Review ~ Seduction and Snacks

Seduction and Snacks

(Chocolate Lovers #1)

By Tara Sivec

5 out of 5 STARS

Claire is a twenty-something, single mom that grudgingly helps her best friend sell sex toys while she attempts to make enough money to start her own business to give her foul-mouthed, but extremely loveable (when he's asleep) toddler a better life. 

When Carter, the one-night-stand from her past that changed her life forever, shows up in her hometown bar without any recollection of her besides her unique chocolate scent, Claire will make it a point that he remembers her this time. 

With Carter's undisguised shock at suddenly finding out he has a four-year-old son and Claire's panic that her stretch marks and slim to none bedroom experience will send the man of her dreams heading for the hills, the pair will do whatever they can to get their happily ever after.

Warning: contains explicit sex, profanity and enough sarcasm to choke a horse.

Available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon 

Oh my god I don't think I have EVER laughed so hard in my life!  This book is HILARIOUS!!!  

“It’s a pain you forget all about once you have that sweet little baby in your arms.”  
Bullshit.   I CALL BULLSHIT.   Any friend, cousin, or nosey-ass stranger in the grocery store that tells you it’s not that bad is a lying sack of shit.   Your vagina is roughly the size of the girth of a penis.   It has to stretch and open and turn into a giant bat cave so the life-sucking human you’ve been growing for nine months can angrily claw its way out.   Who in their right mind would do that willingly?

 The very first chapter had me laughing my ass of and it never let up.  Claire never wanted to have children but all of that changes when she has a one night stand at a frat party.  Having left before he woke up, she never got his name or any contact info.  But she's been thinking about him non-stop over the last five years.

Claire has done the best she can being a single parent.  Liz and Jim are incredible friends and have been there for her through thick and thin.  Liz is a great best friend to have...

"I'm concerned about you Liz.   I really think you spend entirely too much time thinking about my hymen.   You’re secretly in love with me aren't you?"  
"Don't flatter yourself," she replied distractedly as she scoped out more guys.   "Come to think of it, I did bat for the other team in high school after one of Tom Corry’s Friday night parties. We never got past second base though.   Someone knocked on the bathroom we were in and it suddenly occurred to me that I liked penis," she mused.     

Liz is starting up a business with part time help from Claire.  Only thing?  Liz has purposely kept it a secret until the very last minute.  Sex toys.  She sells sex toys.  Claire has no experience in this but paired with her fantastic culinary skills, it's soon a hit.

Carter has transferred to a new town for work and soon he and his friend Drew are chatting with their new co-worker Jim.  It all starts to unravel from here.  Carter is attracted to Claire immediately.  He just doesn't know the whole story yet.  Until he meets Gavin and stares into his own eyes.

This book was fantastic.  It's hot, sexy, hilarious but uplifting all at the same time.  I enjoyed every minute of it and devoured it in no time.  Is some of the language crude?  Definitely but I have a potty mouth and I'm sure I'm not the only one.  The character growth for everyone is perfect, the plot is laid out at a great pace.  There is NOTHING I can fault for this book.  I love it and quickly need to go start book two, Futures and Frosting.

Just a few more quotes:

By Thursday I had tested out every single product from Liz’s magic suitcase and decided to hell with men. I was going to marry the Jack Rabbit. We were going to run away together and would be very happy making little tiny Jack Rabbit babies together. That thing was going to have to grow some arms and legs though. After a few years of being married to JR, I was not going to be able to walk anymore. JR would have to carry me to Pleasure Town.

 Just then, Gavin flew through the living room holding something above his head.  
"Carter! Look at the new sword I gots!"  
Christ almighty!  
My son was running into the room with my Jack Rabbit above his head like he was a gladiator going into battle.   A gladiator with a purple "sword" that had five speeds.     

Review ~ On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

On Dublin Street

By Samantha Young

5 out of 5 STARS

Four years ago, Jocelyn Butler left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Edinburgh. Burying the grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without any real attachments has worked well for her so far but when Joss moves into a fantastic apartment on Dublin Street, her carefully guarded world is shaken to its core by her new roommate's sexy older brother.

Braden Carmichael is a man who always gets what he wants. And what he wants is Jocelyn in his bed. Knowing how skittish Joss is concerning any kind of relationship, Braden proposes a sexual arrangement that should satisfy the intense attraction between them without it developing into anything 'more'. An intrigued Jocelyn agrees, completely unprepared for the Scotsman and his single-minded determination to strip the stubborn young woman bare... to the very soul.

Contains strong adult content. For readers ages 18+

Available now on Amazon

Wow.  This was a fantastic read and I finished it in no time!  The prologue starts with a very sad situation.  Joss's world is turned upside down so quickly, setting up the drama for the story to unfold.

