Ruthless (Lawless #1) by Lexi Blake @authorlexiblake

4.5 Stars Lexi Blake is one of my favorite BDSM novelist and the absolute best when it comes to writing erotic stories that are not only off the charts steamy, but intriguing as well. Yeesh, found within the pages of her books are some of the sexiest flogger-wielding Alpha-Doms ever. (I freaking love all the McKay-Taggart hotties in the Masters and Mercenaries novels). When finding out there was a new series coming along, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on the first installment, Ruthless. Even though Riley and Ellie’s romance was a departure from Blake’s BDSM style that I adore, it was no less captivating. Ruthless had everything I love whenever reading this author’s tales ~ an exceptionally written nail biting story line whose plot twists had me on edge; An un-be-lievably hot yet romantically sweet hero; a sassy heroine; And a cast of colorful characters that left me wanting to discover their stories. From the emotionally heartbreaking prologue that had me all teary-eyed, through to the last page, Ruthless was an angst filled passionate read that I consumed in just one sitting. As children, Riley Lawless and his siblings suffered the horrific tragedy of their parents’ murder, which was rooted by corporate greed. After years of plotting and positioning, it was time for those responsible to pay for their crimes. It was Riley’s responsibility to insinuate himself into Eleanor Stratton’s company and seduce her. Her firm, StratCast, was founded on stolen technology and his parents’ blood shed. Regardless of the fact that Ellie was not directly responsible for the Lawless’ death, she was instrumental in the grand scheme. “The sins of the father were about to be visited on the daughter’s doorstep. Ellie Stratton would have to pay her father’s debt.” Using her was just part of the plan. Consumed with vengeance, Riley was ruthless in his pursuit of bringing down his targets but surprised when the unthinkable happened… he fell hopelessly in love with Ellie. “I love you, Ellie. I'm going to say it until you understand that I mean it. This started out as a job, as a path I've been on since the night my parents died. But it led me to you, and though I wish my mom and dad were here with me, I have to be happy that I found you.” The chemistry between this couple was scorching. With their whirlwind insta-romance starting off hot and heavy, but based on Riley’s secrets and lies, I found myself anxiously holding my breath waiting for everything to unravel as the story progressed. All the passion and deceits frayed my nerves.  On top of all the relationship angst, there were plot twists, bad guys and circumstances that had me on edge as well. Secrets, betrayals, murderous plots, unending suspense… with each revelation more questions arose as I became fully immersed within Riley and Ellie’s story. I just love when a book is so gripping, each intricate detail has a meaning, and I’m forced to pay close attention while piecing together the puzzle. Ruthless was exactly that type of read. Riley was delectably sexy and so tenderhearted, he had me swooning. A shrewd lawyer with a plan of attack, he was fueled by his family’s need for justice. I loved the way his character journeyed from the stone cold man solely focused on revenge, to a true and dedicated hero willing to sacrifice everything for Ellie. And when her world came crumbling down, it was Riley who came to her rescue. Desperate for her forgiveness and affections, Riley worked hard to right the all wrongs that destroyed Ellie, despite his family’s thirst for vengeance. Once deceptive and later sincere, he won me over with his overly romantic ways.  “He'd seen everything he loved lost at one point or another, but she was different. He couldn't lose her.” Poor Ellie. She was everyone’s pawn and so eager to trust those who were part of her close circle. Friends, colleagues, family… all took advantage of her sympathetic heart. A businesswoman with ethics, Ellie found herself surrounded by conniving vipers, including the man of her dreams. Living a lonely life, she took a chance on Riley, which in the end shattered her to pieces. As naive and insecure as she first appeared, Ellie developed a backbone when her life spun out of control, and I admired the way she stubbornly stood her ground against those who betrayed her. But above all, Ellie was compassionate and regardless of her dire circumstances, she opened her heart to the entire Lawless clan. In the end, her love for Riley was genuine ~ she was the perfect woman to break through all of his defenses and help heal past heartaches. Ruthless was an extremely intense novel that had all the feels. I loved the McKay-Taggart connection and the Lawless family dynamics. Riley and Ellie’s journey was just the beginning of an intricate story line and I can’t wait for it to continue in Brandon and Andrew’s romances. Another great read from Lexi Blake and a perfect choice for lovers of steamy romantic suspense.

Nuts (Hudson Valley #1) Alice Clayton @alice_clayton

4.5 stars Nuts was the perfect light-hearted feel good romantic comedy and once again, Alice Clayton had me in hysterics. Reminiscent of Wallbanger, Leo and Roxie’s love story was hilarious and swoon worthy sexy. Clayton has fast become one of my ‘must read’ authors. With a unique writing style, she has the knack of luring me into each story, showcasing her insane sense of humor and scripting couples with extreme sexually charged chemistry.   What happens when you pair a spunky, sarcastic chef who has a flare for the dramatics with a bearded and ripped hunk of a farmer who’s witty and sinfully sexy? An orgasmic explosion laced with fun, food, a heavy dose of laughter and plenty of sexual innuendos. I fell in love with farmer Leo and I devoured this read.  “You drive me crazy, Sugar Snap,” Roxie Callahan, a personal chef to the rich and famous in L.A., made one ill-fated mistake that caused her to loose almost all of her clients. (Fans of the Red Head series brace your selves for a Grace and Jack Hamilton cameo). Adding to her list of woes, there’s pressure from her kooky mom to return home and run the family diner for the summer. The quaint little town of Bailey Falls, Upstate New York, holds bad memories for Roxie and she rebels against putting her life on hold for her mom’s fanciful whim. Cornered, she has no choice but to give in. Soon enough she becomes reacquainted with old friends, as well as meeting the insanely hot farm-boy…Leo Maxwell. Their attraction is instantaneous as Roxie hysterically stumbles and fumbles over his nuts ;) and catching his attention.  Feeling a little lonely and sexually frustrated, she decides that some no-strings-attached summer lovin’ with the amorous agriculturalist will lighten her mood. Besides, Roxie has no intentions of staying in the town she once escaped. As the season ends, it’s back to her quasi-life in L.A. hmmm… Her sights are set on Leo and he’s all in, not wanting anything too serious as well.  I love the way Leo and Roxie’s passion unfolds. Sparks fly, tensions build, and sexually electricity ignites between these two as Leo is seriously one spicy, dirty talking dude.  “That fucking honey scent that’s all over your skin, it’s driving me crazy,” he murmured, his breath hot on my skin. “I can’t keep my hands off you—it’s like they have a mind of their own.” Roxie was interesting and highly entertaining. Feisty, comical, stubborn, yet she lacked self-confidence and had some misguided views that kept her away from home for years. I liked seeing the way she grew more confident, making friends and bonding with some real nutty characters. She blossomed and became more comfortable in her own skin without losing her funny, sarcastic edge. And hooking up with Leo strengthened her ties to her hometown. Being inside Roxie’s crazy head was amusing – she had me in stitches.   And then there was Leo… “Are those nuts in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?” The uber-sexy, somewhat aloof man with a hipster beard and rock-hard abs. Leo comes from big time money and despite a wealthy upbringing, he’s the most down to earth guy. I loved all things Leo. Possessing an air of mystery, I was curious as to what triggered him to walk away from such an affluent lifestyle. Behind his playfully witty banter, Leo had some relationship hang-ups that needed to be dealt with - a bit gun-shy when it came to hooking up with Roxie (with good reason). I wanted a deeper insight into his thoughts, feelings and background. I felt we just skimmed the surface of his character, leaving me wanting more. Regardless, Leo is sweet, rugged yet refined and oh so hot. I adored his flirtatious ways, which were amusing and arousing.   All in all, NUTS was a refreshingly fun, low angst read. Clayton brought to life yet another endearing couple whose chemistry detonated with some off the charts deliciously steamy scenes. Their first time together was explosive. Holy WOW! Leo is by far the sexiest farm boy I’ve ever come across. He was incredible and I loved watching their relationship blossom as trust in one another built. This author has the gift writing tales with just the right mix of laughter, romance and passion. A sweet love story chock full of clever witticisms, comically sexual innuendos and quirky characters. However, the ending did leave me wanting more insight into their lives and future together. I do hope to see Leo and Roxie in the next installment,  titled Cream, featuring Oscar (the grouchy but sexy and tatted dairy farmer) and Natalie (Roxie’s BFF). Arc received in exchange for an honest review

