The King's Dungeon by Powerone

The King's Dungeon by Powerone

Publisher: Sizzler Editions (May 2012)

176 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

As both Prince and then later as King, the world is Rulf's oyster, the possibilities endless as they stretch out before him, and he is only too willing to make the most of enjoying all that is available to him. I was a bit reticent at first, given the title that this could be a bit too extreme for my tastes given all that a dungeon could encompass, but for the most part this tale follows Rulf through a number of aspects of his privileged life and only a few of those scenarios involved a dungeon or were particularly brutal. This ran the gamut of possibilities for scenarios involving a member of royalty in the middle ages and those who were subject to them, some taboo, some satisfying a morbid curiosity, and some almost playful. This contains vivid descriptions of dubious consent situations and rough sexual situations which may be out of some readers' comfort zone, in addition this contains a few socially taboo scenarios that may be off-putting for some. For those with a strong constitution, a great read!

Bound for His Pleasure by Powerone

Bound for His Pleasure by Powerone

Publisher: Sizzler Editions (April 2012)

172 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Frustrated with the lack of skills of men her own age and sick of taking care of herself, Lyn is glad to meet Michael, an older man with a vivid and sinister imagination to accompany his courtship of her, and though she was admittedly looking for adventure, she begins to wonder what she's gotten herself into. The thing that stands out in my mind most about this story is the wonderful melding of gentlemanly wooing and romance with harsh domination and rough sexual situations in such a way that it is very believable and earnest. Michael introduces Lyn to a number of things including exhibitionism and voyeurism, and I felt the progression of their relationship was evenly paced for two workaholics, giving it a realistic feel. This contains vivid descriptions of rough sexual situations which may be out of some readers' comfort zone. Great read with a nice little update at the end to let you know how everything worked out in the end.

Bound for Danger by Powerone

Bound for Danger by Powerone

Publisher: Sizzler Editions (April 2012)

152 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Young, rich wives are being kidnapped and returned unwilling to say what happened to them, so one husband hires Michael to go undercover in the world of bondage, the last victim's sister, Justine, volunteering to pose as his sub during the investigation, only the bondage games turn out to be a lot more than just for show. Interesting story illustrating the impossibility of trying to go back to the way things were, before you were introduced to something that resonated with you, socially acceptable or not. I liked Justine, she was a submissive with a little spunk, and a lot of personal strength. Aside from Charles (one of the husbands), be forewarned the men in this story are not particularly caring, tender or loyal . . . for the most part, Michael and the others are cold, and selfishly motivated. This contains vivid descriptions of dubious consent situations and rough sexual situations which may be out of some readers' comfort zone, in addition this contains a few socially taboo scenarios that may be off-putting for some. This novel was previously published as Bound for Revenge.

For You by Kristen Ashley

For You by Kristen Ashley

The 'Burg Series, Book 1

Publisher: Kristen Ashley (March 2011)

493 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Colt and Feb were the perfect couple, together since childhood and everyone knew they always would be, until the day Feb broke up with Colt, without explanation, and left for over a decade, only brought back together by a lunatic fixated on Feb that Colt is determined to protect her from. Feb and Colt were both great people, but both being in their forties, they came with a lot of baggage on both sides, and it was interesting to see that playing out. Once the event that broke Colt and Feb apart was revealed in its entirety, I literally felt sick to my stomach, the betrayal and the consequences of that for everyone involved were so tragic, I nearly couldn't bring myself to continue reading the story, but thankfully all the air was cleared within the first half of the book, and the characters could move on from there, making the second half much less painful. The remainder of the book focused on catching the killer and I thought that investigative mystery portion was really well done. Reece (from the Colorado Mountain Series-Jagged) made a small appearance in this book. The next book in this series is At Peace.

Triple M Ranch by Becca Van

Triple M Ranch by Becca Van

Slick Rock Series, Book 10

Publisher: Siren Publishing (October 2013)

104 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Due to her difficult past and the fact that she is the only female hand on the ranch, Cash had always tried to downplay her femininity, but she caught the eye of Bruce, Cain and Danny nonetheless, and no matter how difficult she was about it, they were determined to make her theirs, but an unknown stalker was making their plans to win her more difficult. I didn't feel the stalker was much of a mystery, since it was pretty clear who it was from the beginning, but I did enjoy following his warped progress wondering what he would throw at them next . . . a nice little complication added here and there. The guys were all wonderful, but I thought Cash made it a bit more difficult on them then was necessary, especially in the beginning, luckily she saw the light in the end. I hope this series continues . . . maybe the three Eagle brothers from Mountain Village will be next.

