Rogue Pirate's Bride (Sons of the Revolution 3) by Shana Galen

Summary:

Passionate, action-packed Regency romance by RT Reviewer’s Choice award-winning author Shana Galen features the swashbuckling Sebastien Harcourt, Marquis de Valere, and the nautical genius heroine destined to best him. After escaping France on a privateer’s ship, Sebastian becomes the notorious privateer Captain Cutlass. His reputation as a rogue precedes him and he’s undefeated in battle, until he crosses swords with the beautiful daughter of a British admiral. Raven Russell is out for revenge, but now she’s not so sure she wants the dashing captain to change his wicked ways.

Reviewer: Fashionta
It's been over a year since Shana Galen wrote the second book but Rogue Pirate's Bride was worth the wait. The author quickly takes us back to the family we came to love in this series. It was refreshing to read a historical novel like this where the heroine is a strong woman in her own right and the action happens right from the start. It was interesting to see the two sides, the navy and the pirates play out as we explore these two worlds.

I would have liked to see more interaction with his family but the book was already quite long. I have to give 4.5 stars because this one of the best historical books I've read this year and it was worth the wait.

Publishing Date: Feb. 1, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Review Courtesy Of: NetGalley

A-Hunting We Will Go by Kate Roman

Summary:

The Honourable Philip Huntingdon is due to inherit a comfortable country estate, and what should have been a comfortable fortune. But Philip's dissolute guardian has squandered the inheritance, and is now determined Philip must marry a rich heiress as soon as possible. Philip's own preference runs instead to his boyhood friend Fergus, a groom on the estate. When a foxhunting accident brings things to a head Philip must decide: his home, and the life he was born to, or an unknown future with the man he loves?

Reviewer: PurpleRose
This short historical story was okay but I would have liked it to have been longer and started years before we are introduced to the main characters. It felt like we only got to read the last chapter of a full length story. I also thought the author should have let us know what happened to Sir John, which I hoped would be a slow painful death for the way he treated Philip for so many years and wasted all of his inheritance!

I would have also liked to have know more about Philip's love interest Fergus. The only thing we know about him is they have been in a relationship for sometime and have known each other their entire lives. Fergus was only really in 2 scenes in the book and they were both sex scenes. However, despite these faults, this was a cute story with a nice happily ever after ending. I'm giving A-Hunting We Will Go 3 stars.

Publisher: Torquere Press
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Alpha Panthers (Terra-form 1) by Becca Van

Summary:

April Waterson has just waved good-bye to her best friend and work colleague after a ritual Friday night out for dinner and drinks. She heads toward a cabstand and begins to feels ill. When April's vision finally clears, she finds herself in an unfamiliar forest, surrounded by gigantic trees. She falls asleep leaning against a large tree trunk.

April finally awakens and finds herself in a palatial-style mansion with two Alpha shape-shifting panthers, Gage and Saxon Kian, claiming she is their mate. She attempts to escape and finds herself being rescued by another shape-shifter, only this time it's a bear. Ben Koku knows April is his mate as well. He asks April to accept his claim so he may help her deal with the dominant, arrogant panther shifters, and she accepts.

Will the three men be able to convince April she is a worthy mate for the three of them?

Reviewer: QueenBee
Any book that's about shifters other then wolves is a must read in my eyes. But I was disappointed with this book It was an average read, there was nothing outstanding about this book. The setting was interesting but we didn’t get to explore it very much. The bear shifter's home wasn’t even mentioned . I could go on and go on what could of made this book better but honestly it would take too long as it was simple and little things.

I have to give only three stars. I will read the next book in the series when it comes out in hopes that the author explores more of the world of Terra-form and where it is located in accordance with Earth.

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing

Heart Desires by Becca Dale

Summary:

Devlynn Connors doesn’t trust her own ability to find a man who isn’t a control freak, but when she turns her future over to her friends and Madame Eve, she fears nothing will change.

When he flies to Las Vegas for a 1Night Stand hook-up, First Lieutenant Stephan Mallard isn’t looking for love. He’s looking to appease his sister’s fear that he will end up alone. A man can do anything for one night, right?

Can Madame Eve overcome misinformation and misperceptions or will Devlynn and the Lieutenant go home alone?

Reviewer: Dolce Amore
I must say that I expected a lot more from this book. The story line is not credible; the main characters are not sufficiently developed and their behavior is incredibly stupid; and the secondary ones are almost non-existent.

Ms. Becca Dale tried to create an original story where Devlynn Connors meets Erik Mallard on a plane to Vegas. Each are going to Vegas for a blind date, not knowing that the other is their date. I liked this part, it was sweet.

What I didn’t like was that, on the plane, he started to touch her, although a male flight attendant knew what they were doing. And the fact that he invented some kind a fantasy to hide what they were doing. He was saying that she was his wife and he was rubbing her stomach because she was pregnant.

But this part wasn’t the most unbelievable. It seems that Erik let her best friends, who appear in just two or three sentences in the whole book, to complete the questionnaire she received from 1 Night Stand, although she knew that they would chose a strong-minded, arrogant jerk. When you pay a lot of money for a blind date, you make sure that the guy fulfills your requirements. And Devlynn’s date was selected by his sister, this part I understood, who wanted a well-mannered and well-groomed woman.

And then they start to behave strangely: he like a jerk and she like a bitch.

I won’t say more, I will let you find out if they clarify the situation.

I give it just 2 stars and hope that the next of Ms. Becca Dale's books will be better.

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

A Perfect Mess by Winnie Jerome

Summary:

Adrian and Trent from The Perfect Housemate and The Care and Feeding of Demons are back. Adrian, an incubus, is having trouble dealing with the side effects of his transformation.

To make matters worse, Trent and Adrian's half-giant lover Carl has left both of them. As time goes on, Adrian's bedroom antics with Trent have become dull, threatening their new relationship, but an offer to perform at a paranormal BDSM club on Halloween leads to an unexpected and blisteringly sexy conclusion.

Reviewer: Carolina Fruitfly
I don’t know what to say about this short story. I guess it has to be read as part of the series to understand the relationship between the three characters but it really didn't do much for me. At least the end was nice and the return of the third completed this triangle of love. I struggled with a rating but I finally decided on 3 stars.

Publisher: Torquere Press
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Barely Dreaming by Stephanie Beck

Summary:

As dreams come alive, trouble lurks around the corner.

When Neela Raymond and three of her college girlfriends take a camping trip over spring break, they’re abducted by a group of men and held captive for a week. At least that’s what Neela’s been told—she can’t remember any details of the horrifying event. But one thing is very apparent—during that week she became pregnant. Afraid of the possibilities, Neela finds it difficult to attend classes, eat, or sleep.

When Neela finally falls asleep, she wakes in a dream world, where she finds Gabe O’Shay. Though she can’t remember him either, something in her recognizes him.

Gabe and Neela are best friends of a different sort. Created in Neela’s mind when she was just a child, Gabe has always been her dream friend, growing as she did, to eventually become the man of her dreams.

With Gabe’s help, Neela’s memory begins to return, and ugly truths emerge. Snagged in a violent, illegal scheme, Neela will have to struggle for survival. The nightmare is not over yet.

Meanwhile, Gabe has managed to find a tear between the dream world and the real world, but will he arrive too late to help his Neela?

Reviewer: Dolce Amore
This was an unique and interesting book. I've read all her books, and like always Ms Stephanie Beck takes us on an incredible trip that we don’t want to end.

It starts with Neela Raymond who, after a camping trip with three of her college girlfriends, wakes up in a hospital. She can’t remember what happened and nobody will tell her the truth, but she realizes that it was something terrible. She tries to remember, especially when she realizes that she's pregnant as a result!

When Neela decides to call a therapist to help her remember, she dreams of a man who helps her by showing her all the events of that week. It seems that he was a person she created when she was a little girl and who grown up with her. His name is Gabriel O’Shay and some years after his creation, they fall in love.

In the moment Neela’s three friends exchange her to pay their debts to some bad guys; Gabriel succeeds in entering into the real world to save her. They make love and together, they kill everybody but the girls. But she got hurt and that’s why she couldn’t remember what happened.

