#Review: Intimate Desires @celestecarrara

Intimate Desires by Celeste Carrara
My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I was excited to read about an older woman, and throwing a ménage situation into it was icing on the cake. Needless to say, INTIMATE DESIRES served up one deliciously spicy read.

Stephanie is closing in on forty and with a divorce under her belt, no family or friends, and no job; she is hardly read to give up on life just yet though. To make some extra income, she takes the opportunity to carefully select four new tenants for her old Victorian house. Now lucky for her, they all just so happen to want to satisfy her every desire. But after one night with Stephanie, one of the guys is determined to make this more than just a fling despite their significant age difference.

I think that INTIMATE DESIRES was a very spicy read, but I also thought it was kind of one dimensional too. The characters didn’t have any real depth to them, nor did we get any real conflict aside from a disapproving mother (which being in her shoes, I would have disapproved too). I did find that I liked the clear and honest communication between the guys, so that was refreshing, but this overall felt like a Lifetime movie gone bad in the most scandalous type of way. There was an overall feel good vibe there towards the end that I appreciated as well, because in the end Stephanie was just really looking for acceptance and to be loved. I think you would like this if you are looking for a quick and dirty read with a bit of sweet thrown in.

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

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#REVIEW Nashville Trio, A Music City Ménage 4 SEXY STARS @AuthorJDaniels

Nashville Trio, A Music City Ménage by Joy Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think NASHVILLE TRIO was a seriously sexy read that was packed full of intense chemistry and heat. The characters were interesting with Rob and Ashley both being musicians and Ty a start-up businessman. The dynamics and emotions going on between the three of them were complex, but felt very real and full of passion. Both Ty and Rob were sexy as hell, so I don’t blame Ashley in the least for not being able to choose between the two of them!

Ashley and Rob are attempting to make it in Nashville as a singing duo, but her growing attraction to her singing partner is starting to take a toll on her music. In an attempt to rebalance, she heads home and comes face to face with the man who broke her heart when he didn’t support her decision to chase her dreams. Ty has spent the last 3 years in the shadows of Ashley’s life, but he is determined to not let her go now that he has her again. Rob isn’t about to let Ashley go back to her ex, and his jealousy prompts him to act on the feelings he has always had for her but kept at bay. What Rob doesn’t expect, is to also be attracted to her ex or for Ty to share in that attraction as well.

This trio is definitely scorching hot! They had great chemistry, but I found myself wanting more story instead of sex scenes. *gasp* I know, it came as a shock to me too, so don’t hate me for admitting it. Don’t get me wrong, I liked that these guys packed a lot of panty melting heat, but I just wished that the budding relationship between Ty and Rob would have been explored more too. Although I found the dialogue to be steamy and funny, I was slightly irritated that a lot of the conflict could have been resolved with simple communication. They were all just too busy getting it on to actually discuss anything, and who could really blame them? What I liked the most was that Joy Daniels did a great job with balancing out the point of views. I always love being able to get into each characters head to see what is going on with them emotionally in a ménage situation, and I think it helps the reader believe that the relationship could work. Overall, this was a sexy, fun read and I do want to check out more of what Daniels has to offer in the future. I would suggest this to anyone wanting a light-hearted quick read with a big steam factor.

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

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DOUBLE 5 STAR #REVIEW: Make Me by @alyturn

Make Me by Alyssa Turner

DESCRIPTION:

Willpower is overrated.

Manhattan’s most eligible bachelor, Kyle Hunter, is a Marine Corps vet, the son of a US Senator and the prodigal heir of American corporate royalty. He’s rich, smart and a notorious flirt. Kyle Hunter is also in love with his best friend. So why did he tell Manny they could never see each other again?

Manny Tescadero isn’t about to be hurt twice. He’s lost a lot and if there’s one thing he learned in Afghanistan, it’s to defend yourself and those who need you at all costs. When Rebecca Sinclair lands on his doorstep, his honor won’t let him turn her away. His heart won’t let him pretend there isn’t more to it than a soldier’s code. But new love interests aren’t part of the mission plan; not when he’s still in love with someone else.

