Review: The Angel by Tiffany Reisz

The Angel
Series: The Original Sinners #2
Author: Tiffany Reisz

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


No safe word can protect the heart

Infamous erotica author and accomplished dominatrix Nora Sutherlin is doing something utterly out of character: hiding. While her longtime lover, Søren—whose fetishes, if exposed, would be his ruin—is under scrutiny pending a major promotion, Nora's lying low and away from temptation in the lap of luxury.

Her host, the wealthy and uninhibited Griffin Fiske, is thrilled to have Nora stay at his country estate, especially once he meets her traveling companion. Young, inexperienced and angelically beautiful, Michael has become Nora's protégé, and this summer with Griffin is going to be his training, where the hazing never ends.

But while her flesh is willing, Nora's mind is wandering. To thoughts of Søren, her master, under investigation by a journalist with an ax to grind. And to another man from Nora's past, whose hold on her is less bruising, but whose secrets are no less painful. It's a summer that will prove the old adage: love hurts.

MY THOUGHTS

The Angel is the second book in The Original Sinners series by author Tiffany Reisz.

Let me start by saying that I enjoyed the first book titled The Siren.  It surprised me and took me so far out of my comfort zone that I was thrilled to have enjoyed that ride.  When I started reading The Angel though, I was having a hard time getting into that mindset again.  It was dark, edgy and cringe worthy at times.  Certain scenes in this book had me picking my jaw up off the floor with shock.  I think the shock value is what made me give this book a higher rating than what I normally would.  After reading countless romance and BDSM books that are out in the book market today, this one blows them out of the water.  When a story can still shock me after many years of reading them, then the book definitely deserves the higher rating -- whether I thoroughly enjoyed the book or not.

I think the main problem I had with this book was Nora for me.  I just couldn't connect with her like I did in the previous book.  I am not sure exactly why, but again it could have been my mindset at the time of reading.  The writing was amazing and the author did not disappoint with her effortless skill.  Author Tiffany Reisz will bring it all out in a book and most likely when we don't expect it.  I did enjoy the character of Michael.  Soren is still a character I can't bring myself to love.  He is creepy and still on my perv radar.

Overall, the book was amazing with writing and shock value.  Unfortunately I just couldn't get into our main character of Nora.  I am hoping whatever it was that bugged me in this book will resolve itself so I can enjoy the next book in the series like I did the first one.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: All In by Raine Miller

All In
Series: The Blackstone Affair #2
Author: Raine Miller

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


The second part in The Blackstone Affair series! Looming danger. A love worth fighting for. A man who’ll go all in.

Ethan Blackstone has a problem on his hands. He’s broken Brynne’s trust and she’s left him. He’s unwilling to live without her and isn’t giving up—he’s dead-set on getting his beautiful American girl back. The passion between them was explosive, but the secrets they hid from each other are dark and chilling and are powerful enough to destroy their shot at a life together. With political threats now directed at Brynne, Ethan is running out of time and he’ll need to gather all his strength and agility to protect her from the dangers that could take her away from him forever. Will Ethan be able to save Brynne from a past that keeps her locked in fear? Will he ever feel the warmth of her touch, the solidity of her trust again? This is a love-struck man who is willing to do whatever it takes to possess the heart of the woman he loves. He’ll go to any lengths to protect her. He’ll go all in.

Here is the fiery story of what happens when two people surrender to a love so great it can heal the scars of the past and give way to a life of pure, rapturous ecstasy.

MY THOUGHTS

All In by Raine Miller is the second book in The Blackstone Affair series.  It is told from Ethan's POV this time around instead of Brynne's.

After the last book in the series left me with mixed feelings, I was a little scared to read from Ethan's POV.  While we are reading from his head this time around, it starts where we left off with Naked.  I will admit that Ethan was the main reason I continued -- besides the story needing some answers from the previous book -- and was worried that the author was going to let us down. Well, I was right unfortunately.

For a man who was suppose to be so Dominant, protective and sexy, Ethan came across as a pansy who needed a dose of man-the-hell-up and grow-some-balls medicine.  What happened to the man I enjoyed from the previous book? Why did the author turn him into a drama-king with no backbone?

