This delightful winter romance is the story of Grace and Tray. When widowed Grace attends a singles Silver Wings weekend at the urging of her daughterThis delightful winter romance is the story of Grace and Tray. When widowed Grace attends a singles Silver Wings weekend at the urging of her daughter she is hopeful to meet someone who will see her for who she is and not her fortune. Meeting the ski shop manager Tray turns all her ideas of who she might be attracted to upside down and they connect on a snowy winter evening. But will she give him the chance to plan a future together?
I was enchanted with the story from the very beginning. Taking a woman used to society life and bringing her back to her roots and her love of the outdoors, Grace is given a second chance to be the person she wants to be - and that person wants Tray. She is a lovely, quiet woman, looking for passion and finding it unexpectedly but with fervor. Tray is such a wonderful man, caring and willing to go the extra mile for Grace to show her that men can desire her without wanting her fortune. The romance between them is sweet yet with enough sexual tension to satisfy any romance reader. It was so nice to see an older couple featured in this story, reminding us that second chances can still happen later in life. 5 delightful stars!
Merged review:
This delightful winter romance is the story of Grace and Tray. When widowed Grace attends a singles Silver Wings weekend at the urging of her daughter she is hopeful to meet someone who will see her for who she is and not her fortune. Meeting the ski shop manager Tray turns all her ideas of who she might be attracted to upside down and they connect on a snowy winter evening. But will she give him the chance to plan a future together?
I was enchanted with the story from the very beginning. Taking a woman used to society life and bringing her back to her roots and her love of the outdoors, Grace is given a second chance to be the person she wants to be - and that person wants Tray. She is a lovely, quiet woman, looking for passion and finding it unexpectedly but with fervor. Tray is such a wonderful man, caring and willing to go the extra mile for Grace to show her that men can desire her without wanting her fortune. The romance between them is sweet yet with enough sexual tension to satisfy any romance reader. It was so nice to see an older couple featured in this story, reminding us that second chances can still happen later in life. 5 delightful stars!...more
Previously found in the Vikings Unleashed collection
I loved this story! Even with its sci-fi theme, it's still the basic story of two people trying toPreviously found in the Vikings Unleashed collection
I loved this story! Even with its sci-fi theme, it's still the basic story of two people trying to bring their cultures together and create peace between them, at the same time discovering that they too share something in common - a deep attraction to each other that won't be denied. The world building in this story is fantastic and believable, bringing the planet of Midgard to life. Reinn is wonderful as a dominant handsome man with a tender and caring side that shows how important his people and his family are to him. Ashleigh is a determined young woman who takes her job seriously. She is beautiful and sweet and seeing Reinn's compassionate side makes her want things she shouldn't, like letting him in to her carefully guarded heart. The sexual chemistry between them is strong and compelling and the love scenes were really steamy! I hope to read more of this world Zoe has created in the future....more
Holy Hotness Batman! This alpha male matchup will charge up your ereader with its depiction of two handsome, dominant men fighting (unsucessfully, forHoly Hotness Batman! This alpha male matchup will charge up your ereader with its depiction of two handsome, dominant men fighting (unsucessfully, for our benefit) their instant attraction to each other. Rhys and Curtis are both secure in their masculinity, adored by women (and men alike) for their prowess on the playing field and in the bedroom. Together they sizzle and the love scenes between them are powerful and emotional. But behind the obvious attraction is the realization that when they are together there is more at stake than a simple fling. I liked the way the story was told from both of their points of view as they decide whether going public is something they will be brave enough to do. 5 stars for this hot and sexy read! ...more
This sexy, funny romance is the story of Anna and Grant. When Anna's wedding photographer gets fed up with the shenanigans of one of her more unusual This sexy, funny romance is the story of Anna and Grant. When Anna's wedding photographer gets fed up with the shenanigans of one of her more unusual weddings, boy scout and hunky marine Grant offers to play the part for her, having dabbled in amateur photography with a keen eye to what works for pictures and an even keener eye on Anna herself. But when Anna wants to delve beneath the surface of Grant's almost too perfect personality, will Grant be willing to let her in? Or will a quick fling be all that's left in their memories?