Rebecca Sinclair has never been good at letting loose. As a librarian she has her dream job and a new start with an amazing apartment in the city that never sleeps. She thought she was happy until everything she’s worked for is gone in a flash. Turns out having it all may just mean something else entirely.

There are a mountain of reasons why they shouldn’t be together and not one stands a chance of keeping them apart.

BOOKIE'S RATING: 5 of 5 stars

I had the pleasure of beta reading MAKE ME and I have to be honest, it was pretty perfect from the get-go.

Marines Manny and Kyle are close friends, like really close friends… When their relationship turns into much more than just sharing a beer at a bar, their lives as they once knew it are forever changed. They come under heavy scrutiny for their relationship; effectively driving a wedge between them and the special bond they shared.

As Manny and Kyle struggle to come to grips with their feelings for each other, Rebecca enters the picture. Manny and Kyle have shared women in the past, but there is something different about Rebecca – she is special, there’s something about her that they can’t resist, and she effectively lures them both in and it soon becomes clear that she is the missing piece to their complicated puzzle.

MAKE ME is a fantastic story of love and friendship, heartbreak and happiness. I have read several books by author, Alyssa Turner, but MAKE ME might be my favorite; it’s hot, sexy and sweet rolled into one delicious package. This is a great book to check out for anyone who enjoys erotic romance reads with an actual plot ;-)



TABATHA'S RATING: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t know about you guys, but for me personally, I just love MMF ménage stories.  Something is just so very sexy having everyone in love where they place no limitations on the relationship.   MAKE ME was is splendid example of how an author can take a relationship like this, and make the reader believe that it could really work and have longevity. 

When Manny and Rebecca first meet, the sparks are instantaneous despite the circumstances that bring them together.  Unfortunately for Rebecca, Manny is still recovering emotionally from his failed relationship with his best friend Kyle after coming back from their tour in Afghanistan.  His resistance is futile as the pull to Rebecca is just too strong, but then Kyle decides that he wants him back as well.  Kyle knows he made a huge mistake when he put distance between him and Manny, but his obligations to his family are a huge obstacle in their relationship.  When he decides he can’t live without Manny in his life, he finds out that Manny has someone new in his life that he is unwilling to let go. 

These three don’t just fall into bed together, and it takes a lot of internal conflict to get them on the same page, which made for even more enjoyable reading.  I found MAKE ME to be engaging, emotional, and deliciously steamy, but the one thing I especially loved was that it was not overly sexed as so many in this type of genre tend to be.  It had plenty of heated moments between them all, but this was truly a story driven book with a great line up of characters.   I am definitely going to recommend it to all you ménage lovers out there. 

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

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#REVIEW: Up In Flames: Body Heat\Caught in the Act by @lorilfoster

Up In Flames: Body Heat\Caught in the Act by Lori Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

UP IN FLAMES is a newly released duo book from Lori Foster, but I will caution that it is a re-release of two novellas you might have read if you are an avid Foster fan. Both stories were entertaining, but CAUGHT IN THE ACT definitely rose above the very short novella BODY HEAT for me personally.

BODY HEAT (3 stars)

I hate spoilers and avoid them at all costs, so I can’t reveal too much about the plot because it was a very short read. It is a deserted island romance with a reunion of frenemies, so it had an appealing sweet factor to it when they finally reveal that they always had feelings for each other. The two of them were both very headstrong and had their issues, but I will admit they had great chemistry together. I think I would have enjoyed BODY HEAT more if it had been fleshed out a bit further, because it just wrapped up too fast for me. It was an overall good short read, but it left me wanting more.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT (4 stars)

Now I really enjoyed this one, and it reminded me more of her newer book series where the men are cops/investigators with their group of sexy friends. It was the third book in a series, but I hadn’t read the other ones and didn’t feel lost at all. I definitely do want to go back and read those though, because Alec and Dane were great characters. I think that the connection between Mick and Delilah was fast, but so very intense that it made it believable. Del was definitely an off the wall character, and I found myself totally loving her straightforward eccentric behavior. Both of these two had never put much focus on dating to focus on their respective careers, so watching them work through the bumps was fun. CAUGHT IN THE ACT had all the typical Foster attributes. It had an engaging plot line, excitement at every turn, and it was full of steamy romance making it one great read.

