on the historical) with quad-sex (FMMF and every combination in between), some BDSM, dominant heroine and submissive hero w/ FF and MM scenes.
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The Bottom Line If you’re into erotic triad/quad romances…get it. Lordy. ...more
The Hooker is rugby player Ronan Fitzpatrick, who has come to NYC to cool off after his girlfriend cheated on him with his teammate. The Hermit is AnnThe Hooker is rugby player Ronan Fitzpatrick, who has come to NYC to cool off after his girlfriend cheated on him with his teammate. The Hermit is Annie Catrel, a painfully shy and awkward blogger and media guru. And well, you know, romance happens.
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
-Writing’s smart, funny with a touch of angst: I’m a fan of Penny Reid’s books, but I’ve never read anything by Ms. Cosway. The dual POV eased me into this amalgam of their two styles. The chemistry between Ronan and Annie fairly crackles and I loved the little tidbits of texts, emails or tweets that begin each chapter. The story has many quirky bits, smart characters with interesting backstories and complicated relationships, with each other as well as the people in their lives.
-Oh Ronan, you delicious dirty talker you: Ronan’s openness and directness when it comes to his feelings and his pursuit of Annie was very compelling. He took the time to understand why she was so closed off and his willingness to put himself out there helped propel the story, when Annie would have made it grind to a halt. His protectiveness, his bawdy comments, even his arrogance were intensely attractive.
-You want to hug/smother Annie: Most of the time I wanted to hug Annie for the horrible things she’s had to endure in her life, but she’s managed to rise above and there truly is alot to like about her. Her debilitating insecurity and distrust was difficult at times, hence the desire to smother. But, I appreciated her willingness to acknowledge her cowardice and her big gesture made up for alot.
-A little (kinky) surprise and other things: I will admit, I was surprised by the touch of kinky eff-ery found here. I enjoyed it, and if anything, I wouldn’t have minded if it were a bigger part of the story, since so much of Annie’s issues center around her inability to let go of control. Here’s where I struggled with it - I wouldn’t have minded if it wasn’t a part of the story at all either. Basically, I felt like there wasn’t a commitment to that bit of kink and it left me feelings at sixes and sevens (yeah I’m not British, but go with it). The dual POV was helpful to see in both of their heads, but I don’t know if it was a completely smooth transition from one to the other and the sex made that difference stand out.
The Bottom Line Overall, a really enjoyable romance with an unexpected edge, I would recommend it for fans who like just a bit of kink to go with their quirky romance. ...more
A Kindle Unlimited rental, I like Ms. Langlais’ humor and I decided to give this a shot. It was a pretty quick and easy read, even if the title was a A Kindle Unlimited rental, I like Ms. Langlais’ humor and I decided to give this a shot. It was a pretty quick and easy read, even if the title was a bit offputting. Marissa is pretty unlikeable and the turn for her almost came too late - but it did come. Eventually understanding why she’s so determined to make everyone hate her, I really started to root for her and Dirk to get together. Dirk’s made some mistakes that landed him in jail, but he’s a very likeable hero who’s turned his life around for his boys. Marissa’s pro-domme side job is a very small part of the book, and while it tied into the climax of the story, it was a bit unnecessary.
The Bottom Line I liked the romance even if I’m not a fan of this title, and I’d recommend it....more
Heroine is determined to avenge her mother, meets two weres who are after the same guy and they….you know what? Really, why try and describe the plot,Heroine is determined to avenge her mother, meets two weres who are after the same guy and they….you know what? Really, why try and describe the plot, which was nonsensical. Don't get me wrong, I've read nonsensical before, but the characters didn't click, the characterization is pretty shallow, the heroine's pretty much TSTL, and it's all about the sex. Mostly sex. Lots of BDSM sex.
The Bottom Line It was meh, but hey, it’s free and has paranormal menage MFM sex. If that’s your gig, you might like it, but I wasn’t engaged in the story or the sex....more
Tight little novella that serves as the prequel to the Wedding Dare series, where four authors take one couple, characters who are bridesmaids/groomsmTight little novella that serves as the prequel to the Wedding Dare series, where four authors take one couple, characters who are bridesmaids/groomsmen to their friends' wedding and writes their individual love stories. Kady and Colton are the ones who start it all and my, is their love story sexy. I really liked the flow of the story and the chemistry between Kady and Colton is spot on. This was really enjoyable and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s interested in this ambitious series - so far, I haven’t been disappointed yet....more
I’m not a fan of this title, let me start with that. You ask, “then why did you buy it?” and I say “it was 99 cents on amazon?” *shrugs* Plus I was inI’m not a fan of this title, let me start with that. You ask, “then why did you buy it?” and I say “it was 99 cents on amazon?” *shrugs* Plus I was in the mood for a smexy read and with that title, and this author I thought there was a chance I’d get some. While the story is relatively short, there were some good times to be had.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the feeling that I was missing something because it’s clear a few pages in that there are at least a couple of books in this series before this one, and that Rafe and Courtney met each other previously in one and that they have had a standing attraction that Courtney doesn’t know how to handle. She’s just getting out of an abusive/controlling relationship and she equates Rafe’s Dom reputation to it. She feels as if she’d be going from the frying pan into the fire by getting involved with him. Rafe also has his insecurities, since he lost his fiance and therefore must never love again.
The story’s straightforward, there is chemistry between the characters and the sex is good. I think I didn’t connect with Courtney because she was a bit judgy about the BDSM, or Rafe since he was all “I only do four scenes so the women don’t get attached.” There wasn’t anything between them that really stood out from the myriad of romance novels I’ve read. I just wish I had known about the earlier books because I might have tried to read them first and it might have changed my perception of this book....more
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