Showing posts with label Ellora’s Cave. Show all posts

Title: Silent Heat

Author: Vonna Harper

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Silent Heat Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Deaf since age ten, Carlee Cooper has become a master gardener. She has developed a teaching greenhouse, funded by her rich landlord, at the local high school and she lives in the small guest cottage behind his home. Although she's attracted to him, she doesn't have much self-confidence when it comes to men.

Her landlord, BDSM Dom York Bridges, knows a sub when he sees one-when he touches and smells her. Carlee is drawn to York's control and power. She'll submit to the red collar her Masterplaces around her neck and his cuffs on her wrists, for now…

Review:

Carlee has been deaf since childhood and hides herself away from the world because of this. Yet her landlord sees nothing wrong with her and finds himself enjoying her company. On his arrival home from his latest trip York sees her as something else and suddenly Carlee and York find themselves with a whole different relationship that is more than just landlord and tenant.

Silent Heat is an interesting story of two people finding love. York is a well-experienced Dom who finds himself loosing interest in the world of BDSM. He is a man that knows what he wants and is in it for the long haul. Carlee does not see herself as everyone else sees her and when she starts to come out of her shell she blossoms. Watching Carlee find herself and begin a relationship with York was a nice read.

As hot as the love scenes were in this story I had a hard time falling into the world of Carlee and York. The connection just didn't happen for me with these two. I enjoyed both York and Carlee as separate characters but had a hard time with their relationship. Even though this was not a favorite for me Vonna Harper is a good writer and I will be sure to look for more from this writer.

Title: Releasing Kate

Author: Cyna Kade

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Releasing Kate Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Kate Logan is unaware of her genetic imprint. All her life, she's suppressed the dark longings that haunt her. Twenty-first-century women should not want alpha males to protect or dominate them.

Michael Kyle immediately recognizes Kate as his mate. He can send violent sexual visions to her but she doesn't seem to understand what that means. She's unaware and untrained.

He's ready to show Kate that pain can liberate her pleasure. But first, he has to break through her resistance. She thinks her needs are wrong and fears her craving to submit to the sexual demands of this dominant man. Michael has to be patient-gradually increase her sexual pain to free her sexual pleasure and acceptance of her submissive heritage. If he rushes the process, or if he can't break through her barriers, she won't survive their mating.

Review:

When Michael finds Kate she has no idea about her heritage and nothing about being Clan at all but he recognizes Kate as his mate and must show her the world she comes from and the love that comes with it.

Releasing Kate is a very intense read. The people of the Clan heritage are Dominant men and submissive woman. These men and women enjoy this to the very extreme, which includes pain. Some readers may be offended by how far things go in this story so I would warn the faint of heart to be careful when deciding on whether or not to read this book.

Michael is a good man who fights for Kate with patience and love hoping to break past her barriers. Kate is a strong woman willing to give all of herself for love. The relationship that builds between Kate and Michael is a good read. Yet the amount of pain that is needed for Kate and Michael to connect was a bit much for me making it hard to enjoy Michael's seduction of Kate.

Cyna Kade writes a good story that pulls you right in and keeps you entertained to the end. If you enjoy your books on the edge this is one that you may enjoy.

Title: Tempted

Author: Brandi Evans

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Tempted Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed by: Brynna

Blurb:

The only thing standing between this fallen angel and redemption? The woman he loves.

Eons ago, Seth fell for another angel-literally-and was cast down from the Heavens. Seeking redemption, he works for the Angels of Death, taking the lives of those destined to die, his only desire to return home. But everything changes when a beautiful brunette explodes into his life and plunges his ordered world into chaos, tempting him with something he hasn't experienced in millennia. Love.

A busted radiator strands Lyndi Garrison on a deserted stretch of coastal Maine and shoves her directly into the path of a sexual predator. She fends off her attacker until an NFL-sized stranger appears from the darkness to help. She's instantly enamored of her quiet hero, and before the evening ends, they share a devastating kiss and a knock-out round of sex unlike anything she's ever known. Though she can't help but wonder… Has she finally received a second chance at happiness? Or is Fate being a bitch again?

Review:

When Lyndi is stranded with car trouble she's tossed into the path of a serial rapist. Still she's no stranger to trouble and knows how to defend herself. After putting the scum in his place, she is almost attacked a second time before being rescued.

A an angel of death Seth knows he shouldn't reveal himself to Lyndi, but when the predator he is preparing to destroy attempts to attack her, he has no choice but to step in. Neither of the two were prepared for their immediate attraction or the cost of finding love with each other.

Hot, passionate, all consuming heat radiates from Tempted. Seth is a fallen angel who sees in Lyndi a chance for happiness on Earth. Lyndi is wary of what she feels for Seth, but can't deny him. I enjoyed this quick, fast paced read.

