Hunky Day No. Six @BrynnPaulin #REVIEW #HUNKYDAYS

Happiest of Holiday Wishes from our Guilty Indulgence family to you and yours! As the madness of the holiday season is upon us - we want to thank you for taking a break from your busy schedules to celebrate our Fourth Annual Happy Hunky Days with us.  After a year of ups and downs, isn't it great to take the time to foster those guilty indulgences that make it all just a little bit easier. Hopefully you will find a great read, possibly win some great prizes and definitely enjoy some ho-ho-hot eye candy!  May your days be filled with friends and family and, of course, fabulous reads to revive and relax!

Make sure you enter the rafflecopter contest daily!  Cheers!!

12 Hunky Days of Christmas

Yuletide Greetings by Brynn Paulin

Zach Colvin never believed in Santa Claus, so filling in as Santa at the mall for one of his friends is not making his holiday bright. He’s supposed to be on vacation, not working. When his brother promises to send him a package full of holiday cheer, he never expected it to be a near-naked woman.

Kate Morgan has made a mistake. After many emails, she’s meeting a man for a near-anonymous hook up, but she's stunned to find a different man opening the front door—a man with a determined grin, mesmerizing eyes, and a naughty penchant for spanking.






This is a quick holiday treat. Kinda like grabbing a sugar cookie as you walk by the counter. Although this is a mild BDSM story it was very sweet and I will never look at candy canes the same again.


I give this book 3 chocolate dipped strawberries and some candy canes.
                                                 
PEACE

Three Year Blog-iversary!!!!!

Greetings and Salutations to our Guilty Indulgence nation! Three years we've been together! Three years of fabulous books, amazing authors, delish eye candy and book club shenanigans. We appreciate your continued support and are delighted to make new friends with authors and readers alike every day. Although Kim is deeply mourning the end of summer this weekend, she, along with several of our Guilty Indulgence clubbers are back at Lora Leigh's Readers Appreciation Weekend where it all started: the idea of starting a book club, the idea of a review blog, the idea that seven very different people could read the same story and get seven very different takes on it....oh and that we could share our very favorite guilty indulgences as often as possible!

Speaking of our very favorite Guilty Indulgences.....This years theme is Our Favorite Guilty Indulgences. Stay tuned each day for more new ideas, authors, and insights from each of your favorite Indulgent Bloggers. Take the time to join our Hop to win fabulous prizes and by all means, please comment daily - the more you play, the better your chances of winning. And who doesn't like winning??? Duh! 

CLICK ON THE BLOG HOP LINK TO BE ENTERED IN RAFFLECOPTER  FOR GREAT PRIZES.

Click on all the other Hop links and follow their instructions for even more fabulous prizes.

Guilty Indulgences, how do I love thee?  Let me count the ways:

1) I love my audio books.  Seriously love them. They are with me everywhere I go and I love that I can get immersed in the world of a good story even when I am driving, vacuuming or mowing the lawn.  Hearing a well crafted story with a talented voice artist takes reading to a whole other level. There are readers that I absolutely adore and because of them, have found new authors to listen to (now that's a switch, right? )  Loralei King reads the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series as well as the Darynda Jones Charley Davidson books.  Love each of those authors but super love listening to them on audiobook.  Jim Dale who reads the Harry Potter series could read the phone book to me and I'd be in Heaven!  Lauren Fortgang reads the awesome Jennifer Estep Elemental Assassin series and Tara Sands does her YA Mythos Academy books.  I could be a long haul trucker just to stay in the car to listen!

2) While millions love the big house publishing authors and their stories, and I am no exception, I love love love some of the small house/indie/self pub authors I've chanced upon in the past year.  Resplendence Publishing has some extremely talented authors who write in lots of various romance sub-genres: Cheryl Dragon, Emma Hillman, Brynn Paulin, Sean Michael and Patricia Pellicane.  And Entangled can boast the likes of Gina Gordon, Caridad Pinero and Elle James.  Take the time to check out the webpages of these publishers and more (Evernight, Torquere, Riptide, Liquid Silver, and Secret Cravings) - you won't be sorry and you get a lot of book for your bucks.  Most can be found on Amazon or All Romance eBooks.

3) Young Adult.  It's true, I am one of the completely bizarre folks who loves YA innocence as much as hard core spanky erotic BDSM.  And have given myself whiplash going from one genre straight into another - I don't necessarily recommend flipping directly from the sweet "Love Me" to the intense "Do Me" but it works for me.  I am consumed with Jennifer Estep's Mythos Academy series, Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampires and Jennifer Armentrout's Lux series.  They are all on the "drop-everything-the-latest-installment-is-out-today" list.  And let me tell you Darynda Jones' Death and the Girl Next Door series is hard on their heels.  I love the Scooby gang feel many of the more successful series have - it may take a village to raise a child but it takes a gang of adolescents to get through paranormal crises and save the world.!

4) Wine.  Red Wine. White Wine. Malbec. Merlot. Cab-Sav.  You name it - if the girls are together - let the good wines roll. 

5) Chocolate. 'Nuff Said.

6) Dishy eye candy. Single girl/guy, Married girl/guy, Gay or Straight.  Anyone with a pulse- who doesn't appreciate the finely chiseled physique in all its yummy glory.  Mmmmmmmmm

7)  Shoes.  Even when you can't get into your jeans, pretty shoes fit.

8) Purses.  Same reason - I have a closet full of them and I don't have the heart to let them go.  They are all precious leather babies and have my eternal love.

What are your Guiltiest Indulgences?  Comment and share - we'd love to hear from you!

 Many thanks.

Happy Hunky Days #5

DAY FIVE...Happy Hunky-Days!

Happiest of Holidays from the Guilty Indulgence Book Club. We are pleased to be with you every day and hope you will all join us for our 3rd annual Happy Hunky-days - Twelve fun filled days of Christmas where we treat you with gifts of joy and happiness (aka free books and very yummy eye candy!). All good readers who comment will get a chance to win some really great e-books from our featured authors! Seriously, you can even be quite naughty and still get free books - just remember to register and comment!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stocking Full of Cole, Brynn Paulin, Resplendence Publishing

When Tamah Jones came home for the holidays, the last thing she expected was to learn that Cole Greenwood, a man eleven years her junior, wants her and has for years.

