Tucker's Fall (Purgatory Masters #1) by Eliza Gayle

Erotic romance - BDSM

He is a Dom looking for a sub and she is a sub looking for a Dom.  Maggie is an untrained sub who has been sublimating her submissive desires in an emotionally abusive marriage and a structured career as a professor of human sexuality.  She loses it all when she finally got the courage to go to a BDSM club to do research for her book and is caught up in a police raid and arrested.  She has returned to her home town licking her wounds and trying to figure out what to do next.  Tucker is a Dom who went to high school with “Miss Maggie” he has had to rearrange his dreams and is now at a place in his life where he is tired of the club scene and wants a sub of his own.  He believes Maggie could be that sub.  Can they set aside their fears and learn to trust enough for a D/s relationship or even love?

These characters had me at times wanting to hug or slug them which I guess is a good thing because I was totally engaged.  The sex scenes were melt your socks off steamy.  Can't wait for the next installment.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.  

The Fangover (The Fangover #1) by Erin McCarthy & Kathy Love

When Johnny, the drummer of the vampire band The Impalers commits suicide his sister, friends and bandmates throw him a heck of a wake.  In fact the party was so outrageous that nobody seems to remember what happened.  Johnny’s sister Stella got so drunk she turned into a bat and was having trouble turning back.  It seems that human musician Katie Lambert got turned and married to Impaler Cort.  Drake is missing a fang and Saxon has a cross burn on his forehead.  Maybe he got it from the priest in the bathtub and what the heck is it with the alcoholic parrot? 

The Fangover answers these questions and more.  This is a funny rollicking tale of unrequited love, alcohol induced silliness and happiness found.  Read this when you need a giggle.  I plan to preorder the next installment Fangs for Nothing out in July 2013.

Hot Ticket (Sinners on Tour #3) by Olivia Cunning

Jace’s story and my favorite of the series so far.  I am confused by the publication order though.  This book was better written and more honest than the others to date (in my not so humble opinion).

Jace is the youngest and newest member of the Sinners.  In the other books his sexual preferences were hinted at but not explored.  In this book we find out not only what he likes but why.  Jace has always been a bit of a mystery the shy guy standing off to the side doing his bit but avoiding the spotlight.  In Hot Ticket Jace is put in the position of having to pick up slack due to problems with the other members.  We learn that we all deal with pain in our own way.  Well worth the read.

Love Bites Anthology by Lori Foster, Brenda Jackson, Virna DePaul, Catherine Mann, and Jules Bennett

Anthology includes:

Love Unleashed by Lori Foster
Smookie and the Bandit by  Brenda Jackson
Dog Tags by Catherine Mann
Molly Wants a Hero by Virna DePaul
Mane Haven by Jules Bennett

Anthologies have a tendency to be hit or miss with me.  But as I approve of the cause and because I am a big fan of several of the authors I bought this book and let it sit on my TBR shelf for way too long. I enjoyed each and every story.  I was expecting Lori Fosters to be enjoyable but think my favorite was the touching story Dog Tags by Catherine Mann.  That story alone was worth the price of the book.  I laughed through Love Unleashed and Smookie and the Bandit.  I about cried through Mane Haven.  

The Best Man (Blue Heron #1) by Kristan Higgins

 If you like Jill Shalvis, Susan Mallery and Rachel Gibson you will love Kristan Higgins.

The Best Man is the story of Levi Cooper, the local police chief, formerly a boy from the wrong side of the tracks and war hero also the best friend of Faith’s ex-fiancé. 

Faith is the surprise baby, youngest of four and slightly naïve.  She has had one serious romance in her life and was jilted at the altar where Levi was acting as best man. 

It is now three years after the fact and Faith has come home.  But in a small town people don’t forget.  Faith really wants to start over but she keeps running into the green eyes of the best man.  Could he be the best man for her?

This is a sweet, funny contemporary romance.  I read it in one sitting.  Highly recommended.

