A Warrior’s Pledge by Emma Prince

A Warrior’s Pledge by Emma Prince

Highland Bodyguards, Book 3

Publisher: Emma Prince (December 2016)

270 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

In order to form an alliance, a marriage has been arranged between a Scottish Laird and an English Nobleman’s daughter, but it seems someone doesn’t want the alliance to go through and the prospective bride is in danger, leading the King to send Finn as a bodyguard to the young woman until she is wed. I loved both main characters, as well as many of the secondary characters in this story—they were all drawn so vividly.  Rosamond was such a sweet, optimistic soul, I couldn’t help but like her. She was always trying to make the best of every situation. Finn wasn’t happy with his mission and carried a heavy dislike for the English in general, but his connection with Rosamond was deep and ever-evolving. It was great to watch him work through the horrors of his past, while opening himself to his future. I’m excited to get to know Kirk in the next story! Great series!

Heart’s Thief by Emma Prince

Heart’s Thief by Emma Prince

Highland Bodyguards, Book 2

Publisher: Emma Prince (September 2016)

295 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Colin has been sent on a mission hoping to find whoever is intercepting and compromising their missives, but Sabine nearly escapes right from under his nose, setting off a game between the two that turns out to have higher stakes then either of them intended. Both are highly skilled at playing people, but it was interesting seeing them try to work each other. Lots of secrets and misunderstandings about intentions here, but I really liked the two of them together—they had amazing chemistry from the beginning. I’m looking forward to Finn’s story! Can’t wait!

The Lady’s Protector by Emma Prince

The Lady’s Protector by Emma Prince

Highland Bodyguards, Book 1

Publisher: Emma Prince (May 2016)

366 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

In an effort to curry favor in as many directions as possible, the King has sent Ansel into England to protect an English nobleman’s bastard son, but when Ansel arrives, the boy has already been hidden away and he finds he must content himself with ensuring the protection of the boy’s mother, Isolda, who they find may be in just as much danger as the boy himself. Great story with an attraction that simmers from the very beginning. I wished at times that Isolda hadn’t been so reticent to trust Ansel, but I understand she was struggling with her past and the distrust it left in her. Ansel was a steady rock, that was impossible to keep from loving. Fast-paced read, and I look forward to reading about the next Highland Bodyguard in Heart’s Thief!

Thor’s Wolf by Emma Prince

Thor’s Wolf by Emma Prince

World of de Wolfe Pack Kindle Worlds Novella

Viking Lore, Book 3.5

Publisher: Kindle Worlds (September 2016)

102 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $1.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Thorolf has been freed from his life as a slave on Pictland and has become a traveling shipbuilder vowing never to return to the land of his captivity, but then he witnesses a young Pict woman taken by Viking raiders being led to a life of slavery and he can’t help but try and save her from it. Good story of two people struggling with many of the same problems, and I liked the subtle addition of Bridget’s mystical healing powers. Thorolf (Feitr) was a secondary character in the previous book in this series and there were small references to other characters from that book. Quick, enjoyable read!

Sinner by Jianne Carlo

Sinner by Jianne Carlo

The Hades Squad Series, Book 1

Publisher: Hartwood Publishing (February 2015)

302 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Destiny is preparing to edit a difficult author’s book, when she gets stranded in her cabin during a blizzard with a paratrooper that mis-landed in the storm. Linc (Sinner) is instantly determined to make her his for the duration, but he can tell it will take some persuading to get Destiny on board with his plans. Fun, quick read! Destiny comes off as a bit of ditz in the beginning, but she improves along the way. Sinner, I liked from the beginning—but then again, what’s not to like. This was a little heavy on the sex scenes, for me (seemed to be getting busy every time they turned around), but others may like that. Can’t wait to meet the rest of Sinner’s SEAL squad!

Protect Me by Margaret Watson

Protect Me by Margaret Watson

The Donovan Family Series, Book 6

Publisher: Dragonfly Press (November 2015)

329 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Mia is hoping to make Detective just like her brothers, and a bodyguard assignment for a movie star who is filming in town seems like a good way to ensure she gets her promotion, but the more she gets to know Finn, the less it becomes just part of the job. I normally don’t like to read books from a series out of order, but I got this one and delved right in. This story can be read as a standalone, but as with any series, I think it would be more enjoyable if you had the background of having read the other stories. Nice little twist with the bodyguard being the female in the relationship. Both characters were very likable, but it was a little heavy on the lust/desire inner monologue for my taste (as was the first book in the series). Looking forward to going back and reading the four brothers' stories!