But there is still someone who's trying to get rid of her and Gabriel might not be able to reach her in the real world soon enough to save her.

Like I said, this book is full of imagination. Although I think the characters could have been more developed, I enjoyed this dramatic story and I will give it 4 stars.

Publisher: Beachwalk Press
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Blue Cruise by Liz Crowe

Summary:

Caleb and Tarkan were an odd couple, men from two different cultures, so in love they were determined to overcome any obstacles. But fate had different plans for Tarkan. Shattered and unable to function a full two years after tragedy strikes, Caleb faces the hollow shell that is his life.

Adem Broussard is happy enough, as owner and chef of his restaurant on the Turkish southern coast. But a tall, American Adonis he saw once, years ago on a Turkish Blue Cruise haunts his most erotic dreams and he hopes contracting with Madame Eve's 1NightStand service for an unconventional date will help him forget.

When Caleb caves in to his friend Elle's insistence that he return to Turkey and exorcise some of the demons that haunt him, he reluctantly climbs on board a private yacht for a special 1NightStand Blue Cruise. There he comes face to face with the man who remembers him well, and wants to help him heal.

Reviewer: CitrusFruit
Blue Cruise is the first novella I've read by author Liz Crowe, but it for sure won't be the last! This story was beautiful beyond words and I'm giving it 4.5 stars. I would have given it the full 5 stars but it was just too short and I wanted more.

Although it was short we still felt a lot of emotions from Caleb in this story; from his heartache over losing Tarkan to his struggling over having new feelings for Adem. Because this story is only about 12k words, I felt like about half the book spent on Caleb's past relationship with Tarkan was a little bit too much. If the story had been longer I wouldn't have had a problem with this, but I felt like not enough was spent with Adem and him, compared to the start of the story.

Even if I felt the past scenes could have been shorter compared to the present day, I still thought they were beautifully written. I loved Tarkan and Caleb's first date and it was very sad to read because you know they don't get a happily ever after. And the scene of Caleb at the airport after finding out Tarkan was killed in a terrorist attack felt very real. How he sat there and didn't know what to do and realized he still had to go on living, even though his life basically just ended, it was a very sad but beautiful scene.

I also loved Caleb's struggling with his feelings for Adem. I thought how the author described it was also very realistic and very well written. I could actually feel how Caleb was feeling and I love that in a story. I also loved Adem and thought it was nice how he could never forgot Caleb, even after 2 years. If the author writes more about these two I will for sure pick it up and I'll also pick up any other books I see from this author.

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Dresden Files: Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

Summary:

Harry Dresden`s life is a mess. His top client (and close friend), Lt. Karrin Murphy, no longer trusts him. Chicago`s underworld and the cops alike think he's mobster Johnny Marcone's supernatural enforcer. And the enigmatic White Council continues to view him with suspicion.

If all that weren''t enough, a pack of werewolves have unleashed a wave of terror on the Windy City.

But as is always the case when it comes to the creatures of the Nevernever, there's far more going on than meets the eye. Before it''s all over, Harry will find himself caught between friends, enemies, and arcane forces bent on his destruction.

Is it any wonder he can't find a date?

Expanding on Book Two of Jim Butcher's New York Times bestselling saga, and featuring writer Mark Powers and artist Chase Conley, Fool Moon collects the first half of the 8-issue series in one volume, complete with bonus material and a cover gallery.

Reviewer: Fashionta
Loses nothing in translation.

I know we've all read a book, then watched the movie, and were horrified at what was left out. Not the case with this outing. I loved the book and enjoyed the graphic novel adaptation equally.

Yes, you do lose a bit with the picture format, but the story, suspense, and characters are retained and that, to me, is what matters.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read, 5 stars.

Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Review Courtesy Of: NetGalley

The Submission Challenge by Jennifer Denys

Summary:

When independent Rebecca derides her best friend’s brother for being a Dominant, he scoffs. She could never understand the lifestyle, but Jon challenges her to be his submissive for twenty-four hours anyway, demanding all that being a submissive entails. Not one to back down from a challenge, Rebecca agrees, determined to show him she can be submissive yet remain emotionally detached.

During the challenge, Jon works all his Dom tricks to try to make her lose, including insisting she be naked constantly, touching her intimately, and using various BDSM techniques, like bondage.

Some tricks Rebecca finds harder to accept than others, but as the weekend continues, they realize they are attracted to each other. But just as Rebecca comes to enjoy giving control to someone else, Jon learns to enjoy having someone who doesn't submit easily. But things aren't that simple.

Reviewer: avidscribe
Jennifer Denys' book is an oft-repeated BDSM storyline. The independent career woman is unknowingly a submissive and it takes the gentle urging of her Dom friend to open her up to the possibilities of a D/s relationship. At less than 80 actual pages, it's a very fast read.

Rebecca watches a scene taking place at a popular club known for its extreme sexual activities. A man has a woman bent over a stool. She is handcuffed and he is whipping her into ecstasy. Around her, an appreciative audience looks on. Her friend Ellie has dragged her there because Ellie's brother, a Dom, frequents the place and Ellie's dying to know what goes on there.

Rebecca, a Taurus, is everything her birth sign is known for. She's independent, likes to take control and says what she thinks. It has sent the men in her life running. She watches the submission of this woman in the club with disgust. She views submission as a vile, domineering activity that is utterly demeaning to women. As she turns to leave, she smacks right into a tall, well muscled man—Ellie's brother, who she doesn't get along with: their respective lifestyles clash.

They banter and Jon challenges her to a 24 hour go at submission in his capable hands. If she wins, he will donate a thousand dollars to her favorite charity. If she loses, she donates to his. Rebecca is unable to back down on the challenge even though everything in her head screams retreat. She agrees.

Right from the get-go in Jon's home, she has problems. He suggests they start with a light lunch. She is not used to the lack of eye contact demanded of a sub. She doesn't want the intimacy of him feeding her on his lap. However, by the end of the meal, she grudgingly realizes there are pleasant aspects to being cared for ... not that she would tell him!

With 23 hours to go, he tells her to disrobe and stay that way. It's a lesson in humility to be followed by one in trust as she allows him to restrain her. Later, over Chinese food, Rebecca and Jon analyze the experience, enjoying their give and take argumentation. She enjoys the conversation as equals though Jon is insistent to maintain the D/s framework so she gets a true taste of the lifestyle.

Of course, he's thinking she's like none of the other women he's been with. She is thinking he's easy on the eyes and can't believe he plays her body like a world class musician. However, the "feeling" part of their play leaves her vulnerable and scared. Full-out sex wasn't on the menu when they agreed to the terms for her 24 hour experience but she can't help but desire him and encourages him on. After the most intense orgasm in both their lives, she revels in tossing it up that he's lost the bet since sex was off the books in the challenge. He is angry at her coldness and believes she allowed penetration just to win the challenge. He storms out of the bedroom, leaving a distraught Rebecca to realize he got to her like no man ever has. She hurries from his home in tears.

For the next two weeks, Rebecca and Jon alternately cry on Ellie's shoulder. The sister realizes they both have fallen in love with each other when each suggests they'd give up their lifestyle if it meant being able to have the other back. Ellie forces a confrontation where both finally admit their feelings and move on with a life together, melding their mutual interests into one.

I think the story would have been made stronger if Jennifer Denys had given us more. The angst and dialog of Rebecca and Jon pouring out their broken hearts to Ellie would have made for a more involving reading experience. Perhaps even to have this book told in 1st person via Rebecca's POV. I liked Rebecca's attempts at 'topping from the bottom' and I always enjoy a story about a tough minded woman discovering she has a soft side that wants and feels. She's actually a shy woman used to hiding behind an air of confidence that Jon finds admirable ... but challenging. In the end, Jon realizes that, for him, submission is a two-way street and who submits isn't as important as it was before he loved the woman he was with. I'd give this a 3 as being an average read.

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Ten Things to Hate About Being a Werewolf by Vic Winter

Summary:

There are a lot of things that Todd doesn't like about being a werewolf. In fact, he's pretty sure he can name at least ten things he hates off the top of his head, from his new diet of raw meat to the fact that there doesn't seem to be any other gay werewolves.