Title: In His Arms

Author: Tina Donahue

Publisher: Ellora's cave

Buy Link: Buy In His Arms Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Owned by one man, loved by another.

Abducted and delivered into sexual slavery, Lori has surrendered her will in order to survive. For more than a decade, she's been known as Summer, her owner's possession until he gives her to his newest lieutenant, a mysterious man called RJ.

Commanding and virile, RJ controls without cruelty and possesses without threat, engendering a mixture of safety and passion. In his strong arms, Summer enjoys carnal pleasure she's never known and tenderness she's craved. In his heated gaze, she experiences a sense of recognition she doesn't immediately understand until it proves dangerous in a way she could never have imagined.

Bound by desire, need and growing love, RJ traverses the shadowy world of human trafficking, risking all for Summer's freedom. But when he learns she harbors a fateful secret that threatens to tear her from him, they stand to lose everything.

Review:

After being kidnapped as a young girl Summer has lived her life as a sexual slave for Anthony one of the cruelest men she has ever met and when he gives her to RJ, as a gift Summer has no idea what will come next.

In His Arms is an intense and emotional read. Summer is a strong willed woman, she may seem docile and compliant on the outside but on the inside she is always fighting for her life. When she meets RJ she finds herself wishing against all hope that things where different. RJ is a great man who wants to protect all that need it including Summer. The two make a wonderful couple and watching their relationship grow with its ups and downs was a great read.

Tina Donahue writes a very compelling story that grabs a hold of your attention right from the start and doesn't let go until the very end. I was taken on an emotional roller coaster ride right along with the characters. Which kept me turning the pages to see just what would happen next. In His Arms is well written and the characters are full of depth and emotion making this a book that should not be missed.

Title: Just Press Play

Author: M. A. Ellis

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Just Press Play Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Erin learned a great deal during one of the workshops at RomantiCon. But she never dreamed, when she asked her friends to help act out one of her sex scenes, that her tape player would fall into the hands of a ridiculously hot, younger man.

Daniel loves older women and has lusted after Erin for years. He's been waiting for the perfect time to approach her. He can't wait to find out if she's channeling her own desires into the characters in her book. Daniel thinks Erin is a secret exhibitionist and it's finally time to step up and let her know he's ready for anything she's up for.

Erin isn't the only one adept at sexual choreography. Before she can say "watch me", Daniel-riding crop in hand-has her bent over a table at a sex club, determined to fulfill every dark fantasy Erin has ever had.

Review:

Daniel has loved Erin for years and now with the book she is writing he has found the perfect way to make his move. Will she finally see him as more than her friend's brother?

Just Press Play is an interesting story about going after what you want and enjoying life. Daniel is a strong man who longs for more from life, he longs for love and with Erin he thinks he may find it. Erin is a strong woman with a playful side that she loves to share. Watching Daniel show Erin just how much he loves her was a nice read. It was a very creative way to start a relationship. Erin and Daniel make a cute couple that enjoy themselves.

M. A. Ellis writes a fast paced story that is full of imagination and romance and at the end you wonder what more adventures Erin and Daniel will be going on.

Title: Ride of Her Life

Author: Anne Rainey

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Ride Of Her Life Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

It's been a year since her divorce and Lily Justice is ready to move on-but not with just any man. She's got a certain drool-worthy body shop owner in mind. It's almost convenient that her car needs some work. And when she meets Kyle Wolff up close and personal, her inner-slut has to have him, age difference be damned. With the car staying at the shop, Kyle graciously offers to give her a lift home.

While she accepts a ride on Kyle's hot motorcycle, Lily's inner-slut wants a hot ride on Kyle.

She's about to get what she wants. And it will be the ride of her life…

Review:

A year after her divorce Lily has finally decided to take the bull by the horns and ask Kyle out. Yet when she arrives at his auto shop she finds herself scared and worried that their age difference might be a problem but Kyle is not ready to let this beautiful woman slip from his grasp.

Ride of Her Life is a wonderful story. I just fell in love with Kyle; he is such a sweet man. As sexy as he is on the outside it is what is on his inside that endeared him to me. He loves with all his heart and wants to make Lily happy any way that he can. Lily is a great character as well. A woman who is mature and strong, she is able to stand on her two feet even after all she has been through. I just adored the banter that these two shared. They make a great couple never taking the other for granted.

Anne Rainey weaves a wonderful story full of love and emotion that keeps your attention all the way to the end. I really enjoyed this read and cannot wait to see what this author comes up with next.