Ella Bandita and the Wanderer by Montgomery Mahaffey

Ella Bandita and the Wanderer by Montgomery Mahaffey

Publisher: Free Flying Press (May 2014)

296 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

This is a novel-length fable about a young woman who essentially sold her soul to a sorcerer, only to regret it too late. The traditional fable writing style and use of archetypes instead of character names,  made this an unusual and unique read, that takes place in a vivid fantasy world. The overriding theme throughout the story is bad things come from not following your heart (desires and other base instincts will lead you astray). I can’t really say that I liked any of the main characters, and Ella herself I liked least of all. Given her pitiable childhood, I wished I could have liked her more, but her vicious lack of compassion for anyone but herself made that very difficult. The Shepherd, though only a secondary character, was by far my favorite and I found his strong connection to both Ella and the Wanderer very intriguing, especially the pivotal part he played in the Wanderer’s evolution as a character.  Interesting ending, and a very thought-provoking read.

Love Me by Margaret Watson

Love Me by Margaret Watson

The Donovan Family Series, Book 1

Publisher: Margaret Watson (January 2014)

122 pages, eBook (available for Free on Amazon)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Helen and Jamie had an unforgettable one-night-stand over a year ago but no contact information was exchanged, so they are both surprised to see each other again when Helen’s landlord hires Jamie to remodel her office after someone attacked it with a car. Great fast-paced story, with the little added uncertainty of Helen being in danger from an irate ex-husband in a custody suit she handled. A bit heavy on the desire/lust inner monologue for my taste, but I loved the characters. I’m excited to read the next book in the series, Watch Me.

Wrong Question, Right Answer by Elle Casey

Wrong Question, Right Answer by Elle Casey

The Bourbon Street Boys Series, Book 3

Publisher: Montlake Romance (August 2016)

336 pages, eBook (provided by the publisher for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Toni has been running away from the kiss she had with Lucky in middle school for over a decade, but an after-hours celebration with the team brings it all back and they slip up, making what could be the best mistake of their lives or the worst. I haven’t liked Toni through this entire series, and I didn’t like her through much of this book either. She’s stubborn, she’s abrasive, and often self-absorbed. I’m convinced Lucky is a saint to have put up with her and her crap. But, once Toni got past all her self-erected barriers, they were great together and I even kind of liked her in the end. They were both struggling with misplaced self-blame from their past, and it was interesting to see them work through it together. This story wasn’t nearly as light-hearted as the first two in this series, but it was a quick read. The only member of the team left is Thibault. Will he get a story of his own? I hope so!

Wrong Place, Right Time by Elle Casey

Wrong Place, Right Time by Elle Casey

The Bourbon Street Boys Series, Book 2

Publisher: Montlake Romance (May 2016)

370 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.00)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Jenny is a single mom, with three kids, struggling with a less than helpful ex and she finds herself laid off from job, but a freelance opportunity through her sister’s boyfriend leads to her working with The Bourbon Street Boys group. Some unexpected danger and excitement makes everything a little crazy, but I really liked Jenny and how average she came across. The romance between her and Dev is sweet and slow-moving, with only one real sex scene, which I appreciated. I only wish Dev and Jenny could have leveled a bit more with each other, so there hadn’t been so much uncertainty between them. Fun read, with a good deal of humor and a few hilarious moments! Looking forward to the next book in the series!

Mystic Montana Sky by Debra Holland

Mystic Montana Sky by Debra Holland

The Montana Sky Series, Book 6

Publisher: Montlake Romance (June 2016)

290 pages, eBook (provided by the publisher for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

After an accident on the road to Morgan’s Crossing, Caleb finds that he is left in the middle of nowhere with a newly widowed pregnant woman about to give birth and realizes he must deliver her baby himself.  The urgency of the situation, together with Caleb’s guilt about his part in the accident that killed the woman’s husband, takes him out of his usual stiff-and-starched-self and makes him feel responsible for Maggie and her child. It was very interesting to see Caleb, who had been so concerned with appearances and propriety, in the previous books in this series, to seemingly throw all that to the wind and take on a more human appearance. Loved the transformation, and his blindness to things he would have cared about before, in the face of his love for the baby he delivered and his admiration for the strength and courage of the baby’s mother. Great story!

