Consumed

If you’ve been following the blog for the past few months, you know I’m a fan of narrator Meghan Kelly. I’ve listened to several of her works and today I have something a little different to share. Consumed by Sara Fields is a super hot book you’ll want to wear headphones for. Trust me.

Genre: Paranormal Erotica

Heat Level: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Story Rating: 4/6 Glass Slippers

Narration Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

Undercover agent Kassandra thought taking underworld mogul Marcos into custody would be a cake walk. But the billionaire has been at the game longer than she’s been alive and won’t go in without a fight. And although she tries to break free, it doesn’t matter where in the world she is because Marcos has her twisted around his little finger and wants to show Kassandra what he does to girls who don’t play by his rules.

Marcos isn’t an easy man to please. He has rules and standards one must abide by, or suffer the consequences. His hard hand has made him a master of the boardroom and a devil in the bedroom. The way he weaves himself into Kassandra’s mind and dreams leaves you wondering if he’s more incubus than vampire. It also begs the question of if she will stick around long enough to find out.

While I expected a ton of sex, I was hoping for some more story between the spankings. I have a lot of unanswered questions and felt as if it was more erotica than romance, which is fine, I was just left wanting more. More character development, backstory, and a well rounded ending with no loose ties. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the audiobook is only about four and a half hours long, and for that length, Fields did manage to fill the time with a lot. Maybe one day we’ll get an extra large version with plenty of plot to go around.

With Kelly, I’m pretty familiar with her work and could pick her voice out of a crowd. While I’ve listened to her give life to werewolves, cowboys, and yoga teachers, I wasn’t prepared for Consumed. I’ve never listened to an erotica and she had me blushing! While I’m no prude, I don’t know if I could do her job, which is why I’m such a fan. Writing is hard work, but creating different voices for an entire cast is no laughing matter.

Overall, I dub this book best for readers and listeners that are looking for some darkness and some serious heat in their stories. This is no 50 Shades level fire, this is a whole other level.

Covet

Who here remembers Vice, a steamy little number by Rosanna Leo? Well, get ready to swoon because book two in the Vegas Sin Series, Covet, is here!

Heat Level: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

Dana’s fiancé crushed her in the worst way possible; over a stale muffin in a hospital cafeteria after she’s given a painful diagnosis. So she sashays away like Diana Ross and goes to drown her sorrows in a local bar. As the saying goes, the best way to get over a man is to get under another and her new friend at the bar, Alex, fits the bill.

Las Vegas developer Alex has a bit of a reputation and a bit of a following, so he gives a fake last name when he meets Dana, and they share an hour together that rocks his world. But when he goes back to find her, his Cinderella is gone and she doesn’t even leave a slipper behind. Months later, he’s still wondering what became of the girl with the midnight eyes that haunt his daydreams.

When their paths do cross, it might take more than a few glasses of white and a few minutes of privacy to pick up where they left off. They’re both carrying their own heavy baggage, but if they can learn to let go, they might just be okay.

As you know, I’ve already rated this book a 6/6 on the Slipper Scale. It was hot, hot, hot, sweet, dramatic, and hot. But it didn’t just make me blush, it made me think and feel, something that not every book can do.

I felt for poor Dana, left by a man mere minutes after being told her chances of having a child were down to almost nothing. And I felt for poor Alex, hounded by the press after a tragedy that basically forced him to move across the country. They had complex backstories that didn’t weigh down the story, but humanized the characters.

But their chemistry was electric. Their banter and the little ways they interacted made their relationship believable and fun. Their passionate climb out of the darkness has that perfect spin that makes you remember what you love about romance novels.

The Cocky Cockers

There comes a time in our lives where we look for something new, something that bends the rules, something that is sure to ruffle some people’s rooster tails. Introducing The Cocky Cockers in all its cocky glory!

What do you get when you cross cocky heroes and heroines with Cocker Spaniels? Why, Cocky Cockers, of course.

All the stories in this anthology feature a Cocker Spaniel and a happily-ever-after (or happy-for-now) ending. How they get there? Well, that’s all the fun!

Warning: The stories in this anthology run the gamut from G to NC-17 ratings and include examples of nearly every subgenre–including contemporary, historical, paranormal, and steampunk–as well as m/f, m/m, and f/f pairings.

Proceeds from this anthology will first be used to defray any legal costs associated with its publication, and secondarily donated to the Romance Writers of America’s Benevolence Fund.