I loved this story! Tawna has the knack to make a reader fall in love with her characters as they are presented in such real and flawed ways, that one can't help but recognize aspects of themselves in them. They are bright and funny and sexy and anguished and all manner of other emotional states, making the stories come alive. Anna is a treasure, a fun, confident, sweet woman who does a job not many would dare attempt, taking wedding planning to new heights to satisfy any client. Grant is struck by her honesty, her bluntness and is immediately attracted to the whole package. In turn Anna sees Grant as the perfect man, though she knows instinctively that that perfection hides something that he is reluctant to share. The sexual attraction between them sizzles and the love scenes between them are sexy and fun and emotional. I loved how the secondary characters also played key roles in the story, bringing some familiar ones back from earlier books in the series, and hinting at at least one more story to come. This one is a keeper. 5 stars!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review. ...more
In this menage romance, we have the story of Seth, Allie and Tyler. Seth is the co-owner of a high end BDSM club. He's seen everything and then some. In this menage romance, we have the story of Seth, Allie and Tyler. Seth is the co-owner of a high end BDSM club. He's seen everything and then some. But when he finds what's supposed to be a consensual scene turning into abuse, he is swift to stop the play and rescue Tyler, promising to take care of him and offering to let him stay in his loft above the club while he recovers. He brings in Allie, a friend of his co-worker Jake's girlfriend Cali to see to Tyler's legal needs. But when the three of them are together, a new dynamic unfolds and Tyler agrees to stay the week with Seth on the condition that Allie will join them. Shocked but tempted, Allie agrees and a week of the hottest sex of her life with these two men ensues. But when Tyler is healed and is ready to walk away, will the bonds they've formed keep them together for the long haul?
Once again the author has created a fascinating view into the dynamics of a BDSM relationship, this one involving a Dom, a switch and a sub. Though it begins in a club, the fundamental story lies in the relationship that develops in Seth's loft. Three very different characters emerge. Seth is a dominant man, looking for a relationship with the right partner, be they a man or a woman. He's been attracted to both Tyler and Allie since he first saw them at his club, Tyler as a male escort to whomever brings him there and Allie on her first and only eye-opening visit to the lifestyle her friends are living. The opportunity to have them both is too good to dismiss. Tyler is a male escort, used to having sex for money and never imagining a man would be interested in him for more than that. The care and affection Seth treats him with softens his heart and make him eagerly respond to Seth as a submissive. Allie is conflicted, tempted by the two men who obviously want her in their bed, fascinated by the dynamic between Seth and Tyler and the fact that they still want a woman and that she is the one. They are both dominant towards her and this thrills her, excites her and lets her put her conservative past behind her as they explore each other. None of them are into pain, and the sex scenes between them are emotional, steamy and caring. Having the story told in three points of view exposes their feelings and inner thoughts and conflicts to the reader.
From the first page, this story moves at a swift pace, enveloping the reader in a steamy and emotional relationship between three unique and engaging characters. 5 stars! ...more
This erotic romance is the story of Kendra and Deklan. Kendra has fled her abusive ex-husband but is still looking over her shoulder even as she is seThis erotic romance is the story of Kendra and Deklan. Kendra has fled her abusive ex-husband but is still looking over her shoulder even as she is settling into a routine in her new home. Shame over her desire for pain with pleasure has kept her away from any BDSM clubs until her friend Cali convinces her to join them at her boyfriend's club. When Deklan, one of the club's co-owners and Kendra's condo neighbour sees her purposefully set off to play rooms he follows her, determined to be the one to help her negotiate the emotional minefield that is her desires. Can Kendra learn to trust Deklan with all that she is, or will fears of ending up in another abusive relationship prevent her from opening up her heart to him?
