REVIEW: Rule Breaker (Rules of Engagement #1)

Rule Breaker (Rules of Engagement #1), by Sienna Snow
Publish Date: November 1, 2016
Publisher: Forever Romance
Format: e-ARC, provided by the publisher
Genre: adult crime/suspense romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4 STARS

(Synopsis) She controls a technology empire. He controls her.

At just twenty-eight years old, Arya Rey has become queen of the tech world. While she is highly respected as a philanthropist and fearless businesswoman, no one would suspect that beneath her controlled exterior simmers a private passion. A desire never spoken of in Boston’s elite social circles. A need for submission, for satisfaction, for the kind of exquisite pleasure that can only be provided by one man . . . her billionaire ex-lover Maxwell Dane.

It’s been five years since Max and Arya last met. Five years that they’ve longed for the feel of each other’s skin. Max always takes what he wants, and he wants Arya back. But it’s more than the memory of her broken heart that makes her resist. During their time apart, Arya has collected secrets of her own. She can give Max her body, but can she give him the truth?

I love getting sucked down the rabbit hole of a new-to-me author. It was like that for me with Sienna Snow. Rule Breaker was suspenseful and glitzy and so super sexy, and as soon as I was done, I had to read more. And not just because it was obvious that the story arc introduced here wasn't over yet, but because I found myself fully invested in the characters that were introduced.

The characters in the Rules of Engagement series are not your typical 20- and 30-somethings. They are all rich. Like, CRAZY rich. Billionaire with a B rich. And they're all brilliant, too. But, Rule Breaker drives home the point that, even though our main characters are beautiful and rich and smart, that does not mean that they can't still be idiots and do dumb things when it comes to love and relationships.

Rule Breaker is a second-chance love story. Arya and Max had a very intense relationship five years earlier until Max ended things abruptly and broke Arya's heart. Arya threw herself into her tech and security work and between she and her two best friends, she hid herself away from Max in an attempt to forget. Five years later, Arya and her friend Milla's company was just merged with another company in a billion-dollar deal - and the company it is now intertwined with is Max's. He's spent this time planning how to get her back, and it's time to set his plan in action. 

Max is absolutely a force of nature. He is determined and possessive and alpha to the millionth degree. And dominant doesn't even cover it. In ALL ways. Initially, when I learned of his and Arya's back story, I was totally in favor of Arya blowing him off forever. Or at least making him grovel. A lot. But, Max isn't the groveling type, so I remained firmly in Arya's corner for a long time as she continued to try and deny that she still loved him. 

But, Max does apologize. And through his actions, he won me over. Completely. Yes, he's overbearing and steamrolls Arya half the time, but his motivation was clear. Everything he did was done out of love and concern for Arya. And Arya definitely deserved his concern, since she has some really dangerous people after her for what's inside her brain. 

The ending is scary and suspenseful and exciting. And, although Arya's and Max's story of getting together reaches a conclusion in Rule Breaker, it's clear that the danger isn't over - it just gets transferred to her BFF and business partner Milla. 

Arya, Max, Milla, Lex, Carmen and Thomas are all compelling characters with so much story to tell. In addition to the romantic suspense, there's also a very rich BDSM thread woven in (Max also owns a BDSM club - I mean, what billionaire wouldn't?). Rule Breaker has a little bit of everything to thrill a wide variety of romance lovers. Be prepared for an exciting and steamy ride. 

REVIEW: Unwound (Mastered #2)

Unwound (Mastered #2), by Lorelei James
To Be Published March 25, 2014
Publisher: Berkley Romance/NAL
Format: e-book, provided by NetGalley
Genre:  adult erotic contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Rating:  4 STARS

(From Goodreads) When sensei Ronin Black first encounters Amery Hardwick, the fire in her eyes ignites a sexual spark a thousand times better than the primal rush he used to get from mixed martial arts matches. She accepts his darker edges and admits to him that her desires aren’t as wholesome as he believed. And before long Ronin is grappling with emotions he’s never felt before….

Yet despite demanding Amery bare her body and soul to him, Ronin holds a part of himself back. When she learns Ronin’s secret and walks out, his life begins to unravel.  To regain her trust he must let go of his pride and prove to her that it’s more than passion binding them together. But after their private pleasures are made public, Ronin is unsure if he’s the right man for Amery. Can they face the consequences together? Or will their differences rip them apart?

