Tag Archives: contemporary

Letting Go by Maya Banks (Book Review)

 

Josslyn found perfection once, and she knows she’ll never find it again. Now widowed, she seeks the one thing her beloved husband couldn’t give her. Dominance. Lonely and searching for an outlet for her grief and wanting only a brief taste of the perfection she once enjoyed, she seeks what she’s looking for at an exclusive club that caters to people indulging in their most hedonistic fantasies. She never imagined that what she’d find is the one man who’s long been a source of comfort—and secret longing. Her husband’s best friend.

Dash has lived in an untenable position for years. In love with his best friend’s wife and unwilling to act on that attraction. He’d never betray his best friend. And so he’s waited in the wings, offering Joss unconditional support and comfort as she works past her grief, hoping for the day when he can offer her more.

When he finds her in a club devoted to the darker edges of desire, he’s furious because he thinks she has no idea what she’s getting herself into. Until she explains in detail what it is she wants. What she needs. As realization sets in, he is gripped by fierce, unwavering determination. If she wants dominance, he is the only man who will introduce her to that world. He is the only man who will touch her, cherish her…love her. And the only man she’ll ever submit to.

 
 


I can’t fathom losing the love of my life. The ache Joss must’ve felt is….incomprehensible. 
 
I’m not sure, for me, if they could be a second soul mate but for her there was in Dash. 
 
He did feel a void in her heart and did complete/fill all her sexual desires. How many can say they’ve been this lucky in love twice?
 
For the first book in this series, I was say I found it more enjoyable than the Breathless series by her. The “apology” scene was touching. The final cemetery scene… moving. I will definitely be checking out the next two books in this series coming later this year. (Check dates below)
 
 
Heart rating system:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤❤
 
 
 
 
Stay Tuned!!!!! 
 
COMING SOON: MAY 6, 2014

Kylie sees the way Jensen looks at her. The dark promise in his eyes. That rough edge of dominance she knows he possesses. But dominance is the one thing that frightens her above all else. She and her brother barely survived a childhood steeped in violence and abuse. She could never give up total control and submit to a man. Especially a man like Jensen. Could she?

Jensen sees the shadows in Kylie’s eyes. Knows he has to tread very carefully or risk losing any chance he has with her. All he wants is the opportunity to show her that dominance doesn’t equal pain, bondage or discipline. That emotional surrender is the most powerful of all, and that to submit—fully to him—will fulfill the aching void in her heart in a way nothing else ever will.

 

 

COMING SOON  – AUGUST 5, 2014
 

Chessy and Tate have been married for several years. In the beginning, their relationship was everything she wanted. Passionate. All consuming. She offered her submission freely and Tate cherished her gift with a tenderness that made her feel safe. Content. Wanted. And loved beyond all measure. But as the years have gone by, Tate has become more immersed in making his business the success it has become, and Chessy has taken a back seat to his business obligations. Growing unhappier with the status of their once blissful marriage, Chessy knows that something has to give. Or they stand to lose it all

Tate loves his wife. Has always loved her. Providing for her has always been his number one priority. But lately she’s seemed unhappy, and he’s worried. Worried enough that he arranges for a night together that he hopes will reignite the fire that once burned like an inferno between them.

But a business call at the wrong time threatens everything. Chessy’s safety, his concentration, his wife’s faith in him as her husband, a man sworn to love and protect her above all else. Gutted with the realization that he’s going to lose her—has already lost her—he readies for the fight of his life. Whatever it takes, he’ll get her back. And prove to her that nothing is more important than her love. And that if she’ll allow him to prove himself one more time, he’ll take it all. Everything. But he’ll give far more back. Himself. His undying love.

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Melting the Ice by Jaci Burton (Book Review)

Everything’s coming together for budding fashion designer Carolina Preston. Only months away from having her own line, she could use some publicity. That’s when her brother suggests his best friend as a model—hockey player Drew Hogan.

Carolina and Drew already have a history—a hot one, back in college. Unforgettable for Carolina, but for Drew, just another slap shot. This time, though, it’s different. His perfect body would be for professional use only. This time, she could use him.

Drew is all for it. He’s looking forward to the exposure. Plus, it would give him a chance to prove to Carolina that he’s changed. If only he could thaw her emotions, convince her to let down her guard and let him in just one more time…

 
 
 
 
How Drew treated Carolina in college was rather… pardon my bluntness here… shitty. You don’t take a woman’s virginity and not call her the next morning. That’s just…..pathetic. And to boot, it was his best friend’s sister. 
 
I don’t blame Carolina for being pissed at him all those years. I would be too. 
 
Drew did have his reasons for treating her coldly. He felt something for her and, at the time, his primary focus was on the game. He had no room for a relationship. He didn’t promise her anything, but he also knew how she felt about him so I return to by previous statement above….shitty move there Drew. 
 
Now let’s skip to the future….
 
Through the need for high profile sport’s figures for her upcoming fashion show, Drew and Carolina are once again found in close quarters – alone. Drew has grown up, apologized several times for how he treated her, and wants to try again. Of course, Carolina is reluctant BUT chemistry is chemistry and she never did get over Drew. He never did get over her. 
 
Folks, let me tell you, their chemistry was off the charts. Oral sex on the ice, locker room, her studio….. and many more places. 
 
I’m sure after reading this book, you’ll be adding a few more places to your “sex bucket list”. I sure did. 🙂
 
 
Heart rating system:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤❤
 
 
 

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Review of “Holiday Heat” – Jaci Burton and Lauren Dane

Jaci’s novella Unraveled – Book Two in Unwrapped & Unraveled
 
 Entrepreneur Mitch Magruder wants to buy old friend Greta Mason’s rundown motel. Greta loves the motel and intends to hang tight, despite the feelings between her and Mitch. Can a man afraid to commit and a woman bruised by the past find a love worth building a future on?
 
Sweet Charity by Lauren Dane. 
 
Eight years after a horrible one night stand, Charity and Gabriel finally find themselves in bed again. Trouble is, he thinks she’s too nice a girl to accept his darker sexual urges, so he’ll only agree to a short term fling. Gabriel’s about to find out that even sweet girls have their limits.
 
 
 
If you’re looking for two novellas that back a punch of oodles, upon oodles of sex, then you won’t be disappointed. Lauren’s tale even features scenes involving BDSM. And if I know my followers, I’m sure this tidbit has peaked some interest to pick it up. 
 
My only negative comment about “Sweet Charity” is….. I really didn’t like Charity begged Gabriel from the start to have sex with her. I know she was frustrated, sexually and emotionally, but throwing herself at him repeatedly. Yes, she’s loved him for years and knew they were meant together, but for some reason, it soured the story a bit for me. Not enough to put it down though. 😉
 
As for “Unraveled” – Mitch is sweet, sexy, loving, considerate, great father figure…. Hmm, he seems too perfect and after you read the love story between Mitch and Greta, you’ll understand why Jaci created him this way. Yup, no spoilers on Greta’s backstory. 🙂

Heart rating system:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)  
Score: ❤❤❤


Purchase links: Amazon – Print / Kindle

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Rush by Maya Banks (Book Review)

 
When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.
Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.
 
As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.
 
 
Review with spoilers!
 
I wanted to state, before I posted this, I checked the publishing history for both stories I’m mentioning in this critique. Also, I want to apologize if my review upsets any readers or fans of her work but I must say what’s on my mind. With that said, I will make sure and list some positive aspects of the story because I am NOT a heartless bitch. I understand writing is time consuming and handwork so praise should be given as well. 
 
“Rush” – Berkley trade paperback edition/ February 2013
“Fifty Shades of Grey” by E L James – First published by The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House. Australia. 2011.
“Rush” is the first and only book I’ve read by Maya Banks. I went into it with high hopes because the author was suggested to me based on my taste of erotic romances. 
 
I’m sorry to say I was more than a little disappointed with it. (No offense to those who liked it.) But, it is way too similar to book one of 50 Shades of Grey.
 
 
Let me list a few of those similarities to you.
 
1.) A billionaire guy, Gabe, asks a woman, Mia,  to read and sign a contract before they engage in a BDSM relationship. (contract not present. Mia, the lead role, only mentions what passages say.) The two people meet to negotiate sections she has issues with before she signs it. (Must state that unlike 50 Shades, the Dom role is a friend of the family. In fact, it’s her brother’s best friend and business partner.)
 
2.) Gabe’s persistent Mia eats. 
 
3.) There is a scene where she overindulges in alcohol and he’s there taking care of her. She can’t hold her liquor either.
 
4.) He drops to his knees and asks her not to leave him – ever. 
 
5.) There is a male villain who uses personal information about the couple to meet his own agenda. He (the nutso) doesn’t win either.
 
6.) A friend discovers their relationship and is pissed at first. But then accepts it because it makes her happy. 
 
7.) Gabe discovered he couldn’t sleep without her in his bed. 
 
That’s all I can think of right now. 
 
 
Positive remarks! 
1.) I did discover Maya can write one helluva erotic scenes. Sorry E L James, but you can’t hold a candle to Maya on this one. 
 
2.) I loved how Gabe showed Mia he loved her. Electronic billboard message was a brilliant idea – totally different. The marriage proposal was very romantic. Having a billion dollars at your disposal does have its perks. 
 
3.) Ash intrigues me enough to stick with the series and find out what his future holds. Plus, I want to know his backstory. 
 
 
Heart rating system:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)  
Score: ❤❤ 

 

Purchase links

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Review of “First Love” – James Patterson and Emily Raymond

An extraordinary portrait of true love that will move anyone who has a first love story of their own.

Axi Moore is a “good girl”: She studies hard, stays out of the spotlight, and doesn’t tell anyone how all she really wants is to run away from it all. The only person she can tell is her best friend, Robinson—who she also happens to be madly in love with.

When Axi spontaneously invites Robinson to come with her on an impulsive cross-country road trip, she breaks the rules for the first time in her life. But the adventure quickly turns from carefree to out of control after the teens find themselves on the run from the police. And when Robinson suddenly collapses, Axi has to face the truth that this trip might be his last.

A remarkably moving tale very personal to James Patterson’s own past, FIRST LOVE is testament to the power of first love—and how it can change the rest of your life.

 

 

I usually don’t review teeny bopper books but, as a JP fan, I decided to spend a few lines telling you about it – the high and low parts for me.

First, I will say the first half of the book didn’t excite me. I’m sure it will appeal to the younger crowd though, despite the fact there are no vampires or whatever else the teenagers are raving over these days. (Over 30 so I’m not up on what’s hip anymore. People still say hip, right? *big smile*)

However, the second half reminded me of something you’d view on the Hallmark Channel – sweet in a sad sort of way. I’ll admit, I will probably be one of those people who would TIVO it. Gosh, I’m such a sap.

If you decide to read it, pass it on to a younger person, discuss your opinions on it and then come back to visit us. I’d love to hear the views on the book from different generations.

Heart rating system:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)

 Score: ❤❤❤

Buy from Amazon: Hardcover | Ebook | Audio

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