Under the Hood by Juanita Kees

Is it possible to care too much? There are kids that are in need of help and TJ has been working hard to get them that. She’s set up an apprentice program at the auto repair shop she works at but now it has been purchased by a new owner will he shut down all of TJ’s hard work? Scott isn't exactly running from his reputation on the other coast he is just looking for a new challenge. TJ and her kids prove to be just that. But his past is not far behind and someone doesn't want TJ to challenge the status quo. And then there is the attraction that rages between them and they both know workplace romances are a bad thing right?

I really enjoyed this story right up till the end. I can’t say why without spoilers and maybe others won’t be as bugged by the exclusion as I was. This is a sweet contemporary romance that takes place in Australia. BTW for all us yanks a chook is a chicken. 

I’d like to thank Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review

Hands on Training by Melissa Schroeder

Contemporary ménage m/f/m

We met Joey and Heath in The Hired Hand but this can be read stand-alone.  Joey is a knockout who is constantly being judged by her looks and not her brains.  Heath made that mistake when he met her.  The two of them get along like oil and water and now they have to work together on site for two weeks together.  Despite the fact that they don’t like each other they definitely feel combustible chemistry but are smart enough to know they shouldn't mix work and pleasure.  When they get stuck sharing the honeymoon suite their passion explodes and it may take three to keep it planet bound.

Another steamy read from Melissa Schroeder 

Combat Barbie (Always a Marine, #11) by Heather Long

The beauty queen and the nerd.  Mary Phillips was a beauty queen with a brain but most folks didn't look beyond her looks.  Kyle Stewart was the high school nerd who made good.  Mary joined the Marines where she is appreciated for more than looking fine.  Home on leave Mary runs into Kyle who asks her to their high school reunion.  They agree to make the most of the moments they have together.

I love Heather Long’s Always a Marine series.  Most can be read stand-alone.  I’d say they were a perfect lunchtime read but I can’t imagine going back to work after reading the steamy scenes.  Please pick up one of these and you will be just as hooked as I am.

Tempting Acquisitions (Boardrooms & Billionaires #1) by Addison Fox

I won this book from Ms. Fox while she was visiting Heidi Betts blog.  I hadn't read anything by her before but think I will be following the adventures of the McBride girls.

The McBride girls are taking back their grandfathers company after their father has nearly ruined it.  It is their legacy and their future.  That is if they can keep corporate raider Nathan Cooper from a hostile takeover.  After meeting the hot pirate Keira McBride has another problem. Nathan might just be the one man she could fall for.  Nathan has never let anything get in the way of what he wants.  He wants Keira and her company.  Can they keep personal and work separate? Is there any way for them to both get what they want and need?

This is a sweet sexy romance.  The characters are sharp and interesting and you quickly become invested in their success.  Total brain candy.

Immortally Yours (Monster M*A*S*H #1) by Angie Fox

Immortally Yours (Monster M*A*S*H #1) by Angie Fox

 Blurb:

IN THE WAR BETWEEN THE GODS… 

No one patches up the incoming wounded like Dr. Petra Robichaud. Recruited by the gods for her uncanny medical skills, she’s the best M*A*S*H surgeon in the army. Along with a nosy guard sphinx, a vegetarian werewolf, and other paranormal paramedics, she bandages soldiers who are built like Greek gods (literally). But when one sexy immortal ends up on her operating table—half dead and totally to-die-for—Petra’s afraid she’ll lose her patient and her heart…

NOTHING IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN LOVE

Commander Galen of Delphi is one gorgeous but stubborn demi-god. When his spirit tries to slip out of his fatally wounded body, Dr. Petra has to slip it back in—unwittingly revealing her ability to see ghosts. Now that Galen knows her secret, he’s convinced she’s part of an ancient prophecy. If the oracles are right, Petra could lead Galen’s army to peace. And if he seduces her on the way to hell and back? Heaven knows—all’s fair in love and war…

As with all Angie Fox books to date this is well written, delightfully different and hilarious.  I was sucked in and couldn't put it down. Books like this are why Angie Fox is on my auto-buy list.  If you like your PNR with a bit of fun Angie Fox is for you. 

