Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

Erika 

I was told that dreams were our heart’s desires. My nightmares, however, became my obsession. 

His name is Michael Crist. 

My boyfriend’s older brother is like that scary movie that you peek through your hand to watch. He is handsome, strong, and completely terrifying. The star of his college’s basketball team and now gone pro, he’s more concerned with the dirt on his shoe than me. 

But I noticed him.

I saw him. I heard him. The things that he did, and the deeds that he hid…For years, I bit my nails, unable to look away. 

Now, I’ve graduated high school and moved on to college, but I haven’t stopped watching Michael. He’s bad, and the dirt I’ve seen isn’t content to stay in my head anymore. 

Because he’s finally noticed me. 

Michael

Her name is Erika Fane, but everyone calls her Rika.

My brother’s girlfriend grew up hanging around my house and is always at our dinner table. She looks down when I enter a room and stills when I am close. I can always feel the fear rolling off of her, and while I haven’t had her body, I know that I have her mind. That’s all I really want anyway. 

Until my brother leaves for the military, and I find Rika alone at college. 

In my city. 

Unprotected. 

The opportunity is too good to be true as well as the timing. Because you see, three years ago she put a few of my high school friends in prison, and now they’re out. 

We’ve waited. We’ve been patient. And now every last one of her nightmares will come true. 


***Corrupt is a stand-alone dark romance with no Cliffy

Well.....
The first 70% of this book I was completely engrossed and really curious to see how it was going to end!!
 It was crazy, effed up and down right twisted.  
The male characters were harsh, they were intriguing, especially Michael,  and holy hell something was going on and something major was going down!!!

After that point though, when the shit actually hit the fan and secrets were revealed....
I pretty much was stopped in my tracks! I had a complete WTF? moment.

Don't get me wrong, this was supposed to be crazy, this was supposed to have slightly disturbing characters, I got all that and I enjoyed all of that.. but certain events occurred and the reactions and behaviors from that point on didn't make a lick of sense to me!!

The first almost three quarters of the book was a resounding 4 plus stars, but after that it just went down a peg or two. :(

Unfortunately the ending seemed to be rushed and certain 'activities' were thrown in that added nothing to the story. Nothing but an eye roll. Shock value maybe? 

I was left feeling quite disappointed after such a strong beginning.

I know I'm in the minority when it comes to my feelings on this book, but to each his own.

Amazon US / UK

Subordination: Chronicles of a Domme by Katie Ashley

When Sophie Jameson first became a domme at Club 1740, it was more out of financial necessity than it was for personal pleasure and sexual exploration. But over the years as she rocked her leather corsets and boots while wielding every crop and flogger imaginable, she grew to love the thrill and adulation that her clients brought her. But all along, her path in life and her heart was with a different profession—one she was planning to embark on at the summer’s end.

And then he changed everything. Tall, dark, impossibly built—William was the complete opposite of whatever image a male sub conjured up. After all the subs, Sophie finally felt true lust and desire. Although he was the proud stallion who needed breaking, he became the one to make her break all her rules and let down all her walls. 

But it was just supposed to be for that one night, but an accidental encounter days later outside Club 1740’s protected walls had the two seeing each other in a different light—as simply Sophie and William, not Domme and sub. While they should have parted ways, they couldn’t. While they should never have gone back to her place, they did. 

And that simple mistake has a serious price for both of them.

I'm not a big BDSM fan. I don't usually read books with domestic discipline relationships or master/slave relationships either, but I wanted to read this book!

 I was intrigued because I'm a big Katie Ashley fan, at the same time, I was leery.

Boy am I glad I went ahead and read this!!

Can the words light and fluffy be mixed with Domme and BDSM? 

Well in this story, the answer is yes!

Words like gentleman, sweet, funny and family bond also embody this story!

Sophie is a sexy, sassy and classy chic. She's the type of heroine I like to read about! 

William looks like Henry Cavill. Enough said. End of story! 

JK, I'll keep going.

William is an unbelievably gorgeous, generous and down to earth man. He's strong and commanding, at the same time.... he's a sub!!!!

I'll just leave you with that to think about!!! 

Their relationship progressed rather quickly, but when you have such an electric connection, there's no way around it.

I said light and fluffy earlier, but what I mean is it wasn't some dark, emotional dungeon read. To me it was fun and flirty. 

You have your oh so naughty BDSM time, mixed with equal parts of sweet and sad with plenty of emotions and drama! 

Did I mention Henry Cavill look-a-like down on his knees? Wow! What a visual! Thank you Miss Ashley!!

Amazon US / UK

Butterfly Dreams by A. Meredith Walters

Blurb

In a powerful romance hailed as “heartbreaking, real, and breathtakingly beautiful” by Stacey Lynn, New York Timesbestselling author A. Meredith Walters tells the story of a troubled young woman and the unforgettable guy who teaches her to live—and love—to the fullest.

She’s waiting to die. . . . Corin Thompson is paralyzed by her obsession with mortality. Having lost both of her parents, she is terrified by the idea that she too will die young, and she loses control at any sign of illness. But when Corin connects with someone who has survived a very real brush with death, she begins to see the world in a whole new way.

He’s learning to live. . . . As Corin struggles under the weight of her neuroses, Beckett Kingsley is attempting to rebuild a life that feels all too temporary. With the ever-present threat of heart failure never far from his mind, he just wants to make the most of whatever time he has left. And that means pursuing the girl he never expected to find.

Together, Corin and Beckett finally learn to let go of their fears and take solace in everyday pleasures. Who knows what the future holds? After all, nothing lasts forever—the only promise they have is right now.

My Review

Get your tissues!!

Great story about real life, fear and grief.

It's about love, healing and learning to live.

Corin is a trip! She's quirky and silly but at the same time is suffering from a traumatic experience. 

She's a hypochondriac. She has panic attacks. She's afraid of death. 

She also has verbal diarrhea and is a tad socially awkward. What's not to love, right? 

Then there's Beckett! Oh how I love Beckett!! He is amazing and wonderful. I felt for him.

How does one go from being a super active, sports junkie to a man plagued with imminent death? 

These two don't seem like they match. She's waiting to die and he's fighting to live!

 But they each bring out something in the other that that person desperately needs.

I don't want you thinking this book is just about dying and crying. There is that, yes, but these characters form an instant bond. A strange connection that at times had me laughing out loud. Yes, later it had me crying my eyes out... but there's so much silliness and funny banter that it evens the other out.

This book has such a powerful message and one we all should learn from.

And that message is wrapped around the adorable love story of Corin and Beckett!

A definite must read!!

AMAZON US / UK

Perfectly Imperfect by Harper Sloan

Blurb

Mirror, mirror ... who's the fairest of them all?

I still cringe when I hear that line. A fairy tale that had girls pretending they were the fairest, the most beautiful, and the most entitled. A fairy tale most couldn't grow out of turned my haunted childhood memories into a living nightmare. Girls who grew up believing that pile of garbage became the meanest of all 'mean girls.'

And those mean girls were right - it was a line meant for all the beautiful people in the world - and I knew the answer would never be me.

The women with long legs, flat stomachs, and perfect chests.

The type of women Kane Masters gravitated toward.

Well, that's definitely not Willow Tate.

No. That will never be me.

Because I'm completely imperfect.

And ... I hate myself.

I have no idea what Kane could possibly see in someone like me when he could have them.

My Review

An inspirational message and a very relatable struggle for many women, myself included! 

I applaud Harper Sloan for writing a book so personal to her. 

Learn to love yourself. Only you can make yourself happy! Hear hear!!

"life isn't what others want for you, but what you want for yourself."

She's a normal girl of a normal size and not of supermodel skinny genes, and I was happy to finally read a story like that!

That being said, I know I'm in the minority with my 3 star rating, but when it comes down to it, beautiful and encouraging message aside, I just didn't quite get all the warm and fuzzies with this book. 

The things that didn't quite fit for me was the insta-love and the fact that it's the typical billionaire meets wounded shy girl who doesn't know she's pretty scenario yet again.

From the blurb I had anticipated raw emotions, tears even. 

But it didn't happen for me.

Amazon US / UK

Tryst (Sexual Education #2) by S.L. Jennings

Synopsis

From the author of Taint, comes this steamy novel of a happily married couple who decides to take a walk on the wild side in order to add spice to their sex life—but end up in a situation that neither could have ever bargained for. 

Heidi DuCane is a tough-as-nails publicist with a passion for success and her husband Tucker. While they’re polar opposites, what they do have in common is a fierce love and commitment to each other. But their relationship—in and out of the bedroom—will be put to the ultimate test. 

