Review: Dark Secret by Danielle Rose

Title: Dark Secret
Series: Darkhaven Saga #1
Author: Danielle Rose
Format: eARC
Pub. Date: February 18th 2020
Source: Netgalley


Book Description:

There's no wrath like that of a witch scorned.

Seventeen-year-old spirit witch Ava López is the self-appointed guardian of the witches and humans of Darkhaven, an idyllic village nestled between the forest and the sea. Her watch: vicious and bloodthirsty vampires.

Ava is a novice in the eyes of her coven. If she expects to protect them and the secrecy of their powers, she must gain better control of her own. When a full moon ritual goes awry, control may be lost forever, and Ava is exiled from her coven. Forced to seek refuge among the beings she had always sworn herself to hunt, she vows revenge on those who have upended her life.

But the more time Ava spends away from her coven, the more she discovers a startling truth: the witches haven’t been honest with her. Ava’s quest to strip the truth from everything she’s ever known begins with the toughest realization of all—coming to terms with who she has become.

Review:

★★★

I really wanted to like this book. It's got witches. It's got vampires. It's got secrets and mystery. But ultimately, I found it pretty forgettable.

The twists are pretty predictable and not really too unique. I thought the characters were pretty flat and generic- which pains me to say because the witchcraft elements seemed pretty cool conceptually. I just didn't up caring too much because I wasn't relating to characters. I do appreciate that Ava and her mother speak in and out of Spanish, it's nice to see cultural touches.

Because this book is very short- clocking in at about just under 200 pages- I felt that time was an issue. The pacing felt slow in some places and rushed in others. There didn't seem to be enough time to really flush details out the way that I would have liked. Maybe that's rectified in later installments, but I wasn't drawn in enough to book one to continue onward.

In the end, I get why there's so many positive reviews. It's a good idea for a book. It's not poorly written. A lot of people seem to like that it's in shorter format. But for me it was just pretty mediocre, and not anything that I got excited about.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Mini Review: Tender Wings of Desire by Harland Sanders

Title: Tender Wings of Desire
Author: Harland Sanders
Format: Kindle Edition, 96 pages
Pub. Date: May 2nd 2017
Source: Amazon


Book Description:

When Lady Madeline Parker runs away from Parker Manor and a loveless betrothal, she finally feels like she is in control of her life. But what happens when she realizes she can’t control how she feels? When she finds herself swept into the arms of Harland, a handsome sailor with a mysterious past, Madeline realizes she must choose between a life of order and a man of passion. Can love overcome lies? What happens in the embrace of destiny, on the Tender Wings of Desire?

Review:

★★★

Honestly? This wasn't as bad as I expected.

I know it's just a marketing ploy. But it's a pretty good one, and hey. It worked. It was viral, and I downloaded it.

The story is fine. The characters are pretty generic, but I liked them well enough. The writing/editing leaves a bit to be desired, but the descriptions of Lady Madeline's new life and the new man in her life are pretty well done. There's some drama, some romance, and a slow build up with a surprising amount of heat.

Less chicken than one would anticipate, but well played KFC.

All in all, I'm not mad that I read it. It was free, and I think it's like 72 pages. It's short, sweet, and to the point, but not anything you're missing out on, or anything you'll probably read again once you're done with it.

Mini Review: The Ungifted Elf by AJ Martinez

Title: The Ungifted Elf
Author: AJ Martinez
Format: Paperback, 70 pages
Pub. Date: May 20th 2014
Source: Goodreads Firstreads


Book Description via Goodreads:

Eckxio, an exiled elf journeys to a mountain in hopes of gaining an ability that all elves are born with. Since his childhood, Eckxio was unable to cast magic and relies on his magic sword and shield to survive. He hopes to find the legendary fairy king in the mountain and believes the holy entity will grant him incredible magical powers. Eckxio desperately fights obstacles that cross his path as his faith fades away.

Review:

★★

I received this book through the Goodreads Firstreads program in exchange for my honest review.

I love fantasy books. That being said, I especially love fantasy books that contain elves. They're my favorite race/creature from fantasy, and I'm a sucker for any book that features them. That's why I was so excited to read this book, which is actually more of a short story at 70 pages.

There was definitely potential here. I could see where the author was trying to go, and the plot itself wasn't bad. I liked the ideas in regards to magic and world building that the author gave. It had all the elements that make fantasy great to me: a little companion, magic, a fairy king, elves, and a mountain adventure.

Unfortunately, this book is in need of some serious editing. There were quite a few grammatical mistakes that made it a bit rough to get through. Plus, when the story was technically correct in its writing, the sentences were short and choppy, lacking the long, detailed flow that I look for in a fantasy tale.

Like I said before, I think there is definite potential here. Maybe it just needs editing, or maybe it would be better reworked into a full length novel. I'm not entirely sure. I see good in this story, and I would happily read it again and edit my review if it is ever republished/re-edited.

Thanks to Goodreads for my copy.

Review: Body Language by Em Petrova!

Title: Body Language
Series: Boot Knockers Ranch #2
Authors: Em Petrova
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: September 9th 2014
Source: Netgalley/Samhain Publishing


Book Description via Goodreads:

There are no words for desire this hot…but he’ll sure try to find them.

The Boot Knockers Ranch, Book 2

If there’s one thing that Damian Vince can do well, it’s read women. With his trademark wink and sexy drawl, he’s the most wanted cowboy on the Boot Knockers Ranch, a spa where sexually challenged women come to get charmed out of their uptight panties.

He’s also the ranch’s bad boy—he hates to admit he’s had his mug-shot taken more than once. But now he’s on the right path, ranching and fulfilling women’s desires.

Prim grade-school teacher Ruthie Johansson prays Damian will be able to fix her strict upbringing that’s left her leery of men and intercourse, though her body aches for both. Once she sets eyes on the muscular, auburn-haired Damian, she throbs only for him.

As they get skin to skin, her instinct touches something Damian’s been struggling to hide from his fellow Boot Knockers. A secret he’s spent a lifetime keeping buried beneath bar brawls and a bad attitude. But with Ruthie’s gentle coaxing, he just might give overcoming it another try—as long as they do their homework in bed.