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

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#Review: Shame on You by @TaraSivec @stptabby 5 Stars

Shame on You by Tara Sivec
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well shame on me for not reading this one sooner! I simply adore Tara Sivec’s insanely witty humor, so going into SHAME ON YOU I knew this one was going to be one fun read. With lines like “She needs to be waterboarded with pasta and potatoes” and crazy things like desks covered in penis Post-it notes, you can’t help but uncontrollably laugh out loud while reading one of her books. SHAME ON YOU is the first in her new series Fool Me Once that will feature three friends and their misadventures in private investigation. As I’ve come to expect from Tara, this one was a laugh a minute, but it was also sweet and sexy as well.

Kennedy O’Brien and her friends have all been burned by men, so they ban together to start Fool Me Once Investigations. Kennedy’s husband took off with the nanny while she was serving her country in Afghanistan, so she is mighty bitter towards all things male. She is especially bitter towards the man that betrayed her trust, who was her best friend, Griffin Crawford.

Griffin has been in love with Kennedy for over 18 years, but he knows he betrayed her trust. Now he has the monumental task to gain her forgiveness and get himself out of the friend zone, since she is finally available for the taking after her divorce. With some help from her dad, he has the chance to snag the girl by helping her find an elusive bond jumper. Kennedy is being stubborn and refuses his help, but one thing he knows is she will never refuse a bet. If she wins, she gets to take one solid punch at him for the pain he has caused her, and if he wins…she has to finally go out on a date with him.

The chase is on, but I think this is definitely one bet Kennedy might not be sad to lose when things start to head up. I absolutely loved reading this this insane book full of funny shenanigans, laugh out loud dialogue, and sexual tension so hot that it will melt your e-reader. I think that it might have been a bit on the short side, but I always want more when I love reading a book so much. I am really looking forward to the next two books in this series, and I highly recommend SHAME ON YOU if you are looking for a short funny, sweet, and sexy read.

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

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#Review: Honey Red 5 Stars @beerwencha2 @stptabby #Menage

Honey Red by Liz Crowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my favorite type of ménage story, and I have to say that HONEY RED was such a refreshing read. Each of these characters has flaws, but I think that was the beauty of their relationship. Things didn’t just snap easily together, and it took a lot of trial and error to make things work out for these three. I’ve found that so few books now days can evoke emotional reactions out of me, but HONEY RED was able to make me laugh, cry, smile, and make me angry all in one fantastic read.

Ian Donovan is in a slump, and he has spent his life in the shadow of his brother feeling like an overall failure in life. After fate throws him a curveball, he has to make some serious life changes as he heads back to Michigan to help his brother with his new brewery.

Nick Traynor is struggling to live life on a daily basis after being injured in combat and losing Dan…the love of his life. His sister attempts to fix him up with her boyfriend’s brother Ian, and as sparks fly they decide to embark in a purely sexual relationship. Emotions start to get involved, but Nick is fighting his own personal demons though and feels like he is too broken for Ian. But then he meets Hannah, and everything changes.

Hannah Williams has put sexual relationships on the back burner while she finished up her degree. Now she just wants to do her job until she can find something better, but her sexy as sin boss Ian is making things exceedingly difficult when she can’t focus on anything but him. She tries in vain to resist temptation, but she can’t help how drawn she is to Ian. When he takes her as his date to his brother’s wedding, she meets yet another temptation she can’t resist…Ian’s lover Nick.

HONEY RED had loads of angst, but it was also such a sweet story as well. We watch them struggle in vain to keep things strictly sexual as they deal their own personal issues along the way. They have so much chemistry making for some steamy moments in the bedroom, but they also have a lot to work on to make this relationship last. As things quickly heat up, unforeseen consequences just about destroy everything they have together. I loved HONEY RED so much, because it just felt so real to me. I really enjoyed their deeply emotional journey to love, and I have to say that I think this is one of my favorite ménage reads I’ve read. So with all that said, I definitely going to recommend this one to you guys.

