Needing More Series by Julie A. Richman

Searching for Moore by Julie Richman

(Needing Moore Series Book1)

Publisher & Release Date: Self-published, January 4, 2014

Time and setting: Present Day, NYC & Hollywood

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic

Length:  374 pages

Heat Level: 3 Flames

Book Description:

I lost the love of my life when she disappeared without even a goodbye.

 

It was the 80’s – there was no internet, no Google, no cell phones.

 If you wanted to disappear, you could.

 And she did.

 She crushed my soul.

 A friend just told me he saw her on Facebook.

 And now I’m a keystroke away from asking her the question that’s haunted me for two decades.

 “Why did you leave me?”

Two decades after she broke his heart, sexy entrepreneur Schooner Moore uncovers the truth and betrayal his life has been built on when he Facebook friend requests college love, Mia Silver. Determined to win Mia’s love once again, Schooner embarks on a life-altering journey that could cost him everything.

Buy Links:

http://smile.amazon.com/Searching-Moore-Needing-Book-ebook/dp/B00C7D56L6/

http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Searching-for-Moore-Audiobook/B00LP09L2M

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24624335-searching-for-moore

Vikki’s Musings

Wow, just wow. This is the first time I have read books by Julie A. Richman, but it will not be the last. Needing Moore is one of the most riveting series I have read this year. Schooner Moore and Mia Silver are complex characters, and so compelling. I am so glad I found these books.

This first book starts out with Schooner on his 43^rd birthday. That took me aback because heroes are normally in their late twenties. The book quickly goes back to the 1980s when he is an eighteen-year-old starting his first year of college. He meets Mia and CJ at the freshmen orientation. CJ is the typical beauty queen he usually dates. Mia is the exact opposite.

Schooner soon finds himself in a relationship with CJ but is drawn to quirky Mia in a way that has never happened before. There is such a compelling pull between the two, and I found it so fascinating.

As the story progresses, I really wanted Schooner and Mia to end up together. This is not a light-hearted read. It is emotional and Schooner has plenty of flaws, but they are flaws that are real and fit an eighteen-year-old.

The story jumps to present day and picks up with Schooner married to CJ with two children when he finds Mia on Facebook. When he learns what CJ did that sent Mia running all those years before, he immediately contacts Mia. He leaves CJ and enters into a relationship with Mia.

Mia and Schooner’s passion is combustible just as it was when they were teenagers. Ms. Richman writes with deep emotion and kept me turning the pages as quickly as possible. Thank goodness, I knew upfront this is a trilogy and that the first book ends with a cliff-hanger. Be prepared.

5 Gold Crowns

Moore to Lose by Julie A. Richman (Book 2)

Publisher & Release Date: Self-published, January 5, 2014

Time and setting: Present Day, NYC & Hollywood

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic

Length:  328 pages

Heat Level: 3 Flames

Book Description:

Continuing the fight for their happily ever after that began in Searching for Moore, Schooner Moore and Mia Silver struggle to overcome the ghosts and baggage they accumulated during their time apart.

 Exploring the missing 24 years when they were separated, Moore to Lose follows Mia’s journey from heartbroken teen to kickass businesswoman to her emotional reunion with Schooner and the exploration of the love that was ripped from them.

 But is their love really strong enough to overcome the damage of those missing 24 years or will they continue to be ripped apart by pasts that can’t be changed?

Buy Links:

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FITO0YK/ref=series_rw_dp_sw

http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Moore-to-Lose-Audiobook/B00LT2MJIO

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18906089-moore-to-lose

Moore to Lose is actually Mia’s story of the intervening years and what happened to her. When I read a few of the reviews, I almost skipped to the third book, but I am so glad I did not.

I found Mia’s character growth incredible. The pain she feels is raw and this one had me weeping several times and I do not mean just wiping a few tears away, no tears rolling down my face. I do not want to give anything away, but the part of the book that takes place on 9/11 so gut-wrenching, and would have totally missed out on it if I had listened to those reviewers.

I strongly recommend you do not listen to them, but continue on this amazing journey with Schooner and Mia.

5 Gold Crowns

Moore than Forever by Julie A. Richman (Book 3)

Publisher & Release Date: Self-published, January 5, 2014

Time and setting: Present Day, NYC & Hollywood

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic

Length:  328 pages

Heat Level: 3 Flames

Book Description:

Is the love they always dreamed of enough?

Continuing the emotional journey of love and betrayal that began on a college campus in Searching for Moore and turned their worlds upside down in Moore to Lose, handsome, California entrepreneur Schooner Moore and sharp and sassy, New York advertising agency owner Mia Silver continue to be confronted with the harsh reality of the remnants from the lives they lived apart for 24 years.

Now, Schooner Moore and Mia Silver face the ultimate challenge – were they really meant to be together or will their pasts continue to tear them apart?