Eight years later, Joss is in Scotland looking for a new place to live.  Rhian has moved to London, the only friend she has let herself get close to in a very long time.  Grudgingly sharing a cab on her way to Dublin street, she has an interesting encounter with a devastatingly handsome man she refers to as "The Suit."  This was a tension filled cab ride since The Suit is so blatantly flirting with Joss.  

Without another look or word to the Suit, I handed the driver some money and slid a hand along the door handle.
“Wait.”
I froze and shot the Suit a wary look over my shoulder. “What?”
“Do you have a name?”
I smiled, feeling relief now that I was getting away from him and the bizarre attraction between us. “Actually, I have two.”
I jumped out of the cab, ignoring the traitorous thrill of pleasure that cascaded over me at the sound of his answering chuckle.

Finally she gets to the prospective apartment to check it out.  She is greeted by  Ellie donning a monocle and fake mustache.  Instantly I liked Ellie.  She's a free spirit and gives Joss the space she needs to adjust.

I was captivated completely from the very beginning.  Joss is a strong woman.  She's very private.  She internalizing everything!  That's just the way she has dealt with the pain of her past.  She keeps everybody at a distance.  Enter "The Suit".  Lo and behold, he's Ellie's older brother Braden.  He's eight years older and quite the businessman having taken over Douglas Carmichael & Co when his father passed away.  Usually going for tall blondes, Joss is very different but he's immediately intrigued by her.  The electricity between these two is intense.

“After last night, there’s no denying the promise of what’s between us. I’m not backing off, so rather than coming up with a new defense – which I’m sure I’d find highly entertaining – just give in, babe. You know you’re going to eventually.”
“Have I mentioned how annoying and arrogant you are?”
“I can still smell and taste you, Jocelyn. And I’m still fucking hard.”

Realizing she's not your average girl, Braden comes up with an arrangement that is beneficial to both of them.  He won't take no for an answer.

“I take it you weren’t expecting me?” Braden asked as he settled himself on the couch.
Not wanting to appear intimidated, I slipped back into my seat on the armchair. “No. I managed to convince myself through wishful thinking that we were done with whatever that was that happened before…”
He shrugged out of his jacket. “You mean when I dry humped you against a wall?”
My jaw locked with irritation. If he’d been a character in a book, I would have hated his dirty mouth. As it was, my body loved his dirty mouth. No need to tell him that. “You know, Braden, I’ve watched you over  the last few months and you’re such a gentleman to everyone but me. What’s with that?”
“I want you in my bed. Gentlemen are boring in bed.” Good point.
“Gentlemen are gentlemen in bed. They make sure you’re having a good time.”
“I’ll make sure you’re having a good time, and that you’re okay with everything we’re doing. I just won’t be well-mannered about it.”

Whew!  Who could resist that?  Thus starts the crazy sexcapades of Joss and Braden.  One more teasing quote to whet your appetite.

“Babe,” he gave me a look that suggested I was missing the obvious, “I never kid about blowjobs.”
The sound of someone choking brought my head up. Our waiter had descended on us just in time to hear those romantic words and his rosy cheeks betrayed his embarrassment. “Ready to order?” he croaked out.  
“Yes,” Braden answered, obviously uncaring he’d been overhead. “I’ll have the steak, medium-rare.” He smiled softly at me. “What are you having?” He took a swig of water.
He thought he was so cool and funny. “Apparently sausage.”

But oh no, this book is so much more then hot sex.  Joss finds herself coming out of her shell.  She's not thrilled about it but working on it regardless.  She has kept her demons at bay for so long that it's time she learns to cope with them if she ever wants to have normal friendships/relationships in the future.  This book shows tremendous growth in character developments.  Not only in Joss, but Braden and Ellie as well.  Such care is taken to develop these wonderful characters.

Overall?  I LOVED this book.  An excellent plot that completely dragged me in,  great characters and fantastic sex scenes that had me panting for more!  Seriously, one of the best books I've read in a while.

Review ~ Frat Boy and Toppy

Frat Boy and Toppy

By Anne Tenino

4 out of 5 STARS

Brad is great at meeting other people's expectations. But his own? Not so much. Take the gay thing. Okay, so yeah. It took a morning meeting with a frat brother's hairy, naked ass for him to admit it, but he knows the truth about himself now. Let the gay life commence.

Unfortunately, it's not that easy. He hasn't quite determined how to come out to anyone, even Sebastian, the geeky-hot TA in his history class. Sebastian is everything Brad is not. Intellectual, suave, hairy. Out. And he doesn't seem interested in Brad, even when Brad makes a fool of himself trying to catch his notice.

