The Lion Man by Melissa Harlow

The Lion Man by Melissa Harlow

The Breeding Stock Saga, Book 2

Publisher: Sizzler Editions (October 2011)

218 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $5.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

If it were possible I would give this story 10 stars. I loved this story! Nearly everything about the world portrayed in this story was ugly and gritty and hopeless, except Shandie and the two wonderful men that took her as their own. Vaughn and Nicky were by no means perfect, but in comparison to the world around them, they were angels. When the mystery surrounding the evil in the woods cleared and the nightmare descended on them all, Shandie and Vaughn fought with everything they had to protect injured Nicky and keep the only thing they had left to believe in, each other. Such inspiring strength displayed with a humbling disregard for boundaries in a world where they no longer mean anything. Beautiful! I hope this series continues, I would love to read another story in The Breeding Stock Saga.

Bred for Succession by Arthur Mitchell

Bred for Succession by Arthur Mitchell

Publisher: Red Ice Press (May 2012)

26 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Though I did not particularly enjoy this story, I have to admit it was very well written. Prince Pyotr was everything I imagine a real prince to be: arrogant, callous, and brutally self-serving. He made no secret about his intentions. There was no possibility of him developing feelings for Lola and her only purpose was to satisfy him sexually and produce heirs for him. That I could accept, but I did not like Lola's easy acceptance of it or her enthusiasm to serve and please a man that cared so little for her. Most definitely gritty and rough and heavy on the submission. To each their own.

Breeding Stock by Maggie Chatterley

Breeding Stock by Maggie Chatterley

Publisher: Maggie Chatterley (May 2012)

22 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

This story is about a young white virgin seized by pirates and taken to an island where the black King purchases her as breeding stock for his people. Annabelle's naive, uninhibited acceptance of her unusual circumstances and future life was beautiful. I also appreciated the confirmation at the end that her attitude was not tainted in the years following. Nice short read!

Breeding Stock by Melissa Harlow

Breeding Stock by Melissa Harlow

The Breeding Stock Saga, Book 1

Publisher: Sizzler Editions (September 2010)

171 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $5.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I really liked this story. The post-apocalyptic breeding storyline got my attention. The story was so well developed and the main characters were all so wonderfully complex. This story was gritty and a bit dark at times, which I like. The only problem I had with it was that the sex was way more rough than I would prefer, but if you like that sort of thing, this could be right up your alley. The interaction between 'Drea and the two men, Jackson and Bennett, was interesting to watch develop, and the ending was beautiful.

A Hunter's Breeding Trap by Arthur Mitchell

A Hunter's Breeding Trap by Arthur Mitchell

Publisher: Red Ice Press (April 2012)

32 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I chose to read this short story because I thought the hunter concept was such an interesting idea for a story. I'm still a bit fuzzy about the premise, but it didn't bother me enough to interfere with reading it. This takes place in the future, possibly post-apocalyptic. Nicole ripe for impregnation heads out into the woods and is shortly thereafter captured by Archer. I thought the connection between the two characters was both beautiful and primal.

Curvy Girl in Bondage by Arthur Mitchell

Curvy Girl in Bondage by Arthur Mitchell

Publisher: Red Ice Press (May 2012)

18 pages, eBook (provided for review by author)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Though I had a bit of a hard time relating to the gleefully uninhibited Melissa, I still liked her just as much as the two wonderfully different men in this story, Tom and Eddy. The writing was superb and for a short story I thought the characters were pretty well fleshed out. Even though the sex was rough, the story overall, I thought, was sweet and I really liked the ending.

Prince Charming by Julie Garwood

Prince Charming by Julie Garwood

Publisher: Dutton Adult (May 2011)

564 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I liked both Taylor and Lucas. Lucas was a strong, honorable man from the west and Taylor was a fine lady who wasn't only what she appeared to be. I really enjoyed the story and felt there was a lot of action in this one. I was a bit annoyed by both Taylor's and Lucas's reluctance to confide in each other and their ridiculous resistance to the marriage, but I do understand it was expected due to their backgrounds. I wish we'd been able to meet Lucas's brothers. There was a nice little mention of the Emerald and Black Harry from the Crown's Spies Series. Overall, very nice story.