When it came to Brynne, I wasn't as shocked to discover he dark past but I was shocked that the author went there with some of it.  I will warn readers that it does involve serious issues that may be uncomfortable for some people.  It is just mentioned briefly, but it is one thing that some people may be shocked or offended to read.

Overall, I became bored with the repetitive sex between the two that seemed to happen every chapter that it was hard to focus on the relationship itself.  By the time I got to the 75% mark, I was skimming those scenes and trying to get to the serious parts. After finishing up this read,  I don't think I will be continuing on in the journey of The Blackstone Affair.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

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Review: Naked by Raine Miller

Naked
Series: The Blackstone Affair #1
Author: Raine Miller

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Brynne Bennett is living the good life. An American art student at the University of London and part-time photographic model, she’s putting her life back on track with school and lots of hard work. 

When ultra successful London businessman, Ethan Blackstone, buys her nude portrait, he isn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer. He wants Brynne in his bed and makes plans to keep her there no matter what. His dominant nature captivates and ensnares despite the demons she carries inside her. 

But there are secrets in this relationship. Huge ones. Can Ethan free Brynne from the past that has marked her? Will Brynne let him or will the specters tormenting her resurface to destroy them both…

MY THOUGHTS

Naked is the first book in the Blackstone Affair series by author Raine Miller.

This is another book where the review is going to be very hard to write with the rating being even more of a harder thing to decide.  While there were some elements that I enjoyed throughout the story, there were some problems along the way.  The best way I can explain this journey of Naked is like a car drag race.  It is built up with excitement from other readers.  It has a start where it is ready to take off and leaves you ready to stomp on the gas.  The story speeds along with the relationship -- at times way too fast. Then it suddenly has the finale that is exciting but then you are left with a crash and burn of an adrenaline drop.

Ethan and Brynne have a very fast rate of speed with their relationship.  While Brynne states that she wants to take it slow, they do hop into bed fairly quickly.  They also start falling in love with each other almost instantly after having mind blowing sex.  Ethan is pretty dominant in giving orders and getting what he wants, but he actually had feelings and emotions that weren't bottled up inside.  Brynne on the other hand has secrets and can be frustrating at times.  She wants to be with Ethan, but she doesn't want to share much with him.  Their sexy times are plenty and quite steamy and erotic.  While at times the story could have left out one of those steamy scenes, they were ones that were hot.

The ending is left with the reader hanging.  We learn that Ethan also had a secret and it is one that is touched on in the prologue of this story.  While we still don't know what Brynne's secret is -- just hints here and there -- the ending was a let down for me.  It was rushed and then we are left with no real part of the story wrapping up.  While cliffhangers can be a huge success, this one was disappointing in the development of the relationship.

While I am curious to read the next book -- especially since it will be in Ethan's POV instead of Brynne's -- I am hoping that it will tie up at least a few loose ends for the reader.  The book was enjoyable and addicting, but needs to be slowed down just a bit for the next book.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Heat of the Moment by Elle Kennedy

Heat of the Moment
Series: Out of Uniform #1
Author: Elle Kennedy

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


In this heat wave, anything and everything goes. A Red-Hot Summer story. Shelby Harper has lusted over Navy SEAL John Garrett for over a year, but no matter how many sexy signals she sends out, the man shows a complete lack of interest in getting naked. Then she overhears Garrett talking to his SEAL teammate--a discussion in which they conclude she's vanilla. Stung, Shelby sets out to show them exactly how un-vanilla she is. 

Garrett can't believe it when sweet, sexy Shelby suggests a wild and sweaty menage. He's been trying to figure out how to ask her out without coming off as a guy who only wants to get in her pants--her friendship is too valuable to him to risk it. But if a crazy, heat-wave three-way is what Shelby wants, then he's ready and willing to give it to her. 

Once she gets it out of her system, however...well, then he'll let her know he wants her all to himself.

MY THOUGHTS

Heat of the Moment is the first book in the Out of Uniform series by author Elle Kennedy.

