Hands on the Wheel by Margaret Harlowe

We’ve got a woman craving after the trucker lifestyle, not to mention a sexy cowboy steering that big rig of a semi. Ladies and gents, start your engines!

What’s it About? 

 

Sara knew Hank was trouble from the get-go. Delicious trouble. His metallic purple Kenworth sparkled in the Wyoming sunshine. When he sauntered into the Flying Bison Grill, pulling his worn cowboy hat lower on his forehead, Hank looked way too good in those Wranglers. Of all the times for Richard, Sara’s unpredictable ex-husband, to show up. Soon she was desperate to get out of town. Hank was willing to help her – for a price.

First Impressions

This book really did have a unique, one-of-a-kind story line that I personally have never come across before. Our two leads are sort of past their prime at over 40 years of age, with Hank even starting to go bald. Poor handsome man. However, that doesn’t stop them from embarking on a wild and crazy sex road trip together. Let this be a lesson to ya, multiple orgasms might not be entirely out of reach, even if you’re starting to sport a few grey hairs. These two also enjoy a bit of light kink, with spanking and sex toys on every leg of their journey. Maybe they’re eligible for a senior discount?

Follow Your Dreams

What I really enjoyed about this book was that it shows you don’t have to give up on your dreams; they are always within reach. Sara has always been envious of the truckers who come through her one horse town on their way to far-off and exciting places. She’s had the urge to hit the open road herself, and it just takes one slightly kinky cowboy to agree to show her the ropes before that dream becomes a reality.

Hank also helps Sara realize that she is still desirable. After surviving a battle with breast cancer and an abusive ex, Sara is wary to start anything new and put her desires out there. Her jagged scar on her breast makes her think no man will ever find her sexually attractive. Hank, on the other hand, only sees her beauty. Throw in her waitress uniform and a sexy pair of f*ck me heels, and the two are inseparable.

Sex and Exes

There were two elements of this novel that I think could have been carried out differently. Firstly, there was a lot of sexy kink in this novel. Which is great! You get on with your bad self, Sara!! However, I felt like there was almost too much of a focus on Sara’s sexual awakening, especially in the second half of the novel, which sort of detracted from the fact that she is now out in the world discovering new places. So much of the story seemed to take place in the cab of Hank’s semi, rather than drawing in the landscape of the majestic South West.

The second element I wish would have come together differently was the story surrounding Sara’s ex-husband, Richard. He has come back to town to harass and stalk her, as well as threaten her with something far worse. Richard is also the third point of view in the novel, and it seems the entire thing is leading towards one final confrontation between Sara, Richard and Hank. But it never comes! Kind of disappointing that he just sort of wanders off.

*A copy of this book was provided for an honest review*

Series: Stand-alone

Should you read it? I think the story could have been taken one step further beyond sex, but the underlying theme is still an important one. It might be difficult to move on from one’s past, but you can still find love no matter your age. And someone to teach you new things!

Smut Level: We need to practice road safety here people. If she’s sitting on his lap steering the big rig, and he’s distracting her by moving her skirt up higher, stroking her thighs and nibbling her ear lobe, then who the hell is controlling the gas pedals?! Do trucks even have those?! Keep your hands on the wheel woman!!

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $0.99 Kindle Price. Self-Published. 154 Pages.

 

Over the Top by Rebecca Zanetti

The sexual tension between these two has been simmering throughout the entire series, and it has finally boiled over the top!

What’s it About? 

Dawn Freeze had a huge crush on Hawk Rain for years, and the entire town knows it. It’s understandable―the man is total hotness. That tall, lean body. Intense dark eyes. And always one foot out the door. Now he’s on leave for exactly one week. And this time, he’s made it crystal clear that he only wants one thing. Her.