Rebellious Desire by Julie Garwood

Rebellious Desire by Julie Garwood

Publisher: Pocket Star (August 2010)

324 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I thought this story started out really well and I liked Bradford and Caroline together. As the story went on Bradford proved to be exceedingly stubborn and unbending regarding his views about women to the point where I was getting really frustrated with him. And though I'm glad he finally saw the light, I still don't really understand his sudden change of heart, other than that the story was drawing to a close and things needed to be wrapped up. Caroline was wonderful and I felt a little sorry for her that she had to put up with Bradford's past baggage. The subplot about Caroline's cousin, Charity, was awesome, and I wish we could have seen more of Caimen. If a sequel had been written for this book, I would have been interested in reading a story about Caimen, Bradford's friend Milford, or perhaps even Benjamin. There were so many wonderful characters in this story.

Castles by Julie Garwood

Castles by Julie Garwood

Crown’s Spies Series, Book 4

Publisher: Dutton Adult (May 2011)

388 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $5.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Colin and Alesandra were great together from the beginning. I enjoyed Colin’s disregard for propriety and Alesandra’s little schemes that were always meant to help someone whether they wanted it or not. Again I thought the mystery portion of this story was a little predictable, but not overly so. Other than a brief mention of Lyon, he and his wife Christina were absent from this book, but all of the other couples from this series were included in this story. I appreciated the chance for an update on all of them. This is a wonderful series and highly recommended!

The Gift by Julie Garwood

The Gift by Julie Garwood

Crown’s Spies Series, Book 3

Publisher: Dutton Adult (June 2011)

388 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Unlike the first two books in this series, most of this story takes place at sea and I found the change of scenery most enjoyable as Nathan and Sara got to know each other. Though married at age 4, Sara's loyalty to Nathan was inspiring and I couldn't help but like her. It took Nathan a while to come around, but it was an entertaining ride. Some characters from the previous books in this series make an appearance in the course of this story, which I always enjoy. There were some editorial errors in this book including some repeated passages and Caine suddenly being an Earl in this book instead of a Marquess as he is in the rest of this series. I look forward to the last book in this series, Castles, about Colin.

Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood

Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood

Crown’s Spies Series, Book 2

Publisher: Dutton Adult (May 2011)

388 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

This book, much like the first in this series, takes you into the shady side of London and England at large, and gives you a glimpse of another kind of warrior from days past. I felt Caine and Jade were similar characters to those in the first book, Lyon and Christina, but loved them nonetheless. Lyon, Christina and a few others from the first book made appearances, while introducing a few new characters to continue the series, Jade's brother Nathan and Caine's brother Colin. I felt the mystery portion of this story was a bit predictable, but that didn't bother me overly much. The next book in this series is The Gift, about Jade's brother Nathan.

The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood

The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood

Crown’s Spies Series, Book 1

Publisher: Pocket Star (August 2010)

372 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I loved Lyon and Christina and they were wonderful together from the start. I’m usually annoyed with needless secret keeping, but it was almost made a running gag in this story so it didn’t bother me much. Though I was satisfied with the ending, I have to wonder, does Christina ever get to see her Dakota family again? I look forward to the next book in this series, Guardian Angel.

The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood

The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood
Buchanan-Renard Series, Book 9

Publisher: Dutton Adult (August 2011)

322 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $12.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Max and Ellie were both great characters and had good chemistry from the beginning. If you have read any of the Buchanan-Renard Series books, this story follows much the same pattern. I throughly enjoyed the story, but felt it took them a bit longer than I would have liked to come together in the end. I enjoyed the subplot concerning Ellie’s sister, Annie. There was a nice little mention of Michael Buchanan in connection with a fellow Navy Seal, Annie’s man, Lucas Ryan. Very nice!

The Seducer by Jianne Carlo

The Seducer by Jianne Carlo

Viking Warriors Series, Book 5

Publisher: Etopia Press (November 2011)

87 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

A wonderful ending to a wonderful series. All five brothers along with their families reunite as the last brother, Jarvik, marries. I loved the history between Jarvik and Elaina, and felt it added a lot of depth to their relationship. I think these characters (Jarvik and Elaina) and this story are by far my favorite of this series. By the end of this story there are so many young children. It would be fun some day to read about some of the second generation characters.

The Destroyer by Jianne Carlo

The Destroyer by Jianne Carlo

Viking Warriors Series, Book 4

Publisher: Etopia Press (September 2011)

67 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Though it is romantic to think Magnus would fall for Deidra even disguised as a maid. It upset me to know that he even considered marrying someone else and keeping the beautiful maid as well. Infidelity does not impress me, but thankfully it didn’t come to that. If I were Deidra, I would have wanted a bit more assurance on that score, but oh well. Aside from that, once everything was out, Magnus and Deidra were great together and the mayhem with the animals and the evil housekeeper was amusing. Jarvik, as always, was close at hand and provided some comedic relief, as well. I look forward to his story in the last book in this series,The Seducer.