Can an encounter with a stranger who smells divine turn everything around? Or is he doomed to hate his new nature forever?

Reviewer: PurpleRose
Throughout the book, I had a smile on my face. This is a very cute story short which gets straight to the point.

I loved Todd, a newly turned werewolf trying to deal with too many new things, then suddenly things changed when he met his mate, who showed him there are things to love about being a werewolf. It just proves that when the right person comes along, everything gets better and you feel complete. The writing was funny, I give it 4 stars.

Publisher: Torquere Press
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Personal Shopper by Tere Michaels

Summary:

Will Nixon only has three days to whip up the perfect NYC family Christmas to impress his twin sister's future in-laws. By chance he meets the charming and possibly perfect Hudson Smith, an out of town business man, who agrees to be his "personal shopper" in order to get everything done. In the middle of a whirlwind of prep, Will and Hudson find themselves doing more than shopping - they might be falling in love.

Reviewer: RedDragonfly
Will receives a frantic call from his sister, desperately asking for him to make the impossible happen, a Christmas miracle. Well really a Christmas that hopefully makes his twin sister’s future in-laws accept her and her family. Will is up to the challenge – right? It’s only 3 days before everyone arrives, and he needs… well everything! That’s where Hudson comes in, who is in town on business and in a spur of the moment decision, agrees to become his “personal shopper” and maybe more?

This was just so sweet! The commitment and love Will had for his sister in her time of need was awesome! Even if he did grumble a bit! The humor was great and just enough, but not overbearing. It did get a little predictable near the end but was in all very enjoyable!

I give this 4.5 stars… a sweet fun holiday read, definitely recommended!

Publisher: MLR Press
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Loving Damien by Brooke Adams

Summary:

Andrea Blair and Damien King are childhood friends, although their destinies couldn’t be more different. Andrea is human, while Damien belongs to a breed of powerful vampires who are born to immortal parents and live seemingly ordinary lives until they turn thirty, when they are bound by the timeless moon ritual to find a mate among their own kind or risk losing their immortality.

Despite being an irresistibly attractive uptown executive, Damien is a ruthless predator with an insatiable craving for human blood. But his craving for Andrea is equally as strong and he will stop at nothing to make her his mate against all odds, even if it means breaking ancient rules or saving her from other vampires. However, Andrea fears the consequences of loving a bloodthirsty vampire and desperately fights her secret longing to give in to his increasingly sexual demands.

Now, with his thirtieth birthday just a month away, Damien is racing against time to consummate the ritual before the last phase of the lunar eclipse, when must convince Andrea to give herself willingly to him in flesh… and blood.

But humans are off-limits to vampires, except to feed on.

Reviewer: PurpleRose
Damien is a vampire who must pick a mate before his 30th birthday or he will lose his immortality. He wants it to be Andrea his bestfriend from childhood, but she's human...

I give Loving Damien 3.5 stars. While I liked the idea, the storyline, as well as the character, this was a very short story and because of that I found it lacking in world building details. I would have liked to know more about these vampires and more time spent on the actual ritual. I also found it a bit confusing sometimes when in the same paragraph the character's thoughts would switch back and forth between characters.

Publisher: eXcessica
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Too Much Christmas Spirit by Lisa Worrall

Summary:

Vance and Adam are a long-established couple who live on their ranch in Texas.Once a year Adam visits his home town of New York to visit with family and buy his Christmas shopping.When he returns from his annual pilgrimage, Vance gives him a welcome home that involves a non-conventional use of eggnog.

Reviewer: Fashionta
Adam and Vance have been in a committed relationship for nine years now and own a ranch together. Once a year Adam goes back to New York to visit his parents. Vance doesn't like the city so he always stays at home that week.

At the beginning of the story, Adam is just returning home and he walks in to his kitchen to find Vance covered in egg, alcohol, and flour. Turns out Vance was trying to surprise Adam with eggnog because he knows he loves it. Vance ends up deciding that instead of drinking the eggnog, they should use it to cover each other's body parts. And I mean every part ends up covered!

I'm giving Lisa Worrall's Too Much Christmas Spirit 4 stars. This was a very cute short story and I really liked both the characters in it. I just wish it had been longer. If she decides to write more about these two I'll for sure be picking up the book.

Publisher: Rebel Ink Press
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Ms. Claus' List by Deanna Wadsworth

Summary:

I am Ms. Claus.

Note the Ms. not the Mrs.?

Santa is my twin brother…not sure how the married rumor got started, eeew!...but he runs the North Pole except for that one most magical night of the year: Christmas Eve. When Santa is away, the elves will play. With me, if they’re lucky enough to be picked from my List.

Please, no nice elves need apply. Because I really want to find out how naughty you can be!

Reviewer: BlueBell
Frieda Claus loved Christmas Eve, it was the one night a year she let her hair down. As soon as her brother Nick left on his sleigh to bring cheer to all the boys and girls around the world the partying at the North Pole began.

Frieda had a list of her own but it had nothing to do with who was naughty or nice; it was a list of candidates to share her bed for the night. Tonight her candidates would all be male.

Ms. Wadsworth gave us a fun, sexy, fast paced read for Christmas. I enjoyed this story because it was light and funny in places. Frieda believes she has lost the spirit of Christmas and longs to go back the orgies that used to herald the start of the festivities for the elves.

Frieda unlike her brother didn’t come bearing gifts, well at least not ones you could see and hold. However, she did allow the Elves to lose their inhibitions for that one night of the year. She gives the gifts of self confidence, love, and acceptance.

I’m giving this Christmas romp 3.5/5

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Lady Seductress's Ball by Eliza Knight

Summary:

As the wife of the elderly Earl of March, Olivia Covington has never known the intimacies of the bedroom. Though her curiosity is piqued by the shocking whispers of society ladies, she is too wary of causing scandal to indulge in an affair. But Tristan Knightley, Earl of Newcastle, tempts her to throw off propriety.

Tristan wants Olivia for his own, and has sworn off all others until he can rid himself of the obsession. He is sure once he has a taste, he will tire of her, and can return to his rakish existence. Unable to wait to have her in his bed, he invites her for a tryst at Lady Seductress's Ball...

Reviewer: Fashionta
The blurb for the book caught my eye and it didn't disappoint me. Everyone has secret fantasies, and the author created characters who have secret fantasies in an erotic regency England setting which I fell in love with. Too many regency period books are just historical romances and while this one has the usual elements of this genre, the author took it to the next level by introducing the Ball.

I have to give 3.5 stars. This could have been the start to a series and I wish the author would have taken that chance since she introduced minor characters who had the same ideals that the main characters possessed when it comes to sex. It would be interesting also to see the reaction of the ton to the main characters actions.

Publisher: Carina Press
Review Courtesy Of: NetGalley

Simple Gifts by LB Gregg

Summary:

A former ward of the state, Jason Ferris is fiercely protective of his carefully guarded private life. When he's felled by a rogue lawn ornament at a Christmas party, Jason finds himself in the care of his first and most devastating love-- dark, dangerous, and equally damaged Lt. Robb Sharpe.
Newly returned from years away in the military, Robb's homecoming isn't exactly the stuff of fairytales. Now thrust together after a ten year hiatus, the Jason and Robb discover that perhaps some things are worth waiting for

Reviewer: PurpleRose
Jason who is dealing with his feelings as an orphan, thinks he doesn’t belong in a family and that nothing lasts for him. Robb is dealing with PTSD, and his uncertainty about his sanity.

This story was short and sweet. It's about second chances and how true love will always bring you back to your other half. I loved the origami messages and with LB’s exquisite description, I was able to see the piece of art that Jason created. This is one the nicest Christmas stories I've read. Although short, it was very charged. I loved it and give it 4.5.

Publisher: Musa Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Under The Tree by Stephanie Williams

Summary:

It’s more than packages and Christmas candy for Nadia, when her two best male friends give her what she’s been wanting for a long time.

Roger and Jasper “accidentally” read Nadia’s diary and find out her secret desires! They believe they’re the perfect boyfriends for her and are more than willing to give her the Christmas gift of a lifetime.

Wait ‘til Christmas when Nadia sees what’s under the tree!

Reviewer: BlueBell
Jasper and Roger were very naughty - they read their friend Nadia’s diary. They were shocked and delighted to read that she fantasized about having a threesome with them and decided that they would gift her with her fantasy for Christmas.

I really didn’t enjoy this book which was sad as I usually enjoy Ms. Williams work. I didn’t understand why the relationship between Roger and Jasper was glossed over, we were told they are bi-sexual yet they live together and there was no real warmth between them.

Then we add Nadia into the mix and I must say I was totally disappointed. I thought okay, maybe Nadia will link the characters together and I’ll be able to get in tune with them. Wrong!! Still no warmth between the characters and even when a friend comes to stay zip, nada, nothing, absolutely no chemistry between these characters.

I usually enjoy Ms. Williams as I’ve stated but this seemed forced, even rushed and it came up lacking for that reason I’m only giving it a 2.5.

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Kisses Sweeter Than Candy by Shawn Bailey

Summary:

Twenty-six year old Wade Preston, manager of Yummy's Candy Shop, thought he'd done a pretty good job managing the place until his father took a look at the books and insisted they hire a business manager just two weeks before Halloween. Wade doesn't want a partner, and the spoiled rotten heir has no problem using the local haunts to rid the place of its newest employee.

Twenty-two year old Dane Tyler accepted the job as business manager to escape his over-protective parents. He doesn't have a problem working in a haunted candy shop until one of the spirits turns their sights on him. Though he's not usually afraid of ghosts, this one's pranks are turning from dangerous to amorous, and Dane begins to wonder if he has made a bad decision.

Reviewer: PurpleRose
I'm giving Sweeter Than Candy by Shawn Bailey 4/5 stars. I really enjoyed this short novella, I just wish it had been longer and I had a few problems with the storyline. First I really liked both Wade and Dane and I thought Dane's innocence was really cute. I loved the fact that he had to sleep with his two ghosts to fall asleep every night and I thought it was sad how the rest of his family basically ignored him because they couldn't see them. I also liked the secondary characters and hope we see more books for other workers of Yummy's Candy Shop.

Now the reason I'm not giving this book the full 5 star rating is simply because it wasn't long enough to develop the characters. The author also skipped a few weeks in the middle of the book and you find out that the characters basically fell in love in that time. I would have preferred reading about them falling in love and those couple of weeks.

The other problem I had with the book was that the ghost of Ivan took advantage of Wade when he was just a kid. I just thought with this only being a novella the author couldn't really get into the problems that Wade must have because of such a thing happening to him when he was so young. But I was glad that Dane's ghosts figured out a way to kill Ivan for good so he wouldn't come back to do that to any other children.

I really like Shawn Bailey's writing style and can't wait to read more of her books.

Publisher: Silver Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Stockings & Suspenders by Carolyn Rosewood

Summary:

As the temperature drops, the women in this collection of stories find naughty and delicious ways to warm up for the holidays.

A boss with a proposal to make her sweat, a promise from an Italian assistant, a cabin in the middle of nowhere with two men waiting to cater to her every desire, a special surprise for a lonely solider...

All of these encounters and more from ten talented authors. Get ready for some holiday loving...Evernight style

Reviewer: Dolce Amore
The Proposal by London Saint James
Grace Hale is having a bad day. For the first time in two years, she's late to work and she receives a write-up along with a stern scolding from the wicked witch, aka her boss, Charlotte Saxton.

Soon after, she discovers an impressive run in her new black silk stockings; that’s when Dravin Hall, partner and advertising hot shot appears and invites her for a drink. Later, when she broke a nail, Daven helped her. But when she arrives two and a half hours late to her date with Daven, will he still be there?

Marvelous story!!! Ms. London Saint James use of delicious irony, made me laugh over and over again. It also has a very hot scene, so you won’t be disappointed. 5 stars for her story, she deserves it.

Chasing Miss Kringle by C. R. Moss
Jack Vorst is a private detective and his latest case is to find an elf… or whatever it is, that's helping people using some kind of magic. He asks Kristina Cristkindle, a woman he meets in the gym, to go out with him. After a few scenes of hot mental sex, he realize that the elf has to be Kristina. Will they have a future together?

It's a hot story. I loved the mental scenes. Magic exists in the world if you know where to look. I give it 4.5 stars.

Snow Angel by Jezebel Jorge
Minerva Madison is driving to her sister's when she has a car accident and gets stuck in the snow. She is rescued by Brian Carson who recognizes her as the erotic writer she is.

I loved Brian’s home… It’s a hot story, perfect to be read in front of a fireplace; if you don’t have one, improvise. It deserves 5 stars.

Naughty & Nice by Lila Shaw
Chrissy is a succubus and she works for Santa. On Christmas, she gets a list of who's been the nicest of the nice and she pays them a visit. And now it's time for Lt. David Ramsey to enjoy his reward. However, there is some kind of confusion and she beds the wrong man.

I loved the story. Capt. Marcus Torino switched identities with Lt. David Ramsey and he got the junior officer’s special Christmas gift. I really enjoyed their meeting and the end was a surprise… Santa sees all, Santa knows all… and Santa gives presents if you are nice. I rate it 5 stars.

Making the Naughty List by Seleste deLaney
Daisy Duke was saved from the streets of Detroit by Brady, one of Santa’s elves; now she too works for Santa. Her last assignment is to bring Gage Thomas to his senses; he was on Santa’s naughty list for several years. But her boss didn’t tell her the whole truth…

Wonderful! Ms Seleste deLaney did a great job. I fell for Daisy and Gage, they are amazing characters. And the humor added to the story takes it to a new dimension. It deserves 5 stars.

A Very Naughty Christmas by Carolyn Rosewood
Nita is going to her Aunt Susie’s new house in the wilds of Portage County; but she gets lost in the snowstorm. She finds a refugee with Alex and Cameron. They fell for her two years ago, when they saw her for the first time; her visit is like a dream coming true, but will Nita stay or she will leave the only happiness she found in a long time?

Sweet and hot at the same time, this story is about lost and second chances. It’s about every women’s fantasy, finding two men who show their love and passion. I can’t give it less than 5 stars.

Promises by Xondra Day
After a traumatic childhood, Leda James doesn’t do relationships. However, Joey has decided to have her and when both of them were caught by the snowfall in Leda’s bakery, he decides to go for it.

I liked the story. The story line is simple, but it is a short story. I rate it 4 stars.

Santa's Little Helper by Kelly Yeakle
Miranda Wilson is a rich and vain young woman until her father temporarily revokes her access to her trust fund. He tells her that she has to find a job or she will lose everything. And the only job she gets is in O’Hurleys, as one of Santa's little helpers at the photo kiosk. Craig Davis, her boss, changes her by making her falling in love with him.

This is a story about redemption… you can change if you want. And like always, love is the deciding factor. Miranda is a smart woman, I liked her character. 5 stars for it.

Mistletoe Masquerade by Alaska Angelini
Jeanie has a secret admirer who invited her to a masquerade. There, she followed the sad and beautiful music and she finds Jared. Jared and his best friend Edward Collins sent her the invitation.

The hot scenes between them are very well written and very good for a short story. I give it 5 stars.

Letter to Santa by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy
Elise writes to Santa asking for a lover. When Nicholas knocks at her door just after she drank her third glass of wine, she thinks he is her present. After a night full of passion, he tells her who he really is.

I enjoyed Elise and Nicholas’s story. Love can give your deepest desire if you believe enough and Elise believed. And who doesn’t want a hot and attractive lover? I give it 5 stars.

This anthology is perfect for this holiday season! It deserves 4.5 stars.

Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Peppermint Passion by Ann Mayburn

Summary:

Shyla has dreamt about, lusted after and fallen in love with her bosses over the past year that she has worked for them. With only a few months left before she graduates and earns her teaching degree, she decides to make her move at the company Christmas Party. As if that wasn't nerve racking enough, her place of employment is an exclusive BDSM club and her plans to ensnare her Dominant bosses attention revolves around them bidding on her at the charity submissive auction.

