Spectators by Maggie Wells

Spectators by Maggie Wells

* I received a copy of this eBook from Sapphire Night Books in exchange for an honest review*

From the moment she steps into the exclusive Spectator Club, Grace Andrews finds herself caught between heaven and hell. Dark and light, two halves of a delicious whole, partners Damien and Gabriel are intrigued by the newest member of the club. Intrigued enough to take her initiation in hand…and mouth. And anything else. Because at the Spectator Club, anything goes.

What would you do if you inherited a large sum money, join a sex club, of course.   Grace had already done all of the things normal people do such as buy a house, pay off her bills and add to her retirement but she wanted, no needed something more.  She is sure her aunt would be shocked that this elementary librarian is now a member of The Spectator Club.

Damien and Gabe are the owners of The Spectator Club and both are intrigued by their newest member, Bethany Jade.  They are delighted that she wants to spend the evening with them and plan on making her first time at the club memorable.  She is more than willing to follow their lead.

What this story lacked in length, it definitely made up for in sexiness.  From start to finish this book was super hot.  I loved the scene on the dance floor; it immediately set the tone for the story.  Both Damien and Gabe are sexy and definitely know how to please a woman.

I loved that even though it’s a short story the characters had depth.  Grace is stepping out of her comfort zone and embraced her experience at the club.  I enjoyed Damien and thought he was super sexy but Gabe caught my attention right away.  There is something from his past that keeps him from experiencing human touch.  He takes his pleasure from watching and participating, as long as he is the one touching.

I hope that there will be some sort of follow up to this Dirty Bit because I want to learn more about Gabe, besides they did invite her back to the club.

Overall I enjoyed Spectators and give it 4 Flaming Hearts.

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Rocky Mountain Heat #1 by Vivian Arend

Rocky Mountain Heat by Vivian Arend

* I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review

Six Pack Ranch, Book 1

Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble’s a western-hat-wearing blonde with slim legs that go on forever, what’s a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.

Jaxi has other plans for Blake’s hands, and his heart. She may have once considered him a big brother, but that was a long time ago. She’s all grown up now and ready to convince him that she’s perfect for him. Except he can’t seem to see past the big “don’t touch” sign that’s apparently still hanging around her neck.

When Jaxi ends up living right under Blake’s nose, the undeniable heat between them slides off simmer and leaps up to barn-burning levels. However, a few of the younger six-pack Colemans have decided Jaxi’s brand of trouble is worth risking a few busted bones.

That is, if Blake’s finally ready to let go the reins and fight for what he wants…

Warning: Sexy cowboys seducing and being seduced in trucks, pool halls and barns. Droolworthy country charm, a little double-teaming, a few secrets and a whole lot of brothers to look forward to. Anyone wanna go for a ride?

Jaxi has been a fixture on the Coleman ranch ever since she was a little girl.  They have always made her feel like part of the family so she never hesitated when asked to help care for Marion.  It would mean living at the ranch and being near Blake.  She isn’t a little girl anymore and she knows what she wants, Blake Coleman.  She will do whatever it takes to get his attention, even enlist the help of his brothers.

Jaxi has been a fixture at the ranch for as long as Blake can remember.  She’s best friends with his twin brothers and she dated Travis for awhile.  He’s always tried to treat her like his kid sister even once she became the star of his fantasies.  He is around ten years her senior and feels that he is too old for her.  Who knew it only took a game of pool to spur him into action where Jaxi is concerned.

I loved Jaxi’s character.  She may be young but she knows what she wants.  She has been in love with Blake for years and has been taking steps to learn how to be a rancher’s wife.  She is not afraid of hard work and she’s a country girl through and through.  She also manages to hang on to her femininity while mucking out stalls, mending fences and picking vegetables from the garden.

The chemistry between Jaxi and Blake is evident from the beginning but he has to work though his issues first.  Once he does, watch out!!  There are too many good parts to pick out just one but the canning episode in the kitchen and the pool game have to rank as some of the sexiest scenes I’ve read.  One of my favorite laugh out loud moments was the movie date, enough said.

I love how Blake took the sex out of the picture and added the romance to their relationship.  Since he is so much older than Jaxi, he wanted them to take the time to get to know each other.  He didn’t want her regretting her decision down the road.   He was so sexy and sweet and a cowboy to boot.  Can I have one like him, please?

I enjoyed getting to know all six of the Coleman brothers and their parents. I can’t wait to read Daniel’s book next and I hope we find out more about Travis’ secret and Matt and Helen’s relationship.  I agree with Blake and Jaxi where Helen is concerned – I don’t like her very much.

Overall I loved everything about this book and give Rocky Mountain Heat 4½ Flaming Hearts. 

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Bound by Night by Amanda Ashley

Bound by Night by Amanda Ashley

* I received a copy of this book from Kensington in exchange for an honest review*

A Vampire’s Kiss Is Forever. . .

Once featured in a horror movie, the crumbling Wolfram estate is said to be haunted by ghosts, witches, and worse. But Elena doesn’t believe a word of it—until she spends the night and wakes up in the arms of a compelling stranger. . .

Tall, dark, and disturbingly handsome, Drake is the most beautiful man Elena has ever seen. For centuries, he has lived alone, and Elena is the first woman to enter his lair—and survive. And Drake is the first man to touch her heart and soul. By the time she discovers who he really is—and what he craves—it’s too late. Blood lust has turned to love, and Elena is deeply under Drake’s spell. But forever comes at a price for each of them. . .

Elena has been living with her aunt and uncle for the last seven years, ever since her parents were killed in a car accident.  Life has been hard but at least her aunt and cousin made it bearable. Her cousin has run off and Elena is now alone with her uncle.  He has been making passes at her for awhile but now things are even worse.  He is determined to marry her and make her his but the thought is repulsive to Elena.  The night she ran away was the beginning of the rest of her life.

Lord Drake Sherrad is growing tired of his life.  His father has been pressuring him to return to the fortress and take his rightful place on the council and fulfill his marriage obligation to the family.  He just wants to live his life in peace at his favorite residence, Wolfram estate.  He never anticipated that the beautiful woman asleep on his couch would turn his life upside down.

Elena has had a hard life but she is still a strong person.  She is afraid of the prospect of being on her own but she is more terrified of her uncle.  Wolfram estate and Drake become her sanctuary until she realizes what Drake is.  She is devastated when their marriage is annulled by his father but soon realizes that Drake and his brother’s have a bigger plan in place.

The story takes place in Transylvania and is full of romance.  Drake and Elena are good together and seem to fill a void in each other.  They love each other deeply and Drake would do anything in the world to keep her safe and happy.  I felt sorry for Liliana, she truly loved her husband but their marriage didn’t provide her with what she truly needed, Rodin’s love.

The story may have been set in modern time but the settings seem to be lost in the past.  The castle didn’t have any modern conveniences and most of the furniture had been there for years.  Even though the fortress had every modern convenience you could imagine, Rodin, King of the fortress, still believed in the old ways and laws of their people and refused to move forward.  Both Elena and Drake helped move the castle and the fortress into the future.

Overall I enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read Kaitlyn’s story.  I give Bound By Night 4 Flaming Hearts. 

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Brick Dust and Bedsprings by Lucy Felthouse

Brick Dust and Bedsprings by Lucy Felthouse

* I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review*

There are chores to be done, but it’s much more fun to stand at the window and watch the rippling muscles and sweaty torsos of the men paving her driveway- her window sill never got cleaned so thoroughly before!

But when sexy brothers Marcus and Jamie catch their customer looking, the action rapidly moves from the front of the house to the bedroom…

What’s a girl to do when she has two hunky brother’s putting in a new driveway for her – why watch of course but getting caught wasn’t part of her plan?  When she contracted to have a new driveway put in, she never expected it to lead to much more pleasurable activities.

Now she finds herself face to face with Marcus and plans to take advantage of Jamie’s absence.  When Jamie returns the fun really begins.  She hopes that it takes a very long time for her new driveway to be completed.