For Cole, Tamah has always been unattainable. Now, however, he’s ready to make a move and prove he’s the one for her. He’s ready to give everything, just to be hers, but the two must overcome geography, age difference and her overbearing family before being together can be more than a distant Christmas dream.

Excerpt:

I’m going to marry you when I grow up.

Six-year-old Cole Greenwood’s words echoed in Tamah Jones’ mind as she stared at the boy’s grown-up counterpart. Grown and freaking hot to tell the truth. When had he gotten so attractive and…and…adult? This tall, sandy-haired man couldn’t be the little Cole who she’d babysat. Okay, it was sixteen years ago, but still… He was stunning.

“Hi, Tam,” he said, the intent light in his blue eyes telling her he remembered her clearly. “How’ve you been?” His gaze scanned quickly over her. Appreciative yet subtle. Nice. Points for Cole.

Still, an unsettled feeling rolled in Tamah’s belly as she realized how gorgeous he’d become. She had no business noticing how his charcoal dress pants and light gray button-down shirt emphasized his trim form or the way sleek muscles flexed beneath the cotton as he lifted a glass of champagne to his firm lips. When had Cole gotten to be so nicely formed? His shoulders were now so…broad.

She tapped a nail on her champagne flute. Stop staring, Tamah.

“I’m good,” she answered, mentally kicking herself at her lame conversation skills. “Home from school?”

A frown furrowed his brow as if he hated that she’d brought up his student status. “Yes. How was your flight?”

“Good.” Good, good, everything was good—except the stupid, inappropriate fluttering in her middle. “It’s good to see you.” She gave him a quick smile. “I should go see if my mom needs anything. Big party.”

Her parents had invited everyone they knew—an annual holiday tradition. She came home every Christmas, never missing the gathering that had been going on since she was a child.

Cole caught her wrist in his cool, long fingers as she started to back away. “No, stay,” he pleaded. “You’re the only one I really know.”

She started to protest, looking around but immediately realized his words were likely true. At the moment, most of the people here were her parents’ peers and older than both her and Cole.

He pulled her toward a small alcove with two chairs, her red taffeta dress shooshing around her as they moved. The space was partially blocked by the large, silver-bedecked Douglas fir erected for the festivities, but still in view of anyone who happened to look that direction. Safe enough. Not that she was afraid of Cole. It was more her reaction to him. The private yet not-at-all-private seating would keep her from doing something stupid.

She licked her bottom lip and sat, looking out over the great room. Coming home always reminded her how different North Springs, Michigan, was from New York City. Her entire Inwood apartment would fit in here.

“What is it?” he asked when she unintentionally sighed.

“It’s kind of…nostalgic, being here and all. Coming home is always like stepping back in time.”

“Things have changed a lot since you’ve gone. People have changed.”

Somehow, she suspected “people” referred to him. She turned toward him to see he’d leaned back in his chair, his arms draped loosely on the rests. His long fingers curled on the ends of the cushioned arms as his blue eyes assessed her. She struggled to distance herself before she drowned in that gaze. What was wrong with her? It was as if some magnet inside of her was drawn to him, and unfortunately, it was located within her throbbing clit.

REVIEW:
What do you do when the boy you used to babysit for has decided that he is going to marry you? Cole doesn't care about the age difference, the fact that Tamah lives in another state or that her dad just doesn't seem to like him, all he cares about is making her his! All Tamah cares about is the way he makes her feel.

What a great Christmas story..it has everything that you could ask for. A secret tryst in the gazebo, a midnight sleigh ride, shopping, caroling with the family and a hot and heavy make out session in a truck.

These characters are fun and realistic with a story line that will draw you in and wrap you in Christmas spirit. At first I did not like Tamah's dad very much, but the further into the story I got, the more his attitude made sense. Tamah's attitude and reluctance reads very real and her need to make any changes in her life about her and not someone else was nice to read. Cole was FABULOUS from the beginning.

I also have to say that I kind of fell in love with the town of North Springs, it just seemed idyllic.

Rating: 5 Chocolate dipped strawberries and a midnight sleigh ride!

BUY LINK: Stocking Full of Cole

AUTHORS BIO:
When it comes to books and movies, Brynn Paulin has one rule: there must be a happy ending. After that one requirement, anything else goes. And it just might in any of her books.

Brynn lives in Michigan with her husband and two children, who love her despite her occasional threats to smite them. They humour her and let her think she's a goddess...as long as she provides homemade chocolate chip cookies on a regular basis. Brynn is president of her local chapter of Romance Writers of America and also hosts a weekly writing critique group. She's conducted workshops at several writers' conferences around the country as she enjoys mentoring and meeting new people.

According to Brynn, her writing success can be attributed to 70's music, her local road construction crews, a trusty notebook, and of course, her husband (and willing research subject), AKA Mr. Inspiration.

Bound for the Holidays by Brynn Paulin

Bound for the Holidays, Brynn Paulin, Resplendence Publishing
When an unexpected snowstorm strands co-workers Brennan Myers and Rory Mills just before Christmas, they reveal secret desires they've each harbored-desires they can no longer resist. With a little spanking and a bit of bondage and a garland of gold tinsel, they explore each other, but when the cold light of day dawns, each wonders if this will be more than just a one-night affair. Will they both get what they most want for Christmas or will it be another holiday alone?

**Publisher's Note** This is an extensively revised and re-edited version of a previously released title.

Ok, so I know Christmas is still two months away and I too hate when they start putting out Christmas decorations in September. But when you get an early gift like Bound for the Holidays, suddenly I am singing Jingle Bells.

The chemistry between the two main characters is sizzling. From the time that Rory sits next to Brennan on the bus you can feel the heat between them. But what was nice and sometimes missing from these shorter novellas is you get the vulnerability that each man experiences along with the lust. Both have admired the other from afar so when they do come together it didn't feel rushed it was more like YES, finally!

