Category Archives: Realistic

June 6, 2013 · 5:48 am

Together in Cyn by Jennifer Kacey

Title: * Together in Cyn
Author: Jennifer Kacey
Series: n/a
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Format: ebook
Date/Year: May 1, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

*This book was (provided to me by the publisher for review, borrowed from my local library, purchased for my own reading enjoyment…)

Summary from the publisher:

A small book sitting out on a table shouldn’t incite fear in anyone.
But what if that book was your diary and you learned your two best friends, men you have ached for your entire life, have just read every last word? Pages and pages filled with dark fantasies and forbidden dreams so explicit they leave nothing to the imagination.
And what if those two friends were included in every last one?

This is exactly where Cyn Andrews now finds herself.
Stuck somewhere between wanting to hate Jared and Chris Kennedy for violating her privacy and just plain wanting to be stuck somewhere between them. She could never choose only one brother, so she’s kept her feelings buried for more than a decade, and a past mistake has kept her silent and alone…until now.

Everything she’s ever wanted may have just been handed to her in the form of an invitation to The Library. Not just a building filled with books, but a members only BDSM club the brothers own and have kept hidden from her for years.

Is it pity or desire that fueled the invitation?
What other secrets have they been keeping from her?
Can she protect her heart and face her biggest fear while discovering the art of submitting to two Doms?

It’d be a sin not to find out…

My Musings:

I have to say right off that this is one of the hottest book covers I have ever seen. Wow!

When I read the blurb for this book, I thought “been there, done that.” It’s another menage/BDSM plot. Okay, it’s a “been there, done that” for someone like me who reads so many books in this genre. However, I was pleased and surprised at some of the twists the author added to the story. It is definitely not a rehash of the same storyline from other authors.

Cyn and the two brothers, Jared and Chris, have known each other since they were teenagers. As adults, they live in adjacent apartments which adds an extra something to their relationship because the walls are very thin and definitely not soundproof. Cyn also works part time in the brothers’ bar.

Unbeknownst to the guys, she has been in love with both of them for years. She knows she could never choose between them, so she never lets on how she feels. Only her journal tells the truth about the fantasies she has of the three of them.

So, of course, one of the guys finds her journal and reads it . . . and shares it with his brother.

I really liked the idea of the story, but I had enough issues with it I could not rate it higher than a three.

For example, the story is written in first person which I don’t normally have a problem with. Unfortunately, there is something about this author’s style that doesn’t flow. The writing interfered with my enjoyment of the story.

There are also a few “yeah, right” moments in the book. The one that struck me the most is Cyn is totally unaware that the brothers have a separate home which is also a BDSM club. This is a mansion that they stay in every week and she never questions where they go to when they are away from her.

This is the only book listed by Jennifer Kacey on GoodReads, so I assume it is her debut novel. If so, she is definitely worth following. I loved the plot and feel certain that her writing will evolve in the future.

Her sex scenes definitely don’t need any help. She writes some excellent bondage scenes and introduced me to a new sex toy. The bondage is more extreme than found in many of the books I have read and I enjoyed the new twists.

Together in Cyn has many things going for it and I will definitely look for future books by this author.

Ratings:

Overall: 3
Sensuality level: 5

View all my reviews

Leave a comment

Filed under Contemporary, Erotica, Realistic, Romance

May 31, 2013 · 5:50 pm

This is Who I Am (Masters of the Shadowland, #7) by Cherise Sinclair

This Is Who I Am by Cherise Sinclair

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When trying to save a woman from slavers, Sam screwed up. Royally. Now Linda wants nothing to do with him. Or with BDSM. She won’t even admit she’s a masochist. As a dominant and sadist, he can give her what she needs, and when an opportunity arises, he slips into her life, intending to make amends. She’s everything he knew she would be…except for her bullheaded determination to be ‘normal’.

Now the horrible time is past, Linda just wants to return to her small conservative town, pick up her quiet life, and be normal. But how can someone who likes pain be ‘normal’? To her dismay, when someone spray-paints her home with obscenities, Sam shows up to rescue her. Again. Doesn’t he understand that the last thing she needs in her life is a sadist? He’s amused by her objections. But his dry sense of humor can’t disguise that he’s tough as nails and dominant and stubborn. He’s not going to let her drive him off this time. Soon she realizes she wants him to stay.

When he takes her to the Shadowlands, she feels as if she’s found a home…until she hears a voice from out of her nightmares.

I have only one thing to say. This author does not write fast enough. I love everything she has written.