Warning: Contains a bad boy with a vulnerable underside, a squeaky clean woman who wants to get dirty, and a secret shame only love and compassion can heal. Prepare to drool while he parses her sentences…one sexy verb at a time.

Review:

★★★★★

This was one of the books that jumpstarted my recent love of cowboys. Though it's the second book in the series, it can also function as a standalone, which is how I read it. That said, I LOVED this book, and I will totally be going back to snag book one.

This novella has everything that I want in an erotic romance: a bad boy, cowboys, rope work, and a sex camp. You heard me. Sex camp. Bootknockers is a vacation spot where women can go to learn sexual confidence and exploration, and each one of them is assigned to a cowboy for the duration of their stay. Ruthie comes to the ranch to break free of the religious shackles that her parents have put on her since she was born. She gets assigned to Damian, a delicious bad boy of the ranch who's done hard time and has more skeletons in his closet.

I loved watching their relationship grow. It starts off all business but slowly grows to become much more than that the more that Damian helps Ruthie explore her sexuality and herself in general. They grow closer both physically and emotionally and I couldn't help but to hope that they would make their way through their struggles to their own personal happy ever after.

And the sex scenes, y'all. Oh lord. This is the first story that I have ever read by Em Petrova but I certainly hope it won't be the last. She writes hot, sexy scenes that forced me to read this book in small chunks. I had had every intention of reading this in class. That is, until the scenes made me blush and I felt like people knew the erotica I was reading and I had to cool off. Well played, Em. Well played. But what I most enjoyed is that even though there were a lot of sex scenes, there was a solid plot too. There was a nice blend of both, and I was pulled in by both equally.

I recommend this quick read to fans of romance, BDSM, and cowboys. This book contains explicit sex scenes (duh) and so I'd recommend it to those over 18. Thanks so much to Samhain Publishing & Netgalley for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

Mini Book Review: Light in the Dark (Avery #1.5) by Elizabeth Tuttle!

Title: Light in the Dark
Series: Avery #1.5
Author: Elizabeth Tuttle
Format: ebook, 89 pages
Pub. Date: March 1st 2015
Source: Elizabeth Tuttle via Newsletter


Book Description via Goodreads:

This is not a full length novel. This is a Bonus Short of the Avery series with a collection of scenes from Zander's POV within Spark of Light. These scenes include those you will be familiar with from SOL, but also new scenes from times Avery wasn't around.

***It is not recommended you read this short unless you have read Spark of Light. Light in the Dark Contains major spoilers if read out of order.***

Review:

★★★★★

Before I say anything else, I need to stress the importance of reading Spark of Light first. This novella is a short story that offers scenes from the first novel from the alternate point of a different character, so there will be much spoilers and confusion if this is the first story you read from the Avery series!

That being said, I loved this bonus collection of scenes. Spark of Light ended up being one of my favorite books in 2014, so I was super eager to check this one out. Namely because I adore Zander, and these scenes are all rewritten from his point of view. It's written with the same style and flow as the first book, making it seem like these scenes were taken from the book itself.

This novella was a great addition to the series, and is one that all Avery fans should check out. And if you haven't read Spark of Light yet, what's stopping you!? Three words to convince you: dystopian elf magic.

Thanks to Elizabeth Tuttle for sending this out in her newsletter.

Blog Tour: Mini Review & Guest Post: Bound by Blood by Margo Bond Collins

Guest Post- Casting:

I think every author spends some amount of time dreaming of a movie made from his or her books—I suspect that an inordinate amount of time goes in to casting these imaginary films—at least, it does around here!




For this post, I'm casting only the adults in the novella. There are also two children, a five-year-old boy and a twelve-year-old girl, but when I started trying to cast them, I realized that the child actors I had imagined in the roles had all grown up! I finally decided that I would leave child-actor casting to the professionals, instead.

So here are my choices for those actors I did cast. Take a look at them, and then tell me, who would you cast in these roles?

 






Dr. Lili Banta, a doctor from a Filipino-American family

played by Vanessa Hudgens

Until I started writing this novella, I was unaware of just how many Filipina actresses I already knew and loved. Although Hudgens looks a little young for the role of Lili, I think she could definitely pull it off!







 








Dr. Will Manning, a doctor in Houston, Texas, and Lili's ex



played by Patrick Dempsey

. . . because who better to play a handsome doctor?






 









Harry Iverson, a detective from Dallas, Texas


played by Jensen Ackles

. . . because he's Texan, and he's one of my favorite actors. I would cast him in everything, if it were up to me.





 









Nurse Susan Yee


played by Zhang Ziyi

. . . because she is my favorite Chinese actress!







 








Lili's grandmother, nicknamed Inang


played by Beverly Salviejo

. . . because she looks exactly like I imagined Lili's Inang.












I would love some help casting the children! Who would you cast to play Kenny (a five-year-old boy) and Felicity (a twelve-year-old girl)?




____________________________

 

 

 

 

Sometimes the monsters in the dark are real...



As a child, Lili Banta ignored her grandmother's cryptic warnings to avoid
children outside their Filipino community in Houston. When many of those other
children fell ill, Lili ignored the whispers in her community that a vampiric
aswang walked among them.



Years later, Lili returns to Houston to work for the Quarantine Station of the
Center for Disease Control—but she is plagued by dark, bloody dreams that
consume her nights and haunt her days. When a strange illness attacks the
city's children, Lili is called in to find its source, and maybe even a cure.



But in order to save the city, she must first acknowledge the sinister truth: A
monster stalks the night—closer than she ever expected....

_____________________________________________

Excerpt:

 

Sitting
straight up in bed, I gasped and threw myself back against the headboard, the
thud dying away along with the remaining shreds of my dream.



But
the word still ricocheted through my mind.



Aswang.



Until
yesterday, I hadn't thought of the term in years—not since I'd left Houston for
med school in Maine, determined to get as far away from home as I could.



But
this resurgence of the same, odd illness that had swept my city years before
was apparently also dredging up the old stories from deep in my subconscious:
the aswang, a vampiric woman who
lived a quiet life by day and fed on children in the night, flying back home on
bat-wings just before dawn.



My
unconscious mind had clearly also expanded on the idea, casting me in the role
of aswang and adding schizoid conversations with a chorus of internal voices.



Great. I'm
insane in my dreams.



And I'm a
monster.