This is quick read with some light BDSM, so if you haven't read anything in the spanky, spanky genre then this would be a good introduction. This is a fun, kinky, sexy holiday read that you should buy now just to get you into the Christmas spirit!

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and an extension cord for the twinkle lights.  This book was given to us by Resplendence. Many thanks.

Two Years??? Already???

It's hard to believe that it's been two years ago since we sat around (probably with beverages) and said hey, let's start a blog. And here we are two years later with more books to read and share then we know what to do with. How awesome is that?! What's the best thing about being a member of this super elite group of people? Having a variety of people to introduce you to new things that you never thought about reading before. These people have truly educated me lol. Second, looking forward to the monthly get togethers. No matter what kind of week you had it all disappears when we get together. So thank you for following us and making this thing work. Make sure you take time to register to win all the goodies that we have to give away and for the GRAND prize at the end of the week.Also a shout out (WOOT) to Resplendence for sharing the love. They published this fab book.

After Dark By Kris Norris

Temperance Dunnigan can’t believe she’s agreed to travel to New Orleans to be part of Avery Smith’s special ghost hunting squad—and in the midst of Mardi Gras no less. There isn’t a sane reason to be there…other than Avery. Though she considers him a spoiled, rich kid, his money is her ticket to finally getting some concrete evidence to lay the eternal question of spirits to rest.

Avery didn’t think twice about inviting one of the foremost paranormal investigators to his retreat. After all, Temperance is smart, daring and totally not his type. He’s more than aware of her feelings toward him and embraces the chance to work with someone he has absolutely no interest in…that is until she becomes entrenched in a deadly summoning. Saving her life wasn’t part of the plan, and now he can’t stop his heart from racing every time she looks at him. They’ve got one week to figure it out before all hell breaks loose, and Avery loses more than just his reputation.



So much HOT stuff in this short story! WOW! I chose this book just because it involved ghost hunting in New Orleans and you can never go wrong with those two things and I hit the jackpot. Somebody throw me some beads!! First off I love the leading lady's name. Temperance, how cool is that? I can't help but enjoy a chick that calls them like she sees them. She makes no secret that she thinks Avery is an ass. Just cause a man is an ass doesn't mean he's not hot. Glad she sees the light and comes around. This story also had a little bad guy twist. Always a plus.

I give this story 4 chocolate dipped strawberries and new car for Temperance she deserves it.
Will there be a Blake book? Just ask'n:)
PEACE
To enter to win our prizes, go to the BLOG HOPS TAB at http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogspot.com/p/blog-hops.html. You will also find the full list of hop participants. Clicking on those links will bring you to over 70 sites with a total of over 100 prizes! You've got all week... be sure to check out all the sites!

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HAPPY 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!!

I guess since I was the first person to post on our blog, it's fitting that I should post the first review for our 2 year anniversary party week. It's hard to believe that two years and a month ago we were at Lora Leigh's RAW and kicking around the idea of doing a blog and then Jenn came up with the name and Rebecca grabbed the bull by the horns and actually made the page come to life.

I have to admit I was a little afraid to do this. What if nobody read it, I mean really...I am just a mother and wife living in Virginia what do other people care about what I read or my thoughts about it. Heck it wasn't that long ago when I would tell people that I was reading a book about vampires and they would look at me like I was crazy and then roll their eyes and ask me why? (obviously this was pre-Twilight) I was also scared to death that I would make a spelling, grammar or punctuation mistake and it would be out there in the world forever and people would laugh. But then I thought about everyone that didn't roll their eyes and would say, "Wow that sounds interesting can I borrow it?", and how much of a kick I would get out of it when they would fall in love with a book I loved as well. So here I am in all my flawed glory, two years later hoping that someone besides Tina likes to read what I write. I love when I find a new series and I can immerse myself in a new world. I think I will have to blame my mother and grandmother for this addiction, because really all book series are, are printed versions of soap operas. Maybe not quite as "You're sleeping with my baby daddy and he is also your brother!" but the familiarity of the characters and the feel that they are real in our minds.

Well if you are a long time follower I hope you have found a book or two or a new author and I haven't bored you too much with my personal life ramblings at the beginning of most of my reviews. If you are new...Welcome and I hope you come back again and again, especially this week cause we have LOTS of prizes and who doesn't like to win something??

Each day this week we will be spotlighting a publisher that has been very generous to us with books and encouragement. We will be posting two reviews each day and you will have the opportunity to win a prize from that publisher! We will also be giving shout out's to certain authors who have been with us since the beginning and without whom there wouldn't now be over 740 blogs posted.

First up is Resplendence Publishing!

Doing the Dean, Mia Watts, Resplendence Publishing
Claybourne College #1
When Griffin Sizemore transferred to Claybourne College, his goal was to finish his doctorate and get out of school. He never expected to fall for his best friend’s sexy dad, especially when that dad turns out to be the Dean of Students. A little daring perseverance shows him that the Dean doesn’t seem so unapproachable. So since when did getting in the Dean’s pants suddenly become a quest to win his heart?
ISBN: 978-1-60735-581-6
CATEGORY: Contemporary Erotic Romance, Male/Male, Claybourne College Series.

LENGTH: Novella  

BUY LINK: Doing the Dean




So I have told you of my love for series and I am excited to bring to your attention the first in a new series from Mia Watts. Since I work on a college campus I can tell you that these kinds of relationships happen all of the time. What makes this story so great are the very believable characters that the author has created.

Julian as the older man and Dean of Students knows a relationship with Griffin is wrong and tries not to succumb to his desire for the slightly younger man. But even knowing his job could be at stake Julian can't deny the chemistry between them.

Griffin thought he was too busy working on his doctorate and being an RA to have time for a relationship...especially when that man is his boss, sort of, and his best friends dad. All it took was one look at Julian in baseball pants and Griffin thinks it's worth the risk. But when the risk becomes his degree, what choice will Griffin make?