Unwound was different from Bound. Whereas Bound focused on the art of the binding that Ronin performed on Amery, in Unwound, that aspect of their relationship took a backseat.

Ronin is getting older and is having a very hard time coming to terms with that fact. His fighting days are likely over and he needs to shift his focus to more of the management side of things. But, how is he supposed to relieve his stress now, when throwing punches is the only way he's ever done that in the past?

Ronin was awesome in Unwound. It was easy to see the difficulty he had in coming to terms with his limitations. It's not something he's ever had to worry about before. And he really struggles. It was such a dichotomy from what we already know of this strong man. He has only ever allowed the outside world to see him as extremely capable, strong and intelligent. Even his best of friends and Amery, the woman he loves, only ever saw him completely in control. So, it was incredibly refreshing to see how Ronin had to come to a place where accepting help from others did not equate to weakness. He came a very long way over the course of the book.

Amery, however, made me absolutely stabby. She spent most of the book turning her judging gaze on Ronin and calling him out for his lies and secrets that spilled out at the end of Bound. And, yet, in Unwound, Amery kept just as many secrets as Ronin did. Where Ronin made real efforts to change in order to keep Amery in his life, she seemed more interested in watching him wallow and apologize repeatedly than in truly making forward strides in their relationship.

Luckily, Ronin is still the strong, amazing man we were introduced to in Bound, and when he calls her out, that is when the book took a really awesome turn. The end was incredible, and I closed the book feeling very satisfied.

Although the binding wasn't as much of a part of Unwound as it was in Bound, it was still there, and I loved those moments as much as I did in the previous book. I also really loved the glimpse into the business end of MMA fighting - it was a unique perspective.

I'm hoping this isn't the end of this series, even if it is the end of Ronin's and Amery's story. There are still plenty of other intriguing characters that I want to know more about (Knox! Shiori! Blue!). Please, Lorelei, write more!!

BLOG TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Bound (The Mastered Series #1)

Bound (The Mastered Series #1), by Lorelei James
Published February 4, 2014
Publisher: NAL Trade
Format: ARC, provided by the publisher
Genre:  adult erotic romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble
 
Rating:  4.5 STARS

(From Goodreads) In the new Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a woman’s desire to shatter her inhibitions leaves her unprepared for where that erotic journey will take her….

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. She’s focused on building her business, which leaves little time for dating—not that she needs a romantic entanglement to fulfill her. When her friend signs up for a self-defense class as part of her recovery after an attack, Amery joins her for support. That’s where she meets him.

Ronin Black, owner of the dojo, is so drawn to Amery that he takes over her training—in public and in private. The enigmatic Ronin pushes Amery’s boundaries from the start, and with each new tryst, Amery becomes addicted to the pleasure and to him. But when Amery senses Ronin is hiding something, she questions her total trust in him, despite the undeniable thrill of his possession….

Bound took me by surprise.

I figured it was going to be your typical BDSM book. I approached it with some measure of trepidation, because many BDSM books don't appeal to me. It's the submissive part of the relationship I always have the biggest problem with. But, I wanted to try Bound because it's by Lorelei James, and from what I've read by her, she masters super strong characters.

Surprise number one - Bound is NOT a BDSM book. Surprise number two - there isn't a single cowboy in this book.

Bound is about art and secrets and how the past has the power to strengthen or destroy you.

Amery is the owner of a freelance graphic design business who is trying to remake herself in Denver. After enrolling in a self-defense class, she meets Ronin Black, eighth-degree black belt and super sexy owner of the dojo where her class is held. Ronin makes Amery feel things she never thought possible. He makes her want to bare her life, her soul and her body for him, and yet, she doesn't get the same openness in return. It's clear Ronin cares deeply for her, yet he keeps a lot of secrets.

Ronin spent a lot of time in Japan, and while there learned the Japanese art of Kinbaku and Shibari, both of which use ropes and scarves to bind a person, sometimes for sexual pleasure. It's treated as a form of art - a thing of beauty. In this way, it's very different from what we westerners think of as "bondage." It's not whips and chains and handcuffs. It's colorful scarves and soft touches and something to be admired. How amazingly fascinating and refreshing!

Ronin is a master at these arts and for awhile, Amery is his canvas. They both grow and learn so much about themselves during the course of their relationship. Despite the fact that Ronin kept that part of him a secret from Amery for awhile, in the spirit of continually trying to broaden her horizons and break out of the stifling mold in which her parents put her, she opens herself up to this new and exciting thing with him.