The Peacemaker by Jianne Carlo

The Peacemaker by Jianne Carlo

Viking Warriors Series, Book 3

Publisher: Etopia Press (June 2011)

83 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Despite a rocky start, Njal and Bettina were great together. Though Bettina contemplated multiple times keeping secrets that would have created needless complications, Njal’s mystical ability to read her thoughts and intentions, more often than not, thwarted those plans, thankfully. Njal’s ability to read people is one of his most drawing qualities, I thought, and likely why he fills the role of peacemaker so well. Njal’s two remaining unmarried brothers, Magnus and Jarvik, played a large in this story. The next book in this series is The Destroyer, about Magnus.

The Dragon Slayer by Jianne Carlo

The Dragon Slayer by Jianne Carlo

Viking Warriors Series, Book 2

Publisher: Etopia Press (April 2011)

71 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I enjoyed Ruard and Catriona’s chemistry and the tinge of mystery surrounding the squalid state of their new castle. I dislike when secrets and misunderstandings cause needless problems in a story, because it always seems a desperate act to lengthen a story, and I was glad to see Catriona was brave enough to put her trust in Ruard, before things were carried too far. This was a short story, and though I enjoyed it, I did feel the ending a bit hurried. The next book in this series is The Peacemaker, about the next brother, Njal.

The Bear and the Bride by Jianne Carlo

The Bear and the Bride by Jianne Carlo

Viking Warriors Series, Book 1

Publisher: Etopia Press (December 2010)

54 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I loved this story. Torsten and Ainslin were great together and the setting of the story was vibrantly depicted. And even though this was a short story, I came away feeling as though I had read an entire book. I can’t wait to continue with this series and get to know each of Torsten’s brothers a bit better. The next book in this series is The Dragon Slayer, about Torsten’s brother, Ruard.

Colters’ Promise by Maya Banks

Colters’ Promise by Maya Banks

Colters’ Legacy Series, Book 4

Publisher: Berkley (June 2012)

208 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I liked this series, and expected this novella would offer a little update on how everyone was doing. Instead, there were multiple story lines and the introduction of a new character, though I didn't feel there was much focus put on her in this book. This book was the perfect setup for another book, perhaps about the new character that was introduced, Max's sister Lauren. The ending was open-ended and begs for further updates to wrap up all the loose ends. As always, it was good to spend a few hours with the Colters.

Beauty and the Beasts by Reece Butler

Beauty and the Beasts by Reece Butler

Bride Train Series, Book 6

Publisher: Siren Publishing (May 2012)

264 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $5.79)

Book Rating: 2 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I was so looking forward to this book. The Circle C men, and particularly Luke, captured my attention from the little glimpses given of them in the other books in this series, but I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in this story. I didn’t much care for Sarah. Like Jessie, in book 3, I found Sarah to be gratingly independent and carelessly hedonistic, without much desire for commitment. The guys all had their own problems, some more than others. I liked Gabe, but being the least messed up of the three men, that wasn’t too difficult. Oz was alright, but seemed to think sex could fix anything. Ironically, I liked Luke the most, though I think his arrogance was supposed to be off-putting until near the end. A lot of the characters from the previous books were heavily involved in this story, and I was glad to see them again. I think their presence carried me through. Even though I didn’t care much for this story, it was mainly just because I didn’t like Sarah, but I still really like this series. The characters from all the previous books that I did like are such colorful, vibrant characters placed in such a rich, elaborately constructed setting. I hope this series continues. Will the southern gents from the Sweetwater Ranch (Flying X Brand) be next? Will Sophie get a chance at happiness? I also hope to read about the men on the Running W.

1 Bed, 2 Weddings, 3 Husbands by Reece Butler

1 Bed, 2 Weddings, 3 Husbands by Reece Butler

Bride Train Series, Book 5

Publisher: Siren Publishing (March 2012)

214 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $5.79)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Jed, Clint and Riley were all wonderfully strong, self-confident men, whose different personalities worked together to help Victoria lighten up a bit and come out of her shell, while helping the men do the same, especially Jed. It was also nice to see that in the course of telling their story, a lot of loose ends from the previous books in this series were wrapped up as well. This is a wonderful series. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Beauty and the Beasts, about the men on the Circle C. I’ve been anxiously awaiting their story for a while.