TAINT By S.L. Jennings

Some might say that they don't think this story is a 5 but that's fine. The overall content is a 4 but the details in this novel warranted a 5 for me. There were little items used to help us connect more with the story, like the New York Times article and even the delete button. The epilogue was creative, concise and satisfactory for me. It wasn't rushed and it maintained it's realistic and steady approach, much like the progression in the rest of the novel. It was a clean from beginning to end.

This isn't a story, it's a sexual guide to please your man while helping you to find the things that get you going. At the end of this course, you can probably have satisfactory sex with yourself! Behind all this though, there was a tame but memorable and meaningful romance story.

With each chapter, we learned something new as there was literally a lesson per chapter. Lessons that I plan to take advantage of the next time the opportunity arise ;)

I liked getting to know Justice, Ally and the other housewives, as well as, their back stories. Justice Drake' s lesson plan was definitely hands on and nothing was spared. If you are prude, then this one isn't for you. There is live sex and in depth masturbation scenes.

Lesson plan and sexual depravity aside, I love Justice. It's not just because he's the narrator either, it was his approach, control, mystery and reactions. His thoughts were real with a mix of fairy tale and dreams when necessary. He was honest and I like his inner monologues, even when they weren't focused on Allison, as well as the fact that he didn't drift far from his initial personality. He didn't feel the need to take a celibacy vow with the introduction of Ally and I like that. Yes, the gruff Mr. Drake from chapter 1 was more mellow in the company of Ally but I love that we got those soft moments because the alpha male role is taken in so many stories now that I like the change he provided.

The references were every day tabloids, people and shows that we follow so I was able to relate. From Guliana Rancic to TMZ made me believe the tabloid scenes more and I also like that they weren't over done. The right amount of coverage, information and layout was present. The TMZ article at the end was formatted to reflect their usual articles of this topic that I almost believe it was real. The Usain Bolt reference wasn't lost on me either nor was the age old adage of Iron Man vs Barman. It's like this book was made for me :D

The sex was more passionate instead of the lust filled, crazy, instant hook ups we get of late. There was no BDSM, just some good old sexing filled with passion, understanding, finesse and experience. I don't know the research placed in this novel but it was a great sexual guide to bedroom confidence and the gossip scene was believable.

The novel is taken from Justice's POV so I connected more with him than I did with Ally. I enjoyed being in his company from beginning to end as I fell in love with the sexy outcast who knows his bedroom business and comes fully equipped with a team that's not afraid of a whole lot of PDA.

There will be elements that others don't like but I find that I eventually liked the heavily based 'Friends' scenarios and the real Justice under the facade of anonymity and crude comments. The soap opera moments were questionable but the main character and story development was good enough that I can dismiss the flaws.

Every element came together to knock this one out of the park! Even though it's over, I really hope we get a novella on Justice and Ally after Coachella, because I'm not ready to let them go just yet.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22227607-taint

The Devil's Contract By Claire Contreras

I had a choice. I read this. 

I was technically promised intrigued.

I wish I had known this was gonna fall short.

The above is my blurb of my experience of this novel. This isn't what I expected in story line or delivery. I was bored for approximately 65% of this novel and though it picked up steam to the end, I still wasn't excited but more curious with the new developments. It had no impact on me as a reader and my reading the next book is pure curiosity.

I couldn't identify with the romance in this novel even before Amara left New York. I kept waiting for Phillip to swoop in and Colin went with the flow so there wasn't much for me to get excited about. Colin is struggling with the sudden loss of Amara, a death, his inheritance and it's stipulations while Amara is trying to keep her family floating. Phillip is more on the sidelines than I anticipated; Courtney is not as interesting as reviews promised and Samuel is just a constant that I have no interest in sorting. I am most curious about the mysterious blonde that I thought was Nolan and he only gets two small parts in two different chapters. He doesn't even speak in one.

The sex scenes are pretty basic, even the "BDSM" ones and for my first lesbian experience in a novel, this one wasn't very enticing. It happened and that's about it. I understand there is web here but I have no idea where it came from, what it will lead to or if I even care to find out the root of this all. I was literally living by the moment.

Phillips' blackmail card is also starting to get on my nerves; If he reminds Amara one more time what's at stake I'm gonna scream! There is a layer of deception and obvious lies but I just can't care enough about it all. The delivery is too flat and weak and the confusing writing style doesn't help either. The only breaks are chapters so I don't know when I am delving into another character's POV, namely Colin. I still can't even figure out who the main couples are because there seem to be none.

