Worth the Fight by Vi Keeland

The button-up lawyer falls for the ripped MMA fighter. A girl has to fall for a bad boy at least once in her life. It’s sort of an unwritten rule after all.

What’s it About?

It didn’t matter that the ref called it a clean hit. Nico Hunter would never be the same. Elle has a good life. A job she loves, a great apartment, and the guy she’s been dating for more than two years is a catch and a half. But it’s boring…and she strives to keep it that way. Too many emotions are dangerous. Her own past is living proof of what can happen when you lose control. Then Nico walks into Elle’s office and everything changes…for both of them. But what can the tattooed, hard-bodied MMA fighter and the beautiful and always steady attorney have in common? A lot more than they bargained for.

First Impressions

When this novel starts, you think you’ve got it all figured out. Goody two shoes chica falling for the tough fighter. The beauty of this novel though is that she’s not exactly America’s sweetheart with a warm and fuzzy upbringing, and he’s not the hard-ass you would expect him to be. They both have troubled pasts which help them connect with each other on a deeper level. His sordid past is well-known, as he tragically killed another fighter in the ring in a terrible accident. Elle’s misfortune is something she wishes to keep well under wraps, assuming Nico will think less of her if it ever becomes comes to light. Little do they know that it’s only when they both  open up that they can become strong and move towards a future together.

Falling for the Fighter

This novel is all kinds of sexy. When Elle and Nico first meet, she is actually dating another man. But upon first meeting Elle quickly discovers what has been missing in her currently stagnant and boring relationship. Passion. Lust. Raw sexual magnetism. Oh my! It doesn’t take long for these two to put some burn marks on the sheets, but don’t you worry, she breaks things off with her former boyfriend before pursuing anything physical with Nico.

Series: MMA fighter, book 1.

Should you read it? This book is unlike your typical fighter romance. Not only does the male lead have a sweet side in addition to the usual alpha male possessiveness, but he’s not involved with anything or anyone illegal. It seems like we always have some kind of underground circuit of shady dealings and characters in these types of novels, but in this instance we just have a troubled man and woman trying to move on from their pasts. Rather touching at times.

Smut Level: Testosterone overload needs to be worked off somehow!

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $3.99 Kindle Price. Amazon Digital Services, LLC. 376 Pages.

Owned by the Dom: Parts 1 & 2 by Sam Crescent

The only way I would ever refer to my man as “Master” would be if he called me “Empress”. I might let him get away with “Czarina”, but he better be one pretty good cook on top of everything else.

What’s it About?

James Castleden has had enough of the press surrounding him and his club. Ravage is his place to let loose. He is possessive and dominant. When the younger sister of the woman he used to date walks into his club, James is not ready for the instant attraction he feels toward her.

Prudence Star fell in love with James seven years ago. She is no shy virgin and knows what he is. James does not scare her. She’s read the reports about his association with club Possession and she craves what only he can give. When their flirting deepens, James cannot stop the craving inside him to own, to claim, and to take Prudence as his woman.

But Possession and Ravage are under serious threat. Dominic and Eugene were just the beginning. There is nowhere to hide and no way to keep his woman safe. The Owners have no idea who they’re really dealing with.

First Impressions

I’m sorry to say that I have officially decided to stop reading this series. I initially went in with the impression that part 2 was the last book of The Owners story line, but shockingly enough there is definitely a set up for a continuation of the series. Unfortunately, I’ve lost interest. If I had to describe these two novels in just one word it would have to be…meh. Nothing special, just like the rest of the series as a whole. But what can I say? They’re short, quick reads, and I thought I had finally reached the culmination of everything!

Owned by the Dom: Part 1

Most of the drama in this novel felt pretty unnecessary to me. I mean, for two people who admit they’re totally into each other, they take forever to have sex. James claims Prudence is too young for him considering the age difference between them, but he won’t let others have her. Therefore, he ensures she is fired from her current job working in his club so that nobody else can lay eyes on her. His BDSM lifestyle is something he seems hesitant to introduce Prue to, yet she openly admits to him that she’s into the idea, and also has an intense desire to be possessed. So…what exactly is the hold-up here people?

As for the rest of the drama in this novel, some of the characters from the previous novels are aware of a human trafficking scheme going on which is linked to all their BDSM clubs. However, they choose to hide the true identity of who is behind this scheme to the rest of the characters because…I honestly don’t know. At this point, you just know that sh*t is about to go down, and it’s pretty frustrating that those who know the truth didn’t think to warn everyone else about this threat.

Owned by the Dom: Part 2

This book was sort of the nail in the coffin for me, as it had both expected results, yet an unexpected path. Part 1 ended with Prue being kidnapped by the same forces which were threatening the clubs in town. SPOILER ALERT: they get her back! Surprisingly, James and his posse rescue her fairly early on in the book, and the rest of the story primarily deals with Prue pulling away from him in the aftermath.

It’s rather understandable that after surviving a kidnapping, and the possibility of being sold into human trafficking that Prue would experience difficulties adjusting to normal life again, not to mention being intimate with James. The most ridiculous part of the novel for me though was when Prue saw a therapist to help her with her PTSD. This therapist totally does a breach of confidentiality by telling James EVERYthing she talked about in her session with Prue. Her excuse was that Prue didn’t really need therapy, so it was ok to share all the details of their sessions with James. Like…what?!

Series: The Owners, books 3 & 4

Should you read it? Meh. By no means terrible, but not worth rushing out to read either in my humble opinion.

Smut Level: This guy is possessive and into BDSM, what do you think? At the end of Part 2 James whisks Prue away to Italy and goes all caveman with her. They proceed to have so much sex I don’t know how they have any bodily fluids left.

Get it on Amazon: Part 1, click here. Part 2, click here. $4.99 each. Evernight Publishing. 180 Pages. 235 Pages.

 

Valorous by Marie Force

I’m shocked that for a romance novel featuring a movie star falling for a nobody, there’s actually some sense of realism to it! Not to mention a pretty big F-You to the media!

What’s it About?

After surviving a traumatic event at age fifteen and the ensuing estrangement from her family, Natalie Bryant has worked for years to reinvent herself into the woman she is today—a happy teacher fresh out of college and enjoying her first winter in New York City with her faithful dog, Fluff, by her side. Natalie isn’t expecting her life to change completely during a routine stroll through Greenwich Village on a blustery January day. But when Fluff breaks loose and charges into a park, Natalie gives chase and crashes into her destiny. Only after Fluff bites and draws blood from the man who accidentally knocked Natalie down does she realize Fluff has bitten the biggest movie star in the world.

He has no business being enthralled by the gorgeous, young, innocent teacher…Natalie captivates Flynn Godfrey from the first moment their eyes meet while she is lying on the ground and he’s fighting off her ferocious little beast of a dog. The only thing Flynn knows for certain is if he lets Natalie get away, he’ll regret it for the rest of his life. After only a short time in her presence, Flynn is prepared to change who he is to be what she needs. He knows he’s in big trouble when she says she won’t sleep with him and he doesn’t care if it means he gets to keep her in his life. But can he turn his back on the lifestyle that has defined him? Can he deny the desires that drive him to give Natalie the introduction to love and romance she so deserves? And most of all, can he keep his truth hidden from her long enough to have forever with her?

First Impressions

At the end of book one, the entire world found out about Natalie’s past, and we sort of hold our breath speculating how everyone will react. Turns out, pretty much everyone in the entire USA is supportive of her, and they bash the media for prying into her private life. Gotta love the joys of Twitter! I also enjoyed how in this novel there was sort of a sense of realism in that Natalie’s past was front page news for a hot second, before some other celebrity gossip took everyone’s attention away. It seems like in most celebrity romance novels our female lead is constantly being chased by the dreaded paparazzi, and splashed all over the gossip mags, even though she’s not in showbiz. In this book however, Natalie and Flynn are able to move on with their lives rather quickly after the dust settles.