A Valentine’s Choice by Debra Holland

A Valentine’s Choice by Debra Holland

The Montana Sky Series, Holiday Novella

Publisher: Debra Holland (February 2015)

83 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

After experiencing the death of their parents and the loss of their sister, Bridget and Alana leave Ireland and head to Montana, hoping to find a new start with family living in the Sweetwater Springs area. Bridget quickly draws the eye of two men, sweet down-to-earth James and elegant, striking Patrick, and she finds she must decide what she wants in a husband in order to choose between them. Sweet, entertaining little story. I hope to see Alana and Catriona, the other two sisters, stories out soon!

Grace by Debra Holland

Grace by Debra Holland

American Mail-Order Brides Series, Book 41

The Montana Sky Series, Prequel

Publisher: Debra Holland (December 2015)

117 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

After narrowly escaping losing her innocence to a man who turned out to be a deceitful and scheming married man, instead of the devoted fiancé she thought he was, Grace tries her luck with a mail-order bride match picking a man as far from home as possible. Frey was a sweet man, so full of exuberance and with a light-hearted teasing manner. I couldn’t help but like him immediately. Grace takes a while to come around and realize that she needs to stop comparing Frey to his odious predecessor. Sweet, little tale.

Bertha by Debra Holland

Bertha by Debra Holland

Mail-Order Brides of the West, Book 8

The Montana Sky Series, Prequel

Publisher: Debra Holland (February 2016)

100 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

I’ve wanted to read Bertha’s story for so long! I loved her character immediately, when we were introduced to her at the beginning of the series, and hoped she would get her own happy ending as all the other potential brides did. Bertha is a shy, sweet woman with a talent for baking/cooking, but she is also overweight and used to being overshadowed by all her slim, sociable sisters and their many suitors. Great story about two shy people finding happiness together. Howie was such a sweet, protective man and he was perfect for Bertha. Great ending to the series! I look forward to other contributions to the stories of Morgan’s Crossing in the Montana Sky Worlds collection!

Prudence by Debra Holland

Prudence by Debra Holland

Mail-Order Brides of the West, Book 7

The Montana Sky Series, Prequel

Publisher: Debra Holland (August 2015)

218 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Prudence was the shrewish nemesis of all the potential brides that came from the Mail-Order Brides of the West Agency, but her difficult personality has left her as one of two unclaimed brides, and now that the Agency will be closing she is left with nowhere to turn—until a tongue-in-cheek recommendation from some of the brides in Sweetwater Springs leads to a proposal from a man in nearby Morgan’s Crossing. I just love when a villain is shown to possess some goodness along with the more difficult side of their personality. I didn’t know it was possible, given her vindictive past behavior, but I actually felt sorry for her through much of this story. In many ways, she is a truly misunderstood person that had always tried to protect herself from the hurts of her past. Michael had just as much to make up for and learn from, in this thing, and it was fun to see them work through that together. Great story! I’m excited to move on to Bertha’s story!

Clingstone by Marti Ziegler

Clingstone by Marti Ziegler

Publisher: Marti Ziegler (February 2016)

383 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

As the Civil War draws to an end, northern troops round up treasonous southerners intent on sending them to northern prisons, mill workers from the small town of Roswell included, and all the upheaval throws two such workers together repeatedly until Mae and Creighton find the other’s company more of a necessity than a nuisance. I loved both main characters (all three if you count Creighton’s little nephew, Owen), but I found Mae and Creighton endlessly frustrating. They were constantly causing each other heartache, when both had plenty of that from outside sources as it was. They were both very complex characters, that you gradually come to know over the course of the story, but I’m still not quite sure how an ‘outcast’ like Creighton had so much experience with the ladies.  This story could have been very depressing, without the constant lightening affect of humor that was injected with regularity throughout the story, and I really appreciated that. I wished there had been an epilogue or reunion with Owen at the end, but that aside, I found the ending very satisfying. Engaging historical read!