The time period is sketchy so really I have no sense of time and while Amara's escort skills are better than Avery from 'The Arrangement' she still isn't no Miranda from 'Buying Thyme' either, so I don't really have much to keep me company but the detailed description of everything and person.

Courtney's character seems to only be there to partake in awkward threesomes withe her friend and the guy she loves. As long as the lesbian quota is filled she seems to just exist. If  any of these characters have a point I have yet to seen it. They just seem to be floating around in an endless abyss waiting to get to this big secret that can bring down Governments and the scariest of Sultans.

I am interested to find out what will happen next but I am in no hurry. The story line is unclear to me even at the end and I only connected to a character that I literally saw twice, once without words. It was just another story of forced slavery and hidden identities without the romance. I don't know what will become of it all but I am not that eager to find out.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22336689-the-devil-s-contract

Uncomplicated: A Vegas Girl's Tale By Dawn Robertson and Jo-Anna Walker

What is wrong with these people?!!! No one behaves like this or makes up the justifications that they do. Stop it, no one lives, talk, or behaves like this, even f they are current and retired call girls on the Vega strip!

This story really is uncomplicated. You know how sometimes your reading a story and you just wanna get to the good part? Well, this story cuts out all that suspense and gets to the point. I am thrown as it relates toa concrete feeling about this lack of filter and many quick progressions left me baffled and staring. I keep wondering, where is the build up? While I keep thinking that this seems rushed, I didn't quite feel it. I am so confused!!! I don't hate this story, but it is a ridiculously developed and delivered one. The progression, conflicts, characters, everything is all over the place!

Mathis ... first off, I hate his name. I kept thinking of the insect or whatever called the Praying Mantis. I did this every time his name was called. He is crazy with a bit of anger management problems and either he is using subliminal messages to get his way, or Jenny is such a horn dog that a few whispered words get her anywhere and place he wants. Once again though, somehow this works for THEM.

Speaking of Jenny Sunshine, which is her real name by the way, yes, imagine my shock that it wasn't a skripper name! Jenny Sunshine is in the building with her bible thumping parents whose presence I can't fathom. They did a cameo in the first half of the book and then they were eaten by large Praying Mantis :)

Ok, that last bit was a joke, but where were they?! They were totally M.I.A. for the remainder of this novel and life changing doesn't explain the month Jenny had. This book took a whole month to pit two strangers together and give them lifetimes worth of issues. Bare in mind, that at this point, you can count on one hand, how many sensible conversations they had, that didn't lead to a fight and/or sex.

They were insta-everything. It took them 3 days time in total to declare their love. After that month though, there were more yellow tapes that the authors just decide was not needed, so we fast forward a year, get some stuff out the way, fast forward another year and called it a day. As I said in the beginning ... uncomplicated!

I keep wondering if it's the Vegas heat that has fried every one's brain, but all the characters in this novel are either crazy, depressing, freaky or drunk. Efficient are these authors, because they gave us a lifetime worth of issues and friendship in 191 pages with enough issues and outcomes for an at least 300 page full length novel. Did it work? ... the jury is still out on that one.

You need patience, a quiet corner, so people don't see you crying and laughing like a loon at all the crazy and ridiculousness that takes place and are discussed in this novel and an extremly broad, vented, open mind. They are depraved and surely don't reason like the rest of the adults in the world. On the bright side though, they don't believe in going to bed angry, so every chapter ends on a happy note. Oh, I hated you for 15 years? Worry not! A visit to my office and a half hour of conversation, we are right as rain and ready to face all life's evils together!

This is a tight knit group, so with the exception of one mercenary type character, every one had their silly, cliche positions. Best friend, bodyguard, whore turned assistant, drunk, bitter ex. You name it, they had it! Let's not forget the underground life of a European born night life entrepreneur. Yup! Let the cliches reign!!!

I don't understand much when it comes to the past and even sometimes the present of the main characters, what I do know, is that they both like dominance and are extremly competitive. Hence the reason they even ended up together. It always a battle for dominance with these two.

I could stay here all day and outline this story with it's wild progression and crazy cast, but get some patience, time, understanding and try it for yourself, who knows, you might like it! It's not every day we get to see crime syndicates break of their own volition, just to get into more illegal activities on the Vegas strip o.O

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20619926-uncomplicated

Underworld Champions By Ella Stone

Everyone keeps talking about this book being similar to some other biker novel. I haven't read that other novel, so I can't confirm or deny, but from my perspective, I think this novel brought it's own flavour to the world of bikers. I also appreciate that it was set in Australia, as oppose to the US and they spoke of their US charters instead of the other way around.