On the heels of the birth of their newborn son, Nathaniel, Schooner and Mia must decide if their love and loyalty to one another is strong enough to learn to grow together as a couple or if the life they always dreamed of sharing was better left as a teenage fantasy.

Buy Links:

http://smile.amazon.com/Moore-than-Forever-Needing-Book-ebook/dp/B00IK4OZFE/

http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Moore-than-Forever-Audiobook/B00M9GE6E4

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20878036-moore-than-forever

What an outstanding finish to this fantastic series. As I stated, this is not a read for the faint-hearted. Moore than Forever is as heart-wrenching as the first two were, and kept me listening well into the night trying to finish this one.

Mia and Schooner are together and they are deeply in love, but Schooner’s son and soon-to-be ex-wife are doing whatever they can to rip them apart. Mia is having a hard time dealing with all this, and memories from her past haunt her, keeping her from truly committing to the relationship, but never fear, Mia and Schooner do have one of the best happily ever afters I have ever read.

I highly recommend  this fabulous series. You will not be able to put it down, and you will sigh when it’s over because it will feel like you are losing two very beloved friends.

5 Gold Crowns

 

 

Book & Audio Review: Reckless by Skye Jordan

Reckless by Skye Jordan

 

Publisher & Release Date: Cygnet Books, January 17, 2014

Time and setting: Present Day, NYC & Hollywood

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic

Length:  305 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

A couture wedding dress designer to the rich and famous, Lexi LaCroix’s image means everything. Raised on the wrong side of the tracks, her years of polish and hard work are finally about to pay off. But crossing paths with a sexier-than-sin, bad-boy biker who makes her realize how much living she’s sacrificed for her success, one touch is all it takes to threaten her carefully choreographed life.

 Jax Chamberlin has been screwed over by gorgeous gold-diggers one too many times. Though he runs his own stunt company, all of America knows his Hollywood face even years after he’s given up acting. Finding a woman who doesn’t plan to use him as a stepping stone to success is virtually impossible, so when the charming and mysterious Lexi offers him a chance at a totally anonymous hook-up during an out of town trip, Jax accepts. Only Lexi is more sextacular than charming, and Jax wants more. Lots more.

But Lexi’s got a major hang-up over his renegade lifestyle. And if she finds out his connections could catapult her to the top of her career, he’s afraid the fantasy woman he’s falling for might just end up like all the rest.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EQMKEE0

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Sexuality/Reckless-Audiobook/B00HHHAJEG

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22713731-reckless

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I have read by Skye Jordan, but it will not be the last. Reckless is a shining example of an erotic contemporary romance. The story grabbed me from the first page and kept me enthralled until the end. I am not normally drawn to romances with movie star leads, but Jax is hot, hot, hot! Since the book description is a great synopsis, I will not add to it.

I absolutely loved the sexting in the airport, and when they hook up in the hotel and Lexi insists on darkness was a big turn on. That set the pace for the entire book for me. While I do not know anything about stuntmen or dress designing, I found that part of the storyline very intriguing and believable. Loved the finale of this book!

Lexi’s character touched my heart. The girl from the wrong side of the tracks, determined to make it big in Hollywood is very careful in her relationships, especially after a bad one leaves her in a difficult situation. I loved her grit and her loyalty to her friends. When she, at last, opens herself up to Jax––allowing him into her protected heart––it brought tears to my eyes.

Jax is everything I love in a hero. A bit of the bad boy biker dude, yet with a sensitive side. He has patience galore with Lexi and will not give up until he wins her heart, no matter what the cost. When he is willing to put Lexi’s needs above his own desires my heart melted in a puddle.

I listened to the audio version performed by Piper Goodeve. I enjoyed her narrative a great deal. While she did not give Jax a strong masculine voice––most female readers don’t––she did read with a lot of emotion, and soon I forgot all about that. I found her performance compelling and would listen to other books performed by her.

While there is no denying the sexual scenes are steamy and very erotic, the underlying feelings each of the characters experienced made this a much more intense read. If you enjoy a story with plenty of emotion that will pull on your heart strings and have you wiping away tears, then you will love Reckless as much as I did. I can’t wait to read the second book in this series. Happy reading!

 

 

Book & Audio Review: Virtuous by M.S. Force

Virtuous by M.S. Force
A Quantum Novel, Book 1

Publisher & Release Date: HTJB, Inc, Avon, April 14, 2015

Time and setting: Present Day, NYC

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 278 pages

Heat Level: 3 Scorching Hot Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

He’s a sexual dominant. She’s sworn off sex. There’s no way they can make a relationship work—or can they?

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?

