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A Witches Mortal Desire

This is a new author for me, and while I encountered a few issues, I still enjoyed the story overall. It took me a while to get through it, mainly because there were moments when the pacing slowed down, prompting me to set the book aside temporarily. However, I always returned to it, believing it was worth the effort.

I liked all the characters except for Sadie’s mother, who lacked any redeeming qualities in my view. While the characters were generally well-developed, I felt they could use a bit more depth, which can likely be addressed in future books. I also noticed a few typos, such as “titled” instead of “tilted.” Additionally, the world they inhabit could have been better fleshed out, especially since it is supposed to parallel our own.

Sadie Willamena Holt is the middle child in a family of witches but lacks magic and the respect of her mother and older sister. They treat her poorly, making her feel like a bad and evil person because of who she is.

Sadie has come to terms with being an outsider, as it is a role she has always occupied. Nevertheless, she has good friends who make her feel valued and a life that is worth living. Her life may be unconventional, but it is still uniquely hers.

There are some steamy elements to be aware of, as this story includes ménage pairings of various genders. I would recommend it.

My rating: ✪✪✪✪

Unknown's avatar

Boobarella and The Space Penises

This story was decent, but nothing exceptional. It reminded me of the 1960s movie “Barbarella” starring Jane Fonda. While there may not have been any space penises—an interesting touch in this narrative—men were still involved. The cast is entirely female, which brings its own implications.

The story is fairly average, and the characters are only somewhat developed. Since this is a serial, it requires a commitment, and I’m not sure I’m willing to make that commitment. I doubt the plot will maintain my interest beyond one or two episodes unless significant improvements are made to the storyline and it shifts away from the 1960s vibe I associate with it.

My rating: 🌠🌠

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Mountain Man

I adore this author and usually relish the tales I read, but this particular story didn’t fully meet my expectations. Initially, I could predict the plot from the first chapter and character introduction. The characters were well-developed, to the extent that I genuinely disliked one of them for her lifelike portrayal. However, I missed a sense of the town and its inhabitants, as I enjoy rich backdrops. The main characters received some background, but it felt insufficient, providing just a skeletal understanding of their identities before they came together.

William Black relocated to Marshall Heights to escape what he viewed as unforgivable failures, believing he didn’t deserve to be part of society. Living reclusively on the mountain, he’s the subject of much speculation, yet the truth of his past remains hidden. Delilah, a bank employee, encounters William during his biweekly visits to cash checks. Despite the rumors, she senses they’re unfounded. Her admiration turns to affection after witnessing an act she deems heroic. Complicating matters is Janet, the proverbial thorn in the side, who seeks to rekindle a relationship with William for less than noble motives.

The romance was endearing and somewhat steamy. I would suggest it to others, as the author’s talent shines through, and fans of this book are likely to appreciate their other works as well.

My rating: 💖💖💖

Unknown's avatar

The Handbook

The story begins at a leisurely pace, introducing the main characters individually, but gains momentum when Nikki and Derek meet. While some characters are mere stereotypes, they serve to advance the plot effortlessly. More classroom interactions would have been preferable, as the main characters, particularly the teacher, often end up clubbing instead.

Nikki Sloan, after being dumped by her long-term boyfriend, spirals downward, despite the relationship not being right for her. As she starts to recover, a disastrous date sends her plunging back into despair. Discovering a notebook claiming to transform her into the ultimate seductress, she embarks on a journey to gain confidence and power.

Derek Anderson, a professor rumored to be involved with his students, finds himself coerced into taking over another instructor’s classes when the dean hears of his alleged affairs. This twist of fate brings him and Nikki together. Derek, who prides himself on bachelorhood, begins to see the potential for change.

Initially, Nikki appears immature, but she matures significantly as she follows the notebook’s advice. Derek, too, starts off seeming juvenile but reveals deeper layers. Although this genre isn’t my usual preference, I find these stories quite engaging and am open to exploring more.

This book should appeal to anyone who enjoys a heartfelt romance with a guaranteed happy ending.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Unknown's avatar

Cougar Christmas

I love this author and she never fails to entertain me with whatever genre she happens to be writing in. I liked the two main characters from the beginning and the story got my attention and did not let go until the very end, even if it had to be over a few days. Sometimes I wish I did not have to sleep or work so I could just read right through.

Genevieve Wells is a cold-as-ice boss about to lose her job if she cannot produce a mate for the Intensely Intimate Couples’ retreat that she won at the office Christmas party. She signed a contract stating she would go to the boss if there was any trouble in her marriage and she did not do it. Now she may have to face the consequences of not thinking before signing.

Drew Jamison is Genevieve’s long-suffering employee who has been angling for a promotion for quite a while. He dislikes Genevieve while at the same time being very attracted to her, even though she is ten years his senior. When he gets Genevieve to tell him what is bothering her he makes her a proposal that can help them both. He will go with her if she will give him his promotion.

While Genevieve fights to keep things professional because of her age and position, Drew wants to move things along in a more personal direction.

