The Last First Date by Maggie Wells

The Last First Date

By Maggie Wells

Book Blurb:
First date number forty-eight comes to a screeching halt for detective Langley Sheppard when his date lifts a pack of gum from the local convenience store. But things start looking up when he encounters spunky damsel in distress Jessica Vickers, who's stranded in the store parking lot. Now Lang is about to discover that on a night when everything goes wrong, falling for Jessica feels spectacularly right.

Yay! My favourite naughty author, Maggie Wells had a newly published story, The Last First Date. 

Have you ever just dashed to the store wearing your old yoga pants, no makeup, perhaps even a hat to cover your messy hair and then worry you may run into an old boyfriend or someone you know? Well that's what happened to Jessica except she was wearing track pants and a puffy hot pink coat with a broken zipper. Just a quick jaunt to the store for your chip fix and presto there is a heartthrob, Langley. Of course Langley is wearing a suit and dress shoes and looks good enough to lick. I felt for Jessica. The last person you'd want to run into is a hottie like Langley when you feel you look your worst and miserable sleety weather is blowing all around . To top it all off, Jessica just discovered that her car is broken down. Regardless, the chemistry between the pair was still there. 

I loved how the story moved forward from their first encounter. A series of entertaining events finally gets them inside Jessica's house where the freezing New Year's Eve temp outside is quickly forgotten. 

Langley is a stand up guy and Jessica is highly likeable. Erotic authors like Maggie Wells impress me with their ability to write steamy sex scenes when a couple barely knows each other. I mean, does that happen in real life? (Well, not in my circle anyhow) Yet, Langley and Jessica having hot lustful sex comes across as totally believable. They connected. They aren't slutty. In fact, they seem very ordinary with Langley loving his grandma and Jessica was wearing shoes with holes in them. 

One of the things that draws me to Maggie Wells' stories is how she writes the couple's banter and their conversations. There is always underlying humour but not laugh out loud forced humour. Even during sex there is conversation. Her protagonists are so likeable. I was once again treated to this banter in The Last First Date. 

I wish it didn't end so quickly for Lang and Jessica. I'd love to read more about their story and future. As usual, I just want more of Maggie Wells' story. 

Teasers: premixed margaritas and nacho cheese flavoured chips,  scarf on doorknob, officer interruption

Entwined by Colette Gale

Entwined (Serial book 1)

by Colette Gale

Book Blurb:
When not-as-proper-as-one-would-think Victorian woman Jane Clemons convinces her father to take her on an expedition in the jungle, her only goal is to find her lover Jonathan, who disappeared three years earlier. She and her father, along with Jonathan’s trusted friend Kellan Darkdale, set off on their journey.
But shortly after their party arrives on the coast of Madagascar, Jane finds herself enthralled not only by the freedom and beauty of the lush jungle, but a reclusive wild man who seems to be fascinated by her.

ENTWINED is a novella (about 80 pages). It’s the first in a series that will follow Jane Clemons and her explicit, erotic adventures in the jungle.

First let me start off and say I hate serial books. Totally hate them. However I did bite at Entwined for two reasons. One, it was free. Second, it was a Tarzan and Jane book. I have always been so intrigued with Tarzan and Jane and I thought there certainly isn't any harm is downloading a freebie from Amazon.

I wasn't disappointed but I also wasn't thrilled either. I would bet if I read this story as a full length novel, I'd have liked it a whole bunch more. One of the reasons I despise serial books is because each book leaves off on a cliffhanger and you are forced to buy the next installment to read on. I really really reallllly hate that. It is such a turn off for me. I'd rather have spent $5 and got the entire book than a grabby grab for a continuous purchases. Oh well, I knew that going in so I shouldn't really complain. Good on the author for letting it been known in the book blurb that it is a serial book before you buy. 

