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On His Knees (Blasphemy #4) by Laura Kaye-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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ON HIS KNESS (Blasphemy #4) by Laura Kaye-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway  Tour

ON HIS KNEES
Blasphemy #4
by Laura Kaye
Release Date: February 13, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, BDSM, M/M, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / iBooks

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 13, 2018

Getting on his knees makes him question everything…and want even more…

Another failed relationship has lawyer Jamie Fielding confronting the truth—he’ll never be satisfied with any woman until he admits what he needs…to submit and to be used—hard. When a friend invites him to the exclusive Blasphemy club, Jamie is stunned to find everything he ever wanted—in the fierce, ruthless hands of a man.

Psychiatrist Alex McGarry will play with anyone who craves his rough brand of domination, but what he really wants is to settle down. Which makes the submissive male he meets at his club a bad idea—the man might be hot as hell but he’s also new to everything Alex has to offer. Except that doesn’t keep them from coming together again and again, sating every one of their darkest desires.

Master Alex sets Jamie’s whole world on fire and makes him question everything—and that’s good. Because Alex won’t tolerate hiding what they have for long and he wants much more than just having Jamie on his knees.

••••••

REVIEW:  ON HIS KNEES is the fourth instalment in Laura Kaye’s contemporary, adult BLASPHEMY erotic, BDSM, romance series focusing on the twelve Masters who own, work and play at the BDSM club Blasphemy. This is forty-year old psychiatrist and Master Alex McGarry, and thirty-year old attorney/submissive Jamie Fielding’s story line. ON HIS KNEES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross-over with the authors HARD INK series with the cameo appearances of tattoo artist Jeremy Rixey and his fiancé Charlie Merritt.

NOTE: ON HIS KNEES is a M/M story line with sexually graphic language and text including strikingly detailed, sadistic and masochistic sexual scenarios that may not be suited for all readers.

Told from dual third person points of view (Jamie and Alex) ON HIS KNEES follows the building relationship between Blasphemy Master Alex McGarry, and submissive Jamie Fielding. Jamie continues to struggle to find that special someone in his life but it is not until his most recent tattoo session that a light-bulb moment blew up his mind. Perhaps Jamie’s interests lie elsewhere with the realization that pain and humiliation are what it takes for our hero to get excited both in and out of the bedroom. With a recommendation by tattoo artist Jeremy Rixey, Jamie ventures into the world of BDSM and Club Blasphemy-a world he previously knew nothing about. Enter Master Alex McGarry, a stubborn, strong but independent man looking for someone as well. What ensues is the building relationship between Alex and Jamie, and the fall-out when Jamie is unable to accept all that he is and has become.

The D/s relationship between Jamie and Alex is quick to develop. From thinking himself a heterosexual male to becoming a masochistic, sexually fluid (aka bi-sexual) submissive took but a matter of hours, and in this I struggled with Jamie’s rapid acceptance of the lifestyle and relationship in which he was about to enter. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense; the S/M scenes are graphic, detailed and carnal. Jamie’s need to submit is heart breaking and sad. I commend the author on the strength of the writing as it pertains to Jamie’s needs and wants.

ON HIS KNEES is an impassioned and decadent story line of self-discovery. The premise is palpable; the characters are energetic and fierce; the romance is intimate and edgy. ON HIS KNEES is an enthusiastic tale about trust and acceptance, and two people who found what they had been missing.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
.5 Hard to Submit
1. Bound To Submit
2. Mastering Her Senses
2.5 Eyes on You
Their’s To Take
On His Knees

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: The excerpt is intended for mature readers 18+

 

Jamie was done holding back. He was done questioning. He was done feeling like he was on the outside looking in.

Now that Master Alex had demonstrated exactly what Jamie required to fully connect with another human being, he needed this to go all the way. More than that, he wanted Alex to be the one to take him there.

So he held his breath, held the Dom’s gaze, and held on to the hope that the man would agree.

“You want your first time to be non-consensual role-playing,” Master Alex finally said, his voice like it’d been scoured with sandpaper.

The tone of it gave Jamie hope. Because he was affected. Jamie wasn’t the only one who needed this, he would’ve put money on it.

Nodding, Jamie summoned the courage to say what he wanted, while the Dom was still open to hearing it. Even though, Jesus, the words on the tip of his tongue were seriously twisted. He let them fly anyway. “I want you to force me, use me, hurt me. To show me what it really means to be taken by a…a—”

“Say it.”

“By a sadist.”

Master Alex’s dark eyes flared, and his expression went a little mean. Jamie’s cock hardened, a reaction he couldn’t hide when he knelt there naked. The Dom’s gaze swept downward and settled on his growing erection, and Jamie felt the directness of that perusal as a physical caress.

Slowly, Alex rose to his full height, and then his expression went absolutely unforgiving. “Beg.”


 

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in contemporary romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and monster puppy, Schuyler, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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At Your Service (Topped 4: Masters and Mercenaries 14.5) by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt Tour

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AT YOUR SERVICE (Masters and Mercenaries 14.5: Topped 4) by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt Tour

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AT YOUR SERVICE
Topper #4/ Masters and Mercenaries 14.5
by Lexi Blake
Release Date: November 14, 2017
Genre:adult, contemporary, erotic,romance

At Your Service

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / iBooks / Google Play /Smashwords

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2017

Juliana O’Neil’s promising future was burned away in the heat of battle. She had been an officer with a bright future in the military, but now she is struggling to survive. Her husband gone and her career in shambles, she finds a job at Top as a hostess and tries to put together the pieces of her life. The last thing she needs is any kind of male attention, but she can’t help but be amused at her neighbor and coworker’s lothario antics. Not that she would have anything to do with him, at least not for more than one night.

Javier Leones doesn’t understand monogamy. No woman could ever be enough for his endless libido, but he has to admit Juliana has his attention. For reasons he doesn’t fully understand, he can’t seem to get the gorgeous redhead with the sad eyes out of his head. After one scorching night together, he realizes he’ll never be able to get her out of his system. But with his reputation, he fears she’ll never see him as more than a one-night stand.

