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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Review: Wolf's Mate (Wind Dragons MC #5) by Chantal Fernando

****3.5 Stars****

While I love this series there is always something lacking but sadly with this latest book I just felt a sense of déjà vu towards the end of the book which left me somewhat disappointed as I had enjoyed these characters up till then. ...

Vinnie AKA Wolf is called in by Talon of a rival MC to repay a marker he owes and the repayment is in the form of providing protection to Talon’s cousin Shayla. Vinnie has a preconceived idea of what to expect from babysitting a spoilt princess type with a price on her head but Shayla soon begins to proves him wrong.
Shayla is a strong character that has a sassy side to her and her attraction to the badass biker is obvious from the start.

I loved the banter between these characters and they were good together. But as much as I enjoyed Vinnie and Shayla’s story the rest of the storyline was choppy and at times felt rushed and a little clichéd. While I was happy with the outcome of the book I just felt the path their story took is one we have already seen played out in this series so it was a bit of a let-down.

That said it was great catching up with the rest of the characters in this series which provided for some light relief as always.

Reviewed by Vikki Ryan

From USA TODAY bestselling author Chantal Fernando comes the latest in her steamy Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club series featuring biker bad boys and the strong women who love them.

Vinnie was once the youngest prospect at the infamous Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club but finally, he’s going to be initiated as a full-fledged member! But when Vinnie (now known as Wolf) puts on that WDMC leather for the first time, little does he know what he’s in for. The Wind Dragons have made enemies, and being a member means being on the front lines…

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2cck2Tg

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bFm9CF

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Review: Landon (In Safe Hands #1) by S.M. Shade

****3.5 Stars****

Landon is the first book in the new In Safe Hands series, from SM Shade. Though not connected, characters from the first series, Striking Back, do appear in this book. It's is not, however, essential to have read the Striking Back series (although I highly recommend it).

Landon is a great character. With so much going on in his life, there's no time for relationships and that's just how he wants it. He does not do relationships.

Zoe is struggling to get by. Supporting her younger brother and putting herself through collage, she takes a job and meets Landon.

I've got to admit that one of the things I loved most about the previous series from this author, is her ability to create such intimacy between the characters and sorely I felt this was missing in this book. I didn't feel an intense build up between Landon and Zoe and as a result, I found it slightly flat.

That being said, the camaraderie between all the characters is fantastic. The brotherly solidarity is heartwarming. There's plenty of drama and action in this story and the sub-characters are great! There's a particular sub-character that's caught my eye and I'm hoping for his story next.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and I'm sure you will too.

Reviewed by Vivienne Kauffer

Zoe
I’m not interested. I’m not interested in his blue-green ocean colored eyes, his lean muscular body, or that crooked smile that can be so infuriating. I have more important things to worry about, like how to keep myself in college and my sixteen year old brother fed and sheltered. We all know life is hard, some of us just learn that lesson younger than others, but that doesn’t mean I’ll give up. I intend to succeed and make sure my brother has the opportunities he deserves, and no privileged jerk is going to distract me.

Landon
I don’t date. Don’t get me wrong, I’m far from celibate, but my condition makes carrying on any kind of normal relationship impossible. My life revolves around In Safe Hands or ISH, the underground hacker group I work with to track down and take care of predators and sex offenders who beat the system. I’m satisfied with my life until the day I meet the smart mouthed, compassionate, determined woman who opens my eyes to possibilities I never thought existed.

This is book one in a series of standalone novels.

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

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bGFuS0

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Review: Alex (Striking Back #4) by S.M. Shade

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

Oh wow, I absolutely loved this book.
It's the 4th in the Striking Back series and although it could probably be read as a standalone, I highly recommend you read the first 3 books (in order) first. I say this because one of the things I've really loved about this book, is the way the author has invested time in creating such a great family bond (between the Reed brothers) that threads it's way through all the books in this series.

Alex's story picks up where we left off in book #3 and my heart was pounding away, vibrating against the lump lodged in my throat.

Alex is a great character and you're bound to love him as much as I did.
Of course we get to see our favourites from the previous three books too and we get to know Ian a bit better too.

I don't want to give too much away but I will tell you that you'll want to slap some sense into at least one character and just when you think love can triumph, you'll be broken hearted again.

I highly recommend this book (and series)!

Reviewed by Vivienne Kauffer

Ninety- two days. Thirteen weeks. That’s how long it’s been since I lost my love, my best friend. It’s been everything I can do to drag myself out of bed and get back to work, but I know Cooper would want me to move on. I think he’d even be happy if he knew who I want to move on with. The target of my affection, though, may not be so thrilled about my choice.
He’s straight. Or he thinks he is.
A womanizer of the worst kind with a face and body that keeps a steady stream of willing women at his door, he seems happy to work his way through the entire female population. But there’s no mistaking the way he looks at me when he thinks I’m not paying attention.
One way or another, I’ll show him what he really wants.

This is book four of The Striking Back Series, but can also be read as a standalone novel.

Intended for 18 years and older. Contains sexual content, including sex between two men.

Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/2bDS6vZ
Amazon US - http://amzn.to/2bUZqCW

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