If you are looking for a full length novel, look elsewhere.  This novella is just that -- a short story.  It comes in  at 78 pages according to Amazon and I want to mention that it is even shorter than that since the last 10 percent maybe of the book is previews for other stories.

This is a sexy and short M/F/M menage read.  The main couple is John Garrett and Shelby Harper with the third person involved is Carson Scott. After pining for each other for a year, Shelby finally invites John and Carson up to her place after closing time.  She had the cafe open during a heat wave for the service men and she over hears Carson and John talking about how vanilla Shelby probably is.  Shelby is convinced to show them how un-vanilla she is by acting out her fantasy of two men at one time.

I really enjoyed this short story and the writer made it believable.  While Carson was more of a third wheel in the story, he was a pivotal player in getting these two together.  Even though it does feature instant love after one night together with a small glitch of insecurities, I could actually see these two people together for the long haul.

While it was in no means a book that will be above others, I will say that this short story was a great start to being introduced to this author for the first time.  If this had been a full length novel, I am sure it would have rated higher in my opinion. New readers of this author will get a quick thrill with John and Shelby and will be wanting to follow it up with the next novella in the series.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

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Review: Rush by Maya Banks

Rush
Series: Breathless #1
Author: Maya Banks

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking...

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.

As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.

MY THOUGHTS

Rush by Maya Banks is the first book the Breathless series.  The main characters in this book are Gabe Hamilton and Mia Crestwell.

As I sit here contemplating with how to put my feelings of this book into words, I also have the urge to build a fence around myself because of all the mixed reactions that are being said about it.  I just know people with torches are going to come light a fire and throw me to the flames.  On the other hand, there might be enough supporters out there that would put the fire out and rescue me like a damsel in distress.  Either way, I am going to share my thoughts and maybe I can make my escape before you grab the matches.

I will say that Gabe is one cold man for the first half of this book. He is demanding, emotionally closed off, and has the power to bring his enemies to the floor groveling with just one look.  We do get little insights and the 'why' of his personality and the reasons behind the famous contract's he uses.  I can understand his intense need to protect not only himself, but others that could be involved, even if it does seem a bit extreme.

Gabe is also a billionaire who is in business with two of his best friends.  Ash has to be my favorite so far of the three even though this book focused on Gabe.  Ash is the charmer and the man that explores the threesome's with Jace.  Jace is the smooth talker and the one that will close a deal while having a little fun on the side with Ash.

Enter Mia Crestwell.  She is Jace's little sister that he has spoiled and taken care of since the death of their parents years ago.  He provides everything for her including an apartment, money and even paying for her college.  While she appreciates everything Jace has done for her, she still doesn't know what to do with her degrees from college and is working in a bakery to try and stand on her own feet.

While there were plenty of naughty and intense scenes in this book, I loved the tender moments between Mia and Gabe the most.  When Gabe would open up to Mia and share things that he hadn't shared with many others, you could feel his emotions and the struggle this Alpha-man was going through.  While he is clearly a Dominant man in the all aspects of his life, you could tell that Mia was his soft spot and was going to be the one who would bring him to his knees.  I especially loved her backbone when it came to the climax of her brother finding out.  Of course, I was also appalled at the way her brother finds out -- and the scene was the only reason I lowered the rating from a 5 to a 4 rating. Only because of the abrupt way it happens when we are finally getting an emotional sexy scene from Gabe and Mia.

Now many people have mentioned a scene that happens around the 70% mark in this book.  It is something that many didn't agree with and wanted to stop with the journey when they read it.  While I won't spoil this scene in sharing the details of it, I will say that I am glad the author turned it around bringing Gabe back to his senses.  If he wouldn't have changed halfway through that scene, I probably would have stopped as well.

While the ending had enough sappiness that I was looking for maple trees around me, I still enjoyed it. It was sweet and over the top, but it wasn't so bad that it made me want to dance around in a field of flowers.  Personally, this a series I am already in love with and can't wait for the next book in the series.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Illicit by Opal Carew

Illicit
Author: Opal Carew
Genre: Romance / Erotica / (M/M/M/F)

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


What began as a steamy weekend fling is about to change their lives forever.

