Nothing Stays In VegasNothing Stays In Vegas by Elena Aitken

Nothing Stays In Vegas by Elena Aitken

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


With a title like NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS, you have no doubt figured out that the old adage "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" is not necessarily true. In fact, it is very likely that what happens in Vegas will follow you around for the rest of your life...literally.

At 27 years old, Lexi Titan finds herself separated from a husband she once loved and longing for a life she never thought she would want. Lexi and Andrew's story is so sad. I am certain their story is a common one among married couples. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes...no, wait, they agreed that there would not be any baby carriages in their future. So, what happens when one person changes their mind? Having children is not something a couple can compromise on...making the decision to be a parent is all or nothing. Lexi and Andrew cannot agree on this aspect of their marriage. As Lexi's desire to have a child increases and Andrew's resistance remains steadfast, their marriage falls apart.

When Lexi is asked to join her friend Nicole's birthday celebration in Vegas, she reluctantly agrees. With a little prodding from Nicole, Lexi allows Vegas to transform her from the conservative woman she has always been to one who is just slightly more impulsive, allowing herself to get lost in the moment instead of thinking about repercussions for once. Well, wouldn't you know it! When the good girl plays the part of the "bad girl" just for one night, it changes her world forever, some for the good and some for the not so good, but she embraces her situation and makes the best of it.

Six years later, Lexi finds herself in Vegas, once again for Nicole, but this time it is because she is getting married. Finally, fate steps in and forces her to face her destiny. The series of events that unfold from there are exciting and heart wrenching and sometimes a little difficult to read. This was a fantastic story, written with such emotion that I really felt like I knew the characters. I just love a story like that.

NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS is one of those stories that kind of sticks with you. It's not light and fluffy and it certainly makes you think about choices you have made in your own life. It makes you think about what might have been and what still could be. I quite enjoyed imagining myself in Lexi's place as she gave herself over to the indulgences that Vegas has to offer and I'll have to say that it was quite liberating. If you are looking for a great romantic story about love and loss, then look no further, this is the perfect book for you!

**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.





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Jungle Heat by Sarah Mäkelä

Jungle Heat by Sarah Mäkelä

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


JUNGLE HEAT prodded me to do a little research about the warrior women called Amazons, because I wasn't sure if the "history" mentioned in the blurb was just part of the story or based on fact. Amazons are women who are part of an all female nation and originated in Greek mythology. They are typically tall, very beautiful and excellent fighters, and the women of JUNGLE HEAT are no exception.

How does an Amazonian woman find someone to share her life with? I can imagine that it is fairly difficult since the Amazon village is hidden, making it difficult to find the women. Then, of course, there is that little built in trait of "total bad-ass" that probably intimidates most men.

When Adara, princess of the Amazons, ventures outside the confines of her village, she is greeted by a curious weretiger named Rei. He seems more intent on claiming her than attacking her. Once he makes his presence known to Adara, everything about the world she has known becomes jumbled and confused. From a very early age, she is taught that men are evil and are simply a means to an end, and that end being reproducing to insure the survival of their bloodline. Despite her misgivings, Rei is determined to teach her all the pleasures her elders have been so adamant about keeping hidden from her and the rest of the young Amazon females.

I loved Adara's naiveté even down to the most innocent of things, like kissing. I also loved that Rei entertains her "I am the future Queen so you must do as I say" attitude all while smirking and poking a little fun at her Highness. Rei and Adara are a great match. Only a man like Rei in a powerful body possessing a sharp mind would be worthy of Princess Adara and though he has "chosen" her as his mate, he enjoys keeping her a little emotionally off kilter.

JUNGLE HEAT was like a quick escape to a secret world. It was exciting and a little different from the typical shifter story. The sexy weretiger was a nice change... there really should be more tiger shifters in the paranormal world, they have a lot of love to give.

**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.





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Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really must be behind the times, because I had not clue what fan fiction was all about. Honestly, that's probably a good thing because I probably would have never read this book...which, by the way was wonderful and fantastic and not at all what I would have expected from fan fiction. From the descriptions I have read, fanfic is not my kind of read. Actually, I am not certain I am clear on that genre, but I digress, that is a topic for another day...

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY is dark and romantic, but don't expect roses and rainbows, because you will be really disappointed. Christian Grey is beautiful and wealthy and confidently in control, but that is all just a shiny veneer that protects the tortured soul that lives inside. All of Mr. Grey's carefully crafted control slowly begins to unravel once Anastasia Steel stumbles into his world.

The interaction between Christian and Anastasia is lovely and romantic, but also maddening--at times driving me to the point of insanity. Christian brings light and drama to Anastasia's existence. He opens the doors to a world that is so foreign to her that she has a tough time wrapping her mind around the concept of the relationship Christian wants to share with her. In a flash, she finds herself toggling between the life she once knew and the new life she is becoming acquainted with...a world filled with mystery, intrigue and darkness, a lot of darkness.

I was very impressed with how E.L. James painted the picture of the uber dominant, Christian Grey. I could have very easily disliked his character, but there was something in her depiction of Mr. Grey that just hit all the right spots (and I do mean all) perfectly for me. Christian's character kept me a little off kilter. I loved how he could be brooding and scary then, the second I decided to hate him, he flipped the switch to Prince Charming mode and I wanted him to lay me out on the nearest piece of furniture and have his wicked way with me. I can't even imagine what it must be like for the very inexperienced Anastasia. Extremely disarming I am sure.

I am intentionally steering clear of too much discussion about Ana's struggles with their relationship, for fear of revealing too much. Her emotions are a large part of what makes FIFTY SHADES OF GREY unique from all the other D/s stories that are on the shelves.

I highly recommend this book, it is beautifully written. FIFTY SHADES OF GREY has BDSM elements, but don't let that deter you from picking it up, it's mostly about domination and submission with a little spanking and flogging for good measure, but nothing too heavy. I think this book has the potential to appeal to the masses. GET IT. READ IT. You will love it!

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Surrounded by Woods by Mandy Harbin

Surrounded by Woods by Mandy Harbin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I know what you are thinking, single male mountain lion shifters on the prowl for a mate, been there, done that, right? Well, not so fast. Author Mandy Harbin puts a little spin on this story that is unique and is sure to suck you in as the details unfold.

The Woods brothers are constantly looking for a mate for their lion side, but it's a little difficult to find one when your father won't allow any single females on the property. That all changes when the formerly engaged attorney, Mikaela Patterson, is assigned to handle some legal matters for the Woods Estate in Texas. From the second Mikaela steps foot on the property, the brothers are sniffing around her, especially Josh who is the oldest, but they respect the fact that she is (supposedly) engaged to another man and tamp down their instincts to claim her.

At every turn, Mikaela finds her personal space invaded by a thick, well-muscled body belonging to none other than Josh Woods. If his hot body and good looks aren't enough, his silver tongue is bound to send her over the edge, especially when he murmurs those naughty words in her ear. Her brain is telling her to remain professional but her body is urging her to act on the desire that ignites every time she is around this man. When the truth about her availability comes to light, it actually becomes a life or death situation for Mikaela. The Woods brothers must fight the instinct of their lion side to mate with any available female, because if the female is unwilling, the results can be deadly for one or both of them.

SURROUNDED BY WOODS is sexy and exciting. I love it when a strong willed woman is paired with a dominant man...it makes for some really hot bedroom scenes! Since there are a total of 5 brothers, I am hoping for at least 4 more stories from Ms. Harbin. I can't wait to read about the rest of the brothers and the adventures they are sure to experience in their quest to find a mate to claim.
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.





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Destiny For Three by Lilly Hale

Destiny For Three by Lilly Hale

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


DESTINY FOR THREE was a totally out of character book for me to read, much less like. I am not fond of historical romance or time travel, so, I am not sure why I even picked it up, but I am glad I did! The one thing it did have that I totally love reading about is ménage...two sexy men and one woman torn between them.

Modern day Elise Davis wakes up from an accident and finds herself not only in another time, but also another body! In 1850, Elise realizes that her life as Elizabeth McBride is not going to be a simple one. It is obvious from the beginning that Ms. McBride is a very difficult person to deal with and so, Elise makes it her personal mission to right all the wrongs done by Elizabeth McBride.

When Elise/Elizabeth's guardian dies, she is forced into the care of Trey and Radcliffe Kingston. Years ago, the Kingston brothers were almost ruined because of Elizabeth McBride's vicious nature and they are none too excited about dealing with the manipulative brat they once knew. It doesn't take them long to see that she has truly changed her ways...almost like she is actually a different person! Though they are skeptical, they cannot help but to fall under her spell once again.

The chemistry between Trey, Radcliffe and Elise is on fire! Radcliffe is the dominant "disciplinarian" who enjoys playing a little rough at times and then there is the romantic and gentle lover, Trey who is determined to protect Elise at all costs. It's really no wonder Elise is caught in the middle of the two -- together they are perfect for her as they appeal to her carnal side while providing the tenderness and love that she desires.

Lilly Hale does an excellent job putting a new spin on the "time-travel" aspect of the story. So, if you are not partial to time travel, don't let that dissuade you from reading this fantastic read, or you will certainly be cheating yourself out of some great entertainment.

**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.





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One Good Man by Nona Raines

One Good Man by Nona Raines

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book had a lot of promise, but in the end fell short of my expectations.

ONE GOOD MAN had a lot of great elements, including depth of story and character development, but was somewhat lacking in the area of erotic romance. There was just something about the erotic scenes that just didn't jive with the flow of the story.

Andie is a plain-jane, librarian who has struggled with her weight her entire life. She has recently been forced to deal with the death of her mother as well as a laundry list of other emotional issues. When her boyfriend suddenly decides to "take a break," she is stunned, but she pulls up her boot straps and forges ahead. Wary about getting back in the saddle, Andie decides that playing "peeping tom" and fantasizing about her father's hottie neighbor is definitely more her speed...until she gets busted. This is where the story was destined to heat up, and it did for a hot second and then fizzled out.

Though I liked the depth of the story and the emotional aspects that the characters were forced to deal with, the sexy scenes were missing something and felt a bit forced. The romance between Matthew and Andie was slightly out of line with the rest of the story. Andie's internal dialogue about her lack of experience in the bedroom and less than perfect body got in the way of what should have been down and dirty sex with the dirty-hot neighbor. I would have given this story a higher rating if it had faded to black sex scenes and a genre of "romance". The general story line is what landed Ms. Raines a three stars for this read.


**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.



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Wrong by Shelby Morgen

Wrong by Shelby Morgen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I am a sucker for a "geek and freak" story. I also love a good cougar story. Lucky for me, WRONG is just the right combination of the two!


This little shortie features shy Katie who is much more comfortable hiding behind her latest book about the big bang theory than swapping "sexy talk" with her leather clad admirer. Well, scratch that...she is shy until she gets a few drinks in her system at which point, she loses all her inhibitions and makes no bones about what she wants with her freaky-hot, young Michael.

Shelby Morgen does a great job at creating interesting and likeable...and HOT characters in a short story. I loved Michael's confidence and how he successfully enticed Katie's more adventurous, sexy side to the surface with a little dirty talk and naughty promises.

Looking for a quickie? WRONG will surely tickle your fancy in all the right places!



**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.







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Office Hours by Sam Crescent

Office Hours by Sam Crescent

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What better way to ignite a new romance than to be stranded in the wilderness during winter armed only with a map and a little food, right? Well, I don't know if that is the perfect scenario, but it sure does work for this couple. I always know I am in for a treat when the hero and heroine are described as having personalities that compete for dominance.

Nathan, the "demanding sexy boss", has mistakenly booked a "team building" weekend at a couples resort with his personal assistant, Anya, the "fiery red temptress". Convinced that they can benefit as co-workers from the weekend adventure, Nathan insists that Anya attend regardless of her prior plans. True to her description, Anya is furious that her plans for a weekend of mindless sex with nameless hotties are squashed by this oblivious man who is her boss. The pent up sexual need that has been building inside her is on the verge of spontaneous combustion and weekend alone with sir sexy is NOT a good idea...or is it?

Nathan and Anya are both appealing characters and were fun and somewhat comical to read about. It was obvious from the beginning that they were attracted to each other. All they needed was a little push in the right direction and what better to force their romance than mother nature, of course!

So, there are definitely some holes in this story line, but if you can get past that, it really is a hot little story. Normally, lack of plausibility would knock the rating down a notch or two, but I enjoyed OFFICE HOURS despite its shortcomings.



**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.







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Misunderstanding Mason by Claire Ashgrove

Misunderstanding Mason by Claire Ashgrove

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Claire Ashgrove is a new author to me, but you can better believe I am going to get better acquainted with more of her work real soon! She took a fairly simple conflict and turned it into a wonderful and emotional story.

Kristin and Mason have been living together for two of the five years they have been dating. All is right in their world until they agree to work together for a wealthy client on a large project, never expecting that this decision would turn their world upside down. The client's "keen observations" forces Kristin to reevaluate her relationship with Mason which results in her moving out. As she questions the deficiencies in their relationship, it becomes difficult to determine if their issues are as serious as they seem in her mind or are they simply compounded by the vicious manipulations of a bored old woman?

I have read a lot of romance and a lot of erotica, but few characters have been as animated and realistic as Kristin and Mason were to me. MISUNDERSTANDING MASON contained some of the sweetest and hottest scenes I have ever read. I can't really put my finger on exactly what it was about the scenes that made them different from other books, but they really spoke to me. It could have been the way Kristin and Mason's casual comfort in their relationship with each other is described. Maybe it's the way she paints the picture of them engaging in something sexy and simple like "pressing a kiss on her bare shoulder" to something very different that's carnal and needy that makes them really come alive to the reader.

Lets face it, erotic novels with characters who get down and dirty are hot...I love to implant myself into all the naughty stories, but most of the time what goes on in the land of erotica is just not real life. It's fantasy and that's what makes it so delicious. I enjoyed, for a change, reading a romance that I not only wanted to be involved in, but I could actually see the love they shared as something I could have in my real life. If you are in the market for an erotic romance that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, hot and horny and sometimes a little teary, then this book is one you definitely must read!



**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.






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Owning My Best Friend's Dad by Erica Sloane

Owning My Best Friend's Dad by Erica Sloane

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Well, that is certainly one way to get the car keys! That dirty little girl was making me blush and she didn't even touch him!



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Stepsister Spring Break by Erica Sloane

Stepsister Spring Break by Erica Sloane

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Oh my goodness, is it hot in here or is it just me? Whew! That was another hot quickie by Erica Sloane. She is definitely my new favorite naughty writer. She does a fantastic job combining the slightly taboo with a sexy story that's bad enough to make you feel a little dirty for enjoying what you've read while staying just enough under the taboo radar to keep it on Amazon ;-).

Loved it!


P.S.

Dearest Erica,


I am requesting that you write a follow up with their naughty summer story. That would really make me happy. You know how much I love bookie nookie...hugs.


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Saved by One, Shared by Two by Sylvia Ryan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Honestly, I wasn't sure if this was going to be the book for me. I am not a big fan of the "end of the world" type books, but a quick glance at the blurb held promise, so I thought I would give it a go. According to experts, just one burst from an electromagnetic pulse, also called EMP, would wipe out anything that runs on electrical components ultimately aiding in the break down society as we know it. Doesn't sound so fun, huh? Have you ever thought about what you might do without the modern conveniences we have grown so accustomed to, such as, electricity, transportation and access to clean water and food whenever we desire?  Well, Ms. Ryan has the right idea...if society is going to hell in a hand basket, then please Dear GOD hook me up with two fine men...

Tough as nails prison guard, Julia was prepared for an end oft the world type of scenario when the EMP crippled the world, or so she thought. When unforeseen circumstances leave her face down in the dirt and dying, she is SAVED BY ONE handsome stranger named Arden. Once Julia has recovered from her injuries, she busies herself with making Arden's house a home. It is obvious from the beginning that there is a mutual attraction between the two, though they never act on it.