Capturing Kylie by Becca Van

Capturing Kylie by Becca Van

Slick Rock Series, Book 9

Publisher: Siren Publishing (July 2013)

98 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Kylie is on the run as the result of witnessing a crime and takes the opportunity of her friend's wedding to escape and hide out a bit, but the anxiety follows her and soon her secret is out, and the grooms' three cousins, who are also there for the wedding, decide to make her safety their personal mission. Kylie's stress and fear made her a bit abrasive at times, but once she allowed others to help a bit, she was really very likable and I loved the way she stood up for herself in the face of danger, never losing focus. The three Badon brothers (Xavier, Lachlan and Will) knew what they wanted from the start and doggedly went after it, no matter what . . . you have to admire that. The next book in this series is Triple M Ranch.

Theirs to Keep by Maya Banks

Theirs to Keep by Maya Banks

The Tangled Hearts Trilogy, Book 1

Publisher: Maya Banks (October 2013)

360 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $5.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Stumbling along with amnesia after being left for dead, Elle is hoping for a warm place to rest her head for a little while, when she essentially falls into the lap of two men who are determined to take care of her and she is amazed at how easily she fits into their life of time split between Merrick's bid for a mixed martial arts championship and Cade's security business, but the shadow of her past always hovers over her. Merrick and Cade were great. Both alpha men, with Merrick being a bit more dominant, but I loved the easy give and take between the two best friends as they tried to navigate the new relationship they were forming. Despite being rendered fairly helpless by her amnesia and other circumstances, I thought Elle was a really strong character that was easy to relate to and I didn't feel she was your typical damsel-in-distress, but instead had a bit more grit in her. I was initially a bit perturbed about the loose ends left at the end of this book, until I continued on to the little blurb that follows about the second book in this series, Always Mine, and discovered that the second book picks up where this one left off. Yay! I can't wait to read it, and hope the second book will be released soon!

The Highlander's Sin by Eliza Knight

The Highlander's Sin by Eliza Knight

The Stolen Bride Series, Book 6

Publisher: Knight Media, LLC (October 2013)

249 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

As the sole survivor of his family's massacre, Duncan has bided his time for an opportunity to exact revenge on the clan that caused his pain, but he never expected the young woman he planned to kidnap to acquiesce to his plans so cheerfully, making him nervous that she had some scheme of her own up her sleeve. Heather's vibrant, cheerful disposition and willingness to seek adventure not only made her the perfect match for Duncan's brooding, cynicism, but also made her a character that was easy to love. When faced with all that was Heather, Duncan couldn't help but shed the weight he carried on his shoulders piece by piece, and it was wonderful to see him gradually come back to himself. Great story and I can't wait to read Heather's sister Lorna's story in The Highlander's Temptation, due out February 2014!

Rowan's Lady by Suzan Tisdale

Rowan's Lady by Suzan Tisdale

The Clan Graham Series, Book 1

Publisher: Suzan Tisdale (October 2013)

292 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

After a string of unsatisfying marriages arranged by her cold, unfeeling father, Arline has all but given up hope of fulfilling her dreams, that is until her husband kidnaps a young child and she finds purpose anew in caring for the girl and devising a plan of escape to return her to her father. She is only too surprised when the girl's father, Rowan, shows up to rescue his daughter the very night Arline's husband has annulled their marriage and banished her from the keep. Many forces try to pry Rowan and Arline apart including Arline's family, evil Beatrice and others, Arline always seeming to take the brunt of the assault, but I thought she was brave and determined to remain standing no matter what was thrown her way and I really liked that about her, she was never one to complain. Rowan was understandably confused and guilt-ridden due to his feelings for his dead wife and those for Arline, but once he had it all worked out he was steadfast and loyal, and a very easy character to like. There were a fair number of editorial errors in this edition, but I could overlook them for the most part. I look forward to reading Frederick's story in Frederick's Queen, due out next spring!