This was a good read for a couple of reasons, the first being that the relationship developed over time and had a very real feel to it. The second, was there were some serious consequences for both men. The answer in the end wasn't just about loving someone enough or not, but being able to live with the choices each of them made.

The attraction between Julian and Griffin is off the charts hot and I will forever feel a little flush every time I look at a dining room table from now on. Julian's son Tony added some comic relief and brought some needed depth to a story that could have been very one dimensional. If not for several editing errors this one would have been a home run for me, but even with those I am very much looking forward to visiting the Claybourne campus again. This series could almost make me want to go back to school.


RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries This book was given to us by Resplendence. Many thanks.

To enter to win our prizes, go to the BLOG HOPS TAB at http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogspot.com/p/blog-hops.html. You will also find the full list of hop participants. Clicking on those links will bring you to over 70 sites with a total of over 100 prizes! You've got all week... be sure to check out all the sites!

A Pirate's Kiss, Temple Hogan

Pirate’s Booty Series, Book Six

Faith Barnett sets out on a voyage to India to find her missionary father, only to end up prisoner on the dreaded pirate ship, Satan’s Spawn. All hope seems lost until the handsome pirate captain, Hunter Reid, rescues her from the desires of his crew. But who sill save her from him? Especially when she longs for his kisses.

Hunter Reid is too preoccupied to take care of an old-maid missionary. He’s on an undercover mission from the British Admiralty to help unearth the notorious pirate, Captain Kidd. But Hunter is drawn to the courageous woman, who proposes an arrangement he can’t turn down. Faith gives him more than he ever imagined, but when his life becomes the prize, will she come to his rescue or leave him to face the hangman’s noose?

REVIEW:
Like the other books in this series the “pirate” hero isn’t really a pirate but is just temporarily pretending to be one. However, unlike the other books in this series I have reviewed so far (search Temple Hogan on left side bar for other reviews) Hunter truly acts like a pirate and has everyone convinced giving even Jack Sparrow fans something to swoon over. Hunter is commander of his ship, crew and in a very short time Faith.

Faith has always felt less the worthy in her life and has resigned herself to become a missionary solely due to a lack of other options. But when she meets to devilishly handsome Captain Reid she sees her one chance to find out what it would be like to have a man in her bed and finally feel like a woman. So when she offers herself with no strings attached he simply can’t say no. But as soon as she lets her hair down and all pretenses Hunter quickly realizes that she is more then a simple women but instead is the women of his dreams.

This story is a fun pirate adventure on the high seas and will have you excited to read the next in this unusual pirate series.

CATEGORY: Historical Romance, Pirate's Booty Series.
ELEMENTS: Adult language, adult situations, explicit description of sexual intimacy, strong sexual content, oral sex.
HEAT LEVEL: Garnet
LENGTH: Novella
FORMAT: E-BOOK

RATING: Four Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries This book was given to us by Resplendence Publishing. Many thanks.

Deep in the Heart of Hexes, BA Tortuga

Deep in the Heart of Hexes, BA Tortuga

Cowbell, Book and Candle Series, Book One

Lily really isn’t the shop-owner type, but she knows she has to go back home after college and take over her granny’s weird, wonderful store, just like she promised. The problem is that Granny wants her to get serious about things she’s not even sure she believes in. When Granny falls mysteriously ill after an antique shatters in the shop, Lily starts to think that the whole world is off-kilter.

Marc deals daily with the kinds of phenomena Lily is struggling against. He knows it’s magick, but he’s not sure how to convince such a beautiful, stubborn woman how to start looking for solutions of the supernatural variety. Lily thinks Marc is arrogant and amazingly handsome, but she doesn’t want to trust him. Can the two of them learn to work together in time to save all that Lily holds dear?

REVIEW: Lily is a very stubborn, snarky woman who does everything she can to push Marc away. She is completely unaware of her inherited magical talent and is convinced that all of her grandmother’s belief’s are nothing but make believe. Marc on the other hand knows that magic is very real – along with poltergeists and many other magical creatures. Upon the urging of his grandfather’s ghost he finds himself reaching out to Lilly to help her regardless of her insistence that she doesn’t want it. But as the poltergeist haunting her grandmother’s store persists in assaulting her and her grandmother continues to appear possessed by something she comes to realize that she needs his help after all. But in accepting his help she is forced to acknowledge the tremendous physical pull he has on her, her need for him and her latent magical abilities. In order to conquer what is attacking her and her grandmother they must join their powers together but in doing so they realize that in each other they have found the greatest power of all, love.

This story is a fun change a great easy summer read.

RATING: Four chocolate dipped strawberries.

CATEGORY: Paranormal Erotic Romance.
ELEMENTS: Adult Situations, Strong Sexual Content, and Mature Language.
HEAT LEVEL: Garnet
LENGTH: Novella
FORMAT: E-BOOK

The book was given to us by Resplendence Publishing. Many Thanks.

Snowbound, Bella St. James

When Caroline Mulholland finds herself in the middle of a snowstorm on a dark Michigan night, she decides the safest thing to do is take shelter in the lake cabin her parents once co-owned at the lake. Battered by the snow and cold, she’s thrilled the key is still above the door. The solid cabin will shelter her from the storm; with any luck, the next morning she’ll be on her way to a new life, running a bed and breakfast in her old hometown.

Finding embers in the fireplace makes her nervous…and hearing the voice of the man she thought was dead is a huge shock. Josh Spencer, her first love and her first lover, is even sexier than the last time she saw him, and her body is quick to remind her of all the things she loved about the man.

Taking refuge in the cabin between his dangerous assignments for the military, Josh can’t believe his eyes—or his luck—when he sees the shivering Caroline. Helping her warm up leads to far more than sharing his body heat as he’d intended, leading to an unexpected reunion neither of them will ever regret.

REVIEW: This is a great quickie story. At only 20 pages, the story gets right the heart of the characters long lost desires for each other. Ms St. James does a great job developing the characters quickly and drawing the reader in right from the beginning. Their history together makes their instant connection believable regardless of the years that have past since they have seen each other. The passion between them is very hot and yet playful as only lovers who truly know each other can master. Although very short this is well worth the quick read.

