Review: Heaven, Texas

Review: Heaven, TexasHeaven, Texas (Chicago Stars, #2) by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Series: Chicago Stars #2
Published by Avon on April 1st 1995
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 384
Goodreads
five-stars

Witty Novel About Opposites

HEAVEN, TEXAS is the second novel in the Chicago Stars series. It tells the story of Grace Snow who at the age of 30 is just beginning to live her life. She takes the job as an assistant for a movie company. Her job is to make sure that Bobby Tom Denton, one time star receiver, makes it to his first acting job. Bobby Tom, however, has no intention of listening to the mousy Grace. Grace is determined, however, and Bobby Tom for the first time in his life has met a woman that he cannot immediately win over.

Wonderful, wonderful novel. Phillips’ characters just leap from the page and the story while sometimes outlandish, is funny and heartwarming. I kept smiling throughout the book. At the same time, I thought the story was deep and emotional. The characters have to travel to reach their happy ending. This is a book to read again.

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five-stars

Review: Manwhore +1

Review: Manwhore +1Manwhore +1 (Manwhore, #2) by Katy Evans
Series: Manwhore #2
Published by Gallery Books on July 7th 2015
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 336
Goodreads
four-stars

Finally a Resolution to the Story!

“I have never been so aware of how deep he’d let me in until I stood before him today, completely cast out of what had become my own personal paradise.”

THE STORY: This book continues the story of Rachel and Malcolm from the first book in the series. When this book opens, Rachel’s lies and betrayal of her relationship with Malcolm has been revealed. Rachel is a reporter who had been assigned a secret expose of Chicago’s manwhore bachelor. In the process of getting to know her subject, she ended up falling in love with him. Malcolm is a private man and Rachel’s betrayal hits him hard. The question that begins this book is whether Rachel can show Malcolm that what they had was real.

OPINION: I liked this book better than the first in the series. The story is more complex and Malcolm seemed more real. I think that that first person narrative makes it difficult to understand Malcolm as a character. Rachel views him in an idealistic way and that makes him seem like a idealized person rather than a real one. Here, Malcolm explains more of his thoughts which makes him more appealing. I also liked that Rachel’s issues are addressed more in this book. Her own fears are a great deal of the problem that this couple ends up having. I really liked her character’s decisions in this book. Instead of taking the easy way out, she fights for her relationship with Malcolm. Her feisty nature and determination are what made me like her more here than in the first book.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book is told in the first person so readers only get Rachel’s view of the story.

FINAL DECISION: I liked this book a bit more than the first in the series probably because of the resolution to the story. I also felt that Malcolm was better represented as a character in this book because he opens up to Rachel more.

CONNECTED BOOKS: MANWHORE +1 is the second book in the Manwhore series. This book really operates as a part two to the story and the first book should be read before this one.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

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four-stars

Review: Manwhore

Review: ManwhoreManwhore (Manwhore, #1) by Katy Evans
Series: Manwhore #1
on March 24, 2015
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 369
Goodreads
four-stars

Ends on a Cliffhanger

“You go out searching for something and come back with something else.”

THE STORY: Rachel Livingston is a magazine writer who is given the assignment to get close to the billionaire bachelor Malcolm Saint and write an expose about him. This is the break that she wants in her career, but it requires her to lie about her intentions. What Rachel doesn’t expect is the manwhore she expects is actually a decent person who she begins to care about. What will happen when her true motivations become known?

OPINION: I thought this story was intense and complicated with Rachel lying throughout the relationship with Malcolm. Rachel’s growth to where she can admit that she was in the wrong is an emphasis in the book. One weak point of the book was that because it was told in the first person, readers only get Rachel’s perspective. She apparently doesn’t see anything negative about Malcolm because he seems pretty perfect in the book. As a result, Rachel’s own actions in lying seem more unreasonable and unforgivable. This book ends on a cliffhanger and thus what might ultimately happen between these two characters when they have honesty between them is still unknown.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book ends on a cliffhanger. There is no resolution so readers should be prepared to buy the next book in the series.

FINAL DECISION: I liked this book more than I expected. I recognized that the story was not complete and would be continued in the other books in the series, otherwise I might have been seriously annoyed with the ending.

CONNECTED BOOKS: MANWHORE is the first book in the Manwhore series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

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four-stars

Review: Secret Pleasure

I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Review: Secret PleasureSecret Pleasure by Lora Leigh
Series: Bound Hearts #13
Published by St. Martin's Griffin on August 18th 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica
Pages: 368
Goodreads
three-half-stars

“They were bound. She couldn’t break that bond, couldn’t escape it, now matter how she tried when her conscious mind ruled her.”

THE STORY: At age 18, Alyssa Hampstead is trying to get away from her overbearing mother and her political aspirations of her father. One night she meets Sebastian De Loren and his cousin Shane Conner. There is an instant connection between the three although Alyssa has no intention of getting involved with these two heartthrobs. The cousins want the beautiful young woman but know that they cannot hope to begin a relationship with her under the eyes of her parents. Instead, they plan on meeting up with her in Spain without her knowledge. The three begin an intense relationship that seems to be satisfying for all three of them, but one day they are torn apart by blackmail and threats. It is not until eight years later that the three come together again. The danger still remains, however, and this time someone may not survive.

OPINION: I liked the mystery in this story more than the romance. I was intrigued by the dangers that continued to threaten this trio. I also really liked the connection between the characters. It is not always easy to write a three sided relationship but Leigh has done this several times already. I didn’t feel that Alyssa’s connection with Shane was as well developed as her relationship with Sebastian. That diminished my enjoyment of this story because part of the trio didn’t seem as understandable. I did really enjoy the protectiveness that the cousins show Alyssa. The pain that all three of these characters endure because of their separation was well described and simply heartbreaking. This story is also pretty hot although I have read better ones by Leigh. Overall a good read but not the best of the series.

WORTH MENTIONING: Readers should be aware that this book features a MMF menage relationship.

FINAL DECISION: This was one of the Bound Heart series where the story was definitely more interesting than I expected. The mystery of who was threatening Alyssa kept the story moving. I didn’t find the relationships in this book as well developed.

CONNECTED BOOKS: BOUND HEARTS is the thirteenth book in the Bound Hearts series. It can be read as a standalone. Although I have read the first couple books in the series, I have not yet completed the rest and did not feel that I missed anything.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.

NOTE: I recieved an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to provide a positive review and all opinions contained herein are my own.

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three-half-stars

Review: Sacrifice

Sacrifice (Bound Hearts, #5) by Lora Leigh
Series: Bound Hearts #5
Published by Ellora's Cave on July 1st 2004
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica
Pages: 133
Goodreads
four-stars

THE STORY: Kimberly Madison has been hiding from her feelings for Jared Raddington for a year. The two are techically step-siblings, but since their parents married when they were adults, they did not grow up together. Kimberly’s father, however, seriously disapproves of Jared and the sexual lifestyle he leads which includes menages and other extreme sexual activities. Kimberly’s inheritance requires her to be a virgin and she is subjected to regular exams to confirm her virginity. Kimberly has no intention of getting involved with Jared when she knows that they have no future. Jared has wanted Kimberly for a long time and is done with waiting.

OPINION: This book is one of the most sexually adventurous of the series and includes Kimberly having sex with another man opening the book and includes the almost required menage. The story is frank and explicit and focuses on the sexual relationship. Because “typical” sex is off limits, this leads to more creative sexual experiences. It also leads the characters to talk more and develop their relationship in different ways. My complaint is that the situation itself felt somewhat contrived with too many obstacles in the couple’s path. I did like the resolution to the problem and felt that it really showed more character development than I had expected.

WORTH MENTIONING: The book opens with the heroine having sex with a man NOT the hero and also contains a MMF menage.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SACRIFICE is the fifth book in the Bound Hearts series. It can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

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four-stars

Review: Wicked Intent (Bound Hearts, #4)

Wicked Intent (Bound Hearts, #4) by Lora Leigh
Series: Bound Hearts #4
Published by Ellora's Cave on April 1st 2004
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica
Pages: 140
Goodreads
four-half-stars

THE STORY: Tally Raines is a smart mouthed secretary with an adventurous sexual side. One person she doesn’t like, however, is her new boss Lucian Conover. The two strike sparks off of one another immediately. Lucian, however, has had his eye on the sexy Tally for a year and has been maneuvering his way into her life. Lucian and his fraternal twin Devril have plans for Tally. Truthfully, Tally cannot resist the two brothers so different in looks but bound together by complicated sexual needs.

OPINION: This is my favorite of the series so far. Menage relationships are difficult because often there is a stronger connection between one pair. Here, Lucian and Devril are two sides of the same coin and yet have distinct personalities that make them compelling and makes the relationship work between these three. Both Lucian and Devril have different relationships with Tally and that helps with balancing the complicated relationship. This book is erotica and it is hot, but the relationships and characters always have priority here.

WORTH MENTIONING: This is a true MMF menage relationship.

FINAL DECISION: The complex and well balanced relationship between the characters makes this my favorite of the series so far.

CONNECTED BOOKS: WICKED INTENT is the fourth book in the Bound Hearts series. It can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

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four-half-stars

Review: Seduction

Seduction (Bound Hearts, #3) by Lora Leigh
Series: Bound Hearts #3
Published by Ellora's Cave on September 1st 2003
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica
Pages: 99
Goodreads
four-stars

THE STORY: Jesse Wyman has wanted Terrie for a long time. The widow of his younger brother, Terrie was almost destroyed by her miserable marriage. Her husband, knowing that she had feelings for Jesse, tormented her with the idea that she was not woman enough for any man especially alpha male Jesse. Since his death, Jesse has tried to be a friend to Terrie, but he has finally reached the end of his patience. Jesse challenges Terrie to seduce him hoping that it will break her out of her cycle of fear.

OPINION: The relationship between Jesse and Terrie is the focus here. Although Jesse has a dominating sexual side, he is also kind and sweet to Terrie. That mixture is especially appealing here. Although the focus of the relationship between Jesse and Terrie is their sexual relationship, it is through this relationship that Terrie is healed of her self-doubt and the fears her husband imposed upon her.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book contains not one but two menage scenes — one FFM and one MMF.

FINAL DECISION: This book’s focus on the tenderness in the relationship between Jesse and Terrie makes it more than a hot sex book.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SEDUCTION is the third book in the Bound Hearts series. It can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

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four-stars

Review: Submission

Submission (Bound Hearts, #2) by Lora Leigh
Series: Bound Hearts #2
Published by Ellora's Cave on July 1st 2003
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica
Pages: 83
Goodreads
three-stars

Sexy Erotic Tale of Pushing a Woman’s Limits

“He was her weakness.”

THE STORY: Ella Delacorte is a woman in her forties who is divorced. Her ex-husband had extreme sexual needs that Ella found distasteful and it ultimately destroyed her marriage. She also has had a thing for James Wyman for over 10 years. Despite the fact that he is younger than her and she knows that he has similar sexual tastes as her ex-husband, Ella has always been attracted to James while being repulsed by her ex-husband. James has finally had enough with waiting and has maneuvered himself into Ella’s house and hopes to bring their relationship forward.

OPINION: Primarily an erotic piece, SUBMISSION is focused on the sexual relationship between Ella and James. This novella benefits from the fact that there is more to their relationship than immediate sex. A reader needs to understand, however, that this is primarily a book about exploring sexual boundaries and therefore the focus is on the sex. It did feel a little repetitive, however, when compared with the first book in the series.

WORTH MENTIONING: Content warning for those who care: this book contains a MMF menage scene.

FINAL DECISION: I liked the story which seemed more substantial than the first book in the series, but ultimately the sex seemed less hot than the previous one.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SUBMISSION is the second book in the Bound Hearts series. It can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.

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three-stars

Review: Surrender

Review: SurrenderSurrender (Bound Hearts, #1) by Lora Leigh
Series: Bound Hearts #1
Published by Ellora's Cave on November 1st 2003
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica
Pages: 82
Goodreads
three-stars

Erotica Focused On Sex Rather Than Relationship

THE STORY: Tess Delacourte has wanted Cole Andrews for years but has no intention on surrendering to her desires. She knows that Cole has extreme sexual desires including sharing his partners with his friends. When Cole takes matters in his own hands, the question is whether Tess will surrender to her desires or lose Cole forever.

OPINION: This novella is focused primarily on the sexual relationship between Tess and Cole. He is domineering and demands that Tess surrender to him. At times it is almost non-consensual although it never crosses that line. I wish that the book had been longer with more about Tess and Cole’s relationship before their week together. There is little here to show that these two have any real chance at a relationship beyond their sexual antics. As a result, I found the sexual adventures to be sterile and cold rather than erotic.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book contains a MMF menage scene.

FINAL DECISION: I don’t mind books where there is an emphasis on the erotic sexual relationship, but this book had little to do with relationship and all to do with sex.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SURRENDER is the first book in the Bound Hearts series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.

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three-stars

Review: After the Storm

Review: After the StormAfter the Storm (Kate Burkholder, #7) by Linda Castillo
Series: Kate Burkholder #7
Published by Minotaur Books on July 14, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery
Pages: 320
Goodreads
four-half-stars

This One Was Just Too Sad for Me

FINAL DECISION: This story was good. There was an old mystery and personal problems with Kate and John, but this one ended just too sad for me. The stories are getting too predictable in that there is never any positive resolution. It’s beginning to feel like Shakespearean tragedy.

THE STORY: A tornado comes to Painters Mill and brings destruction but also uncovers old secrets. When a set of human bones are discovered in the wreckage, a murder that occurred decades before comes to light. Kate Burkholder, Chief of Police, stirs up old mysteries. Also, just when things seem to be going well for Kate and her live in lover John Tomasetti, a new problem brings fractures in their relationship to light.

OPINION: There is so much sadness in this story. The mystery itself has a sad story. The investigation uncovers so many other sad stories. The result of the tornado is sad. And then there is Kate and John’s relationship which has a sad turn but which seems like there will be some happiness in this story — but then that also ends in a sad manner. All this might work well if this was one story among many, but honestly, just about every one of these books are so sad. It seems like there is no bright spot in these stories. This was one book where I hoped that someone would have a happy ending — alas, it was not meant to be.

All that being said, the story was good and had great pacing. Once starting this book, I couldn’t stop until I had finished it. Exciting with many stories intertwining. Just too sad for me.

WORTH MENTIONING: These books always end up too sad and unhappy at the end. I keep wishing for something good to happen once in a while.

CONNECTED BOOKS: AFTER THE STORM is the seventh book in the Kate Burkholder series. It can be read as a standalone although the relationships and characters grow and develop throughout the series.

STAR RATING: I give this one 4.5 stars.

four-half-stars