Score one for foolery: Sebastian does more than notice Brad; he takes him to bed. Brad's been with plenty of girls, but with Sebastian, the sex is something else entirely-hot, mind-blowing, affirming, and a little domineering in a way that drives him wild. But when great sex turns into something more-dare he admit the "L" word?-Brad must face the crushing realization that Sebastian doesn't feel the same. Unless, of course, he does. After all, even grad students can be idiots about matters of the heart.

ARC provided by Riptide Publishing

Available now at Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble 

This novel, at just under 200 pages, was a heartfelt story of an early 20's college student coming-out.  Brad has been in denial for quite some time.  But lately, he's been having frequent dreams and conscious thoughts that leave no doubt that he's gay.  Trouble is?  He's a macho jock in a fraternity with the reputation as a ladies man.  

Enter Sebastian, the TA in his history class.  Brad has been fantasizing for weeks about him.   After trying to get Sebastian's attention in history class, he takes it to the next level when he confronts him at a kegger.  He was quite shy about it, not knowing the right way to show Sebastian his true intentions.  But from here we watch as their relationship grows while at the same time Brad is deciding how to come-out to his frat brothers.

Though this book does contain some HOT M/M scenes, it really is a heartwarming story.   He comes to terms with his new found realization and his ever growing affection for Sebastian.  I guess this is labeled a romantic comedy but I really hate that phrase.  There's a funny scene where Brad is explaining some really graphic things to his very hetero friend, it was hilarious!  I highly recommend this if your looking for a quick, uplifting afternoon read!

Review time! ~ Temptation in a Kilt

Temptation in a Kilt

By Victoria Roberts

3.5 out of 5 STARS

ARC provided by Sourcebooks Casablana

Release date: September 4th, 2012

This hot new series follows a trio of Highland lairds, who are driving King James crazy with their constant clan battles and uproarious way of life. 

Laird Ciaran MacGregor discovers the beautiful, wounded Lady Rosalia Armstrong while journeying to the king's court. Already burdened with the task of maintaining the peace in his lands, Ciaran has very little patience for this headstrong woman. She's as fearsome as the men trying to kill him for his lands, and their verbal sparring leaves him burning for a more intimate relationship. And if Rosalia's not careful, she'll soon discover his prowess...on and off the battlefield.

This historical romance follows the story of Rosalia and Ciaran.  The year is 1603 and we are first introduced to the character at  a Royal Court in England.  We meet two of the three MacGregor brothers.  Laird Ciaran and his brother Aiden.  Away from the highlands for political reasons, Ciaran gets his first glimpse of Rosalia, and not under lighthearted circumstances.

Rosalia is 21, unwed, and attending with her parents.  Her mother is truly a horrible person.  Belittling her in front of people, playing matchmaker for profit instead of love...  Under horrible circumstances, Rosalia leaves to try to make a new life for herself when she is betrothed to a very despicable man.

The journey begins as a chance encounter puts Rosalia in contact with Ciaran.  For being so self conscious, she is still a strong, independent woman and finds it hard to accept the help that is offered her from Ciaran.  But as Laird, he is very honorable and courageous  and doesn't think twice about helping her out.  Soon, we have a budding attraction that moves at slow pace but is more believable for it.  After all, he has her lack of self confidence to work around.

"Stop, Rosalia.  Just cease this now."  Seeing she was not going to relent, he bent closer, placing his lips so close to her ear that he was sure she could feel his breath.  "The only reason I had discomfort was because I saw your bare, creamy bottom in front of my eyes.  Ye are beautiful and ye almost unmanned me, lass."  Ciaran kissed her lightly on her cheek before returning to his blanket.

Delayed on her trip to Glengarry, she is a guest in Glenorchy meeting the third brother, Declan, and Aiden's wife Aisling.  Declan is a rogue who likes to drink and wench around.  He is the youngest brother and lacks discipline.  His story-line is not so unique to read about but he is a great addition to the main cast of characters regardless. 

Aiden and Asiling are a wonderful couple, they are very much in love and just had a baby boy.  Aisling becomes a great friend and confidant to Rosalia.

As their attraction grows, we have some great interactions between the two.  And kilts are involved. ;)

He leaned in close and whispered in her ear.  "Lass, your eyes show me what ye are clearly thinking.  I suggest ye remove your hand from my arm and your eyes from my kilt."

I felt the pace of the book was slow.  A lot does happen as Rosalia's life changes so completely yet it takes a while for the bigger picture to be revealed.  There are a couple of factors that come into play as to what she is running from and who has it in for her.  Cairan also becomes a target as the plot is interwoven.

Overall, I liked the book enough.  I finished it over a two day period but had to force myself near the end just for the lack of action and heat.  There is nothing wrong with the book.  The writing is well done, the use of language seems authentic, the character developments are well planned out...  This is a wonderful romance in the making... just don't expect much sex.