CATEGORY: Contemporary Erotic Romance.
ELEMENTS: Strong Sexual Content, Explicit Description of Intimacy, Light Bondage.
HEAT LEVEL: Garnet
LENGTH: Short-short
FORMAT: E-BOOK

RATING: Four chocolate dipped strawberries.
This book was provided to us by Replendence Publishing. Many Thanks

The Pirate Prince, Temple Hogan

The Pirate Prince
Pirate’s Booty Series – Book Five
Temple Hogan

From the first moment Prince Rajak laid eyes on Azara, the Persian Princess he wanted her. But his journey to Persian was to find a bride for his brother not himself. However, upon returning from his trip he finds his father murdered by his younger brother, Mohan, who has also claimed the fabulously wealthy Peacock Throne of India, for himself even though it belongs to Rajak since he is the eldest son. Rajak is forced to flee his home to escape Mohan’s supporters and turn into a pirate to survive. Seeking revenge, he steals back the wealth that once would have belonged to him—gems, gold and silver and even captures the beautiful Azara, whom he claims as his own.

This story is not your typical pirate story. Since both of the main characters are royalty they maintain all the pomp and circumstance of their upbringing regardless of their new environment and circumstances. There is also a strong influence throughout the book of the Arab culture they come from. When Azara is captured her group of servants are also captured. The women can not show themselves freely and where berkas at all times. It is considered improper for Azara to not have her chaperone with her at all times. There is a strong underlying level of mistrust between the characters due to all the underlying cultural issues. Azara is concerned that her life will be forfeit if she is ever returned to the intended brother and is no longer virginal and if he lets her live she will only be a third wife to him and not much more then part of his harem. She has watched her mother be an unimportant lesser wife to her dad and therefore struggles to believe that women have worth and can be loved. Rajak is clear on his desire for revenge and this causes further concern in Azara that she is merely a pawn in his game. When they due come together it is passionate but fraught with mistrust. It is a hard fought battle for them both to realize that all the riches in the world are worth nothing compared to trust and love that they can only find in each other.

Rating: Three chocolate dipped strawberries.

This book was given to us by Resplendence Publishing.
Many thanks!

Breaking Cover, An Ultimate Indulgence

A Handcuffs and Lace Story that is by far the best in the series!

Home for six months after an undercover assignment at BDSM club Testing Leather, Homicide detective Brian Hurley can't shake the memories, or the feelings he developed, for undercover partner Griffin McManus.
Griffin's having his own problems in the aftermath of the job, and he shows up on Brian's doorstep, hoping one last night together will allow him to put it all behind him.
Will reconnecting as themselves help them let go, or will they find everything they need in each other?

What a way to start my down time. I have been so crazy busy at work that I haven’t had any time to read. I finally got caught up and thought a short story was in order (a little indulgence for me!) so I reached for something from Sean Michael.  You always know that it’s going to be a good read and I really didn’t want to be disappointed.  After writing over 20 books in a series you would think it would get old so I had my reservations.  I have to say that the first couple didn’t really make me jump up and down.  They were good – don’t get me wrong.  His latest is great though and so I say to you get the darn book and READ IT. You won’t be disappointed either.

What made Breaking Cover so special was the constant changing from the present to flashbacks from the case. I was amazed at the depth of this short story and the development of the two characters. As some of you know – I read just about anything but really, really enjoy BDSM. Brian’s character is a typical top (love them all) but you really would not get Griffin if it was not for the flashbacks. The way their relationship starts and then builds is what makes the plot great.

The only disappointment was that it was over too quick. I wish this was a full (500+ pages) novel of Brian and Griffin deep undercover at the Leather Club. I found myself asking a million questions - most of them surrounding their time undercover and not just their relationship but also the case.

OH but if I had one wish, it would be a similar story line with the suspense of a good case at a BDSM club. I would pay the bug money and buy it in a minute.
RATING: With no reservation, Breaking Cover is 5 chocolate-dipped strawberries. 
On to my next story and I am sure back in the near future will be another pick from Sean’s huge array of stories. If anyone has a suggestion then PLEASE send it my way.


This book was given to us by RESPLENDENCE PUBLISHING. Many thanks.

Live It Up

Live It Up 
Grassroots, Book  3
by Emma Hillman

BLURB

Andy’s been after an insane shifter for days, but when he rescues Sunny, the human female Mary had decided would make a good snack, he finds himself entangled with someone completely opposite to him.

He's his Pride Enforcer. She's human. He lives for his job. She lives in the moment. Nothing good can come out of this. So what if his lion yearns for her?

What Andy and the rest of the Pride don't understand is that Sunny might not be a shifter but that doesn't mean she's weak. She knows what she wants and she's going to get him...whatever it takes.


REVIEW
Live It Up is the third book in the Grassroots series. It follows along with the others in the series which is becoming rather predictable. This time, the hero is the Pride Enforcer Andy who has been after psycho shifter Mary.  He meets Sunny when he rescues her from Mary and brings her home to heal. They are complete opposites but still there is a connection between them – his lion pulls him to her no matter how the human part of him fights it.

The book is good but not a shining star. I definitely liked the first two books in the series better – not as much of a connection with the characters in this book. I’ll be watching for the next book though to see where else Hillman can take this series.

RATING: 3 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

About The Author
Emma Hillman never plans her stories. She just lets the characters have fun and hopes the ending will make sense. It usually does. Besides being a multi-published author of erotic romances, she works full-time and lives in Paris with a (nice) husband, a (cute) little girl, and two sweet but (very) loud pets. She also reads far too much as the postman (and her banker) could attest, but shhhh.
For more information on her current and future releases, you can visit her blog at http://emmahillmanbooks.blogspot.com/ or chat with her on Twitter (@droptheglasses).

The Black Pirate, Temple Hogan

Fighting for Benjamin Franklin in America's war against Britain, Captain Caleb Howard and his crew brave the cold North Irish sea, plundering British ships of their men and supplies bound for the colonies to aid enemy soldiers. Caleb's goal is to rescue his brother and the other prisoners who languish in English prisons by trading the British captives for their freedom.

