As a note, a copy of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
This was one of those books that I just couldn't get into. I found the plotline to be tedious and the synopsis to be exceptionally misleading. Which lead to disappointment and one unfinished read. There's marketing a book in-correctly, and then there's The Woman Before You. She's really not who you think she is.
While I DNF this book, there's a chance that one day I will come back to it once I'm in a different state of mind. Now that I know it's less of a thriller and more of an erotic story, I may be able to give it another go in the future and embrace it as it was meant to be. Until then, I have to admit that the publisher really did an injustice to Carrie Blake based on synopsis and promotion as it is.
I could possibly get behind the characters and their highly unlikable nature in the future, but for now? The Woman Before You was a massive miss.
Tempting Little Tease by Kendall Ryan | Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5)You guys know that Kendall Ryan is totally my girl. If you've been following my reviews over the last year, you already know that I adore Kendall Ryan's work and that Forbidden Desires has been one of my go-to romances since I first picked it up. While Tempting Little Tease has the signature of a good novel by Ryan--teasing, steamy--it is probably my least favourite in the series.
This isn't to say that it's not a good read. I enjoyed it! It was entertaining, frothy and bubbled with the intimacies Kendall Ryan is a pro at portraying. I was entertained. I swooned multiple times. I just wasn't as attached to the coupling of Alessandra and Quinn, despite liking them both as individuals and together.
Tempting Little Tease felt like it was missing something on some levels and that's a personal preference, not an attack on the story itself. I think what it is, is that the novel itself is pretty short. Readers are left wanting more and more from the stories. They're addictive. They're impossible to put down. You just can't stop. And when the story ends, you automatically want a dozen more novels--ASAP.
Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren | Rating: ★★☆☆☆After reading Dating You / Hating You by Christina Lauren last summer, I have to admit, I was curious about the rest of their publications. Imagine my surprise upon realizing that I had read Beautiful Bastard, the first of their highly popular series, in its original form: Twilight fanfiction sensation The Office. It's no secret that my mid-to-late teenage years were spent tucked between the pages of books like Gossip Girl, Harry Potter and Twilight, and that I read basically every fanfiction set in one of those worlds I could get my hands on. My motto, back in the day? The smuttier, the better.
Teenage hormones are fun! Not. But, in all seriousness, I am stunned. Beautiful Bastard marks the third or fourth Twilight-based FF that I obsessed over in high school to be published. Which is thrilling in its own right, even if the finished product isn't adult!me's cup of tea. While I have only the fondest of memories of this book's original form, and it was thrilling to see the author's success in mainstream publishing, Beautiful Bastard just didn't work for me as its own book.
What made it work as a smutty fanfiction, was that we didn't need a full-blown plotline to enjoy its massively steamy love scenes. We knew the characters to a degree already. It was pure smut and pure smut leads to no substance. Beautiful Bastard desperately needed something to add to it, however, because in this form we are unfamiliar with its characters and they end up feeling like they are just... there.
The Chateau by Tiffany Reisz | ★★★★☆ (4.5)As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Does anyone else have that compulsive need to get their hands on literally everything that Tiffany Reisz has ever, and will ever, publish? Because, hello, I totally do. With good reason--everything she touches catches fire by mere paragraphs, let's be honest. The Chateau proves this and reminds us that she is pretty much on another level when compared to her peers.
First things first: if you haven't read The Original Sinners yet, you probably should. It's such a great series. Fiery, well written, everything that another similar series could never be, blah-blah-blah. Normally, I'd ask why you have not read it, yet, but we're all friends here and I'm just going to gently nudge you in her direction. That being said, even if you haven't read the series yet, you could start with The Chateau, as it is a standalone. And a damn good introduction to all that the series, and Reisz, is.
As far as erotica goes, my experience has been pretty abysmal until Tiffany Reisz showed me that the genre has an entirely different level to it than I realized. Her work is truly brilliant. Not only is it as wonderfully written and developed as usual, there's more than just a sexy edge to it and it gives us some insight further into the series as longtime readers know it.