Shuddering,
I wiped my hand across my gritty, raw eyelids.

_____________________________________________

Buy Links

Only $.99 via Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Bound-Blood-Night-Shift-Novella-ebook/dp/B00PB3AIGC/

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Bound-Blood-Night-Shift-Novel/dp/0990743365/




Audiobook, Narrated by Hollie Jackson: http://www.amazon.com/Bound-Blood-Night-Shift-Book/dp/B00QUB5T9U/

_____________________________________________

About the Author 

 

Margo Bond Collins is the author of urban fantasy,
contemporary romance, and paranormal mysteries. She has published a number of
novels, including Bound by Blood, Sanguinary, Taming the Country Star, Legally Undead,
Waking Up Dead, and Fairy, Texas.
She lives in Texas with her husband, their daughter, and several spoiled pets.
Although writing fiction is her first love, she also teaches college-level
English courses online. She enjoys reading romance and paranormal fiction of
any genre and spends
most of her free time daydreaming about heroes, monsters, cowboys, and
villains, and the strong women who love them—and sometimes fight them.

_____________________________________________

Connect with Margo

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/margobondcollins

Email:
MargoBondCollins@gmail.com

Website:
http://www.MargoBondCollins.net

Blog:
http://www.MargoBondCollins.com

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin  @MargoBondCollin

Google+:
https://plus.google.com/116484555448104519902

Goodreads
Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/vampirarchy

Facebook
Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MargoBondCollins

Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/mbondcollins/

 

_____________________________________________

 

Review:

★★★★

Let me start the review by saying I've never read anything by Margo Bond Collins before Bound by Blood, nor have I read a lot of urban fantasy books at all. Still, I am a sucker for vampire stories still after all these years, and I couldn't resist giving this short story a read.

I'm impressed with how the author managed to drag me into the story and create world building in such a short space, but she did. I was never left confused or wanting more information, which is something to highlight in a novella. I also have to say that I really liked the folklore twist of the "traditional" vampire story by using influence from Filipino culture. This isn't a culture I know too much about, if I'm being honest, and it was really cool to have it featured in a story such as this one.

It is a bit violent and descriptive, but personally I found that to be a plus in the book's favor. It was well detailed and well written, and I would definitely go back to read more of Margo Bond Collins' work in the future. I'd recommend it to urban fantasy fans as well as lovers of vampires and those who are addicted to books about plagues and epidemics.

I was provided a copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Author Interview + Mini Review: Alchemy xii by Tamsin Flowers!

Title: Alchemy xii - New Year's Eve Prologue
Series: The Alchemy Series 0.5
Author: Tamsin Flowers
Format: ebook
Pub. Date: November 18th 2014
Source: Tamsin Flowers


About the Book:
No one could ever accuse Harry Lomax of being a Dom's Dom. Sometimes he even forgets to make his submissives call him "Sir". But he is the charismatic Prince of Kink at Chicago's most secretive and exclusive sex club, where he runs Alchemy xii, the club's prestigious year-long training program for would-be subs.


When Harry spots Olivia Roux across a crowded floor, he's under no illusions as to what she is and what she isn't. A blond, Amazonian goddess, Olivia's no ingénue. She's a woman of the world whom he suspects might have a thing for kink, if only she realized it. One thing is for certain—Olivia is nobody's bitch.


Harry knows that he wants her. For his Alchemy xii training program, that's for sure. But for himself? Harry will try anything once—and Olivia's a woman who's got his name written all over her!


This is the first episode in the Alchemy xii series. You can follow the ongoing story of Olivia and Harry in further episodes which will be published monthly throughout 2015. Look out for Alchemy xii - January on January 1.

Interview:

Give a warm welcome to the ever lovely Tamsin Flowers! What inspired you to write Alchemy xii?

Alchemy xii has certainly been a long time coming! Probably more than two years ago, I made up my mind that I wanted to write a D/s story from the sub's point of view, using her diary as the principal vehicle for telling the story. After plenty of false starts and a number of different leading characters, I finally discovered my power duo, Harry and Olivia and once they came to life the whole project caught fire. Very quickly, I knew I had something really passionate and intense happening between them, and the structure of the training program that Harry runs made it obvious that monthly installments would be a great way to deliver the story.


I've loved your writings in past books. When did you learn you had an interest in the BDSM scene, or that you had a skill for writing erotica?

Thank you for that - it's great for a writer to hear, because quite often we're not too sure who has read our work! Some of your readers might have heard this before, but I stumbled into writing erotica quite by chance. Naturally, I've always wanted to write and I've several non-erotic novels and a number of screenplays languishing in a drawer as testament to that. But about three years ago, while checking out publishers for a novel I'd written about a girl drummer in a band, I came across a call for submissions for an erotic anthology. The book I was trying to sell had some sex scenes and they were the one thing my writing mentor had never criticized - so I thought, hey, why not give this a go? I sat down, wrote my first story having quite literally never read a word of erotica and it was - much to my surprise- accepted for publication. When I look back at it now, I think it's a little rough around the edges - but that's what got me started and I haven't looked back (though I have now read some!)
And as to BDSM, let's just say it's something of an ongoing fascination!

What's one "naughty" word that drives you insane/turns you off?

Actually, there are plenty - any of the euphemisms people use in erotica for describing body parts. I hate it when a writer goes all coy and calls a woman's vagina her 'sex' or her 'lady bits' or…there are simply too many to list. In my books, I try to stick to cunt or pussy - if these words offend a reader, then maybe erotica isn't quite the genre for them!

How do you decide what traits or interests to give your characters?

There are a lot of factors that go into building a fictional character and for me, one of the most important things is to avoid stereotypes. Certainly, it was a big issue for me in creating Harry and Olivia, as I felt as if I'd read too many stern, all-knowing Doms and too many subs that were, frankly, too submissive. Harry and Olivia are not defined by their dominant/submissive characteristics - they're fully rounded human beings with a life and characteristics beyond just what they do in the bedroom or the dungeon! Harry often forgets to be Dommy, while Olivia has no intention of submitting to anyone! I always try to make my characters a little unusual, with their own idiosyncrasies, but at the same time, it's important to make them believable rather than caricatures. It's a fine balance and it has to be maintained, in this case, over an incredibly long story arc.