When their passions collide, these new lovers will be forced to confront Juliana’s past and come to terms with Javier’s present. Will they find their way or will this reservation be cancelled at the last minute?

••••••••••

REVIEW: AT YOUR SERVICE by Lexi Blake is the latest novella in the author’s contemporary adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES: Topped BDSM romance series. This is naval officer and amputee Juliana O’Neil, and chef Javier Leones’ story line. AT YOUR SERVICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Juliana and Javier) AT YOUR SERVICE follows several paths including the building romance and relationship between co-workers and neighbors Juliana O’Neil, and Javier Leones, as well as the destructive nature of loss and war. Juliana is a naval veteran who lost her dominant hand while on deployment over seas, and has found a bit of a kindred spirit in her neighbour Javier Leones, whose older brother continues to struggle with the loss of his legs. What ensues is the back and forth between Javier and Juliana as our heroine battles between her head and her heart, and the loss of a future she longed to explore; and the potential destruction of Javier’s brother when the demons come knocking on Javier’s door.

Javier Leones, a former military man, is a manwhore whose doesn’t do relationships; whose reputation with the ladies precedes his introduction to our story line heroine. A Master at the BDSM Club Sanctum, as well as a chef at Sean Taggart’s TOP restaurant, Javier also faces an uphill battle with his older brother who has struggled since the loss of his legs while on deployment over seas. A series of unexplained break-ins, and threats to his brother’s life find Javier stepping back to protect the woman he loves.

A one-time chef, Juliana now works as a hostess at TOP due to the difficulty using the tools required for the job but Javier is determined to push our heroine to take the steps to further a career long thought lost. Juliana is a woman afraid of losing her heart, and accepts that a relationship with Javier means there is always someone else waiting in the wings.

The relationship between Juliana and Javier is one of friends/co-workers to lovers; a relationship that struggles on preconceived notions, a past riddled with too many one-night stands, and a woman who battles some ghosts of her own. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive; the D/s and BDSM scenarios are limited and light involving some spanking, and show and tell. Juliana’s constant back and forth, yes and no, up and down was a little disconcerting; her jealousy, anger and indecisiveness juxtaposed with her easy going concern for Javier’s brother. The author’s need to constantly remind the reader about Javier’s past indiscretions is bothersome and annoying.I struggled with the numerous mentions from family, friends and the woman he loved.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several previous story line couples as well as a number of TOP employees, and SANCTUM members, Javier’s ex Kristy, and his brother Rafe Leones; and nosy neighbors Mrs. Gleeson and Mr. Cassidy.

The world building continues to look at the friendships and relationship at TOP and SANCTUM, as well as the ongoing struggles for the military personnel who continue to do battle upon returning home.

AT YOUR SERVICE is a story of family and friendship, and the daily struggle for American veterans whose lives have been destroyed or forever altered. Both the H/h have issues and vulnerability that need to be addressed, hopefully their happily ever after isn’t compromised by ghosts from the past. The premise is captivating and inviting; the characters are energetic and lively; the romance is provocative and intense.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

At Your Service teaser

Excerpt

All alone with the storm. Maybe she should call Kai. And ask him to get out in the middle of this? That seemed pretty selfish especially since she knew exactly how poorly driving in storms could go.
A hard flash of white light made her jump back.
Nope. She wasn’t going there. She was going to stay in the here and now, and that meant finding a flashlight and trying to get some candles lit. Someone was out there working on getting the power back on, and then she would ride out the storm watching rom coms and falling asleep on the couch. It was going to be okay. Deep breath. It was going to be okay.
A few moments later she’d found her one flashlight and had a nice set of candles out, and she was faced with the problem of lighting the suckers. Oh, she had a big box of matches, but she’d never struck a match without her left hand.
A lighter would be easier. She could figure out a lighter maybe. Jules tried holding the box against the table with her stump while she struck the match with her right hand. She fumbled, the action so unnatural it made her slip up and break the match.
And the second one.
And the third one.
Tears pierced her eyes, but she wasn’t going to shed them. She was going to figure this out or she would make due with the flashlight. It was all about adapting. That was what she had to do. Adapt.
She wasn’t going to let this beat her. Normally she was tough. It had happened and she dealt with it, but between the storm and the conversation with Suzanne the day before about her mother and the sweetness of flirting with a handsome man she couldn’t have, she was feeling awfully vulnerable. She wasn’t going to sit here in the dark and cry.
A knock on the door made her gasp and jump.
Fuck. She wasn’t like this. She hated this…this anxiety she got when it rained. It was weakness and she couldn’t abide it.
If you walk away from this you’ll ruin your life, Juliana. Don’t think I’ll watch you do it. You go through with this and you do it on your own. Am I understood?
Sometimes she felt like she was still seven years old, and if she could just get her mom’s attention everything would be okay.
Jules gripped the flashlight and walked across her apartment to the door. It was likely one of the neighbors coming to check on her. Actually, that was an excellent idea. She could go down and see if Mrs. Gleeson needed some company. There were some elderly residents she could check on and a single mom she’d met at the end of the hall. She could see if she could be of any assistance and that would get her through the night.
She opened the door expecting to see anyone but the man she saw standing there.
Javier Leones. He had a flashlight in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. He was wearing jeans and a button down that he’d left undone enough she could see a nice swath of golden brown skin. His hair was deliciously mussed, as though he’d taken a shower and simply rubbed a towel over it to get it dry.
He was big and male and so sexy it hurt to look at him, and Jules realized she could do something else to take her mind off things.
Those plump, sensual lips of his broke into a bright smile. “I thought you might like some company. I know I would. I actually don’t have any candles, so I was sitting in my living room with this sad one flashlight. You look like a woman who likes some candles.”
But she couldn’t light them. She hadn’t figured that part out.
His face fell and he walked into her place, closing and locking the door behind him. “Hey, what’s wrong? It’s okay if you don’t have any candles. It’s cool. Two flashlights are better than one.”
He set the flashlight and wine bottle down and moved into her space, his hands coming up to cup her shoulders. “Jules, what’s wrong?”
She had to be stronger than this. She shook her head. “Nothing. I’m fine.”
His jaw tightened. “Don’t. Please don’t. I live with a stubborn asshole who won’t let me help him in any way. I get that we’ve only known each other for a few weeks, but I thought we were friends. You help me out all the time. You’re kind to me. Fucking let me be kind to you. I spend every day trying to help someone who won’t let me. Please let me feel like I’m worth something.”
If he’d said anything else, joked about the weather or told her to suck it up, she could have, but he’d opened a door. He’d been vulnerable and honest, and she found she couldn’t pay that back with stubbornness.
“I have candles and I can’t figure out how to light them.” Tears rolled down her face. She was vulnerable. All the time. Even when she pretended like she wasn’t.
“You can’t…” he began and then he looked down. Instead of stepping back and giving her space, he drew his hand down her arm, warming her skin where he touched her. It was dark but the moon was full and gave enough light to see the outline of his face. There was no look of horror there. He caressed her arm until he got to the place where she’d been split apart and sewn back together unwhole. He brought it up and wrapped it against his palm, his fingers closing around it until the whole thing was surrounded with his warmth. “You haven’t figured out how to do it yet. Probably hasn’t come up or you would know what to do. How long since you lost your hand?”
“A year and a half,” she said. He was touching her there. No one had touched her there except her doctors and therapists.
Come to think of it, no one had touched her at all since before the accident. Had it really been so long since she’d felt warm flesh against her own? He was so close, close enough that all she would have to do was go up on her toes to brush her lips against his.
Would that be wrong? As long as she remembered who she was dealing with, why couldn’t she take a few moments of respite for herself? If he wanted her.

About the author

Lexi BlakeNY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Theirs to Take (Blasphemy #3) by Laura Kaye-Review

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THEIRS TO TAKE (Blasphemy #3) by Laura Kaye-Review

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Theirs to Take

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About the book: RELEASE DATE: September 26, 2017

She’s the fantasy they’ve always wanted to share…

Best friends Jonathan Allen and Cruz Ramos share almost everything—a history in the Navy, their sailboat building and restoration business, and the desire to dominate a woman together, which they do at Baltimore’s exclusive club, Blasphemy. Now if they could find someone who wants to play for keeps…

All Hartley Farren has in the world is the charter sailing business she inherited from her beloved father. So when a storm damages her boat, she throws herself on the mercy of business acquaintances to do the repairs—stat. She never expected to find herself desiring the sexy, hard-bodied builders, but being around Jonathan and Cruz reminds Hartley of how much she longs for connection. If only she could decide which man she wants to pursue more…

As their attraction flashes hot, Jonathan and Cruz determine to have Hartley for their own. But the men’s erotic world is new and overwhelming, and Hartley’s unsure if she could really submit to being both of theirs to take…forever.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: THEIRS TO TAKE is the third installment in Laura Kaye’s contemporary, adult BLASPHEMY erotic, BDSM romance series focusing on the men and women who work and play at the exclusive sex club Blasphemy. This is business woman Hartley Farren, and businessmen/Doms Jonathan Allen and Cruz Ramos. THEIRS TO TAKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: THEIRS TO TAKE contains mature adult scenes with graphic language and M/F/M, MM and M/M/F sexual situations.

Told from three third person perspectives (Hartley, Jonathan and Cruz) THEIRS TO TAKE follows the building relationship between business woman Hartley Farren, and ship builders/repairers/ Doms Jonathan Allen and Cruz Ramos. Following a hurricane that damaged a number of boats in Baltimore’s Lighthouse Point marina in Chesapeake Harbor, Hartley Farren goes in search of someone to repair the damage to her boat. As a charter boat operator and teacher of sailing courses Hartley’s livelihood is threatened when repairs to her catamaran may take weeks to happen. Enter Jonathan Allen and Cruz Ramos, owners of A & R Builds and Restoration, and the men with whom our heroine will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Hartley, Jonathan and Cruz; Hartley’s introduction to the BDSM lifestyle; and the potential fall-out when Cruz comes out to his family back home.

THEIR TO TAKE is an erotic, sexually charged story of ménage. Jonathan and Cruz have been searching for the one woman that will submit to their dominance-one woman willing to accept two men equally and together. Unbeknownst to both men Cruz and Jonathan’s attraction to one another is buried beneath a friendship that goes beyond business and fun- a friendship that turns into something more. Their attraction to Hartley is immediate but Cruz is reluctant to follow his heart fearing rejection by the two people he has quickly grown to love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense-the BDSM premise is limited.

THEIRS TO TAKE is a quick read; sexy, seductive and emotional story line. The premise is suggestive, intelligent and entertaining: the characters are sassy and colorful; the romance is passionate, intoxicating and intense.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
.5 Hard to Submit
1. Bound To Submit
2. Mastering Her Senses
2.5 Eyes on You
Theirs To Take

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author Black and Red

Laura Kaye NewLaura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in contemporary romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and monster puppy, Schuyler, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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Cain (Hell’s Lovers MC #4) by Crimson Syn-Review and GiveawayTour

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CAIN (Hell’s Lovers MC #4) by Crimson Syn-Review and Giveaway Tour

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CAIN
Hell’s Lover’s MC
by Crimson Syn
Release Date: August 27, 2017
Genre:adult, contemporary,erotic, BDSM, romance, MC

Cain

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk / Amazon. au /

Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts and a giveaway!

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2017

Sophia Moreno is a mystery wrapped up in a gorgeous package.
She’s soft and sweet, but there’s something hidden in the depths of her green eyes.
From the first instant my eyes held hers, I claimed her as mine.
When I finally have my hands on her, she’ll know I’m not one to play games with.
I’ll torture her into ecstasy until she’s screaming for me to take her,
Because the god she’ll worship is one kinky mother fucker.

Cain Scardino is a wild man with a dominant streak
And I’m more than willing to hand myself over to his sensually erotic instructions
He’s a sexual god with a wicked taste for the taboo
But what Cain doesn’t know is that I yearn to succumb to his dark desires.
As he tightens his ropes on my body, he also secures them around my heart.
He’s the only man who could take me so completely
And I’ll do anything to be tied down by him.

Mature Audiences Only 18+
This series is full of naughty alpha bikers, explicit sexual scenes and dirty language. This one in particular has a very sexy DOM who wants to play.

•••••••••

REVIEW: CAIN is the fourth installment in Crimson Syn’s contemporary, adult HELL’S LOVERS MC erotic, romance novella series focusing on the men and women of the motorcycle club the Hell’s Lovers. This is Sargent at Arms, thirty five year old Cain Scardino, and thirty year old, pole dancer Sophia Moreno’s story line. CAIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous installments is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: CAIN contains graphic scenes of BDSM, and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sophia and Cain) CAIN follows the building relationship between pole dancer Sophia Moreno, and Hell’s Lovers MC Sargent At Arms Cain Scardino-a relationship predicated on lies and secrets. Sophia is the new hire at Ravenous-the bar and strip club owned by the Hell’s Lovers MC, and a woman with a secret that if revealed would surely result in our heroine’s death. Enter Cain Scardino, all muscled, Dominant who catches the eye of Sophia Moreno. What ensues is the building relationship between Sophia and Cain, and the fall out when the truth is revealed. Ramon Tuco Moreno and the Los Perdidos MC continue their threats against the Hell’s Lovers MC but the Columbian Cartel is about to come forward with threats of their own.

The relationship between Sophia and Cain is one of immediate attraction but I had a difficult time with the developing relationship as the attraction was purely sexual, and Sophia’s fall from grace came with a desperation and proclamation of love that reflected negatively on our already embattled heroine. The $ex scene are erotic and intense; the BDSM scenarios are aggressive and not without some questionable intent.

CAIN is another dark and gritty MC story line. Our ‘hero’ is a Dominant; a man who enjoys making the women in his life submit including Sophia Moreno-a woman whose secrets will destroy Cain’s trust in the woman with whom he will fall in love.
The men of the Hell’s Lovers MC are dangerous, foul-mouthed and misogynistic; the women tend to be collateral damage in the battle between the warring MCs.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wolf
Grayson
Riggs
Cain

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Cain Teaser

About the Author

My name is Crimson Syn, not really, but what fun is it to use my real name. Instead I’ll use my inner goddess’ name, it’s much more fun that way. I grew up in New York City where I had a wonderful education, loving parents and awesome friends. What more could a girl ask for?

I started writing at the age of sixteen. The first romance I read was Stephanie Laurens’ Devil’s Bride. Since then I have been influenced by dozens of flourishing romance authors and even more dashing and daring rogues. I must say it, but Fifty Shades was not my first erotic romance, nor did it influence me to start writing them. If you’ve never read Mary Balogh, Elizabeth Hoyt, Lisa Kleypas, Bertrice Small or A.N. Roquelaure’s Sleeping Beauty trilogy, then you’re missing out. Those were my sweet introductions to erotic romance, and boy were they hot.

So here I am, after reading so many wonderful stories, I have too many sinful tales of my own not to share. I like my alphas rough and possessive, and I have no shame in saying it or writing it. I had delightfully wicked teachers growing up, their books took me to new worlds and brought me new loves. So, I want to do the same for you. I want to indulge my readers in those steamy reads that will send them into the arms of dangerous alphas and deliciously sexy rogues, without leaving the confines of their nice warm bed. If I am able to entice your inner goddesses, then I have done my job and I am satisfied.

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Delirious (Quantum #6) by M.S. Force-Review and Book Tour

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DELIRIOUS (Quantum #6) by M.S. Force-Review and Book Tour

Delirious

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Kindle UK |  Kindle AU / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /   iBooks  / Google 

Order a signed copy from Marie’s store, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 12, 2017

As one of Hollywood’s hottest producers, Kristian Bowen is on top of the world. With the Quantum team is fresh off a clean sweep of awards season and looking ahead to the premiere of their new film, Insidious, Kristian’s life is exactly how he likes it, complete with a stable of willing subs to tend to his every desire. Until he attends the wedding of his friend and business partner Flynn Godfrey and meets Aileen Gifford, the close friend of Flynn’s new wife, Natalie. Since meeting Aileen five months ago, Kristian’s carefully cultivated life has changed in ways he never could’ve expected. Now Aileen and her children are moving to Los Angeles, and he’s not sure whether to be excited or terrified about his powerful feelings for the single mom…

Aileen is coming off the worst year of her life, spent battling breast cancer while taking care of two young children. When Natalie, Flynn and their other friends encourage Aileen to move to LA and work for Quantum, she jumps at the chance to give her family a fresh start. And with her off-the-charts attraction to Flynn’s business partner in the mix, the idea of living in LA becomes that much sweeter. Until everyone shows up to welcome her and the kids to their new home in LA—except Kristian.

He can’t avoid her forever, and when these two finally see each other again, sparks fly between the single mom and the producer with a past he’s kept hidden from everyone who matters to him. When that past rears its ugly head, will he run away from the woman he loves or turn to her for comfort in the storm? And will she prevail in convincing him that he can be himself, in every possible way, with her?

Kristian and Aileen’s long-awaited story is full of heat, heart and humor, as well as appearances from all the Quantum characters readers love!

••••••

REVIEW: DELIRIOUS is the sixth installment in M.S. Force’s contemporary, adult QUANTUM erotic, BDSM, romance series. This is Hollywood producer and Quantum owner Kristian Bowen, and single mom/ PA Aileen Gifford’s story line. DELIRIOUS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory. Books 1-3 are Flynn and Nat’s story, and each additional story line focuses on a different couple.

NOTE: DELIRIOUS is an erotic storyline with scenes of BDSM, spanking, bondage, anal and oral sex, as well as domination and submission.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kristian and Aileen) DELIRIOUS follows the building relationship between Hollywood producer Kristian Bowen, and single mother Aileen Gifford. Aileen is a cancer survivor; a single mother of two young children who, with the encouragement and support of best friend Natalie and husband Flynn Godfrey, embarks on a cross country journey to start anew in Los Angeles, California. Five months earlier Aileen met and fell in love with producer Kristian Bowen, a man who keeps secret a dark and lonely past that could destroy everything he has become. With Aileen’s arrival in LA Kristian begins to withdraw believing he isn’t worthy of a woman like Aileen Gifford-a woman who proves to be stronger than the disease that almost destroyed her life. What ensues is the building romance between Aileen and Kristian, Aileen’s introduction into the BDSM lifestyle, and the potential fall out when Kristian’s early life becomes public knowledge.

The relationship between Kristian and Aileen is one of immediate attraction that continues to build with Aileen’s move to Los Angeles, California. Kristian’s dark past prevents our hero from moving forward believing himself unworthy of Aileen’s love. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples, as well as the introduction of Aileen’s children Logan and Maddie.

The world building continues to focus on the Quantum –both the production company and elite, private BDSM sex club.

DELIRIOUS is a sexy, edgy and heartbreaking story line of one man’s struggle between his public image and the truth about his past; and one woman’s battle to convince the man with whom she is falling in love, is worth everything and more. The premise is encouraging and entertaining; the characters are energetic, inspiring and intelligent; the romance is sensual, passionate and provocative. DELIRIOUS is an erotic, wicked and tender story of romance and love.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Quantum series
Virtuous
Valorous
Victorious
Rapturous
Ravenous
Delirious

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author Black and Red

Follow: Facebook / Twitter / email newsletter / Website / Instagram / Reader Groups

MS Marie ForceM.S. Force is the erotic alter-ego of New York Times bestselling author Marie Force. All three books in her initial Quantum Trilogy were New York Times bestsellers in 2015, and the Quantum Trilogy became the Quantum Series with Rapturous and now Ravenous, with more to come!

With more than 5 million books sold, Marie Force is the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author more than 50 contemporary romances. Her New York Times bestselling self-published Gansett Island Series has sold 2.5 million e-books since Maid for Love was released in 2011. She is also the author of the New York Times bestselling Fatal Series from Harlequin’s HQN, as well as the New York Times bestselling Green Mountain Series, among other books and series, including the Quantum Series, written as M.S. Force.

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.

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The Flirtation (The Submissive #10) by Tara Sue Me-Rview, Guest Post & Giveaway

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THE FLIRTATION (The Submissive #10) by Tara Sue Me- Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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THE FLIRTATION
The Submissive #10
by Tara Sue Me
Release Date: August 8, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, BDSM, romance

The Flirtation

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 8, 2017

Lynne has not wanted for anything since she began working as Nathaniel and Abby’s nanny–until the night they invite her to a group BDSM meeting. The abrupt breakup she had with her last Dom made her turn her back on the lifestyle, but now she’s ready to dive back in. When she starts chatting on online BDSM message boards, she’s shocked to discover Simon, her former Dom, is a frequent poster–and even more shocked at herself when she creates a secret identity and strikes up a conversation.

After messaging with a mysterious submissive online, Simon forms an immediate connection. Lynne and Simon’s D/s relationship grows in intensity, but can their relationship survive after the truth is exposed, and Lynne’s identity is laid bare?

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE FLIRTATION is the tenth installment in Tara Sue Me’s contemporary, adult THE SUBMISSIVE erotic, BDSM romance series. This is Dominant and sadist Simon Neal, and masochist, nanny and college student Lynne Ryder’s story line. THE FLIRTATION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Several characters from previous installments, including Nathaniel and Abby West, cross over for cohesion and familiarity.

NOTE: If you have issues with S & M (Sadism and Masochism) including whipping, flogging, spanking and punishment, this story line may not be for you.

Told from dual third person points of view (Simon and Lynne) THE FLIRTATION is a second chance romance story line that focuses on the rekindling relationship between Dominant and sadist Simon Neal, and the woman he claims as his own-masochist, and nanny Lynne Ryder. Months earlier Lynne Ryder was the submissive to Simon Neal but when Simon abruptly cut off their relationship Lynne found her life spiraling out of control including the loss of her job, a broken heart, and leaving the lifestyle she was growing to love. Working for Nathaniel and Abby West as their live-in nanny Lynne took stock of her life and with the decision to return to school to become a primary school teacher, our heroine found herself living in the West’s Manhattan penthouse, preparing for a future at Columbia University. But curiosity got the best of Lynne Ryder, as she began an internet search of the man who broke her heart-Simon Neal-masochist and Manhattan Dominant-and the man with whom Lynne had fallen in love. What ensues is an online relationship of lies between Lynne and Simon-a relationship that will fall apart when Simon discovers the truth about the woman he believes is someone else.

THE FLIRTATION is a story of second chances but Simon and Lynne will fall victim to an act of vengeance, jealousy and betrayal. Not only will Simon and Lynne be targeted but so will Simon’s New York BDSM club-a club that prides itself in privacy and anonymity. With so many unresolved issues between them Lynne’s lies add fire to an already volatile situation.

The relationship between Simon and Lynne is one of second chances but Lynne’s lies and online fake persona push Simon when the truth is revealed. The numerous $ex scenes are intimate; the S & M scenes are erotic and intense but may not be suitable for all readers.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including Nathaniel and Abby (The Submissive Series), Dominants Cole Johnson and Luke DeVaan, as well as submissive Anna Beth.

THE FLIRTATION is a sexually graphic story line. The premise is interesting but the secondary conflict, the threats against our story line couple, seemed unnecessary and overdone. In my opinion it was a futile attempt to bring suspense into an otherwise predictable story line. The characters are colorful and energetic; the romance is erotic and intense. I received an ARC copy for review and the story line ended at 70%. The remaining 30% was a bonus novella-THE CLAIMING-originally released in September 2016.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

guest post

When I finished writing THE TRAINING, I had no plans to write anything else with Nathaniel and Abby. Their story had been told. After all, not only did I leave them happily engaged, but the Epilogue gave a sneak peek into their life after children.

But as soon as THE TRAINING was published,I started to hear from readers about how they wanted to see the wedding and the honeymoon. There wasn’t enough story to write an entire novel, so I decided to do a novella, THE CHALET.

And I still got requests for more.

So I thought about it and realized if I continued AND expanded, I not only got the opportunity to explore the relationships of different couples, but also to get glimpses of Nathaniel and Abby. In writing what would become THE ENTICEMENT, I realized that Nathaniel and Abby still had a lot of story left in their journey. After all, life doesn’t end with the Happily-Ever-After. That’s when it begins.

Because, you see, the wedding is never the end of the story, but the gateway into an entirely different one. There is so much that happens AFTER the couple gets together, AFTER the honeymoon, and yes, AFTER the kids are born. And it’s raw and real. It’s sexy and intimate. And it’s terrible and beautiful and so much more intense because OMG, you’re in this deal FOR LIFE.

The risk, of course, is throwing drama into the story for the sake of drama and I’ve never been a fan of that. There needs to be drama, but it has to develop naturally from the character’s growth and (big one here) it has to make sense. Any reader who has been with me since THE SUBMISSIVE will know immediately if I have Nathaniel or Abby act out of character and the story won’t be believable to them.

And that, that heartache and happiness, that joyous triumph, that emotional and physical connection with your soulmate is something worth writing about.

Just like everything else in life, writing a set of characters through several books is a balancing act. Treat it delicately and the story will flow. Throw everything but the kitchen sink at it and you’ll only have a hot mess.

I’m not a plotter and that works well for my writing style. I love not knowing what’s going to happen next in a book. I think I’m able to enjoy it because in romance you’re guaranteed a happily-ever-after. That gives me a certain level of comfort and I hope it does the same for my readers. They can go along with me because they know no matter what I put the the main character through, everything’s going to turn out okay.

The thing I have to remember as an author, though, is I can throw the twists in, but they 1) have to make sense and 2) there needs to be trail of breadcrumbs. I don’t think the reader has to see the breadcrumbs on the first read, but they have to be there. When they go back and reread the second time, that’s when they think, “Ohhh, now I see.”

The other thing that is imperative listening and trusting your author voice, which is more than your story voice, but also the one in your head that talks to you while you write.

If you’re a writer, you know all about That Scene. It’s the one where you stare at your laptop for hours at end. The one you try every trick you know and still only net 500 words, if that many. For me, it’s been up to two weeks of author hell, knowing something was wrong, that ended with me deciding I didn’t care what words I put on paper, I just wanted words.

And when I went back over them, that’s all they were, words. But the scene was finished so I wrapped up the chapter, sent it to my crit partner, and wiped my hands of it. Now as a writer, you need a crit partner who will be brutally honest with you. And that’s what mine was. She confirmed what I knew: the scene was merely there. There was no emotion, no intensity, nothing.

I took a deep breath and went back to the scene, determined to make it work. The first thing I did was start over completely. I didn’t want to use any of the previous words. I wanted a clean start. And so, even though part of me feared I was going to spend another two weeks struggling, I went to work.

I decided to change POV from the hero to the heroine. Just to see how it went. Maybe she’d be chattier while I was writing. I started typing and hours later the scene was finished. What had taken two weeks in the wrong POV was completed in hours in the right one.

Lastly, you can’t talk about writing romance and not talk about sex (well, you can, but you shouldn’t.) Let’s face it, we all know how sex works. And yes, writing it well is a must for erotic romance. However, you could craft the most perfect, mind-blowing, finely crafted sex scene, but if I’m not emotionally engaged with the couple, it’s going to fall flat.

If you were to ask me what makes one erotic romance better than another, it wouldn’t be how well the sex is written, the number of sex scenes, or even how creative the couple was during sex. What makes an erotic romance stand out for me is everything surrounding the sex. That’s what connects me with the characters.

It’s that connection with the characters that makes the physical scenes so intensely satisfying. It’s much easier to write insert part A into part B, but when you do that, it becomes exactly what it sounds like – cardboard. And cardboard may have its place, but erotic romance isn’t one of them.

Good erotic romance, the really good erotic romance, has the power to transcend itself beyond the sex into a work of fiction that literally makes your heart race and your knees turn to jelly.

And isn’t that why we all read romance?

~~Tara Sue Me~~

About the Author

FOLLOW: Website / Facebook / Twitter

Tara-Sue-Me-

Tara Sue Me is the New York Times bestselling author of the Submissive series, including The Enticement, The Training, The Dominant, and The Submissive. She lives in the southeastern United States with her family, two dogs, and a cat.

Giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Tara Sue Me’s publisher are offering a paper copy of THE FLIRTATION to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow Tara Sue Me on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from August 9-13, 2017

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Eyes on You (Blasphemy 2.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Laura Kaye-Review & Excerpt Tour

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EYES ON YOU (Blasphemy #2.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Laura Kaye-Review and Excerpt Tour

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EYES ON YOU
Blasphemy 2.5/ 1001 Dark Nights
by Laura Kaye
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, BDSM, romance
Release Date: July 18, 2017

Eyes on You

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2017

She wants to explore her true desires, and he wants to watch…

When a sexy stranger asks Wolf Henrikson to rescue her from a bad date, he never expected to want the woman for himself. But their playful conversation turns into a scorching one-night stand that reveals the shy beauty gets off on the idea of being seen, even if she’s a little scared of it, too. And Wolf loves to watch.

In the wake of discovering her fiancé’s infidelity, florist Olivia Foster never expected to find someone who not only understood her wildest, darkest fantasies, but would bring them to life. As Wolf introduces her to his world at the play club, Blasphemy, Liv finds herself tempted to explore submission and exhibitionism with the hard-bodied Dom even as she’s scared to trust again.

But Wolf is a master of getting what he wants—and he’s got his eyes set on her

•••••

REVIEW: EYES ON YOU is the latest addition to the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series, and #2.5 in Laura Kaye’s contemporary, adult BLASPHEMY erotic, romance series. This is voyeur, Dominant and IT specialist Wolf Henrikson, and exhibitionist, submissive and floral designer Olivia Foster’s story line. EYES ON YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information and characters from previous story lines are revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Olivia and Wolf) EYES ON YOU follows the building relationship between thirty five year old Dominant and IT specialist Wolf Henrikson, and submissive and thirty one year old florist Olivia Foster. Olivia Foster’s blind date from h*ll seemed to go on forever but a quick trip to the lady’s room found our heroine face to face with her future, and the man who would make all of Olivia’s fantasies come true. Enter Wolf Henrikson, a voyeur and Dominant, and the man who knows what a woman like Olivia Foster is looking for. What ensues is the building BDSM and romantic relationship between Olivia and Wolf, and the potential fall out when Olivia’s past comes looking for something more.

EYES ON YOU is an erotic story line of graphic sexually exhibitionistic scenarios as Master Wolf discovers just how far the woman with whom he if falling in love is willing to go. As one of the 12 founding members of the BDSM sex club Blasphemy, Wolf has struggled to find his place in the world and business he helped develop. From the boardroom, to the playroom, to baring it all in front of a high-rise window, Olivia and Wolf tempt fate and their futures as they give into their mutual attraction and need. The premise is entertaining; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are colorful and charismatic. My only issue is the author’s use of a certain four-letter word that I find abhorrent under any circumstance-not a word I would use in a romantic situation, erotically or otherwise. EYES ON YOU focuses on the voyeuristic and exhibitionistic kinks of the BDSM world.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Hard to Serve
Bound to Submit
Mastering Her Senses
Eyes on You

NOTE: BOUND TO SUBMIT ebook #1 is FREE at : Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Eyes on You Teaser

excerpt

 

Wolf Henrikson watched the sexy stranger flee her table like it was the Titanic and the bathroom was the last available lifeboat. And he couldn’t say that he blamed her. He hadn’t been trying to eavesdrop on the couple’s conversation; it was only that every time the man spoke to anyone from the restaurant’s staff, he shouted like he wanted to make the scene he was in fact making.
What the hell was the cute brunette doing with such an a**hole anyway? The few times he’d looked around to see if his dinner companion had arrived, he’d noticed the woman sitting not too far away—and she’d made him do a double take every time. Between her glossy chocolate waves, the bright red paint on her bow-tie lips, and the vintage-style red dress with the plunging neckline and the full knee-length skirt, she had the sex appeal of a pinup girl. He couldn’t help wondering if she wore garters and thigh-highs beneath that skirt.
Wolf almost regretted that he no longer had any reason to stay at the bar because the scene playing out at the nearby table was like a train wreck he couldn’t stop watching. And, oh, he did enjoy watching. People were just so fucking interesting, even when they were off their damn rockers.
But the prospective submissive he’d been planning to meet—in public, at her request—had just called to let him know she’d gotten cold feet. He respected the honesty. The BDSM lifestyle wasn’t for everyone, and it wasn’t something he recommended anyone explore frivolously. But the change in plans left him at loose ends.
Actually, that feeling was a constant presence in his blood these days. Restlessness. Boredom.
Dissatisfaction without really being able to pinpoint why.
In anticipation of the meeting, he’d only had water, but he dropped a few dollars on the bar anyway, then pushed off the stool and made for the restrooms at the back. Blasphemy would be hopping soon, and even though he wasn’t scheduled to work a shift, he could no doubt find a willing partner to play with there. Though he was one of the twelve Master Dominants and a one-twelfth owner of the city’s most exclusive BDSM club, Wolf’s particular kink didn’t require all the equipment and special rooms that some did. Really, voyeurism and exhibitionism could be enjoyed anywhere. Which was kinda the point.
As long as he could watch, or knew others were watching, or was with someone who got off on being watched, he was all kinds of good.
Or, at least, he used to be.


 

 

About The Author Black and White

Laura Kaye NewLaura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in contemporary romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and monster puppy, Schuyler, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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Killing June (Saved by Sin #1) by May B. Bridges-Review and Guest Post

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Killing June (Saved by Sin #1) by May B. Bridges-Review and Guest Post

Killing June

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM / Google Play / ibooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 4, 2017

SEDUCED BY PAIN
At night I’m June, dominating with the whip, even as I crave the hot, searing blow of the cane, myself. I loathe this side of who I am, but I can’t deny it or escape it. And as my clients cry out for me, begging for mercy, I can’t help but want June dead.

By day, I’m Alex Ryan, the good, successful Southern woman everyone thinks I am. I’ve compartmentalized my life to make it bearable, and to get what I want most: revenge. I can have a future with June dead, as soon as I confront the man that terrorized my past.

SAVED BY SIN
Cade Brannon is the local gun for hire, part of the seedy underworld of Dallas, but he may also be my savior. I want his help and he wants me. But Cade refuses to play by my rules and is forcing his way into every one of those compartments that I want to lock away. Now the parts of my life I’ve fought so hard to keep separate are bleeding together and it’s tearing me apart.

I just want to go back to being Alex Ryan. But at what cost am I willing to kill June?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Dark, deep, roller coaster emotion riding, naughty, angst filling … just a few words to describe this book. I LOVED IT! 🙂 This is the kind of book that sits with you long after you finish the last sentence. Gave me shivers. I will say, if you are not a fan of the dark romance, BDSM genre then skip this read. It could also be triggers for some who have personal issues with this kind of story. If you are okay with it all, then by all means jump in, full on, you will be taken for one amazing ride!

Killing June by May B. Bridges is the first book of her “Saved By Sin” series. How appropriate is “Saved By Sin”! Brilliant really. As I mentioned above, it’s a dark romance with BDSM elements, hot and very steamy, descriptive with a good dash of suspense. Not for a light afternoon over tea kind of read, but for a glass of red wine and a dark chocolate eclair. DECADENT!

Alexandria “Alex” is also known as “June” by a few chosen people. By day, she is Alex. A well put together lady who seems to have it all together. By night she is June, a highly complex, dark, tortured soul who indulges in BDSM lifestyle that she is NOT happy with. Events in her life have placed her on this unwanted path that she detests so much, but secretly craves. These events have been responsible for her being deceived and manipulated and now she wants answers and revenge.

Cade is the perfect man for Alex AND June. He is what June craves but what Alex needs. He is a healthy balance. He is dominant, self assured, caring, protective and loving but can bark and bite when the circumstance arises. Once he discovers Alex/Junes secrets, he is all in to heal and win this woman who fulfills all he needs in his own life. Alex/June want to fight him off however, but Cade is having none of it.