View all my reviews

2 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Erotica, Realistic, Romance

May 30, 2013 · 4:25 am

Any Duchess Will Do (Spindle Cove, #4) by Tessa Dare

Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What’s a duke to do, when the girl who’s perfectly wrong becomes the woman he can’t live without?

Griffin York, the Duke of Halford, has no desire to wed this season—or any season—but his diabolical mother abducts him to “Spinster Cove” and insists he select a bride from the ladies in residence. Griff decides to teach her a lesson that will end the marriage debate forever. He chooses the serving girl.

Overworked and struggling, Pauline Simms doesn’t dream about dukes. All she wants is to hang up her barmaid apron and open a bookshop. That dream becomes a possibility when an arrogant, sinfully attractive duke offers her a small fortune for a week’s employment. Her duties are simple: submit to his mother’s “duchess training”… and fail miserably.

But in London, Pauline isn’t a miserable failure. She’s a brave, quick-witted, beguiling failure—a woman who ignites Griff’s desire and soothes the darkness in his soul. Keeping Pauline by his side won’t be easy. Even if Society could accept a serving girl duchess—can a roguish duke convince a serving girl to trust him with her heart?

Like the last book in this series, Any Duchess Will Do involves a couple from two different social classes. The book is a lot of fun and there is a subplot that really tears at your emotions, but I just can’t accept the relative easy way they get past the social barriers.

View all my reviews

Leave a comment

Filed under Historical, Realistic, Regency, Romance

May 4, 2013 · 4:20 am

The Rancher’s Homecoming by Cathy McDavid

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A Time To Rebuild It’s gone—everything Annie Hennessey, and two generations of Hennesseys before her, had worked so hard to build. The devastating forest fire didn’t just claim her family’s Sweetheart Inn—it also burned half a town whose livelihood is wedding tourism. Now the struggle to rebuild is just beginning, and Sam Wyler’s sudden reappearance isn’t going to make things any easier on Annie.

Nine years ago, Annie and Sam were deeply in love. When he left to seek his fortune, Annie couldn’t forgive him. Now Sam, widowed with a young daughter, is back and eager to help the town recover. But Annie needs more than bricks and builders to heal her proud and wounded heart. Could the love they once shared hold the key?

I can’t say that I enjoyed this book. It was well written, but there were no light moments. Everything was deathly serious. I like humor in the books I read. It doesn’t have to be one laugh after another, but there has to be some relief from all the seriousness.

Both of the characters had done things that made me dislike them. I couldn’t get past Sam getting another woman pregnant and marrying her right after he broke up with Annie. I didn’t like the fact that Annie pretty much caused the break up by refusing to even visit Sam in California. She was so tied to the family business, she was unwilling to leave it for even a short while.

I “seriously” doubt I’ll read anything else by this author.

(This book was offered for review from NetGalley.)

View all my reviews

Leave a comment

Filed under Contemporary, Realistic, Romance

April 28, 2013 · 5:56 am

Spank Me, Mr. Darcy by Lissa Trevor and Jane Austen

Title: * Spank Me, Mr. Darcy
Author: Lissa Trevor and Jane Austen
Series: n/a
Genre: Historical Erotica
Publisher: Riverdale Avenue Books
Format: ebook
Date/Year: January 1, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

*This book was provided to me by the publisher for review.

Summary from the publisher:

Netherfield, infamous for its debauched parties of excess and luxury, has a new Master.

After finagling an invitation to the ball, Elizabeth Bennet is introduced to the powerful and prideful Mr. Darcy, while her sister Jane has captivated the new owner, Mr. Bingley. Having contented herself with the pleasurable caresses of her best friend, Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth is intrigued with the sensuality she finds at Netherfield. But it isn’t until her sister Jane is taken ill and Elizabeth stays at Netherfield to nurse her back to health that she finds the dungeons of Netherfield and the man in the black mask who becomes her Master.

By the time she leaves Netherfield, Elizabeth will have become disenchanted with her childhood playmate and obsessed with Mr. Darcy, her Master, who has told her that she would be more marriageable as a Netherfield submissive than as a curious virgin. Elizabeth holds on to her affront at his callous regard for her until Charlotte marries Mr. Collins and Jane is discarded by Mr.Bingley. Unwilling to save herself for a man who’ll make a good match and determined not to suffer Jane’s heartbreak, when she meets Mr. Darcy again at Rosings Park, she decides to become his slave and offers him her virginity.