The writing was really good. Great descriptions. Easy to follow and even though it was a novella, I got to know the characters pretty fast. Since it is an erotic novella, there are a few great steamy scenes. Of course you have to read further into the series to get the smoking steamy scenes. 

Couldn't go wrong for a free purchase but the carrot that was dangled in front of my face at the end did not entice me to move on to the next book. 

Crossing the Line by Evelyn Jules

Crossing the Line

By Evelyn Jules

Book Blurb:
Madison Kelly is an erotic romance author from Canada on her way to her first writing conference ever. Across the border. A trunk full of dirty books and dildos proves enough to amp up her nerves and make her lips flap faster than the maple leaf flag.

But she’s not going anywhere until George Petropoulos gives the go-ahead.

The Greek god of a border guard has something other than national security in mind when he detains this particular citizen. He can’t help but be charmed by the juxtaposition between her stammering blushes and the racy books she writes.

A hot and heavy interrogation brings out her inner sex goddess, one that she’s been hiding in the pages of her books, and leaves them both wanting more. But will they be brave enough to cross the line again?

What a dream for a romance book reader to experience! You know how so many time readers will ask their favourite authors questions like, "What was your inspiration?" or other questions like, "What gave you the idea for the story?" Well folks, for Crossing the Line I was there! Right there that precise moment when Evelyn Jules had her mind spinning on how to turn a brief moment in time and roll it out in to a short steamy story. It was a beautiful thing to witness. 

A few years ago, two readers and two authors decided to carpool from Canada to the US to attend a popular book convention. As we crossed the border, we all swooned because our crossing guard was hot. There is just something so attractive about a man with a commanding presence, wearing an uniform and oozing intimidation. Oh yeah, he was totally good looking to top it off. Right then as he questioned our drestination and other security questions, the story Crossing the Line started to form in Evenlyn Jules' dirty smutty mind. This sexy story was the ultimate result. 

Crossing the Line is very sexy and is quite possibly one of those many fantasies that women have when they see those smoldering, serious border crossing officers. I wasn't sure how Evelyn Jules was going to get the protagonists from the crossing line to crossing THE line but it was done is perfect manner and you could almost envision it. (oh come on, let the fantasy ride ladies!)

I loved it. I loved how the story came to be. I love how it was orchestrated. I loved how the author was still able to offer an air of innocence to the erotic protagonists and I loved the completely affordable price of .99 for an amazing memorable hot read. I am not sure if I will ever see a border crossing officer in the same light again. 

Reasonable Doubt by Whitney Gracia Williams

Andrew and Aubrey



Reasonable Doubt (Book 1 in a serial of 3)

by Whitney Gracia Williams

Book Blurb:
My cock has an appetite. 

A huge and very particular appetite: Blonde, curvy, and preferably not a fucking liar...(Although, that's a story for another day.)

As a high profile lawyer, I don't have time to waste on relationships, so I fulfill my needs by anonymously chatting and sleeping with women I meet online. 

My rules are simple: One dinner. One night. No repeats. 

This is only casual sex. Nothing more. Nothing less. 

At least it was , until "Alyssa"...

She was supposed to be a 27 year old lawyer, a book hoarder, and completely unattractive. She was supposed to be someone I shared law advice with late at night, someone I could trust with details of my weekly escapades. 

But then she came into my firm for an interview--a college-intern interview, and everything fucking changed...

Reasonable Doubt is a perfect example of a book I bought strictly because the book buzz. I didn't read any reviews. I just went with the buzz and saw it was only $1.00 on Amazon and did my favourite thing to do; Buy now with 1-click. 

I really really reaaaaalllly wish I had paid more attention because I didn't understand that Reasonable Doubt was a book serial. There are three novellas to be published (that is what I understand but could be wrong). Since Reasonable Doubt is a serial, the author ends this first book on a cliffhanger. I very much hate cliffhangers. So much so, I really don't care what happens in book 2. When this first book just ended abruptly as it did, I was just so mad that I decided it will just end for me. Besides, I got the jest of the story. I have to say, I'm not a fan. 