It's my understanding that the rest of the Alchemy xii series will be released monthly in novella-sized pieces. Is this style of story-telling different than writing a full length book? Is it a different mindset?

You're right - there will be an Alchemy xii novella released on the first of each month throughout 2015 - and the fact that readers can subscribe make it a totally new kind of reading experience! And, yes, it certainly makes a difference to the way I have to write the story. As well as crafting a full length story that runs through the year, each novella also needs its own arc to make it a satisfying read. The basis of each episode is the fact that Olivia spends one weekend each month training with Harry at the Alchemy club. Between these weekends, he often sets Olivia homework and assignments and throughout the year we meet other characters who populate the club - including Harry's beautiful boss and mentor, the uber-Domme Belladonna Grim, the three other subs he's training at the same time, and his nemesis, Dick Glass, the pony play master! All of this has taken quite a wealth of planning and plotting, to make sure things happen in the right episode to move the story forward each month!

Is there a specific place that inspires you to write?

Goodness me, no! I can write anywhere, anytime, either on my laptop or in pencil in a giant notebook. (And with so many episodes of Alchemy xii that's probably a good thing too!)

Olivia and Harry are no doubt sexy characters. Did you use any "real life" models as inspiration for their appearances?

If I did, my lips are sealed! Actually, that's a 'no', though with any character one creates, there may be certain facets taken from real-life people, mixed up, changed around and matched with someone else's characteristics to make a completely fictional creation. It's one of the most fun parts of being a writer.

Since the first piece of this erotic encounter is entitled New Year's Eve, do you have any plans to celebrate the holiday?

Alchemy xii - New Year's Eve is officially released on New Year's Eve (though it's already widely available, free of charge), and the second episode, Alchemy xii - January launches on January 1 (although you can already pre-order it). So I think possibly, with two major launches spanning the evening, it might be a bit reckless of me to party too hard. However, a glass of champagne certainly won't go amiss in celebration of the Alchemy xii kick off.

Can you describe this story in 5 words?

I can do it in three:

Wild about Harry!

This or That

Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
Ebook or physical copy: Ebook
Black and white or color: Acid-drenched color!
sub or Dom: That would be telling!
City or country: City
Winter or summer: Winter
Coffee or tea: Coffee

Thank you so much, Tamsin, for taking some time out of the holiday season to answer a few questions with me and for inviting me to read Alchemy xii!

Review:

★★★★★

This story is an absolute delight. It's short, hot, and a great introduction to what is sure to be an explosive and addictive series of short stories from the kinky mind of one of my favorite erotic authors, Tamsin Flowers.

Harry is delightfully delicious and makes this story one that's not to be missed. He's Dominant without being overtly so. And he has a lovely accent, which is definitely a plus. He had me hooked from the start with his intensity and his interest in Olivia. I loved reading about the two of them together, and I can't wait to see how the story progresses. The sex/BDSM scenes are well-written and definitely hot while still being believable (something I admittedly struggle with while reading erotica: believable scenes).

The pacing is well done and the settings are all well described. It gets extra points because it is set in Chicago and since that's my hometown, I gotta love that detail. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I also give props because while this is an introduction novella, so to speak, that this didn't bombard you with back story. There were no chapters of "you need to know this before you start" and no introductions of eight million characters that may or may not be relevant later.

Plus, the cover art is absolutely stunning. I mean, just look at it.

I can't wait to read the next installments, and if you want a subscription to fabulous and steamy erotica that features a training program, an elusive club, and a unique Dom, I suggest you get on board. Thank you so much to Tamsin Flowers who sent me a copy of this short story in exchange for my honest review.

Get It Now!:

Although Alchemy xii - New Year's Eve was supposed to be released on 31 December, I'm thrilled to say it's actually gone out early and is available now. This first episode is free and you can get it from all the usual suspects!

Alchemy xii Store
Amazon US
Amazon UK
B&N
Smashwords
All Romance
Kobo

The next installment, January, comes out January first. Be sure to check it out!

Or if you'd like, you can check out the subscription package from the Alchemy xii Store. Look at how pretty!

About the Author:

Tamsin Flowers has been writing erotica for three years. She started out with short stories and has featured in more than 20 anthologies to date from Cleis Press, Go Deeper Press, House of Erotica, Xcite Books and Velvet Books. Her works have featured in collections curated by some of today's most celebrated editors - including Violet Blue (Best Women's Erotica 2014 and 2015), Rachel Kramer Bussel (The Big Book of Submission: 69 Kinky Tales), Alison Tyler (Twisted: Bondage with an Edge, Bound for Trouble: BDSM for Women, Just for Her, Just for Him) and Kristina Wright (Best Erotic Romance 2014 and 2015, Passionate Kisses: Erotic Romance Fantasies for Couples).
She has also self-published a sizzling collection of zombie erotica, Zombie Erotoclypse, and has had novels and novellas released by Xcite Books (The Christmas Tattoo, Her Boss and His Client), Secret Cravings (The Crimson Bond, The Scarlet Bond) and Totally Bound (Doing It for the Coach).

Novella Mini Review: Touching Paradise by Cleo Peitsche

Title: Touching Paradise
Series: Shark Shifter Paranormal Romance #1
Author: Cleo Peitsche
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: August 27th 2014
Source: Pouch Productions & Netgalley

Description via Goodreads:

TOUCHING PARADISE is an erotic paranormal romance of 41,000 words.

Despite his billions in the bank, Koenraad is a shark shapeshifter haunted by secrets and regrets. Unable to move on with his life, he relentlessly patrols the waters near the island he once considered home. Fate puts the beautiful Monroe in his path, and duty demands he offer his services, but one look into her eyes and he knows the lonely, frightened woman secretly yearns for adventure.

Monroe is having a hard time getting into the vacation spirit. She’s surrounded by powdery white sand and swaying palm trees, but she’s terrified of the ocean. When her tour boat breaks down at sea, she’s thrilled to skip the so-called trip of a lifetime. However, a gorgeous man with a sleek yacht is determined to change her mind… and maybe her life.

Contains explicit sexual content and graphic language that may be objectionable to some readers. Includes sexual dominance and submission and very mild BDSM elements. For adults only.