This was a sexy short story that is perfect if you just have a few minutes to pick up a book or while you are waiting on someone.  The sexual chemistry was evident from the beginning and it will whet your appetite for more.

I enjoyed this short story and give Brick Dust and Bedsprings 3½ Flaming Hearts.

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The Heels Made Me Do It by KJ Reed

The Heels Made Me Do It by KJ Reed

* I received a copy of this eBook from Sapphire Night Books in exchange for an honest review*

Following an impulse, Charlotte shows up on base with a surprise to rock her husband’s world. After a long seven months, this deployment is about to end with a slam-bang homecoming. Right. Now.

First off let me say that the men and women in our military deserve the utmost respect and appreciation for what they do every day. That being said, I love the home coming Charlotte gave Jeff. It was fun and very daring.

Charlotte has missed her husband – a lot. He has been deployed for seven months but he on his way home and she has a surprise for him. While shoe shopping, a pair of sexy red heels called to her and she couldn’t resist. Now she’s waiting patiently for him in her sexy red heels and little else in a crowd of military spouses waiting to welcome their loved ones home.

Jeff is hurt and upset when he doesn’t spot his wife right away but all is forgiven when he finds out what she has in store for him. They have always had a good love life but there is something about the thrill of getting caught that sparks more than his interest. His show of dominance pushes all the right buttons for them to have one explosive home coming!!!

This may have been a short story but it was packed with plenty of sexy bits. There was smoke coming off my computer screen the chemistry was so hot between this couple. I think the thrill of getting caught added to the intensity of the moment and pushed them further than they have been before.

I enjoyed this addition to the Dirty Bits collection and can’t wait to read others. I give The Heels Made Me Do It 4 Flaming Hearts. 

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Spirit of the Wolf by Vonna Harper

Spirit of the Wolf by Vonna Harper

* I received a copy of this book from Kensington in exchange for an honest review*

Passionate: A cattle rancher with a past he’d rather forget, Matt prefers to be alone. But that all changes the night he meets Cat. Her eyes, her lips, her body-he wants her. He needs her…Primal: Unable to resist the attraction he feels for Cat, Matt takes her with a primitive passion he’s never felt before. The sex is intense and wildly erotic, yet still he hungers for more…Powerful: As he struggles to control his fierce desire, Matt begins to experience a strange kinship with the wolves who roam his lands. Like them, he longs to be wild and free-but can he take Cat with him, or must he leave her behind for a fate not even he understands…

Matt is a cattle rancher that has a special connection to the land.  He has lived with Santos and Addie for years until Santos was found dead where he had been thrown from his horse.  The wolves have returned and the ranchers are getting nervous and want to hunt them.  He senses their leader, Ghost Wolf whenever he is out on the land.  He fears the legacy his father may have left him, his father was Native American.

Cat is a horse trainer and one of the few females in the area.  She is drawn to Matt and sparks fly when they are together.  She is concerned about the changes in Matt’s behavior and the fact that she can hear/sense Golf Wolf too.  Matt is becoming more domineering in their lovemaking and acts like he is possessed.  He doesn’t seem to comprehend her when she tells him no and it’s like something has taken over his body.

The Paiute once roamed the lands.  Their belief in Matich seemed to skip a generation and many of the stories have been lost.  The cave on Cat’s land holds all the secrets, if they can just survive the confrontation with Ghost Wolf.

This story seemed to take me a long time to read because at times it was hard to follow.  I knew going in this was part of the Aphrodisia line but was a little surprised by the sex scenes between Matt and Cat.  I wasn’t expecting the level of dominance and disregard that Matt exhibited toward Cat, almost to the point of nonconsensual sex.  Cat’s behavior also bothered me slightly because she just brushed over the incidents like it was ok, even though she seemed upset about it at the time.

On a positive note, the last 100 pages or so totally redeemed this book in my eyes.  It was interesting learning not only about Paiute legend and the cave paintings but more about the history of these brave Native Americans.  I really enjoyed the ending and was surprised by the twist I didn’t see coming.  I kept expecting a paranormal element, such as a werewolf based on the way Matt reacted to the “footprints” but that was not the case.

I give Spirit of the Wolf 3 Flaming Hearts. 

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Love Through Time by Lucy Felthouse

Love Through Time by Lucy Felthouse

* I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Westbury Manor is a stately home with a fascinating past, and when book conservator Emily Stone starts uncovering it, she’s startled by what she finds . . . .

Emily arrives at Westbury Manor with a job to do. She’s to clean and conserve all of the books in their impressive library, preserving them for future generations. Not long into her stay at the house, she bumps into the night guard, George. She’d expected an old, balding guy with a comb over, so the hunky chap she actually meets is a very pleasant surprise. The introductions complete, George leaves Emily in peace to get on with her job. But when a falling photograph sets off a chain reaction of ghostly events, Emily and George are thrown together in order to find out who—or what—is causing them. Their investigation uncovers a tragic past, a lost love, and a stunning secret.

Emily was hired to catalog and clean the library at Westbury Manor.  She is locked in overnight with the night guard as her only companion.  The guard is super sexy and makes Emily forget why she is there but she has a job to do, that will have to wait.  Strange events in the library spook Emily until George tells her the history of Westbury Manor and its former owner.  With Emily’s help, William is able to join the love of his life Jane.

This was a fun short story.  I enjoyed the learning about the history of Westbury Manor and the story of the star crossed lovers.  I don’t know anything about book conservators so it was interesting to see the process of preserving books.

George was super sexy and I am glad that they were able to have a little fun after they helped William find Jane again.  It looks like Emily’s days and nights are going to be filled until she completes her job at Westbury Manor.

I enjoyed Love Through Time and give it 3½ Flaming Hearts. 

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Tamed by Emily Cale

Tamed by Emily Cale

* I received a copy of this book from Breathless Press in exchange for an honest review*

Can a hot fling on a Wyoming ranch lead to more than just sex?

Tired of bringing home unsatisfying and nameless men, Delia Hawthorne needs a change of pace. When her Aunt invites her to spend some time at their family’s Wyoming ranch, it takes little prodding for her to agree. Time away from work, bars and men is exactly the break she’s been looking for.

When Delia arrives, she finds what she has come to avoid: a take-charge ranch hand Lucas Dane. Despite her Aunt’s warning of Lucas’ womanizing reputation, she decides he may be worth the risk. What starts out as just sex quickly turns into more—forcing Delia to choose between the guy she is falling in love with and her responsibilities back home. What’s a city girl to do?

Delia is stressed out and tired of the dating scene in Portland.  She has been hurt in the past so she spends all of her time working.  She isn’t looking for anything permanent but lately all the guys seem to be college aged and inexperienced.  Her aunt gives her the perfect out when she asks her to come to Wyoming for a visit.  She doesn’t realize how much she needs the break until she gets there.

Lucas is one of the ranch hands at her aunt and uncle’s ranch.  He has a reputation as a ladies’ man and she is warned to stay away from him but there is just something about him that calls to her.  He makes her feel safe and cared for.  He is tall and sexy; she could easily fall for him if she lets herself.

Lucas can’t believe the beauty that just arrived used to spend her summers on the ranch.  She is a city girl through and through, how is she going to fit in?  He is pleasantly surprised with her the more he gets to know her.  He has never thought about settling down but with Delia he is starting to want those things; if he can only convince her to stay in Wyoming and give them a chance.

Delia is a competent business woman but she is not happy with her life.  She is tired of the meaningless sex and loneliness that she is feeling.  She is excited about the opportunity to spend some time on her aunt & uncle’s farm to unwind and relax.  She never expected to meet a handsome cowboy while there.  Lucas has her thinking about a future away from the city, it she can let go of her past first.

It was nice to see Delia unwind and decompress as the story progressed.  She also realized that she has been using the guys that she has been dating after she saw Lucas with another girl.  She wants to trust him but she has been hurt in the past that she has a hard time letting go.  She is happiest when she is at her aunt and uncle’s farm but she has to decide if she is ready to walk away from her city life and friends.