Having it All by Reece Butler

Having it All by Reece Butler

Climax, Montana Series, Book 2

Publisher: Siren Publishing (October 2013)

303 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.19)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

After being deserted by her father as a baby and watching her mother struggle to raise her and her sister on her own, Nikki decided to opt for a career as a doctor to ensure she'd never be in such a vulnerable position herself, but after seeing her sister newly remarried she begins to wonder if she isn't missing out, especially when the Frost brothers, Eric and Matt, express some interest. Nikki was a randy commitment-phobic virgin eager for no-strings fun, though I thought the traits seemed a bit unlikely given her age and education-level, but for the most part it was her wrong assumptions about what the men wanted from her that most frustrated me about her. Eric was the most dominant of the two brothers, but I liked that Matt's character wasn't just "the soft-hearted brother" because he had plenty dominance himself when it was needed. This book also provided some glimpses and updates on characters from the first book in this series and it was good to see them again. I look forward to the contemporary series to come!

Forbidden Love by Harmony Bryce

Forbidden Love by Harmony Bryce

The Anthony Brothers Series, Book 3

Publisher: Harmony Bryce (August 2013)

54 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Looking to advance his career, Jai decides to accept a three-year contract job in India, and quickly feels drawn to his beautiful assistant from the moment she picked him up at the airport when he first arrived. Ami's arranged betrothal throws a wrench into the works though, and both Ami and Jai find they are unsure how to handle the situation. Interesting take on arranged marriages and the complexities involved in such a situation. Despite the short length of this story, I felt the characters were well-fleshed and I liked the innocent development of Jai and Ami's courtship. I look forward to the next book in this series, Rekindled Love, and hope it will be released soon!

Spread Your Wings by Jayne Rylon

Spread Your Wings by Jayne Rylon

Men in Blue Series, Book 4

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (October 2013)

267 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Matt and Clint had been circling Jambrea for a while, finally feeling more comfortable about attempting a shared arrangement, only to pull back once again when they unexpectedly felt confused about their feelings for each other. Jambrea is getting sick of waiting for the guys to figure things out and is ready to give up on them, when her past catches up to her and she needs their help. Given Matt and Clint were being extremely obtuse, considering they had close friends in a three-way relationship with similar beginnings and still they moved so cautiously, but I felt Jambrea was abrasive and annoyingly whiny in the beginning of the story, leaving her less than attractive or engaging. Once things were moving along, I liked her much better and the bickering, playful relationship between the two guys, as it got back to normal, was really nice. The trouble following Jambrea is a bit of a mystery that slowly unravels along the way, but for the most part behind-the-scenes as they hole up in the cabin and wait for the all-clear. The ending left it open for additional sequels, with a couple more match-ups in the works, and I hope to see this series continue. I love the characters and the tight, close-nit family feel of the whole Men in Blue group. Great series!

Breathe by Kristen Ashley

Breathe by Kristen Ashley

Colorado Mountain Series, Book 4

Publisher: Forever (December 2012)

531 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.79)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Faye, the shy town librarian, had been in love from afar with Chace ever since he'd arrived in town many years before, never knowing that not only did he know she existed, but he'd marked her early with special plans in mind, only to have those plans derailed when the problems in town began. Faye was a little naively immature and portrayed as an uber geek (which I thought was carried a bit too far at times), but she was a sweet, untouched young woman that was easy to like. Chace had a few moments of callous rage in an effort to push Faye away, but I was glad to see it quelled relatively quickly in each instance, most of the conflict in the story coming from outside their relationship, which I liked. I felt the epilogue was a little over-long, but it certainly didn't leave you hanging, and saw all the story-lines nicely settled. The slight story overlap with the last Rock Chick book (Rock Chick Revolution) I thought was awesome. The next book in this series is Jagged, coming out next month.

Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley

Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley

Colorado Mountain Series, Book 3

Publisher: Forever (December 2012)

509 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.79)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

After being setup for a crime he didn't commit based on racial discrimination and serving a five year prison sentence, Ty walks out of prison to find Lexie waiting to pick him up, a favor he'd called in to someone who owed him a debt, but it quickly became apparent she was not privy to the full extent of what her roll would be in Ty's plan of vengeance. I liked Ty and Lexie together, they had great chemistry from the beginning and it was great to see them soothing each other's demons, but Ty could be verbally vicious and cruel, at times unfairly taking out his frustration on Lexie in an over-the-top way that I thought was not justifiable and hard to swallow. I didn't like that side of Ty, but I did think it was realistic given his past, and I was glad to see him learn from his mistakes and move to make things right the best he could. Lexie, for the most part, was light-hearted, cheery and willing to go with the flow, no matter the situation, and I loved that about her. She was like a breath of fresh air, which is why she complimented locked-down, shuttered Ty so well. Great slowly unraveling mystery about the conspiracy that sent Ty to prison in the first place. The next book in this series is Breathe, about Chace.

Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley

Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley

Colorado Mountain Series, Book 2

Publisher: Forever (December 2012)

528 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.79)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

After crushed dreams led to a divorce, Lauren sets out to build a new life, hoping that low expectations at the outset will save her from further heartache, and finds herself in unfamiliar territory when the high-class suburbanite lands a job waitressing in a biker bar and catches the eye of more than one biker in town, unsure what to think of either of them given the rumors about them. Like the previous book in this series, this story is about middle-aged people with more than enough baggage and history to add a whole other level of complexity to a romance, and I thought it was a nice change from fresh-faced, youthful couples with the entire world ahead of them. Lauren was a bit naive, but very likable and I found her easy to relate to. Tate could be abrasive and callous, but thankfully he balanced it out with plenty of sweetness, loyalty and determination. It was a great story about finding yourself after you've let yourself be lost while trying to live up to others expectations. There were a few glimpses and a mentioned name, here and there, of characters from the first book, but for the most part this was its own story. The next book in this series is Lady Luck.

The Gamble by Kristen Ashley

The Gamble by Kristen Ashley

Colorado Mountain Series, Book 1

Publisher: Forever (December 2012)

528 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.79)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

When Gnaw Bone's golden boy, Max, lost the love of his life to a tragedy, the close-knit community figured he'd just play the field for the rest of his life, that is, until a woman arrived on his doorstep in a snowstorm with a misunderstanding regarding the rental of his house and she ended up staying there with him for the duration of her vacation. Max could be a bit brusque and intense at times, but he's a macho mountain man, what do you expect? Luckily, I thought his domineering presence was a good thing, and the chemistry between the two main characters was great! Nina breezed into town and preceded to save everyone in town from themselves, like superwoman, until the end when she needed saving and they were all too happy to return the favor. Probably not exactly realistic, but that's why we read novels, to escape the real world. I loved the internal dialogue with Nina's dead brother, and I liked the idea of the downtrodden woman finally finding a place where she was needed and treasured. The next book in this series is Sweet Dreams.

Mistress's Master by Jayne Rylon

Mistress's Master by Jayne Rylon

Men in Blue Series, Book 3

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (September 2011)

280 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

After blaming himself for a tragedy that happened when he was younger, Jeremy (JRad) tried to wall off the parts of himself that had drawn him to BDSM culture, but meeting Mistress Lily and becoming involved in an undercover case involving the BDSM community draws him back in, finally able to feel at home in his own skin once again. Due to the subject matter of the plot, this book more than the others delves more deeply into BDSM, both good and bad, and shows how differently the lifestyle can be manifested by the nature of the Dom wielding the power. I loved Jeremy's protective nurturing style of Dom, and Lily's strength and dealings with her subs were great as well, showing the importance of her work in providing a safe outlet. This is a great series and I love the extended family feel it has, reminding me a lot of Kristen Ashley's series or Rylon's Powertools series. The next book in this series is Spread Your Wings, about Clint, Matt and Jambrea, set to release later this month. Can't wait!

Razor's Edge by Jayne Rylon

Razor's Edge by Jayne Rylon

Men in Blue Series, Book 2

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (November 2010)

248 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.24)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Isabella and Razor had both been betrayed by someone they thought cared for them, Isabella fleeing from a despicable proposal from her husband and Razor disillusioned after being shot in the line of duty by a woman he'd put faith in. When Razor is assigned to go undercover to investigate Isabella and her family's business interests, their instant attraction is tempered by their need for caution and self-preservation. Both Isabella and Razor were a little frustrating at first, constantly swinging between distrust and devotion, but once that got ironed out for the most part, they had great chemistry and I loved how down-to-earth their relationship was from the very beginning, no doubt influenced by Razor's blunt nature. Isabella was a great unspoiled, rich girl and I liked that she got to keep the sweet, innocence that made her so lovable, while losing some of her naiveté. I'm excited to read the next book in this series, Mistress's Master, about Isabella's sister Lily and JRad!