Throb by Vi Keeland @ViKeeland

Arc received from author in exchange for an honest review Throb left me Throbbing… Clenching… Pulsating… With great excitement thanks to Vi Keeland’s latest leading heartthrob, Cooper Montgomery. This read was a pleasant surprise. So glad I jumped right in blind, without a single clue as to what this story was about. And what I found was a refreshing plot filled with passion, a cast of characters I come to adore and some I absolutely loathed. Once starting, I was immediately hooked, smitten with the deliciously bossy Cooper.  It was easy to fall in love with his filthy mouth and titillating ways. Always dominating in the bedroom; Cooper is a take-charge kind of guy – rich, powerful and all business. But, life becomes intensely uneasy when circumstances involving his relationship with Kate were not in his control. He is determined to claim her, regardless of the fact that she was unavailable. Pure Alpha-hotness. Poor Kate. Her timing truly sucked when meeting Cooper. Stuck with making a heart wrenching decision – fall for the perfect guy or following through on her reality show contract. Following her heart will lead her into a blissful romance. Listening to her mind will allow her the chance to help her family out of a dire financial situation. I was sent into a whirlwind as Kate's future was at risk, cursing the rules that bound her… -       no dating outside the program -       no sex outside the game -       do not break any rules -    to win the prize, she must make another man fall for her charms Kate and Cooper’s life is spinning out of control, as his bastard of a brother, Miles, is the ruthless master of the game. Regardless, they manage to turn on the heat and bend the rules with stolen moments of sizzling passion which I savored. But all the while, I was on the edge of my seat, as the drama level was kicked up to high. Kate forced to make a decision that will change her life, and Cooper finds himself backed into a corner with nowhere to turn. This story was intense. All in all, Throb was a great read for me and I highly recommend giving it a try. Vi Keeland’s writing style is the perfect blend of serious sexiness laced with humor. Although part of a series involving different couples, this read is considered a standalone with no cliffhanger ending. There are some that feel this is a love triangle of sorts, but in my opinion, it is not in any way. And now my wait begins for the next installment – a definite must read. TRIPLES with EMMA

Sociopath ~ by Lime Craven

Sociopath Advance copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review Every once in a while I enjoy a dark read. Sociopath satisfied my urges and left me thinking….. I am still reeling from the side affects - Lime Craven seriously screwed with my head. This was a dark, twisted, nail biting angsty tale laced with several characters that exhibit disturbing behavioral issues.  It is not a read for the faint of heart and if “triggers” turn you off, heed the disclaimer before diving in. There is a goodly amount of situations that may be considering troubling. You’ve been warned. So if you are brave, buckle up and prepare yourself for total mind-fuckery.  Aeron Lore. An accomplished and obscenely wealthy businessman led me on a head-trip like no other. Psycho’s Norman Bates, with all his mommy issues, has nothing on him. Aeron’s unstable childhood was tainted by a certifiably insane mother and thus, developed the taste for bloodthirsty kink. Once I began the journey, I was drawn into the inner sanctum of a madman’s mind. He is a man detached from emotions yet obsessed with success, achievements and a beautiful woman. His character was brilliantly written. Although, I must confess I could not connect with his persona, but was utterly fascinated by him nonetheless. His thoughts and actions were sheer lunacy.  The object of his obsession is the stunning yet equally cuckoo, Leo (Leotine). Once Aeron sets his eyes upon his lioness, he stops at absolutely nothing to claim her…all of her. He is a total Alpha-male consumed by lust and driven by his insatiable sexual desires.  Aeron and Leo have a strained relationship, both in the business world and in the bedroom, where Aeron’s dominance is supreme. Both these characters have deep, mysterious secrets that take time to unearth. Along the way there are several suspenseful plot twists and intense moments. Whenever I thought I grasped the story, the author cleverly spins Leo and Aeron’s world on its axis.  The physical connection, for me, was not passionate or romantic. There was no conventional depiction of ‘love’. Well, there wouldn’t be since both, in my opinion, are sociopaths. To be honest, it took some effort to make my way around a few of the sex scenes. But the struggle was worth it as it exemplified Aeron’s craving for control over Leo, his ‘canvas’.  Reading Sociopath was a unique experience.  I viewed it as more of a psychological/suspense read rather than a romance. With that being said, it was an exceptionally well-written good read for me. The story was told from Aeron’s POV, but from time to time he addressed his thoughts directly to the reader…adding an extra layer of eeriness to the story and more insight into his beautifully demented mind. Craven masterfully shifted from first to second person POV, allowing the story to flow. If you are looking for an intense type of tale, Sociopath will not disappoint.