Amazon US Preorder link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLHHBNC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1528472929&sr=8-2&keywords=%22The+Cocky+Cockers%22

Contributors:

Shiloh Walker https://www.shilohwalker.com/website/

Jackie Barbosa, Editor http://www.jackiebarbosa.com

Sela Carsen http://selacarsen.com/

Tom Eden http://www.tomeden.com/

Anne Gaston https://annegaston.com/

Missy Jane https://authormissyjane.wordpress.com/

Sadie Jay https://sadiejaywrites.wixsite.com/relationships

Kinsey Holly, Editor http://kinseyholley.com/

John Jacobson, Editor

Taryn Kincaid https://tarynkincaid.com/

Lucy Kinsley and Tara Song

Rachael Kerr

Tara Kennedy http://www.talkapedia.com

Mia Koutras http://www.facebook.com/mia.koutras

L.J. LaBarthe https://www.ljlabarthe.com/

Elise Logan https://twitter.com/Elise_Logan

Carrie Lomax https://carrielomax.com/

Mara Malins https://twitter.com/MaraMalins

Heather Massey http://heathermassey.com

Siobhan Muir https://www.siobhanmuir.com/

Marie Piper http://www.mariepiper.com/

Joanne Renaud http://joannerenaud.tumblr.com/

Dominique Rothford http://dominiquerothford.com/

Selene Grace Silver http://selenegracesilver.com/

Naomi Tajedler http://www.naomi-tajedler.com

Emily Veinglory https://veinglory.blogspot.com/

Jules Voigt https://philosophersden.wordpress.com/

Jody Wallace http://jodywallace.com/

Mary Winter https://marywinter.com/

Julia Wolf http://juliawolfwrites.com/

So pour yourself a glass of whiskey, give towards the good fight, and answer the siren song of the cock. After all, it’s cheaper than a cop of coffee, so what do you have to lose? No, really. It’s literally cheaper than a Grande Cafe Latte from Starbucks. Total steal.

The Secret Life of Lords

It’s been ages since I’ve reviewed a historical romance. For some reason, it’s more contemporary pieces that come through, but I’m glad I broke the slump with The Secret Life of Lords by Elf Ahearn.

Heat Level:♥♥♥

Genre: Historical Romance

Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

Lady Claire is more than startled when Viscount Flavian reappears back into her life after two years of pained silence. He swears he sent word, but no letter ever came into her hands. She’s wary about welcoming him back into her life. When she visits at his home and things began to go horrifically wrong, she wonders if there’s more sinister things at play than just broken hearts and memories of the past.

Flavian doesn’t feel that he’s right for Claire, although he wants nothing more than to be the man by her side. Between his less than average mother, the secrets his estate holds, and his playful ward, he’s unsure if the bright ray of sunshine that is lady Claire is enough to brighten his halls. The fact is that his ward Arabella is too ill, even for Claire’s skills as a healer, and he can’t imagine drawing her into the figurative, and literal, mess. But sometimes it takes a strong woman to make a man admit that he needs more than a prayer to keep things going.

The imagery in this book made it so you could smell the dried lavender and feel the silk slip through your fingers. It’s clear that Ahearn did her research, as the terms used and scenes painted are true to the times. As a historian by degree, I appreciate that she took her due diligence while writing this book. But the facts don’t overpower the story where you’ll laugh at the side characters like Mrs. Gower, lust after Flavin, and root for Claire as she comes into her own as she navigates the cruel world around her. The Secret Life of Lords is a must-read for all historical romance fans. The only thing that got me was the fact that this is book two in the series. But no matter, reading out of line has never killed anyone!

Vice

This morning I told you where to get Vice by Rosanna Leo, but now I’m going to tell you what I thought about it. It’s ten pounds of sexy in a five pound bag.

Heat Level:♥♥♥♥♥♥

Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

Genre: Contemporary Romance

On the surface, Liam has it all. He’s handsome, rich, smart, and oozes all the personality that make other men jealous. But when it comes to real connections, he’s a total failure. One night stands and flings only get you so far and he’s been married to his work far longer than is really healthy. His obsession with having it all may leave him with nothing, or turn him to an early grave. Then Kate walks into the picture and may have the power to change everything.