Title: Inside Sanctuary

Author: Cyna Kade

Publisher: Ellora's cave

Buy Link: Buy Inside Sanctuary Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Stephen has decided to return to Sanctuary before his libido rages out of control and somebody gets hurt. Then he sees Mary and they share a vision, which means she could be his mate. He's delighted. She's not. Mary just wants a ride to Sanctuary, not a ride on Stephen.

Once there, he is determined to find out what she's hiding. Why insist on visiting the most dominant sex enclave in the world if you're not ready to submit? Stephen pushes until Mary finally admits why she's denying her true nature-she is so powerful she burned out her last lover. She's fearful Stephen isn't strong enough to control her.

But Stephen was born for this…and for this woman. He's ready to show her just how far a truly dominant man can take her.

Review:

Stephen is ready to go back to Sanctuary. He can't fight his needs anymore. When he comes across a clan female demanding he take her to Sanctuary he finds that he may have just found his mate. Mary is hiding something and she wont let Stephen in, she can't risk it but she can't resist her attraction to him.

Once again we find ourselves in the world of Sanctuary. A world full of dominant men and willing females. Stephen is a strong man and willing to fight for his mates love. I loved that he not only was a very dominant man but he cares enough for Mary to show her his love. Mary is a woman who loves with all her heart but is scared of her one power. It was great to see the rest of the people at Sanctuary stand up and help Mary and Stephen. Showing that love can conquer fear.

Inside Sanctuary is a very intense read. Cyna Kade has developed a world with domineering men and submissive woman that some readers may be taken aback by the harshness of the sexual need and practices that are used in this series. I myself enjoyed this series and will be looking for more from this author in the future.

Title: What She Needs

Author: Cris Anson

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy What She Needs Here!

Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Older widow Delia Barnes is sporting a black eye when she greets fellow authors before an erotic romance convention, which she explains away by joking "I didn't say 'Yes Master' quick enough." Sitting at the bar, burned-out ad executive and former Dom Kurt Reinhardt overhears the remark-and interrupts to suggest maybe she needs "a new Master".

Urged by her friends to accept the younger man's invitation to learn some D/s basics-hey, an author needs to do her research, right?-Delia joins him to get first-hand experience at being submissive, starting with removing her panties in a corner booth. Later, she learns more than she bargained for when she spends a weekend at Kurt's home…with his eager business partner added to the mix.

But an innocent misstep brings Delia's world crashing down around her. Can she trust Kurt with her heart…and her life?

Review:

Romance writer Delia Barnes makes a casual off handed remark about having a master at a bar one night only to be corrected by Kurt Reinhardt. Could Kurt be the dominant man she needs to help her with her writing or could he be more?

This story was a good read about love and trust. I enjoyed seeing Delia reach deep inside her and find her courage. She is a feisty woman who stands on her own two feet but is willing to let her guard down to see where the attraction between her and Kurt leads. Kurt is a strong man who is nursing a broken heart. When he meets Delia we see him open his heart once again. Watching the two develop and iron out their relationship was a nice read. As the sparks fly and Delia gets to explore many different things the bond grows between them but a grave mistake may end the relationship before it is even begun. I loved the way Kurt proves to Delia that she can trust him once again. Kurt shows just how much love for her that he has making this a hot read.

What she Needs is a well-written book about finding love and trust when you least expect it. Keeping you entertained until the end this is a book that many will enjoy.

Title: Warlord's Destiny

Author: Delilah Devlin

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Warlord's Destiny Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Mickey

Blurb:

Mora has no illusions she's anything other than the sacrificial lamb to ensure peace between her peace-loving planet and the warlike world that demands a royal union with one of their own. However, when she meets the rugged warlord who will be her husband, Mora decides in that moment to win his heart-she'll settle for nothing less.

When Lord Tetrik suspects his wife harbors tender feelings, he wonders if he can be the husband she desires. After all, love for a woman is a frivolous thing-and not a warlord's destiny.

Review:

There were many aspects of Warlord's Destiny that I found quite enjoyable: particularly watching the developing romance between Tetrik and Mora. There is nothing quite as much fun to read as a little conflict in an historical novel, one in which the heroine is forced into a situation she is powerless to control, and decides to shape her own future. While Mora makes the most of her circumstances in Warlord's Destiny, she is absolutely determined to have a husband who is going to love her at the end. And luckily for us, we get to read a detailed account of how Mora convinces Tetrik that a barbarian can truly fall in love with his wife and live happily ever after. Simple.

While Mora and Tetrik struggle to find common ground in their new relationship, they also explore the sensual aspects of the marriage bed with great abandon. Ms. Devlin has a lively imagination, and she uses it to give us a number of interesting scenarios for Mora, Tetrik and occasionally their friends as they play and explore the boundaries of what is allowed in their marriage. Watching these two grow is both amusing and touching: they learn quite a bit about each other and themselves and so does the reader as the book progresses. I found Warlord's Destiny to be a very well-written novel, and ultimately a very entertaining story to read.