When Lindsay receives a mysterious invitation to live out her most illicit fantasies, she thinks it’s her best friend playing a joke.  Little does she know, the invitation is from someone else.  Someone who knows her deepest desires…and intends to fulfill them.

Erik is a man of many secrets, and he intends to keep it that way.  When he invites Lindsay to his mansion, he thinks it’s just for a steamy weekend fling.  But from their first night together, there’s an inexplicably deep connection that shakes him to his core.  And with Lindsay in his arms, he feels both thrilled and unnerved.  As Lindsay brings his fantasies to life, he’s unwilling to let her go. But can he tell her how he knows her deepest desires, and will she stay with him if she learns the truth?

MY THOUGHTS

Usually author Opal Carew is a must read for me.  I love her writing and the fantasy worlds she can create within the covers of a book (and between the sheets for her characters).  With Illicit though, I was less than pleased with the story unfortunately.

The summary of this book sounded really good.  I was excited to start another book by this author and dying to see what she would bring for Lindsay and Erik.  The first few pages I was interested.  The few pages after that were okay. Then it went downhill and I just couldn't finish it.  So needless to say, this review is a DNF but I will explain why I couldn't read the rest.

Lindsay literally falls into Erik when entering the elevator.  She notices right off the bat how sexy Erik and his two friends are.  She has an entire fantasy about all three of them on this short elevator ride.  Okay, I will go with that. Who doesn't have little fantasies in their heads when they are attracted to someone? They don't interact and she quickly exits the elevator when she arrives to her floor.  She catches up with her friend Jill and she tells her all about the three sexy men she met in the elevator.  Jill states that she know who Conner and Travis are, but she doesn't know who Erik is based on the descriptions Lindsay gives her. Jill tells Lindsay how she would love to set her up with them and she could have a quickie with them and fulfill a sexual fantasy.  Fine, I can handle this situation of girl gossip and bonding.

This is where the book started going downhill for me.  Days later, Lindsay receives an anonymous letter in the mail with just her name written on it.  It is an invitation for her to meet at a certain place so she can live out her sexual fantasies.  She assumes it is a joke from Jill wanting a girls night out and decides to go to this place without even asking if it came from her.  That right there didn't make sense to me. We later find out that Erik is the one who sent her the invitation.  Moving on though.

Remember that they didn't have much interaction in the elevator, but I also want to point out that Erik is already assuming things about Lindsay.  This is what Erik thinks just as Lindsay stepped out of the elevator:

"Damn, she was sexy as hell," Conner said.
"True that, " said Travis.
Erik nodded absently.  She was also sweet and a little shy.  Had low self-esteem.  And had a burning inferno of passion hidden deep inside.  And he would love to be the one to let it loose.  Along with Conner and Travis. --Erik, page 5

When she arrives at the hotel -- and so do Conner and Travis shortly after -- instead of hightailing it out of there when two strangers she doesn't remember arrive, she decides to watch the two men go at it on the patio near the pool area.  If I had two strangers come into the suite, I would have hid until the coast was clear and ran like hell right away. When she does come to her senses, she runs out of the room straight to the elevator.  When the elevator doors open, she runs right into Erik -- again!  Oh and he is still in his work uniform for work as a police officer.  This is where Erik really gave me the impression of being stuck up and "cocky". (no pun intended)

Why would she come all the way here, then leave?
Then again, women weren't always rational.  He'd learned that the hard way.  In the half dozen or so serious relationships he'd had, they'd all ended with the woman walking out.  Why? Because he knew them too well.  He satisfied them too well. --Erik, page 21

This is where I stopped and decided I wasn't going to be able to finish the story.  I just wasn't feeling the characters and any chemistry.  Granted, this was only 25 pages in, but by this time I already know if I am going to be able to get into a book and the characters.

MY RATING

DNF

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Review: Under His Roof by Sadey Quinn

Under His Roof
Series: Under His Roof #1
Author: Sadey Quinn

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Rachel has had great success in her career, but in the meantime has inadvertently shunned her friends and family from her life. So she seeks the help of a professional disciplinarian to provide her with 'motivation' to be kind.