Double Trouble by Sierra Cartwright | Rating: ★☆☆☆☆As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
I wanted to like this one. Really, I did. The concept of a love story/ménage relationship in erotic fiction has always been a fun and indulgent dive into the genre. (Which for me, admittedly, started in the days of Twilight Fanfiction. Don't tell.) Not to mention, Sierra Cartwright is rightfully admired for her steamy reads. Alas, Double Trouble just wasn't for me. At the end of the day, it was simply not my cup of tea. Sigh.
In all honesty, I'm surprised I was able to even finish Double Trouble to begin with. In spite of it being well written, with an abundance of smutty goodness, and quite short in terms of length, I found myself--on more than one occasion--struggling to focus on the story at hand for many reasons.
Before you ask--no, it wasn't the BDSM aspects of the story. It wasn't the fact that the relationship at hand was of the previously mentioned ménage variety. Double Trouble had the makings of a pretty decent threesome lovestory but just didn't measure up to what I'd hoped.
archive: 2017
Review: The Billionaires: The Stepbrothers (Lover's Triangle, #3) by Calista Fox
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The Billionaires: The Stepbrothers by Calista Fox | Rating: ★★★☆☆ As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
As a new reader of this particular author, I wasn't certain of what to expect from Calista Fox's third (standalone) installment of Lover's Triangle, The Billionaires: The Stepbrothers. I've been on a bit of a romantic kick since the end of 2017, thus making it my mission to explore the many (steamy) options out there. Calista Fox has created quite a name for herself out there in the genre and this was the perfect introduction to her as a new reader.
Although there were many elements of the story that I found less-than appealing to my personal preference, I will say one thing as clearly as possible: The Billionaires: The Stepbrothers was quite the sexy, entertaining romp that I needed to kick myself from a reading slump. It was not your typical erotic romance, instead, it toyed with many genres in between the steamy sexual tension and swoon worthy romance. Primarily, there was a bit of mystery involved in the story of Scarlet, Michael and Sam. And it proves how different matters of the heart can be when developed properly.
Can I start by saying how much I genuinely love Kendall Ryan's work? All of the books I have read have been so outstanding. The Play Mate is the kind of novel that leaves you feel flushed and buzzed. Just a touch of this series and you're left glowing, breathless and maybe a little overwhelmed with emotions. In the case of The Play Mate, it contains all the things that make us love Kendall Ryan's novels: swoon-worthy alpha males and the bad ass women who love them, sizzling chemistry, classic banter exchanges and delicious backstories.
Best of all? The Play Mate primarily takes place in (
Admittedly, I definitely think this one may be the weak link in the Roommates series. Does that mean it is a bad novel? Hell, no. It's just as appealing as you'd expect--a tantalizing relationship between two fantastic characters who have been friends since they were children, smoking chemistry and a whole lot of wit spicing up the dialogue. As per usual, Kendall Ryan writes a total smoke show of a novel and keeps readers on the edge of their seat, anticipating the--ahem--big bang and hoping for a happily-ever-after for a set of characters who truly deserve it.
Say hello to the new queen of romance novels. Kendall Ryan is back with her newest novel, Torrid Little Affair, and it's blossoming with just as much heat as you'd expect. I'm beyond thrilled to be participating in the tour promoting Torrid Little Affair, as it's no secret that I am utterly obsessed with her Forbidden Desires series.
To learn more about the novel, the author and the series follow the cut! You'll find my review of Torrid Little Affair and all the dirty details.
The Room Mate by Kendall Ryan | Rating: ★★★★★“Sometimes there are no second chances. Sometimes it’s now or never.”
I've come to the conclusion that, The-Actual-Queen-of-Romance, Kendall Ryan cannot write a bad book. It's just not possible. She will always, always, always create the sort of novels you dive head first into and grow feverish over when reading. In The Room Mate, you get two very pleasurable characters who have the most explosive level of chemistry imaginable. If you've read a Kendall Ryan book in the past, you know how teasing and seductive her prose is--she's a pro at the slow burn and this book is a definite hell-yes on that front.
What do you get when you mix (1) A scorching hot med student, who has a romantic streak and beyond charming; who may or may not drive his conquests mad when he leaves them plus (2) A young woman comfortable and secure in her life, with a great career and a lovable pup by the name of Enchilada, who is still looking for Mr. Right and (3) A shared childhood? Well, you get a hell of a lot of chemistry, tension and danger.