Hawk’s been fighting his attraction to Dawn for as long as he can remember. She’s his best friend’s little sister, and that means hands-off. Except now she’s all grown up, and her sweet sexiness is exactly what he craves. But just as Hawk allows himself one mindblowingly intense night with Dawn, he learns that everyone he loves is in danger. Especially her. And the only way to protect Dawn is to push her away…

First Impressions

I have been waiting for this story of forbidden love since book one, and I am beyond thrilled that I finally got to read it! Overall this entire series was funny, sexy, full of lovable characters, and this last book was no exception. The drama was probably the most far-fetched of the bunch, and kind of hard to believe. Hawk is determined to bring a person from his military team to justice for selling drugs, but his continued involvement in the whole ordeal and determination to always catch the bad guy was kind of frustrating after a while. Mainly because it meant he would have to put his relationship with Dawn on hold, and he’s been doing that for years already.

No Point in Hiding

I adored the fact that Hawk and Dawn initially wanted to keep their new sexual relationship a secret since Dawn’s brothers have always disapproved of her getting involved with the troubled soldier. However, they quickly admit to themselves that trying to keep a secret in their small town is impossible. Dawn immediately confesses to her group of girlfriends that the plethora of rumors about Hawk’s sexual prowess were all true, and Hawk can’t lie to Dawn’s brothers who have treated him like a brother of their own since childhood. After a quick punch to his face, all is well, and they accept the fact that their friend is dating their little sister.

Dawn and Hawk’s close friends aren’t the only ones who are aware that something is going on of a sexual nature behind closed doors. Two of the local towns ladies, Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Poppins, take a particular interest in their relationship, and are so inappropriate and adorable I can’t even handle it. The scene where they present a bag of “goodies”, aka sex toys, for Dawn to use with Hawk is particularly hilarious. You can’t help but love their imposition into the goings on between Dawn and Hawk in the bedroom.

Series: Maverick Montana, book 4. A delightful end to the series.

Should you read it? I would recommend this series if you are looking for a contemporary romance between a man who can ride a horse, and a woman who can ride that man. Books 1 and 2 were probably my favorites, but each one is full of sexy fun times, and great characters.

Smut Level: Hawk is a kinky son of a gun. He’s more than happy to give Dawn a spanking, and tie her up with a silk scarf. This man’s got skills.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $2.99 Kindle Price. Entangled: Brazen. 214 Pages.

One Night with a Billionaire by Jessica Clare

We’ve all heard the old adage that money doesn’t buy happiness, but if this series has taught me anything, it’s that having money definitely doesn’t hurt. It seems like it can really make all your problems just go away.

What’s it About? 

Kylie may be a makeup artist to the stars, but she knows what it feels like to be overshadowed. Especially by her famous boss, the pop star Daphne. That’s why she’s stunned—and delighted—when one night at a party, she attracts the attention of a gorgeous stranger. But when Daphne decides she wants the handsome billionaire for herself, Cade Archer is suddenly off-limits for Kylie…

Cade has known Daphne for years, and always wondered if she might be the right woman for him—even though she never gave him the time of day. But one sizzling night with Kylie has changed everything. So why is she suddenly avoiding him? Fortunately Cade is determined to get what he wants, and he’ll do anything to show Kylie she can get everything she wants too…

First Impressions

Cade has been in love with Daphne for years, but he’s gotten to the point where he’s entirely fed up that she isn’t clean from all of the drugs and alcohol. He finds that he is attracted to Kylie, mainly because she is basically the opposite of everything Daphne represents. She’s responsible, caring, and actually shows some interest in him. Now, I don’t want to say that Kylie is his rebound, but I do feel like Cade was constantly comparing her to Daphne. Sure, she’s a much nicer and better person than her out of control pop star boss, but it seemed a tad unfair for there to always be this constant point of comparison throughout most of the book.

Hello Mr. Billionaire!

Ever since the first book in this series, I’ve always considered Cade to be one of the nicest in the billionaire boy’s club. Turns out he’s also the filthiest! Not in terms of personal hygiene or anything. He just has one of the dirtiest mouths of the bunch. Throughout the novel, Cade and Kylie get it on in janitor’s closets and limos. They are just some downright naughty individuals, and I love ’em!