Once you have read one biker novel, you've read them all. The basics are the same, the names are ridiculously inappropriate or aiming to drive fear and the women are doing and aiming for the same thing. I have yet to find one on the caliber of Madeline Sheehan's 'Undeniable' series, but this one didn't do too bad in my opinion, I have definitely read worse.

There were some overly sappy moments and a few conversations that were premature in my opinion, but I eventually acclimated to it all and appreciate it for the individuality it possess for me.

Maddie is not your usual broken girl or biker novel heroine. Yes, she had a rough life, she is running from her past and a person in said past, but she faces it all like such a trooper. She doesn't curse and moan about her sad life and if not for her nightmares and occasionally voiced insecurities, you would never know that she is a really damaged girl that isn't even looking for love. She is looking for a better future and life, I would actually believe her if she gave that cheesy romance line of not looking for love.

Maddie is feisty, witty, straight forward and has no problem speaking her mind. She take what she wants and makes no apologies for it. She is a bad ass and I hate seeing her lose some of that fire as the novel progressed; She fell into a mold and she wasn't the girl that challenged biker's with guns and broke into their homes.

I don't understand or know much about Cole, or his feelings for Maddie, but he says they are there and they seem to work as a couple.We didn't get much of his back story, but there was so much going on that I didn't notice until the end. His family is a mixture of depravity, confusion and so much more.

Speaking of endings, this one was sad and depressing. I think it all happened too fast for the impact it possess and regardless of what the author wants us to think, I do blame Maddie and I am sure others do and will in the upcoming novel. The lost was surreal and personal for readers. It was over so fast that I didn't get time to reflect or review on the fallen. Major characters, that I expected to maybe even get a book of their own, didn't make it to the last page. I started hoping for the fairy tale recovery and after math. I got none :(

Maddie and Cole are like bunnies, so expect a lot of sexing all over the place. Public and private. It was entertaining to hear how some members got their alias and I definitely think Mango tops the bunch :)

Tthe story line is a good one but I would have loved to spend more time with Maddie and her immediate family. I didn't mind the insta-romance, but I wanted some family time too. I think it was important in this novel, especially as we got to the end.

This is a quick read, because I got up, read it then got ready for work. It's fast-paced, sticking to the points and wasting no time in getting to the matters at hand. It replicates no other biker romance novel that I have ever read and the characters and their personalities grow on you. I never heard of Aussie bikers before, don't even know if they exist, but I did like this story and have no problem reading the next one.

It's not perfect, gripping or that intriguing of a novel, but it's interesting enough and comprises of a different point of interest and scenery. Not only are the hero and heroine far from shy, they follow their own rules and take us on quite the ride down under!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20625140-underworld-champions

Broken Pieces By Riley Hart

If I was to tell you how I found and began reading this story, it'd be a lie. I stumbled upon it by accident, on my weekly Goodreads sweep. What I do know, is that I am glad I found it.

This is like no other M/M romance or romance novel that I have ever read before. This is my second, three's not a company, book that I have read and it's the first with an ending of this caliber and emotion for me as a reader. However, I am still apprehensive, especially seeing that there will be a continuation in late 2014.

I love them all. I loved Mateo and Josiah's relationship in the first half of this novel, to the point where I couldn't see how Tristan would fit. Then I loved the dynamic of Tristan and Josiah so much, to the point where, I wasn't sure how Mateo would fit. Somehow, some way, Riley Hart found a way to mesh it all together and what would you know? It worked!

You won't understand this story. Don't expect or try to. Go with the flow and enjoy the ride. It might not be the norm and you will get lost but you can't help but to love these men. It isn't the dark mind sex you would expect it to be, but it comes pretty close. For the most part, they are openly gay and that just takes off the out of the closet issue, but they do have other problems lurking. Their issues, while familiar, are intertwined in a way that leaves it feeling original and still have you in suspense.

I got an in depth description and feel of each character and their personalities, even Ben. I know what each men bring to the table, novel and relationship on a whole. Josiah is the glue, Mateo is the rock and Tristan is the force that keeps them straight and together.