This story was enthralling from the first page. Kendra is on the surface a strong and capable woman but her shame over her sexual needs keeps her from truly being herself, until Deklan is able to unlock her inner self. Deklan is wonderful as a dominant, caring man, willing to do anything to help Kendra through her trauma and show her that he accepts her whole self. Being an erotic BDSM romance there are several club scenes with a variety of sexual situations that may not be for every reader but were handled in such a way that the reader feels empathy towards Kendra and her emotions in every scene. Kendra's growth over the story was wonderful to see. The sexual attraction between Deklan and Kendra was evident from the start but the trust they build that leads to their eventual love scenes was equally as important.
Overall this was a steamy and emotional read with engaging characters, a suspenseful subplot and a sweet and well deserved happy ending. 5 stars! ...more
This riveting erotic romance is the story of Cali and Jake. Cali is ashamed of the failure of her marriage but realizes that the sexual satisfaction sThis riveting erotic romance is the story of Cali and Jake. Cali is ashamed of the failure of her marriage but realizes that the sexual satisfaction she seeks may only be found if she steps out of her comfort zone, leading her to a BDSM club and it's part owner Jake, who takes one look at her and knows he is the only man who can show her what she's been looking for. But playing in a club and revealing her innermost desires to people who know her are two very different things - when exposure is threatened will Cali take what Jake is offering, a chance at love in a sexually fulfilling relationship or go back to hiding her true nature?
I loved this story! Cali is a divorced woman of 44, secure in her career and a confident woman - except for her sexuality in which she lacks confidence due to her non-sexual marriage. Jake is a Dom, a strong, handsome man who is used to fulfilling others sexual needs, even if what he does is never satisfying emotionally for himself. When the two meet, sparks fly and Jake realizes almost immediately that he can't stand the thought of another man satisfying Cali's needs. Though at first he tries to convince himself that it is only sexual, his attraction to her strikes an emotional cord and he soon wants more from her than he ever thought possible. The scenes between them are steamy and well written, balancing sex with the tender and caring feelings Jake has for Cali, blurring the lines between club play and a real relationship. The story unfolds in such a way that the reader is very attuned to Cali's and Jake's conflicted feelings about their relationship and where it is headed.
I found this story difficult to put down once I started it, really getting into Cali's head and feeling what she was feeling throughout, a testament to the skill of the author. The secondary characters introduced into the story were equally as interesting and this promises to be an excellent series. 5 enthralling stars! ...more
This intriguing erotic romance, first in a two part series that ends on a cliffhanger (!) is the story of India and Cris. India periodically takes a bThis intriguing erotic romance, first in a two part series that ends on a cliffhanger (!) is the story of India and Cris. India periodically takes a break from her stressful and high powered job by engaging in anonymous weekends as a submissive to Dominants who don't ask any questions and are happy to provide her with their services. When she meets Cris, he turns the tables on her by wanting to get to know the real woman and not just the play person that she hides behind. Will India let Cris in and reveal her true self to this man who threatens to control not only her body but her heart as well?
I really enjoyed this story! If a reader is unfamiliar with the world of dominance and submission (the DS of BDSM) they will certainly get an education in this story, as the author has explained the semantics of a D/s relationship from the contract to the actual scenes in detail. Cris is a wonderful man, perfect for the role of dominant and serious man while in a scene but caring and thoughtful when being his normal self. He takes pains to give India exactly what she wants and at the same time scares her with his desire to know her better. Yet she finds that her attraction to him outweighs her hesitations. India is equally engaging as a strong and confidant woman who likes the kink of D/s and values her anonymity, something she struggles with as Cris breaks the rules and tries to take their relationship outside of the neat box she prefers. The sex scenes are steamy and well written, sometimes slightly clinical in the bondage descriptions in order for the reader to get the right picture in their head but always carrying a weight of sexual tension and emotion.
