BOOK REVIEW: Big Game, Hunted Love #1 by Aden Lowe

From Goodreads:

When a legendary predator decides prize horses should be on his menu, Kate takes the advice of her neighbor ranchers and hires a big game hunter to track the mountain lion and remove the threat. The hunter arrives to take up the trail, but instead of the seasoned older man she expects, he's young and impossibly sexy.

Freshly back from deployment to Afghanistan as a special forces operative, Jakob needs to clear his head of the horrors of war. When his uncle is injured, Jakob steps in to fulfill the older man's commitment to hunt down a mountain lion on the other side of the state. The prospect of several days in the wilderness with only his horses and dogs for company sounds like the ideal opportunity. Except the infuriating female rancher insists on going along for the ride.

Genre: Erotica / Western Romance

Length: 80 pages 

Price on Amazon $1.99

ADD it on GOODREADS / BUY it on AMAZON

R.E. Hargrave's Review

* * * *

This is a quick read about two people, Jakob and Kate, who find each other at a turning point in their lives. At the time they meet, neither is looking for, or expecting to find, love. Fairly well-written, the story pulls the reader in from page one and then keeps a nice pace while the leads feel each other out, until neither one can deny what is happening between them any longer. The supporting story of catching the big cat who is destroying the local ranchers livestock numbers provides a solid base for Jakob and Kate to build on. 

While Big Game was ‘in production,’ the teasers and online build-up I saw gave the impression that this was a BDSM cowboy story. While I saw the barest whispers, suggestions if you will, of Lifestyle elements, most readers will likely miss them altogether. I’m making mention of this because, if, like me, you pick this up hoping for some kinky trail scenes, you aren’t going to find them. That’s not to say there are no intimate moments, there are, and they are quite well-executed, just not enough to label this a D/s tale. 

I’d like to commend Mr. Lowe for going in and adding the post-release ‘bonus chapter.’ The extra content was definitely needed to round out the story and give a nice finish, otherwise the reader would’ve been left scratching their head and looking for the rest of the story. 

A great debut release, I foresee great things for Mr. Lowe in the future if this is where he is starting. His style is already good, and he can only get better.

**I was given an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review**

BOOK REVIEW: The Girl & the Vampire by Kira Barker

From Goodreads:

The Embassy is a matchmaking service catering to supernatural clients, and those who would love to satisfy their curiosity. Celia is one of them. She has been fascinated by vampires since they officially came out of the coffin. Now she is looking for a lover who can fulfill all her needs, in return for donating blood in the most intimate way possible. Because these vampires? They bite.

ADD it on GOODREADS / BUY it on AMAZON

R.E. Hargrave's Review

* * * * *

This is the second book of Ms. Barker’s that I've read, and though short, she has WOWed me again. I’m officially a fan. Her attention to detail is just enough to plant the reader’s attention firmly in the story, and then she keeps you there with her sharp-edged dialogue and well-defined characters. 

Understand going in, that this is an erotic tale of convenience. Our female lead doesn't have the desire or time for a relationship, and quite frankly, just wants a sexual itch~or ten~scratched, despite her best friend’s vocalized reservations. Enter the sexy man who is more than willing to scratch it, and get a reprieve from his eternal hunger, by gorging on her blood.

The Girl & the Vampire is a terrific, fast-paced read that is guaranteed to get your heart racing, not only with what is unfolding on the page, but at the possibilities of what is to come with The Embassy series. 

**I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review**

The Embassy #2, One for the Pack, is AVAILABLE NOW

BOOK REVIEW: Teasing Hands by Elena M. Reyes

From Goodreads: The hands kneading my flesh into submission are strong, yet gentle. Rough yet tender. His talented fingers dig deep into my naked flesh applying the perfect amount of pressure, bending me to his will. 

His will which now entices me and burns itself into my every pore, ruining me for any other’s touch—but his. Once a stubborn and independent woman, I find myself wanting to submit; to give him all that I am and power over everything I can be with his guidance.

Camden Daniels has a voice full of sin built to destroy my mental walls. The dulcet sonnet of his tone controls my resolve with but a single utterance from his lips:

"Undress for me."

ADD it on GOODREADS / BUY it on AMAZON

R.E. Hargrave's Review:

* * * *

Reyes’ storytelling abilities continue to grow with each new release of hers and Teasing Hands is no exception. While there were a couple of plot points that I had personal issue with-- underage drinking on a college campus and an older man putting the full court press on a barely-21 year old girl-- I can’t deny that these things do happen, and Reyes pulls it off by bringing the reader into her tangled web with an effortless, emotional yank.

Amanda is an independent young woman, part of a championship winning basketball team for the University of Miami, and determined to maintain full control of her life. She’s been burned by the opposite sex before, and isn’t in a hurry to have it happen again anytime soon.

Camden is the mysterious hot older man, masseuse, and tempter of fate where Amanda is concerned.

The catch? While one wants commitment, the other wants to avoid commitment at all costs. Too bad you can’t control your heart. 

Reyes could’ve made this tale all about the hot schmexing, but she’s gone further, bringing in a slew of supporting characters-- friends and family-- that keep the reader guessing what’s going to happen next. 

For my own sake, I’d have liked to seen a cleaner edit job on this, but overall, I promise you won’t be disappointed if you like an engaging fast paced romance. Well done, Ms. Reyes.

**I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review**

NEW RELEASE: The Food Critic by R.E. Hargrave

The Food Critic

by R.E. Hargrave

~an erotic novella~

SUMMARY:

Serena Peters has made her place in life writing an exclusive column for a popular foodie magazine. She has fame and fortune, what she doesn’t have is companionship or love. Chef Stuart Wellings comes from an embittered past and has had to fight for the simple way he lives. When Serena shows up to interview him and his small town diner, will an appreciation for food be the only thing they have in common, or will there be more?

EXCERPT:

She stopped and took a deep breath, then looked up at him from under her bashful lashes. Emboldened by the look on her face, he reached forward, then let his hand linger on her cheek while his thumb caressed the corner of her mouth, grazing her lips.

In silent agreement they gravitated toward each other, their blue eyes staying focused on the others while Stuart lowered his head, seeking out her mouth. He brushed his lips over hers, giving her a chance to back away, and leaving no doubt as to his intent to kiss her. To claim her.

Sera didn’t pull away. Instead, she pushed up on her toes, almost forcing herself on Stuart. When her lips crashed into his, the shock forced him to stumble back against the door, pulling her such that she ended up pressed along his front.

Just like in his shower fantasy last night.

Get THE FOOD CRITIC on AMAZON

BOOK REVIEW: Dom Wars 6, the Final Round by Lucian Bane and Aden Lowe

From Goodreads:

When Gladiator Inc, an adult toy company expands their market to familiarize the ‘vanilla’ world with the elements of BDSM, the result is a pay-per-view reality show with video feeds streamed live to subscribers. The show, Dom Wars, is a competition to determine the Top Dom that will become the spokesperson for the company. 

The contestants all wear cameras to film every moment and angle of the competition, while they complete various challenges to determine who has ultimately Dominated various elements of themselves.

The hero and heroine of the series, Lucian Bane and Tara Reese, have barely made it into the Sixth and Final Round of Dom Wars. This week-long Survival Round will determine the Top Dom, once and for all.

The contestants are taken to an uninhabited island, where they will have to cross formidable jungle terrain. First Dom to reach the boat anchored on the other side of the island wins the million dollars and the title. 

Seems simple. Except Lucian’s old adversary, the Sadist Jase Duff from Round One, has been tasked with making sure none of the five teams make it to the boat.

If he is successful, he wins the prize, only it's not money that Jase Duff cares about, its revenge on Lucian and Tara. And his sadistic need to inflict pain makes it game on.

BUY it on AMAZON / ADD it on GOODREADS

R.E. Hargrave's Review

* * * *

In Dom Wars Rounds 1 through 5, we got to meet an eclectic ensemble of characters. Some of them, like Lucian, Tara, and Steve, have been central to the ongoing story. Others, like Betty, don’t make return appearances but can’t be omitted from the experience that is Dom Wars. Nothing in the first rounds can really prepare you for the Final Round, however.

Jase Duff, the sadist from Round 1 is back ~ and he’s lost his cotton picking mind. The best way to describe what goes down is to imagine Catching Fire with lots of sex. At times, in fact, the sex seemed almost gratuitous given the intensity of the situations Lucian, Tara, Preacher, and Becca find themselves in. At the same time, one has to wonder if you wouldn’t do the same in their shoes; i.e. trapped on an island with a mad man and the realization that you’re no longer in a game of fame and fortune, but in a fight for your life. In a case of not knowing when the love of your life might suddenly be gone, would you take advantage of every opportunity, no matter how awkward, to savor those last desperate acts of intimacy?

A fast-paced, breath-holding page turner to be sure. Bane and Lowe have teamed up to close this series with a tearful bang. If you’ve been waiting to start, go ahead and dive in. You will laugh, you will get turned on, you might even cry . . . one thing is certain, you won’t regret giving it a shot.

*Disclaimer: I was given an advance copy by the authors in exchange for an honest review. It is my own issues with editing, and lack of resolution with Danielle, that held me back from giving this installment five stars.

BOOK REVIEW: Caught in the Middle by Kira Barker

From Goodreads: 

For years now, resident surgeon Erin Slater has been focused on her career. Sexual frustration has her on edge, and it seems like a wet dream come true when her best friend Jack and his roommate Simon offer to help her scratch that itch. Their afternoon of debauchery leaves her yearning for more, particularly to explore her submissive side – a craving that Simon, an experienced Dom himself, is only too happy to satisfy. But there’s also Jack, who she’s closer to than anyone else in the world. When emotions factor into the equation, things get complicated, forcing Erin to make a decision which man she will choose – but why can’t she have both?

Dive into this vivid tale of friendship, lust, love, bondage, dominance, and submission. Intended for mature audiences.

ADD it on GOODREADS / BUY it on AMAZON

R.E. Hargrave's Review:

* * * * *

Long time friends turned lovers: this is the heart of Caught in the Middle. While it sounds simple, Barker’s delivery is anything but. Instead, it's an erotic tale packed with emotional surprises and plenty of plot. Oh, and there’s the bonus twist of there being not two, but three parties involved in said transitioning relationship.

When Erin lets down her walls after a particularly trying week of residency, she finds herself caught between two very different, but lovable, men: Simon and Jack. It doesn’t take Erin long to realize that both can offer her something she wants, and needs. 

With Jack she has a past; years of friendship has resulted in them learning each other to the core and building a trust and respect that can only be gained with time. But Simon is her present as he begins introducing her to the finer points of BDSM, letting her into his secret world. She thrives on the therapeutic outlet it becomes in dealing with her struggles as a young, single woman, pulling long hours~and paying off enormous debts~in pursuit of her medical career. 

What starts as a frolic of physical release quickly escalates, blurring lines. Erin is unprepared when her need and respect of the two men shifts, and romantic feelings begin creeping in . . . for both Simon and Jack. 

With so many nuances and lifestyle adjustments, bumps in the road are expected, but I was floored with how smooth, how seamlessly the story shifted between scenes and moved forward. Well-written and well-edited, always a plus in my book, Caught in the Middle had me laughing, getting angry, longing for my own session, and even crying.

This story has it all. It portrays the BDSM lifestyle with class and grace, yet has no shortage of gratuitous sex for the erotica lover. The philosophical angle~exploring the mental, social, and emotional dynamics while this trio progresses~is insightful, letting the reader enjoy the story and, in my case, be left rooting for Simon, Jack, and Erin to make it.

Kira Barker’s debut novel is engaging and brilliant, and has left me anticipating the next installment in the We Kinky Three series.

*Content warning: story does include m/m scenes, m/f/m scenes, and assorted bondage and discipline scenes. If these aren't your thing, this story may not be for you. If you're curious or open-minded, please give it a shot!

**I was gifted a copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW: Death Wish by Cherime MacFarlane

From Goodreads:

Growing up the only child of an alcoholic mother, Colin didn’t get much love. In the small community he grew up in everyone knew his situation and the boy turned increasingly inward. The only thing that kills the pain is going higher, further and faster. ‘So dare me why don’t you.’ 

One other child sees the hurt. One boy, Paul, a little older brings Colin into his home. They become friends for life. 

Paul finds a girl, just released from foster care. He brings her home to the business and his partner Colin. Colin finds himself in love with his only friend’s wife. For two years Colin hides all from Maria Elena. But Paul knows because Paul knows Colin. 

Colin and Maria lose Paul. Maria chooses alcohol to kill her pain. Colin is faced with losing everything if he can’t get her sober. But what to do about the ache he has been living with for two years? 

A long road trip from Alaska to Bellingham, Washington is necessary. It is a lot of miles. Anything can happen on the Cassiar Highway, the short cut from the Alcan to the Yellowhead Highway in Canada.

ADD it on GOODREADS / BUY it on AMAZON

R.E. Hargrave's Review

* * * * 

This was my first time reading Ms. MacFarlane and I'm glad I got the chance. She writes with a detailed gusto that makes it so you can't help but get pulled into the story and the outcome of the characters. 

Death Wish opens with two people who are handling the loss of the same man in different ways. Colin was Paul's best friend; Maria Elena, Paul's wife. The twist is that Colin has been in love with Maria Elena since the day Paul brought her home, and now he must deal with his friend's dying wish for him to "take care of her," while all she wants to do is hide in a bottle.

MacFarlane will take you on an imagery-filled road trip through Alaska while she sits these two down to face their demons, old and new. Sweet moments, sexy times (which make this book for mature readers), and tears await ... 

I'm looking forward to getting a chance to check out some of MacFarlane's other works, as she has many to choose from!

*I was gifted a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.