Rock superstar Ransom Reed is every woman’s fantasy, including Heidi’s. When she meets Ransom, she shares a wild night with him where Heidi gets to play—and Tucker watches, and enjoys, the pleasure Ransom gives Heidi. Though Tucker was a willing participant, Heidi still can’t help reeling with guilt. There’s no doubt that she loves her husband. While Tucker is the perfect lover—generous, attentive and gentle—she needs much more. She needs the mind-blowing ecstasy Ransom offers.

Tucker isn’t blind to the fact that Heidi has unconventional needs which he can’t satisfy. He loves his wife and will do anything to please her The night he watched her and Ransom was so scorching hot that Tucker can’t stop thinking about it. He decides he wants to join Ransom in pleasing Heidi. But as Tucker and Heidi soon realize, it’s not just the sex that is enticing. Heidi felt something within her awaken, and she felt so deliciously sated and loved by both men. Tucker felt it too, and he finds it impossible not to want that feeling again. 

Ransom and Tucker satisfy a need within Heidi. And now that she’s had them, she can never go back to the way things were before.

My Review

Everybody knows there's a line that you don't cross. 

Once you do.. there's no turning back. Things can never be the same.

Nobody knows that better than the characters in this book!

I am not a cheater. I do not condone cheating and I don't always enjoy books that have cheating! 

But somethings it works. Sometimes it makes sense.

Let me now say... HOLY HELL is this book hot!! 

It's dirty, sexy and tantalizing, yet it's sad all at the same time.

I felt for all the characters, each in a different way.

I empathized with Heidi. Hell, I feel the same way sometimes about my sex life. Everyone wants a little something extra, a little something they don't have!

Do I agree with her choices?? Eh.. can't say that I do. Was she a shining example of a woman I want to be? Not at all.

She took a taste of something she shouldn't have. Feelings got involved and people got hurt.

Tucker! Damn this man is the most wonderful husband ever invented!!! Loved him.

Ransom. Dark, dangerous, delicious. But even he got sucked into something that he couldn't turn back from. I felt for him too!!!

This story has several twists and turns. You might not agree with their decisions and I can honestly say that there were moments I didn't quite connect with or agree with, but damn!

It was a quick, naughty read that definitely hit the spot!

Amazon US / UK

More Than Enough (More Than Series, Book 5) by Jay McLean

Blurb

There’s no emotion greater than fear.

No ache greater than grief.

No sound greater than silence.

***

I’m grateful he showed up on my doorstep, 

pissed off and angry at the world.

If he hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here.

And I don’t just mean here on this journey with him.

I mean here, in this world.

*

I wonder what events in all our lives—hers included—are The Turning Points? The points where we all determine that the fear of our pasts and the uncertainty of our futures are greater than our need for happiness.

Here.

Now.

While time and everything around us stands unmoving… who’s to say we can’t have it all?

***

We wanted it all.

We wanted it with each other.

We thrived on the chaos we created.

And ignored the Mayhem that ensued.

Because falling in love was easy.

But sometimes, love isn’t enough.

My Review

"Sometimes you need to have nightmares to appreciate the dreams."

I am a HUGE More Than series fan!!!

Couldn't wait to read Dylan's story. Add to the fact that he's in the military.... instant hells yes!!

I loved the way it started! Such a sad beginning. 

My heart completely broke for Riley and what she went through.

Dylan was awesome! He's a marine. Enough said!! ;)

He's kind, considerate, beautiful and not as quiet as everything thinks he is! He has his demons and his insecurities, but he loves with his whole heart and I love that about him.

I'm not going to go into detail, just know that this book has an abundance of grief and loss. There's sadness and pain, but luckily in true Jay McLean fashion, there's books, there's friendship and laughter, there's love and there's mayhem!!!! 

Get ready to laugh!

I enjoyed the inclusion of all previous characters. They're one big family of course and this wouldn't be a More book without them.

About the grief and sadness?? You'll need tissues for sure!! 

I cried my eyes out!

"Because is and was is the difference between time standing still, and time moving forward."

This book is a lesson in acceptance. Overcoming the hardships life throws your way.  

And it kills me to not give 5 stars, but although I cried like a baby AND laughed out loud, there were a couple moments I just didn't feel or agree with.

Nonetheless, awesome story and end to the More Than Series!!

