Winter Tales (The Original Sinners #8.7) by Tiffany Reisz

With Winter Tales, Tiffany Reisz proved once again why she is one of my most beloved authors. Her dynamic characters, their interwoven relationships, the intensity of the love they share, the darkness in their souls, the unraveling of secrets, the witty dialogue, and above all - the extreme kinkiness - happily lured me back into the Sinners world, never wanting the experience to end. Here, as with each publication, Reisz delivered sheer brilliance in her prose that left me both satisfied with these short stories, yet thirsty for more. She's cunning and genius in that regard - consistently feeding my addiction and curiosity when it comes to Søren, Nora, and Kingsley, while knowing there is so much more to explore when it comes to these characters. Reisz's unique and masterful writing style, coupled with several captivating story-lines, the Mistress of Erotica earned ten plus stars for this Christmas holiday-themed anthology.   December Wine - M/F Taking place after Søren and Nora's night of terror, this compelling novella featured Nora and Zach during their free-pass getaway in France. Nora is on a mission to seek out Kingsley’s long-lost son, Nicolas "Nico" Delacroix. Here we see some of the many conflicts a morose Nora is struggling with - a new and uncertain future that will include both Nico and Fionn (Zach and Grace's son fathered by Søren) and how their presence affects the trio. Their relationships may be forever changed, and Nora bears the weight of these worries on her shoulders. Sexy, steamy, and somewhat melancholy, the highly anticipated December Wine gave insight into these characters’ lives that I longed for since reading The Mistress. Also, it was an opportunity to learn more about the old soul that is Nico, who I absolutely adore. The Christmas Truce - M/F/M Set before The Siren, this little treat was a flashback to one passionate night shared between Søren, Nora, and Kingsley. An unforgettable ménage where the quarreling trio briefly set aside their grievances to enjoy the holiday and make their Christmas wishes come true. Be warned ~ this tidbit is off-the-charts erotic. But all kinkiness aside, there are several emotional and tearful moments laced throughout the novella. Poinsettia & Blood and Snow There are countless reasons why I adore all things Søren. His omnipotent and dominant personality has fascinated me since my first read of The Siren. Sadistic, enigmatic, charismatic and intense, he is the heart and soul of this series, in my opinion. A master manipulator, this is Søren's world as all other characters have no choice but to gravitate towards him. A true paradox, he is both savage and saintly. However, in these two short stories, we see a different side of Father Marcus Stearns in both the present day and in the past as a young man in the seminary. Seeing him conflicted, struggling, and vulnerable, added another layer to his multifaceted persona as he sought counsel from Mistress Magdalena (a cruel but witty Dominatrix, whose brutality rivals that of Søren's). Witnessing his fears, seeing his humanity, I fell in love with the mighty Søren all over again.   The Scent of Winter - M/M Of all the tales within this anthology, The Scent of Winter was, without a doubt, the most emotional. Never have I witnessed two characters so in love cause each other such tremendous pain. It's a common theme throughout the series, but for me, this was extraordinarily intense as their sorrow was gut-wrenching. For decades, Kingsley and Søren have both loved and loathed each other for a variety of reasons, and it is here where a major issue comes to an explosive head - as secrets are finally confessed, confronted, and resolved. Beautifully written and overly touching, this novella was truly a remarkable story. Merci Tiffany Reisz, for yet another outstanding read, as Winter Tales has joined the ranks as one of my most favorite reads of this year. I consumed this anthology not once, but twice before composing my thoughts for this review - it was that fantastic. Until the next release, I will mourn the loss of these characters and all their craziness. Another magnificent tale and a must-read for all Original Sinners fans! Kindle https://amzn.to/2PUSdoQ Paperback https://amzn.to/2WSVZ3q Hardcover https://amzn.to/33qyzEZ Audiobook https://amzn.to/2oYId2T