Desire’s Hostage by Emma Prince

Desire’s Hostage by Emma Prince

Viking Lore, Book 3

Publisher: Emma Prince (March 2016)

307 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Alaric was selected by his Jarl to go in search of land on which they can form a new settlement for their people, and he lands in Pictland near a people who have had an unfavorable run-in with some Northmen already. Alaric is tasked with persuading the Picts to allow them to settle near them and join forces against any future enemies, and while these negotiations are taking place they have traded hostages to show good faith, Alaric taking the Pict Chieftain’s daughter, Elisead, but not all would see the negotiations good forward and they are plagued by incidents of sabotage in their efforts to move forward. Great mystery element to this story! I wasn’t quite sure until near the end who was behind the attempts at sabotage. I loved the glimpses of both Viking and Pict culture in this story, and their contrast to each other. The mystical “old ways” air that surrounded Elisead fit in so well with the Vikings, and I thought that was a very intriguing aspect of her character. Alaric was such a non-judgmental, protective companion to Elisead, and I really liked the way he made her an equal and a partner. Great story!

The Bride Prize by Emma Prince

The Bride Prize by Emma Prince

Sirens of the Northern Seas Collection

Viking Lore, Book 2.5

Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing (January 2016)

73 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Eyva wants to train as a Shieldmaiden, but it has been forbidden by her family, instead she is to be offered as the Bride Prize at the Jarl’s games. After losing his family to illness, Tarr hopes to gain a position with the Jarl’s Captain by winning the Jarl’s games, the Bride Prize is of no interest to him and he plans to refuse it, but he can’t seem to get Eyva out of his mind. Sweet short tale. Both can’t ignore the pull to each other, but are nonetheless resigned to being apart—luckily some friends help them along. Loved both characters. Great story!

Never Kiss an Outlaw by Nicole Snow

Never Kiss an Outlaw by Nicole Snow

Deadly Pistols MC, Book 2

Publisher: Ice Lips Press (February 2016)

354 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

When a dirty cop’s past catches up with him, he decides to check out early, and the club takes in his daughter out of loyalty for past favors, vowing to keep her safe from her father’s pursuers. Firefly is given the job of looking out for her, but their mutual attraction makes the job much harder than he anticipated. After seeing the enforcer’s hard shell in the first book of the series, it was nice to get to know him a little better and glimpse a softer side now and then. Cora was a good girl, with a hot temper—perhaps a bit too impulsive at times—but she had a strength that was admirable. Cora and Firefly were a good mix from the beginning, and the story kept you on the edge of your seat. I’m looking forward to Joker’s story! He’s such an intriguing character—my favorite of the series! Hope to see it out soon!

Never Love an Outlaw by Nicole Snow

Never Love an Outlaw by Nicole Snow

Deadly Pistols MC, Book 1

Publisher: Ice Lips Press (October 2015)

338 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

With the Club in financial straits, they set off to do a shakedown at a remote whorehouse, hoping to pick up enough cash to tide them over, but Skin stumbles upon a girl that claims to be there against her will. He vows that if her story checks out, he’ll come back for her, but Megan doesn’t have much time left. Great to start out in a new MC crew and start to get to know everyone. Skin and Megan had great chemistry from the beginning, and I liked the way she stood up for him with her family, and Skin stood by her even when it meant going solo without club support. There are a few references to the authors’ other MCs, and I thought that was a nice touch, wrapping it all up in the same MC world. I’m looking forward to Joker’s story—hope to see it out soon! Next up is Firefly. Can’t wait!

Secretly Craved by Lily Cahill

Secretly Craved by Lily Cahill

Billionaire Bear Brotherhood, Book 1

Publisher: Nameless Shameless Women LLC (March 2016)

158 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Skye is a young reporter looking for that big story to get her career rolling, and a chance encounter with a man who saved her from a mugging, seems to be her first big lead in the story she’s been asked to investigate by her editor. Marcus is hoping to derail her questions about their secret bear shifter group, but he can’t deny an attraction to her. I’ve read all of this author’s books and enjoyed their other bear shifter series (Alpha Bear Princes), but found this one a little hard to get into, mainly because I didn’t like the heroine (Skye) overly much. She was a little too ambitious and heartless at times, and could be abrasively stubborn about her independence. Marcus, was alright, but even he could have used a little more depth. The story itself was interesting, and I felt it had a lot of potential, had I liked the main characters more. I’ve enjoyed all the other books by this author, so I will definitely give the next one in this series a try, but this one just wasn’t my cup of tea.