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

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#Review: Risk by @rhyllbiest

Risk by Rhyll Biest
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It’s no secret how much I love to read ménage books, so I was intrigued by the blurb for RISK to see how Rhyll Biest was going to make this arrangement work. I think RISK had potential, but my honest opinion is that it just wasn’t long enough. The other issue I had was with the single P.O.V. from Mike’s perspective. It felt like I had ADD being in his head, because he was so erratic in his thoughts. I truly feel if the story were longer and more developed, that it could definitely be a good read.

Mike is all about taking personal risks, but he has turned over a new leaf and is trying in vain to be what he defines as “normal.” He falls in love with Jane who he feels is more “innocent” in comparison to his seedy past. Mike and his fiancée Jane are an undeniably well matched couple, but she knows deep down that he is keeping something from her. Based on previous experience, his biggest fear is that if Jane knew his darkest desires, she’d leave him. He feels he is protecting her by keeping his unconventional kinky past hidden, but the Orlov’s do not want to let him go and seek him out in his new life in China. After Jane meets his friends Vlad and Lena at dinner (much to his dismay), she is determined to find out what exactly Mike is hiding. Once Jane sets her plans into motion, Mike realizes that she might not be so innocent after all…

I think that the moments between Jane and Mike are steamy hot, but when Vlad and Lena are involved it gets kind of awkward. The brash Lena is all of a sudden very timid, and the dominance games were… well they were odd to me, but to each their own in that regard. I will say that I was disappointed in the single scene with the two couples. I was just expecting more when they were all together, and I wanted more emotion to be involved with the Orlov’s and Mike. I felt like that aspect of the story was left lingering, and that Lena and Vlad deserved to have some say in the conclusion with Mike and Jane as well. Now I’m not even going to mention my issues with Jane and Vlad, because that made me shake my head a few times. Once the single scene involving both couples is over, we came to what I feel like was a lackluster conclusion. I really do love a good short story, but RISK left me feeling like it was incomplete. That being said, if Biest decided to do a follow up story with these couples, I’d definitely want to read what happens next as they explore the potential of their dynamics more.

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

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#Review: Dash of Peril 5 Stars @lorilfoster

Dash of Peril by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have a book hangover, and I completely blame Lori Foster for it. DASH OF PERIL was such a great read, and I think Foster took it to a whole new level with her fourth, and last, installment of her Love Undercover series. I must admit that I feel like Foster is really at the top her of her game right now. I absolutely love the way she pulls you into her books to the point where you never want to leave, and how she is able to make you fall head over heels with her characters. Now I’ve adored so many characters I’ve read in the past, but I have to say that my new favorite book boyfriend is Dashiel Riske.

Guys… I cannot begin to even describe to you what a total package of perfection this man is. Dash is sexy beyond measure, captivating, determined, perceptive, respectful, supportive, thoughtful…and that is just to name a few of his amazing qualities. To make DASH OF PERIL even better, Foster then topped it off by pairing him with one kick ass heroine in Lieutenant Margaret “Margo” Peterson. Margo is a highly intelligent, sternly independent, intimidatingly confident, and a total take-charge woman, but underneath it all lurks a sexual power house waiting to ignite. These two had such amazing chemistry together, and I had to fan myself a few times from all the heat they were producing. I also adored the way Dash was able to bring out the softer side of Margo without compromising her integrity with her detectives. Needless to say, these two were a powerful combination, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment with them.

To say the very least, DASH OF PERIL is one exciting, sexy, and entertaining read. I thought that it had complex and exceedingly well developed characters with an engaging plot full of action and suspense at every turn. I really think you will all enjoy this one, but I will even go so far as to highly suggest to you the entire series because each of these books are fantastic. And now on a side note… I am really excited that we are going to get a whole new series that starts off with Cannon, and hopefully Yvette too. *big smiles* I'm really looking forward to what Lori Foster has in store for us next.