Lucas is good for Delia.  He is a sexy cowboy that may have a reputation as a womanizer but Delia makes him want to change.  She needs someone to take care of her and let her know that she is loved; Lucas could be that person if she will let him.  They both seem to fill a need in each other and they are superhot together too.

I enjoyed Tamed and give it 3½ Flaming Hearts.

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Welcome Guest Blogger Vivian Arend

Please welcome the awesome Vivian Arend to my blog today.  I have had the pleasure of reading/reviewing many of her books and she is now a must buy for me, no matter the series.  She has agreed to step into the hot seat and answer a few questions for us plus give us a peak at her new release Rocky Mountain Heat.

Do you have a routine when you are writing?   Do you have a set time you write, certain number of days a week, word count, etc?

Last year I was traveling with the family, and there was no routine. I had a 3G Internet connection so I could do a little bit of online work while we traveled, but mostly it was a combination of travel/enjoy sightseeing/work like crazy when we landed for the night.

Now we’re back in a house and I’m trying to set up a routine. More like a 9-5. I’ve never worked a 9-5 in my life…so we’ll see how it goes!

I’m a Twitter junkie and I’m bad about reading Twitter posts when I am supposed to be working.   Do the social networking sites tempt you away from work when you are writing?  Do you allow yourself time on them or do you have to stay away from them completely while working?

I do a lot of sprints when I’m writing. A friend who lives on the other side of Canada from me will IM me GO and we’ll write for 30 minutes. The fact I know she’s writing stops me from taking a break to check out twitter etc. It works, but yes, it’s a concentrated effort some days! Twitter is fun to play on!

Some authors like to read books in completely different genres than the one they write. What types of books do you find yourself reading?  Do you think these books influence what you write?

I read whatever I like whenever I get a chance. While I’m actually writing a story I tend to not read anything new, because I’m rereading my own work; kind of an on the spot critique and upgrade. I really enjoy romance, in all the various sub-genres. Nothing too scary though and I confess I don’t really enjoy a lot of vampire books. Just not my thing.

Also, sci-fi, fantasy, classics, tea cup mysteries—I’m never bored!

I think they definitely have influenced me because having read SO MUCH over the years before I started writing, I feel as if I learned lessons from each of them and that has helped me in my career to be able to story tell. Which is what writing a book is at it’s most basic.

Are you a full time writer or do you have to make time to write?  Is it difficult to juggle working, writing and family life?

I am a full time writer at this point. Up until this year I was writing fulltime as well as homeschooling two teens. My husband has taken over the schooling and I had one graduate, so it’s time for new adventures. I think no matter whether you have a day job outside the home or not, we have to juggle. Housework, family commitments—they are always there, all the time. Deciding what are the top priorities applies in so many ways!

Lightning round!Favorite color?  Green

Favorite beverage? Coffee
Favorite Food? SUSHI (yes, I mean to shout)
Favorite animal or pet? Have a cute Shitzu cross we love
Sweet snacks or salty? Salty
Morning person or night owl? Both. Then siesta in the afternoon!

Mac or PC?  Mac forevah.
TV, Radio or Nothing when you are writing? Times I want silence? 100% Times I get it? 0%
And because you’re a romance author:  Sweet or smutty? I don’t like smut, but I like sexy more than sweet. No GRAPHIC, please. (Ie, I don’t need to know about bodily fluids in excess detail…ick.)

Fun Facts

Five Aspects of Writing That Bring You Joy

-readers who write to say they enjoyed…xyz. SO COOL!

-fellow writers who make me lol and help kick my butt into gear when I need it

-getting to see the first glimpse of a cover art

-writing a scene then rereading it and going ‘hey, that wasn’t half bad!’

-coming up with a cool story idea and seeing it through to the end. Satisfaction!

Five Places You Would Like to Visit

-Greece. I want to rent a villa/apartment/whatever they call it there and live for a month at least.

-New Zealand. Backpacking.

-Australia. Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef among other things.

-Ireland. I’ve been to Scotland and Wales, would love to see the Emerald Isle.

-All the National Parks of Canada. It’s on my bucket list. Some you have to fly into (far north), but we’ve already hit a good chunk of the more southern ones.

Now – will you tell us a little about Rocky Mountain Heat?

This is a re-release of a series started in 2009 published by Liquid Silver Books. I approached my current publisher to see if they were interested in taking over the series, and they said yes, they wanted all the books. I was thrilled, because Samhain has a wonderful print program as well as quality ebooks. It also meant I got to work with my editor at Samhain who is one of the best in the industry.

Rocky Mountain Heat starts the contemporary cowboy series SIX PACK RANCH. The hero, Blake is the oldest of six brothers working the ranch. And the little girl next door has surprises in store for him that are going to change his life…

The re-released version has an additional 20K words added, and the entire book has been revised and updated. Having said that, if you read the first version, you don’t HAVE to read the new version, but there are some changes you might enjoy.

Book 1 and 2 (both rereleases) are out November 15 and January 10. Then a brand new book Rocky Mountain Desire will be available March 13. If you like family rich stories with more than a touch of heat, I hope you check the books out!

————

Vivian Arend: Website | Blog | Twitter

___

Rocky Mountain Heat
Six Pack Ranch, Book 1

He’s the one who taught her to ride. Now all he wants is to ride her.

Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble’s a western-hat-wearing blonde with slim legs that go on forever, what’s a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.

Jaxi has other plans for Blake’s hands, and his heart. She may have once considered him a big brother, but that was a long time ago. She’s all grown up now and ready to convince him that she’s perfect for him. Except he can’t seem to see past the big “don’t touch” sign that’s apparently still hanging around her neck.

When Jaxi ends up living right under Blake’s nose, the undeniable heat between them slides off simmer and leaps up to barn-burning levels. However, a few of the younger six-pack Colemans have decided Jaxi’s brand of trouble is worth risking a few busted bones.

That is, if Blake’s finally ready to let go the reins and fight for what he wants…

Warning: Sexy cowboys seducing and being seduced in trucks, pool halls and barns. Droolworthy country charm, a little double-teaming, a few secrets and a whole lot of brothers to look forward to. Anyone wanna go for a ride?

 ~~~

Buy links: Samhain | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo |

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Claiming Christmas by Naima Simone

Claiming Christmas by Naima Simone

* I received a copy of this book from Breathless Press in exchange for an honest review*

Sabotaged Christmas pageant. Check. Number one on the hit list of cheating ex-fiancé’s mother. Check. Imminent firing from principal, who happens to be the cheating ex-fiancé’s mother. Double check.

For elementary school teacher Regan Price, Christmas is a big bah humbug. Alone, all she has to look forward to this holiday is a drink and an empty apartment. Then Cian St. John comes home. The hot-sex-walking brother of her best friend has returned to Boston with a tantalizing proposition that awakens her every fantasy. Now it appears Regan may have more than a pink slip in her Christmas stocking. All she has to do is reach out and claim it…

Ever since Regan broke off her engagement with Charles, his mother has been out to get her.  She is the principal at the school Regan teaches at. She has been lusting after her best friend’s brother for the last ten years.  Ever since last year he has had a starring role in her fantasies, now he is back in town and has plans for Regan.

Cian couldn’t believe his eyes when he looked up and saw Regan standing there watching his encounter with the blond.  She had the same hungry look in her eyes that was reflected in his.  She is once again single and he plans on making her his.

This was a very hot and sexy short story that will draw you in from the beginning.  I love Regan’s character, she is feisty and fun.  She doesn’t realize she has voyeuristic tendencies until she walks in on Cian and his date.  Now a year later he is back and has no plans on letting her walk out of his life again.

This may be a short story but it definitely packs a punch.  It’s super sexy and would be a great bedtime story to share with your special someone.  Overall I enjoyed Claiming Christmas and give it 3½ Flaming Hearts. 

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