I found the whole concept of the story to be quite intriguing and the cliffhanger ending leaves no doubt that there is much more to tell in this tale! It was an entertaining and sexy read and I look forward to the concluding chapter. 5 stars! ...more
This erotic suspense story follows Drayton, Mike and Julia as they navigate through a no-emotional strings attached affair. As Julia realizes that sheThis erotic suspense story follows Drayton, Mike and Julia as they navigate through a no-emotional strings attached affair. As Julia realizes that she is looking for a deeper commitment from the men she is involved with, secrets that Drayton has been keeping and Mike's shift in possessiveness threaten their relationship and as things begin to unravel, the three of them must decide where each of their futures lies.
What a fantastic book! Though it has some of the trappings of a romance and does have a happy ending, I would definitely classify it more as an erotic suspense story than a romance. From the first page (starting off with a scorching sex scene) to the very end, it was a riveting story. Drayton is certainly the most mysterious of the group - a handsome, dominant man with a secret that he feels has nothing to do with the nature of the relationship the three have established. But this secret and Mike and Julia's response to it is the unraveling of everything as trust is broken on all sides. Mike is the caregiver for Julia, the man she relies on in non-sexual situations to make her feel better, but a man who increasingly shows her that he wants more from her than she thought she could give. And Julia is torn between two men, longtime friends, whose relationship with each other is becoming strained as the boundaries of their relationship change. She is a peacemaker, willing to do whatever it takes including using her body to bring them back together. There are scenes of high emotion, tension, drama, and sex through all of it, and even up to the last page there is a sense of not knowing what will come next.
Overall I found this story to be highly entertaining, definitely steamy, and I continue to be impressed at the versatility in plot and execution that Claire Kent shows in her writing. 5 fabulous stars! ...more
This erotic romance novella takes place over a two hour period and is the story of Amy and Owen. Having been involved in a five month long, no stringsThis erotic romance novella takes place over a two hour period and is the story of Amy and Owen. Having been involved in a five month long, no strings attached affair, Owen is scheduled to leave in four weeks and their relationship, such as it is, will be over. When they come across a book purporting that a woman can orgasm 7 times in a short period of time, Amy has her doubts but Owen is determined to show her that it can be done. With 2 hours on the clock, can he prove the book right? But more importantly, can what happens in those two hours change the course of their relationship?
I loved this story! Of course there is an abundance of sex involved (well written, very steamy sex!), but the real trick to writing an erotic romance is to combine that sex with emotion and this was so well done. During the course of their two hours together, their emotions and thoughts come into play and the revelation that sex is not the only thing binding them together is swiftly presented. Trust in the bedroom is one thing - but to trust someone with your heart is quite another. I loved how each orgasm unraveled another layer of Amy and Owen as they reach for a happy ever after ending. Fast paced, riveting, with touches of humour and angst, this was delightful from start to finish. 5 stars! ...more
This story is a sequel to Escorted and is told entirely in Ander's point of view.
Ander knows sex. Sometimes he thinks it's all he knows. But Lori hasThis story is a sequel to Escorted and is told entirely in Ander's point of view.
Ander knows sex. Sometimes he thinks it's all he knows. But Lori has shown him that she sees through his facade and really loves the man behind the mask. When something happens that shakes him to the core, will he reveal to her the truth or hide his brokenness once again?
I thought this was a great sequel to Escorted! I was really interested to read a story told entirely in Anders point of view and I wasn't disappointed. While there is plenty of sex in the story, it's purpose is to convey what Ander feels -that his worthiness of Lori lies strictly in his ability to please her sexually. But Lori knows him and sees what he's doing, calling him on it and making him realize that to hold on to her, he must be willing to reveal everything, not just the parts of him he is willing to share. It's a fast, sexy read with a wonderful emotional undertone. 5 stars. ...more
Update to an update: This series is a comfort listen for me :-) Listened to it as an audiobook again June 2023
Update - Listened to this as an audiobooUpdate to an update: This series is a comfort listen for me :-) Listened to it as an audiobook again June 2023
Update - Listened to this as an audiobook in Jan 2022 - great narration! Went and bought the audiobooks of the next two in the series as a result.
In this historical paranormal tale, someone or something is trying to kill Lord Lucien Crane, and Stephen Day, a man with every reason to hate Crane for the way his family was treated by Crane's father reluctantly agrees to help find the cause of the supernatural disturbance that is threatening Crane's life. Will he succeed or will all his powers be for naught?
What a fascinating story! It's like a mix of a Sherlock Holmes mystery and Harry Potter fantasy, with an unlikely pair of men who share an attraction to each other that surprises them both. Lucien is every bit a lord in his dress and mannerisms - with the exception being his penchant for men over women. Stephen on the other hand seems to be a drab dull man at the start - yet we soon learn that it's a front he presents of himself so that he can remain unobtrusively in the background, observing and gathering facts. Lucien soon realizes the power that Stephen wields though, and is simultaneously awed by it and attracted to the man underneath. The plot unfolds at a rapid pace and from the first page, the reader is brought into this incredible Victorian world where magic seems part of the day to day normality for the select few aware of it. There is a lot of suspense, action, drama and some sexy scenes keeping the reader on their toes. I loved every bit of it! I'm very much looking forward to continuing their story in the next book of the series. 5 stars!...more
This fabulous romance is the story of Maggie and Tyler. When Maggie goes to welcome her new upstairs neighbour into the building, their relationship sThis fabulous romance is the story of Maggie and Tyler. When Maggie goes to welcome her new upstairs neighbour into the building, their relationship starts off completely on the wrong foot and the antagonism seems destined to keep them apart - until in desperation Maggie turns to Tyler to help her from losing out on a dating bet she made with a friend. Underneath all that animosity is a spark of attraction that when let loose, threatens to overcome all their defences and lead to something intense and wonderful - if they can let go of the baggage from their pasts and claim a new future together.
I loved this story! I thought the plot was really unique - Tyler is a determined, loyal and forthright man, willing to sacrifice his own future happiness in order to be there for the boy he's loved since birth (who turns out not to be his biological child) even if he knows that the boy's mother is not the woman for him. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, his attraction to Maggie is all the more intense for it's forbidden pleasure, that he can't give her the future that she wants but he can't stop himself from desiring her either. You really feel for Tyler and the position he is in. Maggie is an equally engaging character, feisty, flirty, full of life and longing to be with someone who will be true to her. She knows that Tyler is holding himself back from her and that a future with him is not in the cards, but the sexual chemistry between them leads her to the acknowledgement that even if it's just for a short time, she is willing to be with him. The love scenes between them are sensual, erotic and emotional as they try to fulfill their desires for each other without committing their hearts - a task that proves impossible as their relationship develops over the course of the story.
The secondary characters in this book, specifically Maggie's circle of friends, add a delightful mix of humour, witty dialogue, thoughtful moments and the overall joy and camaraderie that is found in a group of close adults. As much as I enjoyed the romance between Maggie and Tyler, I also really liked the interactions between the group, and they really rounded out the story well. I hope there will be several more books in the series featuring the other characters introduced in this novel.
Overall I found this book to be a delightful contemporary romance with all the elements I look for in a good story - a bit of tension and angst, sexual chemistry, steamy love scenes, engaging characters and a well written plot. Once I started the book I had a hard time putting it down. 5 fabulous stars!
Note: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. ...more
Captivating readers with a voyeuristic view of an erotic dystopian world, this third book in the Beyond series (of which all can be read as standaloneCaptivating readers with a voyeuristic view of an erotic dystopian world, this third book in the Beyond series (of which all can be read as standalones though each book reveals more details of the world and characters within) is the story of Six and Bren. Six has finally found a place where safety exists, namely the Sector Four world run by Dallas O'Kane. When Bren brings her there after finding her with the blood of sector three's leader on her hands, he's the only one she'll trust after a lifetime of abuse and neglect. But Bren is damaged too and what he wants from Six she might not be able to give. Can two people starved for love find it in each other?