"Ciaran, ye truly saved me."

"Nay, lass, it was ye who saved me."

Review Time! ~ Hidden Paradise

Hidden Paradise

By Janet Mullany

3 out of 5 STARS

CALL IT SENSE AND Sensuality... Louisa Connelly, a recently widowed Jane Austen scholar, needs some relief from her stifling world. When a friend calls to offer her a temporary escape from her Montana ranch, she is whisked into a dizzying world of sumptuous food, flowing wine...and endless temptation.  She's an honored guest at Paradise Hall, an English resort boasting the full experience of an authentic Georgian country-house weekend. Liveried servants tend to the every need of houseguests clad in meticulous period costume: snug breeches, low-cut silken gowns and negligible undergarments.  It's Mac Salazar, a journalist immersing himself fully, deeply, lustily in the naughty pleasures of upstairs-downstairs dalliances, who piques Louisa's curiosity-and libido-most. He's a dilettante straight out of a novel: uninhibited, unapologetic and nearly insatiable. But Lou's not romantic about this much, at least: Paradise Hall is a gorgeous fantasy, nothing more. A lover like Mac is pure fiction. And the real world beckons....

ARC provided by Harlequin.  

Release date: August 21st, 2012

Though I enjoyed this enough to read it in just a few sittings, I have mixed thoughts about this book.  The main character is Louisa AKA Lou.  She is a Jane Austen scholar, 27 years old and widowed.  She finally decides to leave behind her ranch in Montana to go on vacation to visit her friends in England.

Peter and Chris purchased a historic property that was rumored to be a place that Jane Austen either lived at or visited.  They have let their imagination run wild and have created an Inn where everybody dresses in period clothing, ditches all modern conveniences and gets a little randy with each other.

Mac is a journalist staying at the Inn.  He earned the nicknamed Mr. Darcy and though he's there to write an article, he's in the thick of it as far as the sexual escapades go.

We also have Rob.  He's 19, about to head off to Cambridge but making some extra money in the meantime as the head footmen at the Inn.

So those are the notable players in this tale.  Lou has quite the voyeuristic first encounter with Mac and they soon find themselves pleasuring each other.

The story is so-so.  There is a lot of sex in this book with a menage a trois or two thrown in for good measure.  Though there was sex aplenty, the scenes were not super graphic nor would each encounter last very long.  

The characters are all likable enough but I really didn't have any kind of attachment to any of them.  I liked Rob.  His encounters with Lou are great and I liked the kink factor with these two.  I just felt that overall the character development was lacking a bit.  It would have been great to see more character growth before such revelations are made i.e. jealousy, fighting, love. 

I definitely recommend it to somebody who likes romance with a slight historical flair.  Even though it has some dark/sad moments, I overall think it was a light, quick read.

Review ~ Blazing Midsummer Nights

Blazing Midsummer Nights

By Leslie Kelly

3 of 5 STARS

Anything can happen on a magical midsummer's eve Marketing director/workaholic Mimi Burdette has The Plan-work for her father and date his right-hand man. Problem is, there's no heat in the relationship. Not even a spark. And worse still, Mimi is having some seriously sexy, panties-ablaze dreams-and the star looks a lot like  Xander McKinley, the hunky firefighter next door. Mimi's dreams might be due to the strange tea she drank. Or the predictions from the fortune cookie she ate. Or they could be due to Xander's smokin' hotness. But whether it's magic or just old-fashioned fireworks, Mimi is about to break all of the rules-including her own!

ARC provided by Harlequin

This clocks in around 217 pages in PDF format and was a quick read.  We first meet Mimi.  She's at an engagement party held at the plantation she rents a room from in Athens, GA.  Her date is Dmitri.  Handsome, intelligent, safe.  But does Mimi really want the safe choice for a relationship?  Dmitri would be perfect if she could just be turned on by him.  There is no chemistry but she tries anyway.  It's what her father would want.  She works as the Marketing Director for Burdette Foods.  Her father is the CEO and has old school feelings when it comes to women and marriage.  Dmitri is his right hand man and would be the obvious choice for Mimi to marry.

But don't we want someone who ignites our passion?  Who tempts us?  Isn't there a time where finding true love should be a risk worth taking?

Enter Xander.  Fresh from Chicago, he's the knew supervisor at the Fire-station and rents an apartment at the same plantation.

After a surprising first meeting, crazy things happen.  There is Obi Wan's tea, vivid dreams, fortune cookies that seem to speak from the heart...  Mimi tries to avoid Xander but it becomes impossible.  

This was a lovely story about finding ones true self, sticking up for what you believe in.  There is nothing I can fault with the story, character developments, writing.  It was just a nice quick romance to pass the time.