Entitled by Danielle Slater and Roxy Sinclaire

Entitled by Danielle Slater and Roxy Sinclaire

Bad Boys For Life Series, Book 1

Publisher: Roxy Sinclaire (February 2016)

159 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Devlin is all about work, and he holds his employees to high standards—some might say too high—but, when he loses his temper at work with a rival for a leadership role he finds his place in the company in jeopardy. Devlin’s father hired Ayron to provide counseling to his son, but Devlin isn’t supposed to know she is anything more than a new friend—which becomes quite a bit more complicated when they move way beyond friendship. Devlin’s got a hot temper and is a bit of a loose cannon, so Ayron had her work cut out for her here, but I liked the way she softened him. They were an unlikely, but interesting pairing. I wished I could have related to Ayron a bit more, her personality seemed a bit sporadic (good girl with jarring bursts of wild). I loved Devlin’s determined pursuit of her—he was sweet!

Prince Maxwell by Lily Cahill

Prince Maxwell by Lily Cahill

Alpha Bear Princes, Book 4

Publisher: Nameless Shameless Women LLC (February 2016)

112 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Unlike his brothers, Max was old enough to remember his mother, life at the palace and being sent away, and he’s not too eager to welcome back the family that he feels cast him aside, so when he finds his mate Annika he’s all too willing to abdicate his right to the throne in order to be with her—but Annika’s family throws a wrench into their plans. This story was my favorite of the series. Annika was as much a warrior as Max, and with him being a Navy SEAL that’s saying something. I liked his admiration of her strength. And it was fun to see all four brothers together. Fun, short read!

Darkly, Deeply, Beautifully by Megan Tayte

Darkly, Deeply, Beautifully by Megan Tayte

The Ceruleans, Book 5

Publisher: Heaven Afire (February 2016)

313 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Scarlett is determined to have the truth—the whole truth—but the trick is getting it from those who have hidden it. Along the way she unravels a whole lot more than she bargained for. The way it all comes together in the end—I never saw it coming, not until it was almost upon me—but it was beautiful in its complexity and in the way that it embraced the imperfection inherent in people, while striving to hope that there is always a possibility of improvement if you are courageous enough to seek it. Great end to the series!

Prince Elliott by Lily Cahill

Prince Elliott by Lily Cahill

Alpha Bear Princes, Book 3

Publisher: Nameless Shameless Women LLC (February 2016)

116 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Elliott has been riding the Hollywood wave for a long while, making the most of the pleasures his money and connections can get him—but then he meets Laila, the one woman who is completely unimpressed by all his usual tricks, and he finds himself struggling to impress the woman he is certain is his fated mate. It was interesting to watch the changes Elliott goes through over the course of this story, especially when he realizes his approach to wooing needs to be completely overhauled. Laila was a strong, interesting character, but her defensive walls made me feel as though I didn’t know her quite as well as Elliott. Can’t wait for Maxwell’s story!

Prince Samuel by Lily Cahill

Prince Samuel by Lily Cahill

Alpha Bear Princes, Book 2

Publisher: Nameless Shameless Women LLC (January 2016)

150 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Having grown up with three older brothers, Frankie is used to being just one of the guys—so when Samuel makes a pass at her, she immediately assumes it is meant to be a joke, but when he takes her up on a bet meant to prove his seriousness she learns just how serious he is. I loved these two! They are a bit of a strange pairing, but that is kind of what I liked about them—it made for an interesting interplay. (loved the Loser/Princess nickname gag) Samuel was so sweet, and Frankie was very likable. Quick, entertaining read! I’m looking forward to the two remaining brothers’ stories!

Trapped in His World by Stella Noir and Roxy Sinclaire

Trapped in His World by Stella Noir and Roxy Sinclaire

Dark Romance Series, Book 1

Publisher: Stella Noir (January 2016)

69 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

In desperate need of money, Navia agrees to fill in for her friend as a secretary while she’s gone on her honeymoon, but Navia ends up falling for the boss and isn’t sure how to feel about it. Jason is a brooding, mysterious man with some deep-seated problems—not the least of which is his penchant for inflicting pain on women during intercourse, and his callous behavior otherwise. Navia struggles with a love/hate dichotomy about Jason and his hurtful behavior. Jason is dangerously close to abusive/stalker material here, but Navia isn’t entirely put off by it. This could have done with a bit more proofreading work, and the ending felt rather rushed (and perhaps oversimplified), but the complexity of the characters really holds your interest. I’m still not sure what to think of Jason. Quick, interesting read!

