Tag: contemporary (Page 106 of 122)

The Submission Gift by Solace Ames

May 10, 2014 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: I was provided with a review copy by the author.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) Newlyweds Jay and Adriana had a happy marriage and a spectacular sex life—until tragedy struck. Wounded in a car accident, Jay spent a year recuperating while Adriana worked overtime as a chef to pay their bills. Though he’s made nearly a full recovery, some aspects of their intimate play will never be the same. It’s a small price to pay, all things considered.

But when a long struggle with the insurance company results in an overdue payout, Jay has a plan. He’ll take some of it and hire a high-end rent boy who specializes in sexual dominance. Not for him, but as a gift for Adriana, for taking care of him for the past twelve months.

Paul is the handsome stranger they choose…and the one who changes everything. What starts out as a onetime session to fulfill a fantasy turns into something bigger than all of them. But when the money runs out and Paul’s dangerous past resurfaces, the sacrifices required to stay together may end up tearing them apart…

What worked for me (and what didn’t): This book had a very strong start for me. I enjoyed the love and acceptance between Adriana and Jay. I liked how they each wanted the other to have everything they wanted sexually but could not necessarily personally fulfil. I liked it even though in real life that would threaten me so much I’d just hide in the corner forever. But these characters are not me and that was very clear in the book. Because, for them, it worked. For them, it was right and good and healthy.

Review at Dear Author

May 9, 2014 / Kaetrin

I’m over at Dear Author today with a review of Mercy by HelenKay Dimon – it’s a dark erotic romance with covert operations and betrayal and lots of sex.

Bet On Me by Alisha Rai

May 6, 2014 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: I enjoyed the first two books in the series so I bought this one as soon as it came out.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) When love is at stake, all bets are off.

Fast and hard. Despite her best intentions, that’s the way Tatiana Belikov rolls, and over the past year she’s tumbled head over heels for her former ex-lover. Hot, indulgent, and ready to cater to her every dirty whim? There’s no way she could resist.

Wyatt Caine is the house, and the house always wins—but love is a precious commodity that rarely crosses his table. His game plan? Drown his woman in pleasure before she realizes he’s hardly a safe bet.

Their happiness burns brighter than the spotlights on the Strip, but when his past rears its ugly head, casting a shadow on their bliss, Wyatt has an important decision to make: time to fold…or go all in.

What worked for me (and what didn’t): I’ve come to expect hot sexy scenes in this series and this book did not disappoint – there’s even a brief f/f/m scene which was both kind of tame but super hot so I think it would work even for those who may not usually read f/f.

In this story, Wyatt and Tatiana have been together for a year. They haven’t said “I love you” but both are thinking it. Both are also nervous about fully committing out loud – for fear the other might not be ready or might run. What I really like about this series is that even when they have fears, even when their thoughts are at times immature and knee jerk, they act like adults. The set up was that Tatiana and Wyatt were together as teenagers/young adults and split amicably (but nevertheless both of them had broken hearts) ten years earlier. They split because they were immature. They didn’t have what it took back then to push past their fears and insecurities and communicate like adults. When they got back together, both of them decided to consciously act like grown ups. And they do. I found this both sympathetic (they’re not perfect people and they still have irrational thoughts and fears and knee-jerk reactions – just like everyone does) and also kind of charming. Given that my least favourite trope in romance is the Big Misunderstanding, it only stands to reason that I would have much love for the opposite of it. Sensible adults getting over themselves and putting their relationship first. That is so romantic and sexy to me I can’t even tell you.

Review at AudioGals

May 3, 2014 / Kaetrin

I’m reviewing Take Me Under by Rhyannon Byrd, narrated by Aletha George today over at AudioGals. This is a book I ranted about on Twitter when I was listening to it. I don’t have many positive things to say about it I’m afraid.

The Will by Kristen Ashley

April 28, 2014 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: I bought this one as soon as it was out because: Kristen Ashley and also various of my reader friends who’d read early copies were saying good things.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) Early in her life, Josephine Malone learned the hard way that there was only one person she could love and trust: her grandmother, Lydia Malone. Out of necessity, unconsciously and very successfully, Josephine donned a disguise to keep all others at bay. She led a globetrotting lifestyle on the fringes of the fashion and music elite, but she kept herself distant.

While Josephine was trotting the globe, retired boxer Jake Spear was living in the same small town as Lydia. There was nothing disguised about Jake. Including the fact he made a habit of making very bad decisions about who to give his love.

But for Josephine and Jake, there was one person who adored them. One person who knew how to lead them to happiness. And one person who was intent on doing it.

Even if she had to do it as her final wish on this earth.

What worked for me (and what didn’t): I haven’t had the same problems with the two most recent Ashley books that others have had. That is to say, I’ve liked them well enough. Sure, they weren’t Motorcycle Man but I found things in them to enjoy. That said, this book was a welcome return to form. The story was long – over 400 pages and the romance was a kind of slow build. The sexual tension was always there but it took a while before the couple became intimate and they got to know each other (even though Jake already knew a lot about Josie, spending time with someone is different) in that time so the romance felt stronger to me. I loved Jake’s kids – Conner, Amber and Ethan and I loved Amber’s besties, boy Taylor and girl Taylor. (Seriously, they were hilarious). There were some great things in the book – including some good messages about self-worth combined with loads of humour and affection of various kinds.