Join Flynn and Natalie as their story unfolds in three full-length books released three weeks in a row: VIRTUOUS, VALOROUS and VICTORIOUS. From New York to Los Angeles, from Hollywood to Las Vegas, Flynn and Natalie’s whirlwind love affair has it all—romance, passion, steamy hot sex, relentless paparazzi and a murder that could be their undoing.

If you hate dirty-talking heroes who put it all on the line for the women they love, who leave no desire unfulfilled, who will do anything it takes to protect what’s theirs…If elements of BDSM make you queasy, if smoking hot sex isn’t your thing, if cliffhangers make you rage, if you hate first-person points of view from the heroine AND the hero… this series is NOT for you! You’ve been warned…

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Virtuous-Quantum-Book-M-S-Force-ebook/dp/B00U9PGUKK/

http://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Sexuality/Virtuous-Audiobook/B00VKQ0ZYE

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25558359-virtuous

Vikki’s Musings

Wow, just, wow! Marie Force does is again. With Virtuous, she is using the pen name, M.S. Force, to alert her readers that this series is different from the rest of her books. This story is grittier, sexier and more explicit, but absolutely riveting. I am so glad I discovered Virtuous.

When Natalie Bryant’s dog causes her to run into a stranger in the park, she’d awe-struck when she discovers it’s the famous actor, Flynn Godfrey. Then to add insult to injury Fuff bites him when he tries to help her stand.

Flynn loses himself in this young woman’s warm brown eyes. He’s never felt such an immediate and overwhelming attraction before, and he’s been with lots of women in his past. Unable to stop, he asks her to go with him for coffee.

When Flynn realizes how innocent and naïve Natalie is, how can he possibly pursue her, knowing she could never understand his darker side? Will he do the right thing and leave her alone, or can he change his lifestyle to have a chance with this woman who has captivated him as never before?

Virtuous grabbed me from the first scene and kept in its thrall to the very end. The story is compelling, and the characters are complex. I could not stop reading/listening to this amazing story.

Natalie’s back story, which Ms. Force weaves into the story with incredible expertise, is heart-wrenching. I fell in love with her character right away. Her strength and determination to forge ahead into a new life is nothing less than spectacular, considering what happened to her when she was only fifteen.

Flynn’s character is merciless in his pursuit, yet is willing to turn his life upside down to have Natalie in his life. Even if it means turning his back on the lifestyle he’s had for the last ten years. His tenderness and care for her stole my heart.

I listened to the audio version of Virtuous and thoroughly enjoyed the performance by Cooper North and Brooke Bloomingdale. Both individuals did an incredible job. Cooper North gave each character a distinct voice and so did Ms. Bloomingdale. They truly brought this fantastic story to life. The emotion they put in their voices brought tears to my eyes. I will definitely look for other books narrated by them.

If you want a book to take you on a roller coaster of emotions, one that will have you laughing one minute at the antics of Natalie’s little beast of a dog and crying next as the story unfolds, then you will positively LOVE Virtuous as much as I. This is not a book for the faint of heart. You must be able to handle graphic language, BDSM elements and enjoy a cliff hanger. You’ll want to have Valorous, the next book in the series available.

I have now read the other two books in this series. I found Valorous and Victorious as riveting and compelling as Virtuous. I could not stop reading these books. I highly recommend this marvelous series to anyone who enjoys books with plenty of hot sex and BDSM elements. Ms. Force certainly did her research. Happy reading!

Book & Audio Review: The Royals Saga by Geneva Lee

Command Me, Conquer Me, Crown Me
by Geneva Lee

Publisher & Release Date: Westminister Press, May 14, 2014

Time and setting: Present Day, London

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 365 pages

Heat Level: 3 Scorching Hot Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Publisher & Release Date: Westminister Press, November 11, 2014

Time and setting: Present Day, London

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 313 pages

Heat Level: 3 Scorching Hot Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Publisher & Release Date: Westminister Press, February 10, 2015

Time and setting: Present Day, London

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 329 pages

Heat Level: 3 Scorching Hot Flame

Rating:5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Book 1: Command Me
When he kissed me, I was shocked. He was a stranger and still so familiar. It wasn’t until I woke up to my picture splashed on the cover of tabloids that I realized I knew who he was.

Prince Alexander of Cambridge.

Royal bad boy.

Exiled heir to the throne.

He isn’t Prince Charming. He’s controlling. He’s demanding. He’s dangerous. And I can’t say no to him.

We both have secrets—secrets that could tear us apart or drive us closer together—and as the paparazzi exposes each one, I have to decide just how far I’m willing to go for King and Country.
Book 2: Conquer Me
Alexander had the world at his feet and me on my knees until secrets tore us apart.
I should stay away from him. I should run. But I’m addicted to him…to the pleasure and the pain.
He warned me about his dark side…about his past. But I have a dark side, too. Together we’ll conquer our demons…if we don’t destroy each other first.
Love doesn’t always conquer all, but it can Conquer Me.
Book 3: Crown Me
As the world tried to tear us apart, Alexander fought for me, claiming me as his own. I belong to him—body, heart, and soul. I found strength in his dominance. In his control. In his love.

Still I could always feel it: the darkness creeping toward our joy, threatening to overcome us. But I never imagined it would end like this. I thought I knew what marrying Alexander meant to my life. To my independence. To us.

I was wrong.

Ripped apart by tragedy, fighting for love, Clara and Alexander face their darkest hour in the
stunning conclusion to their saga…

Buy Links:

Amazon:
Boxed Set: http://www.amazon.com/Commanded-By-You-Alexander-Collection-ebook/dp/B00XDLQYYO/ref=pd_sim_351_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=1198TKRXKKWD9HF0Q4HV

Book 1: http://www.amazon.com/Command-Me-Royals-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B00K5CASSM/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1443889642&sr=1-2&keywords=command+me+geneva+lee

Book 2: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NVSHJSY/ref=series_rw_dp_sw

Book 3: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PHB9WOM/ref=series_rw_dp_sw
Audible:

Book 1: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Command-Me-Audiobook/B00ZQ26AJC

Book 2: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Conquer-Me-Audiobook/B00ZPXFZUC

Book 3: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Crown-Me-Audiobook/B00ZQ26GK0

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25521118-royals-saga?from_search=true&search_version=service

Vikki’s Musings

Wow, just wow! I thoroughly enjoyed the Royals Saga, all three books. I read and purchased each separately, so I could buy the Audible version for $1.99. Plus when I discovered this series, I only downloaded Command Me, since it was free. Geneva Lee was an unknown author for me as well. This is a series that builds steam as the story unfolds in each book. I’m going to dispense with my synopsis and focus on why I LOVED this series!

At one point, during Command Me, I didn’t think I would be interested in reading the rest of the books. However by the end of the first one, I was hooked. For me, each book gets better. By Crown Me, I could not read fast enough!

Since this series involves a fictitious Prince of Wales, I wasn’t completely sold, since while I love fiction, I prefer the story line to be factual, not fantasy. Of course, by the end of the first book that no longer mattered to me. These books are compelling to say the least. The characters are complex and the pacing is fantastic, keeping me captivated, especially Conquer Me and Crown Me.

I fell in love with Clara right away. I could really identify with her character immediately and as her story line unfolds, that connection only became stronger. I had a harder time with Alexander, even though his character fascinated me it took me a while to warm up to him. I’m glad I stuck with him because, by the end, I was madly in love with him.

I did listen to the audio versions as well as reading. Fran Jewel gives a sparkling performance in this series from the first book to the last. She does an outstanding job with the male voices in particular. That is not always the case. Roger Frisk reads Alexander’s point of view in the second and third book, and I also enjoyed his performance. He reads with a lot of emotion, but I did not care for his voice when reading Clara’s dialogue.

I now plan to read the rest of the books in this series, since I love Belle’s character and feel she got a raw deal from her love interest, never liked him from the first. If you enjoy erotic romance with a riveting story, then you will love these books. Happy reading!

Book Review: Taking Control by Jen Frederick

Taking Control by Jen Frederick

Publisher & Release Date: Montlake romance, August 4, 2015

Time and setting: Present Day, NYC

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 362 pages

Heat Level: 3 Scorching Hot Flame

Rating: 3.75 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

In their secret world, unspoken wishes for pleasure come true…and the allure of glamour and passion can easily disguise a deadly secret.

After a tumultuous riches-to-rags childhood, Ian Kerr decided to spend his life focused on making money—and it’s paid off. Then he meets sassy, smart-mouthed bike messenger Victoria “Tiny” Corielli, and he wants nothing more than to introduce her to his world of elite luxury…and enticing desire. But a businessman as ruthless as Ian always has enemies lurking in the shadows—the kind of enemies who violently claimed his parents and are willing to use Victoria as a pawn in their deadly game.

Plucked from her lowly walk-up apartment and financial struggles into a glittering world of wealth and privilege, Victoria is almost overwhelmed…and almost delirious with insatiable desire for Ian. Then sensuality turns to serious peril as Ian’s rivals—and the people Victoria thought she could trust—close in, putting her in jeopardy. Torn between the temptation of carnal passion and the terror of unfathomable danger, she discovers that the dark side of suddenly having it all is knowing you could lose everything.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/Taking-Control-Kerr-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B00SZ35D9M/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0W6WM07D575VSQFC37Z3

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Taking-Control-Audiobook/B010CARF1Y/ref=a_search_c4_1_13_srTtl?qid=1440003593&sr=1-13

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21936001-taking-control

Vikki’s Musings

This is the second book in the Kerr Chronicles duology. I also accepted Taking Control from the publisher, via Net-Galley in exchange for an honest review. This is the conclusion of Ian and Victoria’s story, and I enjoyed it. While contemporary romance is not my first choice of romance, Taking Control is a compelling read.