Life becomes really interesting for Caleb when the morning after a storm his ship comes across the stranded damsel, Mary Cormick, and rescues her from the sea. However, when he mistakes her for an experienced lover and takes what he wants he finds himself taking her innocence. Although Mary allows it she doesn’t understand why she did and finds herself questioning her basic values. But her passion for him leaves her throwing caution to the wind and embracing what only he can provide her even if it can only be a temporary, or can it? Together, they struggle to overcome their adversaries and their own mutual mistrust of each other as they explore a flaming passion that binds them. Together they finds passion and love like they never expected.

I had planned on reviewing another favorite author of mine today but was asked to postpone their review until July. So I grabbed this from my queue mainly because it was a short quick read, not realizing at the time that this is actually book four in the Pirate’s Booty Series. Sorry, Tyra. I have to say having not read the others in the series I do not feel like this one lacked as a stand-alone. Could it have benefited from the lead in? Maybe. But it was good by itself. Having said that this was a fun change from what I have been reading. Although he is not the typical Caribbean “Pirate”, Captain Caleb had all the sex appeal and charisma to stand up to any Captain Jack Sparrow movie. Mary is your typical damsel character but was charming in her own right. My only wish was that there had been a few more scenes prior to them getting together to make their connection more logical. But with the story only being around 90 pages there just wasn’t time. All in all a well written story and one that will lead me to trying out more from this author and the rest of the series. It was a fun read and I’m thankful that I stumble across it. This was a fun piece and an interesting take on life at sea with a yummy Captain!

RATING: Four chocolate dipped strawberries.

This book was given to us by Resplendence Publishing. Many thanks!

Dare's Sun Sea & Submission Series

Sun, Sea & Submission
Three of my favorite things… how could I go wrong reading this series? Kim Dare turned on her kink for a fun series focused around characters spending time at a seaside resort. You can get away with reading one and not the other; but what’s the fun in that? It would be like buying a pack of Reese’s PB cups and eating just one! So, read them both – they make great beach reads.

Packing Heat
RATING: 4 Stars

PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE DATE: 07/27/11
ISBN: 978-1-60735-354-6
CATEGORY: Contemporary Erotic Romance, Male/Male, BDSM.
ELEMENTS: Male/Male Erotic Romance with Strong Sexual Content, Graphic Language, and Explicit Descriptions of Intimacy including Anal Sex.
LENGTH: Novella
FORMAT: E-BOOK
BUY LINK: Resplendence Publishing

When Darren wins a trip for two to an exclusive holiday resort and invites his work buddy Jamie to share it with him, they are the only two men in the office who know they won’t be enjoying a typical lads weekend away.
Neither of them has any intention of chasing after girls—or even chasing after any guys other than each other. After months of subtle flirtation, Darren and Jamie are finally ready to do a hell of a lot more than stare longingly across the office.
They both know they’re going to get laid, have a laugh and maybe even fall in lust. But neither realises the weekend has other surprises in store for them—perhaps lust won’t be the only thing they fall in. Especially when one of them realises that the other man doesn’t just have swimming trunks in his weekend bag—he’s packing leather.

Darren and Jamie are fun – Darren, the experienced Dom, and Jamie, the new sub – as readers see the beginning of their relationship negotiations. Jamie may be a beginner in D/s but he definitely knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to say so. Despite Jamie being new, Darren gives him choices and the insecurity Darren feels in Jamie’s answers serves to reinforce that he has real feelings for Jamie beyond just play. When Jamie faces his first punishment with that delicious combination of trepidation and longing, I was squirming. He may have been overwhelmed with the new experiences but he is as invested as Darren in their new relationship extending beyond the weekend. The emotional connection of the characters makes this another one of Dare’s good reads.

Obedient Slave
RATING: 4 Stars

PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE DATE: 04/18/12
ISBN: 978-1-60735-493-2
CATEGORY: Contemporary Erotic Romance, Gay, BDSM.
ELEMENTS: Male/Male Erotic Romance with Strong Sexual Content, Graphic Language, and Explicit Descriptions of Intimacy including oral sex and anal sex.
LENGTH: Novella
FORMAT: E-BOOK

BUY LINK: Resplendence Publishing

Drew’s had a crush on Matthew ever since they started working at Pendragon Bay Hotel. They may have been friends since day one, but he’s never been able to inspire a desire for more, from the other man—not until Matthew gets a promotion.
For years it’s been the unofficial company tradition for any newly promoted employee to have another member of staff act as their “slave” for a week—waiting on them hand and foot and following their every order.
Drew’s more than happy to be Matthew’s slave. Unfortunately, for some reason, Matthew doesn’t seem quite so enthusiastic about the idea—not even when he finds out they come with a free supply of blow jobs.

This was a humorous story line – Drew, a truly bratty sub and Matthew, the newly promoted manager – that turns into a sweet story by the end. Despite being friends for so long, they’ve never acted on their attraction. When Matthew finds Drew kneeling at his door, he does everything in his power to push Drew away but Drew is charmingly persistent. And the visuals of Drew in the tight little leather thong working for Matthew is precious. How could anyone get any work done in this resort? It is the misunderstanding of what they each want – imagine that, men not communicating well – that has kept them apart. When they discover each want forever as Dom and slave, it’s a chance worth taking for a real relationship. Again, Dare has created a sweet story that has a Dominant with some insecurity – I love the realism in that simplest of concepts.  Plus it’s just a fun read!


These books were given to us by Resplendence Publishing. Many thanks.

Line of Fire - Simone Anderson

Holy Hotness Batman!!! There is just something that is so fabulously yummy about Navy SEAL's that I just love to read about them. This is my first book by Simone Anderson, but you can bet it will not be my last. I know this book was originally part of an anthology so I don't know if she has any more planned that would make it a series but I REALLY hope she does!

