Review: SIREN by Jaimie Roberts

****4 Stars****

It's been a long time since I've read a book where the woman has been more prominent than the male.

Scarlet is not your typical heroine, in so much as I'm not actually 100% sure I like her. Yes I can empathise with what has made her the way she is, but I can't say I like her methods. She does keep this book interesting though and definitely overshadows the men.

This book broke so many boundaries for me and let's just say this literally borders on the taboo versus 'OMG this is really testing my comfort levels', but let me tell you, Jaimie gets away with it, just, with a clever little twist in the story. That is all I'm going to say about the subject, but fans of the darker reads, I really do think this is the one for you.

As far as love stories go, this is definitely not your conventional boy meets girl romance. In fact I wouldn't class it as romance at all. Erotica yes, but there's very little loveydovey-ness going on here and the small amount there was I did find didn't hold my interest quite as much as the more shocking and twisted parts.

Occasionally there were times where something was mentioned and I felt like I'd missed something. However overall, this didn't affect the story too much.

One character imparticular, I wasn't entirely sure about was, Stuart and not in an 'I don't like him' way, it was more that he was just sort of sprung on us and I'm not even sure if my indifference to him is a good or a bad thing.

Reid on the other hand and Scarlet's father were definitely the most prominent males in this story. Reid in particular was definitely someone I was drawn too, but again I'm not sure if that's a good thing.

As you can see my review is a little twisted just like this book and yes there were flaws that prevented me from saying this was an exceptional read, but the fact remains that I really hope that this isn't the last we will see from these characters and I think there will be a serious injustice if Ms Roberts doesn't give us at least one more book.

Reviewed by Louise Dale

I’m not a good person. In fact, I’m a real bitch. If the opportunity arises, I will take your husband, give him the best sex he’s ever had, and laugh behind your back once I’m done with him. I do not put on airs and graces. I just take what I want whenever I want it.

I am the abused who has become the abuser. I live for power because all power had been stripped from me for years. Now that I have it back, I feed off of it like it’s my primary sustenance, and I don’t care who I hurt in the process.

Every woman hates me, but do you know what? I don’t give a shit.

You won’t like me. I’m not here to be liked. You want to know my story? I won’t stop you from observing. Just know that once I’m done with you, no shower—no matter how scalding—will ever get me out from under your skin.Warning: If you’re looking for pink, fluffy clouds, rainbows, and HEA’s, then this book is not for you. These pages contain flashback scenes of child abuse in all forms (physical, sexual, and emotional) as well as BDSM and other taboo themes.

Love does not live in this book. Only dark, twisted, and sick obsessions thrive here.

You. Have. Been. Warned!

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2bXX437

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2cdHu5j

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Review: The Protector by Jodi Ellen Malpas

*****5 Stars*****

Oh wow! It's been a little while since Jodi Ellen Malpas released her last book, so when I heard about this one, I was giddy with excitement.

If you're unfamiliar with JEM's work, then I urge you to fix this terrible mistake. I was first introduced to this author through her This Man series and it floored me! It's a brilliant series that is popular worldwide and you wouldn't want to miss out. Next, I read her One Night series and it was just as good.
This author is talented and able to pull you into a story, turn your emotions upside down and take you on an unforgettable adventure.

When Jake is given his latest assignment, he's dreading it. Struggling with his own past, the last thing he needs is to babysit a spoilt socialite, who resents his presence. Tasked with being her bodyguard, he soon realised that the image the paparazzi portray of her is far from the truth.

Camille has fought hard for her independence and it's a daily struggle to keep her overprotective father at bay. She's accustomed to her father and his heavy handed business dealings but this time, it's Cami herself that comes under fire.
At first sight, Cami is drawn to Jake - who wouldn't be when confronted with a 6ft plus ex-SAS sniper - but still doesn't want his protection.

There are far too many secrets being kept by more than one person in this story and it can only lead to danger, heart-break and sorrow.

Can Jake put his past, his demons and his new-found feelings to one side and keep Cami safe? Or will the secrets and lies bring it all crumbling down?

I can't adequately express how much I loved this book. It's Jodi Ellen Malpas at her best. She weaves a story so compelling, so beautifully written that there's no doubt in my mind that you'll love this book as much as I did. There are plenty of twists and turns and more than one character you'll want to throat punch.

5 golden star from me for this incredible tale!

Reviewed by Vivienne Kauffer

****4 Stars****

This has quite possibly been my most anticipated book of the year.

Jodi Ellen Malpas certainly had a lot to live up to with this book. I mean she's given us Jesse Ward and Miller Hart for God's sake. Well what I had to do was totally switch off from all of that and try to consider this book as a completely different entity, which is easier said than done when we have been spoilt with two monumental trilogies.

I do have to say however, this in so many ways was your typical JEM book. With certain British-isms that I find are so unique to her books, in other ways it was completely different. For starters, it's a standalone and not part of a trilogy or series. I also felt Jake didn't have the idiosyncrasies like Jodi's previous male characters and in part that did make him a little less endearing. However, it was eventually his protective nature that won me over.

Camille was a great heroine. It was clear to see she was perfect for Jake and he for her.

This book was a little slow off the mark for me and didn't have me as absorbed into Jake and Camille's world as I would have liked. The storyline itself had to progress quite quickly, which I felt on occasion was a little rushed in places, but certainly by the last half everything started to piece together. To be honest I didn't predict the outcome at all, despite having numerous attempts at guessing.

For me, there were elements that could have been better. Perhaps it would have benefitted from being a little longer, so the characters and certain scenes had a chance to develop more. But whilst this book didn't blow me away, I did really enjoy it and quite possibly my expectations were so high going into it and despite me trying my hardest not to, I couldn't help but compare it to the greatness that is Jodi's other books, because to be honest the concept was brilliant.

I cannot wait for more from Jodi Ellen Malpas, because despite me not rating this as high as I would have liked, she is still one of my favourite authors.

Reviewed by Louise Dale

THE NEW NOVEL FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE THIS MAN TRILOGY AND ONE NIGHT TRILOGY!

People think they have Camille Logan nailed: daddy's girl; beautiful, spoiled young woman with her father's bank balance to fund her lifestyle. But Camille is determined to have a life free from his strings. Out on her own, she's made mistakes, including one that found her clawing her way back after a stint in rehab and plenty of bad press. Now, after fighting so hard to be independent and happy, she finds her life threatened as a result of her father's ruthless business dealings. Caught between resentment and fear, Camille prepares herself for the measures her father will take to protect her. But nothing could prepare her for the ex-SAS sniper who crashes into her life.

Jake Sharp resides in his own personal hell. He was distracted from duty once before, and the consequences were devastating--both personally and professionally. He vowed never to let that happen again. Accepting the job of bodyguard to Camille Logan isn't the kind of distraction from his demons he should take. Women and Jake don't mix well, yet protecting the heiress seems the lesser of two evils. But Jake soon discovers that she isn't the woman she's perceived to be. She's warm, compassionate, her presence settling, and his duty to protect her soon goes deeper than a well-paid job, no matter how hard he fights it. He needs absolution. He comes to need Camille. But he knows he can't have both.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2aknzjR

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2aAI5hR

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Review: Roadside Assistance (Body Shop Bad Boys #2) by Marie Harte

****4 Stars****

This is the second book in the Body Shop Bad Boys series. Although book two is mentioned in Roadside Assistance, it's not necessary to have read it first, although it's a great book and I'm sure you'll love Johnny, so it's worth reading.

In book #2 we get to know Foley a little better. Huge, tattooed and hanging with the other beasts at Webster's, he is certainly intimidating.....but not to Cyn.

Cyn has a temper to match her fiery hair. Although successful in business, she still has her issues and has sworn off men - completely.
Can huge Foley break through her tough exterior or is he destined to perpetually put his foot in it?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's well written and you're bound to love Foley. Despite his rough exterior, he's really a gentleman at heart.

The sub characters are great too. Lou is certain to have a great story to tell but I've got to admit that Sam still intrigues me the most and I'm desperate for his story. I hope it's next!

