Steph Reviews Tied to His Betrayal (Dirty Little Secrets #2) by Stacey Kennedy

Publisher: Loveswept
Series: Dirty Little Secrets #2
Format Read: E-book
Source: From Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: November 15, 2016
Buying Links: Amazon* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Darius Bennett can’t live without supreme control. A self-made billionaire, he’s rich enough to get anything—and any woman—he wants, yet he’s still haunted by a broken relationship. Five years ago, Darius let Taylor Erikson go because he knew he could never give her what she truly wanted: his heart. But the moment Taylor walks back into his life, bruised and beaten, Darius blames himself. To make good on his betrayal, he vows to help her heal—in and out of the sheets.

Once upon a time, Darius was Taylor’s world. Now his fierce embrace is exactly what she needs to get back on her feet. But Taylor pays a heavy price for her sizzling nights with Darius. As the emotional ties become stronger than ever and the paparazzi hunt her down for their next juicy story, Taylor must face some hard truths. They can’t go back. And to move forward, the key to loving Darius isn’t about keeping his secrets—it’s about exposing them.

Steph Reviews Bound Beneath His Pain (Dirty Little Secrets #1) by Stacey Kennedy

Publisher: Loveswept
Series: Dirty Little Secrets #1
Format Read: E-book
Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: July 5,2016
Buying Links: Amazon*  | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Real estate mogul Micah Holt exerts absolute control over all aspects of his life. He keeps his dark side hidden away from the press, who will chase down any hint of scandal. He’s always in command of his world, careful to expose his closely guarded secrets only to those he knows he can trust. Then Allie Bennett shakes his legendary discipline. She’s beautiful, pure, untainted. But is Micah willing to sacrifice her innocence for his own selfish obsessions?

When that sexy smile makes her body burn, Allie tries with all her might to ignore it. For one thing, Micah’s her new boss. For another, he’s as complicated as he is devastatingly handsome. Still, Allie can only fight so much before she gives in to his dangerous games. She knows he’s got dark secrets. But when she discovers the true depth of his pain, Allie must decide how far she’s willing to go to light the way for love.

Jax Reviews The Virgin by Tiffany Reisz

 

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Series: The Original Sinners (The White Years)
Format Read: ebook
Source: The publisher, in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: March 31, 3015
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | ARe* | Barnes & Noble 
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

For years, Kingsley Edge warned Eleanor the day would come when she, the mistress of a well-respected Catholic priest, would have to run and hide. She always imagined if that day came she'd be running away with Søren. But instead, she's running from him.

Knowing Søren and Kingsley will their use their influence to bring her back, Eleanor alone, penniless and scared takes refuge at the one place the men in her life cannot follow: the abbey where her mother has taken orders. Behind the cloistered gates of the convent, Eleanor hides from the man she loves and hates in equal measure

She cannot, however, hide from her true nature. When Eleanor befriends a young virginal nun, she faces a startling sexual awakening. But Eleanor can't stay forever, and the lure of her real life beckons beyond the locked gates. But to follow her fate means to leave Kyrie behind, a sacrifice Eleanor refuses to make

The lure of the forbidden. The temptation to sin. The price of passion has never been higher, and Eleanor will have to pay it if she ever wants to go home again.

Jax Reviews The Saint by Tiffany Reisz

Publisher: Harlequin
Series: The Original Sinners (The White Years)
Format Read: ebook
Source: From Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: June 24, 2014
Buying Links: ARe* | Amazon US* | Amazon UK | Book Depository* | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.


About The Saint by Tiffany Reisz:
 

Before she became Manhattan's most famous dominatrix, Nora Sutherlin was merely a girl called Eleanor… 

Rebellious, green-eyed Eleanor never met a rule she didn't want to break. She's sick of her mother's zealotry and the confines of Catholic school, and declares she'll never go to church again. But her first glimpse of beautiful, magnetic Father Marcus Stearns—Søren to her and only her—and his lust-worthy Italian motorcycle is an epiphany. Eleanor is consumed—yet even she knows being in love with a priest can't be right. 

But when one desperate mistake nearly costs Eleanor everything, it is Søren who steps in to save her. When she vows to repay him with complete obedience, a whole world opens before her as he reveals to her his deepest secrets that will change everything. 

Danger can be managed—pain, welcomed. Everything is about to begin. 

Jax Reviews The Prince by Tiffany Reisz

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Release date: November 20, 2012
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased by reviewer
Buying links:Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer...preferably in bed. That's always been Kingsley Edge's strategy with his associate, the notorious New York dominatrix Nora Sutherlin. But with Nora away in Kentucky, now it's Kingsley's chance to take her place at the feet of the only man he's ever wanted -- Søren, Nora's on-again, off-again lover -- until a new threat from an old enemy forces him to confront his past.

Wes Railey is still the object of Nora's tamest yet most maddening fantasies, and the one man she can't forget. He's young. He's wonderful. He's also thoroughbred royalty and she's in "his" world now. But Nora is no simpering Southern belle, and her dream of fitting into Wesley's world is perpetually at odds with her dear Søren's relentlessly seductive pull.

Two worlds of wealth and passion call to her and whichever one Nora chooses, it will be the hardest decision she will ever have to make... unless someone makes it for her....

Jax Reviews The Angel by Tiffany Reisz

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Series: The Original Sinners Series #2
Release date: Original edition (September 25, 2012)
Format: Signed paperback
Source: Bought by reviewer
Buying link: Amazon* Barnes & Noble


Blurb from goodreads:

No safe word can protect the heart
 
Infamous erotica author and accomplished dominatrix Nora Sutherlin is doing something utterly out of character: hiding. While her longtime lover, Søren—whose fetishes, if exposed, would be his ruin—is under scrutiny pending a major promotion, Nora's lying low and away from temptation in the lap of luxury.

Her host, the wealthy and uninhibited Griffin Fiske, is thrilled to have Nora stay at his country estate, especially once he meets her traveling companion. Young, inexperienced and angelically beautiful, Michael has become Nora's protégé, and this summer with Griffin is going to be his training, where the hazing never ends.

But while her flesh is willing, Nora's mind is wandering. To thoughts of Søren, her master, under investigation by a journalist with an ax to grind. And to another man from Nora's past, whose hold on her is less bruising, but whose secrets are no less painful. It's a summer that will prove the old adage: love hurts.

Jax Reviews The Siren by Tiffany Reisz

Publisher: Mira
Release Date: July 16, 2012
Format Read: ebook
Source: reviewer purchased
Buying links: Amazon* Barnes & Noble The Book Depository*
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission for purchases made through these links

Blurb from goodreads:
 

Notorious Nora Sutherlin is famous for her delicious works of erotica, each one more popular with readers than the last. But her latest manuscript is different—more serious, more personal—and she's sure it'll be her breakout book...if it ever sees the light of day.

Zachary Easton holds Nora's fate in his well-manicured hands. The demanding British editor agrees to handle the book on one condition: he wants complete control. Nora must rewrite the entire novel to his exacting standards—in six weeks—or it's no deal.

Nora's grueling writing sessions with Zach are draining…and shockingly arousing. And a dangerous former lover has her wondering which is more torturous—staying away from him...or returning to his bed?

Nora thought she knew everything about being pushed to your limits. But in a world where passion is pain, nothing is ever that simple.

Excerpt from The Dark Garden by Eden Bradley

So, unless you've been offline and avoiding the news the past few months, you've probably heard talk of 50 Shades of Grey, the Twilight inspired, BDSM love story that's been on the New York Times combined fiction and ebook charts for 11 weeks with it's sequels 50 Shades of  Darker and 50 Shades of Freed following at #2 and #3.There's been intense interest by readers in finding similar books. I haven't read the book, nor do I plan to, but two of my do-workers did and thoroughly enjoyed it. Both Dear Author and Smart Bitches have lists of books that interested readers can try for further exploration of BDSM themed erotica. And today, thanks to Random House, I have an excerpt from one. I hope you like it!

Review of His Toy by Sur Renda

Publisher: viritude llc 
Release Date: February 4, 2012
Buying Links: Amazon

Blurb (from the back of the book): 

This first volume in the viri dominant (latin for “men dominate”) series delves into the erotic world of BDSM through the internal turmoil of Nicole, and the ministrations of her lover, Regon.

Intrigued by his sexually dominant lifestyle, Nicole accepts an invitation to be his toy for a weekend. As unfolding events expose her character flaws, Nicole’s behavior threatens to undermine their relationship unless she can submit to his will.

A brief glimpse into a society of dominant men, and the submissive women that love them, this romantic story provides the foundation for their continuing escapades in subsequent volumes.

**********************************************************************************

Excerpt

As she realized the full terror of the situation, Nicole crumbled internally with a mind full of unspoken questions. What if he knew she was supposed to strip? Had he read the letter before giving it to her? Why does he not just drive off as instructions had stated? Was he going to watch her secretly? It had taken all of her strength to overcome her fears and the bewildering ride to this mansion in the mountains.She has repeatedly reminded herself to trust in the the trust she had developed with Regon.She had never stripped naked in front of a stranger much less in the midst of a forest in the cold mountain air. Cool drops exuded from her eyes and tumbled down her cheeks.

"I want to go back home now." Nicole requested as she fought back the tears.

The driver walked to the trunk of the limousine, opened it, and fetched a large wool blanket from it. He slung the blanket over his arm and shuffled quickly up the granite steps.

"If you want to go home, I will, of course, take you," affirmed the driver. "But, it would be a shame for you to miss this weekend, you might not get another a chance with him," he continued as he placed the blanket over her shoulders. "I know what he has asked you to do, so, perhaps this blanket will help. No?"

"Thank you," Nicole sniffed as she struggled to regain her usual composure.

"You'll be staying then, Miss?" asked the driver.

Nicole smiled at the well-mannered driver and nodded her consent.

"I will see you on Sunday evening then, Miss," asserted the driver as he turned and walked back down the steps towards the running limousine. The car slowly rolled forward and down the driveway; soon it was gone from view.

Nicole drew in a deep breath, wiped the trail of ice from her cheek, and tossed her hair back into alignment. Having composed herself on the outside, she resolved to find the internal composure that would see her through this moment to its conclusion. She clutched the blanket tighter around her shoulders and stared at the solid door for just a few moments. Finally mustering the courage, Nicole slipped out of her heels and kicked them forward. She rolled her stocking sown and deposited them in the shoes. The little black dress slid easily off her shoulders and fell quickly to the granite porch over her slender figure. She let the blanket go and stood completely naked at the door as she pressed the doorbell.

The pang she felt now was one of anticipation.

**********************************************************************************
Reviewed By: Jax


My Thoughts: Ok...with all the hoopla over Fifty Shades, I thought it might be nice to check out a book written by an author that actually has some experience/first hand knowledge of the lifestyle. Ok...and I just like my erotica with a bit of viri dominant to it. I also know the author does more than dabble in BDSM, and that alone intrigued me. I wanted to see how different it would be from other stories I've read...the ones where you thoroughly enjoy it, but have to wonder just how much of it is creative license.

For starters...it's a relief to see a character who enjoys their kinks and doesn't have some sort of deep seated psychosis to "explain" why they do what they do. Regon (the Dom) is not some wounded child out to compensate for past trauma. Nor is he ashamed or apologetic. That does not, however make him an unyielding jackass. Stern, exacting...yes. But not without compassion or care. Nicole is precious to him, and while he certainly doesn't treat her with kid gloves, I mean, really - it's BDSM - he is as exacting and demanding of himself to insure her safety. 

Nicole...she's the one you watch for growth...still learning the why's of what she wants. It's an interesting and arduous journey, not without its pleasures, but one she's not sure she can handle. The conflict in the story comes from her overcoming some very realistic doubts about herself, and what she's gotten into. Facing insecurities and fears, and not on the most graceful of terms. In fact, for someone who went into this willingly...she's almost annoyingly petulant about the experience. 

I enjoyed the edge this book walked. That peek into what could be, if you were willing to take the last step. To completely entrust yourself to someone else. To realize that it may not always be what you expected...or what you think you want...but it could definitely be worth it. 




I received a copy of the book from the publisher for review. 

Review: Shackled by Morgan Ashbury

Book Blurb: Bethany asks Jordan Fitzpatrick, owner of Reckless Abandon, to find her a Master, agreeing to accept his choice. But never would she have guessed that he’d choose young hard-body Jonathan Steele. Fifteen years her junior and a friend for years, Jonathan soon lets her know, in no uncertain terms, that he is coming for her one way or another.

Jonathan’s sights are on Beth, and though she readily accepts her true sub nature, he knows he’s in for a struggle. Beth has been taught by her late husband that she can only depend on herself--a lesson that will be a challenge for Jonathan to undo.

With the help of best friend Peter Hamilton and the atmosphere of the city’s premier BDSM Club, Reckless Abandon, Jonathan knows it’s a challenge well worth meeting. The only uncertainty is whether or not he can get Beth to completely surrender to him before another does her harm.

My Thoughts: I enjoy reading romance novels, and I am a sucker for a happy ending. I also sometimes enjoy some fun-filled sex mixed in with my romance, be it graphic or mild. Happily, Ms Ashbury can be counted on to provide a fun, enjoyable erotic romance. In recent books she has gotten more adventurous, moving away from a standard M/F romance and exploring  M/F/M couplings, BDSM, sex toys, etc. I can't help but wonder if she did any hands-on research. :P *wicked grin*

     I know very little about BDSM so it was interesting for me to read this story. It's primarily told through Bethany's eyes, with occasional peeks into Jonathan's mind. We never get inside Peter's head, we only see him through Beth and Jonathan's eyes. As a result he was less fleshed out which is unfortunate since he is part of the love story.
    
     We follow Bethany on her journeys as she learns about the Master/sub relationship, and her developing relationship with Jonathan. Jonathan has wanted Beth for a very long time and with the death of  her husband, he is free to make his move. To his surprise, she makes the first move by going to the local BDSM club and requesting that she be given a Master. The owner and manager, who knew she was coming because she'd made an appointment, has Jonathan ready and waiting in the wings. Jonathan gives Bethany no time to catch her breath and immeidately whisks her off. He deliberately keeps her off balance so that she will not have time to over think things, as she's prone to do. Peter, a good friend of Jonathan's and a fellow Master, is biding his time, waiting for his cue from Jonathan to join in the relationship. Peter knows Bethany casually but is interested and he and Jonathan are hoping to convince Beth to accept both of them.

     The love story moves along quickly but doesn't feel rushed and Ashbury has gotten quite good at writing her sex scenes. There were a few thigns that didn't work for me: Beth, who is portrayed as a caring and concerened parent gives little thoought to how her grown children will react to her new relationship and livign arrangement. Now I don't expect that to be a large part of the story but some acknowledgement of it would be realistic and normal. The other part that didn't work for me was the subplot with Beth's sister-in-law Constance. While it did provide some additional dramatic conflict, I don't think it was necessary and it detracted from the overall story.

     Despite those drawbacks, this was a fun, sexy, enjoyable love story and definitely worth a read.


Publisher: Siren Bookstrand                                                      Release Date: January 14, 2011

More info: goodreads

**The author is a friend of the reviewer**

This ebook was received from the author for review.