★★★★

I've read a fair amount of erotica in my life, and a very large portion of those titles contain shifters that are either some sort of jungle cat or most commonly, a wolf. I tried passing this book by as I looked through titles, but I just couldn't do it. How often does one stumble across a shifter romance where the hunky lead's shifting form is a shark? I thought this would be just what I needed to get out of the wolf-cat shifter romance rut I've been in, and I was largely correct.

I really liked both main characters in this story. Monroe is likable and relatable. She's trying to figure out what she wants out of life and how to get it, and has self-worth issues that I think we all have grappled with at some point or another. She gains her inner strength and decides to take what she wants, and I like that about her. And then there's Koenraad, the hunky shifter previously mentioned. He's rich and protective and alpha and all other things good in the world of romance books. Together they're explosive and I loved reading about them growing together as a couple. The sex scenes are well written, and the rest of the plot is too.

I also really liked the setting. It's very detailed so that the reader feels like they've been whisked off to a beautiful island paradise too. The shark shifting ties into the island's history, and I found this to be a nice touch to the setting and explanation of the significance of Koenraad's abilities.

This was my first experience reading a romance where a shark shifter takes center stage, but oddly enough it really worked for me and I hope that it won't be the last. If Goodreads proves correct, this is a series, and I would definitely read the next book to follow what happens. If you're tired of run of the mill shifter romances, this is a book for you. Thanks to Pouch Productions & Netgalley who provided me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Holiday Novella Mini Review: Santa's Toy by Nichelle Gregory!

Title: Santa's Toy
Author: Nichelle Gregory
Format: Kindle Edition, 69 pages
Pub. Date: November 18th 2013
Source: Gifted via Amazon

Description via Goodreads:

A sexy, ruthless lawyer becomes Santa's toy in order to get off the Naughty List!

Danielle attends her firm's lavish holiday dinner party held every year in a museum in hopes of learning she's made partner. She's stepped on more than a few toes, but she isn't concerned about the decisions made to ensure her rise to the top. When Danielle stops to admire the museum's replica of the North Pole, she is caught off guard when Santa beckons to her. Lead by two of his elves, Danielle soon discovers this jolly old man is the real deal and there's a price to be paid for continually being on his Naughty List. He gives her two options for redemption, but Danielle refuses to jeopardize her burgeoning career and agrees instead to become Santa's toy. She will do whatever he and his two elves want to get what she wants, but all is not what it seems inside Santa's Workshop...

★★★★

I stumbled across this title while wandering around on Goodreads, and was happy to find it waiting for me in my email inbox from Santa. Santa's Toy is a quick and sexy holiday read that reexamines what it means to be on the big guy's naughty list at Christmastime.

If you're anything like me, you may be thinking, "Sexy Santa Claus? That's kinda weird Jill. I mean he's kinda fat and old to think about at night instead of sugar plums." But this ain't your mother's Santa Claus. He's a dreamy-looking, Dominant man willing to make a deal with the help of his two equally hot elf companions. I know it sounds weird.... But it works. From the use of minty massage oil to peppermint sticks to a secret hideaway in Santa's little visit workshop, this is an oddly steamy Christmas erotica novella that is the perfect stocking stuffer for your ereader this time of year.

This is an erotica novella, so obviously there's sexual content. I'd recommend it to those on the naughty list, or who prefer spice over sugar in their holiday reads. Thanks to "Santa", who gifted me a copy via Kindle.

Mini Holiday Review: I'm Dreaming of an Undead Christmas by Molly Harper!

Title: I'm Dreaming of an Undead Christmas
Series: Half Moon Hollow #2.7
Author: Molly Harper
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: November 17th 2014
Source: Netgalley & Pocket Star

Description via Goodreads:

Experience the vampire world for the holidays through the eyes of Gigi Scanlon in this e-novella prequel to The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire from beloved paranormal romance author Molly Harper!

College co-ed Gigi is headed home to Half-Moon Hollow for her first Christmas since her sister, Iris, was turned into a vampire by her beloved undead husband, Cal. Iris is working overtime to make this holiday as normal and special as possible. After all, it’s taken her months of working with Jane Jameson and the Hollow’s vampires to convince herself that she won’t bite her baby sister on sight.

Gigi has her own worries. She’s falling out of love with her high school sweetheart, Ben, and has no idea how to tell him. She’s got a secret job interview with terrifying teen Council official, Ophelia Lambert. And there’s a handsome but cagey vampire following her around town and then disappearing before Gigi can confirm that he’s not, in fact, a figment of her fertile imagination. Holidays with family are complicated. Christmas with an undead family can be downright dangerous.

★★★ ★

I'll be the first one to admit that this is my first reading experience from Molly Harper. I know that this is book 2.7 in a series, but when a book stumbles into your inbox about vampires and Christmas, you read it no matter what number in the series it is. I have to say that I really love Harper's writing style, and I'll definitely be reading the rest of the Half-Moon Hallow books.

It was a little bit harder for me to get a grasp on all of the characters (there's quite a cast of them) because I haven't read any of the other books, but I was still able to keep them fairly straight. I love the relationships they all had with each other, and even though this was only a novella it came across quite clearly the strength of their friendships. It gave the holiday theme that extra oomph of warm fuzzies.

Not to mention the fact that this book is hilarious. I wasn't expecting to get any laughs from this novella but I'll be damned if I didn't. Molly Harper and I apparently share a very similar sense of humor, because I was snickering every few pages.

Between the jokes, sisterly insults, the bonds of the families/relationships, and Iris trying so, so hard to just have a normal Christmas despite her newly acquired vampirism, this story is a great little feel-good read that all fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance should check out, especially if you're familiar with this book series already.

All the hints and peeks that Harper gives in this book to the various couples' futures and pasts, as well as into the main character of this novella, Gigi's, life- from a new job to a mysterious pretty man friend- have ensured that I will read this series to find out more about what the holly is going on. Ha. Christmas profanity. Anyway, well played, Harper, you win this round. I'll read your books, you've made a fan of me.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Pocket Star who provided me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Holiday Review, Interview, & Giveaway: Mistletoe in the City by Amber Daulton!

