Making Him Sweat by Meg Maguire

Amazon ~  B&N

February 19, 2013

Book Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy

How are the sex scenes?

Very real, intense and sensual.

"A groan answered her as he fumbled his hand between their bodies, cantering his shaft along her lips. She was beyond ready, and with one, two, three strokes he was slick from her, their friction hot, wet and dangerous and hotter than the best sex she'd ever had. "

How are the story lines?

Engrossing and believable.

Would you read it again?

Yes

Back of the Book

She's hitting below the belt…Round 1

In this corner is admittedly romantic Jenna Wilinski, who's inherited a rather seedy boxing gym from her estranged father. With it, she can realize her dream of launching an upscale matchmaking business…provided she can take on the very intimidating—and wickedly hot boxer who stands in her way!

Round 2

In the far corner is former pro boxer Mercer Rowley. He's the only one who can protect his "home"—even if it is a little run-down—from his determined and feisty little opponent. But man, once the gloves come off, his hands just want to touch her everywhere…

Round 3

This matchup is too close to call. But no matter which contender comes out on top, the other is sure to enjoy every minute of it….

Review

Making Him Sweat by talented author Meg Maguire was a fun, fast paced romantic comedy endorsing the theory that ‘you cant judge a book by its cover’!

When forlorn, driven Jenna Wilinski, entered her father's domain, Wilinski's Fight Academy, her plan had been to evict the current tenant, and failing business, and create a new thriving business venture. Her disdainful feelings for Wilinksi's stemmed from her biased impression of who she felt her father was. Her jaded view of its occupants was equally condescending and dismissive.

What she wasn't prepared for was her visceral response to the current GM, impressively virile, yet mischievous Mercer Rowley.  Her emotional journey through all he would unearth, particularly concerning her father, was intense, yet he also challenged her preconceived ideas on her ideal love.

Despite having spent twenty years hearing about the diversely talented Jenna from her regretful father, his beloved mentor, Mercer was not prepared for the woman now in his path. His predictable, controlled world, his home and his future was about to change; both literally, with the looming loss of the gym, but also emotionally from the growing attraction to beautiful Jenna. She left him confused, threatened and surprisingly captivated.

Could their predicament be held together by love, or would the impending desolation of Wilinski's create irrevocably guaranteed distance?

Making Him Sweat was a well paced, truly enjoyable read, with believable, loveable characters, fused together with humor and some deliciously sizzling moments as well. Yum!

Meg Maguire has a beautiful way with words. Her metaphors were elegant and often quietly poignant. She didn’t clutter the story with extraneous words and the honest and witty repartee was credible and refreshingly real. This will not be the last Meg Maguire book I read, and I warmly recommend this book to those who love a delicious romance with just the right touch of tension and angst, and sensual heat as well.

This review provided by: Musing Maddie 

Published by Harlequin

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review. I received this title from Harlequin Blaze through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion

Eyes Wide Open by Raine Miller

Amazon ~ B&N

Rating:  5 out of 5 wide open stars

How are the sex scenes? 

Amazing

How are the storylines?

Riveting

Would you read it again? 

Yes

The third part in The Blackstone Affair series: A love on the brink of being destroyed. The fight of a lifetime to keep it alive.

Big surprises are on the horizon for Ethan and Brynne as they struggle to adjust to what life has thrown at them. Demons from the past are threatening to destroy the passionate bond they’ve forged despite their vow that nothing will ever keep them apart. A truly devastating loss coupled with the promise of a new hope opens their eyes to what is most important, but is it possible for the lovers to move on from the painful histories that continue to haunt them? A stalker is still lurking in the shadows, plotting evil amidst the distraction of the 2012 Olympic games in London. Brynne and Ethan are on the cusp of losing everything as the stakes rise. Will they yield to circumstances beyond their control or will they give every ounce of fight they have left to save each other and win the ultimate prize of a life together?

Eyes Wide Open is a passion-wrought story that shows us what pure love can achieve when tested and what the heart can accomplish despite danger and adversity.

Talented author Raine Miller has once again, penned a masterpiece. Within the first page of Eyes Wide Open , your interest is piqued. By the end of chapter one, you’ll be wholly reacquainted to the carnal delights of Ethan and Brynne, and launched into the continuation of The Blackstone Affair.

Much to my delight, the tale shifted POV between our Hero and heroine. I loved being inside both of their heads - seeing scenes from both perspectives, was wonderful.

