5 ⭐️ Awesome! Milena McKay, I am totally in awe of your ability to write such a great, powerful, compelling and emotional story.
A story of a successful 5 ⭐️ Awesome! Milena McKay, I am totally in awe of your ability to write such a great, powerful, compelling and emotional story.
A story of a successful and ruthless woman at the head of a studio who rules all of Hollywood, whose subjects and antagonists alike tremble before her, and her only weakness (in her eyes) Audrey, an employee with whom she had a torching hot affair, and wants to keep it secret, or even better, forget it at all costs. But also an Ice Queen has to learn, that love isn’t something you can switch off as you like.
Neve and Audrey's story captivated me from the first sentence and never let go. I had to force myself to put the book down to get enough sleep to do my job properly. It also didn't help that I'm working for a queer film festival where we're about to open and there's still so much to do. That was bad timing on my part to read this book.
The fact that the POV is of Neve, a picture-perfect Ice Queen, was extremely pleasing to me. Most of the time we get to know them from the point of view of the other main character. Also, the talks with her therapist at the beginning of every Chapter were a clever idea by the author. Through these conversations, we learn layer by layer all the nuances of this troubled woman.
Neve's personality fascinated me. She made me feel, not always good feelings, but even when she acted like a complete idiot and big shot, I couldn't hate her. I tried, but the way Milena tells us Neve's story, it just didn't work. I could feel her fears and in the end, I understood where they were coming from. But if I could have, I would have given her shit about her actions, would have shaken her - if I would be brave enough to do so.
Soon we are able to see much more than a strong, unyielding, sometimes ruthless woman who plays out her power. And we understand, that her motto "offense is the best defense" is sometimes nothing more than suppressing her own fears and insecurities.
Love is such a powerful emotion, it lets us do the most amazing things, but sometimes also the absolute worst things for fear of love. And even in the most painful moments, the chemistry between Neve and Audrey is scorching hot.
This is not an easy-to-read story, it is heartbreaking and painful, but also wonderful and surprising. I was never sure how this story will end.
This will definitely be one of my favorite books in 2022. Thank you, Milena McKay.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ...more
4.5⭐ Another sexy age-difference romance à la Harper Bliss. Ten years ago, Maya Mercer, 45, and the much younger Quinn Hathaway had an unexpected but a4.5⭐ Another sexy age-difference romance à la Harper Bliss. Ten years ago, Maya Mercer, 45, and the much younger Quinn Hathaway had an unexpected but all the hotter night together. And when the two meet again ten years later, the attraction is still almost overwhelming. But how should Maya, now a grandmother, tell her family she's fallen in love? And then with the former neighbor's daughter, of all people, who is so much younger? It feels like a taboo and yet so right and wonderful. Complications, discussions, and confrontations are pre-programmed but are realized by the author with good dialogues, understandable fears, and feelings. And already during the dance scenes, the temperature rises massively until it reaches its climax during the lovemaking. Phew, hot, hot, hot! And Angela Dawe really gets the story going with her perfect narration. I'm always amazed at how perfect narration further stimulates the senses. ...more
Reading another book from Radclyffe's Provintown tales series (#8) feels like coming home after a long journey and finally seeing your friends again. Reading another book from Radclyffe's Provintown tales series (#8) feels like coming home after a long journey and finally seeing your friends again. b more or less know what you will get and this is a comforting good thing in crazy times like now. And although the topic is the outbreak of a virus, not exactly corona but similar, it didn't stop me from enjoying it. Radclyffe's books are just a must-read for me. I wasn't sure there will be more after #7 was released nine years ago, but I'm more than happy about it.
One of the things I very much like in a series is, that in every new installment we meet old friends like Reese Conlon, her wife Tory King, and the young Bri Parker, and we meet new persons too. This time the rookie cop Andy Champlain and the PA Laurel Winter. Both have temporary assignments for the summer months in Provincetown. When a virus breaks out on a cruise ship docking in Provincetown, one is reminded on the one hand of the current situation in the world, but on the other hand our own experiences from this year help that we understand better what could happen.
Andy and Laurel met first when Andy was injured in an operation and needed treatment. She hates it when someone sees her in such a weak moment, growing up as an only daughter next to brothers in a cop family, she has learned never to show weakness, otherwise, you lose. Laurel is a few years older than Andy and is reserved to get involved with the much younger woman, although she too feels the attraction. There is chemistry between them, both can't deny. It's a sweet age-gap love story. The two of them get together quite quickly, which in this story is no problem for me, although I prefer a slow-burn love story. Besides the two new lovebirds, we accompany Tory in the last weeks of her second pregnancy. Reese is on needles out of concern and anticipation about Tory's forthcoming birth of twins because Tory had problems with Reggie's birth.
In this story, the focus is not mainly on police work but on the virus, its control, and the attempt to prevent its spread. Since I am a fan of thrillers and police work, this is not the most exciting story of this series but still very gripping, despite the virus-contaminated reality. But what I missed a bit are the background stories of Andy and Laurel. Both are very exciting and interesting women, I would have loved to know more about them.
I loved the story, as I said in the beginning, it's like meeting old friends. We spend some nice and exciting time together and then go ahead with our own life. I sure hope there will be more to this series. It's definitely my favorite one by this author. And who knows, maybe the other newly introduced woman, the interesting Dr. Kerry Sanchez will get her own story?
My rating 4.5 stars. Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for receiving an ARC for an honest review you ...more
Heart of Ice, the second romance by co-authors T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod, is an entertaining lesbian ice-queen romance in the world of financHeart of Ice, the second romance by co-authors T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod, is an entertaining lesbian ice-queen romance in the world of finance. Laurie Emerson (49), known in business circles as the Hatchet, returns to the business world to run her own successful company after a sabbatical to get over the grief and loss of her wife. Now she is back, or rather, the shark is back in the tank.
Everyone fears her, including Jack Kennedy, one of the portfolio managers and twenty years her junior. She's only been working there for about 10 months and knows Laurie just from hearing about her, and that's not very flattering, the woman has a block of ice where there should be a heart. At the lowest level of the company, she hopes that her dedication and her ability will finally be seen and rewarded.
When a Blizzard paralyzes the whole city of Boston, the two women meet that evening by chance in a bar. They spend a super hot night together in the last available room of the nearby hotel, without knowing who the other is. And as satisfying as the night was, the two were sure that they would never see each other again. But the "Goddess of Work" had other weird ideas.
In my opinion, the Markinson/MacLeod duo has written a fun and entertaining ice-queen story. Jack is a lovable, down-to-earth, hard-working woman who wants to work her way to the top. She is not deterred by Laurie's sometimes impossible behavior, but she has her principles and is loyal. And she challenges Laurie in business and private matters. Her somewhat quirky and weird mother also plays a special role.
Laurie is a fascinating, sometimes annoying, and then slowly melting ice-queen. She is often ruthless, sharp-tongued, and has an unpredictable temperament like an angry bull. But she also shows vulnerability when it comes to love and her lost wife, sometimes she just doesn't know how to deal with the growing attraction to Jack and can't put it into words. I don't think I could have lasted as long as Jack under her thumb. I am a person who needs a team that works together at eye level and a boss who pulls the same rope. Only in this way can I deliver my best work
The romance is written beautifully and fluently, the tempo is perfect and also the insight into the financial world is interesting and not entertaining. The attraction between the two women is palpable and the sex is hot. But although both claim that it's just sex, it goes deeper than that from the beginning. I loved that both main characters allowed insights into their desires and also showed their vulnerabilities. The characters are very well developed, I loved Jack from the beginning and Laurie slowly crept into my heart despite her harsh and sometimes unfair behavior.
Recommended to all romance lovers who like a story with not much angst and drama. My rating 4.5 stars
Thanks to the authors for providing an ARC for an honest review. ...more
This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I’m impressed as the story is very up-to-date as it takes place during the Corona pandemic. For me,This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I’m impressed as the story is very up-to-date as it takes place during the Corona pandemic. For me, this story has a little bit of a fairy tale touch, and I mean that without judgment, as I like them. For one thing, I don't believe that a person with a lifestyle like Jay Firefly's can change so thoroughly and be clean in so little time. And for another, where are the red-eyed beauties in human form? But in my opinion, a story doesn't need to stick to reality, it is allowed to be better than the real world.
This is the story of two women who could not live in more different worlds. Octavia, with her unique red eyes, is a paperless immigrant who had to learn to look after herself at an early age and who had not always made the best decisions but has learned from her mistakes. Now she's got an illegal job as a maid to a rock star. Jay Firefly is the aforementioned rock star who enjoys all the extravagances of a successful life with fame in abundance, drugs, gambling, women, no matter if somebody falls by the wayside. When the Coronavirus changed the world as we know it and forced people to stay at home, Jay and Octavia have to find a way to get through the lockdown together.
When the two are trapped in Jay's New Yorker penthouse, they form a relationship of convenience that quickly becomes a friendship. Octavia seems shy and submissive when she started her new job, but it lasted only a short time in this special situation. Soon she dares to question Jay's lifestyle. Although she rejects the rock star's behavior, she is somehow attracted to her. To Jay's own surprise, she accepts the criticism and begins to rethink her life and behavior. In the beginning, Jay is an impossible, arrogant, and unsympathetic brat who doesn't care about others, as long as she has fun. In two weeks, more women passed through Jay's bedroom than I had in my entire life. I knew she would change and wow, she did. When feelings come into play one thing is clear, Jay has to change a lot to have a chance for a relationship with Octavia. And Octavia knows, she has to open up too and share her secrets. Both have to be brutally honest for a chance of a happy ending.
The author has created interesting characters with all their flaws and edges. With no private life, but a lot of money and all the attention you get from so many groupies, I guess life as a successful rock star is not the easiest one. But how Jay and her friends were behaving was tough to stomach. There is an age gap that is sometimes noticeable in the behavior of the women but has no impact on the couple. The chemistry is tangible and the sex scenes are hot. The story touches various topics like drug and alcohol abuse, respect, and protecting your loved ones. And although some of these topics are difficult, this is an enjoyable read. My only problem was I somehow couldn't fully connect with Jay and Octavia but I can't put my finger on exactly why.
My rating 3.75 stars ARC provided by the author and LezReviewBooks.com in exchange for an honest review...more
Just a short review from me as so much is already written.
A perfect example of a complex story without getting lost in too many topics. Clare Ashton dJust a short review from me as so much is already written.
A perfect example of a complex story without getting lost in too many topics. Clare Ashton did an excellent job creating interesting personalities, weaving in uncomfortable issues such as stage fright, the pros and cons of being famous, experiencing panic attacks, stalking, and what effects it can have on an actress. Besides we experience such a sensitive age-gap love story with Anna and Jessica, it’s just heartwarming.
Fantastic plot, exciting characters, a good balance of fear and positive feelings, good tempo, and excellent writing.
A touching romance which I highly recommend. My rating 5 stars. ...more
The story takes place in 2015, shortly before the US Supreme Court struck down all state bans on same-sex marriage. It is a sweet romance with some drThe story takes place in 2015, shortly before the US Supreme Court struck down all state bans on same-sex marriage. It is a sweet romance with some drama, including homophobia.
Since five years Jordan Simón (40) is back in her small hometown in West Virginia, not just back in her hometown, back in the closet as well. She had opened a restaurant, which is very successful, but not has the courage to stand up and be yourself is bothering her more and more. At the edge of her 40th birthday, she is determined to change that. But there are more secrets to her than she’s willing to spill.
Emmy Russo (52) is visiting her aunt Betty Jean. She is on a working brake after working some time in India and before joining the bureau of the same company in DC. She always thought it’s not possible to fall in love at first sight, but Jordan convinced her otherwise. But proud and out Emmy will never get back into the darkness of the closet. Will she take the risk with Jordan?
I enjoyed the building romance between Emmy and Jordan. Both women stay in the middle of life, who know what they want and whatnot. They have made some bad and good decisions in their past, which defined them as to who they are now. The chemistry between them is there from the first minute they met. The sexual tension is slowly building up over weeks until they take the relationship a step forward. The lovemaking was nice, not steamy hot bot good and is not the leading part of the book. What I liked the most, was how Jordan is fighting her fears and take more risks when the feelings for Emmy are growing. Emmy is a sweetheart, always helpful and understanding but not cheesy and not always patiently.
Coming out in her forties in a small town in West Virginia isn’t that easy, especially with a hardheaded religious homophobic brother. There are quite a few secondary characters, they all are very well integrated into the story. I especially loved the mischievously Betty Jean.
Enjoyable and easy read, sweet romance with some drama but not heart-wrenching angst. My rating 4 stars ARC provided by the author and LezReviewBooks.com in exchange for an honest review...more
This story is about two women who both have to deal with trust issues, Stella (41) a doctor suffered fromAnother enjoyable romance by T.B. Markinson.
This story is about two women who both have to deal with trust issues, Stella (41) a doctor suffered from the cheating of her ex-wife, and Aurora (29) temporary scheduler at the medical school who has to deal with a major secret in her family. They are feeling the attraction from the beginning, and it’s getting stronger and stronger every time they meet. But both are convinced they don’t want and don’t need a relationship, so they agree for a non-relationship-arrangement. Also, the age-gap is sometimes mentioned but isn't really a problem. But who will be the first to admit, that there are more and deeper feelings involved as they had agreed upon after they spend more and more time together?
The characters are very well developed and their interacting, their dialogues and their banter are really entertaining. As talkative as they are, when it’s about their real feelings, both have knots in their tongue and the fear of rejection is suffocating. And when jealousy comes into play, it can be messy. I could have smacked the woman on her head for her blindness.
The romance is sweet, well-paced, the chemistry is great and the sex scenes are passionate. Aurora, with her teasing and outgoing personality, is challenging Stella more than once. The secondary characters are very well intertwined in the story, the health-problems within Aurora’s family, her best friends wedding and also Stella’s settlement agreement with her ex-wife and her daughter are themed.
The only minor complaint I have, there are two or three little jumps in the story. For example, Stella has written something special in Spanish for Aurora and Aurora has to translate it later at home, but there was no reaction from her. It was barely mentioned again, what I didn’t understand, I would have jumped around in circles.
Overall a very entertaining romance with little drama from T.B. Markinson. For sure not the last book I’ve read from her.
My rating 4,5 stars. Thanks to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review ...more
The X Ingredient is my first book by this author, neither did I read the fanfic version. But I did see the film The Devil Wears Prada which was fantasThe X Ingredient is my first book by this author, neither did I read the fanfic version. But I did see the film The Devil Wears Prada which was fantastic. And this book was like a version of DWP, a good version. I would put this in the erotic-romance category.
Diana Parker is a top shot lawyer with her own law firm, married to her second husband (but still not really happy) and the image of an ice queen. When she hires Laurie Holcomb as her personal assistant, she can’t imagine what a special personal assistant can do. Laurie had a few hard years behind her and was looking forward to getting a job in the universe of the jurisprudence, later she wants to go into environmental law. I liked both MCs and they are well developed. The writing is good and well-paced and reminds me of Meghan O’Brien.
This is an ice queen and age-gap romance, without much fuss about the age gap, what was nice. Laurie is the first person who can melt the icy lawyer. Diana is unexpectedly drawn to Laurie, she’s confused about herself, because she isn’t gay, isn’t she? I very much liked the dynamic between Diana and Laurie, and I liked their power plays.
The sex-scenes are extraordinary hot as hell and explicit, and not repetitive. The song title that came to my mind reading these scenes was “Feeling Hot Hot Hot”. Maybe you shouldn’t read this book in public. The story itself is, as mentioned, not new and it isn’t a book with deeper meaning but it has enough of a plot for a hot romance.
Erotic romance for everybody who loves a really steamy story. My rating 4 stars Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC for an honest review. ...more
Golf isn’t my kind of sport and therefore I don’t know much about it, nonetheless, a story set in this world was very much intriguing. That I liked a Golf isn’t my kind of sport and therefore I don’t know much about it, nonetheless, a story set in this world was very much intriguing. That I liked a few other books from this author didn’t hurt either.
TV producer Adrienne Wyatt, 49, needs a face in the main focus for her documentary about the women’s golf sport. Pro golfer Morgan Spencer, 31 is on the brink to win her first major and would be the perfect addition to the film. But she’s a very private person and for her, being in the spotlight of the filming crew is more like an intrusion in her life. But soon, there is more on the line that just the documentary. I fell in love with both MCs, now I totally understand my friend Corporate Slave with her crush on both women.
Even though it was an age-gap romance, it wasn’t all the dominant theme all the time, it was handled very balanced. I very much like the writing style which includes good dialogues and humor and the pace was perfect. The romance is beautiful and the secondary characters are extremely well developed and amazing too. Especially Charlie, Morgan’s best friend which is just a badass woman herself. But also Jenny and Morgan’s mother are great characters. The storyline is absolutely entertaining, some drama and bitching competitors and journalists included. I have to say, despite there isn’t that much golfing going on, I had to google some of the golf terms. But it shouldn’t stop anybody to read this wonderful and enjoying romance.
Recommended to everybody who likes a very good sports romance, even if you don’t like golf.
My rating 4.5 stars Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC. ...more
This series is one of the best I've ever read, and Radclyffe for sure is the master of series. How she creates a comHoly cow, this was just fantastic!
This series is one of the best I've ever read, and Radclyffe for sure is the master of series. How she creates a community of friends and lovers and intervenes different aspects and plots, I'm totally in awe. She's an excellent storyteller.
For me, this one was the best in this series but not by far. Loving, heartbreaking, thrilling and constantly holding you on your toes.
Dear Mrs. Radclyffe, I really hope there comes more after #7 in this series :-)...more
I like the Pink Bean series. I wish we would have a cafe like the Pink Bean in the city where I live. There are so many different women, which all havI like the Pink Bean series. I wish we would have a cafe like the Pink Bean in the city where I live. There are so many different women, which all have their place in this series. What I liked most about Everything Between Us was, that not every character is a perfect woman, like beautiful and with a body to die for. This one is about Josephine, the PhD student, who works part-time at the Pink Bean and the feminist Caitlin.
Josephine isn't happy with her body, she carries to much weight, but too little self-confidence. She can't understand what Caitlin sees in her. Caitlin is nearly twenty years older than Josephine, she came back home after ten years working in the US. After meeting Jo at the Pink Bean, she feels drawn to her and she can see the true Josephine. Is she able to bring Jo to see herself with Caitlin's eyes?
It's written from Josephine's POV, and this is good. Bliss is able to bring the feelings of the protagonists in between the pages. You can feel Jo struggles with her uncertainties and body issues. And you can also feel how she slowly overcomes her fears.
Beautiful story with an end which is a little rushed, but I'm sure we will learn more about the two in the next books as well as about all the other women from this group.
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