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

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#Review: Three Weeks with a Bull Rider

Three Weeks with a Bull Rider by Cat Johnson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I thought that Cat Johnson’s THREE WEEKS WITH A BULL RIDER was a good addition to her Oklahoma Nights series, but I also have to admit that didn’t connect with these two characters quite like I had with the previous two books. Tara and Jace consider themselves to be more enemies than friends, so they don’t feel any attraction to one another at first. Instead the story is more focused on how these two try to overcome their pasts, and how they discover that with help moving on might not be so hard after all.

Jace Mills is a landscaper by trade and a part-time bull rider on the weekends. He has been struggling with moving on from his long-term relationship, because he hasn’t exactly cut all ties with his ex like he should have. To get away, he jumps at the opportunity to ride full-time on the circuit even if it means he has to have his best friend’s little sister tag along for the ride.

Tara Jenkins is desperate to get away from her family, but more importantly to get away from the hurt she feels because of Logan and his new bride. In order to finish up her degree, she signs up to do an internship with the sports medicine team on the pro bull riding circuit. Unfortunately after only one event, the car she just used all her money to purchase breaks down. She doesn’t want to ask for help from her parents and her brother Tucker refuses to help, but Jace gives her an opportunity she can’t refuse. Although the situation isn’t an ideal one, beggars can’t be choosers so she is reluctantly stuck with Jace for the next three weeks. She just hopes they both survive it.

Sparks definitely fly between these two at the onset of the book, but eventually they find common ground and are able to come to a tentative peace agreement of sorts. Neither of them expects what will develop after a rash decision on Jace’s behalf to rein Tara in, but Jace struggles almost too much to keep himself at a distance. I enjoyed the buildup and tension between these two, but I honestly have to say that I also thought that Tara and Jace had too much going on emotionally for them to make it work as a couple. I would have liked to see the ending be better developed, because to me it just seemed too rushed and incomplete. That being said though, I was actually glad that we didn’t get any big professions of love in this one, but instead a happy for now ending. I’ve enjoyed this series overall so far and I’m looking forward to the next book. I hear Tyler’s story is next, so hopefully we can get a glimpse of where Tara and Jace are in their relationship too!

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

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#Review: Bite Me by Shelly Laurenston 5 Stars

Bite Me by Shelly Laurenston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am going to have a hard time not going all fan girl on this review, because quite simply I’m a HUGE fan of this series. Shelly Laurenston is one of my favorite go to paranormal authors, so I was very eager to get my hands on BITE ME. Now my fan girl feelings aside, I still think that this was a fantastic way to finish out a series. I really must caution that you need to read the previous books, because BITE ME is number nine in the Pride series. Not only do we revisit with quite a lot of the previous characters, but more importantly we are also provided with resolution for a lingering story line as well. What I love most about the series as a whole is Laurenston’s amazing writing talent with her fantastic characters, humorous dialogue, and very engaging plots. I literally cannot put down one of these books until I finish, and BITE ME was no exception.

Olivia Kowalski (aka Livy) is a tiny, yet mean as hell honey badger shifter who doesn’t like to depend on anyone but herself. She also tries to stay away from her crazy family of thieves and con artists as much as possible. Livy’s family and the few friends she has consider her to be an enigma. Due to her honey badger instincts, Livy is not only easily provoked, but she also has inclination towards aggravating others providing for some totally funny scenes that will have you laughing out loud. When we met Livy in WOLF WITH BENEFITS, she undeniably stole the show for me. Be it her sarcastic wit or her no holds barred way she jumps into a fight, she easily took on the role as my favorite character, and I was just tickled that Livy was going to be paired up with Vic.

Victor Barinov (aka Vic) is a tiger/grizzly hybrid who happens to be rather stoic, but has such a big soft-heart when it comes to Livy. Vic is ex-military/CIA and now spends his time doing free-lance work for the shifter agencies. Most of the time his bear side has control making him easy going and relaxed, but much to Livy’s delight his feline side takes complete control in the bedroom. *winks* These two start off as nothing more than friends, but I think that is why they made such a great couple. Their relationship was slow to build, and they understand each other on a level that no one else does. With the way these two click, it came as no shock just how adorable they were together in and out of the bedroom.