Reviewed by Vivienne Kauffer

Underneath the axle grease and tats
He's a gentleman
Foley Sanders figured he'll always be content with a life of cars and casual hookups. Until a run-in with Cyn, a statuesque firecracker with a hate-on for men, leaves him bewitched and intrigued-much to her annoyance.

Maybe Cynthia Nichols was a little hard on Foley, that muscular, tattooed, super-hot mechanic next door. But she's tired of feeling defensive about her size and has sworn off men. She's got a new job, new life, perfect plan. Foley has trouble written all over him-no way is she going to fall for his charms.

Foley might look like a bad idea, but underneath, he's all gentleman. Too bad Cyn's not buying it. What's a bad boy to do when the goddess of his dreams won't give him the time of day?

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/29GQsTX

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/29MuaAE

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Review: Too Wild to Tame (Romancing the Clarksons #2) by Tessa Bailey

*****5 Stars*****

I had really enjoyed the first book in this series, Too Hot To Handle (road trip book - one of my favorite types!) so was really looking forward to book two and spending more time with the Clarkson siblings. Rita, Aaron, Belmont and Peggy, the aforementioned siblings all embark on an epic road trip to fulfill the last wish of their recently deceased mother. All of the siblings have issues they are trying to deal with/escape from and this trip ends up changing their lives. In book one, we spent quality time with Rita, who found love when their car broke down. Too Wild to Tame is Aaron's book and I loved it even more than the first one.

On the surface Aaron does not seem like a very lovable character. In fact, going in, I was unsure I'd be fall completely in love with him. He definitely intrigued me, but he came off as so arrogant in book one and I found him a bit annoying at times. I should have known, with Tessa Bailey's ability to write sexy, dirty talking, amazing alpha men, that I would be putty in Aaron's hands by the end of the story. He ended up being such a complex and multi-dimensional character. He is trying to escape the scandal that cost him his job and by the end, he is so different than that original man. He's truly grown and evolved and that in large part is due to Grace.

If I loved Aaron (and I so loved him as this book progressed) I adored Grace. Grace was a literal force of nature. Her hippy vibe seemed in complete contrast with Aaron's political image and outwardly arrogant demeanor, but they were absolutely perfect for each other. Grace has a tragic past, but somehow still retains so much life. It was so sweet how Aaron worried that he wasn't good enough for her, when he was exactly the kind of man she needed by her side.

Like with any Tessa Bailey story, the chemistry between Aaron and Grace was spot on and their love scenes literally melted my kindle. Bailey is a master at dirty talk and well written, off the charts hot love scenes. My other favorite element of this story was the continued exploration of the four siblings and their growing and evolving relationships. I think Tess Bailey has hit it out of the park with this series and I am just about giddy with anticipation waiting for Belmont and Peggy to get their stories! While this could technically be read as a stand alone, I strongly encourage everyone to read book one first so you can fully enjoy this story and the wonderful characters in it.

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil

Sometimes you just can't resist playing with fire . . .

By day, Aaron Clarkson suits up, shakes hands, and acts the perfect gentleman. But at night, behind bedroom doors, the tie comes off and the real Aaron comes out to play. Mixing business with pleasure got him fired, so Aaron knows that if he wants to work for the country's most powerful senator, he'll have to keep his eye on the prize. That's easier said than done when he meets the senator's daughter, who's wild, gorgeous, and 100 percent trouble.

Grace Pendleton is the black sheep of her conservative family. Yet while Aaron's presence reminds her of a past she'd rather forget, something in his eyes keeps drawing her in. Maybe it's the way his voice turns her molten. Or maybe it's because deep down inside, the ultra-smooth, polished Aaron Clarkson might be more than even Grace can handle ... 

Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/2b5z547

Amazon US - http://amzn.to/2b7Snl9

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Review: The Facilitator by Tracie Podger

*****5 Stars*****

I enjoy reading this authors work and The Facilitator is no exception, I loved everything about this book and really didn’t want to put it down.

Lauren is a great character that you can really identify with, successful in her career but her personal life has suffered as a consequence especially after the humiliation of her husbands betrayal. When Lauren meets a stranger in a bar that seems to call to her wild side she throws caution to the wind, only to regret her decision the next day. When her paths cross once again with the stranger Lauren has no chance of running and so begins the game between these two.