When the gorgeous Ben shows up on their doorstep, he is welcomed with open arms and legs and mouth...not quite that quickly, but he definitely raised the bar on the farm. It was impossible for Julia to deny her attraction to Ben. Julia decides not to act on her feelings for either man as it was obvious that the two were in competition for her affections. Believing that they could not possibly love her and the only reason for their attention was because she was the only female accessible to the, therefore the only option to warm their beds and to slake their sexual desires. After much persuasion, Julia succumbs to their seductions and allows herself to be SHARED BY TWO.

Sylvia Ryan takes a topic that has been done a thousand times before, adds a little spin on it and breathes new life into an otherwise boring story. I thought she did a fantastic job of keeping the characters on a realistic timeline in regards to becoming intimate, especially with respect to introducing the menage to the story. It could have felt cheap and dirty, but it was sweet and hot. This would be a great read for anyone looking for a hot book to read with an entertaining and fresh spin on the end of the world scenario. I can't imagine a better way to spend my days...with two sexy men all to myself!

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Hired by Lily Harlem

Hired by Lily Harlem

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


My mother always told me that no lie is a "good" lie...not even a little white lie because they always come back to bite you on the butt!

Brooke wants nothing more than to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a nurse, but even without the added expense of nursing school, she is struggling just to pay her bills. When she is presented an opportunity that could make her dreams come true, how could she possibly pass that up? All she has to do is keep the bad boy of hockey company while she catches a few rays and studies for the nursing exam. That doesn't sound too bad, right? AND she gets paid a load of cash to do it...that's a no-brainer!

Brooke and "Bad Boy" Logan are just about as different as two people can be. She is luscious with soft curves and he is hard and cut angles. She is nurturing and he is destructive. She is unsure of herself and he is confident. She is eccentric and he operates in what most would consider a more "normal" fashion. Of course, wouldn't you know -- that is the perfect combination of ingredients for a passionate affair, IF the lie that Logan doesn't even know exists doesn't tear them apart.

I loved the chemistry between Brooke and Logan. His commanding presence and dominance was expected, but the kind and gentle side he shares with Brooke was very sexy and an oh-so pleasant surprise. It made my heart pound from passion and anxiety. Then it calmed me with the sweet tenderness and loving adoration between Brooke and Logan.


If you are looking for a book that's guaranteed to evoke a variety of emotions from start to finish, this would be a great choice!


**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.







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Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Who doesn't love a bad boy? It really doesn't matter if you are young or old, the bad boy has appeal. Picture this: Piercing green eyes, dark hair, powerful body clad in well worn jeans and a black leather jacket with a motorcycle helmet tucked under his arm and a smile that promises to fulfill all your fantasies. Now, you are lying to yourself if that mental image doesn't turn you on!

Posey is just one of those loveable characters that you just want to squeeze and you get a little teary-eyed just thinking about people mistreating her. Now, of course since I said that, you know they do! Then there's Liam. You know that bad boy I made you picture a minute ago, well, that's him. Yum! Although he is dubbed the "bad boy," he is a total sweetheart and hell, I want to squeeze him too, but for totally different reasons ;-)

I really loved this story!  UNTIL THERE WAS YOU toggles between current day and memories from Posey and Liam's past. Sometimes, that type of narration can be distracting, but not in this case...It really helps to understand all the characters, and why they are they way they are today. It is a sweet, sad and passionate telling of a romance that takes twenty years to evolve. I'll be honest, I don't typically cry over a book, but I was wiping away tears on several occasions while reading this one. It is definitely a feel-good romance worth reading.

**Advanced Reader Copy Provided by Netgalley and the Publisher, HQN**



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Review: Study Session

Study Session by Adegan Peront

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


No wonder all the dumb girls in school seemed to just keep getting dumber and dumber no matter how many tutoring sessions they signed up for. The even better question is how did they pass? We had a lot of male teachers at our school, so I am starting to catch on...

STUDY SESSION is a quick read about a hot, popular girl named Carrie and her nerdy classmate, Eric. Being the super helpful and horny teenage boy he is, he offers to tutor Carrie in math, never expecting his payback would be the stuff only fantasies are made of. As Eric teachers her about sine, cosine and tangent, she teaches him about oral, anal and penetration.

Go in to this story knowing that it is a dirty little story and you will come out a happy camper.

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