Kate is wounded, feeling a bit damaged by how a gambling addiction ruined her father. She makes it her life’s mission to help those who can’t say no toy a deck of cards of the thrilling ping of a slot machine. But taking down the newest casino is going to be harder than she thought when the undeniable attraction to it’s owner, Liam, makes it difficult to stay true to her convictions, and her heart.

First off, this cover is amazing. The color combinations are eye-catching and I can feel the heat radiating off the page, and that feeling continues as you begin to read. While the story is dark and gritty, a true-to-life representation of addiction in several forms. But the desire felt between Kate and Liam has you begging them to fight through the tough times to be able to really enjoy the passion felt between them. If you like stories that could really happen, check out Vice now!

Teaching the Dom

Wow. I’ve just finished the spiciest little piece of fiction by Grace Risata called Teaching the Dom and I have a lot to say…but I’ll begin by saying that this book is firmly for the 18+ crowd, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

• Heat Level: ♥♥♥♥♥
• Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers
• Genre: Romantic Erotica

When Melody’s younger sister Harmony signs her up for the latest charity activity, Melody is less than thrilled. She’s not great at collecting money from strangers and is looking forward to heading home after a long, hot day. But a silver fox opening the door and giving her an offer she should refuse, brightens her mood. 

Konrad is a has-been, long removed from the fame and fortune he once had as an author, although the ego stuck around. He’s drawn to Melody, and thinks she might just make the perfect muse to his latest book…one that focuses on BDSM. 

But this isn’t some “call me daddy”, filthy, smut novel. It’s a little bit more with some surprising elements I normally don’t see in reads that involve BDSM. I was very pleased to see that it wasn’t some gross representation of the BDSM community, but one that’s accessible and not over the top. This book is great for fans on steamy, Midnight reads that might just make you blush. 

Books and Booze Charity Basket

Sarah and Kelsey have donated a basket to the No You Cant’cer Foundation event in Atlantic City tonight. But they didn’t do it alone, not by a long shot. There are four lovely authors who have graciously given their books to be added to this wonderful prize, which will be raffled off tonight with all proceeds going to colorectal cancer and ostomy awareness and education.

So let’s take a look at these four authors, and their wonderful books!

Jeniffer Loring: Firebird

Jennifer Loring’s short fiction has appeared in numerous magazines, webzines, and anthologies, including Crystal Lake Publishing’s Tales from the Lake vol. 1. She has also published a novella, Conduits (DarkFuse, 2014), and a novel, Those of My Kind (Omnium Gatherum, 2015). Jennifer lives in Philadelphia, PA with her husband, their turtle, and two basset hounds.

Connect with her online at…

• Her website HERE
• Her Facebook HERE
• Her Twitter HERE
• Her Instagram HERE

Most importantly, get a copy of Firebird HERE!

JL Drake: Broken

Best selling author J. L. Drake was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California where she lives with her husband and two children.

When she’s not writing she loves to spend time with her family, travelling or just enjoying a night at home. One thing you might notice in her books is her love for the four seasons. Growing up on the east coast of Canada the change in the seasons is in her blood and is often mentioned in her writing.

An avid reader of James Patterson, J.L. Drake has often found herself inspired by his many stories of mystery and intrigue.

She hopes you will enjoy her stories as much as she has enjoyed writing them.

Connect with her online at…

• Her website HERE
• Her Facebook HERE
• Her Twitter HERE
• Her Instagram HERE

Most importantly, get a copy of Broken HERE!

Jennifer Allis Provost: Heir to the Sun

Jennifer Allis Provost writes books about faeries, orcs and elves. Zombies too. She grew up in the wilds of Western Massachusetts and had read every book in the local library by age twelve. (It was a small library). An early love of mythology and folklore led to her epic fantasy series, The Chronicles of Parthalan, and her day job as a cubicle monkey helped shape her urban fantasy, Copper Girl. When she’s not writing about things that go bump in the night (and sometimes during the day) she’s working on her MFA in Creative Nonfiction.

Connect with her online at…

• Her website HERE
• Her Facebook HERE
• Her Twitter HERE
• Her Instagram HERE

Most importantly, get a copy of Heir to the Sun HERE!

Christine Hartmann: Wild Within

Christine Hartmann grew up in Ohio and Delaware and loves traveling to exotic, romantic settings. After a college semester in Kathmandu, her first three “real” jobs were all in northern Japan, where she lived for almost 10 years. She currently splits her career between her daytime occupation (improving the quality of veterans’ nursing home care) and her nights/weekend avocation (writing both fiction and non-fiction books). Her husband Ron Strickland is a well-known long-distance hiker and trail guide writer and the founder of the 1,200-mile Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. Christine loves reading, pilates, bicycling, snorkeling, and health foods that taste like they’re bad for you. You will often find her at a keyboard, a German shepherd at her side, and Ron whispering sweet edits over her shoulder.

Connect with her online at…

• Her website HERE
• Her Facebook HERE
• Her Twitter HERE

Most importantly, get a copy of Wild Within HERE!

Fame and Secrets

This little novel is book two in the Lords of Lyre series, titled Fame and Secrets. Since Sarah got to review book one, Fame and Obsession,  I called dibs on book two, since I wanted to see if it was just as steamy as the first.

Heat level:♥♥♥♥♥

Overall Rating: 5/6 Glass Slippers

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Our girl Phoebe is seven months pregnant when we see her next. Yes, she’s in the family way with rocker hottie Julian’s baby. They’re moving into their new home in LA, and all seems to be coming up roses for the pair. But, obviously, this book isn’t about Phoebe getting fancy prenatal massages while her baby daddy serenades her. The dangers that threatened Phoebe in her home town have followed her to her new life.

Meanwhile, Julian is struggling. He’s supposed to be a dutiful fiance, an involved father, and an international rockstar. But he’s missing out on Phoebe’s pregnancy and finding it hard to concentrate on his music. The more he tries to keep it all together, the harder it is for him to get it all done…especially when Phoebe begins keeping things from him.

The lies, shadowed figures, and constant pressure of the media, complicate their lives. There are always people trying to rip them apart and when an innocent child is thrown into the mix, Phoebe and Julian soon find out that someone wants to ruin their lives, by any means necessary.

Wow. This was a roller coaster, a really fun roller coaster. The one thing I didn’t love was the slow beginning where fighting about pizza wasn’t doing it for me. But once the real action started, I was all about Phoebe and Julian and their baby, but not in the family friendly way. You really never know where the story’s going, something Cora Kenborn did really well. So check out this series when you’re looking to fill up your kindle! It’s one wild ride.

Ungranted Wishes

I find author Grace Risata hilarious. She’s written Mowed, My Dirty Detour, and my personal fav, Nights in the Fast Lane. It’s not rare that I actually laugh out loud while reading something, as my resting bitch face is normally at a steady 8.9. Anyways, let’s dive right in.

Heat Level:♥♥♥♥♥♥

Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

Genre: BBW Paranormal Romance

Cleo Welch works at her family’s engine repair shop. She works with the computers, tries to bring in new customers, and is generally a productive co-owner…except when Colton Palmer is in the room. He’s like ten pounds of sexy in a teaspoon. But Cleo is able to take her mind off the tall, handsome distraction when she’s participating in her favorite thing; scouring estate sells for vintage items. Some she keeps, most she sells, and some change her life forever.

She’s at an estate sale when she spies an odd looking, brass teapot. Later that night, after several glasses of wine, Cleo has a funny thought. The $5 teapot looks like a magic lamp! And Cleo did what any of us would do while drunk. She made up some rhyming poems and rubbed the thing. But instead of a few alcohol induced giggles. Cleo got much more than she bargained for. A naked dude in her living room, surrounded by smoke.

Like this. Only sexy.

“Beck”, short for Khabekhnet gives Cleo two weeks to make three wishes…which is easier said than done when Beck is a mega hottie with ancient and magical ties. What will Cleo wish for? Will something finally come of her infatuation with Colt? What does Beck’s flirtation with her really mean? And when the two weeks is up, will Cleo have finally gotten everything she’s ever wanted?

Risata is one of those self-published authors that goes for quality over quantity. Do I wish there were more funny books of hers floating around? Yes. But I know that I wouldn’t appreciate them as much if she pumped them out once a week and they were just repeats of her last books, just with different names. Really nice to see someone take pride in their work. Besides, I’ve never read a genre quite like this! Anyways, it’s a bit on the explicit side, but it’s a fun book and you’ll really enjoy it is you’re into a bit of heat. Overall, I really recommend this book, and the rest of Risata’s work for anyone who likes some silly with their sex.

Common Outlander Misconceptions

Believe it or not but there are some Outlander haters and nonbelievers out there. But the thing that makes a lot of them so interesting is that they dislike it because of rumors or misconceptions that they have heard or read somewhere. It’s time we set a few of these straight and hopefully bring some more fans into the Clan.

1. It’s a historical show so it must be boring

This couldn’t be more wrong. The show and books are filled with fighting, kidnapping, political schemes, passion, and backstabbing. It will make you laugh, cry, and love…quite possibly all in one episode. Then the next will make you sob, scream, and curse. It is not predictable in the slightest.

2. I need to know a lot about history to understand what’s going on

 False. I think (and this is my opinion) that both the show and the books do a good job of explaining what is going on. On top of that, they make enough references, that if you ever were confused, you could quickly do a google search. This isn’t a story that forces you to learn history. We aren’t tricking you, I promise!

3. It is historically accurate

Okay, we all want to be able to fall through the stones and meet Jamie Fraser (or Dougal) however, on some level we know that time travel has yet to be sorted out. But when it is, we all can go fight it out for Jamie’s love. Well, you go, I’ll happily step aside for Dougal. Anyway, there are also a lot of other things that may seem accurate that aren’t. We aren’t trying to teach you history. There are true things, allusions to true events, and even some real people mentioned but remember, this is in the fiction section of the book store.

4. Its too long

Well, there I can’t fault you. The books are long. However, a good way to see if it is for you, is to watch the show. Give it a try and if you like it, then you can read the books. Don’t like reading…again there is a show where you don’t have to do any reading. I think the show does a good job of capturing the books. Obviously they are a little different but considering some of the tv shows out there, it’s probably as close as it can get. In other words, the books are long but the show is only an hour an episode.

5. I won’t relate to it

Wrong again. I have heard so many people say that something one of these characters went through touched there heart. In fact, I do actually relate to some of the situations that the characters are in. it doesn’t matter how long ago the story takes place, if you’re in love you can relate to being devastated at the idea of being separated from them. There are so many other beautiful yet real moments that help others grow stronger or believe in themselves. I don’t want to ruin it for you but take my word for it.

6.It’s porn

No, no. You probably just heard us talking or making jokes about “knee porn.” It’s a joke because the kilt just covers the knee so when you see a little knee it’s “scandalous.” Outlander isn’t porn. Yes, there is some sex in it but it’s artfully shot, there is mostly a lot of boob and butts but you don’t get to see the actual goodies. If you don’t like it, fastforward or skip the scene in the book. But it is no where near erotica.

7. It’s a fantasy story

Well, this is kind of true but kind of not. So it does include time travel and there may be a witch or two, but I wouldn’t really classify this as fantasy. No one has a magic wand that they wave to call objects to them and there aren’t hobbits running around trying to destroy the ring to rule them all (though Graham, the actor who plays Dougal, was in the hobbit.) I would say there is a bit more mystery to it than The Notebook but less magic than Harry Potter.

8. Isn’t part of it in another language

Donna fash! Yes, some of it is in Gaelic and there are some strong accents. At first, I had trouble understanding the show. I put the subtitles on for a couple episodes, and now it comes naturally to me. I can read it and watch it with no trouble. I actually like the accents. You understand the parts that you’re meant to understand. The story is told from Claire’s perspective and she doesn’t speak Gaelic so she doesn’t understand what they’re saying sometimes either. You’re in good company.

Interested in Gaelic, click here

9. It’s just for woman

False! Bros for Outlander! While it may take some convincing, promising, pleading, and a rope, if you can get your man to watch it, I think he’ll like it. The show does have a strong romantic plot, but it also has enough action to keep him happy, appalled, and excited all at once. They may deny it, but a lot of men are into the show and we say power to them!

10. Droughtlander is never ending

There is a light at this end of this tunnel! A new book is being released and season three starts up again in April. Outlander fans, we just need to wait a little longer and we’ll have more!

So we’ve covered 10, technically 9, misconceptions about the show, the books, and the story. What other misconceptions have you heard? Comment below

Need something new to read, click here for suggestions

Need a new tv show, click here for suggestions

Need a to see our stars from Outlander, click here for suggestions

Want to see more Outlander posts, click here

Sarah and I both have books out now, so if you like our posts, you’ll probably love our books! First Semester is a thrilling college romance that you can get HERE. Queen of Emeralds is a historic romance set in the highlands that you can get HERE.