Prymal Passion by Jianne Carlo

Prymal Passion by Jianne Carlo

Prymal Series, Book 3

Publisher: Hartwood Publishing (February 2015)

241 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Bandit (alpha cat/wolf/human shifter) had all but given up on ever finding his mate and had tried to resign himself that he would never have children of his own, when he caught an intruder on his property and was surprised to find he recognized the woman as his mate. Kata had only recently discovered her own connections to the shifter world and is running for her life with her baby sister, stumbling upon Bandit at just the right time. Bandit’s quick acceptance of his mate and his all-encompassing urge to protect his ready-made family was so sweet, and despite Kata needing a bit more time to come to terms with things, Kata and Bandit were great together from the beginning. I hope we see more of Dimitri in further books! Quick read!

Prince Hudson by Lily Cahill

Prince Hudson by Lily Cahill

Alpha Bear Princes, Book 1

Publisher: Nameless Shameless Women LLC (January 2016)

152 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Kay is expecting to meet her ex for dinner in hopes that he’s had a change of heart and wants to get back together, instead he’s a no-show and she catches the eye of Hudson (billionaire bear shifter) who persuades her to enjoy the evening with him. Hudson believes Kay is his mate, and quickly moves to do anything and everything he can to keep her. I loved this story! Hudson is alpha through and through, coming across as a very dominating personality without being crass about it. Kay is strong without being abrasive, and I liked her immediately. This story is a little on the shorter side (more novella length) but fulfilling nonetheless. Quick, entertaining read! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

Carnal by Jianne Carlo

Carnal by Jianne Carlo

Wind Dancer Series, Book 3

Publisher: Hartwood Publishing (December 2015)

226 pages, eBook (provided by the Author)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Harry has to wed a virgin, and soon, or his father’s fortune will go to his back-stabbing stepmother instead of him. The matchmaker he hires sets him up with Martine, a young woman with more secrets than he could have ever imagined, which is okay at first because the whole thing starts out as strictly a business deal, but it quickly becomes quite a bit more personal as Harry and Martine get to know each other. Harry was sweet throughout this whole thing, a guy it is near impossible to dislike, but I felt a bit bad for him given all Martine’s secrets. I wished she could have trusted him a bit earlier on and let him help her. The unraveling of Martine’s past was almost like the solving of a mystery, and it was enjoyable in and of itself. Entertaining modern-day mail-order bride type of story. Great series!

Notorious by Jianne Carlo

Notorious by Jianne Carlo

Wind Dancer Series, Book 2

Publisher: Hartwood Publishing (December 2015)

268 pages, eBook (provided by the Author)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Su-Lin mistakenly goes into the men’s steam room and meets Terry, both are instantly besotted with each other, and Terry quickly settles it so Su-Lin and her aunt and uncle will take a three-week cruise on his yacht. I loved this story! Su-Lin is sweet and naive, but with surprising strength of spirit. After a sheltered youth, she is eager to explore her sexuality for the first time and Terry is more than willing to help her. The more Terry gets to know Su-Lin, the more he is convinced he’s ruined beyond repair for anyone, but especially someone as pure as Su-Lin. Great story of a bad boy being reformed by an innocent. There is a lot of mystery surrounding Su-Lin and her pushy relations, but I loved Terry’s protectiveness once he realizes the danger Su-Lin is in. Great, quick read! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, Carnal!

Manhandled by Jianne Carlo

Manhandled by Jianne Carlo

Wind Dancer Series, Book 1

Publisher: Hartwood Publishing (December 2015)

253 pages, eBook (provided by the Author)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Rolan and Sarita had a whirlwind romance in high school, but Rolan’s draft into college football, as well as the tumultuous events in Sarita’s life at the time, split them apart only to be unexpectedly reunited on the yacht of a friend over a decade later and reveal the existence of a son that Rolan never knew he had. Sarita had a huge chip on her shoulder throughout most of this story, but Rolan just steamrolled over it and, once they were together again, the chemistry was scorching. Amusing scenarios involving the presence of their twelve year old son on the yacht, as well as other people. A lot of lying and hiding things ‘to protect people’—which is never a good idea. Enjoyable, quick read with some great secondary characters! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, Notorious!