Title: Never As It Seems

Author: Shiloh Walker

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Never As It Seems Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Mickey

Blurb:

Three years after he walked away and broke her heart, Leo is back in Chloe's life and that's the last place she wants him. Not that she has any choice in the matter. She's in big trouble. She needs somebody to watch her back, and he's the "somebody".

Three years ago, Chloe dumped a bombshell in Leo's lap. I'm psychic, she told him. As if he was supposed to believe that. His world is black and white, and he doesn't buy into that mumbo-jumbo. Walking away from her damn near killed him, but he couldn't be with somebody he couldn't trust.

His new job? Keep Chloe safe. That's it. He's not supposed to touch her. He's not supposed to make love to her. He's not supposed to want her…need her…love her. But he can't stop thinking about her, can't stop dreaming about her. Now that she's back in his life, he can't keep his hands off her either.

Review:

Second chances are always wonderful, especially when offering the opportunity to correct a past mistake, which is what we find in Never As It Seems. Chloe Perkins and Leo Gray have a past, a relationship that failed due to misconceptions. The pair now have the opportunity to try again if Leo will have an open mind, and if Chloe will give him that second chance. Ms. Walker's writing shows an unbelievable emotional range as she takes her readers from incredible highs to equally extreme lows. While Never As It Seems is categorized as erotica, it is so much more emotionally invested than the average novel.

The intricate plot, fascinating characters and complex storyline all seemed like a bonus to this reader, but one I gladly accepted while reading this novel. What is there not to appreciate in the witty dialogue between two people trying to re-establish a relationship, setting off sparks the entire time? Especially as the book still manages to contain a number of vivid and sensual love scenes to keep things steamy. Happily, Ms. Walker manages to keep the tension high, and her readers guessing at the outcome until the very end, eagerly turning each page in anticipation. I thoroughly enjoyed Never As It Seems, this is a charming story, well worth reading.

Title: Customer Service

Author: Wynter Daniels

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Customer Service Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

April's husband divorced her for a snooty saleswoman, leaving her with a bruised and battered self-image. When she evaluates a new sex toy and lingerie store for her job as a mystery shopper, she finds much more than kinky gear. One by one and then together, two hunky salesmen give her the best customer service of her life-emphasis on service-and restore her confidence in the process.

Review:

April has found herself a new job as a secret shopper and her new assignment is to evaluate a lingerie store. Ever since her husband left her April has been loosing her self-esteem little by little. Hopefully this new job will bring it back to her in spades. When April finds herself in the shop being helped by not one but two wonderful salesmen that dote on her she can do no more than believe in her beauty and herself.

April is a great heroine. I enjoyed watching her blossom under the loving attention from Ty and Bernardo. As great as April is I had a hard time connecting with Ty and Bernardo. Physically they were very appealing but it seemed to me that they lacked some substance and with the strange twist at the end of the story I was left feeling as if something was missing. Wondering if April really had her adventure or not.

Customer Service is a hot read that is well written and if you enjoy your books with a twist than this is one that you may want to pick up.

Title: Icarus

Author: Sherry L. King

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Icarus Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Mickey

Blurb:

He comes to her in dreams, when she is most vulnerable to his stirring touches and burning kisses. He drinks her blood and binds her to him in ways no mortal lover ever could…but Morrigan doesn't want to believe that her water-dwelling blood drinker is anything more than a figment of her deprived imagination. Morrigan wants to be free of her addiction to the highly sexual creature she knows only as Az. But Az has other plans…and soon he hopes Morrigan will be too deeply under his spell to care that he wants to take her back to his homeworld…to be his mate for all eternity.

Review:

I love reading stories that can send chills down my spine as well as shivers over my body. Icarus is just such a novel, and Az is certainly that type of hero: dark and mysterious, definitely dangerous and otherworldly. The relationship between Morrigan and Az begins as a dream and progresses to a fantasy taking the reader into their soft and magical world. Ms. King does a compelling job of juxtaposing the fantasy with reality to keep us tied to her characters, somehow making her story even more sensual and mesmerizing.

I must admit some familiarity and fondness for Sherri King's books and her Horde Wars characters, making me eager to read Icarus. Did this sway me in favor of the story, not necessarily. If anything I believe my expectations were slightly higher due to that familiarity. I am just happy my expectations were not only met, they were surpassed by this novella. Once again, Ms. King continues to provide her readers with sensual and dreamy love scene that manage to retain a hard-edged level of eroticism keeping them from being to bland or "vanilla." As a bonus, she also added a villain to the story to add a little spice to the plot, which only makes it better rather than more confused or muddied. All in all, this is a very good story, one well worth reading.