Title: Mistletoe in the City
Publisher: Books to Go Now
Release Date: November 7th, 2014
ASIN: B00PE54JEE
Genre: New Adult/Contemporary Romance
Length: 20k
Sexual Rating: Spicy

About the Book

Krista Hartley never expected the unrequited love of her life, the irresistible Derek Weston, to work as the groundskeeper at the apartment building she just moved into. They barely spoke in high school but now, three years after graduation, they tore at each other’s clothes and jumped into bed together at every opportunity. After all, how could a hot-blooded woman say no to a sexy man with an eyebrow ring, a dragon tattoo and a deadly swagger?

A Christmas miracle drew Krista back into Derek’s life. He kissed her for the first time under mistletoe, pampered her with romantic candlelight dinners and memorized every inch of her delectable body with his tongue. He refused to let his dream girl slip through his fingers again but then another woman threatened their whirlwind romance. Hurt once before, Krista broke off their relationship and then Derek made a drunken mistake that could destroy their love forever. With just days to Christmas, he vowed to win back her heart and trust, and prove his innocence once and for all.

Excerpt:

She scooted closer to him and rubbed her hand down his tense back. “Now I understand why you act so cocky. You’re afraid you’ll mess up and embarrass yourself.” Krista tugged on his shoulder until he lifted his head to look at her. Derek’s face flushed and she wanted to kiss away his shame. “Don’t hide behind this confident guard. I like you for you. You’re a sweet person, clumsy or not, and you have nothing to be ashamed of.” She stroked her hand through his tousled hair. “I want a simple, sexy, understanding man who cooks delicious, romantic meals and who goes out of his way to help me move. Is that too much to ask for?”

Derek kissed her and her heart skipped a beat. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he held her close to his side. Need throbbed in her loins and she wanted him inside her again. He pulled back first and she dragged a mouthful of air deep into her lungs to replace what he’d stolen with that delirious kiss.

He moistened his lips with his tongue. “It’s not too much, Krista.” Derek cupped her cheek in his palm. “Not at all.” And then he kissed her again.

Buy it here:
Amazon

Interview:

Thanks so much for joining me today, Amber! Let's get started. Krista, the main character in Mistletoe in the City, makes her holiday living in part by baking tempting treats and selling homemade jewelry. Does she share these crafty traits with you?

I’m definitely crafty but not with food. My husband, Greg, loves to cook and the fudge recipe in the back for the book is his recipe, not mine. Homemade jewelry is my cup of tea. I love beading necklaces, earrings and bracelets and I wear a lot of my own designs.

What's your favorite sweet treat to make for the Christmas season?

Greg’s fudge is to die for! He changes the recipe up every now and then but it’s always delicious.

The man who has always caught her eye, Derek, is deliciously pierced and tattooed. Who did you have in mind as a model/inspiration when you wrote this character? Did you have anyone in mind for Krista as well?

I really didn’t have anyone in mind for either of my characters but I do share a few similarities with Derek. Like that naughty bad boy, I’m tattooed and pierced with a bit of an attitude but I’m also overly responsible and I grew up faster than a lot of twenty-something year old friends due to family problems.

I know that feeling, and I truly sympathize with that. Family issues are a bitch. So let me ask you, are you more like Krista in that you go all out for Christmas decorations for the season, or more of a Derek who doesn't really care much about it?

Again, I’m more like Derek. I love Christmas and spending time with my family but decorating is too much trouble. I have five crazy cats and, in the past, they’ve played with the ornaments, climbed the tree and ripped garland off the tree to drag around the house. So, to keep a clean and organized home, I just don’t decorate anymore.

Oh god, that sounds like my girlfriend's house. They have three cats and no tree for similar reasons. Now, did you always know that you wanted to be a writer? What led you to this path?

I snuck my first romance novel out of my mom’s bedroom when I was 12 and I loved it. I’ve wanted to do nothing but write since then. I have a wild imagination and writing is the perfect outlet.

It's -12 and snowing out. You have a comfy cozy blanket, a big ole mug of hot cocoa, and a book- what book is it?

Not sure. Probably something so hot and toasty that I’ll need to cool off in a snow bank by the end of the book.

A girl after my own heart. Do you have any other writing projects in the works that you'd like to tell us about?

I’ve spent the last year and half writing a super hot romantic-suspense trilogy about drugs, the mob and the feds, parolees and computer hackers. I’m almost done with book 3 but all the books need more proofreading and editing before I submit them to a publisher.

I'll be sure to keep an eye out for those. Is there a specific place or room where you feel the most inspired to do your writings?

I have to change my writing environment every few months. I wish I could stay in my office year around but I get so bored staring at the same wall all the time. I usually alternate between my office, the bedroom and the living room.

Favorites

Candy: Snickers
Movie: Indiana Jones Trilogy
Place: Greece (my dream vacation)
Dressy/Casual: Dressy
Beach/Mountain: Beach
Website: Rejected Princesses

Thank you, Amber, for taking the time to answer a few of my questions and for letting me read Mistletoe in the City!

Thank You so much, Jill, for hosting me on your awesome blog and thank you to all the wonderful readers who came by today. You guys ROCK!

About the Author:

Writing is the fruit to happiness.
Amber Daulton lives her life by that one belief even though she normally isn't so Zen.

Author of four novellas—Forever Winter, A Hero's Heart, Lightning over Bennett Ranch and Mistletoe in the City—she published her first book in 2012 and hopes to publish countless more in the future.

She lives in the beautiful foothills of North Carolina with her punk-rocker husband and their five crazy kitties. Writing takes up most of her time, aside from her day job in the retail industry. As a fan of contemporary, paranormal and historical novels alike, she can't get enough of feisty heroines and alpha heroes. Her mind is a wonderland of romance and adventure, laughter and awesome ways of kicking a guy when he's down. She probably wouldn't be too sane without her computer and notebooks. After all, what's a girl to do when there are people jabbering away in her head and it's hard to shut them up? Write! Nothing else works.

Facebook | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon | LinkedIn | Google+ | Books to Go Now

Review:

★★★★

This short novella is a great little dash of hot holiday romance. It manages to squeeze in a whole buncha (professional term) emotions into its small bundle, and works perfectly in the short story format.

I really liked both of the main characters, Krista and Derek, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that Derek was largely the reason why I enjoyed this story. He is just how I like my men: tattooed, pierced, and a bit rough around the edges. I don't blame Krista for crushing on him in school, nor for wanting to move into an apartment building in his vicinity? Yum. Definite yum.