But when she finds out that her cruel Master has destroyed Jane’s chance at marriage with Mr. Bingley, she rejects Mr. Darcy – even as he reluctantly proposes marriage to her. It isn’t until he saves her sister Lydia’s reputation and brings Jane and Bingley together, that Elizabeth realizes that she loves him. If he still loves her, she would be most willing to take her punishment for rejecting him – and live happily ever after.

My Musings:

The title page credits both Jane Austen and Lissa Trevor as authors . . . and that is exactly right.

Entire passages from Austen’s Pride and Prejudice were included in this book. Some were modified, but others were used word for word. I was impressed by how well Trevor’s material kept the flavor of the language.

Any fan of Pride and Prejudice will recognize the opening sentence:

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” (Pride & Prejudice)

Trevor’s twist on this opening clearly shows that her version of the book is going in an entirely different direction.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a dominant man in possession of a good set of cuffs, must be in want of a much younger, submissive wife.” (Spank Me, Mr. Darcy)

I have to admit, in my opinion, it’s a much more interesting direction and I am already a fan of the original.

What can I say about the plot and characters?

This version follows the general outline of the original plot and the characters, for the most part, keep the same personalities. Darcy is overbearing. He is a dom after all. Surprisingly, Mr. Bingley is also a dom. He is so easily led, I expected him to be a sub.

Elizabeth still has the most character of all of the women and Jane is still a namby-pamby twit. Jane does have an interesting sex life though.

My only issue with the book is it needs closer editing. There was one entire scene in which I never did figure out what was going on.

All in all, this was a fun read which immediately caused me to pull out some of my other BDSM books. That’s definitely what it put me in the mood to read.

Ratings:

Overall: 3
Sensuality level: 5

(originally published at Seductive Musings)

Leave a comment

Filed under Erotica, Historical, Realistic, Regency, Romance

April 3, 2013 · 6:38 am

Bare it All (Love Undercover, #2; Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, #5) by Lori Foster

Bare It All by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Title: * Bare It All
Author: Lori Foster
Series: Love Undercover, #2; Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, #5
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher:
Format: ebook
Date/Year: April 30, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

*This book was provided to me by the publisher for review.

Summary from the publisher:

As the person responsible for taking down a brutal human trafficker, Alice Appleton fears retaliation at every turn. No one knows about her past, which is exactly how she prefers it…until the sexy cop next door comes knocking.

Detective Reese Bareden thinks he knows what makes women tick, but his ever-elusive neighbor keeps him guessing like no other. Is his goal to unmask Alice’s secrets? Or protect her from a dangerous new threat? One thing is certain: their chemistry is a time bomb waiting to explode. And with no one to trust but each other, Reese and Alice are soon drawn into a deadly maze of corruption, intrigue and desire-and into the line of fire….

My Musings:

Lori Foster never disappoints and this book is no exception. With “Bare It All,” she has merged two of her Alpha male series: Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, #5 and Love Undercover, #2. It is not necessary to read the “Honor” series, but you really need to read book one, Run the Risk, of “Love Undercover” first. Otherwise, I think it will be difficult to follow the plot.

SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVE NOT READ “RUN THE RISK”

“Bare It All” begins immediately after the ending of “Run the Risk.” Reese is a cop that helped take down the bad guys with Alice’s support. Reese has always considered Alice to be mildly timid until she shows up with her own weapon and demonstrates that not only can she take care of herself, she can take care of others as well.

Although they are next door neighbors, Reese has never been able to get close to Alice. She is too ashamed of her past and has too much to hide. It is only Cash, Reese’s puppy, who allows him to break through her barriers.

I loved this book. I loved the way it flowed directly from “Run the Risk.” I loved the return of characters that I know will be getting their own books soon. I really, really loved one of the characters from Foster’s “Edge of Honor” series showing up in this one.

Reese is your typical Alpha male. He is protective and very much a take charge personality. Alice, however, is not interested in trusting anyone to protect her. She can take care of herself.
She is a woman in hiding. As I said, she is ashamed of things she was forced to do in the past and is afraid to let anyone get close to her. That doesn’t keep her from noticing Reese’s “manly parts” however.

As always, Lori Foster writes great sex scenes. They are strictly vanilla, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t hot. Alice definitely becomes well acquainted with Reese’s manly parts.

When I read this book, I had not read any of the “Edge of Honor” series. I enjoyed both of the books in her “Love Undercover” series so much, I have purchased the other series as well. Alice’s story is introduced in this series, but not knowing that did not interfere with my enjoyment of the book.

As I said, Lori Foster doesn’t disappoint.

