Reviews, reviews, reviews !!!!!!!

Wicked Weekend by Gillian Archer

Book 1 of the Pleasure Code

Release Date: March 12, 2012

Genre: Contemporary BDSM Erotic Romance




Blurb:


Why did Lauren Vaughn introduce her sister to the man she herself was crazy about? Now Lauren is watching the happy couple at their combined bachelor/bachelorette party—while Lauren sits all alone at the bar. Until she spots a hot stranger with the telltale black handkerchief in his pocket: the signal for "seeks no-strings affair with sexy submissive."

Lauren can't take her eyes off him. So when he comes over, she kicks her inner good girl to the curb and follows Jamie Forman to his room, where he makes her scream with pleasure all night long.


But Jamie is a complicated man. He can't handle how desperately he wants her in his bed—and his life. It's up to Lauren to teach him how to make all night last forever.






I liked this short story, that being said, there were a few small items I thought could be different/explained better. Where did the conflict/rivalry come from between Lauren & her sister? Why did they "hate" each other? A little more background info on Jamie would have been nice. I do understand this is a short story and things have to happen quickly, but, did Jamie & Lauren really have to jump into bed so fast? The heat factor between them was off the charts though! I would absolutely like to read more by this author.




*Review copy obtained from publisher through NetGalley









Her Dark Protector by Carol Stephenson

Release Date: March 26, 2012

Genre: Romance: Suspense

Blurb:Florida state prosecutor Gail Malloy may have a death wish, but she has no idea how close she is to having it fulfilled. In charge of the case against a notorious drug lord, she's become the target of everyone on the man's payroll-and corruption has permeated the highest ranks. Fortunately for Gail, a stranger is keeping watch...

Haunted by tragedy and seeking revenge, business tycoon Jason Hawke joined the Justice Hunters, a secret organization dedicated to maintaining law and order. He'll do everything in his power to make sure Gail stays alive long enough to put the crime boss away for good. Even if it means keeping her with him day and night...




I really enjoyed this book! I am fairly new (about 1 yr) to the romantic suspense genre & Carol Stephenson is a new to me author! The story had great flow & energy. The characters were all well developed and the storyline kept me hanging on the edge. One teeny, tiny gripe-too many deaths-yeah, I know, suspense, thriller etc has people getting killed-JMO-this one a has couple too many for my tastes. Just wondering/hoping if there may be more installments from the "Justice Hunters"? I will definitely have to check out more of Carol Stephenson's books.




*Review copy obtained from publisher through NetGalley






Forbidden Fantasies by Jodie Griffin

Release Date: March 5, 2012

Genre: Contemporary, BDSM, Erotic romance




Blurb:


After fifteen years of marriage, Jessica Meyers's sex life is, well, a little predictable. Her handsome husband turns her on, but missionary style once or twice a week? It just can't compare to the hot new world she discovers in the pages of erotic romances. Her fantasies fuel the fire of her desire, adding a new spark to her and Alex's lovemaking. But Jess is afraid to tell her husband what she really wants in bed--and her secrets start coming between them.


State trooper Alex Meyers is a master at uncovering the truth--except when it comes to his sweet, shy wife. She's clearly keeping something from him. An affair? She wants out? When he finally confronts Jess, he's shocked to learn she wants to turn her forbidden fantasies into nightly realities. But when he takes her to a unique B and B--Bondage and Breakfast--catering to couples and multiples, Alex is about to find out just how far he'll go






While reading this short story I put myself in Jessica's shoes and was quite surprised at the similarities between her & myself. Similarities that I think anyone who reads this story will find in themselves. COMMUNICATION!!! That is the name of the game in this story. Being honest with yourself & your other half. The sex/BDSM (light BDSM)in this book was a side note compared to the lessons learned about communication. Please, Please go read this story meanwhile I am off to have a nice long chat w/Hubby!!





*Review copy obtained from publisher through NetGalley

Weekend Reviews

This week I may have been crazy-busy with work and I am also the "cookie Mom" for my youngest's GS troop (it was cookie delivery week this week-I fit 30 cases in my my poor Fiat)





I still found time to read a few books



INTIMATE EXPOSURE by Portia Da Costa
Blurb

From the moment Red Webster arrived at executive Vicki Renard's firm, sparks flew between them. The photographer is supposed to create a company profile for its new owner, but he spends most of his time flirting with her. His sexy teasing infuriates Vicki...and piques a desire to submit to him. His hypnotic eyes promise what she's been secretly craving: a sexually dominant master, like the ones in her favorite erotic novels.Investigating his new business incognito, billionaire F. W. Shanley--aka Red--is turned on by Vicki's fiery personality and undeniable beauty. When he discovers her reading a BDSM novel on her eReader, he knows he's found a woman who shares his desires and promises to be a challenging submissive.
When Red arranges a weekend at a secluded hotel, Vicki agrees to indulge in no-strings-attached erotic fun. But can she commit to this kind of life with Red when he realizes they can have so much more?




Let me start by saying, I really liked the idea behind this story, I thought it would take me on an adventure-it didn't. It left me flat. The author could have taken so many different paths with this story-line, I honestly wish she had. I would have liked to have seen the couple spend some more time exploring & getting to know each other better while at the hotel. Going from scene to scene was very abrupt, the story did not flow easily. Although Portia Da Costa is a new to me author, and I was not thrilled with this book, I will try more of her stories.




Darkness Bound (Chimney rock) by Stella CameronAvailable February 28, 2012!