Now I really don’t want to give anything away because so much happens in BITE ME, but just know that Livy is out for blood after discovering the true reason behind her father’s death. For someone like Livy who is used to doing things on her own, she finds herself surrounded by shifters who want to help hunt down the person responsible, but also keep her safe as well (although that does prove to be quite the challenge given her temperament). This book was a wild ride to say the very least, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it to the point where I did not want it to end. BITE ME exceeded all my expectations, and encompassed everything I love about Laurenston’s writing. I’m going to highly recommend this series to anyone who loves shifter romances, and I can guarantee you will thoroughly enjoy it just as much as I have.

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

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#Review: Rebel by @Skye_Jordan 5 Stars

Rebel by Skye Jordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought that Skye Jordan did a fantastic job with Rebel. Although the characters still have that explosive chemistry I’ve come to expect with her books, Rebel definitely had more tension and angst going on than Reckless. When we first meet Rubi and Wes in the previous book, instant sparks were flying with Rubi’s brazen attitude and Wes’s sexy charm. What I didn’t anticipate was just how adorably sweet Wes would be, and just how emotionally damaged Rubi really was inside.

Rubi Russo is super smart, feisty, and an undeniably sexy former model turned computer programmer. She’s lived the life of luxury all her life, but all that glistens on the surface hides a very emotionally damaged woman on the inside. Being denied love and not knowing what it is like to have someone care, she doesn’t understand what real love is. She has put up walls to keep her heart protected, and keeps men either firmly as friends or strictly one-night stands… well that is until Wes.

Wesley Lawson (aka Wes) grew up a country boy, but left small town Missouri to pursue his own dreams despite his families wishes that he do something more productive with his life. He is a stunt man for the Renegades, and loves nothing more than getting paid to have fun and push his limits. He’s always dated “sweet” girls, but he finds himself instantly drawn to Rubi’s feisty nature. After a few months of being friends, he sets out on a mission to win her heart. What he didn’t realize was just how difficult that would really prove to be.

The path to love was certainly not easy for these two, but once they got there it was oh so sweet. No matter how many road blocks Rubi threw up to keep Wes at a distance, it stole my heart the way he was able to show her just how much he cares and that they could really make this work. These two have an insane amount of chemistry going on that was very evident right from the start. Although Wes is a good ole boy, he sure can be naughty when he’s with Rubi. *winks* Now I completely understood where Rubi was coming from and I did have sympathy for her after the show down with her father, but she drove me a bit batty at times by being just a tad over the top. Wes did nicely to counter balance that, but that was the only spot I could see where I would have liked it toned down a bit. Rubi and Wes balanced each other so well, and I thought they were really a great couple. Overall, I really enjoyed this story of friendship turning into a great relationship, and I think you will too. :)

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

BUY IT NOW! - Amazon

#Review: Against the Wall

Against the Wall by Rebecca Zanetti
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

AGAINST THE WALL definitely lived up to its name, and it was a satisfying light-hearted read. Regrettably, I have to also admit that I feel like the story lacked real depth or emotion in the way it was written too. On the positive side though, I liked the character set up with not only the main characters, but also with the secondary ones as well. Jake and Sophie shared some very steamy moments, and I delighted in their cute interactions outside the bedroom as well.

Landscape architect Sophie Smith is in Maverick Montana to present her design for a proposed golf course to the community. This city girl is unquestionably out of her element, but she is surprised when she finds the country charm so appealing in more ways than she ever expected. Montana calls to her inner artist begging to be unleashed, and Jake… well he brings out a whole different kind of passion from her that she tries in vain to resist.

Jake Lodge is a cowboy to his core, but he is also the Tribal lawyer for his community the Kooskia Tribe. He finds himself in opposition to Sophie’s proposed golf course, but he also sees a way to make her stay as well. They set out for their relationship to only be a fling, but things take an unexpected (or in my case…entirely predictable) turn. Now I think Jake shows hints of being a commanding Alpha male, but I would have loved to see that more fleshed out. I honestly feel like we didn’t really get to know him very much and I would have liked to know more about him. I adored the way his family and community were always meddling and providing support, but I did think it was odd that he never seemed to be taking care of his own daughter during the story.

Unfortunately, I found myself thinking that AGAINST THE WALL was entirely too clichéd. I couldn't feel any deep connection between the characters to support them falling in love. I also found that some of the events in the story seemed like after thoughts that were not fully developed. These events fall into place a bit too easily for my liking, which made them unexciting and predictable in my honest opinion. On the other hand, I liked the plot and thought it had real potential to pull me in. The love scenes were a pleasure to read, but boy did these two love the outdoors and walls! I find myself curious to see where the story goes from here with Jake’s siblings, but I also hope that those stories have more depth to them than AGAINST THE WALL did. I think the author has real potential to make an enjoyable series, so I’m interested to see how her writing develops from here.

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

BUY IT NOW! - Amazon

#Review: Bonds of Denial @lyndaaicher 5 Stars

Bonds of Denial by Lynda Aicher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BONDS OF DENIAL is one of my favorite books I’ve read so far this year, and I am definitely listing it as one of my favorite m/m reads for sure. Although this is part of the Wicked Play series, I think this one stands on its own so you don’t need to worry about reading the others first (but you should because they are great reads as well *winks*). I have so many different things that I loved, but what it really boils down to is that I just adore the way Lynda Aicher writes. I really appreciate her ability to express such deep emotion in her characters, and how she is able to focus on the connection between the characters beyond their physical intimacy. Now don’t get me wrong here, because these books are still scorching hot reads! I just think that she builds a strong emotional foundation for her characters to fall in love, and BONDS OF DENIAL was one of her best yet.

Rockford Fielding (aka Rock) is former military and works security at The Den, which he is now part owner of with his friends. Although he doesn’t live the lifestyle the same way his friends and business partners do, he definitely harbors his own secrets that he won’t even admit to himself. Rock’s denial of who he is inside has been a direct result of not only an incident when he was 14 years old with his father, but also each time he has attempted to be himself as well. Because of these deep emotional scars (and one physical), he has led a very solitary life, but all that changed when Carter started coming to the club with a client. Rock has watched him from afar while he monitors the security of the club, but he can’t fight his intense attraction to the male escort anymore.

Carter Montgomery (who made an appearance in Bonds of Desire) has been a male escort since he was forced to quit college nearly 10 years ago, but his most recent contract with the agency is about to come to an end. He is scared of what the future may hold if he decides not to continue in his increasing dangerous business, but he has denied his own self-worth for far too long to see any possible future for himself. He has prided himself on being exactly what his customer needs, but a new client is proving to challenge him in more ways than he ever expected.

The connection between these two characters is very powerful as they learn to love themselves for who they are from the strength and support they provide each other. I was really happy that we didn’t get a huge black moment, and that the story was so strongly rooted in just being about the two of them falling in love and the struggles they face within themselves to accept who they are and to realize just how strong they are together. I thought the ending was beautiful and to put it quite simply… BONDS OF DENIAL was wonderful to read and I highly recommend it.

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

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Review: The Sinners Club

The Sinners Club by Kate Pearce
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE SINNERS CLUB is the first book in Kate Pearce’s newest series of the same name, and I think it was a fantastic start. I absolutely adored her House of Pleasures series, so Kate is one of my must read authors for historical erotic romance. I cannot stress enough what a great read I found this to be, and I am impatient for the next book to be out already.

Jack Lennox has been named the new Earl of Storr after coming into his inheritance from his father. Before he can legally take his place as the new Earl, he goes undercover as his own personal secretary to investigate what has been going on at Pinchbeck Hall since the previous Earl was laid to rest. He is surprised to find the pregnant widow of the previous Earl and her brother in residence, and is even further surprised by his own intense attraction to them both. Upon meeting the siblings, Jack knows that with Simon and Mary Picoult nothing is as it seems. He is determined to figure out by any means necessary what game the two of them are playing… even if that means he has to seduce them both.

The mystery and intrigue go so deep in this one that I promise you will never be able to anticipate what is going to come next! I swear just when I started to think that I had things all figured out, the story took an unexpected turn. I had plenty of moments where I realized that nothing was as it seemed, but when I thought back the hints were all there. I must also admit that The Sinners Club was seriously one sexually decadent read! I do have to caution that it isn't going to be for your typical historical reader, as it does have m/m and ménage elements as well as an orgy. But like I said... it was quite the steamy read with tons of sexual excess, but not in such a way that it detracted from the story at all. Honestly, I think that the heat and chemistry between the characters and the very complicated plot definitely made this one worthy of reading. I can't wait to read the next book, and I’m already speculating that we may perhaps find out what is going on with this Mr. Keyes?

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

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Review: Getting Rowdy by @lorilfoster

Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've been eagerly anticipating GETTING ROWDY’S release, and I can honestly say I was not disappointed in the least! Rowdy is just one of those characters you can’t help but love. He is charming, tough, and even slightly vulnerable so I just knew his story was going to be one my favorites in this series. I had so much fun reading this one, and I think Avery was his perfect match in every way.

First off… Rowdy is one complex character, and he has led a very hard life. Despite all of those hardships he has endured, he definitely still has the heart of a true hero. Unfortunately Rowdy doesn’t think of himself this way, but those around him can see it… especially Avery. Now that his sister is safe and settled, he is finally to the point in his life where he can settle down and plant some roots. He starts this new adventure by purchasing the bar where Avery works making her his head bartender. Now Rowdy is one sexy guy who is used to getting his way with women, but despite all his efforts Avery isn’t making things easy for him resisting all his charm. Avery is trying in vain to hide from her past and while Rowdy is persistent that she accept his help, she is determined that she doesn’t want him involved. I was really surprised at what a strong character Avery tuned out to be, and I loved that she was able see through Rowdy's darker side to the good within. These two have undeniable chemistry, and the intense sexual tension between these two started in the previous book BARE IT ALL. In GETTING ROWDY, all that built up of tension is finally unleashed. The relationship between them is slow to build in the story, but these two definitely end up steaming up the pages. I honestly think that Rowdy and Avery were such a great couple, and they really complement each other very well.

Overall, GETTING ROWDY was engaging, fun, and well paced. I find it amazing how Foster is able to make you fall in love with her characters from page one, and this was no exception. Just when I really thought I had the story all figured out, she threw in a plot twist at the end I wasn’t anticipating making the story even more exciting. With every book she writes, Lori Foster has progressively gotten better, and I am always excited for her next release. Suffice to say she is a true master of her craft, so I'm eagerly awaiting Dash's book that will be coming out next!

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Tabatha

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#Review: Bad Kitty ★★★★ @elizagaylebooks

Bad Kitty by Eliza Gayle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BAD KITTY is the first book of Eliza Gayle’s new spin off from her Black Cougar series and I have been anticipating this continuation for a while now. Although it isn’t necessary for you to read the first three Black Cougar books, I will caution that you will understand Kitty a bit better if you do.

Kitty has been cast out from her cougar clan and upon her arrival into the neutral zone; she is attacked by a group of vicious she-cats from her not so stellar past. While on the run for her life, Kitty finds herself in one hell of a predicament with a very unlikely ally in the form of a wolf shifter. As Rafe is rescuing the she-cat from his biggest rival’s nefarious clutches, he is shocked to find that his wolf doesn’t seem to want to let this damaged yet beautiful cougar go. To complicate things further, he is also set to be named Alpha of his pack in just a few short days so the timing really couldn’t be worse for him. Tensions have already been high within the pack, but things are even more precarious with their shaky peace agreement with the cougar clan. A mixed mating for their new Alpha could definitely cause major issues, but Rafe and Kitty have undeniable natural chemistry.

Once Kitty is on the mend, you could just feel the heat between them coming off the pages. I really loved Kitty’s feisty attitude and Rafe oozed all that Alpha male yumminess I adore so much in my heroes. I think that BAD KITTY was well paced and action packed, but that it also had a great amount of steam to make it one entertaining short read. I do wish that the ending didn’t feel so cut off, because I would have liked to see where things went after they become mates. On the other hand though, the epilogue did give us something to look forward to. Overall a solid 4 star read, and I do eagerly anticipate reading the next book.

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews by Guest Reviewer, Tabatha

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