Line of Fire, Simone Anderson, Resplendence Publishing
Christian Williams has lived with his secret his whole life, and he’s not ready to give it up. He’s especially not ready to face the consequences.
Consequences be damned, Hayden Medema is tired of living a lie. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is dead and gays are serving openly in the rest of the military. The Navy SEALs should be no different.
After coming face to face at a gay bar in a different city and a whirlwind weekend of sex, Christian and Hayden along with fourteen other SEALs are sent on what appears to be another routine mission, until someone learns their secret and everything goes horribly wrong.

Just because DADT has been repealed doesn't mean it's safe to come out of the closet....especially if you are a SEAL.

When Christian and fellow SEAL Hayden run into each other at a bar the off the charts attraction is enough to make them both take the chance for a weekend of fun between the sheets. What starts out as a weekend fling becomes more and each man must decide if it's worth the risk.

This book read so believably real for me. The fear of coming out in an environment like the military is scary enough but doing it while a member of one of the elite teams has got to be even harder. When Hayden decided to come out reactions were varied but I felt that would be so in any setting. Christians reluctance to admit his feelings for Hayden to anyone let alone himself also made sense. He had spent his entire life living with the secret of being gay and not having anything more than one night stands, so yeah it would be hard for him to make that leap to being out and committed.

Ms. Anderson's writing was captivating, when they were deployed I could feel the adrenalin on a visceral level. And when Hayden and Christian come together I would not have been surprised if my Nook had spontaneously combusted. Here's hoping for more SEAL's and the men they love!


RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries This book was given to us by Resplendence Publishing. Many thanks.

It's A Long Relief

Long Relief by Abigail Barnette is a hot little romance that is just too short.

Successful entrepreneur Maggie Harper has lived and breathed baseball since birth. But when her father, once a legendary player, later a team owner, leaves her the Grand Rapids Bengals in his will, she’s in over her head. Orchestrating a successful season is foreign territory, complicated by a sizzling one-night stand with a player who definitely wants something more.

After pitching a disastrous game that cost the Bengals the championship pennant, veteran pitcher Chris Thomas knows his days as a player are numbered. There are more important things to be worried about than the sexy new team owner, but Maggie’s hot-and-cold act is driving him to distraction. A woman has never come between him and the game before, but now he has to make a choice between his love of playing ball and his love of Maggie.

When their entanglement is discovered, the stakes are even higher. Caught between doing what’s right for the team and what’s right for them, Maggie and Chris have to decide what’s more important, a championship season, or a chance at love.

My favorite Abigail Barnette story to date, Long Relief is a love story set in the sports arena. It is a perfect scenario - a romance infused with humor and light-heartedness. The relationship moves fast and the characters are well developed but my one complaint would be it ends all too abruptly.  Long Relief was a few innings too short – readers may not feel like they got the full story. But it is a yummy little nibble. And perhaps there will be another serving…

4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.
This book was given to us by Resplendence Publishing. Many thanks.

Humpday Hello to Patricia Pellicane!

Greetings and salutations humpday nation - halfway through and I am chanting my mantra of "I think I can, I think I can...." It's been a heck of a week - new tattoo, some serious retail therapy, hundreds of miles racked up on I81 visiting family in hospital, and some serious allergies from all this lovely spring green goodness....you know what?  I deserve something really special.  And I am going to share it with you - cause I'm a giver that way!  Kilty goodness (has NOTHING to do with this week's book, just like the look of a man in plaid!) Eye candy.....Mmmmmmmm

Tonight - South Tiana Road, Patricia Pellicane, Resplendence Publishing, 4/2012

South Tiana Road Series, Book One


After months of hard work, Carlie Russo took a night off to attend her best friend’s birthday party. While there she met a man who caused her to forget her usual common sense. Influenced by his magnetism, combined with the sensual entertainment provided, she grew intoxicated with desire. The outcome of a night sexier, and more wildly erotic than either could ever have imagined left both yearning for more. Their intention was to meet again, only there are times when circumstances ruin the best laid plans.


Tonight starts out like a single girl's fantasy night: get dressed to kill, meet a hot guy, have some hot sex.  Except that Pellicane writes with style, humor and more emotional depth than many other contemporary erotic romances. 

Carlie Russo is a true self made success.  And a workaholic.  Which is not conducive to a hot dating life so she takes a chance on some excitement in her life when invited to a friend's soiree.  Saved from a drunken accost by a stunningly handsome man, Carlie embarks upon an evening that delivers sensual interludes that lead up to a sexual encounter, a no holds barred night of passion with one rule - no names.  Rocked to her core, Carlie decides to take a chance and make a date with her mystery man with the plan to exchange names and get to know each other better - only he never shows up.

Jake Napolitano, DEA agent, wasn't expecting the sexy, erotic encounter with his mystery woman to intrigue him to the point of distraction.  Missing his flight from Vegas back to New York meant missing the date he was looking forward to more than he could have ever imagined.  Obsessed with his beauty, he tracks her down only to be turned away, repeatedly.  Desperate for any connection with her, he accepts her acquiescence of a phone friendship.  Little does he know it is only connecting them tighter, deeper and with something that feels alot like love.

A new to me author, Patricia Pellicane pulls off not only an excellent erotic romance but a true blue thriller - weaving in the mystery stalker plaguing Carlie and Jake as they reunite ratchets up the story into a real page turner.  The connection between the two very real, slightly flawed but driven people makes for quite an emotional roller coaster - seriously hot and sexy one minute and heart-breaking the next.  And like all rides, it does come to an exciting end.  And like the best rides, it leaves you wanting to jump on and ride again!

I give Tonight five chocolate dipped strawberries!


This book was given to us by Resplendence Publishing for an unbiased review. Many thanks.

From A to Z With Kim Dare

Hello. I’m over here. Look up. Yep, here I am… up here, out on the limb. I’m hanging upside down; just busy reading something out of my norm. There's a little f/f action going on and then a fem domme on top of that. Definitely out of my normal reading comfort zone. Best thing about it though is BDSM shorts by Kim Dare are delicious no matter which flavor they come in.