Ratings:

Overall: 5
Sensuality level: 3

(review originally posted on Seductive Musings)

View all my reviews

Leave a comment

Filed under Contemporary, Mystery, Realistic, Romance

February 17, 2013 · 4:21 pm

Highlander Most Wanted (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs, #2) by Maya Banks

Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Title: * Highlander Most Wanted
Author: Maya Banks
Series: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs, #2
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Format: ebook
Date/Year: March 19, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

*This book was provided to me by NetGalley for review.

Summary from the publisher:

In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

My Musings:

This is the second book in Maya Banks The Montgomerys and Armstrongs series and it is very much a sequel. The book could be read as a stand alone, but I don’t recommend it. To really appreciate the relationships in Highlander Most Wanted, you should read Never Seduce A Scot first. Many of the same characters appear and it is like a visit with old friends.

Bowen is the younger brother of his laird. He has been sent to take the McHugh Keep because of the crimes they committed against his family. Unbeknownst to him, even more terrible crimes have been committed to a captive of the McHugh’s . . . Genevieve. She has been tortured and abused by the McHugh laird’s son for almost a year. Bowen is her only hope of rescue and he doesn’t even know she exists.

Bowen is an honorable man and believes nothing is as important as protecting those who are unable to protect themselves. Genevieve has had no one to champion her and has lost her faith in everyone around her. She is shamed by what has been done to her and only wants to be left in peace.

So, of course, they fall in love.

One of the things I like about Maya Banks’ heroes is that they are not afraid to admit when they fall in love. Many times, the men recognize their feelings before the women do. It does not matter how alpha they might be, when they fall for a woman, they fall hard.

Genevieve was raised in a strong, loving family and that is what has enabled her to survive the past year in captivity. However, she no longer feels worthy of any man’s love and is too ashamed to want anything but to hide herself away.

Considering her sense of shame, an issue I had with the book is how easily Genevieve fell into a physical relationship with Bowen. Although there were moments when she felt threatened, they were quickly overcome and she lost herself in his arms. That’s not a direct quote, but the sentiment was definitely there. I just find it hard to accept that after a year of rape and torture by multiple men, she is able to relax enough to enjoy herself with Bowen.

Obviously, this is not an light romance, but so much more. The strength both characters show makes you love them all the more.

Genevieve and Bowen had a lot to overcome and just when you thought everything was going to work out, there’s a twist in the plot. Don’t worry. They get their “happily ever after,” but it doesn’t come easily.

If you enjoy Highland romances with strong male and female characters, this is a series you do not want to miss. Maya Banks writes in a variety of genres and this is one of her best.

The setup for the sequel is hinted at and I have already preordered the book. Highland Ever After is due out on September 24, 2013 and I cannot wait.

Ratings:

Overall: 5
Sensuality level: 3

This review was originally posted at Seductive Musings.

View all my reviews

Leave a comment

Filed under Historical, Realistic, Romance

December 4, 2012 · 4:26 pm

The Devil’s Thief (The Saint’s Devils, #1) by Samantha Kane

The Devil’s Thief by Samantha Kane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been a fan of Samantha Kane’s Brothers in Arms series for years. As a matter of fact, she may be the author that introduced me to the joys of a menage relationship (reading about it people, not living it!) I love her books, so I was excited to have the chance of reviewing her first book for a mainstream publisher. I was also nervous because I was afraid her style would be changed because the book was intended for a different audience.

I shouldn’t have worried.

The Devil’s Thief is a straight historical romance. There is no sexual kink involved, but the sex scenes are still hot. More importantly, the relationship between Julianna and Alasdair is heart warming. They got off to such a bad start and they have so many problems to overcome, you really, really want them to work things out.

Julianna is the more likable of the two characters. After her unconventional upbringing, she is determined to help other children who have no one to care for them. That is why she turns to thievery. She does not have the money to keep her foundling home afloat.

Alasdair, however, is a rake and an immature one at that. Although the heirloom belongs to his side of the family, he only really wants it to spite his cousin. That is until Julianna steals it. Fortunately, Alasdair realizes he must grow up if he is going to win Julianna and regain the heirloom. More importantly, he realizes that Julianna is what he really cares about, not the heirloom. He finally understands which is the true “pearl of great value.”

There are a number of characters introduced in this book who I am sure will have their own stories soon. The next book in the series, Tempting the Devil, is about Alasdair’s friend Roger. It will be released in July of 2013 and I cannot wait.