I've loved Josiah from his first introduction of Mateo. We got to watch him grow and become the man he was in the end of this story. He moved from a timid mouse, to the real lion of this pride. I cheered, cried and laughed with him. I believed and felt every emotion propelled from the guys in this novel, but I certainly stuck with Josiah through this ride.

Mateo is an enigma. I never know what to expect with him, but really, it's all the things no one wants to say. Every time I think he will shut down, he does the unexpected. No offence, but I honestly couldn't picture him as being gay, even before we even met his character. He has this edge that takes this novel to another level and without him, this threesome could not work, both figuratively and literally. They all contribute to this relationship and if one is missing, it just wouldn't be the same.

Tristan is the leader, savior, peace keeper. He is there alpha to both men and I love when he gets a chance to be the beta. There is a silent but deadly undertone to this man that I just love. Call me weird, but I love a terse man and Tristan is just that! He is firm, unflinching and I would love to have seen him eviscerate in the courtroom. I got lost in the characters, story line and personalities. I feel like I know them personally.

This story is a journey, that eventually brings you to a satisfying, but incomplete ending. I could stay here day and night to discuss this novel page by page, with how much I loved it and I haven't even got into the hot and heavy three some sex scenes. Now that's participation!

I was enthralled, captivated and I tried to fight with my eyes to remain open to finish this story in one day. It never came to pass, but two days wasn't bad either.

I was never bored. Confused, frustrated, dumbfounded but never bored. I have been looking for a shake up in my reading list for a while now and I have finally found it with 'Broken Pieces' by Riley Hart. I will keep a vigil until the release of book two, because I miss this threesome already and my kindle is still hot from reading the last page!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18874773-broken-pieces

Sex Love Repeat By Alessandra Torre

I'm a big Alessandra Torre fan. Just ask Alessandra Torre ;) Despite being a fan of her work, I won't lie. I loved it ... until the end :(

With that being said, just give her the crown already, because this lady is the queen of quirky, unconventional, out of this world, unusual but works, romances! If you are looking for a little taboo, look no further than an Alessandra Torre novel!

This is a great and unusual story with a great set of characters. The story line is filled with enough drama to keep you occupied right down to the last page. I am going through chapters, like there is no tomorrow, clutching at every word. The end wasn't even poorly written, it just wasn't the one of my personal hopes and dreams :(

I never fail to enjoy an Alessandra Torre novel and this one was no different. I loved the characters, the development and the effortless switch between Madison, Stewart, Paul and Dana. There are so many climaxes within this story, that you can't possibly be bored! Just when I think this story has peaked, one more situation is added and I am leaving wanting more.

There is not one character in this book I dislike. Everything within this novel seems so effortless and leaves me believing that I can try a little three some  ;) The story is written beautifully and you can't help but love the taboo of it all.

I never liked one guy more than the other, until it came down to a decision. Then, I started to really see the one I favored and had the strongest connection with. Unfortunately, he wasn't the chosen  :(

The sex scenes of this novel were concise, if possible, and to the point. Doesn't mean it lacked passion or fire either. Every sex scene, detailed or not, was filled with emotion and passion, even up against a wall in a bathroom, with the other guy a couple steps away. See what I am talking about? Drama!  I connected with all the characters and I was never once bored or bias.

The surf terms in this novel were ridiculous and I wonder if they are real or made up. The fact that I don't know, is another testament to this novel. Everything felt real and even the impossibles were filled with potential, when Alessandra Torre writes it and her characters portray it.

I adore the guys of this novel! They are both hot, adventurous, spontaneous and get a girl wet without even trying! It is impossible to pick one, so I understand Madison, I would live the fantasy too. Especially if I had permission.

Stewart is the powerhouse, workaholic who gets you going with a look and Paul is the relaxed surfer that allows you to enjoy the natural beauties of life. When they combine? *fill in the blanks*

This story isn't edgy or dark, but it is unconventional, inappropriate and so right! The taboo is removed and all you can see is the love story within. If any problem I have with this novel, it's the ending. I felt that a decision was made too quickly and the emotions I felt for these characters were dismissed with too much ease. It didn't feel rushed, but in essence, it was.

Honestly, I still don't understand a lot about this relationship and the parties involved. It is all one big mess, that you will have to experience to understand. What I do know, is that Alessandra does a great job of navigating and sensitizing readers to the content of this novel. Even if you don't get it, you love it!

I really hoped for a separate book for one of these guys, but as I said in the beginning, I'm a big fan of Alessandra Torre work, so I'll just wait on the next smasher! :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19064115-sex-love-repeat