Fallout

Most of this novel deals with the fallout of Natalie’s rape story being released to the public. You can’t help but appreciate all of the support which the community gives her for surviving such a tragic incident. I must say though, when it came to Natalie and Flynn dealing with the aftermath of the news release, they are so supportive and sickeningly sweet to each other it almost gave me a toothache.

Throughout the entire novel, we basically hear on continual repeat how she doesn’t want him to blame himself for the story coming out, and he still sees her as a beautiful woman whom he will love no matter what. Over and over and over again. While reading you can almost picture birds chirping and squirrels dancing from all their terms of endearment. Absolutely adore the love and support in the air, but it could’ve been taken down a notch or two.

The Truth Comes Out

My favorite part of this novel was the ending. Nat is an unbelievably strong character, and she’s not afraid to call out Flynn for keeping secrets from her while she’s been completely open and honest with him. She gave him a chance to tell the truth, and acknowledges how she understands he’s trying to protect her from his BDSM tendencies considering her past. What I loved though is that Natalie makes it clear she won’t stand for his lies. By keeping the truth from her, he is in a way implying she’s not strong enough to deal with the consequences. And she won’t stand for that. Boom baby!

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

Series: Quantum series, book 2. I enjoyed this one five thousand times more than book 1.

Should you read it? The beginning and end of this novel was fantastic. From the public’s support of Natalie, to her standing up to Flynn for keeping secrets. The in between dragged a bit for me, as there wasn’t as much story going on. Just a bunch of lovey dovey-ness between Flynn and Natalie.

Smut Level: Definitely getting more comfortable with each other, which translates into more dirty talk.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $3.99 Kindle Price. HTJB, Inc. 258 Pages.

 

Pierced by Sydney Landon

This is the second book I’ve read this month where I went in with absolutely zero expectations, and I kind of ended up being blown away. It makes it kind of hard though to judge how much I really enjoyed it. Was it just because my expectations were beyond low, or was it actually that good? Gah, it’s like a bibliophile’s version of the chicken or the egg argument.

What’s it About?

My name is Lucian Quinn and I own one of the most successful software companies in the world. I’m twenty-nine, rich and single. Impressive right? I’m also a favorite target for every hungry socialite looking to land the uncatchable catch. Maybe it sounds vain, but the fact that I’m a God between the sheets doesn’t hurt my stock any. What these women don’t know though is that I’m completely screwed up and damaged beyond repair by my past. The only part of me I’ll ever willingly give them is the hour it takes to make them scream…several times. Then I saw her…

I’m Lia Adams and I’m in my last year at St. Claire’s University in North Carolina. I grew up with an abusive mother, and a twisted stepfather who was worse…so much worse. I’m so close to escaping from my past and making my dreams come true. I’ll do anything necessary to survive, even work as an escort to help pay for my college expenses. The men that I accompany to various events as an escort for Date Night are mostly harmless and just want an attractive woman on their arm for an evening. It has never gone further than that…until him…

“I want you to call into work tomorrow and quit your job. I don’t think you need to bother with notice; it’s not likely you will ever use them for a future job reference.” I nod my head in agreement, fighting the sleep threatening to claim me when his words finally hit me. What the h***? “Wh—What did you say?” Had I imagined the whole thing? Without looking at me, he repeats his demand. I shake my head, completely confused. “What are you talking about? Why would I quit my job? Oh, no,” I gasp in horror, “are you trying to get me fired because of tonight? It was just cold medicine!” His eyes are glittering in the darkness. “Baby, if I wanted to have you fired, I would. I want to f*** you, but not when you’re being paid to be my date.”

Circumstances bring two people that should have never crossed paths together and in the days and weeks ahead, they grow close quickly, each seeing a kindred soul in the other. As ghosts from their past rise to haunt them, they cling to each other as their lives start to spiral out of control. Soon, they realize that they’re both damaged possibly beyond repair. Will their love be what saves or destroys them?