Mackenzie is HOT, seriously so and has a dirty mouth which I love. Though he seems to have it all he still has a tender side that he tries to hide and I loved that he was such a well-developed character. He sees something in Lauren that he wants to explore and pushes her to discover herself along the way. What results is a seriously hot, erotic, sometimes intense journey for Lauren that was a joy to read and somewhere along the way the game changes for them both.

I think this is definitely one for my favourites list and I really can’t wait for more from these characters as promised at the end of the book and love that we aren’t left on cliff-hanger in the meantime.

Reviewed by Vikki Ryan

It started as a game.

Two adults, both lonely; one an expert, the other learning on the quick.

He thought he was giving her what she desired. She hated herself for loving it.

Lauren Perry thought her life was fine. She knew what she wanted and where she was going. That was until her husband left her.

Mackenzie Miller thought his life was fine. He knew what he wanted and he took, always. That was until he broke his own rules.

What would you do if someone gave you the opportunity to experience all your fantasies?

Lauren Perry decided to find that out.

Contemporary romance for readers over the age of 18
Contains scenes of F/F, M/M/F & light BDSM

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2ctUo0K

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2c7Wlwt

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Review: Fighting to Be Free (Fighting to Be Free #1) by Kirsty Moseley

****4 Stars****

I had begun reading Fighting to Be Free back when Kristy Moseley was publishing it on Wattpad, so was quite excited to read it now that it has been revised and expanded and was being published more traditionally.

Jamie is a character you cannot help but root for. He has not been dealt an easy hand and after he is released from juvie, he tries hard to stay on the straight and narrow. He soon finds that is not an easy task and his former ties to the criminal world are hard to shake free from.

When Jamie meets Ellie there is an instant attraction. She isn't interested in serious boyfriend, having just been out of a relationship, but she has no problem having some fun with Jamie. Soon, feelings begin to develop and before she knows it, something that started out as fun becomes very serious and important.

Ellie is a character I didn't love quite as much as Jamie. Ellie read as very immature to me. She is a teenager, so I suppose that is to be expected, but despite Jamie's sometimes questionable choices, he seemed much more mature than her (though I suppose spending four years in juvenile detention can do that). I did like how sweet she was and for being the 'popular girl' she was surprisingly likeable and innocent.

I can't say this was a favorite read for me, but I did find it quite enjoyable. I enjoyed watching Jamie and Ellie's relationship develop and I loved Jamie as a character. Who doesn't love a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks who is trying to get his life in order? I always was an easy mark for the 'good girl falls for bad boy who is actually good' storylines. Part of what kept me from loving this was I found myself wishing at times the story had a bit less drama. These two have a lot of angst thrown into their lives and relationship and there was drama coming from every place imaginable (and then some). Despite my minor criticisms, I'm intrigued enough to want to read the next book in the series once it is out.

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil

Jamie Cole has just been released from juvenile detention. Determined to go straight, he tried to cut ties with crime boss Brett Reye--but Brett has no intention of letting him go. Jamie's life is already more complicated than it needs to be, yet when he meets a beautiful stranger at a bar, Jamie knows he's in over his head.

Ellie Pearce has just gotten out of a terrible relationship and isn't looking for anything serious...until she meets Jamie. Their attraction is overwhelming and intense-she can't seem to shake her growing feelings for him, even though she's trying to keep it casual.

But when fate goes horribly wrong and Jamie's family is faced with ruin, he's forced to strike a deal with Brett. Despite his struggles, he wants nothing more than a future with Ellie. That's until Ellie finds out that he's been hiding more from her than she could ever imagine...

Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/2bEj16M

Amazon USA - http://amzn.to/2bS0x6E

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Review: The Deeper He Hurts (Kick #2) by Lynda Aicher

****4 Stars****

As in the style of the first book this one is again very heavy on the emotional aspect of the characters and the way in which that affects their character and approach to relationships. In this case it is a little on the extreme side in the level of pain that one character seeks both self-inflicted and by others that leads to some rather intense S/M scenes that may not be for everyone. ...