It's well written, with a good flow and a well-progressing story that has just the right amount of a Christmassy feel to it to make it great to read this holiday season.

Another thing I really liked this book is the little bonus treats after the story was over. This story is book three in the Handmade for Christmas series, which is well represented by the fact that Krista sells handmade jewelry and sweet treats at a craft show for the season. I was pleasantly surprised to find both a recipe for Easy Chocolate Fudge and instructions on how to make Snowflake Earrings. It was a nice touch to the "handmade" feel of the book.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances featuring deliciously inked and pierced men, or who wants just a little nibble of steamy holiday cheer. Thanks to the author who provided me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway:

Amber has been awesome enough to offer up two ebook copies to readers of this post! Anyone can enter, as long as you're over 18 and can accept ebooks. Here's more rule mumbo jumbo:

-This giveaway will run from December 8th to December 15th, 2014
-This giveaway is INTL AS LONG AS YOU CAN ACCEPT EBOOKS!
-This giveaway is open to those 18+
-It is open to anyone over that age who can legally enter, receive, and use their prize.
-Two (2) winners will win a copy.
-This giveaway is sponsored wholly by the author. I am not responsible.
-This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity.
-Winner will have 48 hours to reply, or a new winner will be chosen. Winner will be chosen using random.org.
-Invalid entries will be removed, so please don't cheat.
-Void where prohibited. Odds will vary. No purchase necessary.
-My opinions are my own. Information will not be stored or sold, and will be used only to contact the winners.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Mini Review: The Viscount's Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley

Title: The Viscount's Christmas Temptation
Series:: The Dukes of War 0.5
Author: Erica Ridley
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: November 1st 2014
Source: Netgalley Invitation & Intrepid Reads

Description via Goodreads:

Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time—he needs her!

When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family's annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia's guerrilla tactics, he's up to his cravat with tinsel . . . and tumbling head over heels in love.

★★★ ★

Three and a half stars.

Before I even talk about the actual novella, can we just take a moment to admire the artwork? I love it. It manages to look Christmassy while also drumming up fairy tale imagery. It definitely puts me in mind of Snow White. I really like the coloring and I find this cover very appealing from a book buyer standpoint.

Now, the story. I really liked the main character, Lady Amelia Pembroke. She's a bit sassy and likes to be in control. She has back up plans for her back up plans and knows what people want before they even do themselves. She's always prepared for any kind of event, and can hold her own. I don't often read romances, let alone historical romances, that have such meticulously organized characters. It was a nice change of pace. I liked watching her romance blossom and seeing what would happen about her precious plans and the holiday party.

That being said, this is a novella, so every thing happens super quickly. It's nice in the sense that you can sit down and read it in one go, but not so nice in the way that it makes the romance seem very whirlwind and rushed. I do know that it's because the novella has only 100 pages to tell its story, but I did notice.

I think that overall this is a light, romantic read that nicely set the tone for the start of my holiday-themed reading season. Though it was a bit rushed and not just enough, I feel that it effectively serves its purpose. This short story is a prequel of sorts to the first full length, upcoming book in the Dukes of War series, The Earl's Defiant Wallflower. It introduces the time and the characters and the style of writing, acting like a nice little literary amuse-bouche. It worked, because I would definitely check out the next book to see what happens. Fans of regency romance/historical romance, especially with a holiday twist, this novella might be for you.

Thanks to Netgalley and Intrepid Reads for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

Fall Mini Review: An October Bride

Title: An October Bride
Series:: (A Year of Weddings, #11)
Author: Katie Ganshert
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: September 23rd 2014
Source: Netgalley & Zondervan

Description via Goodreads:

A year's worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.

She wants to make her father's dream come true. She doesn't realize her own dream has been in front of her the whole time.

Emma Tate isn't a risk taker, so everyone in her small Midwest town is surprised when she suddenly becomes engaged to lifelong friend Jake Sawyer. No one but Jake and Emma know the true reason they're getting married---so Emma's dying father can walk her down the aisle.

While Jake and Emma plan an autumn wedding together, it becomes clear that their agreement has a few complications---the biggest being their true feelings for each other.

In this novella by award-winning author Katie Ganshert, a young woman must reconcile her dying father's dreams with her own dreams for love and for her future.

★★★★

I'll start this review off by saying that I haven't read any of the other books in the A Year of Weddings series. I was drawn in by the gorgeous cover and the promising blurb, and was in the mood for a quick romance that would put me in the proper autumn spirit. That's exactly what I got.

This novella has absolutely beautiful writing. I haven't read anything from Katie Ganshert before, but it's definitely clear that she's a talented author in this story. The descriptions are detailed, the characters have depth, the plot drew me in from the first few pages. All of these things, I usually find, are hard to come across in the format of a novella, where space is limited. While I do wish this story would have been drawn out into a book, the pacing and story-telling are well done and not at all rushed or cut to the chase.

The romance in this novella was sweet and clean without being cheesy. I fell in love with the characters and their stories rather quickly, and rooted for the not-so-real romance to bloom from early on. This book has a few laughable parts and a few sad ones, but there's this lingering feeling of hope throughout the text that I rather enjoyed. This paired with the fall scenery made for a pleasant reading combination.

One thing I wasn't aware of in this book was the Christian themes. This didn't hinder my rating or reading experience at all, it's just something that I neglected to realize at the time of download.

This is a great read for anyone looking for a short, clean, sweet romance. Though of course it can be read at any time, I recommend reading it in the fall season like I did. Though it's part of a series, it works as a standalone as well. Thanks to Netgalley and Zondervan for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Tour Mini Review- Submission: Erotica for Women edited by Alex Algren

Title: Submission: Erotica for Women
Editor: Alex Algren
Format: ebook, 45 pages
Pub. Date: September 16th
Source: Cleis Press

Book description via Cleis Press:

Eyes blindfolded. Mouth gagged. Hands chained to the headboard. You’re on display, ready for him—ready to be used. And the only sound in the room is your own breathing...until you hear him close the door behind you.

Let these tales give you inspiration for the next time you find yourself in a tight spot. This collection of stories featuring guys dominating their eager, submissive lovers is bound to fill your imagination with kinky playtime ideas!

