HOT ALPHAS anthology with Lora Leigh, Laurelin McGee, Shiloh Walker and Kate Douglas-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 19, 2015

HOT ALPHAS is a four part anthology of contemporary, adult romance storylines. Each short story has a little romance, $ex, and a happily ever after while a couple stories have mystery, intrigue and suspense. Erin’s Kiss by Lora Leigh, and Burn For Me by Shiloh Walker are each part of an existing series by the respective authors, while misTaken by Laurelin McGee is the introduction to a new series co authored by Laurelin Paige and Kayti McGee.

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In Erin’s Kiss by Lora Leigh, ex-Marine Turk has become Erin’s sworn protector. The consistent target of her CIA-operative brother’s deadly foes, Turk is the only port Erin has to cling to in a storm. He promised her brother long ago never to touch her—but how can he resist a woman who aches to be with him as much as he burns for her?

REVIEW: 3.75 stars–ERIN’S KISS is part of the Wound Warriors Series by Lora Leigh focusing on a group of former military operatives who work for the CIN-Covert Information Network. This is ex Marine Turk Rogan and Erin Masters romantic/suspense storyline.

The novella follows Turk and Erin as both work undercover at the Broken Bar Saloon keeping an eye on the thugs, politicians and people connected to the mob. The Broken Bar is home to a number of CIN operatives and when Erin becomes the target of an unknown assailant, the CIN and Turk move into action. The secondary and supporting characters include several CIN agents, Erin’s step brother and step father, as well as the ‘regulars’ at the bar.

ERIN’S KISS is a quick erotic read about two people who have lusted after one another for a number of months. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative. The background and world building is limited but followers of the series may be more in tune with what has happened than new readers to the series. The novella does not end with a cliff hanger but a bit of a ‘wait and see’ what is going to happen next.

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In misTaken by Laurelin McGee, Jaylene Kim is a strong independent woman whose feminist values run deep. Even though attractive men are her weakness the last thing she wants is one telling her what to do. Until she meets her mysterious new neighbor. He makes her realize that you can still be strong and relinquish control . . . in the bedroom. But as their passion consumes them both Jaylene isn’t so sure he is who he says he is.

REVIEW: 3 stars–MISTAKEN is the introductory novella to Laurelin McGee (aka Laurelin Paige/ Kayti McGee) new romance series focusing on the world of modern matchmaking. This is high school English teacher Jaylene Kim and Noah Harrison’s storyline. With her rigid feminist ideals and preconceived notions Jaylene is having difficulty adjusting to other people’s (both men and women) view of life. Enter Noah Harrison, a man with too many secrets that Jaylene is dying to uncover and a man who makes Jaylene question her feminist ways.

The $ex scenes are exploratory but Jaylene has a difficult time giving up control. Throughout the storyline our heroine’s rigid feminist views leave something to be desired both in and out of the bedroom; I question the couple’s attraction to one another as I did not feel the sexual chemistry or burning need.

As this is the introductory storyline to Laurelin McGee’s new series, I am hoping with the future installments the heroines are not so uncompromising or mired in such strict feminist beliefs. The overriding premise of feminism was too much for a romance storyline. I am all for equal rights, but I don’t like the ideals of radical feminism to be pounded into me from my romance heroines. I have a degree in sociology and took several courses in women’s studies but there are times when the idealists need to consider the target of their attacks and romance readers are not the ideal targets.

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In Burn for Me by Shiloh Walker, Tate longs to spend his nights with Ali, a woman he’s loved for years. But while Ali’s heart pines to be with Tate, her head has reservations. Ali knows that Tate has never forgiven his father for the fight he had with his mother right before she left the house—and was never heard from again. Tate’s unresolved anger is a force to be reckoned with . . . but the heat that blazes between them is undeniable. Now both Tate and Ali are left to wonder: Can love really conquer all?

REVIEW: 4 stars–BURN FOR ME is the introductory novella in Shiloh Walker’s Secrets and Shadows romantic, suspense series (Originally released April 1, 2014) focusing on the Bell family. This is car restoration expert Tate Bell, and single mother and part owner of a pizza cafe Ali Holmes storyline- a friends with benefits relationship where Ali wants something more.

The storyline follows the back and forth between Tate and Ali; Tate’s inability to let go of the past; the disappearance of his mother fifteen years earlier; and the introduction of Tate’s younger sister Chrissie, their sister Detective Jensen Bell, as well as Noah Benningfield and Trinity Ewing. While Tate struggles with issues of betrayal and hurt, Ali makes a heartbreaking decision about her future. The novella ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-looking towards a resolution of a fifteen year mystery.

Shiloh Walker does an amazing job in a short period of time with the world and character building. I was never confused or concerned about the direction of the story; the information revealed was just enough to spark my interest in the series.

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In Tangled by Kate Douglas, Nate shows up to work at Tangled Vineyards ready to do all the things he loves best—work with his hands, grow the grapes, and craft award-winning, full-bodied wines. But when something better comes along in the form of Cassie, the winemaker and former owner of the vineyard, Nate becomes completely love-drunk. Getting involved with Tangled’s number-one mixologist is a bad way to start off a new job, but with Cassie as a constant temptation, Nate doesn’t stand a chance…

REVIEW: 3.75 stars–TANGLED is a quick story of insta-love between Nate Dunagan and Cassie Phillips. Cassie’s family once owned the Tangled Vines vineyard, where Cassie and Nate now work and manage. As Cassie’s father’s increasing dementia forced the family to sell the winery, Cassie remains behind as the leading wine maker for Tangled Vines vineyard. What ensues is a building relationship between our leading couple that eventually leads to a happily ever after…but in between Cassie and Nate become the victims of someone hoping to bury the past.

TANGLED is a storyline with a little bit of romance, $ex and intrigue. As our couple struggle with the daily business of operating a vineyard, Cassie and Nate also struggle with their building attraction. The $ex scenes are intimate and romantic without the over the top erotic factor. If you like a storyline of insta-love and a promise of forever, than TANGLED is the perfect read.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy