Review: Love's Strategy by Samantha Kane

Love's Strategy
Samantha Kane
Series: Brothers in Arms #3
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publish Date: May 2007
Kindle {p.56}
Source: Personal Library
Genre: Historical, Menage
Leah Marleston, Valentine Westridge, Kurt Shillig
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Valentine Westridge and Kurt Schillig are lovers, and have been since the Peninsular War when lonely young officer Valentine let himself be seduced by the equally lonely Kurt. Now they're back from the war and intent on beginning the future they dreamed of together, one that includes a quiet country estate, horses, dogs, children, and each other. Their plan, however, also requires a wife. At the suggestion of a mutual friend, Valentine and Kurt believe the financial security they can offer to impoverished widow Leah Marleston will help her accept the unusual sexual relationship they are suggesting.

Leah is at her wit's end, creditors having taken everything she owns to pay off her late husband's gambling debts. She must find a way to support herself and her two children, or be forced to marry her abusive and obsessive brother-in-law. In Valentine's and Kurt's arms, Leah discovers a passion she never knew existed. Brought together by necessity, bonded by desire, these three lonely people find themselves fighting against all odds for a love that was never part of their plans.

The instant attraction among these three I believed, but the instant love, not so much. Kirk and Valentine have been in love for some time, so the thought that the minute they laid eyes on Leah they fell in love cheapened the love between Valentine and Kirk to me.

I am glad however that both Valentine and Kirk took an instant liking to Leah's children. That won them over with me. I would have liked to see the relationship between this trio grow, but with it being a very short read, that didn't happen.

Review: Unexpected Control by Ann Jacobs

Unexpected Control
Ann Jacobs
Series: Club Rio Brava #3
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publish Date: January 1, 2009
Kindle
Source: Personal Library
Genre: BDSM
Elle Drake, Trace Williams
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Pediatric surgeon Elle Drake may be conventional in her professional life, but she likes her sex kinky and hot-hot enough that she can shed her inhibitions and let go. Though she enjoys playing with the Doms at Club Rio Brava, she's beginning to wish for a Dom of her own. Not a masked partner at the club, but someone she can count on for hot sex as well as friendship. She's fairly sure no such man exists for her.

Rancher Trace Williams is everything she's ever wanted in a man, except his lovemaking's almost pure vanilla. A word from his sister sets him on the path to Dominance-and the key to Elle's heart.

Trace is in love with Elle and wants to make her his wife. The only problem is she doesn’t seem to enjoy having sex with him. Of all their sexual encounters she’s only reached completion once and faked the rest. When he pops the question she needs time to think it over.

Elle seems like a very nice person; although she has a few hang ups about sex. She can only climax from being dominated. Trace on the other hand was what every woman dreams of, but Elle still didn’t want him without being his submissive.

I didn’t really care for the fact that Elle only seemed to love Trace after he started commanding her in the bedroom. It made her love for him seem conditional.

Review: Out of Bounds by Ann Jacobs

Out of Bounds
Ann Jacobs
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publish Date: August 30, 2006
Kindle {p.262}
Source: Personal Library
Genre: Erotica, BDSM
Dani Murdock, Brand Carendon
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Young love that had to end...
He loved his rag doll, pretty Dani Murdock from the wrong side of the tracks. She filled his heart, his life with the kind of love he'd only ever dreamed could be his. But as college loomed, even their love and a rushed marriage couldn't keep them together when malicious lies and harsh words ripped them apart. The worst day of his life was the day Dani ran away, not only leaving him brokenhearted, but taking with her a secret that would take years to be revealed.

Lust destined to be satisfied...
Twelve years later, all-pro quarterback Brand Carendon rediscovers his first love...and their son. But the years-and time apart-have changed them both. For Dani, the golden boy she loved is gone, replaced by a man hardened by life, with no love for any other but the son he never knew he had. For Brand, the only woman he's ever loved, who can fire his blood with just a look, the lightest touch, Dani is the perfect submissive, his perfect mate, if only he dares trust her after she left him years ago without a word.

Dani and Brand had been apart for 12 years but picked back up like it had only been a day. These two couldn’t seem to get enough of each other.