I love this series! Though readers may be drawn to it for the erotica (and no doubt, there are some scenes which will raise one's eyebrows) it's the world building that has drawn me in from the start. Each story to date has filled in more details about Eden, the central city and the lawless sectors that surround it. It's a world where power and violence rule, and being an O'Kane with their ink on your wrists is enough to keep others hands at bay. Six suffered through the nightmare of kidnapping as a child, torn from her mother and learning to live on the streets, ending up in Sector Three. She is used to having no one respect her body or her mind, so when she is brought to Sector Four by Bren and he doesn't immediately use her and throw her out she can hardly believe that someone might actually see the person she is inside. Bren makes it easy to trust him by giving her what she needs - a place where she can be safe. Bren himself is an interesting character - a hard bitten, ruthless soldier trained to kill on command but finding himself enthralled with this woman who has endured so much. There is a definite sexual attraction between them but Bren waits for Six to make her needs known and shows her that she is in charge of her body and controls what will happen between them sexually - even if that means she wants to give up control of herself to him. The sex scenes in the story are varied and definitely steamy, but more importantly emphasizing the difference between Eden where sex is forbidden and the sectors where it is not. The romance between Six and Bren happens gradually as their sexual interactions and the trust between them leads to an emotional attachment that neither wants to deny.
Overall I found this story to be riveting from the first page (as all of these stories have been), with its combination of sex and action driven plot, world building, engaging characters and a storyline unlike any other. 5 fascinating stars!
This delightful passionate novella is the story of Sarah and Tim. Tim's job as a paramedic exposes him to the frailty of human existence on a daily baThis delightful passionate novella is the story of Sarah and Tim. Tim's job as a paramedic exposes him to the frailty of human existence on a daily basis and teaches him that there is no sense getting the heart involved in a relationship that will end anyway. When Sarah, a woman he meets on a lunch break at her food truck tempts him into some afternoon 'delights' with no strings attached he's all for it - but when their no-strings affair starts to develop into something more, will he take a chance on a future with Sarah or let his insecurities cost him the woman who makes him slow down and really live?
I loved this story! Anne Calhoun has engaged all the senses in this love affair between Tim and Sarah, with her descriptions of food aromas and taste, intertwined with the sensations of touch, sight and sound that propel the book from a simple boy meets girl story into an artistic expression of sex and love. Sarah was very likeable as a woman who has dealt with loss in her life and is using what she learned to live her life now the way she wants to with no regrets. Her affair with Tim fulfills her at first, but she realizes that she has changed due to her loss, and wants more from him than he may be willing to give. I also really enjoyed Tim's character as a friendly yet aloof man, willing to joke around with his work colleagues and friends but always holding parts of himself back so that he never gets emotionally involved. There are parts of the story where he comes across as an asshole even to himself because of his character, and it's his realization that Sarah means more to him than just a fling that causes him to rethink what he wants from his relationships.
The development of their affair from a steamy sexual relationship to one with real feelings and emotions involved was wonderful to read. The sexual chemistry between them is intense and from the first time they meet it's obvious to the reader that any interactions they have in the bedroom are going to be hot. Treating their relationship at first as a game with challenges in and out of the bedroom made for a fun and entertaining read, never knowing what (or who!) would come next. Though it's a novella, it was a very reasonable length to develop the characters, set the stage and make the readers care about the outcome. As well, the city of New York gets special attention in the story and is a key part of the plot on its own. Descriptions of the burroughs, shops and general feel of the city have been well researched and presented.
Overall I found this to be a sexy, entertaining read with intense moments interspersed with lighthearted ones, and characters that were believable and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. 5 fabulous stars!
Note: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Audiobook Update - excellent narration by a native New Zealander makes for an authentic listening experience! The story is just as intense and emotionAudiobook Update - excellent narration by a native New Zealander makes for an authentic listening experience! The story is just as intense and emotional the second time around.