Blurb


WHEN NIGHT FALLS




After her husband's tragic death, Leigh Kelly arrives on Whidbey Island determined to start over. Yet the tiny town of Chimney Rock is not as peaceful as it seems. Women have been disappearing, and Leigh can't shake the feeling that she's being watched . . . especially at night. Soon, she's experiencing visions she can't explain and fighting her attraction to a handsome stranger who seems to know her most intimate desires.

PASSION TRANSFORMS THEM


As the leader of the Team, a pack of werehounds forced to hide their very existence, former special ops soldier, Niles Latimer is desperate to prove a man’s heart beats inside his predator’s body. And Leigh Kelly, mysterious and possessing powers she doesn’t yet understand, may be the woman who can help him. But Niles isn’t the only one who recognizes Leigh’s true identity. Something evil is waiting in the woods—and the hunt has begun...






Although I am not a huge reader of "were" creatures, I do enjoy paranormal stories so I decided to try this one. I am so glad I did. This book is the first in the Chimney rock series and I like how the author has developed the basis for the rest of the series to come. The characters introduced in this first book are developed enough to get to know them for this story, but, the author also has left secrets hidden to entice us back for the next book.


This story was sexy-hot & suspenseful. I cannot wait for the next!

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley




Danger Zone by Dee J AdamsAvailable February 20, 2012!







Blurb



In her ten-year career as a stuntwoman, Ellie Morgan has experienced her share of thrills. None compares to the rush of being behind the wheel of a race car for her latest movie shoot. Certain she was born to race, Ellie's ready to shift gears—but a secret from her past holds her back.
Quinn Reynolds is tired of being in the driver's seat of his family's company, Formula Racing Design. He's ready to sell—if he can get his co-owner and brother, Mac, to agree. Quinn's not sure what he wants to do with his future, but almost as soon as he meets Ellie, he knows he wants her to be part of it.
Though Ellie tries to resist her attraction to the charming businessman, she's quickly in danger of losing her heart. But after narrowly escaping "accidents" both on and off the set, it becomes clear that getting involved with Quinn could be downright deadly...

I absolutely loved this book!! It is the second in a series-the first title is Danger race. I did not read the first one & didn't even realize there was a prior story until I was about 1/3 of the way through this one. You do not have to read the 1st in order to "get" the 2nd book. That now said, I will go back & read the 1st book. This book had it all...it was sexy, suspenseful, there was mystery & drama, and a few secrets thrown in too. I cannot wait until July for book 3-Dangerously Close!

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley







Blurb



In her ten-year career as a stuntwoman, Ellie Morgan has experienced her share of thrills. None compares to the rush of being behind the wheel of a race car for her latest movie shoot. Certain she was born to race, Ellie's ready to shift gears—but a secret from her past holds her back.
Quinn Reynolds is tired of being in the driver's seat of his family's company, Formula Racing Design. He's ready to sell—if he can get his co-owner and brother, Mac, to agree. Quinn's not sure what he wants to do with his future, but almost as soon as he meets Ellie, he knows he wants her to be part of it.
Though Ellie tries to resist her attraction to the charming businessman, she's quickly in danger of losing her heart. But after narrowly escaping "accidents" both on and off the set, it becomes clear that getting involved with Quinn could be downright deadly...

I absolutely loved this book!! It is the second in a series-the first title is Danger race. I did not read the first one & didn't even realize there was a prior story until I was about 1/3 of the way through this one. You do not have to read the 1st in order to "get" the 2nd book. That now said, I will go back & read the 1st book. This book had it all...it was sexy, suspenseful, there was mystery & drama, and a few secrets thrown in too. I cannot wait until July for book 3-Dangerously Close!

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Writing Contest!

I thought some of my blog readers my be interested in this information. I am not personally holding this contest...just passing along the info.







Ruby Lioness Press is having a writing contest! All authors who submit manuscripts of at least 40,000 words between June 1st and July 31st, 2012 will be entered for a chance at having their book published and receiving an advance royalty.
1st Prize – $100 USD Advance Royalty
2nd Prize – $50 USD Advance Royalty
3rd Prize – $25 USD Advance Royalty
Requirements: Submit your 40k+ novel to Ruby Lioness Press following the submission guidelines between June 1st and July 31st. The novel must not have been under contract or published before. This contest is open to participants worldwide, but the work must be in English.
This contest is open to all genres, including submissions for the Clearwater series.
The winners will be chosen in early August. All authors who submit manuscripts during the contest time frame will be notified of their status after that time. Any author who wishes not to participate should state as such in their submission.
The advance will be paid at the end of the accounting period following the release of the book.

Another year bites the dust!!

My birthday has just passed and I got to celebrate it by a phone call from my youngest's school nurse. "come and get your child she just threw up"


Just what I really needed to hear that day!








Then, Hubby worked late, my Mom forgot to get a cake (didn't really want one anyway-with child barfing) and one of my siblings completely forgot until about 1am when she texted me "Happy Bday". At my age, I don't need a party, present, or even a card. But, really don't forget me!!??


I have been reading like crazy this week just to take my mind off the "age thing". So I will have some reviews up soon. After, I manage the GS troop's cookie booth, sort the GS troop's delivery orders (780 boxes are not going to fit in my dining room) the SuperBowl (Yes I am a huge Patriots fan-I love me some football), cooking for the SuperBowl, and of course cleaning up after the Kidlet who keeps tossing her cookies every half hour!




To add to all this I (2/2 is the Bday) did see my shadow-so 6 more weeks of winter!!