Beloved Nana

In addition to all the raunchy sex going on, I also liked the side story with Kylie’s Nana. Kylie is Daphne’s makeup artist, and although she makes a decent living, she needs more money for her Nana’s medical home costs. When the devastatingly handsome billionaire Cade starts to show an interest in her, she finds that she’s afraid to ask him for the money needed to solve all her problems.

Even though Cade loves her, Kylie fears it will lessen his opinion of her. The last thing Kylie wants is for Cade to see her and her Nana as her ex-boyfriend saw them: a burden. We question how long it will take before Kylie can truly open up to Cade, and if he’ll continue to love her as before.

Series: Billionaire Boys Club, book 6. I’d have to say, book 2 was probably my favorite. Who doesn’t like a modern, naughty version of Beauty and the Beast?

Should you read it? I’d recommend the whole series! We’ve got alpha billionaires by the handful here. I do love that in this final book we get to see everyone come together. All the boys in the club with the loves of their lives; so freakin’ sweet.

Smut Level: I feel like it takes a special talent indeed not to get carsick whilst fooling around in the back of a limo.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $7.99 Kindle Price. Berkley Publishing. 294 Pages.

Taking the Heat by Victoria Dahl

A romance novel featuring a sexy librarian. Seems so cliché, doesn’t it? Well did I mention that this librarian happens to be male!? Let’s push some gender stereotypes people!!

What’s it About? 

All revved up for bright lights and steamy nights, writer Veronica Chandler chased her dreams to New York City. When she hit a dead-end, reality sent her back home to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Saving her pride and her new gig—writing a relationship advice column!—requires some faking. No one can know the truth about her big-city flop or her nonexistent sex life. But the town’s irresistibly rugged librarian is determined to figure her out… and give her hands-on lessons in every wicked thing she wants to know. Gabe MacKenzie’s heart might be in Wyoming, but secretly his future’s tied up in his family’s Manhattan legacy. Getting down and dirty with Veronica is supposed to give him a few memorable nights—not complicate his plans. But the thing about heat this scorching is there’s just no going back… and it might be too hot for either of them to take.

First Impressions

Not only do we have a male librarian, but we also have a female virgin in her 20s. Never would have thought those 2 things could exist within a 5 mile radius. Something I absolutely loved about this book was the characters. They felt so real! Both Gabe and Veronica would get nervous flirting with each other, with excessive blushing on both sides. How adorable! And then when Gabe got all fidgety asking if she wanted to go out to dinner with him, well I just about had a coronary. So refreshing to have 2 characters who act like normal, not so confident people when communicating with the opposite sex. Gabe wasn’t some dominant alpha male who told her she’d be going to dinner with him, he asked like a gentleman. However, his shy persona sort of took flight once they got into the bedroom.

Let’s Get to the Good Stuff

Veronica might be a virgin, but it definitely isn’t for a lack of trying. At this point in her life, she just wants to get it over with! How can she be an advice columnist who talks to people about sex when she’s never had any of her own? Enter Gabe. When he finds out her secret he’s more than happy to help her out with her little problem, but he’s intent on making sure she enjoys it. Won’t fight ya on that one buddy. This man is definitely in his element once they get naked, and he’s also a bit of a dirty talker. Now he’s a dirty talkin’ sexy librarian? I don’t know if I can handle this much perfection in a man. The scenes between these two were off the charts hot. A tad disappointed they never did it in the stacks of the library, but that probably would have been even more cliché than necessary.

A Level of Seriousness

The relationship between Gabe and Veronica is toe-curling adorable, but there are also quite a few dramatic elements placed throughout the book as well. At one point a reader submits a letter to her column stating that he’s contemplating suicide. Veronica also has a strained relationship with her father, not to mention an asshole of an ex stepbrother.

Gabe also has a secret of his own in that he’s only in town for one year before he plans to move back to New York to take over the family business, even though he’d rather stay to enjoy the quiet of Wyoming. Hmm, maybe you should ask your advice columnist girlfriend how to handle that one. An identifiable theme throughout this entire novel was the fear of being your true self, and thereby a disappointment to others. I think this is something which most of us can relate to. This theme, combined with the down-to-earth characters, makes for a really enjoyable read.