Brand and Dani were both likeable, relatable characters that could pass as your next door neighbors. Even though there was a heavy amount of sex, the storyline was strong enough to stand on its own without the sex.

The few struggles they did face were within their own family. Most of which were with Brand’s mother and daughter and some from their son. Although I did feel Dani could have stood up for herself a little more, especially where her son was concerned. I just don't think that was realistic of her to stand by and take a lot of that from a child.

Out of Bounds was an enjoyable read with strong, well-written characters.

Review: Tied Between Two Lovers by Larissa Lyons & Alyssa Brooks

Tied Between Two Lovers
Larissa Lyons
Alyssa Brooks
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publication Date: March 20, 2009
Kindle {p.275}
Source: Author
Genre: Erotica
Characters: Juliana Reed, Cord Ramsey, Rio Tarin
Challenge: 100+, Ebook

A scarred bodyguard with a secret past. Slave to his guilt, Rio Tarin has spent a decade watching over Juliana from the shadows. Now he must reveal himself-or risk losing her all over again.

An ex-soldier in need of an angel. Cord Ramsey returns from war only to discover his family home sold out from under him. Rio, the current owner, proposes a deal-Cord can keep his property if he can keep one wild woman under protective custody for a few days.

The feisty reporter they both want to save. Tied up? Kidnapped? Dumped at a stranger's dumpy plantation? Rio's back from the dead five minutes and already trying to run Juli's life! But while he's playing the unwanted hero, it's her newly enlisted watchdog who's playing her body-to the tune of his. Cord's rough and ramblin' ways will tangle all three of them in an inescapable web of desire.

Juli has been living the last ten years believing her high school crush, Rio, died in a plane crash with her parents. But one night while leaving an awards ceremony, she is kidnapped by none other than Rio himself.

Rio is trying to protect Juli from drug cartel members who have placed a hit on her. So when Rio takes her to one of his properties to hide out, he is surprised to find Cord living there.

Cord and Juli form an instant friendship and attraction that Rio notices, and feels a little uneasy about. But seeing Cord and Juli together intimately also turns him on. Juli on the other hand, can’t stop thinking about Rio even during sex with Cord.

Once again the sex is smoking and always entertaining. Juli and Cord’s relationship was more fun-loving, like two best friends falling in love. Her relationship with Rio however didn’t feel so carefree. There was years of regret and longing between those two plus Rio’s issues with his appearance.

I did tend to feel bad for Cord about Juli having sex with him while calling out Rio’s name. But Cord didn’t seem to have a problem with it, so I guess I shouldn’t either.

Review: Sex and Solar Flares by Larissa Lyons

Sex and Solar Flares

Larissa Lyons
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publication Date: July 16, 2010
Kindle
Source: Author
Genre: Erotica
Characters: Aurora, Charles Morgan
Challenge: 100+, 50 States ~ Hawaii

Can a fearless fairy seduce a stuffy scientist?After crash-landing into the sexiest man on Earth, apprentice fairy Aurora abandons her assigned task in favor of seduction. And during a starlit constellation tour, she takes her own journey-right into Charlie-s pants!Boarding a cruise ship bound for Hawaii, astronomer Charles Morgan is entranced by the whimsical beauty who propositions him in the most amazing way. Would he like to have sex with her? Does the sun shine and the galaxy spin?A night full of lust and stars, dusted with a hint of magic, just might bring these two unlikely lovers together for their own big bang!

Aurora meets Charles, a professor, while on a cruise. Charles and Aurora are drawn to each other.

Aurora is a fairy on a mission, but appears to be sidetracked by her attraction to Charles. But appearances aren’t always what they seem.

This novella was not short on the steam between these two.

Review: My Two-Stud Stand by Larissa Lyons

My Two-Stud Stand
Larissa Lyons
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publication Date: January 20, 2011
Kindle
Source: Author
Genre: Erotica
Characters: Carolina, Rurik, Jeff
Challenge: 100+, Ebook, 50 States
My Rating:

Because sometimes, a girl just really needs a good, hard puck…

When a professional hockey player—Russian by birth, sexy by the grace of God—propositions her, usually inhibited Carolina allows herself to be seduced with heavily accented words and devastating kisses, right up to Rurik’s hotel room. Where Carolina, drugged on passion and feeling more self-assured by the second, is faced with two “players” when Rurik’s roommate Jeff, the team goalie, emerges fresh from the shower.