This is a hot and kind sweet story of an older woman who finds herself attracted to a younger man whom she feels she cannot have. I think anyone will enjoy this holiday treat.

My rating: ✬✬✬✬

Unknown's avatar

The Taking

Another good entry in Jillian’s diary as she and Dean take things to the next level in their sexual journey. This couple is having a wonderful time finding out what the other likes and can handle. It gets more interesting and sensual with every entry.

Jillian and Dean play a game of Hide and Seek that brings out the animal in Dean. They then finally enter their playroom which Jillian has filled with a few good toys for them to explore.

You have to read it to believe it.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Unknown's avatar

The Seduction

The characters are the same but change as they fall further into the Awakening that Jillian set in motion when she visited dean’s office. There was no significant story here more like 3 experiments being done by the couple which were broken up. This is a short story with three short stories within. I really like this couple because they seem very real and I hope that anyone would be as open as they are.

Dean and Jillian Noble are a married couple having a sexual awakening after 19 years of marriage. The journey is good for both and especially for Dean who has wanted to try things with the woman he loves that he felt were too dark and kinky. When Jillian opens the door Dean is more than happy to go through and find out what works for them both.

This was just an alright entry for me though I like them I think it would have been better to have something else going on besides just the set-up for more sex. Not to say that I don’t like sex but give me something more about them. Where does Jillian work, or does she? Still, I think it will be enjoyable for most.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟

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The Protected

I always enjoy the exploits of the psychics attached to the FBI unit because they are not simply suits. These agents have backgrounds and stories that are in some instances heartbreaking but that only makes them more interesting to read about. The characters whether good guys or bad guys are going to be nothing short f great because you are going to get someone who is either going to make you like them or creep you out and make you dislike them, both very good things while reading.

Agent Vaughnne MacMeans would do anything to avoid going back to Orlando after the last assignment in that city. Her new assignment, keeping an eye on a psychic kid who may or may not be in danger forces her right back to the city where her sister was murdered. As an added bonus she finds herself attracted to the kids’ guardians in a big way.

Gus does not understand Alex’s gift but he knows that some people would kill to have it. And he is prepared to do whatever it takes to keep the boy safe from anything. His first inclination is to run when the beautiful woman moves into the house across the street from his, but figures getting to know her first might not hurt. When danger does show Vaughnne may be the only person standing between them and death.

Things start a little slowly but pick up swiftly and things start happening that keep you wondering. There are a number of people who come into play some known and some new. The tension builds perfectly and keeps you waiting for the next event. There is also a romance that develops which you want to see grow and hopefully work. I would definitely recommend this!

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unknown's avatar

The Cajun’s Captive

I have read something from this author before and liked it enough to try this series. While this did not grab me out the gate I still did enjoy it. The characters seem thin but I assume they will get more of a lift as this continues since they will likely be seen in subsequent books even though they will not be the focus. I also expect that their surroundings, besides the fact that it is Louisiana, will be more fully fleshed out. This didn’t really give me a chance to see them in my head and become a part of the story.

Sebastian Deveraux is the Alpha of his pack and like all his brothers is sexy as pure sin. He has waited decades for the right woman, his mate. He was sure he’d found her in Amanda St. James ten years earlier, but she ran from him. When she shows up on his porch as a hurricane is blowing in he decides to do anything to keep her with him. Even if that means chaining her to his bed.

Nice enough story but I hope to get more from the rest of the series. Still worth reading.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Jabril

I enjoyed this second book just as much as the first in the series. The old characters were more well defined and the new characters were pretty much brought in with full personalities that made you either like or dislike them immediately upon meeting them. You knew who was who and who could be trusted in a tense situation.

Jabril Karim is one of eight Vampire Lords and headquartered in Houston, Texas. While Raphael rules through loyalty and respect, Jabril uses fear and threats. Mirabelle is a young woman who was placed in Jabril’s care as a 15-year-old along with her 10-year-old sister. In order to get his hands on her money and control her, he turned her one day after her 18th birthday, but he still needs her because she does not get the bulk of her money until she becomes 25, but after that, he will not need her.

When Mirabelle’s sister runs away to avoid the fate of her sister Jabril hires Cynthia to find her, though he does not believe a woman can do the job. What he wants is to claim Cyn and rub it in Raphael’s face for not making her his. With her arrival in Texas Cynthia decides that what Jabril wants is something she will have to thwart in order to save her sisters who were given to a monster.

While the main story is good we have a secondary story that is just as good and compelling. Enjoy this book and be ready for the next which should prove just as good.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rumor has it Raphael used a private investigator, a very private investigator from what I hear, but one who resisted even that arrogant bastard’s charm.” “You would hire a woman?” “Oh hardly, Asim,” he said with a dismissive flip of his fingers. “Talk to the lawyers and find a proper man for the job. But call this woman of Raphael’s anyway. I want to meet her, and that bastard’s ego could use a good pricking. Do you think he would mind sharing?” “I think he would rather share with a snake, my lord,” Asim said with a sharp smile.

Jabril