Dark Secrets (Arcane #2) by Shona Husk

Can be read as a stand-alone.  In this fantastic world created by Ms. Husk we meet Haidyn Mast.  Haidyn Mast left his home and his betrothed six years earlier to make his way in the world.  He was off to the big city to join the Arcane (magic) guild.  Unfortunately they felt he didn't have enough magic to be of use.  Too ashamed to go home he ends up on the street until he finds a use for his gift and becomes a prostitute or at least he appears to be.  His gift allows him to give his clients the fantasy and release by making them think they've had the experience. This has allowed him to become the owner of one of the more successful brothels in the city.  When he sees his former lady love Anisa come to town to marry the Lawman (one of his more depraved clients) he has to know if she still loves him as much as he still loves her.  Will true love conquer all?

I really enjoyed this book.  This is a well-built world with recognizable intrigue.  The love story was a little reminiscent of Princess Bride but that isn't a bad thing.  

A Taste of Trouble by Gina Gordon

A Taste of Trouble is a sweet contemporary romance by “new to me author” Gina Gordon.  It is a well written tale of life, love and priorities.  Liv has been working and planning for years to open her own bakery and is now getting to do just that.  Jake is working a job he tolerates to get to a job he has passion for.  When they meet the chemistry is off the charts. There are several threads running through this story that keep you plastered to every page.  I will definitely be checking out future works by Gina Gordon.

I’d like to thank Entangled Publishing & NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review.

Headed home!

So I've been out of state trying to help out my brother and his wife as she has some health issues and just got out of the hospital.  I've gotten a lot of reading done but haven't had the ability to get on the internet much.  I am taking the red-eye home tonight and will finally get to post about some of the terrific reads I've indulged in.

Love Unrehearsed (Love #2) by Tina Reber

Ryan has publicly proposed to Taryn and now they have to deal with the realities of being a celebrity couple. They need to deal with those who would tear them apart and figure out who they can trust.

As much as I loved Love Unscripted, the first book in this series I think that this book was even better. Bring on the next installment I can't wait.

Femme: A Woman's Touch by Sonja Appleberry

My sister in-law asked me to read and review this as she knows the author.

Blurb:

After becoming a mother at age thirteen, Sasha Tillman grows into a devoted mother while struggling to find true love with a man as she battles her inner feelings of being attracted to women. She suffers abuse at the hands of her live-in boyfriend, but she fights desperately to survive. Staring death in the face on more than one occasion, she escapes, finding true love and security in the hands of a beautiful woman

I am conflicted as to how to take this book. The story while engrossing is poorly written. The author jumps all over the place. Chapters are disjointed and don't get me started on the wording. I don't know if this book is written the way the author thinks and/or speaks or if it was written in this language to give Sasha an identifiable voice but I found it really distracting. I feel for Sasha and her story but I really wish she had had some help telling it.

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

He is an arrogant sexy beautiful bastard and her boss. She is working on her MBA she is smart sexy and sassy. They are so right and wrong for each other.

Chloe Mills has been working for the Ryan's Media business when Bennett Ryan returns to take the COO position. She is given the unenviable position as his assistant. He is exacting, rude and downright obnoxious and still he sets her hormones on fire.

Bennett thinks Chloe is out to make him insane. She has a smart mouth and is the first woman he can remember ever getting the best of him and on top of that she makes his libido stand up and sing.

What starts out as just scratching an itch quickly turns into a passionate affair and Chloe is forced to remember why messing with the boss is a bad idea.

This book is one steamy sex scene on top of another. If you like smoking hot love/hate, push/pull passion this story is for you.

Arc received from NetGalley in exchange for review.