I loved reading about the binding. I even Googled a few of them so I could see what they looked like. It was such a new and interesting approach to the same old BDSM genre. And even cooler is that it came from Lorelei James. I've only known her for her sexy cowboy series. What a wonderful surprise!

The chemistry between Amery and Ronin was awesome. I loved how they cared for each other and seemed to want to meet each others' needs, no matter what they were. It was sweet and sexy and I was rooting for them the entire time.

But, Ronin - GAH. His inability to open up and share... well, anything of substance, really... was infuriating. And, Amery's constant acceptance of that equally frustrated me. I could see a mile away that there was going to come a point when the proverbial shit was going to hit the fan and create a colossal mess. And, when that happened, I was very torn. I was cheering Amery on for finally growing a backbone, and yet, my heart was breaking for both of them.

Despite my frustration with him, Lorelei James' development of Ronin Black made it impossible to not love him. I love that he's not your typical young stud (he's 38). Well, young - no (at least, not comparatively speaking). Stud? Hell yes. Ronin Black may not swagger, wear chaps or don a 10-gallon hat, but that's okay. Because hot is hot. And, Ronin Black is H-O-T. He's enigmatic and intense and strong. He's all things that embody sexy.

Bound is told from Amery's POV, except for the last chapter, which is all Ronin. There is a bit of a cliffhanger ending, but it fit well with the story and the events that unfolded in the last few chapters. Thank goodness we don't have to wait long for the follow-up to their story!

About the Author

Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary erotic western romances set in the modern day Wild West and also contemporary erotic romances. Lorelei's books have been nominated for and won the Romantic Times Reviewer's choice Award, as well as the CAPA Award. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota with her family...and a whole closet full of cow girl boots.

Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I'm a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I'm not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.

Giveaway

One winner in the US will win a print copy of Bound, by Lorelei James.

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REVIEW: Reaper's Legacy (Reaper's MC #2)

Reaper's Legacy (Reaper's MC #2), by Joanna Wylde
Published January 28, 2014
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Format: trade paperback, provided by the publisher
Genre:  adult contemporary romance/contemporary erotic romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Rating:  4.5 STARS

(From Goodreads) Eight years ago, Sophie gave her heart—and her virginity—to Zach Barrett on a night that couldn’t have been less romantic or more embarrassing. Zach’s step-brother, a steely-muscled, tattooed biker named Ruger, caught them in the act, getting a peep show of Sophie he’s never forgotten.

She may have lost her dignity that fateful night, but Sophie also gained something precious—her son Noah. Unfortunately, Zach’s a deadbeat dad, leaving Ruger to be Noah’s only male role model. When he discovers Sophie and his nephew living in near poverty, Ruger takes matters into his own hands—with the help of the Reapers Motorcycle Club—to give them a better life.

Living with outlaw bikers wasn’t Sophie’s plan for her son, but Ruger isn’t giving her a choice. He’ll be there for Noah, whether she wants him or not. But Sophie does want him, has always wanted him. Now she’ll learn that taking a biker to bed can get a girl dirty in every way…

Perhaps it was my recent exposure to the super cool show that is Sons of Anarchy (thank you, Netflix), but I have to say, I really enjoyed Reaper's Legacy much more than the first book in the Reaper's MC series, Reaper's Property. 

Or, maybe it's just that, after the first book, I might have gotten used to girls being called "old ladies" and "sweetbutts" and "property." Or, perhaps it was all in Ruger's delivery. I mean, this guy is just as rough around the edges as Horse was from Reaper's Property. But, for some reason, when Ruger practiced his extreme alpha male assertiveness, it seemed much more endearing. In any case, I think I'm now solidly in the MC fangirl club. 

Ruger decides to move his nephew and his nephew's mother to his house after it's made clear to him that they are living in less than ideal conditions. It's a difficult situation for everyone except for 7-year-old Noah, who adores his uncle. Sophie has been in love with Ruger for years, and Ruger's been attracted for Sophie for just as long. Yet, they both resolved to never act upon their feelings. But, now that they're living under the same roof, that's becoming infinitely more difficult. 

I really felt for Sophie. She's been trying to make a good life for her son, but his dad is a total deadbeat and her waitressing job can only go so far toward providing for them. She's trying to be a good mom, yet still maintain a shred of dignity. Ruger does not make that easy, either. 

In the beginning, there were several times when I was really pissed at him for railing on her about her choices. Things don't always work out the way we want them to, but in Sophie's case, it certainly wasn't for lack of trying. I think part of the reason Ruger was so hard on her was that, even in the beginning, he was fighting his feelings for her, and that was the only way he knew how. I guess I can't entirely fault him for that, but he was pretty harsh sometimes. I'm not quite sure how Sophie tolerated being called a bitch so many times by him. 

Sophie's other problem with living with Ruger has to do with her feelings about the Reapers. In her mind, motorcycle clubs are comprised of thugs that engage in illegal activities and hang out in dens of iniquity. Although that might be true to a much lesser extent than what she's created in her mind, there's an entirely other side to it that she's never experienced - the family. 

I have to admit, I'd probably be scared witless to hang out with a motorcycle club. But, the family aspect as described wonderfully by Joanna Wylde, sounds wonderful. It sounds like growing up a part of such an environment ensures that you're constantly surrounded by people who will love and protect you. You will always have friends and others to play with and hang out with. Girls that will stick with you closer than a sister will always be available to help when you need it or lend a shoulder to cry on. 

For a long time, Sophie has a hard time reconciling these two sides of the same coin in her mind. There's the community, which she loves and could see herself a part of. But, then there's the seedy and scary parts - the bikers who are less than trustworthy, the dangerous situations they sometimes get themselves into and the man whoring that always seems to go on at the clubhouse. Sophie has a son to think about. Does she give Ruger her heart knowing that both the best and the worst parts of the club go along with it? She struggles with that decision for the majority of the book, and I can understand why. 

Biker politics play a major part in Reaper's Legacy, and they result in some sticky and dangerous situations in which Sophie finds herself toward the end of the book. They shake her to the core and threaten to destroy all the positive feelings she had developed for Ruger and the female members of the club. It's only when Ruger, Horse, Picnic and others come through for her in ways that no one else could've that she starts to see things in a different light. 

The Reapers MC series is not a romantic story. I'm sorry, but it's not. These boys don't have pretty words and grand gestures like you're used to seeing in romance novels. They're gritty and dirty and rough around the edges. You'd never see Ruger standing outside Sophie's window holding a boom box over his head. But, you know what? That's okay. Because the club members have other ways to woo the women they love. They fix things, they fight bad guys for them, they protect them with their lives. It might not be sweet in the traditional sense, but I dare any woman to not swoon and fall completely in love with hot alpha males who would die for them. 

It took me a little while to get fully on board, but I'm there now. Ruger sold the MC for me, and I'm now fully along for the ride.

REVIEW: Wanted (Most Wanted #1)

Wanted (Most Wanted #1), by J. Kenner
Published January 7, 2014
Publisher: Bantam
Format: e-book, obtained from NetGalley
Genre:  adult contemporary/erotic romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble
 
Rating:  4 STARS

(From Goodreads) He is everything I crave, all I desperately want—and he is everything I can’t have.

Evan Black embodies my every fantasy. He is brilliant, fierce, and devastatingly handsome. But he is also headstrong, dangerous, and burdened with secrets.

My family warned me to stay away, that I could never handle Evan’s dark dealings or scarred past. Maybe I should have listened. Maybe I should have run. But our desire is undeniable, and some temptations you just can’t fight.

And from the moment we touch—the passion between us consuming us both—I know that I will never be the same. 

J. Kenner introduces readers to a hot new trio in the first of her new Most Wanted series, Wanted. Evan, Tyler and Cole give new meaning to the phrase "bad boys." Mostly because in many aspects, they really are bad. They've dallied in illegal operations, and their motives in the past have been questionable. The FBI is sniffing around their business ventures and they each keep a lot of secrets. And, they all seem quite unbothered by most of it. Their methods have proven very fruitful - they're living the highlife, not wanting for anything. Except, we find out that Evan Black really does want  something that he thinks he can't have.

Angelina Raine has wanted Evan ever since laying her eyes on him at the tender age of 16. He, Tyler and Cole were her beloved uncle's proteges, and after she started hanging around her uncle a lot following the tragic death of her older sister, Lina spent a lot of time around the three "knights." It made her crush on Evan even more unbearable, especially since all three of them viewed her as a kid sister.

Now, Lina is 23 and spends most of her life pretending. She pretends she's prim, proper and subdued. She pretends she loves politics as much as her sister. She pretends she really likes her boring FBI agent boyfriend. She pretends she doesn't still want Evan more than her next breath.

And, then, she decides she's done pretending. She wants to fly.

There was a rather melancholy tone over the whole book. It begins at a funeral. And both Lina's and Evan's pasts are full of tragic events. The chemistry between these two is palpable, and the constant denial of it is maddening and more than a little sad. The reader feels and knows that if they could just get over their self-deprecation and act on what each of them really wants, they could both find the peace and hapiness that seems to be constantly just out of reach.

I loved the sorta spy-games element that's thrown in. It adds an extra level of suspense and danger. There are twists and turns that made for an exciting final 25%.

I just love that, although J. Kenner writes ridiculously hot and sexy scenes, they don't flood the pages such that we lose the plot or forget the motivations behind what Lina and Evan are doing. There's a good balance of sex and story, and I very much appreciate that.

I am very much looking forward to Tyler's and Cole's stories in the Most Wanted series (and hopefully, updates on Lina and Evan too!).

SERIES REVIEW: Sinners On Tour

I read all five Sinners on Tour books in the month of August, almost back-to-back-to-back. When I sat down to think about my thoughts on these books enough to write a review for each of them, I realized that each review would sound strangely similar - just the names would change. So, I thought I'd do a review for the series as a whole this time around.

Sinners On Tour series, by Olivia Cunning
Published October 1, 2010, April 1, 2011, February 5, 2013, August 6, 2013, November 6, 2012
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca
Format: e-copy, gifted (Wicked Beat - e-ARC obtained from NetGalley)
Genre:  adult contemporary romance/erotica

Series Rating:  4 STARS

The Sinners on Tour series follows the rock band Sinners as they... go on tour. I know - crazy, right? These five guys are your typical heavy metal rock band members - gorgeous, wild, slutty, talented. Yet, while they all might look the same on the outside, they are all very different. And, as each one finds love in each book and we look at each guy both directly and on the periphery, we realize that there's so much more to each of them than what meets the eye.

Sed Lionheart, "The Leader" - lead singer (Rock Hard, Book 2)
Brian Sinclair, "The Lover" - lead guitar (Backstage Pass, Book 1)
Trey Mills, "The Player" - rhythm guitar (Double Time, Book 5)
Jace Seymour, 'The Brooder" - bass guitar, piano (Hot Ticket, Book 3)
Eric Sticks, "The Joker" - drums, vocals (Wicked Beat, Book 4)

Out of all the "bad boys" that authors write about, rock stars are my absolute favorites. Reading about guys getting serious about music and living that sort of life is fascinating to me. So, right away, the Sinners on Tour series had a lot going for it. 

Each book focuses on a different band member. We see into his past and lean about what got him to where he is today. Some band members had crappy lives with terrible or non-existent families. Others had great lives with supportive loving families. It was nice to see that not every bad boy needs to come from a broken home.

In each book, a band member finds love while on tour. The types of women and the manner in which they meet them are all different. One is a college professor. Another is a law student. A stripper. A sound tech. A guitarist. One thing is consistent - their love affairs never go smoothly. But, would you really expect them to? Each relationship is seen as temporary at first, because really - how permanent can anything be when you're screwing a band member on tour? But, eventually the guy and the girl realize that love is more important than logistics and they find a way to make it work.

My favorite Sinners book was book #3 - Hot Ticket. This was Jace's story. He's the quiet, brooding bassist, and also the newest member of the group. He had a horrid past and has some demons he just can't let go of, not to mention a healthy dose of self-loathing. His story and how he meets and falls in love with Aggie seemed the sweetest to me. Jace comes a long way from cover to cover.

My least favorite Sinners book was book #5 - Double Time. This was Trey's story and the one I had looked forward to the most. Perhaps my expectations were too high. He's carried a torch for Brian for years and has turned into the biggest man whore of them all as a way to combat the unrequited love. I so wanted to see Trey find the love of his life to make his heart feel better. But, I couldn't connect with the story or the characters, and I wasn't a fan of the open relationship he ends up in. Those aren't my thing - it feels too much like cheating and I can't wrap my brain around how anyone would be okay with that.

In each book, you get a very healthy dose of sex. It seemed like there was more sex than story in the last two books (Wicked Beat and Double Time), which was disappointing. Cunning sure knows how to write sex, though. Most of it is super hot. And, the love stories are really sweet too. These rough, scary rockers bare their feelings in believable ways, and it made me fall in love a little bit with each one of them.

There aren't a ton of side characters. There's a few recurring roadies, but we never learn too much about any of them except their soundboard operator, Dave. There's Jon Mallory, their former bass player whom they kicked to the curb because he was doing drugs and unwilling/unable to quit (LOVED that). And then there was Dare. *sigh* Dare Mills is Trey Mills' older brother and the lead guitarist for Exodus End, another metal band (I get the impression that Exodus End is more popular or at least more well known than Sinners). I HEART this guy. I sincerely hope that Cunning's next series is about Exodus End, because I need to read more about Dare Mills.

If you are in the mood for something sexy and sweet and full of awesome rock band action, put on some Ozzy, settle in your favorite chair and give Sinners on Tour a try.

REVIEW: Dirty

Dirty, by Megan Hart
Published September 4, 2012
Publisher:  Harlequin MIRA
Format:  Paperback - own
Genre:  Adult Romance/Erotica

Rating:  3 STARS

(From Goodreads) I met him at the candy store. He turned around and smiled at me and I was surprised enough to smile back. This was not a children's candy store, mind you—this was the kind of place you went to buy expensive imported chocolate truffles for your boss's wife because you felt guilty for having sex with him when you were both at a conference in Milwaukee. Hypothetically speaking, of course.I've been hit on plenty of times, mostly by men with little finesse who thought what was between their legs made up for what they lacked between their ears. Sometimes I went home with them anyway, just because it felt good to want and be wanted, even if it was mostly fake.

The problem with wanting is that it's like pouring water into a vase full of stones. It fills you up before you know it, leaving no room for anything else. I don't apologize for who I am or what I've done in—or out—of bed. I have my job, my house and my life, and for a long time I haven't wanted anything else.

Until Dan. Until now.

Erotica isn't usually my first choice, but I do like a saucy tale from time to time. I was a big fan of the Fifty Shades of Gray series; I've read all three books twice. *blushes* What? It's good stuff! 

But, if I'm going to be honest with myself, my favorite part of books like the Fifty Shades series and the Crossfire series is not the hot sex. It's the romance. It's the rehabilitation of the conflicted guy, or sometimes, girl. It's the sweetness and tenderness that end up occurring in between the hot sex. 

Dirty had plenty of hot sex. Pa-lenty. But, it was seriously lacking in all the other stuff. There was no romance. No sweetness or tenderness. There was a girl who was completely messed up, and rightly so. She had some horrible things happen to her in her life. Then she meets an infinitely patient man who, very quickly (and very curiously) grows to love her. But, she spends the entire book pushing him away (in between ripping his clothes off). And, not even at the end does she allow herself a chance to be vulnerable and love him back. How disappointing. And, so very sad and depressing. 

I can handle sad and depressing. I can handle many levels of messed-uppery. But, if I'm going to put time and effort into reading a book, I want to walk away from it feeling like I got something out of it. And, I didn't feel like I got anything out of Dirty. There didn't seem to be a plot arc, really. The story started out, then grew, then... nothing. No major climax (pardon the pun). Definitely no resolution. 

If you want to read about sex, then this is a good book for you. If you want to read about neuroses and psychoses, then this is a good book for you. If you want a romantic story about two people who meet by chance and fall madly and passionately in love, then look elsewhere.

Book #125 - Stranger

Stranger, Megan Hart
romance, erotica
425 pages
Started 11/12/12
Finished 11/13/12
3 STARS

This was the first book that I've read that had a very, very local flair. As in, it took place in the town in which I live. Talk about weird!

Grace is a funeral director, and since she sees families grieving all the time, she has decided that casual, unattached encounters are all she can afford to have. Or, not afford, as the case may be. Paying for hot men to take you out and then have your way with them does take a toll on the pocketbook. But, then she meets Sam, purely by chance, and that chance meeting with a stranger in a bar ends up challenging her outlook on life and love.

I've got to be honest - I had a hard time with this book. Partly because our leading lady thinks that paying for male prostitutes is a salve to soothe the hurt spots in her life. I prefer books featuring smart, stand-up, kick ass heroines. Grace is none of these things. She's weak and sad and doesn't think nearly enough of herself that she should.

The other part is loosely related to the first part. I just couldn't get behind the characters. I didn't particularly like any of them. The people Grace worked with were bitchy and emo. Her family members were cranky and judgmental. The men she had sex with were impersonal. It's hard for me to get fully behind a book when I don't really feel any kind of connection with the characters.

I admit, I was a little disappointed. I have another Megan Hart book on my shelf that I intend to give the old college try. Perhaps Stranger was an anomaly. I hope?

Book #117 - Reflected In You (Crossfire #2)

Reflected In You (Crossfire #2), Sylvia Day
erotica
432 pages
Started 10/25/12
Finished 10/26/12
4 STARS

Really? Was the ending really realistic? Ok - so, maybe I shouldn't even be asking that question of a story in which a stinking rich, devastatingly handsome man falls instantly and totally in love with a hum-drum girl the second he sees her and wants nothing more than to dote on her constantly and ravish her six ways from Sunday every second of the day. And, yet, I still feel the need to ask if that ending was necessary. Because, other than that, I thought Reflected in You was better than Bared to You, the first in the Crossfire series.

Believe it or not, I think there was less sex in this book. *shock!* And, it was a good thing. *double shock!* There were so many questions left unanswered at the end of Bared to You - this book really got into some of the "whys" surrounding Gideon's many neuroses. And, now that Eva's craziness is all out on the table, she got on my nerves considerably less this time around too. She seemed to want to overcome her insane jealousy and her desire to run when things got hard. She really wanted to work at getting better. And, she and Gideon seemed good together for awhile. For, oh, about 20 pages or so. :)

True to form, there was still plenty of arguing and misunderstanding by these two completely messed up individuals. Although, in this case, the arguments seemed to be much more founded in legitimacy. Eva had every right to be mad and jealous and hurt and betrayed this time around. And, I found myself crying along with her at times.

The thing that bothered me most about this installment in the Crossfire series was that, for some unknown reason, the violence was ramped up. That kinda came out of left field at me, and I'm not really sure it added anything to the story. Well, ok, the one incident did, I guess. But, I still felt it was all not needed to move the story forward and to get the point across.

All in all, this was a really good book with a few missteps that I'm willing to overlook. I have a feeling I know where the third and last book will go. I think it will be a thrilling end. 

Book #100 - Bared to You (Crossfire #1)

Bared to You (Crossfire #1), Sylvia Day
360 pages
erotica, adult romance
Started 9/10/12
Finished 9/11/12
4 STARS

First of all - I remember in the beginning of 2011, I was hanging out on a parenting Web site and saw a mom who said she was aspiring to read 100 books that year. At the time, I remember thinking, "No way - that's impossible!" I love proving myself wrong.

Back to business. I read Bared To You, probably for the same reason that many people have. It's a "If you loved 50 Shades of Grey, you'll love this too!" book. And, I did love 50. A lot. And, honestly, I've kinda missed my 50 fix. After reading Bared to You, I can see why it's recommended for the fans of the 50 series.

Eva is poised to start a new life. She's moved across the country to New York to start her dream job at an ad agency. She has a great apartment with her best friend. She's finally starting to move past the horrible demons in her past. And, then she runs into Gideon Cross in the lobby of her new office building. I mean, literally runs into him. And, they both instantly know there's something between them that's intense and exciting. But, although insanely rich and devastatingly handsome, Gideon is just as messed up as Eva is. Time will tell whether that's a good thing or not.

Yes, the similarities are striking. Gideon is ridiculously rich and confident. It appears he's been abused as a child. He has control issues and stalkerish tendencies. And, he likes to have sex. A LOT. Eva has just graduated from college and has secured her first job. She has a serious lack of self-confidence. And, after meeting Gideon, she realizes she likes to have sex. A LOT.

But, Bared to You, is no Fifty Shades of Grey. Yes, one might argue that Bared is better written. And, I wouldn't put up much of an argument. But, Bared to You is missing a certain something. Fifty has a sort of excitement and happiness underneath it all that I felt was missing from Bared to You. Bared was heavy and much darker than 50. I felt like the world could've been developed more fully and colorfully. This guy is stinking rich - I want to read about that! It's part of the fun!

I really liked Gideon, but some things he did and said didn't jive with what I had in my mind. He gave in to certain things way too easily. A powerful man like that wouldn't capitulate so easily to a woman he barely knows. And, Eva - ugh. I don't get that woman. She flipped out over the tiniest things and let some major things slide. There didn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to it. It was infuriating.

All things being what they are, I did enjoy Bared to You. There are a lot of secrets yet to uncover (and a lot more sex to have too, I bet). I do anticipate reading the next Crossfire book.