Trent and Jack have been fighting a losing battle to keep their hands off of their beautiful waitress, Shyla, until she no longer works for them. Her gentle spirit and genuinely good heart call to them almost as much as her obvious submissive inclinations. When she surprises them by arriving at their Christmas party dressed like a wet fetish dream, and they learn she plans on being part of the submissive auction, the men quickly decide that the time to show Shyla who she belongs to and who truly loves her has arrived.

Reviewer: Dolce Amore
Shyla fell in love with her bosses from the first moment she saw them. But she was supposed to work with them, as a waitress, so she kept her distance from them.

Now, after a year working for them and finally being able to quit her job, she has decided to try and see if she can have them both. She knew they were Master Doms and she was very interested in knowing what it was all about it.

Shyla goes to the Christmas party they organized with friends, determined to have them or just try BDSM, so she joins in the submissive charity auction.

Jack and Trent loved Shyla from the start but they waited… and now have decided to act and have her.

The story was sweet, and because of some misunderstandings, they all lost a year of happiness, but it does have a happy ending. I will give it 3.5 stars.

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Nice: Christmas Mistletoe by M. Durango

Summary:

Ben Warren’s year is ending on a down note: he dumped his two-timing boyfriend, got laid off from his job, and moved home with his parents. Not sure what to do next, he spends the Christmas season working at his family’s Christmas Tree lot, a job he thought he’d left behind years before. When Nick Paine, a former high school track buddy, shows up in search of the perfect tree, Ben thinks it’s just another business transaction. Once Nick makes it obvious his interest is more personal, Ben realizes his year might end on a positive note after all.

Reviewer: RedDragonfly
Ben finds himself back living in his childhood home with his parents after the company he worked for failed. This holiday season, he is helping out with the Christmas Tree lot, a job he could very well do in his sleep! Nick, his former high school friend, comes around one evening, along with his niece, in search for the perfect tree. Agreeing to meet up the following night, in what Ben thinks is old buddies getting together, turns out to be much more!

I give this 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed this story, it was a cute, sweet, holiday short.

Publisher: Torquere Press
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Mr. Mistletoe by Cassandre Dayne

Summary:

Brendon Cannon was ready to make a New Year’s Resolution early and it included seducing one hot chocolate bartender under the mistletoe. Making a proclamation in the middle of a bar to his best friend, too bad Brendon didn’t have to guts to follow through.

Recently divorced and hiding behind a mask, he was unable to admit to himself he was gay – let alone to his family – and the big Christmas event was just days away.

But after a flirtatious night Brendon found himself embroiled in a moment of heated passion that set him on fire. Terrified of his reckless behavior he pushed away from Kris completely.

More than intrigued by the man, Kris had no idea what to do until a little elf decided to intervene. A plan formulated but it was going to take more than a bit of Christmas Magic to give Brendon the courage he needed to be himself.

As luck and bit of holiday spirit wraps around Brendon reminding him of what he desires the most, he’s given a special gift and one he will never forget.

Reviewer: Fashionta
I hadn't read any of Cassandre Dayne works before, so I had no clue what I was getting into. It sounded like it could be a fun, sexy short story to enjoy.

Brendon makes the decision that for his New Year’s Resolution, he is going to once and for all have Kris the hot sexy bartender. Even as his friend encourages him to go for it, he falters. The problem… Brendon is unsure how his family will react to him being in a relationship with another man. So all that is needed now is a little bit of Christmas magic from a sneaky friend, a sprig of mistletoe, and a white Christmas wouldn’t hurt.

I had a hard time with this book. It felt mostly rushed and thrown together. The chemistry with Brendon and Kris just didn’t work for me. There were moments that were ok, but for the most part it fell flat.

I’d give this 3 stars, more detail and story buildup would have been welcome and nice.

Publisher: Naughty Nights Press
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

A Regency Menage Tale: Risque by Kristabel Reed

Summary:

The young widow Mrs. Alexandria Prescott enjoys her untainted reputation. In private, however, her sexual appetites know no bounds. An encounter with Kane Huntington changes that. Alix finds she can't help herself or her desire to test his notorious reputation and invites him to prove his mettle in her bedroom.

They enjoy their pleasurable games until jealousy's green eyes come between them in the form of Brent, the young Earl of Rowan. Unwilling to let themselves be bested in this game of passions, Alix and Kane use Brent as a pawn in their maneuvers against each other.

However, Brent has other ideas about his future and what—and who—it'll involve. He skillfully turns the tables on them and, despite the games they play, creates an image of the perfect ménage. But things never go as planned and when their secret is threatened will the three of them run? Or will they be clever and strong enough, to hide their love in plain sight?

Reviewer: RedHibiscus
I could feel the attraction between Alix and Kane from the first moment they met. They both thought they knew what they wanted from their relationship, they just wanted an affair. Then Alix meets Brent Kendrick, Earl of Rowan and Alix decides to make Kane jealous by using Brent as a pawn, and Brent agreed.

I was a little bit surprised with this story. I though Brent, the Earl of Rowan, and Kane hated each other, I did not expect that they would also be attracted to each other. Kane seduced Brent after he saw Alix kiss her best friend Emily. And Alix starts a sexual relationship with Brent after she found out about Brent and Kane's relationship. Alix and Kane are playing games with each other, and Rowan is caught the middle.

This story is mainly about the relationship between Alix and Kane, and Kane and Brent, and how Brent wants the three of them to be together in a relationship. While Brent and Kane's relationship became closer and more loving everyday, their relationship with Alix became more distance. Both Kane and Rowan pursued Alix, and are sure they want Alix in their life, but they are afraid their lifestyle will shock the ton. When the three of them finally begin their relationship, I could feel the love they had for each other, even as they prepared for the consequences. In the end, the three of them find a way to make sure their relationship succeeds, so that they can become an unconventional family and live happily with each other. 4 stars.

Publisher: Ravenous Romance
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Naughty: The Santa Problem by Tam Ames

Summary:

Lane would do most anything to make his live-in love Gavin happy, but this is taking things too far. Just because Gavin can’t find someone to play Santa at his office building doesn’t mean it’s Lane’s problem, too. But Gavin can be very persuasive when he wants his way, and Lane may be taking on more than he can handle in order to keep his man content.

Reviewer: RedDragonfly
This story is about Lane who has to dress up as Santa to help out his live in boyfriend Gavin (the person who normally plays Santa couldn't do it that year). Lane at first is reluctant but all Gavin has to do is bat his puppy dog eyes at him and call him "sweetie". When Lane is finally playing Santa, thing after thing goes wrong -- from troublesome kids to a little girl peeing on him. The story ends with both characters telling each other how much they love the other.

Both Lane and Gavin were enjoyable to read about. Lane is a sucker for Gavin and would do anything for him, and Gavin trying to convince Lane to play Santa was pretty funny. I would like to read more about these two, this was just a small taste of a story that could be much bigger. I'm giving Tam Ames's The Santa Problem 4 stars.

Publisher: Torquere Press
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Unwrapping Scrooge by Anne Holly

Summary:

Bestselling author Kale McKinnon is a modern Scrooge – eccentric, misanthropic and reclusive, made bitter by the coldness of his wealthy family. But when optimistic Canadian graduate student Molly Gillis visits Oxford and invades his space, he realizes Christmas is about to change for him forever. But can he make her stay, and force himself to un-Scrooge enough to be the right man for her?

Reviewer: Dolce Amore
This story is about bestselling author Kale McKinnon who prefers to be alone. However, his world changes when he meets Molly Gillis, a Canadian college student spending a year at Oxford. First, he tries to hide from her, but when she has to prepare his breakfast each morning, they slowly start to talk about everything and anything. And the feelings they try to deny are gradually growing.

I really enjoyed this book. For a short story, the characters are very well developed; the story line is credible, easy to follow and sweet. Though, I would have liked it more if it there were more sparks. I give it 4 stars.

