{ARC Review} Temper by Chantal Fernando

Title: Temper
Author: Chantal Fernando
Release Date: April 20, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, MC Romance

New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando returns to the Knights of Fury series with her most complicated hero yet. He may be the epitome of cool, but this MC president isn’t called Temper for nothing…

Every year, the hot, tatted biker comes into Abbie’s bar, orders whiskey and asks her out. Every year, Abbie turns him down. After all, dating a man that goes by Temper seems like a really bad idea, no matter how attracted she is to him.

But this year is different. Abbie’s different. Older, wiser and tired of being stuck behind the bar in a sleepy town. This year, she’s ready for whatever adventure the sexy but sweet biker has in store for her.

Or so she thinks…until an elegant candlelit dinner ends with a dead body.

Now Abbie finds herself on the ride of her life, whisked away to the big city in Temper’s protective custody. She should be scared, but—despite his nickname—it’s clear the last thing Temper would ever do is hurt a hair on her head. And when danger catches up with them, Abbie soon realizes that holding tight to her man while straddling a Harley may be the safest place of all.

**CW/TW: guns; murder; kidnapping; blood; drugging; off-page beating**

What We Liked

♥ Ya'know we love our MC romances.

♥ Sort of a slow-burn romance, as the H has been asking the h on a date once or twice a year for 5 years before she finally agrees.

♥ Date ends on an action-packed twist -- fights, guns, and a dead body.

♥ Impromptu road trip to LA (see: kidnapping) which leads to sightseeing adventures, making new friends, hiding under "witness protection" of sorts, and night life fun.

♥ Loyalty, family, and close-knit found family (MC).

♥ Girls night out turns into a whole group with the guys joining/babysitting, which ends with an attempted kidnapping, gun fights, running bad guys over with a getaway car.

♥ How the MC collectively pulls through for Abbie.

♥ An H who respects boundaries. It's always sexy.

♥ Age difference romance.

What We Didn't

• How the H handled the situation after their date by kidnapping the h.

• The use of the word "penis" during sex. Not sexy enough while we're reading a sex scene.

• The H and h's first sex scene ended incompletely, before either of them even came, before the h rides the H's face like he told her to. We're committed -- let's see this through!

• The h complaining about her mom's medical conditions in a way that she thinks of mental illness and disabilities are a burden. 

The Badass Ladies

Abbie // Hardworking, loyal, and self-sacrificing. She'll do anything for the people she loves, even if it means putting her goals and dreams on the back burner. She was definitely not expecting nor prepared for all the shit she went through since getting involved with Temper and his MC, but she prevailed and grew from it. There was a lot of growth from her, and how she humbled and softened Temper, and we were here for it.

Ivy // Abbie's younger sister. She was more understanding about how fast, vague and much their situation shifted since Abbie had to go to LA with Temper, as well as equally concerned for Abbie and what was going on. We kind of wished she was in it more, but hopefully we get more Ivy cameo's in the future or perhaps her own book?

Izzy + Skylar // These baddies/old lady's of Temper's MC members are loyal people and friend to Abbie. We loved their friendship with Abbie and how welcoming they were but still be fucking badasses not afraid to set you straight. They, as were the rest of the guys, were quite shocked at how Temper was like with Abbie around.

The Guys

Temper // Despite his road name, we luckily don't see him live up to it save for this one time when shit with enemies hit the fan. If you're lucky enough, you can catch him singing Disney songs. Taking over as the club's prez, he had a lot to take on, but was still persistent in taking Abbie out on a date for 5 years straight. Aside from a misguided impulse, he's mature, clearheaded, loyal and can handle most things well without bitterness, anger or arrogance.

Crow // He's probably the friendliest of the bunch, and will take you under his wing in times of fun or distress. He looks out for his brothers and family.

Chains // He's got a mean and mysterious demeanor, but he is loyal to a fault. It takes a while for him to warm up to people but once he does, he actually seems pretty cool.

Renny + Saint // Renny can be a scary ass killer but he's got your back. They're not as close to Abbie as Crow is, which may be why these two are not present/interactive as much, but they're loyal to the MC and their old ladies.

Lust Factor

3.5 flames

{Review} His Virgin Queen by Mink

Title: His Virgin Queen
Author: Mink
Release Date: January 13, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mafia Romance, Novella

I knew I was going to be sold by my father. A bride offered to forge an alliance or seal a deal. Even so, I still held onto the hope of living free of the families. But when I’m given to Antonio Tuscani, I realize my thin dreams of escaping this life were just that—dreams. Giving up, I accept my fate … Until a fierce-eyed boss, Nick DaVinci, shows up on my wedding day to exact lethal vengeance.

I came for Tuscani blood, and I took it. The doe-eyed bride in her white dress and veil of innocence doesn’t bat an eyelash when I do what I was born to do. I’m the head of the most powerful mafia family in the city, and I didn’t get here by sparing enemies. But Sophia’s demeanor intrigues me, and soon I realize she is far more than a mafia princess. She is a queen, and I will stop at nothing to keep her by my side.

Mink's Note: Curl up with your fave feline for this safe, sweet, steamy, a lil dark, and a lot dreamy HEA.

**CW/TW: murder; violence; guns; blood; explicit sex**

What We Liked

♥ Mafia. Families. Rivalries. Weddings (yes, plural). Romance.

♥ Virgin mafia princess who mustn't be underestimated.

♥ The kinship and close-knit bond the h (Sophia) has with her younger brother, Marco, despite the kind of family they grew up and were raised in.

♥ Two weddings in the same day. The first one was a mistake so a re-do with a new, upgraded, better husband was needed.

♥ The ribbing the H's (Nick) men does toward Nick was pretty funny and surprising to see it not end in punishment or worse from the mafia king.

♥ Dirty talk and shower sex.

♥ A good ol' action-packed mafia war. Expect lots of bodies dropping, blood, and a big ass machine gun that mowed the other family and their soldiers down in 10 seconds.

♥ This is probably not your average mob story. Things are run a little differently in the Davinci family/household, and believe us that's for the better.

What We Didn't

• It wasn't long or fleshed out enough! We want more! More war, more mafia business, more bloodshed, more sex, more Nick, more character growth for Sophia, more babies, more brother/sister moments. Just... More.
• Not enough female characters.

The Ladies

Sophia // Daughter of the Scalingi mafia family. Fierce and devoted, protective older sister. Mafia princess turned queen. Despite growing up under the thumb of her father and grandfather, she has a good head on her shoulders, strength in the face of adversity, fierce, protective and headstrong.

Carlotta // Nick's housemaid/cook/house caretaker/mother-figure, who can go from cooking one minute to cocking a big ass gun the next.

The Guys

Nick // The head and king of the Davinci family. Can kill without hesitation (at a wedding, no less) but has a soft spot only for Sophia. He has a strong hunger for Sophia that confused him at first but he goes with it because he knows what he wants and he goes after it. He'll lay down his life for Sophia. He was an alpha without being overwhelming, overdone, OTT or raising orange/red flags, which after the last few reads, was absolutely refreshing. Might be our first book boyfriend of 2020. Well done with Nick, Mink.

Gio + Dante // Nick's most trusted and loyal men, who has his back and fights alongside him as well as rib at Nick while they're not killing with/for him. Their dynamic seemed to be of friendship as much as associates.

Marco // Sophia's younger brother. Fiercely devoted and equally protective of his big sister, Sophia. He's got tact, courage, and we can see a future mob boss in him once he become more well-rounded as he gets older and wiser.

Lust Factor

  

{Review} Gettin' Lucky by Tory Baker

Title: Gettin' Lucky
Author: Tory Baker
Release Date: March 24, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella

Zack is in town for a game.

He’s got more money than he’ll ever need and gambling relaxes him—the higher the stakes the better.

He enjoys the thrill.

There’s only one thing he doesn’t gamble on.

Love.

One look at Natalie and he knows he’s going to claim her for his own.