About the Author:

A graduate of Mills College with degrees in semiotics and mathematics, Alex Algren lives in Oakland, California. She is an avid reader who writes and edits to make more things to read. She is also the editor of Stories of O and Kinky!. Currently working on a novel about revenge, she also quilts and volunteers at her local animal shelter.


★★★ ★

Three and a half stars.

---

Submission: Erotica for Women is a collection of six erotic short stories, each one of them featuring a Dominant male who wants to push their submissive to the limit in the sexiest ways possible. I prefer my men to be Dominant, so the theme of this mini collection is right up my alley. This collection is a short and fast read, which is perfect when you just want a hint of a story, just enough to tease you. Literature foreplay, if you will. It was a bit shorter than I expected or would have liked, but that's partially my own fault for not realizing its length before I started reading it.

I'm not going to review each story individually, but I will say that there was one story I loved, one that I didn't like at all, and four others that were solid reads. I'm not going to put the majority of them in order, but I will give a shout out to "Reclaiming" by Teresa Noelle Roberts, which was my favorite story of the bunch. It features a woman who has just come home from a long stint away on business, and the Dominant who has a very, very distinct way of showing her just how much that he missed her.

Though there was one story I didn't care so much for, I know that when I see names like Alison Tyler and Rachel Kramer Bussel that I'm going to be reading something good. Overall, I feel this is a steamy and enjoyable taste of erotica. The whole collection spans about 45 pages, so as I mentioned earlier, I recommend it for anyone looking for a quick fix of kinky reading.

Thank you to Cleis Press who provided me with a copy in exchange for my completely honest review.

This book is an ebook exclusive published by Cleis Press. You can purchase it by clicking over to Amazon, B&N, Kobo, iBook or Google Play.

Double Review: Out of the Box

Title: Out of the Box (On The Edge #7)
Author: Kallysten
Format: Kindle ebook
Pub. Date: March 2nd 2007
Source: Amazon Freebie




Title: Out of the Box 2 (On The Edge #8)
Author: Kallysten
Format: Kindle ebook
Pub. Date: March 2nd 2007
Source: Won from Kallysten


★★★★ ★

Four and a half stars.

---

The Out of the Box books are a series of short and steamy novellas. I only happen to own the first two, but I will definitely be continuing on with the series. I don't know why I waited so long to get to them.

Book One is where we meet Virginia. She knows that the On the Edge club is a place frequented by vampires. She was curious, and she couldn't resist the urge to see them, to enjoy their bite. It's there that she meets Anando, who though he is swarmed by eager young ladies, chooses her. Before she knows it, she's back at his place playing a whole new game...

Book one flies by. I knew it would be short (it is a novella after all). But it seemed like I was only just getting started and the first installment was over. I have to say though, it's quality not quantity. Kallysten writes in good detail and knows just how to grab my attention. From Anando's subtle teases, to the big white trunk of "fun" in his room, and even to the steamier pieces, I definitely just wanted more.

Thankfully, I had book two on hand as well.

Book Two of the Out of the Box series takes place a week later, when Virginia finally caves in and returns to the On the Edge club. This time, she tells herself, she will not give in so easily. She will control herself around the dark-honey skinned vampire. She again runs into him and is brought back to his lair for another play session.... But is she truly the one who is in control?

This book was just as good as the first one, but just as quick. I personally found this one to be a bit sexier, and it more accurately played up to what I would enjoy doing were I to stumble across a gorgeous vampire. I liked watching their "relationship" expand a little bit as Virginia tests herself and learns what she really wants, and how he can best give it to her. I'm really bummed I don't yet have book three.

These novellas were both steamy, fast, and fun reads. If you like a good vampire sexcapade mixed with a club scene and trunk full of adult toys, than this is a series I recommend you check out. Both of these novellas earn 4.5 stars. Thanks to author Kallysten for the prize of book two.

Review: Slave Girl by Lisa Cach

Title: Slave Girl (1,001 Erotic Nights #1)
Author: Lisa Cach
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: July 28th 2014
Source: Netgalley & Pocket Star



★★

Two stars.

---

I got this book because I love two things featured in it: sex and Rome. I'm a Classics minor, and I have an obsession with things that are in any way Greek or Roman in nature. Plus an erotica on top of it? Sign me up. Unfortunately, I didn't like this nearly as much as I wanted to.

That beings said, it did have some high points going for it in some aspects. I really, really like the concept of this book. A man has been training his slave for years, getting her ready so that he can take her virginity. Only, she gives it to someone else against his orders, someone not even of the same side in politics. I really liked the world Cach created as well. The outfits were well described, as were the people and the places around them. It was really easy to place yourself in the story.

But then things got a bit worse.

This is partially to do with me. If the anatomical words in an erotica don't make it a steamier story, than it is hard for me to get into it. Such was the case with Slave Girl. The fact that the girl's nether-regions (I am purposely being clean here, folks) were referred to as a "cunny" just really rubbed me wrong. It made it hard for me not to laugh, which effectively killed the sexual vibe the author wanted. Sexual, but not romantic. Granted, this is a novella serial, so feelings may develop later, but if you're looking for immediate romance with your sex, this isn't the read for you.

I was also kind of off put by the melding of Greek and Roman. While I know that their myths are interchangable (simply speaking of course) and that the two cultures influenced each other, hearing both Greek and Roman myths/names just kind of took me a back a bit and made me go "Wait..."

I was bored for the first half of this book, but I pushed on. My love of Rome made me do it. But then, about halfway in, too much started to happen at once. It got really sexual and political and conniving out of nowhere, and it became rushed and a bit hard to follow.

I mentioned that the word "cunny" killed my sexy feelings towards this book. Well, that was furthered later on in the book. I don't want to give too many spoilers on details, but she has a trick to restore her "bits" so that she feels like a virgin again, and it involves animal organs and blood. I like my sex without that in it, please. I get that it's probably historically accurate, but that does not make it not kill the mood.

While this novella did have some good parts, I couldn't get past some of my issues. Some of them may be solved in the next installment, but I won't be reading on to find out. This is an erotica, so it does of course contain sex. If word choice isn't an issue for you, maybe you'll like it better than I did. Thanks to Netgalley and Pocket Star for my copy in exchange for my honest review.