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Hardly a Stranger (The Hunt Club Chronicles 3) by Heather Boyd

Summary:

Ambrose Manning, Duke of Staines, has the worst luck in wives and lovers. A widow for fifteen years, he’s busy running his gentleman’s club, snatches pleasure from transient lovers, and relies on Francis Redding to provide intelligent companionship between social engagements. There is only one problem with his relationship with Redding; the man would make the perfect lover, if only he wasn’t a dependant servant.

Life-long footman to the Duke of Staines, Francis Redding, is hardly a stranger to the disappointment of unreachable dreams or the duke’s unorthodox love life. He’s lived in the duke’s shadow for most of his life, trained as a surgeon at his request, too, and has all too frequently kept the duke out of trouble. It’s not a bad life for a farmer’s son, until the duke’s luck runs out.

Publishers Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations some readers may find objectionable: anal play and male/male sexual practices.

Reviewer: BlackTulip
The Duke of Staines and Francis Redding are two characters that briefly made an appearance in the first and second book of the series. This is at last their story.

Ambrose Manning, Duke of Staines, will turn five and forty next month and he suddenly felt old, tired and bored. He was happy once and very much in love with his wife. She had been the perfect woman for him but it lasted only ten years. He was devastated when she died so unexpectedly, and that day, his heart shattered into a thousand pieces, but it was fifteen years ago.

He created a very special and exclusive Club and he threw himself wholeheartedly into it. For the last decade, it has been a great success and has filled his life, as well as some brief affairs from time to time.... but has it ever been enough to fill that void inside him? Maybe not.

Francis Redding, a farmer's son, has been first a childhood companion then he became a servant and later the Duke of Staines' footman. Then following the Duke's suggestion he trained to become a surgeon to his bawdy house.

They have a very strange and unique servant-master relationship. It is not unusual for the Duke to seek his company and discuss any important or unimportant matters he has on his mind. To Francis it is always a pleasure. He is a very reliable man and many times he was able to save Ambrose from awkward situations, which sadly has became a habit.

It is obvious that after thirty years of living side by side that they have a true friendship. But during these past ten years something else grew as time went on. Ambrose has recognized it but desperately fought it. First, because he made a rule to never dally with any servants or employees, second, because he is not so sure how these feelings would be received, not knowing if Francis is even attracted to men. But most of all because he is too afraid to lose what they share together.

Francis on the other hand felt many times that something else was in the air but he is not able to put a name on it or maybe he is simply to afraid too.

Then one night Ambrose is challenged in a stupid duel for the wrong reasons and is shot. God damn it, he was too young to die... and he would miss Redding!

It is only the beginning of their love story. Ambrose will need a very good surgeon, thank god he has one handy. Even injured and in pain he has no choice but to show what he feels because life is too short and he is not going to wait another ten years.

Once again Heather Boyd has written a very good book. It doesn't have all the tension and angst of the second one but is very similar in many ways to the first of the series. I heard that there would be another one in 2012. I cannot wait to read it. I give 4.5/5.

Publisher: Night Shift Publishing

Mistletoe & Menage (The Sextet Anthologies, Vol. 5) by Elizabeth Raines

Summary:

Are there visions of sugarplums dancing in your head? Or are you wishing for a package filled with hot, sweet love for Christmas? If so, then be sure to check your stocking for the latest installment of the Sextet Anthologies, Mistletoe & Ménage.

The Sextet elves have been making a list and checking it twice to include something for every taste, whether naughty or nice. They’ve got the man—or men—of your dreams all tied up with ribbons and bows and ready for delivery just in time for your Christmas enjoyment. These guys are guaranteed to jingle your sleigh bells, deck your halls, and take you walking in a winter wonderland of sensuous treats. So, whether you want one, two, or even three sexy Santas beneath your Christmas tree this year, curl up with a cup of steaming hot chocolate and let us fulfill your Christmas wishes like never before!

Reviewer: RedHibiscus
Home for Christmas by Elizabeth Raines
Jayne Reynolds, Steve Mason, and Matt Wagner have been best friend since they were children, but things changed when Jayne fell in love with them. Now after being gone for 2 years she's coming home. Steve and Matt want her back in their live. Jayne keeps denying her feelings for Steve and Matt, she's afraid, and Steve and Matt will have to convince her that she can have a happy ever after with both of them.

I loved this story, I could feel the attraction between these three. Although this is a short stories, the author describe the story perfectly, the sex scenes were hot. Just what you expect when you read this genre, and Elizabeth Raines delivered a very hot book.
5 stars

Angel on Broadway by Cheryl Brooks
Even after 5 years, Ariel Nathanson is still mourning her late husband, then she meets Alexei and Nico Tomaris. Years ago, her late husband was a guitarist in a band Alexei and Nico Tomaris were part of.

Now Ariel meets them again and falls for both of them. I thought this was nice story, a widow willing to find love again, this time she falls for 2 men.

The sex was hot, I couldn’t believe prim and proper Ariel could engage in something hot with 2 guys at once. And I couldn't help but laugh at the pink sex toy with lips on it. I love the way the author described the relationship between these three, this girl needed her happy ending and who can resist 2 Greek gods? Ariel couldn’t and I loved every minute of it.
5 stars

Thrice Upon a Yuletide by Bethany Michaels
This is an unconventional love stories of three friends. They live in 1880s, and they have a ménage relationship. Anna is one lucky girl, she has 2 men that love her unconditionally. One is her husband Stephen, the other is their friend Phillip. Their relationship began from their childhood, then changed from friend to lover. But Phillip is in dilemma. He's craving a family and wife of his own, but he only loves his friend Anna, and Anna is married to Stephen. He's also afraid that the nature of their relationship will destroy his friends. Society already suspects and it’s up to him to save their relationship. To do that he will have to marry another girl. In the end, Phillip will have to choose between his love for Anna, or appearances for the sake of society.

I love the closeness of their relationship, but it was kind of unreal how Phillip's fiancee accepted that Phillip was in menage relationship, but this is fiction so for that I can accept it too. The love scenes were not as hot as the previous two stories.
5 stars

A Little Elfin Magic by Mellanie Szereto
Christopher Greene and Nick Slater are attracted to their best friend Noelle Merriweather. And without her knowledge, they decide to share her between them. I love the way Mellanie Szereto wrote this book; the hot love scenes, the relationship between friends. Overall this is the kind of book I love to read during the holiday season. And I can't forget the mocha flavor lubricants!
5 stars

Two Kisses Under the Mistletoe by Niki Hayes
Julie Logan is a writer who is returning to her hometown after 5 years. Her friend Kevin and her ex boyfriend John both love her and they want her stay in Irish Valley forever with them and will do whatever it takes to make that happen.

The plot was simple, after all this is a short story. Overall this is just a nice short erotica story to read this season.
5 stars

Each of these erotica short stories are about three best friends who find love with each other. This anthology is perfect to read this holiday season! 5 stars

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Nice: The Joy of Christmas Shopping by Mara Ismine

Summary:

Is visiting a sex shop with your best friend a good antidote to Christmas shopping? Or is it a good way to move the relationship to something more than just best friends? Keith and David are about to find out.

Reviewer: RedDragonfly
David and Keith met 10 years ago in a halfway house for boys with no other place to live, since that time they have become best friends. David is very socially awkward and doesn't know how to make friends or relationships, so Keith is unsure if David even feels sexual attraction. David has gone as far as looking up how to date and flirting tips in hopes of getting Keith to see how he feels. Keith finally suggests going to a sex shop while they are out shopping in hopes of getting a rise out of David. While in the shop David finally admits that he is gay and this leads to both confessing to having feelings for the other.

This was a really cute short story, there was only one brief kiss at the end so nothing heavy if that's what you are looking for. I liked both characters and would like to read more about their developing relationship. The only thing that seemed weird to me was that the sex shop they went to was in a mall. It might just be me but I've never seen any shops like that at any mall and didn't think that was something they would have at a place that families shop. I'm giving this book 3.5 stars.