A Marine and a Gentleman (Always a Marine 9) by Heather Long

m/m

Lieutenant Brenden Fitzpatrick is a dedicated Marine. He is also gay. He has known all his life he was going to be a Marine. His best friend growing up Liam Gardiner, was flamboyantly gay and always assumed that Brenden was straight so when he gets a call from Madame Eve's 1NS service saying that Brenden now 32 wants a date he doesn't know what to think. When these two old friends meet again they have to push through the past, deal with the present and hope for the future.

This is one sweet sexy tale. These two men are sizzling hot and super sweet. I hope they get their hea but even if they don't their 1NS is sure to set off the smoke alarms.

Worth the Risk, Worth The Challenge, Worth Everything (Worth It series) by Karen Erickson

Worth the Risk (Worth It 2) - Hunter Worth the middle Worth brother and Marketing manager for the company is used to getting what he wants and what he wants is Gracie Hayes.  Gracie wants, needs her job and it doesn't matter how sexy her boss Hunter Worth is she can’t go there.  Hunter lives up to his name and pursues Gracie with every skill he has.  Will it take almost losing everything for Gracie to give in?

Hunter can be charming. But I found him to be a bit too arrogant for me.  Maybe Gracie will bring him down to earth.

Worth The Challenge (Worth It 3) – Rhett Worth the youngest of the Worth brothers has a reputation for being a bad boy party animal.  Now he is trying to change his ways and grow up.  Alex, older brother and CEO, has given Rhett a chance to create a line of perfumes for the company.  He has been wooing Michel Durand world premier perfumer to create his scent.  Durand ends up a no show and Rhett is about to be declared a screw up yet again.  Enter Gabriella Durand, Michel Durand's daughter and a darn good perfumer in her own right but who has been hidden under her dad’s spotlight.  This is a chance for both of them to prove themselves and maybe find each other as well.

This was my favorite in the Worth series so far.

Worth Everything (Worth It 4) – Surprise!  The Worth brothers have a baby ½ sister.  At the reading of her fathers will Anastasia Renaldi finds out at that she is not his biological daughter and she has been dis-inherited.  She can’t work for the company she has worked for since she was 13.  Her brothers (the Renaldi's) can’t help her unless they too want to be dis-inherited.  She travels to New York to meet with the Worths but they are understandable leery.  Enter Attorney Gavin Westmore.  He is an old school chum of Alex Worth’s and Anastasia feels he might get her a meet with the Worths and help her get to the bottom of this.  And if they find each other along they way…

I’ll say it right here.  Hunter Worth is an ASS.  I've read all the Worth series to date and Hunter has been an arrogant sob in each and every one.  Other than that I loved this story.

Worth the Scandal (Worth It 1) by Karen Erickson

Billionaire bachelor is intrigued by sexy innocent secretary and seduces her. But he has trust issues that come between them. Secretary has pulled herself up by her bootstraps and has made something of herself when she falls for her sexy boss.

I enjoyed this story only because I really liked Tess the secretary/PA. She had a strength and sense of self worth that you don't often see in these stories.

If you enjoy Harlequins Billionaire Babies series (with a little spice) you will love this.

Frayed connections

I am out of town for a couple of weeks trying to help a family member.  They don't have an internet connection I can use so my only connectivity is through my smart phone and the occasional trip to Starbucks.  I hadn't realized just how hooked I am on my electronic window to the world.  On the other hand I am getting a lot of reading done.  Will share when I can.

An Affair to Dismember by Elise Sax

A wonderfully quirky murder mystery.  Fans of Stephanie Plum will love Gladie Burger.

Gladie has hopped from job to job since the 11^th grade.  Now her Grandma Zelda wants to train her to take over her matchmaking business.  She believes Gladie has “the Gift”.  As it turns out what Gladie has a gift for is trouble.  She has also managed to catch the eye of the hot new police chief and the mysterious hunk next door.