Original Review:
This fascinating tale of forbidden love is the story of Lily and Kahu. Lily is a twenty year old woman, recovered from cancer and desperate to re-establish her dream of dancing ballet professionally. She wants to regain her passion for dance and life and figures an affair with a man she's always wanted, a friend of her father's, will provide that for her. Kahu runs a night club now, but has a seedy past as a male prostitute. When Lily attempts to seduce him he can barely admit to himself that he is sexually attracted to her - but he is, and as she wears him down he begins to feel things for her, real feelings that he never thought would be possible. Yet shame over his past blocks all thoughts of making their sexual fling into something that it could be if he would only give himself the chance. Can two damaged souls, separated by age and life experience find healing in each other?
Wow, Jackie has written a scorcher of a book! From their first meeting together as adults, when Lily approaches Kahu at his club with her request for an affair, the sparks fly between them. The sexual tension is richly drawn out as they meet on a weekly basis until Kahu is willing to accede to Lily's request. The love scenes that follow are steamy and passionate yet emotionally charged as Kahu tries to deny that Lily is attracting not only his body but his heart as well.
The characters are well drawn and engaging to the reader. Lily is mature and confident for her tender age of 20, having suffered through cancer treatments and emerged determined to live her life without fear. She is driven and focused and wants Kahu, and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Kahu is a cynical world weary older man, having lived through a poor and unstable childhood. When he was 'rescued' from his male prostitution by one of his clients, she helped him reach his true potential and make something of himself, but her inability to love him left him with a caged heart and no key - or so he thought until Lily fashions one for it with her persistence and care. Their characters though years apart in age share a stubbornness and determination that are at odds as their sexual relationship becomes one based on love. I found this story to be fascinating and once I started was unable to put it down. It was an emotional , heart rending, passionate story and the happy ending for Lily and Kahu was so well deserved. 5 fabulous stars!...more
Continuing the Tyler family series (though each story can be read as a standalone), this wonderful romance is the story of Maxie and Nick. Maxie is a Continuing the Tyler family series (though each story can be read as a standalone), this wonderful romance is the story of Maxie and Nick. Maxie is a stage manager, dedicated to her career and her employees who work under her. When Nick is called in by his wealthy socialite mother to see whether Maxie should get the job of managing her latest pet project, there is an instant sexual attraction between them that they semi-reluctantly but quickly act upon. But will their temporary fling end when the lights go down?
I loved this story! Maxie is such a wonderfully well rounded and fun character. She plays whatever part she thinks is required, no matter the situation - whether it's a steely eyed commandant director, a regal socialite, or a down to earth girl next door - all show on the outside to protect herself from her attraction to Nick and her feelings of inadequacy from her financially poor upbringing and limited romantic experience. She's made a fool of herself for love before and is determined not to do it again. Nick is every woman's dream man - handsome, well off, smart and sophisticated. He is amused by Maxie and her external facade, and is able to see the vulnerable woman underneath. Together their sexual chemistry is explosive and the steamy love scenes between them are emotional and heartfelt (and to be clear, there are a lot of them). But each love scene between them cements their relationship a little bit more, and the reader eagerly follows the development of their romance.
I found the setting to be really interesting, highlighting what goes on behind the scenes of a theater production and all the difficulties therein. The secondary characters - Maxie's theater employees, her family, and Nick's mother add humour and witty dialogue to the story and make the tale a fun read. The situations Maxie gets herself into make the plot fast paced and the story hard to put down as the romance develops and the production of the play takes on an amusing and sometimes tense set of twists and turns.