*A copy of this book was provided for an honest review*

Series: Jackson: Girls’ Night Out, book 3. I didn’t read books 1 or 2, and had no trouble following the storyline. That being said, I might have to go back and read the first 2, just because I loved this book so much.

Should you read it? Yes! It’s a sexy read, but also has a great underlying message of following your dreams, even if it’s not what other people had hoped for you. Do what makes you happy!

Smut Level: Loved that Gabe waited a while before doing the deed with Veronica. He wanted to make sure she was squirming for it. Oh…my!

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $6.49 Kindle Price. HQN Books. 384 Pages.

Focus by Annie Jocoby

This is the second book in the Exposure series, and I felt like the only thing it was missing drama-wise was Liam Neeson.

What’s it About? 

CJ Parker has been abducted by Albanian gangsters for reasons unknown. What is known is that, if Asher cannot find her in time, she will disappear forever. Desperate to find her, Asher makes a sacrifice to gain the information that is needed to locate CJ. When this sacrifice comes to light, however, it could very well spell the end to his relationship with her. Will Asher find CJ in time? And, if he does, can they survive the devastating secret sacrifice he made to find her?

First Impressions

Well son of a nutcracker! Talk about a complete 180 from book one. I figured this book would begin with Asher trying to get CJ back in his good graces by wooing her with his masculine wiles (aka his penis). He tries to get her back alright, but in a completely different sense. She’s been kidnapped, sold into white slavery, then bought and sold again to work in an underground strip club/escort service. Um, say what now? You know, in book one CJ was terrified to step outside her front door. Based on how this book starts out it seems like she should’ve stayed inside where it’s safe and sound. Who really needs fresh air when you have a hunky billionaire who wants to ravage your body in unspeakable ways?

Unique in More Ways Than One

I have made comment before that romance trilogies tend to follow a very distinct pattern. That sure as heck isn’t true when it comes to this series! Not only does the storyline go in a completely different direction than expected, but the writing style also changes. The entire first book was told from CJ’s point of view, whereas this novel alternates between both CJ and Asher. Hearing from Asher’s POV during his desperate search for the love of his life was a welcome change, and was balanced expertly with the fear CJ experienced throughout most of the book.

That being said, there was also a slight downside to following CJ’s point of view. Reading about how she was drugged, beaten, and almost involved in a gang bang was beyond disturbing. The author did do a phenomenal job at highlighting the deplorable and oftentimes inescapable conditions of women trapped in this kind of world, but at the same time I kept thinking about how I’m reading this by choice in my spare time. Not exactly the best way to wind down after a tough day at work. Even though I knew there was a high likelihood of Asher, or even Liam Neeson, using a very particular set of skills to come and rescue CJ, it wasn’t really fun getting to that knight in shining armor point. .

As if that Wasn’t Enough

So we all know that CJ will eventually escape from these terrible conditions, but unfortunately when she does she is immediately involved in a car accident whereby she loses all memory of the last 2 years. Because, you know, enough shit hasn’t happened to her already! Why not include a little amnesia on top of everything else? I swear, this woman deserves a hot bubble bath and bottle of wine/tequila more than anyone else I know. While this did add another layer of intrigue to the story, I did feel it was overdoing it just a bit. It sort of reminded me of the TV show Grey’s Anatomy, where you ask yourself how is it actually possible for this much drama to happen to one person??

*A copy of this book was provided for an honest review*

Series: Exposure series, book 2. Be sure to read book 1 first!

Should you read it? Just like with the first book, I feel it is very important to include a disclaimer here. Although the novel is very well written, there are certain aspects of the story which are extremely difficult to read. In book one it was the details surrounding her brother’s death, and in this it was the disgusting reality of women being sold as sex slaves.

Smut Level: CJ might have no memory of Asher, but it sure doesn’t take ’em long to fall right back into bed. He’s definitely maintained his dirty talking skills.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $3.99 Kindle Price. Tobann Publications. 181 Pages.