Publisher: Torquere Press
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Patchouli for Christmas by Bren Christopher

Summary:

New York City event planner Michael Cove has a business to run and no time for a relationship. Especially when all around him he sees the pain caused by the inevitable failure of those relationships. He prefers to spend his time planning celebrations for others, seeking only the occasional fling when the need for company becomes too great. But when a wealthy client demands that her grandson’s dark and gloomy paintings be used to decorate her Christmas party, he visits the brooding artist in his loft and discovers an unexpected attraction to the patchouli-scented, modern day hippie.

Artist and do-gooder Jude Kendrick has his reasons for disliking Christmas, and prefers to withdraw alone to his loft for the holidays. Although he is in no mood for a visit from a party planner, he cannot deny the heat that flares between them the moment they meet.

They have nothing in common except the loneliness of the holidays. Can Michael lift the spirits of the moody Jude, and can Jude convince Michael to risk his heart?

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices.

Reviewer: Carolina Fruitfly
Michael is an event planner in New York City and running his own business leaves little time for a relationship. Besides who needs one, when one-night stands and flings will do just fine? He is in the process planning a big Christmas party for a very important client who wants her grandson’s paintings to be hung for the Christmas party. One problem… how can you make a cheery holiday party with paintings that invoke a dark and gloomy atmosphere?

Jude is an artist and activist for environmental and animal rights. With the Holidays approaching Jude has become withdrawn with memories of the past he’d much rather forget. He does not appreciate Michael showing up at his apartment, but seeing as it’s for his grandmother – what choice does he have?

This was a really fun read; I loved the way Michael and Jude acted around each other, it had just the right touch of humor! You can’t go wrong with a meddling grandmother who loves her grandson, an inspiring yoga session, and chemistry that bring together an artist and an event planner and gives them hope. I would love to see more of Michael and Jude in the future – maybe?

I give this 3.5 stars, was very enjoyable!

Publisher: Loose Id
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Faded Star by Shawn Bailey

Summary:

Drunk and distraught over a news report about his sexuality, movie star Heath Evans accidentally drives his truck into a freeway embankment. Expecting to be ostracized by family and fans alike, he welcomes death.
Physical therapist Seiji Kichida doesn't let the often rude actor faze him with his insults and stereotypical comments. His job is to tend Heath's injured body, not heal his injured soul, but lonely Seiji has idolized Heath since he first arrived in America. Can he help Heath face his future as an openly gay man? He'll need to stand up to Heath's rage, but will he succumb to the actor's sensual glances and tender advances?

Reviewer: Fashionta
I’ve read a few Shawn Bailey books, and enjoyed them, so I was sure I’d enjoy this one. I really liked the idea behind this short story, and it was a cute story. I’m not sure how I feel about how Seiji and Heath’s relationship started. I would have liked to see it prolonged a bit, or dragged out more. The chemistry between Seiji and Heath wasn’t as strong as I would have liked either. More details would have been nice, or at least more back story on both characters. It was still sweet how Seiji was able to help Heath through some difficult issues and with his therapy. Maybe there can be another longer story to follow up on the relationship of Heath and Seiji?

I give this 3 stars. As it was a good read, and I’d really like to see more on Heath and Seiji!

Publisher: Silver Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Unwrapped by Cari Quinn

Summary:

Caitlyn Sachs has a great life. A family she loves, check. An incredible design job working with her best friends, Tristan and Matt, check. An amazing home she shares with the guys, double check. But her upcoming twenty-fifth birthday and the desire to shed the burden of her virginity have spurred her to consider something shocking. All she wants is one uncomplicated night with one of her best friends, no strings attached. But how can she choose?

Except there’s another problem. Tristan and Matt are already involved sexually with each other, much to Cait’s shock. And both men have long harbored feelings for Cait that go way beyond friendship. When they whisk her away for her birthday to a cabin in the mountains, she discovers the extent of their lust—and her own. The gift they give her is one she'll never forget.

But when the weekend's over, will she retreat to the safety of the status quo, if they'll even let her, or will she finally embrace what she's secretly craved for so long?

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices, menage (m/f/m, m/m/f).

Reviewer: RedDragonfly
I must say after reading the blurb I was disappointed with how the book turned out. The storyline had potential that I think was wasted by Ms. Quinn.

Unwrapped started with Caitlyn thinking about losing her virginity in her mother's house with her whole family there, talk about turn-off! I was more interested in her family than I was in her which started to worry me but I wanted to give the storyline a chance.

The mm sex scenes to me were unbelievable. I felt no connection between Matt and Tristan then throw in Cait spying on them and it made it feel unemotional, like it had to be there. Chapter 4 was what most disturbed me. I was surprised Matt tried to kidnap Cait, plus with all the bondage talk going on then and later, I wonder why this book wasn't given a BDSM warning, even though I do consider it mild.

There were parts that I loved like Matt and Tristan's masculinity would not let them say I love you to each other and Cait's younger sister dealing with emotional issues. But I felt that Tristan's sister dying from Cystic fibrosis could have been explained better and when all families were told about them being together it fizzled to a blah ending.

I rate this book 2.5. Overall it's not a bad book just not great.

Publisher: Loose Id
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Two Sides of Scrooge by Christopher Craven

Summary:

Snowflakes scattered through the air as Carsyn stepped out from his tall office building, the ringing bells of pseudo Santa’s drowned the sidewalks and hums of “Carol of the Bells” echoed from Grant Park. Yes, Christmas was in the air. The holiday, however, never really phased Carsyn Glanders and truth be told--it made him sick to his stomach.

Can a look back with the help of an old flame change Carsyn's future?

Reviewer: RedDragonfly
Carsyn is your typical holiday Scrooge, he has everything anyone could ever want except for love. Can a visit from a not so ghostly person of his past help him to remember that love is just around the corner, if only he takes a chance?

For a short story I really liked it. Carsyn may have come to understand how to change a bit too quickly, but it still worked for this story. Even before he realized he wanted to change he was trying to, in small ways. I’d definitely love to read more about Carysn and Landon.

I give this 3.5 stars, a fun holiday short story!

Publisher: Rebel Ink Press
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Christmas Lovers (Kidnap Fantasies 2) by Jan Springer

Summary:

Kidnap Fantasies Inc., a top secret kidnapping and fantasy organization.

Sergeant Connor Jordan, wounded in Iraq and sent back to the States to recuperate, can't stop secretly fantasizing about his sexy nurse. When his three brothers give him a holiday gift certificate to Kidnap Fantasies, Inc., Connor knows he'll act on it, if only to help him forget his wickedly delicious attraction to Nurse Sparks. Hmm…and then there's that secret little male-male fantasy he wouldn't mind trying…

Nurse Tangle Sparks has always been purely professional with her injured soldiers…until she meets sinfully sexy Sergeant Connor Jordan. He makes her body throb with an intense need she's never had before. But the last thing she wants to do is to get involved.

So what's a girl supposed to do to relieve her sexual frustrations? Call her secret part-time employer Kidnap Fantasies and have them supply her with a man who'll help her forget her sexy soldier.

When Tangle and Connor unexpectedly come together at a secluded mountain chalet during the holiday weekend, their love explodes in a ménage of passion, mind-blowing sex and sensuous desires that will tangle them forever.

Note: Contains ménage and same-sex scene.

Reviewer: avidscribe
25 year old Sergeant Connor Jordan is an Iraqi war veteran recuperating in a U.S. hospital after a blast has left him with burns, broken bones in both legs and temporary blindness. As snatches of memory come back to him and he starts to relive the explosion, he feels the feminine hand of Nurse Sparks, his Florence Nightingale, who tends to his wounds and aids his recovery.

She’s a small thing with chocolate brown eyes and a tangle of blond hair. He’s instantly in lust as his vision clears and he sees her for the first time. She’s there to administer a sponge bath which turns into more when she spots his enormous erection.

And then he’s out, a month has passed and he’s partying with his buddies and reflecting back on this woman he can’t get out of his mind. His buddies have pooled their money together to give him a holiday sex-fest compliments of Kidnap Fantasies, a top secret fantasy business. He is whisked away to a mountain top chalet in Canada’s Rocky Mountains after filling out their questionnaire. He’s chosen a menage a trois, mm, mf and mfm as things he would enjoy. When he’s asked to describe his physical preferences for his partner, he eagerly writes out his nurse’s description, never knowing that she works part time for this secret fantasy business.