Raine Miller’s handle on writing the male voice was refreshingly accurate. Ethan - articulate, intelligent and dominating, could be verbose when needed, but equally expressive in his raised eyebrow and monosyllabic answers. The scene in Fountaine’s Aquarium, with the baby who let loose ‘bum blower’ that had the power to ‘peel paint off walls’, was hilarious. Such is Miller’s fabulous dry wit. Don’t start me on Dr Banana Probe.

Both Ethan and Brynne had deep issues of trust, fears of abandonment and betrayal –which were carefully explored inEWO - Ethan’s fight to control his nightmares, and Brynne’s determination to retain her modelling. Both acknowledged their need for control just as both eloquently, acknowledged the completion found in each other.

In Ethan, Brynne realized ‘the fear’ – the vulnerability that comes with completely giving your heart away to someone you love. Yet, at the talented hands of his loving ministrations, Brynne also felt desired, safe.

“He made me feel beautiful and sexy,….when he held me against him like I was precious.”

Ethan understood that Brynne simply fit.

“It always amazed me at how easy it was to carry her…My heart was in her hands, and carrying her was some form of self-preservation, maybe. Holding her, holding me up.”

Ethan was one, horny man! The book was filled with frequent, deliciously scintillating sex scenes, all written with Miller’s detailed, explicit fervor. What an absolute pleasure to be inside both of their heads for that!!

"Ethan possessed a skill set that combined hot, bad-boy sex god with mannerly, romantic gentleman; something so rare and captivating, I didn’t have a chance of resisting the pull."

Oh Brynne – I hear you! 

“I watched with my eyes, tasted with my tongue, heard with my ears and felt with my fingers as my beautiful girl reached her climax.”

Hmmm

Eyes Wide Open had everything: terrific character development, intense, sensual sex scenes, sad, incredibly poignant moments, with clever splashes of humor at just the right time. Supporting cast provided the perfect combination of depth and humor, never overtaking the story. And, then there was the tension that first raised hairs on your arms in the Prologue – what a brilliant hook. Very cleverly, it just existed, niggling at you, ingenious in its eventual, yet brief, delivery.

Miller’s strength is in how she keeps issues relevant, concluding vital elements of the story, with previously established plot - particularly helpful in a series. Her depth of insight and sensitivity was impressive. Raw.
Be ready for unexpected twists and turns, delicious erotic scenes, and to fall even more deeply in love with swoon-worthy Ethan Blackstone. I loved it. 

Thank you Raine Miller for an ARC for an honest review. No compensation was received for this review.

Among the Shadows, book #3 in the Ash Grove Chronicles (by Amanda DeWees)

Amazon - B&N

Book Release Date: March 28, 2013

Book Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Genre: Paranormal

Among the Shadows is book 3 in the Ash Grove Chronicles 

How are the sex scenes? 

We didn’t get any……but for some reason, this worked! 

How are the story lines? 

Captivating, clever and twisty. 

Would you read it again? 

Yes.

Blurb

What if you were erased from your true love's memory?

In book three of the Ash Grove Chronicles, just hours after Joy and Tanner's daughter is born, Tanner finds himself in a world where Joy doesn't know him and their baby doesn't exist. But when he thinks he has found the source of the magic that has undone reality, a heartsore Maddie makes a wish that alters history even further. With time now growing short for Tanner, he must try to win Joy's trust and convince her that they have a future together--even though their past has vanished.

As the fabric of reality begins to fray, an old enemy arises amid the chaos... and Joy and her Ash Grove friends must fight to save the world as they know it. This thrilling sequel to The Shadow and the Rose and Casting Shadows will keep readers guessing as it races toward its astonishing conclusion.

Review

If you enjoy good paranormal romances, you will find Among the Shadows by accomplished author Amanda DeWees, outstanding. This was so clever, so twisty and so riveting, that it kept me completely transfixed from cover to cover.

The story picks up a soon after the conclusion of Casting Shadows, with the birth of Rose Sumner. Within a page, it was clear that something was not right. Everything that seemed real in gorgeous Tanner Sumner’s life, suddenly didn’t exist. His wife, Joy, and their newborn baby Rose, had vanished. Sadly, for Tanner, his life as he knew it, was not only shifting like sand between fingers, but was also at high risk of being simply erased.

The ramifications of Dr Steven Sumner’s decision to alter time, and bring back his dead wife, caused multitudes of ripple effects, and with each attempt to ‘fix’ this error, reality continued to swing. All the characters’ lives were altering, but shifting the focus from Joy to Maddie’s viewpoint, was an excellent tool to help tell this story. I liked how vital Maddie’s role therefore, became.

Due to the ingenious imagination of Ms DeWees, nothing was simple at Ash Grove in this book. Incorporating magic and alternate realities, nefarious plots with just as equally cunning characters, Among the Shadows was brilliant. You will be kept on your toes trying to adjust each occasion time and reality shifts, and desperate to know the ending! Her ability to create strong, likeable characters, captivating storyline with enchanting romance, interspersed with splashes of well placed humor, was what made this book so incredible. An extremely delicious feast for lovers of Paranormal Romance.


Learn more about author and upcoming titles on her website and Facebook.

This review provided by:

Published by Amanda DeWees 

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review. 

 ARC received from author in exchange for honest review. 

The Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry

Amazon ~ B&N

Book release date:

February 1, 2013

Book Rating:  4 out of 5 stars  

How are the sex scenes?

Sexy, descriptive and sensual.

How are the story lines?

Excellent. Very engrossing.

Would you read it again?

Yes, without a doubt.

Book Blurb:

The best thing between Oliver Barrett and Mackenzie Williams is a fence. Ever since Oliver's new-neighbor gestures were met with unfriendly responses, he's decided to keep his distance. After all, he's in this seaside town to get his life on track again. That doesn't include working hard to get on Mackenzie's good side--no matter how intriguing she may be.

His intentions are put to the test, however, when his dog becomes infatuated with hers. The two crafty canines do their best to break down the barriers between the properties. And where the dogs go...well, the humans must follow! It doesn't take long for a powerful attraction to build between Oliver and Mackenzie. They soon discover that the worst of first impressions can lead to the best possible outcomes....

Review

The Other Side of Us by accomplished Australian author Sarah Mayberry, was brilliant. As is her normal standard, the book was intelligently written, heart-warming, sexy and full of witty humor.

Passionate and intelligent Mackenzie Williams was determined to conquer her devastating injuries sustained the previous year, and return to her ‘normal’ life in the City as Producer of a television mini-series. She had chosen her picturesque beach residence in southern Australia’s Flinders for her convalescence, seemingly sustained by her drive to recovery, her dog Mr Smitty, and her isolation.

Humiliated by his wife’s indiscretions, sexy and vibrant Oliver Barrett had retreated to Flinders to find himself and grieve. His life was on hold, the pause requiring contemplation and peace. Something that from his first introduction to his exasperating neighbor, no longer seemed probable. With their dogs becoming immediately smitten with each other, it seemed that interaction was inevitable, and what interaction that turned out to be!!! (Hot!!)

Sarah Mayberry’s writing is unquestionably good. Her language is delightfully descriptive and rich in humor, quick wit and intellect. The witty repartee between luscious Oliver and sassy Mackenzie was wonderful – providing frequent moments of chuckling. It’s so hard to choose one sample, but here goes

“This mousse is really good,” Mackenzie said

“Thanks, I opened the package myself.” (replied Oliver)

Their salacious love-making was a turn on and exquisite in its description.

“As always, the first slide of his body into hers was transcendent.”  Yum.

The Other Side of Us was a fabulous read. I laughed often, was brought to tears at the emotional turmoil each character endured, and was completely engrossed, falling in lust with Oliver and gaining utmost respect for Mackenzie. With wonderfully believable characters, captivating storyline and a happy resolution, this is a book I would recommend to many.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this fabulous book.

Learn more about Sarah Mayberry and upcoming titles on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by: Musing Maddie 

Published by Mills & Boon

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.  ARC received from author in exchange for honest review.

Depths by Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt

Amazon ~ B&N

Book Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Series Rating:  4 out of 5 stars  

Genre: New Adult romance

How are the sex scenes?

Deliciously hot! Would have loved more though.

How are the story lines?

Interesting and compelling.

Would you read it again?

Yes

 Summary: 

Do you believe in love at first phone call?

Cohen Rodriquez, Deo’s hilarious, über responsible best friend in LENGTHS got dumped by his longtime girl because he’s ‘not impulsive enough,’ and he's burned up.

But maybe, just maybe, she’s more right than he wants to admit. So he starts to date.
A lot.
But no one really feels like the one. And the more girls he dates, the more Cohen’s convinced she isn’t really out there.

Luckily he has Maren—the girl with the sexy voice who always cracks the best jokes. They’ve been talking daily for a year…on the phone. What started as all work soon blooms into friendship. Then she asks him.

Do you want to meet?

He's scared out of his mind to ruin the one easy, fun relationship he has going for him. But he takes the plunge, and things are just fine, totally easy and comfortable.

Except that they both sense it's not strictly platonic...there is an undeniable attraction and absolute raw chemistry between them…and every time they're in the same room, that attraction gets deeper and harder to ignore.

Maren could be the best thing that’s ever happened to Cohen… Or she could send his carefully compartmentalized life into a tailspin.

Cohen has to decide if he’s ready to let go of his comfortable fantasy and embrace the one girl who might be able to change his luck in love.

          Review

With two wonderfully solid authors in Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt, I would have been incredibly surprised if this second installment in the series, Depths had not been good. Once again, however, the characters were well written, the storyline believable and engrossing and the chemistry – hot!

Gorgeous, talented and selfless Maren was due some happiness in her life. She had operated in the shallow depths of all her relationships in order to stay well protected from hurt for many years. The one man, her father, who should have been her protector and provider, caused her the most angst and sadness, even over her dead-beat, cheating boyfriend.

Sexy, kind and intelligent Cohen Rodriguez held fast to predictability – in his superficial girlfriend and in his family business position, in which he was completely over-qualified. In both situations, he lacked motivation for change and desire to step away from what was easy.

Despite the warm friendship formed from their telephone conversations throughout the last 12 months, nothing prepared Maren and Cohen for their first face-to-face meeting. The attraction was instant and the draw to each other captivating. Suddenly shallow and easy was no longer an option, and along with some boundary pushing, came sizzling hot encounters and a radical new outlook on life – together, not alone.

Switching POV each chapter was a wonderful tool allowing the reader to get inside the heads of the H & h. I had expected a little more tension and conflict from the ex’s. The wanting of more was not because the story was lacking, but rather because I just wanted more to read! I am a fan of Epilogues, so was thankful that we were given a brief glimpse of the future.

With superb writing, a compelling story, witty dialog and a few delicious sex scenes, I loved Depths. Any person who enjoys New Adult Contemporary romance will enjoy this book. (But you might, like me, have wanted more!!! Greedy little reader that I am!)

Learn more about Liz Reinhardt and upcoming titles on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by: Musing Maddie

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review. 

Forever Black by Sandi Lynn

Amazon ~ B&N

Book Released February 18, 2013 
Book Rating:  3.5 out of 5 stars

How are the sex scenes?

Mostly hot!!!

How are the story lines?

Interesting and engrossing

Would you read it again?

No, unless there was a sequel

Back of the BookWhen Ellery moved to New York with her boyfriend, she thought they’d live happily ever after in their small New York apartment. She never thought he’d pack his bags and leave because he “needed space.” With her newfound single status and fear of being alone, Ellery buries herself in her artwork and paintings until one night she helps a mysterious intoxicated stranger get home safely. Little did she know the mysterious stranger is none other than CEO and millionaire Connor Black.  After finding Ellery in his kitchen the next morning and assuming she broke his #1 rule about sleepovers, he becomes intrigued, not only by her stubbornness and defiance, but by her kindness. Connor Black, emotionally dead and damaged, that stemmed from a personal tragedy, made a vow to never love or fall in love with a woman, until Ellery Lane walked into his life by accident. After she opens up and shows him her world, Connor starts to feel emotions and feelings he never knew existed. Despite the rumors and warnings regarding Connor Black and his use and misuse of women, Ellery finds herself being drawn into his world.   Ellery knows they can never be together because she is harboring a deep secret that could destroy Connor emotionally forever.   Join Connor and Ellery as they embark on a journey of courage, love and strength. Will it be enough to save them?

Review

Forever Black by Sandi Lynn was a Contemporary Romance, set primarily in New York, between two incredibly fascinating characters. Fiercely independent and fiery Elle Lane and mega wealthy and domineering Connor Black.

Naturally, true to the genre, both Hero and Heroine were gorgeous and successful but thankfully, flawed. Elle was your 'go get 'em' kind of girl - not afraid of her own skin nor mind. Gutsy. But she did have a huge secret. Connor had previously only used women for his carnal pleasure, with zero emotional investment and had built walls around himself effectively isolating his heart and soul from deeper penetration. (for want of a different word! :D )

For both Connor and Elle, their explosive entry into each others' existence was life-changing. Connor felt alive, as if he suddenly had purpose. Elle was equally affected, and determined to explore a future less alone than her past.

The storyline was good. The passion and verbal sparring - fabulous. The conclusion - beautiful. However, I was frustrated by a few editing mistakes that considering the volume of beta readers, should not have been overlooked, and would have liked more depth at times. It's not a 4 star book to me, because I am fussy. For most, this would be an excellent book. Tension, sizzling romance, feisty and fun characters and the required HEA. Perhaps for me, it was just a tad too cliche. (I did even read it twice to see what was missing!)

I would read more from this Author though, as I did like her writing style and story!

Learn more about Sandi Lynn and upcoming titles on her website  Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by: Musing Maddie 

Published by Sandi Lynn 

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.  

Walking Disaster, #2 in the Beautiful Series (by Jamie McGuire)

Amazon - B&N

Book Release Date: April 2, 2013

Book Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Series Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Walking Disaster is book 2 in the Beautiful series

How are the sex scenes?

Believable and real.

How are the story lines?

Thought provoking, intense but hopeful.

Would you read it again?

Undoubtedly yes!

Back of the Book

Finally, the highly anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster.

Can you love someone too much?

Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. But just when he thinks he is invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Beautiful Disaster, Abby had her say. Now it’s time to see the story through Travis’s eyes.


Review

Walking Disaster by talented author Jamie McGuire was absolutely agonizing--but in an undeniably moody yet loveable Travis Maddox way!!

If you have read, correction, adored Beautiful Disaster, you will be familiar with the frustratingly back-and-forth love affair between ostensibly, cocky Travis and the modest, emotionally scarred Abby. Many perplexing questions regarding his behavior, and his odd idiosyncrasies, were resolved as the story gave voice to this complex, intelligent, fiercely loyal and loving man's plight to follow his late mother's advice -

"One of these days you're going to fall in love, son. Don't settle for just anyone. Choose the girl that doesn't come easy; the one you have to fight for, and then never stop fighting."

This early quote gave great understanding to the mind of Travis. The thing to remember as you read both books though, is that these are stories about kids. They run from challenges, they hide from conflict, and they make mistakes. However, it was a wonderful, heart-wrenching story showcasing Travis' internal battles and his protective nature, as he endeavored to live according to this sage advice.

Walking Disaster was perfectly paced, providing specific focus on Travis' account to further understand him, or the event, with less detail when not necessary to keep the story moving. Her characters have such intensity, depth and color that it was impossible to resist their allure. Splashes of humor provided relief from the agonizing tension at just the right time.

Epilogues! I love Epilogues! As I am a confessed greedy reader, I still wanted more. However, this Epilogue offered the closure for both Travis and Abby, the gaining of contentment within themselves both individually and as a couple. Maturity, peace and a deep-rooted love, amid the guaranteed challenges this sparky pair will always generate. Jamie McGuire--thank you! Thank you! I. Loved. It.

Thank you NetGalley for the privilege to read this ARC for an honest review.


Learn more about Jamie McGuire and her upcoming titles on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

This review provided by:

Disclaimer: ARC provided by NetGalley free of charge 

in exchange for honest review.

Published by Atria, a division of Simon & Schuster imprint

Enchanting Ella: The Piracy Fight

Fighting the good fight.  

It gets tough.  It gets old.  Let me first preface that this post is in no way religious or political.  This is my take on the world.  Take it for what it's worth.  

 I was raised by good parents.  Raised to know right from wrong.  Raised with morals and values.  Every day I continuously experience dark, evil and wrong in this world.  It's always present.  It's always there.  The only way to fight the dark is with light.  I'm reminded of Harry Potter and one of my favorite lines/quotes from that book series.  

Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times

if one only remembers to turn on the light.

Why are we finding so many closed groups and clubs all over the internet downloading and pirating ebooks?  Facebook has become rampant with so many of these new groups giving out these books all while everyone seems to want to pretend they don't know this is wrong?  This is illegal.  This should have consequences.  What part of - here's a free song, dvd or ebook for you to have doesn't seem suspicious?  Or is it that we just now live in a world where everyone thinks they are owed something for nothing?  

Where does this all end?  Does it ever end?

It's a sad circumstance.  Not sure if it will ever go away or if there will ever be a day where there is no piracy.  We have to band together though and try our hardest to fight the good fight the best we can.  Light can vanquish the darkness.  We just have to believe.  And isn't that at the heart of the reader.... the ability to believe?  

Here's another great blog post regarding piracy in the ebook world.  Maybe this might trigger something for someone or help in some way possible.  Best of luck to all my author friends.  Here's hoping spreading the word does some bit of good.  

  

Follow Enchanting Ella on Twitter and like her Facebook Page.  

Still curious?  Read her bio.