Elena Bardot's father has been running a Ponzi scheme that came crashing down.  As a result, Elena Bardot has been run out of town by the press and is in hiding.  With no place else to go, Elena retreats to a secluded home to finish her dissertation for her Ph.D.  This home just happens to be owned by the family of one of her father's co-conspirators.  Enter Alex Wolfe.

Alex Wolfe is recently released from prison, having been convicted of insider trading.  He is seeking a quite life at home in order to regroup from the scandal that ruined his family name.  Alex is determined to salvage what is left of his family's businesses and reclaim in rightful place.

At first sight Alex knows who Elena is immediately.  Although he is angered by her presence he agrees to let her stay to finish her work.  The two share an immediate and undeniable connection.  Just too bad that connection doesn't include trusting each other.    

I liked the premise of the book.  A sort of misery loves company coupling between two consenting adults.  I also liked how we see both points of view in the story.  The story progressed nicely.  There was no immediate love at first sight.  Lust at first sight yes, but no wedding bells were ringing.  I was very pleased with the character development.  Each had their own misgivings but, through the progression of their relationship, worked through them.  I recommend this book and give it four stars.  Happy reading smut puppies. 

Mine to hold is the third book in Cynthia Eden's Mine series.  While it is a stand alone novel, it does occasionally reference events that happened in previous books.  This is the first book I have read in the Mine series and I was able to successfully follow the book.  Best of all, kiddies, it does not have a cliffhanger ending.

Claire has a troubled past that she is constantly trying to escape. However, her past will not let her go.  At the end of her rope, penniless and homeless, she turns to Noah York for help. 

Noah is a yummy alpha to the extreme.  He is delightfully controlling and uses his power and wealth to protect Claire. 

The novel kept me guessing to the end.  I will definitely be checking out other books by Cynthia Eden.  Overall I five this book 3.5 stars.

If you like David Sedaris or Augusten Burroughs then Sam Harris needs to be next on your reading list.  A memoir fused with humor and life lessons (Sam's fatherly advise can be a lesson for us all) is a great way to spend the day. 

Harris give us a look into his struggles and joys and everyday experiences.  His chapter introducing his son is truly brilliant.  I really enjoyed this book and will even give it another read at a later date.  I give this book 4 stars with a strong recommendation to read. 

Amy Benson is running. From whom, she doesn't know. Why,she doesn't know. All she knows is when she sees a familiar symbol on a note telling her to get out of town, she leaves everything behind and gets on a plane.

This novel is the first in an on-going series. The book's main character hops a plane in order to begin a new life. While waiting for her flight she meets Liam Stone. Liam is a wealthy architect and has his eyes set on Amy.

Amy keeps her secrets close to her heart and has a hard time trusting anyone. That is until she meets Liam. Liam's charm and determination begin to inevitably break down Amy's barriers. Slowly Amy lets Liam in, but should she? She begins to wonder does Liam have an ulterior motive?

***WARNING*** THIS BOOK DOES END IN A CLIFFHANGER. You have now been forewarned.

I enjoyed this book and really liked the style of writing. Although, I began to be bothered by Amy's should I, shouldn't I? Overall, I give this book four stars.

Summer Sins is an erotic BDSM novel.  I was very intrigued by the premise of the book.  Emma, is a struggling writer that is currently working for a tabloid magazine.  Part of her assignment is to gain entrance to an exclusive BDSM club and expose the more famous members. 

Emma latches on to the assignment due to her burning curiosity.  She is interested in become a submissive.  Two club members introduce her to Adrian. 

Adrian is a successful neurosurgeon that has recently been burned by a series of subs.  He is looking to get back into the BDSM scene but the burned child fears the fire. Also, his career requires his lifestyle to remain a secret.  Adrian meets Emma, but is hesitant to take her as her sub. 

I thought the story began really well.  We are introduced to each character and see where the conflict may occur.  However, I felt the story moved too fast.  But this may be due to the length of the story, it was very short.  I feel, if the book were lengthened, it would give the characters the opportunities they need to grow and the story develop at a more "realistic" or believable rate.

Wanted by J. Kenner is an erotic romance with no cliff-hanger ending.  Being a fan of the Stark Trilogy, I couldn't wait to dive in.  I was disappointed to find out that my dive was a little shallow.

Angelina Raine is a girl who loves a good time.  She loves a thrill and often needs it when life gets a little too rough.  She moves in with her uncle in her teens and grows up, with what her uncle calls, the three knights.

Evan Black is mysterious and driven.  He will do anything to take care of those he cares about. Evan shows Lina little attention as she is growing up.  However, Lina's focus is most assuredly on Evan.  A small case of unrequited love that all changes the day of the funeral for Lina's uncle.

I liked the book and would recommend it to my friends.  However, I just didn't see the character depth I expected to see when reading Kenner.  In her previous works the characters were well developed and grew as the story progressed.  In Wanted, the characters only marginally grew and seemed a little flat.  But that being said, I enjoyed the read and give it three stars.  

Unscrupulous is a stand alone novel in the Manhattanites series.  This is the second book in the series, however, in the Manhattanites series timeline the events happen before the second book.  There is no cliffhanger and the characters get a fitting HEA. 

Taddy Brill is a self-made woman that knows exactly what she wants.  She is unapologetic and driven. Warner Truman is tired of gold-digging women.  Previously married, he has no time for casual affairs with women that want nothing more than his money.

The one thing I enjoy most about Avery Aster's characters is that they driven and strong.  They know that they want and go after it.  They are no wilting flowers, needing a man to save them.  I enjoyed this book.  But I just didn't connect to Taddy the way I did to Lex in the first book.  But that being said, I still enjoyed the book and will continue to read Avery Aster's books.

A cloak and dagger romance that leaves readers satisfied.  Skylar Rossi is an acclaimed scientist turned American Ambassador.  Her job leads her to a Russian research facility that may or may not be selling chemical weapons to a foreign country. 

This leads us to Nikolai.  Nikolai is her handler and responsible for her personal safety...or is he? 
The story picks up and gives readers some action packed twists and turns.  I don't want to give away too much but I will say that Nikolai and Skylar share a common link that she is unaware of. 

I was pleasantly surprised by this book and will pick up other titles by this author.  Overall I give this book four stars.   

Reya is a Redeemer.  She is the last person someone sees before they die.  She is their last chance at salvation.  Sort of a soul-cleansing grim reaper if you will. 

Thane is a dirty cop whose soul is on the verge of becoming lost.  He, along with his partner, head up the paranormal investigation unit in the police force.  His path crosses with Reya as he is called in to investigate the "accidental" deaths of so many citizens. 

At first the book was somewhat confusing.  The various dimensions and ascending worlds sent me threw a loop a few times.  However, I liked the over concept and the book was well-written.  The characters developed and grew throughout the story.  Over all I give the book three stars.

Hard to Handle is a sweet romance that you will love.  The writing is very intelligent.  It is one of the few romance novels I have read that does not go into graphic detail.  There is little to no umm....questionable language.  Now, don't get me wrong I love a foul mouth vixen just as much as the next girl and there is always something to be said for a man that talks dirty in the bedroom.  But this novel is great without it.

Sadie is a tough woman.  She is career driven and doesn't really want a relationship after her fiancee cheated on her with her very own sister.  Enter Aiden Downey.  He is nursing a broken heart due to a failed marriage and ill parent. 

There is a lot of waffling on Sadie's part.  She can't make up her mind if she can trust Aiden or not.  Which gets a little annoying but it is done beautifully.  I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it. 

Tie Me Down by Tracy Wolff, is a who done it romance novel.  I have to admit, at first I wasn't convinced I would like the book.  The first three sentences were really bad metaphors all describing how hot the city of New Orleans was. Then there was  "She had more curves than a baseball".  So, um...she's round?   At times the bad metaphors took away from the plot.  But I chugged on through.

I was taken in by the lead characters. Genevieve is a female lead detective in a all male squad.  As the great James Brown once said, "Its a man's world."  She struggles with her boss who is a chauvinistic pig.  He often belittles her ideas and gives her no credit.  But she puts on her big girl panties and does her job.  One night at a bar she picks up a stranger for a one night stand.
Cole has been following Genevieve for weeks.  He hopes that she can solve the key to his sister's murder.  He is very demanding and very alpha.  He definitely holds the reins in the bedroom, along with the candle wax, ropes, and ties. 
The mystery of the book was very good.  It kept me guessing who the killer was until the very end.  It had a very distinct noir feel.  Overall I give it three star

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.  This book is not a stand alone novel.  The next book is due sometime in 2014.  This is a BDSM novel.  Be forewarned, it is not a light and fun bondage book.  The scenes are a little heavy (but enjoyable).

Erika Walsh is a children's book author and social recluse.  With acute anxiety she avoids heavily crowded areas and most social scenes.  However, her father's award ceremony has her venturing out with her long-time crush and her best friend. 

Erika has had the hots for her best friend's brother for years.  After his broken engagement the two share a steamy night together.  Which has Erika very happy until she meets Max Crawford.

M.L. Crawford is a ruthless alpha male who has very distinct sexual tastes.  He is the owner of many businesses which happens to include a sex club called The Gate. 

Max becomes enamored with Erika when he meets her at her father's award party.  He then initiates a planned seduction of Erika.  Through his seduction, he introduces her into the world of BDSM. 

Erika comes into her own in this book and tries to think for herself.  Max is demanding and pushes her to her limits.  Chris comes across as a little bit stalkerish and sexual predator.  He has some very questionable tactics that are somewhat bothersome. 

The book ends in a cliffhanger!!!! GRRRRRRR!  So I will be unhappily waiting until 2014.  I really hope its January 2014 and not oh say June!  OH well, tis the price we pay.  I recommend giving this book a read.  It will keep you on your toes and has a really good subplot. 

Happy reading smut puppies! 

Deceitfully Yours by Bethany Bazile was an interesting book. The plot was unique in that the conflict was not something you immediately expect.  The main characters are deliciously imperfect. Especially the lead female character, Kylie.

Kylie has had a difficult life and circumstances beyond her control caused her to make some difficult choices. She is essentially flawed and at times you want to just give her a good shake. Now normally I hate characters like that. But somehow I found myself really liking Kylie and was cheering for her.  Her flaws make her more likeable and begin to relate to her inner conflict. 

Jude Baxter is very much a dominant alpha male. He goes after what he wants. He finds himself attracted to Kylie and wants to become her dom. Kylie is hesitant but cannot deny him, so Kylie becomes his submissive.

Throughout the book we know that Kylie's choice of occupation is...um....less than savory. She works for a psychopath named Mason. But what we don't know is the big secret she is keeping. I won't spoil anything but her secret, predictably, has a huge impact on her relationship with Jude.

The book is a stand alone, BDSM novel that deals with bondage, submission, pain, and anal play. If these things bother you..this book IS NOT for you. The lemony scenes are graphic but nicely written.

While the book does come to a definite conclusion, there is a sequel or serial planned. The next book deals with Kylie's friend Stacia and her attraction to Jude's friend Jax.

I enjoyed the book and would recommend reading. I give it four stars for the plot, descriptive writing, and character development.

Awakening by Elene Sallinger is a stand alone novel.  Previously released in the UK, the novel is making its U.S. debut.  The erotic novel deals with bondage and submission.  If these themes offend you, this is not the novel for you. 

Claire Ryan is coming out of a bad marriage.  Her abusive marriage fell apart and she blames herself.  As a form of punishment, Claire has secluded herself from the world.  She lives a very isolated life, her only companion her Pit Bull Terrier Chester.  In an effort to rejoin society she joins a romantic book club.  Always being a fan of the romance genre she believes a book club will be a great way to start rebuilding her life. 

Evan Lang is the widower that owns a cozy, neighborhood book store.  He notices Claire when she enters the store out of breath and on the verge of a panic attack.  He becomes intrigued by her and is upset by his reactions.  Evan still harbors some major feelings of grief regarding the death of his wife.  Often confused and, frankly, pissed off about his body's reaction to Claire, he pushes her away and is often rude to her. 

Claire and Evan's relationship develops as she begins to piece her life together and try to understand her own body's reaction to the BDSM lifestyle.  Claire sexually enjoys pain and it was this reason her marriage fell apart.  Claire uses the bookstore's assorted collection on BDSM to satisfy her cravings and need for self-education.  Evan, seeing the direction Claire's interests have turned, offers to become her Dom and introduce her safely into the BDSM lifestyle.  But they will not have sex.  Um....what?!  Yes, Evan cannot dishonor his late wife's memory by actually having sex with another person.  The BDSM scenes are tastefully done and quite nice to read.    

The book is somewhat of a slow burn.  Claire is plagued by guilt and has a hard time accepting her own sexual appetites.  Evan can't get past his own guilt and fear and constantly pushes Claire away.  I won't ruin the book, but I was very pleased at the way things turn out.  The ending was a little quick but you get your HEA in an epilogue. 

I really enjoyed the way the author wrote.  Hell, she had me five pages in when Claire mentioned reading J. R. Ward on her Nook.  Two of my favorite things!!  Ms. Sallinger you had me at hello...you had me at hello.  I recommend this book, giving it four stars.  Happy reading smut puppies 

Club Shadowlands is not exactly what I expected. However, after I have finished reading, I am convinced the author's inspiration was The Rocky Horror Picture Show. There is nothing that anyone can say to dissuade me.

Jessica is an uptight accountant. She has car trouble during a storm and is stranded in the rain.



She then comes upon an old house.  


When she knocks on the door a slightly creepy and somewhat physically odd man opens the door. (Riff Raff anyone?)



She is allowed inside to take shelter from the storm. This is where she meets Master Z. Master Z is can read people's emotions and thus knows exactly what a woman wants. He is very much the alpha male. However, he is not a scary screamer, a controller, or a manipulator. He respects women and is quite yummy.

Master Z calls Jessica on her stuffiness and issues a challenge to step into the sex club. Once she does, she is immediately shocked.


She isn't quite used to the scene before her.


People are dancing very suggestively



and there are rooms where "scenes" are being played out.


Jessica tries to understand what is going on. She convinces herself that her curiosity is nothing but desire for new experiences and learning.

I won't give away anymore of the details except to say by the end of the book Jessica is a little less frumpy accountant and a little more...well.....


This book is simply a fun little book of smut, a juicy little lemon cart. There is no real plot, other than a woman trying out something new and finding a part of herself. There is no real angst, no psycho ex-boyfriends, or death threats. It is a fun read if you don't take it too seriously. So my suggestion is get comfy, read, and don't forget to do the Time Warp.

My latest literary romp is Restoring Jordan by Elizabeth Finn.  This is a full-length, stand alone novel.  It does not end in a cliffhanger. Thank you Ms. Finn!  I'm a little sick of the to be continued..... novels.

Adeline Parker is a young student, who will be starting her internship at a prominent architectural firm.  But all work and no play has made Adeline a very dull girl.  She has immersed herself into college studies and hasn't ever had a serious relationship before.  Which means....wait for it....she's a virgin.  Yes, it is the pure as the newly driven snow meets the womanizing bad boy story.  But,that being said, it still has redeeming qualities.  I'll get to those in a moment. 

On a girls' night out Adeline eyes a lovely hunk of man sitting across the room from her.  She then proceeds to eye fuck him all night long.  Unbeknownst to her, he has been keeping his eye on her also.  Adeline leaves her group of friends to take a trip to the bathroom.  This is where you know it is a piece of fiction.  Women never go to the bathroom alone.  I mean, how can you talk about the people you are with if one of you is still sitting at the table?  Unheard of. 

Jordan doesn't do relationships, one night stands only. He has been eyeing Adeline all night and intercepts her as she is leaving the bathroom.  He then takes her back to his place and proceeds to punch her V Card.  However, he doesn't realize she is virgin until the morning after.

Now things are all well and good until Adeline starts her internship and runs into the aforementioned hot, V-Card punching, one night stand.  I won't go into further detail but the book takes a somewhat predictable path.  There is a HEA and I do not see the opportunity for a serial.

While the story wasn't too original, I have to point out Elizabeth Finn's writing.  The book is written in two POVs.  The tone of each POV is only marginally different.  But Elizabeth Finn can paint a very detailed and beautiful picture.  I found myself enjoying her writing style just as much as the story.  No one sheaths anything, nor is her flower quivering.  Finn does a great job of writing the lemony scenes without becoming raunchy.  Now, don't get me wrong!  I love some good raunchy smut as much as the next girl.  But there is something to be said about a well written sex scene.  I recommend this book.  It comes in at around 250 pages and worth the read.  I give it three stars. 

I found this book for free on Barnes and Noble.  Strictly Business by Aubrianna Hunter is a fun read, if you don't take the book too seriously.  Aubrianna Hunter does a pretty good job painting a picture and I give her points for the book's setting. 

Jess Wythe is an architect from a very wealthy, old school Virginia family.  Being the black sheep, she breaks away and pursues a career in architecture in the great state of Texas.  Jess suffers from severe body image issues.  She wears boxy, unflattering clothing to hide her figure and disguises the real color of her eyes with contact lenses.  Of course, she is the typical virgin.  Untouched and never had a very serious relationship.  Sigh.  I really wish writers would stop doing this.  Why is it so horrible for a woman to have a sexual past?  Oh, well.

Jake Morgenstern is a divorced rancher.  He meets Jess when he calls her firm to request "the best architect" money can buy.  Oh, did I fail to mention he is a millionaire?  Of course he is.  Why wouldn't he be?  Jake has serious trust issues when it comes to women.  The burned child fears the fire and all.  So needless to say when they meet sparks start to fly.

Initially, they hate each other.  But me thinks they doth protest too much.  The barbed remarks quickly turn into attraction and the rest, I assume, you can figure out for yourself. 

The book isn't big on originality.  But I have read worse.  My main gripe is with the lemony scenes.  There is way too much sheathing going on.  He dips his fingers into her sheath.  Her sheath contracts around him., etc.  Is that even the correct usage of sheath?

The book moves quickly and comes to HEA ending.  It is a stand alone book.  There is no cliffhanger.  However, I can see how this has the possibility of turning into a sequel with some of the other characters mentioned.  Overall I give it two stars.  

Bound by Marina Anderson is the second book of The Dining Club series.  At only approximately 40 pages, it is very short and to the point.  Grace travels with David to his club.  At this club Grace will endure three trials.  If she can pass each trial she will gain membership and David's love.  However, Grace must first get past her own inhibitions in order to succeed. 

During the first trial Grace is shocked by her own body's response.  I won't say if she passed or failed the trial, but Grace is very shocked by the outcome. 

During this time we meet Amber.  Amber has a very possessive streak when it comes to David and does not take Grace's presence well.  But we also meet Andrew.  Andrew is gentle and very kind toward Grace. 

The problem I had with this installment is that David's love for Grace is conditional.  During the whole time they are at the club, Grace is constantly reminding herself that she must win David's love.  What?!  I find that very troublesome. 

I am hoping that as the series progresses we see Grace lose dull David and start warming toward Andrew.  Overall, I gave it two stars. 

I absolutely loved this book!! I wasn't too sure about when I first began but it quickly won me over. The book starts out in an underground fight club. Athletic, sweaty men....o.k. you have my attention. The main focus of the book is the relationship between Makayla and Torment. I was very happy with the progress of their relationship. This book lacks many things. First off, it lacks the main characters blindly falling love during their first five minute encounter. It lacks the female character totally disregarding what she wants and succumbing to the overly demanding alpha male. But what it does have is the characters' relationship following a natural order. God forbid, the author actually let them get to know one another. They actually.....date! GASP!!!!! How refreshing!

The book's female lead, Makayla, is a wayward medical student trying to find her way. The book's male lead, Torment, runs the underground MMA fight club where they first meet.

Makayla is a great female character. She is strong, opinionated, and thinks for herself. She is trying to get a feel for her life and decide what career path she wishes to take.

Torment is a great alpha male. He is dominate without being totally domineering and controlling. He pursues Makayla and values her for her strong personality and beliefs. He doesn't threaten, yell, scream, although stalking is somewhat questionable.

The book has witty banter. Makayla's inner dialogue often had me laughing out loud. I cannot say enough good things about this book and the writer. I can only say, if you give it a try you will not be disappointed.