And I Love Her by Nina Lindsey

So happy to revisit Nina Lindsey's enchanting sea-side town of Bliss Cove for the second contemporary romance in this series ~ And I Love Her. This trilogy, whose installments can be read as stand-alone novels, follows the lives and loves of the Prescott sisters Aria, Cassie, and Rory. Here it's the prim and proper college professor Calista's chance to find true love. Callie is a no-nonsense type of woman who has no time for frivolousness and distractions like romance. But her scheduled life is about to be turned upside down when reunited with her high school crush ~ the dashing and deliciously sexy action film movie star, Jake Ryan. Together, this opposites-attract couple embarked on a heartfelt journey, filled with all the feels and passion, that I truly enjoyed. My first impression of Callie in Love Walks In was far from favorable. She was pushy, cold, unfriendly, and overbearing. Seeing her life and spending time inside her mind, my opinion quickly changed. Yes, she was overly regimented. However, there's a vulnerable and fragile side of Callie that I absolutely adore. She loves her mom and sisters unconditionally, obsessively concerned about their well-being. She's a daughter who mourns her father and struggles with his great loss each day. Also, she's career-focused as she strives to achieve tenure while trying to finish a book proposal on Greek mythology. Truly misunderstood, her severe personality overshadowed her tender heart. I loved seeing her character open up and flourish under Jake's gentle care. They complemented each other perfectly, and witnessing their love blossom was heartwarming.  When needing to go off-grid after a run-in with the paparazzi, Jake found refuge in Bliss Cove. Time spent in his childhood town not only led Jake to reconnect with Callie but also set him on a course of self-discovery, reevaluating the priorities in his life. Jake was a swoon-worthy storybook hero. More than just a pretty face on the big screen, he was a man with high standards who loves his family above all. Most importantly, Jake was kind, sincere, patient, and loving, especially dealing with uptight Callie. He brought out the best in her, teaching the professor there's more to life than academics and schedules. She learned to trust and open up her heart to possibilities she never imagined. In turn, falling in love with Callie changed Jake's world for the better, and I relished every moment of their journey.   All in all, And I Love Her was a beautifully written, light-hearted read that was low on angst but chock full of sizzling hot moments - the perfect read for fans of contemporary and insta-love romances. As always, I cannot wait for more from Nina Lindsey's wondrous imagination. Her tales consume me as I connect with all of her characters and their experiences. She's an amazing storyteller and an all-time favorite. I'm looking forward to Rory's story, the final installment of this series.     Purchase Links AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU Free in Kindle Unlimited

Fast Lane by Kristen Ashley @KristenAshley68 #preachermccadeandtheroadmasters #lylamuse #preacherandlyla4ever #RockChickPress

With Fast Lane, Kristen Ashley stepped out of her norm to compose a compelling Rock n' Roll romance with such incredible passion, I was captivated from the heartfelt dedication to the very last word. This was not your typical KA novel, but a gripping love story nonetheless. It was a profound experience journeying through the years with Preacher McCade, his Roadmasters, and the muse who centered them all ~ Lyla. This was a departure from the way Ashley writes and differs from anything I've read before, as the story unfolded through an interview-style format. It took me a hot minute to get used to it, but eventually, I became absorbed and totally fascinated with these characters. Jesse Simms, the band's founding member and one of the main interviewees, commanded my full attention. Through his recollections (and many digressions), the bandmates and romance came to life. I became engrossed with their beginnings and how they skyrocketed to the top of the charts; all their triumphs and turmoil; those who came, left and impacted the Roadmasters' lives; how meeting Lyla changed them forever; and the whirlwind of drama which surrounded them all. Center stage stood Preacher and Lyla, as their relationship was just as important to the group as the music they created.    From Jesse and Lyla's memories, we got to know the talented, enigmatic, and charismatic Preacher McCade. Man, that's such a cool name and very fitting for this edgy Cajun rocker. But awesome name aside, there's so much to discover when it comes to this hero, you'll need to experience his intensity first hand. I will say he absolutely haunted me throughout this read. A man shrouded in darkness, he sought light from his beloved Lyla. I was lost within the story exploring the depths of his character as his secrets slowly unraveled. There were times I was crushed, brought to tears, and needed a moment to catch my breath and calm the riotous pounding of my heart. I had a love/hate relationship with Preach as I liked the man he became despite his circumstances, yet felt unsettled by some of the decisions he made. He certainly played with my emotions, but in the end, I became a fan. Lyla, the muse and love of Preacher's life, was the heart and soul of The Roadmasters and the inspiration for several of their songs. Low key and seemingly timid on the surface, she was a nurturer tending to the needs of not only her man but the entire group. The bonds that kept them together ran deep. She was not what I expected. This shy girl could be fierce. The Roadmasters were her crew, and she stood by them through the good, the bad and the very, very ugly.   Emotional, passionate, raw, and gritty, Fast Lane was a behind the scenes look into the world of rock - with plenty of sex and drugs included. A novel that was part romance and part music history lesson, Preacher McCade and the Roadmasters' journey through the wild 80s and '90s was remarkable. The flow of the story was a tad slow in the beginning as I needed time to find comfort with the interview style of writing and become familiar with all of the characters. However, it intensified considerably as the plot progressed and moved beyond the music, the band, and Lyla. Preacher was a tortured soul for a reason, as his past was excruciatingly painful. His circumstances described were some of the darkest moments penned by this author that I have ever read. Completely heart wrenching. But through the magic of KA and Lyla's love for Preacher, I managed to make my way past the sorrow and into the light. Apple Books Kindle Kobo Nook

LOVE WALKS IN by Nina Lindsey

Love Walks In was a feel-good, heartwarming read chock full of memorable characters that I adored as well as a cast of ridiculously cute pets with the craziest personalities. A touching story that filled me with such joy, this series' first installment was both refreshing and a pure delight. Nina Lindsey's creative imagination brought to life the enchantingly quaint small sea-side town of Bliss Cove. And it's the perfect romantic setting for Aria Prescott and Hunter Armstrong's instant connection as this opposites-attract couple is set on a path towards true love. Hunter was a focused, shrewd real estate developer who found himself in Bliss Cove with an agenda ~ to sweet talk the residents on Mariposa Street to sell their properties to his corporation. With all his experience and charm, it should have been a piece of cake to convince this small town clan, and it was until Aria came along. This alluring and spirited woman unexpectedly threw a wrench into his plans, his career, his future, and his entire life. Aria turned Hunter's world upside down all thanks to a defiant chubby cat named Porkchop. From the moment Aria met Hunter, she was overwhelmed by the instant chemistry and electrical sparks sizzling between them. This sexy yet aloof man consumed her thoughts. But when realizing he was a threat to her home and new cat cafe establishment, she's committed to rallying the fellow towns-people to combat Hunter on every level. Aria was a fascinating character. On the outside, a quirky and sweet heroine struggling to find a way to restart her life. She's a nurturer, caring for homeless cats and working tirelessly to find them a forever home; A woman who sensed something broken deep inside Hunter, which she attempted to heal through love. A woman who possessed immeasurable compassion. But on the inside lived a tigress at the ready to strike. Her determination and willingness to not cave to the demands of the big corporation was admirable. A true testament that one voice can make a difference. Regardless of their differences, a friendship easily formed between the two, which eventually led to something more. The connection they shared may have been immediate, but their sexual relationship was deliciously slow-burning. With several unforgettable heart swooning moments Love Walks In was an exquisitely written light-hearted tale. A good start to this new series and I am looking forward to more from these loony characters, especially my favorite, the lovable and comical Mrs. Higgins. AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU Free in Kindle Unlimited I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this publication

QUIET MAN ~ A Dream Man Novella by Kristen Ashley @KristenAshley68

These beautiful words whispered by the prophetic Kane "Tack" Allen at the end of Motorcycle Man are finally coming true for KA fans in her upcoming Dream Series. In this new spin-off, the Rock Chick and Dream Man worlds collide, as badass commandos from Mystery Man find their perfect dream women. The excitement begins with Quiet Man, a novella starring the lovable secondary characters Lottie McAlister (Rock Chick Rescue) and Mo Morrison (Mystery Man). Lottie became a favorite from the moment she splashed onto the scene as Jet's baby sister in RC Rescue. Bold, sassy, and a bit mischievous, I totally adore this headlining stripper and beyond thrilled she's finally getting a chance at finding her very own happily ever after. Here we see a mature Lottie who's ready to take on the next chapter of her life. She wants to fall in love with a Hot Bunch man, just like her Rock Chick sister. Unfortunately, they're all taken. Even though she's giving up hope of finding a dream man, nothing stops Lottie from moving on to plan the future she undoubtedly deserves. I love all her determination, fortitude, and spunk. And when faced with dangerous threats, she doesn't lose her cool. Instead, she's good with Smithie calling in one of Hawk Delgado's commandos. Enter Mo ~ the bodyguard who unknowingly changes Lottie's world for the better. On the surface seemingly pragmatic and stoic, Mo Morrison's impressive yet stony demeanor was off-putting at first. He's a man of few words who takes his job of protecting Lottie very seriously, even more so as their relationship grows. The more Lottie broke through his barriers, the deeper I fell for this rough and rugged badass. Mo has so much more going for him than his brawn. He's sweet, loving, funny, patient, a bit vulnerable because of his past experiences and most importantly ~ has a huge heart. He's the perfect match for this feisty stripper and works hard to make all of her dreams come true. In turn, Lottie brought the best out of Mo. I truly loved them together. Their back and forth banter, as well as their intense chemistry, made this read deliciously enjoyable. For a novella, there's a whole lot of story here to savor. Mo and Lottie's journey was an insta-love type of romance, that was also slow-burning as they took their sweet time falling in love. Happy to see the Nightingale crew, Hawk, Mitch, and Brock, along with meeting Mo's hot commando friends. I cannot wait to get my hands on their romances as Lottie plays cupid, match-making these boys with her stripper squad. All in all, Quiet Man is a definite MUST READ that was surprisingly low on angst and drama than I anticipated, but filled with oodles of passion and laughs. A great start to what I believe will be a fantastic series. Purchase your copy of QUIET MAN today! Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU   I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this publication.

The Slow Burn (Moonlight and Motor Oil #2) by Kristen Ashley @KristenAshley68

Since their dramatic introduction in The Hookup, Tobias Gamble and Adeline Forrester haunted me. I wanted more from these characters, and I just knew that as a couple, their chemistry would be explosive. It certainly was. Even though their sexual attraction was instantaneous, the journey from friends to lovers was not only complicated but a delicious slow burning inferno. So happy to revisit Matlock, Kentucky where this author once again overwhelmed me with another heartwarming emotional tale. If you're craving a contemporary romance with all "the feels" from the golden age of KA, look no further. With a sizzling hot story-line and a cast of endearing characters, Kristen Ashley delivered a fantastic read reminiscent of her earlier works with The Slow Burn. Tenacious, sassy and loving, the wild-child Adeline became one of my favorite heroines. A single mom who struggled financially, she faced each obstacle with incredible strength and determination. Seeing her exhaustion from juggling a low paying job as a cashier and crafting homemade greeting cards for extra cash, to trying her best to provide for Brooks, tugged at my heartstrings. I adored and admired everything about Addie, especially her witty sense of humor despite her difficult circumstances. Proud to a fault, she stubbornly refused to burden others with her troubles, striving to be as strong as her late mother. But it was an eye-opening confrontation with the equally obstinate Toby, the man she was secretly attracted to, that changed her life for the better.  I fell hard for the rambling man and former womanizer known as "Take 'Em and Leave "Em" Toby." He was edgy, growly, controlling, excessively broody and protective ~ A bearded hottie with a huge heart who fiercely loved his family. He was unyielding at first, hiding his true feelings from Addie for the sake of their friendship and his brother Johnny's relationship with Izzy (Addie's older sister). But his heart eventually won that battle, and together this couple's passion was beyond scorching. His intense love, dedication and the tender way he cared for his woman and her son melted me. The way they supported one another to resolve all issues, especially the baggage each carried from childhood, warmed my heart. Toby, in true KA Alpha style, had some asshole-ish moments that ticked me off, but I quickly forgave his transgressions seeing the sincere way he made amends. All-in-all, he was the perfect KA hero, with a gentler side, that I completely adored. The Slow Burn was a seductive and sweet romance that had me laughing and swooning from beginning to end. Aside from savoring Toby and Addie’s passionate relationship, giggling over Brooks’ antics, and surviving the extremely emotional last few chapters, there were some notable secondary characters that I absolutely loved. The charming Dave, the larger than life Margot as well as beloved Daphne, Addie's deceased mother, left an incredible impression on me and made this read even more enjoyable. I will miss them all. As always, KA emphasizes the importance of family and bonds of friendship. The dynamics of these relationships were just as much a part of this story as this couple's journey. In the end, another amazingly sexy novel from the one and only Kristen Ashley that I highly recommend. Also suggest if you haven't already, jump into Johnny and Izzy's love story featured in The Hookup, book one of the Moonlight and Motor Oil series.   Apple: https://apple.co/2EAsRX4 B&N: http://bit.ly/2BVFRFf Google Play: http://bit.ly/2YH1ClL Kindle :https://amzn.to/2VrTrHN Kobo: http://bit.ly/2SwxDsq Audio: https://amzn.to/2YLOagr Print: https://amzn.to/2KM0EC0 The Hookup (Moonlight and Motor Oil #1)   I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this publication