Nothing says winter weekends like a glass of wine, a little makeup stalking, and a Kendall Ryan novel before embarking on late nights out with friends. I've binged the entirety of Kendall Ryan's blissfully addictive Filthy Beautiful Lies series over the last week. I'm fairly certain my friends are fed up with me babbling about the couples featured in the series--along with her Forbidden Desires lineup--but they're just so damn good. Truly, I'm flustered thinking about all the love and lust and smart-mouthed alphas in these books.
What a conclusion! While Filthy Beautiful Forever is, perhaps, my least favourite installment in the series, it is still intoxicating. There's this bubbly feeling one gets after reading a book by Kendall Ryan and this is no different. As it happens, I think my favourite of the Drake Brother's significant others is Mia--hell, I'd have probably proposed to her as a child, too.
Watch out, Collins. I'm here for your girl. I'm kidding. Mostly. But, for the record, I am positive that Mia is my favourite Ryan heroine and there's just so many good things to say about her. I really loved Collins, too, but Mia is my #1!
Filthy Beautiful Love by Kendall Ryan | Rating: ★★★★★"Call me crazy, but I have a rule about dating men who are married: I don't."
Delectable and filthy in ways that grip tightly to the heart, Kendall Ryan's slowly seductive prose strikes all the right cords again and again with Filthy Beautiful Love. The (dazzling) conclusion to Sophie and Colton's love story is satisfying and enthralling. With all the events of the first book, Filthy Beautiful Lies, there are two hearts on the lines and a whole lot of questions.
Deeply romantic and tantalizing in its seduction, hearts will soar and shatter throughout the course of this book. There are many things a reader should keep on hand whilst reading Filthy Beautiful Love but most of all, I recommend applying waterproof mascara to your lashes because the journey we take is so emotionally charged. Kendall Ryan is the biggest talent in her genre and I knew that this novel would be beautifully crafted with steam and human complexities, but nothing can prepare you for reading it.
We already knew that Sophie and Colton's story was far from over. It just so happens that there is a big speed bump along their paths. Which is kind of ironic that their biggest cause of tension and heart-break isn't rooted in how they met, but in the fact that Colton is technically married still to his estranged wife, Stella. Filthy Beautiful Love picks up quickly where the previous book left off.
Filthy Beautiful Lies by Kendall Ryan | Rating: ★★★★★(Clears throat) My name is Jessica and I'm officially a Kendall Ryan addict. Someone should have warned me her books were so delicious and addictive because damn, I have burned through so many in just a few months. She is definitely in a league of her own when it comes to the genre because she is THE best. Hands down, one of the best romance writers of our day.
Just as easily as her prose can move you, all those steamy interactions her character's have with their love interests will send you into a frenzy. I may sound dramatic when I say this but, phew, I need a cold shower after finishing Filthy Beautiful Lies. Kendall Ryan proves once more that not only can she execute a story in both teasing and satisfying ways, her characters command your attention from the start and never let you leave them behind.
There are three impossibilities in this book. One, Filthy Beautiful Lies is impossible to put down. Two, Sophie and Colton's chemistry is hot and impossible to ignore. Three, it is impossible to forget. Kendall Ryan knows how to tug on your heartstrings and have you swooning over this unconventional love story. Reading Filthy Beautiful Lies is like feeling that buzz of life, love and lust at your fingertips.
"Ever since the words had left her lips, I could see it whenever she looked at me, whenever she touched me. At first, I wanted to pull back, but then I realized that what I felt for her was more than lust too. The more time I spent with her, the more I felt like she was becoming a part of me. Like she was half of something inside me that was only complete when she was near."
The love story of fan favourites Emma Bell and Gavin Kingsley continues (and, sniffles, concludes) in Dirty Little Promise. After the startling conclusion we reached at the end of Dirty Little Secret, and the massive cliff-hanger that followed, fans were quick to wonder where the relationship was headed between Emma and Gavin. Were they doomed before they even truly began? What comes next? Will they ever be the same--or will they be better?
Kendall Ryan does not leave us hanging for too long, as the second installment of the Forbidden Desires series picks up right where we left off. As always, it has the makings of one of the most captivating romances. Because of Kendall Ryan's delicious prose and steamy leads, readers are sure to be treated to a fun and smart story to unravel. It's just as easy to get lost in these books as it is to get lost in your lover's eyes.
It's here, it's here, it's here! Paige Fieldsted's novel Power Struggle has OFFICIALLY landed, just in time for you romance lovers to snuggle up to a good old fashioned erotic romance that features--yes, you guessed it--a whole lot of power, control and tension. It promises to be delicious and I just know there will be a massive following for it.
In celebration of the novels publication, I have all the dirty details under the cut. And a giveaway! So. What are you waiting for? Let's do this!
The time has finally come! We have an official cover for Paige Fieldsted's Power Struggle--a delectable new erotic romance that is launching on November 30th! If you're here for tension filled tales and steamy romance, this book is definitely worth a second glance--and lucky for you, I have all the dirty deets under the cut.
As for the cover art you are about to see: I'm in love with the colouring and the way the photo shoot was cropped to accommodate the novel itself!
In celebration of the reveal and its impending publication date, there's an awesome giveaway for you to enter as well! So, what are you waiting for? Let's get a look!
Hot off the press! Get ready for some flush-worth erotica in Siena Noble's debut Whip Smart. The first book of a planned series title The Loft, is perfect for fans of Tara Sue Me's The Submissive. And, no, it is *probably* not for the faint of heart.
Released on October 21st, 2017, Whip Smart is bound (ha!) to shape itself with some considerable hype and will probably cause readers to jump into a cold shower immediately after reading. To learn more about Whip Smart, author Siena Noble and the giveaway she has provided in celebration of its release, follow the cut!
As a note, a review copy of this novel was provided on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way. Thank you!
"You're going to make me scream in the library."
I'll let your imaginations go wild with that one simple line from Dirty Little Secret, the beginning of Kendall Ryan's all-new series Forbidden Desires. In all honesty, I'm clawing my way towards the sequel already because holy crap I need it now. NOW. If you were wondering, yes, Ryan's latest is full of so much desire the following might happen:
-Reader could spontaneously combust.
-Pages are likely to catch fire.
-Cold showers are the new cuddle-fest.
-Proceed to anticipate the next release with your favourite comfort food.
-Pine over the follow-up.
I mean. Phew. PHEW! Can I use the fire emoji for a sufficient review or is that not how this works? I'm kidding. Mostly. I really do see only fire when I think of this bloody book and that's, well, as swoon worthy as it is infuriating. I love it. Kendall Ryan, you outdid yourself with this book. I can't stress that enough. You just reignited my interest in the genre and I'm pretty much in love with Emma and Cooper. And Emma and Gavin.
THE COVER FOR SAVAGES IS HERE.
I repeat: the cover for SAVAGES by Natalie Bennett is here (the crowd roars)!
If you're unfamiliar with this queen of proceed-with-caution erotica/romance (hello, darkness and twists) you should probably get to know her. Like, now. January 24th 2018 marks the release of this novel/the beginning of her series Badlands, so you still have a bit of time.
To learn more about the author, follow the cut. Of course, the main attraction is there too.
You know.. the cover reveal?
(I'm trying to keep my cool. Is it working? Do you think Natalie can hear me freaking out? Shit. I didn't mean to type that. Shit. Uhhhhh, follow the cut!)
The Future of Sex by Aubrey Parker | Rating: ★★★☆☆It would be a confusing mistake to experience sex and love together at first — akin to mixing flour and sugar into something she couldn’t separate later. She had to experience sex fresh, without emotional entanglement, so she’d recognize it in its pure state. Chloe had to know sex and love separately, before she could blend them.
Sometimes, we all need a good old piece of erotica to read. After my delicious run-in with The Red, I decided now was the time to experience more. Nothing says fun like, "I need a cold shower" right? The Future of Sex by Aubrey Parker was actually the perfect addition to my Kindle library. Fast, sexy and futuristic. I thought it was very intriguing, the way that Parker mingled with sex and the future.
It wasn't overly flashy. Instead, it was hot and fun and ended far too soon for my taste.
I thought that the entire premise was interesting. The contribution of a new world (it is set in the near future, but the future nonetheless) was a fun twist on what I typically explore in the genre.