When Sawyer and Asher meet the attraction is instant but when they discover each others kinks they find they are a perfect fit. However away from those heavy S/M scenes the relationship between Asher and Sawyer is hot and very emotional as they both work through issues that they have. And why these two seem complete opposites they work perfectly.

A rather interesting addition to this series and I am already looking forward to the next installment to see where this author goes next.

Reviewed by Vikki Ryan

In this wild and sensual Kick novel from the RITA Award–nominated author of The Harder He Falls, a sizzling affair tempts the tech guru of a popular outdoor-adventure-sports company to come out of the closet and embrace his desires.

Asher Ruggiero, a partner at Adrenaline Kick Adventures, is living a lie. As a control freak whose big Italian family thinks he’s straight, Asher likes his encounters concise, dirty, and discreet—until his company’s new rafting guide walks into work, dripping with brooding, intense sexuality. Sawyer Stevens is a mystery man with secrets and rough edges, and he makes Asher want to get to know him inside and out.

Ever since the tragic death of his parents, Sawyer has dedicated himself to the rush of adrenaline that comes from pleasure and pain. Moving from one guy to another, hiding when life gets too complicated—that’s all he can handle. So why does Asher make him long for something lasting and honest, when the gorgeous geek can’t even be true to himself? Sawyer wants to give Asher his heart, but he just doesn’t know how. After all, a life without integrity is a life without passion—and that’s the one thing Sawyer craves.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2bTDELy

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bFi6kM

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Review: Loving You Easy (Loving on the Edge #9) by Roni Loren

*****5 Stars*****

Loving You Easy is the 9th book in Roni Loren's BDSM romance series, Loving on the Edge. It can be read as a standalone, but the series is excellent so I highly recommend you check out the previous books as well. This story instantly intrigued me because of the online elements. Add in a menage and I was so excited I wasted no time jumping right into this book.

Cora may be thought of as a nerd in real life, but online she can shake off her IT job and comfy clothes and become one of the most sought after and adventurous subs in Hayven, an online BDSM site. She meets an especially compelling and mysterious Dom on the site who she talks with regularly. Things seem to be going great until the site is hacked. Her personal information is used and her life is put into jeopardy, but she is thankfully rescued by her two neighbors. With their help, she sets out to find the hacker and finally experience BDSM in the flesh. Add in Hayes a wrongly convicted beyond sexy alpha male with trust issues and Ren his carefree best friend with a heart of gold, plus plenty of mystery and suspense to keep me captivated and I could not put this book down.

I enjoyed this story so much, in fact, I think it may be one of my favorite in the Loving on the Edge series, which says quite a bit since they are all so well written and enjoyable. I loved that Cora was not the typical romance heroine. She was completely human and down to earth. She managed to be both cautious because of how she was raised and yet adventurous. I also loved and adored both Hayes and Ren. Broody Hayes with his trust issues stole my heart, but I think my favorite character may just be Ren. He was the heart of the relationship and held everyone together.

A Roni Loren book is always a pleasure to read and Loving You Easy was a perfect addition to this wonderful series. It was packed full of wonderful characters, a beautiful love story, smoldering love scenes and an intriguing mystery.

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil

Three lovers really click in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Call on Me—
 
Cora has an amazing sex life. She’s beautiful, daring, and the most popular submissive in Hayven. Too bad none of it’s real...
 
IT specialist Cora Benning has figured out the key to her formerly disastrous love life—make it virtual. In the online world of Hayven, she’s free of her geek girl image and can indulge her most private fantasies with a sexy, mysterious master without anyone in her life discovering her secrets. Until her information is hacked and she finds herself working to fix the breach under two very powerful men—one who seems all too familiar...

Best friends and business partners Ren Muroya and Hayes Fox were once revered dominants. Then Hayes was wrongfully sent to prison and everything changed. Ren wants to get back to who they were. Hayes can’t risk it. But when they discover the new IT specialist is their online fascination, and that she’s never felt a dominant’s touch, the temptation to turn virtual into reality becomes all too great…

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2bhJ5b8

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bjSBX3

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