Although I didn't really like either character, I could not put this damn book down. They annoyed me and yet I wanted to read more about them. Andrew is a complete jerk. He treats women like crap and holds standards that don't make any sense. For instance, he hates liars yet he is a defense lawyer???? He gets furious when women don't use their real names when going on questionable dates or dating sites. Yet, what a shocker, he doesn't use his real name either. 

Aubrey is a complete liar. She is enrolled in law school AND at the same time trying to be a lead in the ballet Swan Lake. Not sure how that is possible. But back to her being a liar, she cheats and signs up to a "lawyer only" communication forum and pretends to be a full fledged lawyer and uses the other lawyer's free advice to pass through school. She lies about her age, who she is, her occupation and even what she looks like. Aubrey is really a 22 yr old law student and you can totally tell by her lack of maturity. 

I tell you, these two deserve each other. It was like a bad car accident. I couldn't look away. 

I did find their text messages back and forth humourous. Because they were a couple built on a tower of lies and deception, I kept on reading because I was dying to know how this all played out. 

When Andrew and Aubrey finally do meet and have their eventual sex, it was weird. Andrew was this dominate character, being extremely rude and very inappropriate for an office setting (especially when he is a partner). He treats her really bad and the fact that he is so attracted to Aubrey really angers him. He takes that anger out on her with cutting words and actions designed to hurt feelings. I have to say, the author Whitney Gracia Williams penned a relationship that I have never read before. 

Will I continue with the serial? No. I had enough in this first book. It was only $1 and it totally captivated my attention but not really my interest. 

E - Blogging Challenge "Erotic Books"

A to Z Challenge is posting every day in April except Sundays (we get those off for good behavior.) And since there are 26 days, that matches the 26 letters of the alphabet. On April 1, blog about something that begins with the letter “A.” April 2 is “B,” April 3 is “C,” and so on.

Today's letter is E. 

Erotic Books!!!

100% honesty here...I prefer my romance books to have erotic elements. In fact, I'm rather disappointed if I don't get to be the fly on the wall during intimate scenes. I am so disappointed in a story if the protagonists are getting all hot & heavy and the author ends the scene with them going into their bedroom and closing the door. Cue the next scene being the morning after. *sigh* I don't want that!

Long Hard Ride Lorelei James

There are many levels of eroticism. That is why on each of my reviews I always include a heat level rating. My heat level ratings have nothing to do with whether I liked the book or not. I rate strictly on how erotic I felt the story was. Generally my 5 flame rating are because the book has BDSM or a scorching menages.

On Dublin Street by Samatha Young

I need my decent plots with my erotic romance. I need to be enamored with the characters. I need to relate to their feelings and their circumstances. On Dublin Street had me totally enamored. One of the best reads I had that year. 

Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning

Now having said that, there are some romance books where the characters themselves are all about the sex. The thing is, there has to be love too. If every other page is going to be all about their bedroom (or tour bus) exploits, for me it has to be because they can't keep their hands off of each other because they are so in love. 

Leave Me Breathless by Cherrie Lynn

I totally love when there is an amazing, creative story line to go hand in hand with the erotic elements. If the man has an interesting piercing, so be it. *wink wink*

Undeniable by Madeline Sheehan 

The Theory of Attraction by Delphine Dryden

Whether the dude of the book is a bad boy biker like Deuce in Undeniable or a total alpha nerd like Ivan in The Theory of Attraction, for me there has to be a solid draw. I've read plenty of erotic books where the hero does nothing for me. Now I don't mean that the man needs to become my next book boyfriend because that is not the case at all. In fact, Eva in Undeniable can keep Deuce all to herself. I don't want him; except that he is a total sexy turn on but 100% not my type of guy. 

Then there is something I call Super Smut. It is not just erotic but OMG erotic. It practically boarders on the ridiculous where no man could ever get it is up as much as Doc can in Selena Kitt's super smutty Baumgartners series. I believe the term "one handed read" was coined for her work. 

How about you? Do you prefer fluff or erotic elements to your romance books?  What are some of your favourites? 

Their Virgin Concubine by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake

Piper Glen and Rafe, Kade and Talib's book



Their Virgin Concubine (Master of Menage book 3)

By Shayla Black and Lexi Blake

Book Blurb:
The country of Bezakistan – renowned for its wealth and the beauty of its deserts

Piper Glen is thrilled when Rafe and Kade al Mussad ask her to visit their country on a business trip. Madly attracted to both, the virginal secretary knows that neither of her intensely handsome bosses desires her. But every night she dreams of having them both in her bed, fulfilling her every need.

Rafe and Kade have finally found the perfect woman in Piper. Sweet and funny. Intelligent and strong. Before they can reveal their feelings, the brothers must fulfill an ancient tradition. Every sheikh must steal his bride and share her with his brothers. They have thirty days to convince Piper to love them all forever.

The country of Bezakistan – notorious for its danger…

Sheikh Talib al Mussad knows his villainous cousin seeks to take his throne. If Talib and his brothers fail to convince the beautiful Piper to love them, all will be lost. After meeting Piper, he knows he would risk everything to possess her heart.

Khalil al Bashir has long coveted his cousin’s rule. Without a bride to seal their birthright, his every wish will come true. If Piper falls for them, he will lose everything but Piper can’t love them if she’s dead…

You would think that a book that was penned by two amazing, erotic authors would end up being a perfect 5 in my rating system. Sadly I was so disappointed with Their Virgin Concubine. I can't believe it. Shayla Black and Lexi Blake are such great writers that normally write books I love with exceptional eroticism. I enjoy their books immensely. 

Firstly let me say that Their Virgin Concubine is book 3 in a series but each book can be read as a stand alone. Secondly Amazon had a great deal on where the book was only .88. I totally jumped on that deal because I was going to pay the full price originally. 

So what went wrong for me? Well, honestly it was the erotic scenes and the lack there of. There were only 3 in the entire book! One where Piper loses her virginity, a short BDSM play scene between Piper and Tal and then the finale. 

Starting with the first scene,it  was so quick. The lead up was nicely paced then it was over once she loses her virginity with Tal. The other two brothers have sex with her too but nothing is written about it. It was just understood it happened. 
The BDSM scene really wasn't about the sex at all. It was about Piper trying to get Tal to open up to her. It was over before it started and for the amazing BDSM scenes that both authors have written before, this was so light. It was like they didn't want to go "there". 
The finale was good but should have been just a regular scene in what I would consider these great authors to deliver. 

Now the story itself was also lacking. I loved so many elements but then so much of it fizzled for me. I just wanted more. So much more. I've become greedy I guess. 

The Theory of Attraction by Delphine Dryden

Camilla and Ivan's story



The Theory of Attraction (The Science of Temptation book 1)

by Delphine Dryden

Book Blurb:
Camilla can set her watch by her hunky rocket-scientist neighbor who jogs past her window each day. She relishes each glimpse of his shirtless abs, and is dying to see more. But it's hard to connect with a man who doesn't seem to know she exists...

Ivan feels at home in the lab, not in social situations. When he finally approaches his attractive neighbor, it's not for a date—he wants tutoring in how to behave at an important fundraiser. Ivan doesn't expect the chemistry between them to be quite so explosive, and is surprised when Cami actually accepts his proposal to embark on a series of "lessons."

Cami soon discovers Ivan's schedule isn't the only thing he likes to be strict about—he needs to be charge in the bedroom as well. She's shocked at how much she comes to enjoy her submissive side, but wonders if a real relationship is in the equation..

Intensely hot! LOVE! A great premise for an erotic story. The Theory of Attraction was an outstanding read for me. 

I was attracted to Ivan and all his introvert glory. He is brilliant in the lab or as a professor but just like a lot of highly intellectual geniuses, he was socially awkward. I was so attracted to Ivan's personality. No games with Ivan. No guessing or making assumptions. He is not the type of man a woman would ask, "Does my butt look big in this?" because his unwavering honesty would truthfully tell you that your butt was big and he'd have no qualms about softening the blow. He doesn't "get" how you are not supposed to interrupt people's conversations or lie to spare people's feelings. Just the thought of a crowded room full of party-goers would make him sweat. 

Cami is a sweetheart. I really liked that the book started where Cami and Ivan have been neighbours and friends for over two years. As such, the author spares the readers of a crammed in-depth history of Ivan and his "condition". Instead we are treated to Cami's first person point of view detailing her crush on Ivan and all of his quirks. 

When Ivan approaches Cami with his request of seeking social training for a very important fundraising, I just knew this was going to be good. I got all giddy and couldn't wait for the training to begin. To my utter and complete surprise a delicious turn in the story occurs where the training ended up being more of a D/s story. Instead the training ended up more Ivan giving Cami instruction on being his submissive. I absolutely loved the lead up to the training. The date at the movie, the whispers in her ear, the placement of hands at the theater, the dinner and the drive home. It was anticipation at it's best. 

Now for the best part of the story...the hot erotic play. It was excellent and exciting. Some of the best I've read. It was not dark BDSM and Ivan made an excellent Dom considering his read on people. The author did a great job early on in The Theory of Attraction to tell the story of how patient Ivan was with explaining detailed instructions on a complicated video game to a new player or when he is in his teaching element for the university. So when the time came for Ivan to change into his Dom persona, he did an exceptional job and very believable.  

The only time I did an eye roll is when Ivan told Cami something about his biggest fear. Honestly, that part of the story was lame and it would have been a perfect read except for that one part. 

Regardless, one of my favourite fun reads so far this year. 

Teasers: "I wanted to make Ivan Reynolds completely lose his shit. Barring that, I would settle for Ivan making me completely lose my shit, which seemed a lot more likely."

The Art Lover by Maggie Wells

Mitch Jameson and Kelsey Tacato's book




The Art Lover

By Maggie Wells

Book Blurb:
Starving artist Kelsey Tecato takes being The Templeton Museum’s artist in residence a little too literally. By day, she puts on a show of painting for the crowds that shuffle through the galleries, but at night, her muse runs wild.

Mitch Jameson is a guy’s guy. A cop moonlighting as a security guard, he has little use for the artsy-fartsy stuff, but the mysterious Ms. Tecato’s sexy portraits call to him.

So does an interior alarm.

When Officer Jameson goes to investigate, he finds a paint-splattered goddess working on a self-portrait—in the nude.

A couple tubes of paint and a roll in the drop cloths later, free-spirited Kelsey helps Officer Jameson discover his passion for art.

One of my favourite erotic romance authors, Maggie Wells released this little gem a few weeks ago. The Art Lover is a hot novella that was a perfect read for me. I was just in-between books with the suspense series that I am reading and The Art Lover got me all revved up. 

If you follow my reviews you know that I have a love for fictional heroines that know what they want and then take it. I adore reading about strong women and I totally connected with The Art Lover's heroine, Kelsey. In fact that confidence is what draws me to so many of Maggie Wells' books.

I found The Art Lover erotic of course but more than that, I found it very sensual. The idea of body painting, teasing with brushes and watching their intimate connection reflected in a giant gilt-framed mirror set a decadent mood. Put that all of that carnal deliciousness together in a museum backdrop setting and I was in heaven enjoying this classy sultry story. 


Teasers: Officer Mitch Jameson, swirling feathery brush around his nipple

Books I Read in 2013

Michelle's 2013-read book montage

Michelle Kelly's favorite books »