These two are very much a give and take couple, and May got the balance absolutely spot on. I loved the twists and turns, the suspense of the story and I found my heart racing a time or two when I really had no clue where we were going. BDSM can be a very tough genre to write as in truth, BDSM is not just physical. There is such an overwhelming emotional side to a BDSM relationship and convincing the reader that a couple will make it can be a hard task to accomplish. May you accomplished this perfectly. I am an emotional reader, and you pulled my heart strings as I flipped through the pages. I feel like a blabbering fool going on about it and not getting my words right here, but that is proof that you did your job as an awesome author in this genre. THANK YOU!

I never give storyline away on my reviews, you will have to take the ride alone. Just know you are in for an intense story, some incredible steamy scenes, a couple you can’t help but love, and a suspense where by the end you’ll be thinking “Oh freaking YES!”

So looking forward to more from this author! LOVED!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

Guest Post

Some Like it Hot! Navigating Romance.

I remember the first time I read a sex scene in a book. Wow, I was seriously unprepared. Being used to YA fantasy and a softer kind of romance, I wasn’t expecting it, at all. I was sure the scene would fade to black any moment. There I was, sitting at my daughter’s gymnastics practice, hordes of other parents around, and all of a sudden, I’m reading about penetration and hard coc… ‘Oh Jesus, did she just stay that?’ I snapped the book shut, face turning red, certain every other parent in the room somehow knew I was reading a dirty book in the presence of their precious children. The book was quickly shoved in my bag, not to make a reappearance at gymnastics. It was a surprise, to say the least. And though I enjoyed my first erotic romance read thoroughly, I’d have appreciated knowing what I was in for when I chose that as my casual daytime reader.

Romance, erotic romance, erotica, it can get confusing. So how is one to know what they’re in for when they pick up a romance book? And is the book you’re picking up a romance at all? Let’s see if we can’t sort it out.

Romance is a broad genre. That’s probably why it has so many sub-genres. If you’re searching Amazon for a romance book, you’ll have over 25 categories to browse. If Barnes and Noble is more your style, you can search over 40 romance categories. That’s a whole lot of books! And seeing that some of those categories are as opposite as night and day, romance runs the gamut of topics, themes, and plot lines.

So if there are so many sub-genres, so many ways to write these books, what makes them all romance? To be a romance, a book needs two things: A central love story, and an emotionally-satisfying and optimistic ending—Also known as a happily ever after or happy for now. No, I didn’t come up with those from my own writerly genius. I stole them from Romance Writers of America. Pretty basic, right? Once you have a story with a conflict and climax that focuses on developing a romantic relationship, and a happy ending, pretty much anything goes. It’s all of the other elements and subplots that define your sub-genre.

The jump from romance to erotic romance is an easy one. It’s romance because we have our two central elements in place. It’s erotic because we’ve taken the sex from PG 13 to NC-17. The sex almost never fades to black, and authors tend to be less coy in their descriptions of the body.

Erotic romance is almost as wide of a descriptions as romance itself. These novels can be anything from cowboy romance, historical, supernatural, contemporary, to suspense. Erotic romance spans the full range of romance sub-genres, with spiritual romance possibly being the only exception. Many book sellers don’t even list erotic romance as a romance sub-genre at all. That very well could be because there are erotic novels in every sub-genre romance.

If you like your romance with a lot of heat, I’m sure you can find one that lights your fire. If you’re an easy blusher, you might want to think that through before bring these books with you to the kid’s practices. Public or private, erotic romance are some of my favorite reads

You might think erotica is simply the next progression. Isn’t it just erotic romance on another level? Or even simply another word for erotic romance? Actually, no. The two have some big differences and aren’t technically interchangeable. In fact, an erotica story may not even be a romance at all. It doesn’t have to deal with love or relationships, and might not have a happy ending. To put it plainly, these are stories about sex. They focus on the act of sex, and not always as a byproduct of a romantic relationship.

When I was younger porn came in movies, not clips. I know, that makes me ancient. The point is, these movies always had a plot line. A group of girls would be home, bored, and hungry. They’d start talking about all of the sex acts they hadn’t tried while waiting for the pizza they ordered. The pizza guy would show up, one thing would lead to another, and suddenly you have an orgy. The plot line was never important. It was the catalyst to get these people in a room together so sex could be the focus. Without sex you really had no story. Erotica can be similar in many ways. If you pull out the sex acts, you usually don’t have enough content left for a book.

In theory, you could write an erotica about almost anything. As I’m writing this, I’m watching my boyfriend play the new Friday the 13th video game. It’s gruesome and not my thing at all, but we could turn it into an erotic novel. If Jason had graphic, hot sex with the camp counselors before killing them, and we focused the story more on his sex drive and a bit less on the hacking and slashing, we’d have an erotic horror novel. Not one I’d be reading, but a novel that fit the bill, nonetheless.

Erotica novels can be fun and exciting reads. Many of my favorite erotica writers find a way to inject a bit of humor. And what is better than a book with hot sex and a good laugh? But know that when you are searching for an erotica title, all bets are off and you could end up with anything from something resembling a romance, to bored girls and a pizza guy, to Jason in a hockey mask getting busy before hacking off some heads. Anything is possible as long as sex is the star.

It’s possible that the misconception that erotica and erotica romance are one in the same comes from book sellers. As we mentioned above, a lot of them don’t list erotic romance as a genre. That leaves authors and publishers with a few options to let readers know that their book is erotic in nature. An obvious one is to list it under erotica. So before you jump up and down, yelling that you’ve found some of your favorite erotic romances listed as erotica, yep, I know.

Truth is, if it’s a book you love, a book that sweeps you away from reality for a few hours, then it doesn’t matter how a seller labels it. Trying to sort through it all is only to help you find the book of your dreams a little bit faster. For all of their differences and similarities, the greatest thing romance, erotic romance, and erotica have in common is how diverse they are. With books from one end of the spectrum to the other, whether you want something sweet and light, a love story that’s dark and steamy, or a book about a good roll in the sheets, one of these three genres are sure to have what you need.

Happy reading!

May B. Bridges

@MaybBridges

http://www.maybbooks.com

About the author

May Bridges

I write dark, gritty contemporary romance.  I am a Southerner in the Northwest by way of Colorado. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter for updates, bookish and writing thoughts, and general life shenanigans.

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