Faced with the prospect of a two-stud stand, enraptured by Rurik’s kisses and Jeff’s speculative glower, Carolina debates with her protesting conscience. At stake? The night of her life. The prize? More orgasms than she knows what to do with.

Carolina is on a mission to have a meaningless one night stand when she’s approached by Russian hockey player, Rurik.

Even with a novella, Ms. Lyons was able to create some really hot sex, believable, and likeable characters. With some novellas you don’t really get to know the people involved, but that was not the case here.

Carolina went into the one night stand thinking she have a quick little something with Rurik, but got more than she bargained for when he invited fellow teammate Jeff to become involved. Of course that was just too good for her to pass up!

Jeff and Rurik had an interesting dynamic going on between them. I would love to see a continuation of their story in the future. Even Carolina’s coworker Cathie was a standout, entertaining character. I would love to read her story too.

Review: Restrain Me by Alyssa Brooks & Larissa Lyons

Restrain Me
Alyssa Brooks
Larissa Lyons

Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publication Date: July 1, 2009
Kindle
Genre: Erotica, Western
Characters: Sommer St. Claire, Boaz McKenzie
Challenge: 50 States, 100+
My Rating:

Submissive urges. Hidden desires. With the help of one rugged West Texas cowboy, Sommer’s about to discover hers.

Fed up with his meddlesome family, mounting responsibilities and meager sex life, Boaz “Bo” McKenzie roars into Rustlers Junction with a single goal in mind—to find the hottest filly in town and ride her senseless. A sound spanking might be in order as well.

Outrageously betting she’ll bed the next man to walk through the door, normally reserved Sommer vows to cap off her stay at a local dude ranch with a ride on a real cowboy. But it’ll be Bo riding her, rough, randy and all through the night.

Neither expects how explosive their encounters will be or where they’ll lead…with Bo branding Sommer as his, flesh and soul.

Sommer is on vacation in West Texas at a dude ranch when she meets Boaz. Sommer has led a dull, boring life that she decides has got to change. Her friend Suzy, whom she met at the Lucky Lady Dude Ranch, takes her out to the Bottoms Up bar, where they engage in a friendly wager. Sommer has to have sex with the next single man to walk int the bar. Just Boaz's luck, it happens to be him.

The two of them hit it off hot and heavy from the start. They engage in some light bondage play and some human branding. Even with the bondage play, it wasn't over the top. Although the branding is something new, but not completely unheard of. During one of their extremely hot encounters, Boaz marks Sommer's bottom with the Bottoms Up brand.

When Boaz's bible-thumping grandmother catches them between the sheets, Sommer pretends that they are engaged to be married. They do this because his grandmother threatened to disown any and all her grandchildren who indulge in premarital relations.

I really loved all the McKenzie clan, except of course Grandmother Dori. I hope these authors continue forward with the Bottoms Up Ranch and provide books for all the grandchildren.

Review: Package Deal by Nikki Soarde

Package Deal
Nikki Soarde {Facebook}
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Release Date: 2007
Format: Kindle
Source: Personal Library
Genre: Erotica, Menage
Characters: Celeste, Tanner, Ben Jarvis
My Rating:

Ben Jarvis is living a fantasy. He's tall, tanned, strong and popular. He's every man's best buddy, a lady's man and manager of one of the Caribbean's most luxurious resorts. This tropical paradise filled with carefree couples and willing women has been effective at driving memories of his ex-wife's betrayal from his mind. Ben is content.

But when Tanner and Celeste arrive in response to his special "Anniversary Package" deal, everything changes.

They're smart and funny and one of the sexiest couples Ben has ever met. The three begin to explore each other and Ben experiences some of the best sex of his life. He starts to fall in love, but the fact that these feelings are not only for a woman but for another man, tips his world on its end. Threatened and uncertain, he begins to question the very thing that defines him as a man — his sexuality.

Tanner and Celeste fall for Ben too, but they're conflicted. Fresh from a very personal loss, they had no intention of opening themselves to that kind of love again. All three are torn, caught at a crossroads that could change their lives — and their hearts—forever.

Celeste stepped off the plane into a wall of warmth.

Celeste and her husband Tanner have lost their partner Anna to cancer and they are still grieving. Celeste is not willing to open her heart again for fear of losing another love. But her husband Tanner has already opened his heart to Ben, the owner of the resort they are vacationing at.

Ben has never been sexually attracted or involved with a man before, but find himself drawn to Tanner. He tries to deny his feelings for Tanner and push him away because he fears the negative reactions and rejection of his peers.

Package Deal was a light read without much character connection. It’s a good erotic read that offers hot sex but little romance.

Review: Hidden Hands by Shayla Kersten

Hidden Hands
Shayla Kersten
Series: Hands, #3
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Published: April 16, 2009
Format: Kindle
Source: Personal Library
Genre: LGBT
Characters: David March, Jeremy Lawson
My Rating:

Heat Level: 2/5
Synopsis:

Detective Jeremy Lawson doesn't expect anything from his one-night stand except sex. What he gets is a shooting, a mystery, plus some of the best sex he's had in a long time. Somewhere along the way, he also finds some tenderness for a lost soul in need of rescuing.

David March has let his troubled past blind him to any kind of happy future. But when a one-night stand turns out to be a cop in shining armor, David begins to think differently about his life. As in, he wants one. But to have one, he has to stay alive.

Jeremy Lawson glanced around the packed club.

David and Jeremy meet out at a bar one night when they are both feeling pretty lonely. After spending an enjoyable one night together, they are thrown back together when Jeremy witnesses someone trying to kill David.

Within the first chapter, Jeremy and David meet and go home together. Neither one of them can be with the men they truly want to be with, so they take solace in each other.

David has been through some emotional trauma and views himself as unworthy of pleasure or love. Jeremy tries to prove to him that he is worthy of both. While Jeremy is protecting David from whoever wants him dead, he falls in love with David.

Overall the story was just okay for me. I didn't feel like David and Jeremy knew each other well enough to be in love. The relationship between the two men seemed rather forced, with no true connection or chemistry. I however did enjoy seeing appearances of the characters from the previous book, Hidden Forces.

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Review: Love Under Siege by Samantha Kane

Title: Love Under Siege
Author: Samantha Kane
Series: Brothers in Arms, #2
Published: November 8, 2006
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Source: Personal Library
Format: Kindle
Genre: Erotica, Historical, LGBT
Characters: Maggie Trueheart, Phillip Neville, Jonathan Overton
My Rating:

Heat Level: 5/5
Synopsis:

Phillip Neville and Jonathan Overton have been best friends since childhood. When they return to England as veterans of the Napoleonic Wars, they enter the marriage market. It doesn't take long for them both to fall deeply in love with shy, awkward, beautiful Maggie Trueheart. Phillip and Maggie marry, but Phillip and Jonathan do not tell her about the menage a trois marriage the two men hope to have. When Maggie finds out, it takes the persuasive power of both men to convince her that this threesome was meant to be.

In the process of helping Maggie discover the sexually aggressive woman inside herself, Phillip and Jonathan realize their love for one another is more than friendship. Before the two men can consummate their relationship, however, a brutal attack on Maggie and Jonathan's self-recriminations drive the lovers apart. It will take all the love and determination the three possess to achieve their happily ever after.

"I've gone about it all wrong," Phillip Neville said in frustration as he ran his hand roughly through his burnished blond hair.

Phillip and Maggie have been living as husband and wife for a few short months before Jonathan arrives to live with them. Before Maggie and Phillip wed, she was unsure of which of the two men were courting her. Unbeknownst to Maggie, they both were.

What I really enjoyed about this book was the fact that Maggie was hesitant to become involved in a menage relationship. She needs time to really think about it and the repercussions that the relationship could cause. In other menage stories, you don't tend to find that. Everyone involved tends to fall into a menage relationship as if it's a normal everyday occurrence.

The sex between these three was extremely hot. Although Phillip and Jonathan did not start out being intimate with each other, you could tell that they wanted to be. The author did a really great job expressing their sexual tension. The flow of the story was good, but it just didn't seem to hold my focus.

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