Overall I found the story to be a fun, entertaining and steamy read, and the romance between Nick and Maxie to have the perfect amount of conflict, tension , romance and heartwarming moments. 5 fabulous stars! ...more
This delightful romantic novella is the story of how Katie and Andy meet. Katie made a mistake trusting an ex-boyfriend and discovered that he used heThis delightful romantic novella is the story of how Katie and Andy meet. Katie made a mistake trusting an ex-boyfriend and discovered that he used her to fulfill a pledge prank. Knowing he'll be at her sorority house to help with Christmas preparations, she turns to a friend to help her get a date for the evening, protection from the cruel barbs she expects to be thrown her way. When Andy, a geeky but fun basketball player nervously shows up to escort her for the evening, Katie can't help but contrast the difference between him and her usual go-to guys - and in the process discovers that sometimes what we think we want isn't really what we want at all.
I absolutely adored this story! Katie is a warm and generous young woman who is devastated at having been used in a cruel sexual prank. I admired her determination to show up at the sorority house party even knowing that she would probably be the butt of cruel jokes and laughs. She's used to being the eye-candy in the sorority/frat house environment but her beauty runs more than skin deep. Andy was delightful as a somewhat insecure, tall and lanky basketball player who can't believe his luck in getting to escort such a beautiful young woman to a party. He knows that his looks alone aren't going to seal the deal but his warm, friendly personality and ability to see beyond Katie's outward beauty to the sensitive side underneath endear him to her. Andy is willing to stand up for her and do whatever she needs to feel comfortable at this party, and that goes a long way towards cementing Katie's feelings that Andy might be the type of man she is looking for after all. The attraction between them is sweet and sexy and the resulting steamy scenes between them are full of tenderness and humour as well as passion. Andy was the perfect beta male hero and in a genre that is dominated (literally) with alpha males, it was such a pleasure to read about the average ordinary guy getting the beautiful girl.
Overall this was a sweet and delightful read, with the romance developing between Katie and Andy putting a smile on my face. Definitely going in the top 10 pile! 5 delightful stars! ...more
This delightful new adult romance is the story of Corey and Adam. Both injured in accidents though Corey's is a permanent condition, they end up in thThis delightful new adult romance is the story of Corey and Adam. Both injured in accidents though Corey's is a permanent condition, they end up in the 'gimp' section of their college dorm, neighbours across the hall, forming an alliance and friendship that becomes more as they spend time together. Can they open up to each other and believe that a future between them is a real possibility, or will insecurities and other relationships keep them apart?
I loved this story! The author has done a fantastic job of getting into the mindset of not just a young adult, but also one who has suffered a damaging injury, in this case Corey. She is portrayed as a determined, stubborn, feisty young woman with the normal insecurities of a twenty something woman on the inside - her fears and insecurities about her physical appearance magnified by her disability. She wants people to see beyond her wheelchair to the woman inside it and goes out of her way to prove to others and herself that her disability won't hold her back. Adam is a handsome, fun, friendly sort who is attracted to Corey by her attitude as much as her looks. Though he has a girlfriend when he meets Corey, Stacia is opposite in character and is really just eye-candy for him - he is using her to fit in with her high profile society life as much as she is using him for his hockey standing and good looks. Their relationship is superficial, a fact that Adam realizes the more he spends time with Corey. But Corey isn't willing to be a second string, and her determination to forget her crush on Adam when Stacia returns from a European trip is admirable and heartwarming to read. She's not going to waste her time on someone who isn't all-in with her and that's one of the many things that make her character so attractive to the reader.
Although this story has some of the angst and emotion expected in a new adult story, it wasn't overwhelming or depressing and Corey's injury is treated in a realistic light, as something she must deal with but one she has shed enough tears over and isn't going to let drive her life. Adam also has emotional parts to his past that play a part in the story and explain his desire to be in a relationship with someone like Stacia. Together over the course of the story they grow in their relationship with each other and also in maturity, as their year at college plays out. There are other secondary characters who play important roles in the story, friends and family that add to the dynamics and make for an enjoyable and entertaining read.
Overall I found this story to be funny, emotional, and romantic, with love scenes that are tender and sexy, engaging characters, an intriguing plot and one that kept me up late reading into the night! 5 Fabulous stars!
Maria Rose
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Books:
best-of-2014
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