Amazon US
Amazon UK

Licked by Brooke Blaine

Blurb

As the owner of Licked, an eclectic ice creamery and bar, Ryleigh Phillips doesn't have time for that love stuff. Serving up Nibble My Nuts sundaes and Drunken Sailor boozy shakes are as close to an orgasmic affair as she's had in months thanks to her expanding empire—until the night of her ten-year high school reunion.

When Ryleigh's crush, gorgeous ex-football god Cameron Mathis, comes streaking into her life (literally—streaking), she begins to wonder if she really can have it all.

Wouldn't it just figure that the moment you think life is perfect is when it falls spectacularly apart?

Enter Hunter Morgan, the contractor in charge of Licked's renovations. Devastatingly handsome, and a smartass to boot, he's got his eyes on Ryleigh from the moment he finds her passed out on his couch (yeah, that's a long story). There's just one tiny complication—he happens to be Cameron's best friend.

When the lines between relationships and friendships blur, and it's impossible to choose between two delicious flavors, what's a girl to do? Taste a sample of each? Or go out and get LICKED?


My Review

Sugary sweet with sprinkles on top!!!

Licked is a sexy and funny romcom read about a quirky gal who loves the 50s era. 

She also owns and runs an ice cream shop with the most orgasmic names in town!!

I laughed quite a bit not only at the names she con-cock-ted .. see what I did there? but also at all the movie quotes throughout the book. 

Why? Because I got it! And because I love movies too!

This chic is one of a kind and not only does she catch the eye of 1 hottie, but 2!! 

Don't freak out, I don't like cheating or triangles either.. so lucky for me and you, this isn't like that!

These men are HOT! Finger licking, lip licking hot! 

 

And the sexy-time scenes?? 

... you're gonna need some napkins!

This story is fun! 

Ryleigh is sweet, sassy and down to earth. 

Her friends are friends you want to have for your own.

And the men here are gloriously divine.

One of them is a construction worker.... meaning he's good with his hands!!!

His hands I say!!!!!!!!

For the most part it's quick, light, fun and sexy... but Brooke threw a little wrench into my sugar induced coma there that had me holding my breath and hoping not to cry!!

Bad Brookie.

Luckily things ended like they began, with extra sprinkles and a cherry on top.

mmm cherries!!!

Entertaining, flirty and fun!

AMAZON US
AMAZON UK

Cross To Bare (Men of London #5) by Susan Mac Nicol

Blurb

Tough in business but romantic at heart, fashion designer Lenny James isn’t hiding his masculinity behind his super successful female alter ego, but a vulnerability that only handsome financier Brook Hunter will be man enough to reveal…and worship.

TWO OF A KIND

It’s amazing what a little mascara and lipstick, a blonde wig, false boobs, and top-notch female fashion can hide. Not that Lenny James is hiding his masculinity. He uses his normal voice when he’s Laverne, and he’s not particularly camp as a man. His reasons for creating his alter ego are locked deep in his past. He is who he is: tough in business, and a romantic at heart. What he’s hiding is vulnerability. He wants a man to accept both sides of him.

Gorgeous, commanding, and dark as sin, Brook Hunter meets Lenny and knows nothing about Laverne until fate pushes her into his path. Cross-dressing is as far from Brook’s reality as fashion is from his world of diplomacy and high finance. Understanding and truth take time, and trust doesn’t come easy. But Brook is about to show Lenny that there are no sides to true love, just the place where they meet in the middle.

My Review

Lenny is a funny, kind and headstrong man. He is also an uber stylish designer named Laverne! 

Leave it to Susan to have me reading another story of a man in heels!!!

I was intrigued by Lenny/Laverne while reading Leslie's story. I wondered what made Laverne who she was.

I was anxious to find out about her. Why does Lenny become her? How does he live his life?

"I wear women's clothing.... that doesn't mean I'm going to run out and get a va-jay-jay..."

I adored Lenny the man and Laverne the woman.

Then there's Brook!

Brook is a sweet, handsome, conservative man highly attracted to Lenny.

The two of them together have a delicious chemistry that Lenny feared would not be enough for Brook once his alter ego came into play.

This was a very quick afternoon read for me. It was funny, sweet, and sexy. 

Light on the drama and angst.

I was interested in finding out Lenny's story with the whole cross dressing/ Laverne persona and I really enjoyed Susan's explanation on the way of it.

I also enjoyed how predominant Leslie  was here as well as the other 'men' from previous books in the series. He always gives me a chuckle!

Amazon US / UK