Suddenly Gettin’ Lucky takes on a whole new meaning for him—and it has nothing to do with cards.

Natalie doesn’t realize it yet, but Zack’s about to show her what happens when a high stakes gambler really hits the jackpot in Vegas.

This book contains an over the top alpha, with a guaranteed safe, happily ever after.

What We Liked

♥ Vegas. You know we just love the city of sin.

♥ Tory Baker's signature lust at first page sight that we love.

♥ Virgin heroine trope. Also, the fact that the H doesn't take the h's virginity right away, so there's plenty of foreplay and anticipation beforehand.

♥ Surrounds the world of poker tournament without it overwhelming or infodumping all over the story or overshadowing the romance aspect. It is so Vegas, but hardly ever present in books set in the city, so we loved that.

♥ Friendships. It's not a complete Vegas getaway without your BFF (well, other than getting laid/drunk or finding your forever person).

♥ A proposal after the H wins a poker tournament on live TV.

♥ Oopsie pregnancy.

♥ TWO epilogues. Thank you, Tory.

♥ A little back door action if ya know what we mean *wink wink* for those who like that explored in their books.

What We Didn't

• The H is a smoker, which is a turn-off for us in both real life, movies and books. For others it's a turn-on or readers don't mind/care, so to each their own.
• While we liked the friendship between the h and her BFF especially during their vacation in Vegas, we didn't like how their friendship then the BFF as a character just got pushed aside.
• Not to sound nitpicky but the way how the H sometimes doesn't say "I" in the beginning of his sentences. For example, he tells the h "Want you" completely forgetting to say "I" before that statement. It's such a small thing that happened only a few times but for some reason it bothered us.
• The wedding ceremony didn't happen on-page.
• PSA: Just know that if you, a woman/uterus-owning person, are unable to have (more) children, doesn't mean you are a "failure of a woman." It shouldn't have to be said in this day and age, but here we are.

The Ladies

Natalie (aka "Sunshine") // Biggest supportive friend and girlfriend who will stick by your side and be your biggest cheerleader. Curvy, virgin heroine. We stan.

Sophia // Natalie's BFF. We hope she's okay and that she finds a man (or woman/partner) who treats her right, and that we get to read about it someday.

The Guys

Zack // Older, top shelf (like his choice of drink) poker player gentleman, with some gray's on the sides to make him more distinguished and refined. Ready to meet his forever lady and settle some roots, retiring from all the poker and traveling. Luckily he sees Natalie in the audience, which changes the course of their lives forever at the right time in their lives.

Lust Factor

{Review} Wrapped In My Wife by Alexa Riley

Title: Wrapped In My Wife
Author: Alexa Riley
Release Date: April 11, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Novella

Emily’s been a wife and a mom as a full-time job. But when her twin boys go to kindergarten she finds herself with too much time on her hands.

Dylan built his construction business with his wife by his side, until she had their boys and decided to stay at home. The past few years he’s been working hard to build the perfect life for her, but he’s ready to slow down.

When Emily takes a job at the local library she’s not prepared for a creepy new boss. She misses her family, but she’s determined to make it work. But little does she know her husband is on the prowl, and nobody gets in the way of what still belongs to only him.

Warning: This sugary sweet husband and wife romance is everything your heart desires! It’s safe, sexy, and over the top! Put a ring on it and dive in!

What We Liked

♥ The story centers around the H and h who've been married for 7 years and are childhood sweethearts. We love that it starts in the middle of their relationship instead of the beginning. It's a perspective that is not done very often and it was fun and refreshing to read about this couple years into their marriage.

♥ Opening scene sexy time. Bow-chicka-wow-wow (sorry we had to!)

♥ Tag team to take down a sexual harasser.

♥ Sexy time at the office *wink wink* We hope you have something to fan yourself with the various sexy times that goes on.

♥ Not 1, but TWO epilogues! Very much needed and satisfying, so big thanks to Alexa Riley for that treat.

What We Didn't

• The H has a habit of being overprotective, but he went far: surveillance at his wife's new job and spying through the windows. Okay, since the h's new boss is a pig, it was understandable but still alarming behavior nonetheless.

• Their kids don't make much appearances, nor was there much memories/nostalgia when the characters thought about or mentioned them. Hell, we don't even learn their names until the epilogues. It felt like they were just filler or after thoughts.

• Sexual harassing bosses/authority in power. Luckily the powers that be, he gets taken care of.

The Gals

Emily // Smol cinnamon roll compared to her brute of a hubby, but a strong mama bear when it comes to her family.

Nancy // Emily's cool and fashionable friend and coworker. They compliment each other in their friendship/working relationship.

Daisy // Dylan and Emily's youngest and only daughter. She's whip smart, and while appears girly, she can kick your ass.

The Guys

Dylan // The brute hunky of a husband of Emily's. He may be a bit overprotective and overbearing when it comes to Emily, but you can tell that he loves and cherishes her. Despite their differences, he and Emily fit each other well in numerous ways.

Michael // Dylan's friend who's equally protective of his wife as Dylan is of Emily. He and Dylan together... what they plot together... they're trouble.

Mark // The pig of a boss at the library Emily works at. All I'm sayin is, he got what he deserved.

Lust At First Page

"I only wanted to eat your pussy. I swear I was just going to get you off, but once I tasted how sweet you were I knew I wouldn't be able to stop. Goddamn, you're tight this morning."
I wrap my legs around his waist. "You think I would have let you stop there."

--Alexa Riley, Wrapped In My Wife (Loc 52-53)

Lust Factor

   

{Review} Heiress: A Reverse Harem Mermaid Romance by Daisy Daniels

Title: Heiress: A Reverse Harem Mermaid Romance
Author: Daisy Daniels
Release Date: January 16, 2018
Genre: Adult Fantasy, Erotic Romance, Menage

I was destined to save the Pacific the moment I was born. I was a miracle, and I was expected to repeat my parent's success and save the entire ocean from a curse thousands of years old. Then I met the man I was meant to sire a child with, and I fell in love. Until I met my other prince...and another.

Now I'm in love with three princes, and I can only choose one. The kingdom rests on my choice. But I can't choose.

Disclaimer: This novel contains very graphic descriptions of sex. You've been warned!

What we liked

♥ Mermaids and mermen

♥ It's an adult, erotic take on the Little Mermaid

♥ Reverse harem. Daphne is one lucky mermaid to have the love of three sexy mermen.

♥ Sexytimes with all the princes/mermen. Oh, to be in this mermen sandwich...

♥ Threesomes and foursomes. Hot and takes a bit of suspension of disbelief (mermaids not withstanding).

♥ Bait and switch with an unlikely ally

♥ The princess/future queen rescues the princes

♥ A glimpse of life underwater as a mermaid and the transition of trading the mermaid tales for human legs and life on land. Not to mention how mermaids procreate.

♥ Mermaid sex/menage. At least we kinda know how that works.

♥ Happily Ever After

What we didn't

• The fact that the only way to save the Pacific Ocean was for Daphne to produce an heir. First we put that on human females, now on mermaids? Please stop.
• We didn't feel the instalove
• DP-ing the h at the same time -- especially for her very first time ever having sex? Ouch. Usually one pushes in one hole, then the other guy pushes in the other hole after before going at it, but to each their own.
• We missed much of the action after the rescue mission
• Thanks for putting all that stress on us near the end. We were about to throw the book (our kindle) if the characters didn't get an HEA. Crisis averted, but that was still quite scary.

The princes

Castor. The poor guy had missed some of the fun while being in the clutches of evil, but he's got a kind heart and stamina too. (They all do, tbh). Wish he was more present.

Griffin. A sweetheart haunted by dark inner demons and a power that connects him to his dark past he'd rather forget. He can get down and dirty in bed. However, we can't believe he went in her butt dry, no lube of any kind.

Leander. He's ballsy and went straight for the dirty talk and p*ssy upon meeting the h. What a first impression. He's also got a cool power too.

King Triton. Okay, he might not be a prince but the King of the ocean and also father of Daphne.

The princess (+ sourceresses)

Daphne. Although she has the fate of saving the ocean on her shoulders, she's one lucky mermaid (solely for the mermen she has in her bed). She's so secretly attracted to Alistra

Alistra. The sourceress of the Shadow Sea. Badass, rough exterior and attitude, but not as bad as her sister. We can't wait for her story.

Selene. Alistra's (evil) sister and gatekeeper between underwater and land. She's a sneaky bitch. Watch out for her. We would've thought she'd be the equivalent to the sea witch, but she's not.

The Sea Witch. She's not the villainess we've come to know her as. In this story, she's the half healer, half mermaid in the kingdom who spared their lives at literally the last minute. Not all heroes wear capes.

Lust factor

3.5 flames

{Review} Their Secret by Cassandra Dee and Katie Ford

Title: Their Secret
Authors: Cassandra Dee, Katie Ford
Release Date: January 29, 2018
Genre: Adult, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance, Menage

Therapy has never felt this good.

When the brat comes into my office for couples counseling, my jaw hits the floor. Mona's curvy, feisty, with a wiggle to her walk and a shy smile. She's here with the gorgeous man of the house to solve their so-called "issues." But I know the truth -- the brat has something up her sleeve.

Even better, Mona's pregnant with twins now ... from TWO different fathers!

Hold your horses because we're about to get filthy. Your friends are gonna die when they find out you're reading steamy MMF scenes. :) But it's not a problem right? Because with our books, it's always time to indulge. :) This is a safe story with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA. Love you all and be sure to keep a spare pair of panties on hand!

What we liked

♥ It's a step- taboo

♥ Menage between younger woman and two older male friends

♥ The step-daughter is attracted to her step-dad just as much as he is to her

♥ Their new family psychiatrist is attracted to the step-daughter... and to the step-dad, who happens to be friends with since college

♥ Power play between the two alphas

♥ M/M sex between the two friends was hot

♥ Sexytime in the middle of their second therapy session in front of their psychiatrist

♥ M/F/M/ and M/M/F *fans self*

♥ Features more short stories, so be forewarned that the first story ends before the halfway mark

What we didn't

• Even though the step-daughter was 18 and therefore legal, she was still in high school, so it made their situation a bit hard to fully get ino
• Some of the dirty talk was cringe-worthy and pretty much ruined the moment(s)
• While we found the M/M scenes hot, it was essentially a gay fetishization written by cis/straight women for the same audience
• Grown men saying "boobies" -- I'm sorry, I thought these guys said they're in their 40s -- What are you doing calling them boobies?
• Too much "growling" when they're talking. Should've used other words like gruff or something.
• A lot of telling, not enough showing. This created a disconnect with the story and characters for readers
• We noticed an inconsistancy in dick sizes of the two male heroes
• Like the dirty talk, some word choices were also cringe-worthy, which took away from the sexytimes
• Much of the writing was a turn-off

The guys

Gray. The hot billionaire step-dad who finds his step-daughter attractive couple of years after his estranged wife ran off on him. He was pretty alpha when it came to dealing with his step-daughter, but Mason just might give him a run for his money.

Mason. The sexy as hell family psychiatrist and friend of Gray's. His attraction and trysts with Gray and the step-daughter, his patients, do pose ethical issues. Their predicament turned him on and he wasn't afraid to show it. He had balls -- literally and metaphorically. Bonus: he can deep throat a 10 inch.

The gals

Mona. The lucky step-daughter in the middle of a hot older alpha male sandwich. Okay it's hotter than it sounds. She may be innocent, but she's persistent AF when it comes to her desires for Gray. And Mason.

Lydia. Mona's only and closest friend. She was a good friend, albeit naive. I wonder what happened to her and if she ended up following her football playing boyfriend to a university she probably didn't have a chance to get into.

Kathy. Mona's absentee and Gray's estranged wife. She's such a typical gold digger and made us roll our eyes.

Lust factor

2.5 flames