The first of her A to Z series I read is Admiring Anna, a f/f BDSM story. It was a hot little twenty-two pages… whew!  More importantly though, this author can capture the essence of two people coming together so honestly it leaves the reader feeling like a peeping tom.

Samantha, an artist’s assistant, has admired Anna, one of the nude models for awhile now. Having overheard conversation of a club Anna frequents, Samantha visits the club only to discover its more than she expected. Anna is in fact something special – she’s a Domme. And the club caters to female dominants and their submissives. Samantha doesn’t know whether to run and hide or follow Anna’s commands. Luckily for us, she can’t resist Anna’s commands. With such simplicity and grace, Anna calls out Samantha’s natural submissive hiding within her. The tenderness and passion mix to create a beautiful scene and with just this one scene, readers will see just how much chemistry and potential this couple has. 

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Back into the m/f BDSM, Obeying Olivia is just as hot a read. What this author can do in a few pages many authors can’t do given an entire novel. Honestly, smoke rises from her pages!

Mark, the bartender at the monthly meeting of local female dominants, has played at being submissive for months. He’s had a few scenes, but never dated any woman who inspires the submission he feels inside himself. He believes he can find what he needs with Olivia, one of the Dommes at these meetings but is held back by his knowledge that it isn’t his place to approach her.  So he simply watches and waits until one night when his fantasy comes to life. Olivia returns his interest and now Mark needs only to obey Olivia. The vivid description of this strong male submitting his body to this powerful Domme is fabulous. This story captures simply their first scene but it depicts such a sweet side to this natural submissive with his honest responses. It is so obvious this is just the beginning for Mark and Olivia.  

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

These books were given to us by Resplendence Publishing. Many, many thanks.

Kim Dare's The Whole A to Z

Hello one and all. Jenn, Kim and I are back from our tattoo adventure in Richmond. They are both sporting shiny new tattoos and I have once again affirmed that I am to much of a wimp to ever get one myself. We also got in a little shopping at Short Pump which as an added little bonus due to the rain cancelling the soccer games that were scheduled for that day. I got a FABULOUS new purse and I love it! It's nice to be able to get away with the girls even if it is only for an overnight trip.

So this week I am here to tell you all about a few of the A to Z books from Kim Dare! These are erotic little nuggets that are quick and fulfilling.

Melting Mr. Mowburrey, Kim Dare, Resplendence Publishing
Mr. Mowburrey has a reputation on the local BDSM scene as a dominant with pure ice in his veins. He never gets attached to the submissives he plays with, never lets his emotions rule his head.

Tony is a young inexperienced submissive. When he falls for Mr. Mowburrey he knows he doesn’t stand a chance, but he still can’t resist making one last play for him. With the help of a sweet little prop, Tony is going to do his damndest to make Mr. Mowburrey melt.


What would you do if the Dom of your dreams didn't realize you were alive? Make sure he walks in and catches you eating something sinfully erotic.

One of the many things that Kim Dare does so well is the development of her characters in a short period of time. She always leaves you wanting to know more about the people she creates. The sexual tension between Mr. Mowburrey and Tony is palpable. You can't hope but cheer for Tony to melt Mr. Mowburrey's heart and get the relationship he craves. This is a "sweet", sexy read about the beginnings of a D/s relationship that leaves you hoping that these two will get another story. If for no other reason than Tony didn't finish that lolly.

Facing Fitz, Kim Dare, Resplendence Publishing
It took Harvey months to gradually work up the courage to let his friends set him up on a date with Fitz - a dominant he'd been admiring from afar ever since he set foot on the local kinky clubs. But, when their first scene ended in disaster before it even got started, he was very quick to retreat.
Forget going back to the club where he made a fool of himself. Harvey's determined never to leave the house again. Facing Fitz is out of the question.
Fitz, however, has other ideas. Intrigued by what he saw on that first date he's determined to do a real scene with Harvey. Dominant to the core, Fitz has no intention of walking away from a boy he's genuinely interested in without a fight.
Harvey is going to have to get over his embarrassment and face Fitz sooner or later and, with the help of a few friends, Fitz is determined he’ll do that tonight.

After a disastrous first "scene" together Harvey is determined to never see Fitz again. Embarrassed and humiliated he refuses to even go back to the club. When his friend finally talks him into going back for one night it just may be the catalyst that changes everything.

This book explores how to handle a D/s relationship when the sub has a debilitating case of claustrophobia. It explores the psychological aspect of submitting as opposed to the physical. I felt Harvey's fear and frustration, his need to submit and sense of failure that he couldn't. I loved the way that Fitz handled Harvey's phobia and was so caring in the way that he did. This book really brought out the care and understanding that a good Dom must have.

RATING: 4 & 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries respectively.  This book was given to us by Resplendence. Many thanks.

Brass Balls - Mia Watts

Brass Balls, Mia Watts, Resplendence Publishing

Handcuffs and Lace Series
Kissing a fellow police officer might not have been the smartest drunken move Oak Takala has made in recent years. Okay, and it might have complicated the issue that the officer in question is his father’s former partner, Wyatt Peterman. Aaaaaand there’s the fact that Peterman is the newly appointed precinct captain.
So what the fuck? Why not go balls to the wall and make a play no one will forget?




This is not only a May/December romance, it is a supervisor/subordinate situation that really couldn't get more complicated. Not only is Wyatt Oak's new Captain at the precinct he is also Oak's dads ex-partner and best friend. Not to mention he is about 16 years older than Oak and has been fighting his attraction to him for the last several years.

Oak has been in love with Wyatt since he was about 16 years old but never thought he had a chance, and when Wyatt is made Captain he became even more unattainable....that is until the beer kicks in!

This is another addition the the Handcuff and Lace series that is so much fun. I love the mini morsels of hot and sexy and always find myself ready for the next one as soon as I finish...kind of like potato chips....one is never enough! The only reason that I didn't give this one a 5 was because I felt the ending was a bit rushed and could have used 5-6 more pages to wrap things up neater.

If you like your stories sexy and short then grab this one by the balls and don't let go!

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by Resplendence Publishing. Many thanks.