First Impressions

I was initially drawn to this book because of the excerpt included with the synopsis. I thought to myself, it’s been a while since I read a good ole’ pure, possessive alpha male novel. You really need one every once in a while. Figured it’d be one of those low-key romances which was more sexy heavy than plot heavy. I was hoping for a nice, low stress book without too much drama. Well, the fickle hand of fate intervened, and hello massive back story with excessive amounts of family drama! Definitely a surprise!

Past and Present Come Together

Lia comes from a troubled family background which she has been avoiding and running from for years. After she and Lucian start doing the horizontal tango her past comes back full force with a vengeance. Although their relationship started as something purely physical, Lucian is there to stand by Lia as she confronts her past and her bitch of a mother. It is his support and comfort which helps her see things through.

This is one of those interesting novels where you just know that everything is slowly coming together for one final climactic explosion of holy sh*tness. At one point you even think to yourself, ok things are going too well here. What’s going to screw it up? This is not only true when it comes to Lia finally coming face to face with her neglectful mother and abusive step-father, but also with the revelation of the darkness behind Lucian’s own past. It’s something that is hinted at throughout the entire novel, but it isn’t until the final chapter, in one sentence, that we discover Lucian has been dealing with a shitstorm of his own.

Series: Lucian & Lia, book 1. This book ends on a crazy, suspenseful cliffhanger. I’d recommend having book 2 at the ready, just in case.

Should you read it? Lucian proves to be a rather interesting and troubled male lead, who actually likes to snort cocaine. I can’t wait to see how that little secret will be revealed. Although both characters are troubled, they find strength in each other. A slow build-up to a cliffhanger isn’t usually my favorite kind of ending, but it definitely holds your interest throughout.

Smut Level: At one point, Lia kind of fashions a nipple clamp out of a piece of dental floss, so…yeah.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. FREE!!! Amazon Digital Services LLC. 235 Pages.

Until July by Aurora Rose Reynolds

We’ve got a leather-wearing biker bad boy who used to be in the military. Can you really get more alpha than that?

What’s it About? 

Wes Silver wasn’t looking for love, but when July Mayson literally knocks him on his ass during their first encounter, his world is turned upside down by the quirky blonde, and every moment with her makes him more determined to protect her. July Mayson doesn’t understand the pull she feels toward the bad boy biker Wes Silver, but she knows being with him is like nothing she’s ever felt before. Now all she has to do is tell her overprotective father, Asher Mayson, that she’s found her boom.

First Impressions

July first meets Wes whilst riding on her motorbike. She then proceeds to call him a jack ass before using her taser on him. Ah, isn’t that how all the great love stories begin?

This series is a spinoff of the Until series by the same author, but instead follows the children of the characters from the first books. I was so unbelievably excited for this book to come out, and it wasn’t half bad. I will say there are a LOT of characters in this book, considering that the original Mayson clan procreated like crazy. This made it a little confusing to designate who was who, and I really think that a family tree in these kinds of series would be extremely helpful. That being said, it was a lot of fun to see the characters from the original series again, not to mention that you can see how the story lines are being built between all of the characters for future books.

The Alpha Male

The Until series was packed full of alpha males, and it looks like that theme is continuing into this series as well. However, Wes was almost too controlling at times. Basically, whenever July would try to speak her mind about how their relationship was moving too fast he would call her a pain in the ass. Listen here duck monkey, being an alpha is fine in the bedroom and all, but don’t be a controlling dick when you’re outside of it. Speaking of the bedroom, Wes may not have written the book on dirty-talk, but he was definitely a co-author. He’s got a naughty mouth, and my goodness does she like it.

A Little Fact Checking

There was some intrigue in this novel surrounding a biker bar, and Wes tries his damnedest to keep July in the dark about it. However, in doing so we too are left in the dark, so I felt like that story line wasn’t really explained completely. All we really know is that there are some bad people doing bad things, and Wes and his biker bros are helping out. Maybe a chapter where we follow his character into this hellish biker bar to find out what’s what would have been helpful. There were also a few grammar issues. I get it people! The difference between your and you’re is confusing. And then when you throw there and their into the mix, well it’s just like somebody created words with 2 different meanings!