David, the professional disciplinarian, has given up on trying to have a relationship. He's not willing to break his self-made protocol and hit on a client, but he's equally unwilling to have a 'vanilla' relationship. He needs to be in charge.

What will happen when the unlikely pair meets?

This is a NOVELLA, not a full length novel. Expect about 30,000 words, or half the length of a typical romance book. 

MY THOUGHTS

Under His Roof by Sadey Quinn is the first book the Under His Roof series.

Hmmm...How to put my feelings into words for this read.  That is the problem I am having.  While this book doesn't go into graphic scenes of sex, it does involve the elements of Dominance and Submission with it being about spanking.  I think my main problem with this book was that I was thinking it was going to be a regular erotica featuring smut, smut, and more smut.  I went in thinking it was going to be the usual read of a new D/s relationship.  Instead, it is focused on spanking as a disciplinary thing instead of a sexual thing.

A good spanking in a erotic read is okay.  I can handle that.  What I can't handle -- or even comprehend in my brain -- is the need to be treated like a two year old receiving a punishment of spankings and being forced to stand in a corner.  I just don't understand the dynamics of how this can be a release or in any way helpful as an adult.  I am sure there are people out there who enjoy this, but it is definitely not something I would want.

The other problem I had with this book -- and I have noticed that other reviewers had this feeling as well -- is that David just takes and takes, but Rachel never gets much in return.  She submits to him for the spankings.  She submits to moving in with him after a matter of hours together.  She also submits to his general rules of living together.  What did David have to do?  Just be allowed to show his caveman mentality of 'do as I say'.

In short -- which this read was rather short -- it is a series that I don't see myself continuing.  While the author does get props and an extra rating for flow and style of writing that wasn't too bad, this type of read is just not for me.

MY RATING

If the library doesn't have it, don't worry about reading it!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Mini Review: Capture by June Gray

Capture
Series: Disarm #6
Author: June Gray

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


The future beckons...

Elsie has given Henry three chances to win back her trust, but before he is able to complete the challenge, she finds herself faced with a life-changing decision. Elsie must ask herself an important question: is Henry just a thing of the past or does he have a place in her future?

The conclusion to the story of Henry and Elsie.

MY THOUGHTS

Capture is the 6th and final installment in the Disarm series by author June Gray.

Finally!  We as readers finally get the ending to the long and tortured road for Elsie and Henry.  We start out with Elsie looking forward to Henry planning the three dates that she challenged him to.  He has 3 dates -- or chances -- to convince Elsie that he is staying for good and to win her back.  But just as Elsie is preparing to guard her heart and make Henry work for it, the author throws us for another loop and obstacle.  Elsie is offered her dream job in Colorado.  She has no idea how to tell Henry this, and I was a little disappointed in how she kept it a secret.  All through this series we read about how Elsie didn't like Henry keeping major secrets from her yet here she is doing it to him.  When Henry does find out, understandably he is upset but he also understands her need to make this decision on her own.  Henry continues with his plans to win Elsie back but also knows that she is going to spread her wings and take the job offer.

After six installments of torture, angst and obstacles constantly thrown into their relationship, I feel that the end came to a too quick of an end.  It is like the author finally got tired of writing their journey and decided it just needed to be done.  Within a matter of moments, Elsie decides she really wants Henry in her life no matter what and they become engaged.  He decides to move to Colorado with her and they get married.  I would have expected Elsie to at least have to wait a little longer than just a few days of moving before she realized this.  I also would have like Henry just to surprise her after a few weeks and showing up saying that he was proving his commitment by following her to Colorado.  But as a reader, we don't get to choose the outcome of a story so I will just accept the rushed ending and look at the series as a whole.

This series was such a great discovery for me to find.  I loved the story of the two characters, the side characters, and everything in between.  This is one series that I am glad to have found and I am looking forward to more greatness from this author.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Mini Review: Engage by June Gray

Engage
Series: Disarm #5
Author: June Gray

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


The past has a way of catching up...

A long time has passed since Elsie's heart was broken, since the person who always shielded her from pain broke her heart. Just when she begins to rebuild, Henry returns and upends everything all over again.

