This week at Smexy…

B+ review – Dangerous Seduction by Zoe Archer (historical)
B review – No Good Duke goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean (historical)
B review – Crash into you by Katie McGarry (ya)
B- review – Dare to Love by Carly Phillips (contemporary)
B- review – Move the Sun by Susan Fanetti (contemporary)
B- review – The Chocolate Heart by Laura Florand (contemporary)
C review – Rogue’s Proposal by Jennifer Haymore (historical)
D review – As Hard as it Gets by Laura Kaye (romantic suspense)

Top Ten Reasons to read Asking for Trouble by Tessa Bailey
Guest Author Leah Braemel

News from Mandi: I DNF’d Seducing her Rival by Seleste DeLaney. I had a hard time with the heroine and just wasn’t feeling the story. I’ve liked this author’s work in the past so I’ll try her next one.

Ripped by Sarah Morgan is one of the best novellas I’ve read this year. I’m reviewing it this week – it’s funny, sexy and just a really fun story.

When It’s Right by Jeanette Grey is another novella – this one I liked however it was super short. It’s best friends to lovers and I enjoyed their revelation that they should be more than friends. I just needed more page time with them as a couple. Review coming.

Jill Sorenson and Suzanne Brockman are featured together in one book called, Passion and Peril. I believe the Brockman story, Scenes of Passion is a reprint – I dnf’d it about half in. Did not like the heroine at all and the story was kind of turning ridiculous. I did enjoy Scenes of Peril by Jill Sorenson. Heroine rescues hero whose car had fallen into icy waters. Then they are stuck at a cabin together. Thought there was a bit too much drama at the end, but overall a nice story. Review coming.

I read How I Met Your Father by LB Gregg, a new m/m from her (I’ve loved her previous books). This one missed the mark for me. You can read my thoughts on goodreads.

I’m currently reading Written in Red by Anne Bishop – and holy crap it’s good! Tori reviewed it earlier this year and I’ve been meaning to get to it. An amazing urban fantasy world is being created and I can’t get enough of it.

Tori’s News:  Whew. I’m stuffed. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I ate too much and then watched my Steelers get beat by the Ravens. 0_o.

Below is two weeks of reading.

Twitter was abuzz this week over Dahlia West’s Shooter so naturally I jumped right on that band wagon. I enjoyed it immensely. A sweet MC style story that didn’t feature an alpha hole biker club whose goal in life was to ride fast, live free, and screw everything that stood still for 2 seconds. Our hero was a gruff grumbly man whose marshmallow center was swoon worthy. The heroine is a survivor whose loner lifestyle is in direct contrast with her need to socialize. A group of adorable secondary characters makes for a fast fun sexy read. I have heard through the grapevine that book two should be avoided so I will wait to continue the series with book three.

When you got a good thing going you shouldn’t quit it so I moved on to Stephanie Tyler’s Redemption. Book two of a dystopian MC storyline that follows a post apocalyptic world and the people who are struggling to survive. Fans of Kit Rocha will enjoy though this isn’t quite as racy. ;) I love the hero in here. A young mute man who, with his best friend, saves the heroine from a rival gang set on selling her into slavery. The book focuses on their relationship while continuing to build the world and give us clues to the final showdown. Lots of action and smexy times made for a fast engaging read. I look forward to more of this series.

Torn by Monica Murphy is a fast sexy contemporary that puts new meaning into the term “I love to hate you. Antagonism only fans the flames of desire between a real estate mogul and the woman who vows to stop him from taking her parents property. Lots of snark, humor, and clothing flying through this book though the fighting did get a little old after a while. Review to come.

Sarah MacLean’s No Good Duke Goes Unpunished is a raw emotional book that addresses how a single decision can have devastating consequences and what can happen when vengeance is no longer your only option. Anger, lust, and fear give way to love and forgiveness in an incredible romance that will keep you engaged to the very end. A must read for the year. Review.

I DNF’ed My Most Precious One by Evangeline as I felt I was re reading a bad version of FSoG with minute cosmetic changes.

Jack Who by Lisa Gillis is the first in her Silver Strings G series. A one night stand comes back to haunt a rock star when he finds out he is the father of a 5 year old. Not bad but the storyline is emotionally manipulative, scattered, and the heroine really got on my nerves.

Place Your Betts by Katie Garykowski was a much needed laugh this week. A funny laugh out loud crazy southern contemporary romance about a famous country music singer who comes back home when she finds out the baby she gave up for adoption as a teenager is being raised by the father. Lots of snark, love, laughter, and some interesting negotiations engaged me to the very end. a few minor issues but nothing that took from the enjoyment of the book. Review to come.

Angela Campbell’s Something Wicked is a cute lightweight PNR that wasn’t as dark as I thought. A strong hero and heroine made for an interesting romance and I admit to enjoying the additional ghostly cast. Review to come.

The Left Hand Path by Jeff Erno is a PNR M/M that read fast but lacked the suspense and horror I thought would be present. Reminded me a lot of the movie, The Skeleton Key. Review to come.

Reaver by Larissa Ione. REAVER REAVER REAVER Ione finally gives us answers to questions that have plagued readers since book one. Fast paced and overflowing with action, romance, and snark. Well worth the wait. Review to come.

Alluring Turmoil by Skye Turner reminded me a bit of The Mighty Storm. Lots of angst, miscommunication, and SEX made for a fast read but frankly, the heroine was a pain in the arse.

Midnight Ink-Boxed Set by RG Alexander is a series of erotic shorts that hit all my buttons. Sexy, humorous, and well written with strong heroes and heroines. No broody billionaires or insipid virgins in here.

Jaded by Anne Calhoun was like being wrapped in your favorite quilt. A strong man and woman start an affair that exceeds both their expectations. Fear keeps them from committing but when push comes to shove, they both open their hearts. LOVED LOVED LOVED

Storm by Nina Levine is a biker MC romance that failed on many levels for me. I’m not a prude by any standards but the use of the word “fuck” and “pussy” was so over used, if you took them out, half the book would have been gone. The hero and heroine never convinced me of their love and the main conflict resolved way to tame for the enormous build up.

Price Of A Kiss by Linda Kage was rec’d to me by Sahara Hoshi from Dear Author. Mason is forced into prostitution to support his mother and disabled sister. When he meets Reese, he begins to want more for himself. A humorous NA that deals with some serious subject matter. The heroine completely owns the story with her larger than life attitude and take charge nature. The entire cast is a bit immature at times and Mason’s clients really seem rather stupid. And, I didn’t understand what was up with Mason’s mother. You know your kid is taking money for sex and you don’t have issues with that? All in all, I liked.

This weekend I’m reading Kristen Callihan’s Shadowdance and AM Arthur’s Acts Of Faith.