View all my reviews

Leave a comment

Filed under Historical, Realistic, Romance

December 1, 2012 · 4:23 pm

The Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry

The Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title: * The Other Side of Us
Author: Sarah Mayberry
Series: n/a
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin
Format: ebook, paperback
Date/Year: January 2, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

*This book was provided to me by the publisher for review.

Summary from the publisher:

The best thing between Oliver Barrett and Mackenzie Williams is a fence. Ever since Oliver’s new-neighbor gestures were met with unfriendly responses, he’s decided to keep his distance. After all, he’s in this seaside town to get his life on track again. That doesn’t include working hard to get on Mackenzie’s good side—no matter how intriguing she may be.His intentions are put to the test, however, when his dog becomes infatuated with hers. The two crafty canines do their best to break down the barriers between the properties. And where the dogs gowell, the humans must follow! It doesn’t take long for a powerful attraction to build between Oliver and Mackenzie. They soon discover that the worst of first impressions can lead to the best possible outcomes.

My Musings:

The first thing I want to say is this is not the book I thought I was getting. The publisher’s blurb is misleading, although everything it describes is true. I was looking for a light, funny romance. That is not this book.

This book is so much more!

The more I read, the more enthralled I became.

Oliver is recovering from a recent divorce caused by his wife’s unfaithfulness. He thought they had a good marriage and had no idea she was cheating on him. Because of that, he no longer trusts his feelings about the people he meets.

Mackenzie is recovering from a near fatal automobile accident. She has always been a workaholic and is driving herself to overcome physical injuries, so she can get back to her career.

Neither one of them is an emotional state to begin a relationship.

Enter Mr. Smith, the dachshund, and Strudel, the schnauzer. For them, it is love at first sight.

My description confirms the publisher’s blurb. What is doesn’t say is how intense the emotions experienced by both characters are felt.

Both Oliver and Mackenzie are their late thirties, each with a bad marriage behind them. The relationship that develops between them does not come easily . . . but it does come. Watching their love grow and their struggle to trust each other was heartrending and heartwarming.

If you are looking for a strong romance between two people with real lives, I highly recommend this book. It is definitely not fluff, but a solid story that I will remember for a very long time.

THIS REVIEW WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ON SEDUCTIVE MUSINGS.

View all my reviews

Leave a comment

Filed under Contemporary, Realistic, Romance

November 9, 2012 · 4:12 am

This Perfect Kiss (Bliss Harbor, #0.5) by Blake Sheridan

This Perfect Kiss by Blake Sheridan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary from the publisher:

She’s out to catch a man—if only her feet will cooperate.

Terminally shy, sometimes clumsy Frannie Colleti has spent most of her life focused on her business, content to stay in the social background. But the return of her former high school crush jolts her out of her routine, and she realizes she’s never going to get what she wants out of life if she doesn’t reach out and take it (before she trips over it). Her two best friends come up with a plan to help Frannie catch a man’s attention, but soon it’s clear that the men of Bliss Harbor—and any breakable items—had better watch out.

My Musings:

Frannie has made a success of her business, but realizes she has let life pass her by. When her high school crush returns to town, she decides to pursue him and make her dreams come true. Unfortunately, some dreams are not what they are cracked up to be.

Frannie is wonderful with her customers, but except for her two best friends, she does not relate well to people. Her pursuit of her high school crush who is now a famous screenwriter seems doomed to fail. Yes, he was always nice to her in school, but will he even remember her now?

This is a short (76 pages), sweet book and that is the only reason I gave it four stars rather than five. I wanted to learn more about Frannie and the love of her life.

Frannie is a wonderful character and I can completely empathize with her clumsiness, especially when she is nervous. The predicaments she finds herself in when trying to attract Nick’s attention are hysterical.

Nick seems to be a nice guy, but he really doesn’t know what to make of Frannie. He’s not completely sure she’s not dangerous.

Frannie’s antics do attract the attention of Sean though, who has recently returned to Bliss Harbor. Although he has reason to know that Frannie can be dangerous, he is interested anyway.

I truly enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that it was so short there wasn’t time to develop the personalities of Nick or Sean. I did learn enough about Frannie to feel I know her, but there was more character development of her two best friends than there was of the guys.

According to the author, this novella is actually a prequel to the series. The first book, More Than This, is due out soon and I will definitely be buying it. Oddly enough, it does not focus on Frannie’s best friends but on two new characters. Hopefully, it will have more of Frannie because I really loved her.

THIS REVIEW WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED AT SEDUCTIVE MUSINGS.

View all my reviews

Leave a comment

Filed under Contemporary, Humor, Realistic, Romance