As for my last point, I’m kind of embarrassed that I know this, but it just demonstrates that a little fact checking can go a long way. Towards the end of the book, July and her friend pretend they are going to the premier of Fifty Shades of Grey, when in reality they want to do some sleuthing to follow Wes and his bros. Considering that all men are under the impression that their penis will shrivel up and die should they see that movie, he lets them go, and they are able to sneak away from the theater because their designated bodyguard refused to see the movie with them. However! I sadly recall that Fifty Shades of Grey premiered on Valentine’s Day, and I am 100% positive there is no way in hell that Wes would’ve allowed July to spend that day separated from him, so I know they didn’t actually go to see this during the premier in February! Again, it’s not like the plot fell apart because of this error, but fact checking is important.

Series: Until Her, book 1

Should you read it? You really need to love your alpha males if you’re gonna read this one. I’ll admit that I love a good alpha, but even I wanted to slap Wes at times for being too damn controlling.

Smut Level: They do all manner of dirty things, including a spanking session in her veterinary office. It kind of makes ya think what really happens behind closed doors at those places.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $3.99 Kindle Price. Self-Published. 238 Pages.

Last Call by Olivia Brynn

Holy hell what some people will do with complete strangers that they just met. This book was sexy, full of questionable drunken decisions, and juicy details of the repercussions.

Joanne is having a rough day. She lost her job, her boyfriend broke up with her, and she has to move out of her apartment. So what does she do? Why, what any normal warm-blooded human would do of course. She decides to get totally smashed. After ingesting her body weight in alcohol she decides it might be best to call her brother for a ride home.

Eric Layton is a fireman. A hot fireman. Duh. He’s enjoying his night off duty by catching up on some much needed sleep when his cell phone rings. Thinking it’s his chief summoning him to help with a fire he lunges for his phone. Imagine his surprise when instead of his chief he hears a drunken young woman asking for her brother to pick her up from a bar. Because of his sworn oath as a fireman to protect those in need (yeah, you’re not fooling us with that excuse), he decides to go and pick the young woman up and drive her home.

When these two meet Joanne thinks her brother has sent one of his friends to pick her up, so she immediately trusts the handsome stranger offering to give her a ride home. Eric is amused by this highly inebriated female, and for some reason refuses to reveal that she simply dialed the wrong number. I’m sure that won’t come back to bight him in the ass (hmm, interesting prospect). We are meant to believe that he is inexplicably drawn to her. I’m sorry, but I’m gonna have to call bull crap. He only starts to have “feelings” for her when she bends over outside her car window and her ass is put on full display. So he takes her home, she throws up, and after sleeping for a few hours she suddenly gets the urge to engage in some sexual activities with the handsome slab of fireman cuddling up next to her. Silly me, I thought that after you throw up from drinking an inordinate amount of alcohol you want to limit your movements as much as possible. Apparently it just makes Joanne horny as hell.

Now the smut in this book is certainly hot, and it’s somewhat comforting that Eric at least verified with Joanne that she wouldn’t feel used, or have any regrets come morning. However, as far as their “relationship” is concerned, I must admit I don’t think they stand a snowball’s chance in Bermuda of lasting more than a month. Pure lust, nothing more. Is there anything wrong with that? Nah, go ahead and wet your whistle for all I care, or fire hose for that matter. What can I say though, I think it would have been a bit more enjoyable if they had connected on something other than a purely physical level. That being said, it’s a quick and sexy read, shouldn’t take more than an hour to finish, and will certainly satisfy your smutty needs for the afternoon.

Series: Nope

Should you read it: If you are looking for a quick read that doesn’t require a lot of thought, sure. If you want something where the love birds have an emotional bond and loving relationship, you might want to pick something else.

Smut Level: We’ve got a fireman here, so the temperature is guaranteed to rise.

Buy it on Amazon: Click Here