She doesn’t know she’s being set up with him either, of course. She, too, hasn’t gotten him out of her head and when she’s brought to the chalet after asking for a new assignment (centering around a man fitting the sergeant’s physical description) she is shocked to discover it’s Connor and both give in to their long held passion immediately.

With an accelerated timeline and not much character development, the story is sweet and short and a feel-good read for the holidays. An average read. I'd give it two and a half stars.

Note: Anal play, mm, mfm, play kidnapping scenario and mistletoe.

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

The Christmas Gift by Donna McIntosh

Summary:

Christmas had been perfect for policeman Tom Hughes and his partner/lover Joey Lawrence for the six years that they had been partnered. Both had grown up in poor homes and never had much in the way of fun Christmases so they made up for it by making Christmas their special time together with a tree, presents, decorations, a big meal and celebrating in their own private way.

Now Joey was gone; lost in the line of duty and all Tom could think about was getting drunk and staying drunk until Christmas was over with. He never counted on meeting up with Santa Claus in his local bar.

Santa Claus was tired after giving out presents and candy canes all day at the nearby mall and he had one last gift to give out – a small red rubber ball – and he decided it was meant for policeman Tom Hughes!

Reviewer: RedDragonfly
The description for this book does not do it justice. When I picked it up, I thought it was going to be about Tom meeting some guy that plays Santa and finally forgetting about his dead lover Joey.

Turns out that Santa is really the real Santa and gives Tom a magical ball that works as a time machine (sounds a little weird I know but it was really cute when you read it). Tom is able to go back in time and save his lover Joey from being murdered during a drug bust they were working on.

I really liked this book and I'm glad it turned out completely different than I thought it was going to be, since it was actually better this way. I'm giving this book 4 stars and would like to read more about these two or even a prequel of when Joey and Tom first became partners and fell in love.

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Honored Vow (Change of Heart 3) by Mary Calmes

Summary:

Sequel to Trusted Bond

Jin Rayne is still growing into his frightening new powers as a nekhene cat and his place as reah of Logan Church’s tribe when he learns that a sepat, an honor challenge, has been called. Logan, who has never wanted to do anything but lead his small-town tribe, must travel around the world to Mongolia and fight to become the most powerful leader in the werepanther world.

Logan won’t be the only one making the journey. As his mate, Jin must fight with him to honor his commitment to Logan, his culture, and his tribe. But the trial is long, involving a prolonged separation between the two men, and Logan’s humanity is at stake. In order to make it through the nightmarish sepat, Jin and Logan must accept their fates, trust each other, and honor the vows between them no matter the cost.

Reviewer: TigerLily
Honored Vow is the third story in the Change of Heart Series, it is also the last book that is to be focused on Jin and Logan. I have loved the first 2 books, Change of Heart, and Trusted Bond by Mary Calmes, so I knew I wouldn’t have anything to worry about with this one – let me tell you…I wasn’t wrong!

I’m not even sure where to begin. I simply LOVED this book, the plot, the characters, everything! But I will say in the very, very beginning...I was debating. I almost put it down! It was a very good thing I continued on though. I can’t remember crying to much over a book recently and this one was so emotional for me. I loved seeing all the characters we remember from the previous books, as well as some new ones. There was practically never a break to breathe or if we were lucky enough to get one, it didn’t last. LOL.

Jin is having to learn how to deal with his new powers of being the only nekhene cat in such a long time. At the same time he has to go through yet another forced separation! My heart constantly went out to him. It was truly fun to see him understanding his powers…though I wonder if he will still have more to learn? I guess we’ll just have to wait for the next book in this werepanther series!

I don’t know how Logan was able to stand being away from Jin for so long, and yet hang on to his humanity! Logan has to deal with Jin coming into his powers, keeping his family together, and trying to stay alive through the truly horrific sepatation.

I give this 5 stars! You really get to see how strong the chemistry is with Jin and Logan. How much they love not only each other but all their friends and family. Logan is so sweet, but with Jin it’s breathtaking!

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Embraced (The Conditioned 2) by Rebecca Royce

Summary:

Benedicte Lavelle is a single father raising two small daughters. When his neighbors put him in charge of handling the haunting that plagues their neighborhood, he has no choice but to use disreputable means in order to bring in a Conditioned ghost hunter to help with their problem. He doesn’t expect to be drawn to the young woman who arrives at his house in chains. He doesn’t expect to have his entire life thrown into upheaval when she is snatched away.

Conditioned prisoner Seven-Two-Four has never had a name. She cannot read, and is scheduled to die as soon as she is returned to the Institution. The Conditioned are not considered human, but Seven can see ghost energy and she can love Ben like no one ever has before.

When fate takes Seven from Ben’s arms, can he move on and find a new purpose in life or will he be forever trapped by the need to rescue those like his lost love?

Reviewer: Amlyt
This book reminds me of the X-men movies, where mutant women and men are locked up when they are discovered and have limited rights. In this alternative earth everyone who displays any powers, whether it be mental or elemental is taken away. It was a well written story with a planned out storyline and characters.

I have to give it just two and half stars though. The idea is very similar to the X-men but it’s disappointing that the power of Daphne, one of the twin's power was revealed and that her her uncle, her twin and her father, who's the hero of this story, also have powers and we don’t know what those powers are, perhaps this with be revealed in another book. (This book is part of a series and should be read in order.)

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Knightly Love by Fyn Alexander

Summary:

In the days when men sought to rescue damsels in distress, Sir Benedict Childerley’s only desire is to rescue Lord Robin Holt from an arranged marriage. Lord Robin, a sweet, gentle boy from a wealthy family, wants a knight in shining armor.

When they meet Sir Ben is not charging in a white steed, but on his back unconscious after a jousting accident. Temporarily banished to a Welsh monastery, Lord Robin tends the knight’s injuries, and despite this ignominious first encounter, Lord Robin quickly realizes that the handsome knight is the only man who can win his heart. Sir Ben, the bastard son of a rich lord, is willing to fight an army in order to keep his beloved boy.

Reviewer: BlackTulip
Quiet frankly I don't like the BDSM philosophy, but to be able to have an opinion on the subject I knew I had to read one or two books as an experiment. This is my third book and I can say for sure that it will be my last, but nevertheless it was an interesting story.

The first one was The Keeper by Kalita Kasar which wasn't so bad; the second one was Precious Jade by Fyn Alexander and I hated it. So why did I read another one? Maybe because it is a medieval story and that it seemed a little different from the others.

Lord Robin is his father's heir but he is the complete opposite of what was expected of a young man in medieval times. Indeed, he has all the accomplishments of a young maiden; he likes to sew, cook, and is very sensitive, he dreams of love and tenderness. His father and brother have absolutely no consideration for him due to his total lack of masculine skills. They find him weak and useless as does the entire household.

He is a very submissive person (and this is an understatement), who only wants to please and be loved. Unfortunately for him, he gave his very young heart to the wrong man who took advantage and total control over him in a sadistic way. When taken in flagrante delicto with his pants down with his tutor, he is left to his fate by everyone and banished to a monastery.

Against all odds, it is there that he will find the man who will change his life forever.

Sir Ben is a very manly knight who has been injured during a tournament. They become lovers while Robin tends to his injuries. Very quickly, he falls in love with his knight in shining armor!

Ben is the bastard son of a nobleman and his life has not been easy. All he has was earned the hard way and he now has money and property. Behind his very masculine facade and his rough ways, he is just like everybody else, he would like to love and be loved. But he is incapable of returning any kind of emotion, it would be a sign of weakness and vulnerability. He is not an easy man and even if at times he is hard on Robin, he never does it to hurt him but on the contrary to push him to become a better man.

The very interesting side of this book is the way Robin turns into a confident man, earning the respect of everyone around him but never forgetting who he is deep inside, a sweet and loving young man.

Just before the end it was a rather good and well written book, but after I put it down I couldn't believe the ending! Not the ending in itself but the way it was handled. Considering the time period and the setting of the story it is absurd. Because of this I cannot give more than 3/5.

Publisher: Loose Id