Victoria is learning to cope with her mother’s death with Ian’s help. She does not care for her new job, missing the freedom of being outdoors, instead of behind a desk. Her boss is awesome and sees potential in Victoria if she could learn to read and write better. Her sharp mind for detail would make her a great field investigator. Ian offers to find her tutors to help her overcome her dyslexia.

Ian’s need for revenge takes a dangerous turn, leading Victoria into a life threatening situation with an unexpected villain. Will Ian make it in time to save her?

This book is well-written and pulled me back into the romance right away. This one has a bit more intrigue and suspense in it, making it a faster paced book. In fact, I didn’t realize this one is around a hundred pages longer than Losing Control. I thoroughly enjoyed getting Ian’s point of view in this one. It gave more insight into his character.

One of the things that makes this book different from others in this sub-genre, it’s not filled with a lot of angst and conflict between the hero and the heroine. Sometimes, there is too much of that for my tastes. While the relationship deepens, it is shown through the growing love and intimacy between Ian and Victoria, and their willingness to work together to solve the problems that arise.

In Taking Control, the issue of Victoria’s dyslexia is explained in greater depth, making it a much more believable part of the story. Now I understand why her reading and writing skills were so poor in the first book. I thoroughly enjoyed the part where she gets much needed help that changes her life in big ways.

I also sensed more in common between the pair, making their relationship more plausible. If you are looking for an erotic romance with an intriguing story line, then I would suggest giving this duology a read. While I am not a fan of books split in two part, this one is well-done. I’m glad I took a chance and gave both books a read. Happy reading!

Book Review: Forever with You by Laurelin Paige

Forever with You by Laurelin Paige

(Fixed Trilogy)

Publisher & Release Date: Self-published, January 2, 2014

Time and setting: Present Day, NYC, New York

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic Romance

Length: 287 pages

Heat Level: 3 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Alayna Withers relationship with Hudson Pierce has tested both her and his ability to trust. They decide that the only way they can move forward together is with open doors and transparency. It won’t be easy for the scarred lovers, but they’re committed to each other more now than ever. Alayna, in particular, has grown through their trials, and has emerged more confident and faithful to the man she loves. 

But while the pair is focused on the future, their past shows up again to threaten their fragile bond. Promises that were made are broken, and Alayna learns that Hudson still has very potent secrets—secrets that will tear them both apart. As much as she feels for him, her ability to forgive and forget is tested beyond her limits.

Even though she found the only man who could fix her, a forever with Hudson seems more and more out of reach. 

Buy Links:

http://smile.amazon.com/Forever-You-Fixed-Book-3-ebook/dp/B00HLU14CA/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1436541713

http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Forever-with-You-Audiobook/B00JG5WZ76

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22645997-forever-with-you

Vikki’s Musings

Forever With You is the last book in the Fixed Trilogy. It is a fantastic finish and I enjoyed it tremendously.  Alayna and Hudson complicated relationship concludes in this book. I have loved this amazing series, and I am so glad I found it.

Will the secrets and lies by omission destroy the budding romance between Hudson and Alayna, separating them forever, or will the truth take them into the light, giving them peace, contentment and the chance to have lasting happiness?

In this final episode of the epic tale, Celia is still up to her tricks. She has now turned to stalking Alayna, just enough to annoy and frighten her, but not enough that she or Hudson, even with his immense power, can do anything about her activities. Over all, Alayna handles this well. I did have a few moments where I wanted to shake some sense in her for her irrational obsessing over Hudson’s employee, Norma.

Again the sexual scenes threatened to set my Kindle and iPhone on fire. However, at times I did find myself skipping over them because they had become a bit repetitive. Don’t get me wrong, they are extremely erotic and very well-written, but I was anxious to find out how the story would play out.

Wow, this is one rollercoaster of a ride emotionally. Ms. Paige had me in tears several times, especially the scene when Alayna finally understands what Hudson’s secret is. This is a highly emotional scene to say the least. What I found truly amazing, even though this story is told only in Alayna’s point of view, I could still completely understand Hudson’s pain. That takes an amazing amount of skill to get that across, through body description and dialogue.

I loved, loved the epilogue! It is written in Hudson’s point of view, and it tied up this incredible series completely. I just discovered Ms. Paige has written a fourth book as companion to the Fixed Trilogy, giving Hudson’s perspective. I plan to read it, but I want to give some space between the series and that book.

While this series did not resonate with me to the same level that the Fifty Shades or Crossfire series, it came very close. If you enjoy a tale with complex characters and a great love story, then this is a series you do not want to miss. I will definitely be adding Ms. Paige to my favorite author list. Happy reading!

Book & Audio Review: Forever with You by Laurelin Paige

Forever with You by Laurelin Paige

(Fixed Trilogy)

Publisher & Release Date: Self-published, January 2, 2014

Time and setting: Present Day, NYC, New York

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic Romance

Length: 287 pages

Heat Level: 3 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Alayna Withers relationship with Hudson Pierce has tested both her and his ability to trust. They decide that the only way they can move forward together is with open doors and transparency. It won’t be easy for the scarred lovers, but they’re committed to each other more now than ever. Alayna, in particular, has grown through their trials, and has emerged more confident and faithful to the man she loves. 

But while the pair is focused on the future, their past shows up again to threaten their fragile bond. Promises that were made are broken, and Alayna learns that Hudson still has very potent secrets—secrets that will tear them both apart. As much as she feels for him, her ability to forgive and forget is tested beyond her limits.

Even though she found the only man who could fix her, a forever with Hudson seems more and more out of reach. 

Buy Links:

http://smile.amazon.com/Forever-You-Fixed-Book-3-ebook/dp/B00HLU14CA/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1436541713

http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Forever-with-You-Audiobook/B00JG5WZ76

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22645997-forever-with-you

Vikki’s Musings

Forever With You is the last book in the Fixed Trilogy. It is a fantastic finish and I enjoyed it tremendously.  Alayna and Hudson complicated relationship concludes in this book. I have loved this amazing series, and I am so glad I found it.

Will the secrets and lies by omission destroy the budding romance between Hudson and Alayna, separating them forever, or will the truth take them into the light, giving them peace, contentment and the chance to have lasting happiness?

In this final episode of the epic tale, Celia is still up to her tricks. She has now turned to stalking Alayna, just enough to annoy and frighten her, but not enough that she or Hudson, even with his immense power, can do anything about her activities. Over all, Alayna handles this well. I did have a few moments where I wanted to shake some sense in her for her irrational obsessing over Hudson’s employee, Norma.

Again the sexual scenes threatened to set my Kindle and iPhone on fire. However, at times I did find myself skipping over them because they had become a bit repetitive. Don’t get me wrong, they are extremely erotic and very well-written, but I was anxious to find out how the story would play out.

Wow, this is one rollercoaster of a ride emotionally. Ms. Paige had me in tears several times, especially the scene when Alayna finally understands what Hudson’s secret is. This is a highly emotional scene to say the least. What I found truly amazing, even though this story is told only in Alayna’s point of view, I could still completely understand Hudson’s pain. That takes an amazing amount of skill to get that across, through body description and dialogue.

I loved, loved the epilogue! It is written in Hudson’s point of view, and it tied up this incredible series completely. I just discovered Ms. Paige has written a fourth book as companion to the Fixed Trilogy, giving Hudson’s perspective. I plan to read it, but I want to give some space between the series and that book.

While this series did not resonate with me to the same level that the Fifty Shades or Crossfire series, it came very close. If you enjoy a tale with complex characters and a great love story, then this is a series you do not want to miss. I will definitely be adding Ms. Paige to my favorite author list. Happy reading!

Book Review: Found in You by Laurelin Paige

Found in You by Laurelin Paige

(Fixed Trilogy)

Publisher & Release Date: Self-published, January 2, 2014

Time and setting: Present Day, NYC, New York

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic Romance

Length: 287 pages

Heat Level: 3 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Book 2 in the Bestselling Fixed Trilogy. Warning: This book contains mature content and is not recommended for readers under 17. 

Alayna Withers has only had one kind of relationship: the kind that makes her obsessive and stalker-crazy. Now that Hudson Pierce has let her into his heart, she’s determined to break down the remaining walls between them so they can build a foundation that’s based on more than just amazing sex. Except Hudson’s not the only one with secrets.

With their pasts pulling them into a web of unfounded mistrust, Alayna turns to the one person who knows Hudson the best–Celia, the woman he almost married. Hoping for insight from someone who understands all sides of the story, Alayna forms a bond with Celia that goes too far–revealing things about Hudson that could end their love for good.

This is the first relationship where Alayna hasn’t spiraled out of control. And she might lose Hudson anyway…

Buy Links:

http://smile.amazon.com/Found-You-Fixed-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00FIOHII0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1436365740&sr=1-1&keywords=found+in+you+laurelin+paige&pebp=1436365740398&perid=15BN7HS8BH5409QKPXM2

http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Found-in-You-Audiobook/B00JG4DA9Y

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22645998-found-in-you

Vikki’s Musings

Found in You is the second book in the Fixed trilogy. It is another riveting read. I am so glad I found these books. I am enjoying them immensely. This second book continues the story of Alayna and Hudson’s complicated relationship. Both characters have a great many issues they are learning to cope with caused by events that happened to them in the past.

Hudson takes Alayna to his penthouse. He has never brought a woman there before, other than family and Celia (she decorated it for him). He begins to realize how deep his feelings are becoming for Alayna.

Alayna feels their relationship is moving too fast and tries to slow it down, but Hudson is like a steamroller, and since he is as manipulative as his mother, although not in a mean way, he convinces Alayna to move in with him.

As Hudson and Alayne’s secrets unfold, will they destroy their budding relationship, or show them they can weather any storm that comes their way?

Hudson Pierce was raised in a completely dysfunctional family. His mother is vindictive and manipulative and is determined that Hudson marry her best friend’s daughter. There is a huge scene in this one that brings the truth to light on an issue that has determined the course of her determination. I can’t wait to see how this plays out in the last book.  Hudson is beginning to acknowledge how deep his feelings are for Alayna. I’m glad to see he doesn’t seem to be running in fear.

Alayna chooses to confide in Celia Werner, not a wise move on her part, and it definitely blows up in her face, threatening her fragile relationship with Hudson. She has such trust issues with men. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have them with women, which causes her a great deal of trouble in this second book. Celia is as manipulative as Hudson’s mother and this comes out loud and clear.

Now, let’s talk about the erotic scenes in this book. They are gritty and raw most of the time, but Hudson can also be tender. I like the contrast between the ones where they are combustible and the ones where they are making love. I think it shows growth in their relationship. Any way you look at it, the scenes are extremely erotic and highly entertaining.

I am still struggling with the narration by Carly Robins. At times, I have a difficult time figuring out who is speaking with any tags to go along with the dialogue. Her voice tone just is not varied enough for my taste. However, she does read with a great deal of emotion.

If you enjoy stories with a lot of emotional angst and complex personalities, then you will want to add this series to your reading list. I am loving it. Happy reading!

Book Review: Inside Heat by Roz Lee

Inside Heat by Roz Lee

Publisher & Release Date: Self-published, January 23, 2012

Time and setting: Present Day, Dallas, Texas

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic Romance/Sports Romance

Length: 236 pages

Heat Level: 3 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Jeff “The Terminator” Holder is the closer for the Texas Mustangs’ baseball team, and revered throughout the Major League for throwing inside heat. His twin brother, Jason, the Mustang’s catcher, leads the League in hits. They share a love of the game, as well as their identical DNA – but that’s not all they share.

Pediatric Nurse Megan Long doesn’t know baseball, but she does know a sexy guy when she sees one – or two. When she seeks out an autograph for one of her patients, she falls under the spell of two of the sexiest players in baseball. Unable to resist their charms, Megan finds herself in bed with both men, but falling in love with only one.

Locked in an epic battle against the steroid pumping Martin McCree, Jeff’s obsession with striking out McCree strains his relationship with his brother, and leads to an injury that threatens his career and dents his ego. Megan does her best to get through to him, but if Jeff can’t see past his failings to find the love she’s offering, he’s going to strike out in the
biggest game of his life.

Buy Links:

http://smile.amazon.com/Inside-Heat-Mustangs-Baseball-Book-ebook/dp/B00714L264/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1436713708&sr=1-1&keywords=inside+heat&pebp=1436713711708&perid=0F36CMFSSKSM9H50RC4P

http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Inside-Heat-Audiobook/B00C4Y3Y62

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13432246-inside-heat

Vikki’s Musings

I met Roz Lee at a conference several years ago. Until recently, I had not read any of her books, since I do not normally enjoy sports romances. After talking to her again at Lori Foster’s RAGT15, I decided to give one of her books a read. I chose Free Agent and enjoyed it a great deal, so I bought Inside Heat since it is the first book in the Mustangs Baseball series. I thoroughly enjoy it as well.

Pediatric nurse, Megan Long will go to any lengths for her patient. The boy’s hero is Jeff Holder, the relief pitcher for the Mustangs and known as “The Terminator.” She attends a game to get his autograph for her patient. All does not go as planned because when she reads what he signs on the program would not be something she could give to Christopher, her young friend.

When Jeff Holder meets Megan’s brown-eyed gaze, he is immediately attracted to her, so when he signs her program, he asks her to meet him at a restaurant after the game. He hopes she will take him up on his offer.

When Megan arrives at the restaurant, she is expecting to meet an egotistical, arrogant man, but when she huffily explains why she wanted the autograph, Jeff immediately apologizes. He has her meet him at a sporting goods store down the street and has her pick out whatever she wants for her patient. He goes all out to make sure the little boy gets his autograph in a big way and even comes to the hospital the next day with his twin brother.

When the pair of brothers tell her what they want, Megan hesitates, but what red-blooded woman hasn’t dreamed of being with two hot guys? While sexually drawn to both men, she feels an immediate emotional connection with Jeff. Can the couple overcome the beginnings of their time together and find the love both of them crave, or will Jeff’s pig-headedness drive them apart?

Ms. Lee’s writing style is edgy with some grit thrown in. Her characters are interesting and the romance is fulfilling. I also found her love scenes extremely hot and very well-written with plenty of emotion along with the hot sex.

Megan Long is a great heroine. I liked her immediately because of her love for the children in her care. While she is not what I call a strong-willed female, she has a certain line she will not cross when it comes to her relationship with Jeff and Jason. While some of her decisions created a great deal of emotional pain for her, she was not deterred when she considered what was best for her. Her relationship is a bit complicated with Jeff and Jason to say the least.

While Jason Holder is part of the love triangle in the story, Jeff Holder is the hero. I had a bit of trouble with his character. At times, I wanted to hit him over the head for his stupidity. His internal battle was wrapped around jealousy that in my mind was unfounded. It was clear from the onset of the story that Megan was in love with him, not his brother.

This is a great read for sports fan because the details regarding the life of a pro ballplayer are excellent. It is obvious Ms. Lee has done her research. If you enjoy a well-written menage a trois relationship with some interesting twists, then you will love Inside Heat. Happy reading!

Grey by E.L. James

Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as told by Christian by E. L. James

Publisher & Release Date: Vintage, June 18, 2015

Time and setting: Present Day, Seattle, Washington

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic Romance

Length: 576 pages

Heat Level: 4 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

See the world of Fifty Shades of Grey anew through the eyes of Christian Grey.

In Christian’s own words, and through his thoughts, reflections, and dreams, E L James offers a fresh perspective on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the world.

Christian Grey exercises control in all things; his world is neat, disciplined, and utterly empty—until the day that Anastasia Steele falls into his office, in a tangle of shapely limbs and tumbling brown hair. He tries to forget her, but instead is swept up in a storm of emotion he cannot comprehend and cannot resist. Unlike any woman he has known before, shy, unworldly Ana seems to see right through him—past the business prodigy and the penthouse lifestyle to Christian’s cold, wounded heart.

Will being with Ana dispel the horrors of his childhood that haunt Christian every night? Or will his dark sexual desires, his compulsion to control, and the self-loathing that fills his soul drive this girl away and destroy the fragile hope she offers him?

This book is intended for mature audiences.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/Grey-Fifty-Shades-Told-Christian/dp/1101946342/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434926873&sr=8-1&keywords=grey&pebp=1434926874258&perid=11WFSQH8X73TQ1FNG1J1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grey-e-l-james/1122036118?ean=9781101946343

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Grey-Audiobook/B00Z86Z1NW

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25733911-grey

Vikki’s Musings

I only found out that E.L. James had written Fifty Shades of Grey in Christian’s point of view the night before it was released. Since I had enjoyed the trilogy, I wanted to read Grey, so I hit the one-click and it showed up on my Kindle at midnight. I downloaded the audible version the next day. I could not wait to read it, and I started listening to it on the 19^th and finished it on the 21^st. As with the original version, I became enthralled from the first page and remained so until the last.

This story is riveting whether it is in Ana’s POV or Christian’s, and thanks to Ms. James for giving me the chance to find out more about Christian and what makes him tick. It pulled on my heartstrings when I had glimpses into his harrowing formative years.

Since this plotline is so well-known one would have to live in the darkest regions of this world to have no idea what it is about, I will not give an overview. I’ll just say, this is an opportunity for anyone who has read the first book, to have a chance to see it from a different perspective.

I found Christian’s thought processes fascinating. Yes, he is emotionally immature. Yes, he is clueless when it comes to understanding why Ana reacts the way she does, but oh, what a rollercoaster ride it is along the way. With what he experienced as a young child, of course he has issues. Even with years of therapy, issues are rarely avoided. If Ms. James had given him a completely suave and confident persona, it would have taken away from the true Christian in my opinion.

I loved getting to see more of his relationship with his siblings, especially Elliott. Those relationships help to make his character come to life for me. His dreams and nightmares helped gain my empathy for this troubled, yet amazingly resilient character, and again gave me more insight into the workings of Christian’s mind.

Since I listened more than I read, I want to mention the narrative. Zachary Webber has given an outstanding performance in Grey, bringing the characters to living, breathing life. He is able to give each one of them their own distinct voice. I particularly admired his ability to give the co-pilot at the airfield in Savannah a great British accent. I will certainly be looking for other books with his narrative.

Whether you have read the Fifty Shades trilogy several times or never at all, Grey is a must read for anyone who enjoys a tale with an extremely complex character, and a love story that should not have worked, but does. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Happy reading!