MY THOUGHTS

Engage is the fifth installment in the Disarm series by author June Gray.

When we first start reading this installment, it is five months after Henry left Elsie. We are back to reading from Elsie's POV.  While I am a little disappointed that we have switched back to her POV, it isn't as bad as I thought it would be.  The last book quenched my thirst for his side and now we get to see the fall out on Elsie's side.  She is having a hard time moving on from Henry.  He was her happily ever after and he ripped it away from her like a mother pulling a bandage off.

Then we flash forward another 10 months and just as Elsie is starting a new relationship, Henry comes back.  He has finally found his way and himself.  He also is planning on winning Elsie back even if it takes the rest of his life.  He even drops the bomb to her that he has given up the military for her.

The first part of this book was a little ho-hum for me.  It was depressing and I really got tired of hearing about how she will never get over Henry.  Then when Henry comes back, the story takes off again.  This series is definitely one where the hero is what makes it so good.  When Henry comes onto the page it just sucks the reader in.  While I still don't believe how he had to 'find himself' to make the relationship work, I agree that it did make the story richer and have the characters grow.

I think the best part about this installment though is when Henry takes Elsie to Dallas for a surprise gift.  What he reveals to her was quite a surprise in those few chapters.  Why it did seem to come out of left field and probably just something that needed to help the story arc, it was still sweet.

This isn't my favorite in this series, but it is one that matured the characters and helped them find their own way.  I am looking forward to reading the final book in this series and I am keeping my fingers crossed that Henry doesn't blow it again! Bring on the HEA!

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Mini Review: The Henry Sessions by June Gray

The Henry Sessions
Series: Disarm #4
Author: June Gray

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


In eighteen days, a life can change...

Henry talks about the past during his therapy sessions but one night puts everything into question, including his relationship with the woman he's loved all his life.

The Henry Sessions is an 18,000 word romance novelette.

MY THOUGHTS

*WARNING* 
spoilers if you haven't read the first books in the series

The Henry Sessions is the 4th installment in the Disarm series by author June Gray.

At the conclusion of the last book in the series, I was getting a little ticked off at Henry.  I wanted to know what changed his mind within hours from being happy to wanting to break up with Elsie.  At the end of the last book, Elsie is left holding the bag - literally.  Henry has left her the voice recordings of his therapy sessions so he can get his point of view on why he is leaving her.  Through those tapes, we get his side of the story and getting his point of view written for this book.

I absolutely loved getting Henry's side.  It was everything I was expecting and I found myself craving more from his point of view.  I was sad when it came to a close because the writing was so good and revealing.  I loved how the tapes started from before he met Elsie and her brother Jason all the way up until the day he gives the tapes to her.  Henry is still uncertain if breaking up with her was what he needed to do, but he also understands it needs to be done for reasons we are told about within those pages.

I am looking forward to the next installment so we can see how Elsie reacts to these revelations and how she is going to deal with it.  I am hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that Henry comes to his senses and finds his way back to her.  Keep them coming because I need more!

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Mini Review: Retreat by June Gray

Retreat
Series: Disarm #3
Author: June Gray

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Return to the place where it all began…

Elsie surprises Henry in California in the sexiest way possible, and inadvertently reveals the secret of their relationship to their families. But just when she thinks everything is finally falling back into place, a revelation changes everything…

MY THOUGHTS

Retreat by June Gray is the third installment in the Disarm series.

In the last book, Henry has left for California to go through therapy from his trauma on the base. Elsie finally manages to get some time off from work so she can surprise Henry by showing up.  After briefly visiting her parents, Elsie sneaks off to Henry's house which happens to be about 2 houses away.  She sneaks in through his bedroom window and surprises him with a special treat to wake him up.  After some much needed sexy time together, they find themselves caught by the parents while in bed.  They were wanting to tell them until they could get both sets of parents together but not in this way. After they spill their news to the parents, it seems their relationship is going to move to a happily ever after.  Then Henry throws another wrench into the plan.  He decides he needs to break up with Elsie so he can find himself. 

Henry gives his reasons on why he needs the break up for a bit, but it didn't sit well with me.  I can understand his thinking behind it, but the way he goes about it was the issue for me.  One minute they are happy and enjoying a meal, then as he drops her off at her parents house he just simply says that they need to break up.  I was left with a WTH?! moment just like Elsie was.  I know this leads up for the next installment in the series, so I am hoping it will give us some insight into why he is acting this way.  The next book is suppose to focus on Henry's therapy tapes that he gave to Elsie before they separated so she could get some insight into what is going through his head.  I am hoping it will give me some as well.

Overall, not a bad installment in the series, just one that is leaving me frustrated with some of the actions by the characters.  I guess this could be considered a good thing because it makes me want to read even more!

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

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Mini Review: Besiege by June Gray

Besiege
Series: Disarm #2
Author: June Gray

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


The continuing story of Elsie and Henry…

Elsie has waited six long months for Henry to return from his deployment to Afghanistan. But she learns that, sometimes, the person who leaves for war is rarely the same one who comes home…

MY THOUGHTS

Besiege is the second novelette in the Disarm series by June Gray.

In Besiege, we pick up where we left off in the last book.  Henry has just been deployed to Afghanistan and Elsie is left with being alone for six months.  After finally admitting their feelings for each other in the last book, this proves to be a real test to their relationship.

Elsie learns through another military wife, small things to help in the pain of being left behind at home.  She forms a friendship with this other woman and they both are there for each other.  Dave, a friend of Henry's and Elsie's brother, checks on her while Henry is away.  This leads to a small glitch in Henry and Elsie's relationship with Dave making a move on Elsie.  Add on the stress of learning that Henry's base was attacked and Elsie starts to fall apart.

When Henry returns though, he isn't the same man who left.  He is dealing with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and has closed himself off from Elsie.  Together they have to try and figure out a way to help him which leads to him going to California for therapy and to spend time with his family.  Again, Elsie has to watch Henry walk away and deciding what she can do to help.

While this book wasn't as sexy and hot as the first part in the series, this one does deal with serious issues. While I think that Henry didn't really need to travel to a therapist, it does create a good set-up for the next part and leaving the reader with another sad cliffhanger.  Even though it wasn't as good as the first book in this series, I do plan on reading the next book.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

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Review: Addicted by Charlotte Stein

Addicted
Author: Charlotte Stein
Genre: Adult Romance / Erotica

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Kit Connor has always led a safe, cautious life. But when her friend points out that her erotic writing lacks something, she decides to attend a Sexual Healing group to improve her knowledge.

Kit expects to find the gritty underbelly of sex, and instead finds louche, laidback, sex-loving Dillon Holt.

He makes a suggestion to her: that he will tell tales of his sexual excess, and help her book get the realism it needs. She agrees, but hasn't the least idea of what she's getting into.

Dillon doesn't have simple advice in mind … he has lessons to teach her. Lessons on everything she's never dared to experience, from kink to real passion.

Now Kit is never sure: is Dillon the addict, or is she just addicted to him?

MY THOUGHTS

After reading a previous book by Charlotte Stein, I have been watching out for new releases by her.  The last book I read was a short story, but this one is a full length that I was highly anticipating.  Ms. Stein can right descriptive scenes like a master story teller.  It actually feels like you are the character in the book with all of the emotions pouring from the pages into your body.

I absolutely loved Dillon in this book. He was so carefree and funny that it was refreshing in this genre.  After reading so many books about Alpha/Dominant men with having to have the upper hand, it was delightful to read about a main male character actually being kind and very generous to the woman in the bedroom.  This is not to say that he is not a strong and alpha man -- the man is freaking huge in height and "length" -- but he has a tender side as well.

Kit was just as funny, but she did get on my nerves at time with her inner dialogue and embarrassment at every little thing.  This is something that could be overlooked, but at times I just wanted her to get over it and quit making up such random things in her head.

Overall, I enjoyed this book.  It had the steamy factor, the hot male lead, the chemistry, the humor and the wonderful writing I knew Charlotte Stein could deliver.  Another hit by an author I am "Addicted" to now!

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON