Nona Raines, Uncollared

Title:  Uncollared

Author:  Nona Raines

Rating:  Five Siren Stones

Genre:  BDSM Contemporary

Keywords:  D/s, Graphic Language, BDSM Theme and Elements    

Length:  Short Novel           

ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61118-943-8

Price:  $5.99 

Publisher:  Loose Id

Buy-Link:  http://www.loose-id.com/uncollared.html

Reviewer:  Cia

Blurb/Summary:

Submissive Mia Manetti is devastated when her first Master uncollars her just as she was hoping for a permanent relationship with him. Trying to move on, she agrees to sub for a powerful and sexy new Dom.

Chess Ryan has wanted Mia from the first moment he saw her at Club
Restraint, but it was always "hands off" because she belonged to his friend Philip. Now, thanks to that friend's maneuvers, Mia is finally his. But only for a little while.

Mia finds it increasingly difficult to keep her feelings in check as she experiences erotic delights with Master Chess, sensual and sexual fantasies that she's never known before. But she fears she’s setting herself up for another heartache. Guilt, secrets and misplaced pride all keep Chess and Mia from being completely honest with each other. As they connect sexually and emotionally, they realize their relationship has grown too serious to be called "play".

How far are they willing to go as Master and slave?

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and elements.

Review:

What a fantastic story.  Mia’s life crumbles before her when she is out of the blue uncollared without explanation.  My heart broke during the opening scene of this story, because even I felt she, as a slave, deserved a reason for such a life changing decision.

When Chess came to her rescue, I breathed a sigh of relief hoping maybe this man might help her find the reasons for his friend’s unwarranted dismissal of Mia.

Soon after it was apparent that Mia and her previous master didn’t share a full relationship and I questioned if maybe that was why he wanted her to find a new master, believing he’d served his purpose for their time together.

In time, I witnessed Mia flourish under Chess’ control.  Although he has his own issues that prevent them from moving completely forward, the sizzling chemistry between them made me hope they’d find a happy ending.  In the end when the twist gave me clarity, I saw how two caring individuals put aside their personal relationship to help a friend in need.  This book is one I enjoyed reading, although the roller coaster made me need a tissue or two.

Marie Harte, Silver Tongue: A Power Up! Story

Title:  Silver Tongue: A Power Up! Story

Author:  Marie Harte

Rating:  Siren's Best Book Stone

Genre:  Mystery and Suspense

Sub-Genre: Fantasy and Paranormal

Keywords:  Psychics, Empath, Marine, D/s, Graphic Language    

Length:  Novel          

ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61118-732-8  

Price:  $5.24 

Publisher:  Loose Id

Buy-Link:  http://www.loose-id.com/silver-tongue-a-power-up-story.html

Reviewer:  Cia

Blurb/Summary:

Kitty Nelson works for the PowerUp! gym as the day manager. But the empath does a lot more than run the gym. She keeps the team in shape, tempering emotions in a high strung group of psychics. It's not easy, but Kitty keeps the peace, until one day she meets her match in a man who won't cave to her looks, her smiles, or her psychic skills. Who knew meddling with a couple in love would lead to man straight out of her fantasies...and nightmares? Because with Dane, she knows he won't accept less than total control.

Dane Hanson did his time for the Marine Corps. He also got shot and
found himself medically retired, leaving him aching for the excitement of a job he loved. He found solace in his artwork, and it's that ability to create that has Kitty needing his help. He's back in the
thick of things on an undercover assignment, but everything's
different. Kitty is psychic, her skills don't work on him, and she's
the hottest thing he's ever seen.  Even better, the woman has
submissive tendencies he's dying to explore. But when the mission
turns deadly, Dane realizes he doesn't just want to play with Kitty,
he wants to own the feisty redhead for a lot longer than this mission.
That's if she'll let herself surrender, the bad guys don't shoot them,
and the weird statue they're sent to retrieve doesn't curse them to
death.

Warning: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic
language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: anal play/intercourse, Domination/submission.

Review:

Hello!  Talk about a sizzling, smoldering, smoking hot read.  Marie led me into the Power Up member’s lives once again with Kitty’s book.  I enjoyed the new article they were meant to steal and the mystic surroundings of the piece.  Kitty is everything I love in a woman, a little shy when it comes to things not in her control, sexy and smart, and saucy as hell.

The team members’ mannerisms and easy banter made the story a fun read.  When Dane enters and the story kicks up full throttle, I was enthralled with the decision Kitty makes to give what he suggests a thought and the ride they took me on during their assignment.

From the villains to long-time friend relationships. I’ve enjoyed reading all the stories.  I cannot wait until the next one releases.  I definitely have them on my kindle to pick up and read again. 

Cherise Sinclair, Doms of Dark Haven: My Liege of Dark Haven

Title:  Doms of Dark Haven: My Liege of Dark Haven

Author:  Cherise Sinclair

Rating:  Siren's Best Book Stone

Genre:  BDSM Contemporary

Keywords:  Graphic Language, BDSM Theme and Elements    

Length:  Long Novel          

ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61118-978-0  

Price:  $7.21 

Publisher:  Loose Id

Buy-Link:  http://www.loose-id.com/doms-of-dark-haven-my-liege-of-dark-haven.html

Reviewer:  Cia

Blurb/Summary:

Threatened by university cutbacks, Professor Abigail Bern’s only hope
is to publish a provocative research paper—soon. Planning to covertly
observe behavior in the notorious Dark Haven BDSM club, she takes a receptionist job. When the owner calls upon her to assist in a
demonstration, she’s appalled. Then fascinated. Under the unyielding
hands of the master known as my Liege, she discovers a need to be more than an observer.

His late wife had been the center of his life, and Xavier Leduc wants
no other. But when his new receptionist does her utmost to keep an
emotional distance from him, he’s intrigued and digs deeper. She’s
adorable. Intriguingly intelligent, beautifully submissive, sweetly
vulnerable. He soon realizes her defenses are keeping her on the
fringe of her sexuality—and her life. As he draws her into fuller
participation, she unconsciously does the same for him. She begins to
fill his world.

Ever since the night she met my Liege Xavier, Abby has questioned
everything she believes about herself. She’s falling for the stern
owner of Dark Haven and thinks he’s beginning to care for her...until
the day he learns why she’s in his club.

Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language,
and material that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play, BDSM theme and elements.

Review:

I was so excited to finally read Xavier’s story.  Cherise crafted a delicious story.  In the beginning I had reservations about the sneaky way Abigail chose to enter the lifestyle and worried about the repercussions of her choices.  I also felt bad for the way her previous boyfriend treated her and wanted badly for her to find out who she was and what she truly wanted.

Xavier’s rules of not letting anyone too close made me question if he was capable of allowing himself to be loved and sad for his inability to move on after the love of his life died.  I felt the chemistry between Abigail and Xavier was extraordinary and his masterful way of bringing her into the lifestyle a worthy move a chess player might have made.

The emotional and physical connection between the two lit the pages up, along with understanding, forgiveness, and courage.  I will be reading this story again for sure on a rainy day.

Cheryl Pierson, Temptation's Touch

Title:  Temptation's Touch

Author:  Cheryl Pierson

Rating:  Four Siren Stones

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Keywords:  Crimson Rosebud, Spicy, Men in Uniform Series    

Page Count:  180          

ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61217-535-5

Price:  $4.99

ISBN For Print:  978-1-61217-564-5

Price:  $10.99 

Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link:  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=137&products_id=5007

Reviewer:  Marcie Oropeza (BookFairyMO)

Blurb/Summary:

[Men in Uniform Series]

Two broken hearts find a second chance at love, but only if they manage to survive--
 
When Kendi Morgan witnesses an attempted murder near her home one night, she makes the only choice possible: help the victim. But bringing the handsome stranger into her home traps her in the middle of a deadly drug war.

Wounded DEA agent Jackson Taylor is a man with nothing to lose and nothing to fear--until he falls for a beautiful woman who risked everything to save his life.

With his sting operation gone awry, Jackson realizes he is all that stands between Kendi and a powerful drug lord seeking revenge. Can their newfound love survive? Or will Jackson sacrifice his partner's life and his own in exchange for Kendi's safety and their future together?

Review:

This was a bittersweet story; both protagonists came from horrible pasts.  As a DEA agent, Jackson’s story was especially difficult to read. The plot moved quickly, perhaps too quickly some might think but this story’s entirety spanned less than two weeks so, the reader must take that into consideration.  

The attraction between Jack and Kendi spiked immediately; this reader had a difficult time believing they’d act upon that attraction as quickly as they did, given Jack’s physical limitation.  Oh well….lust! There were several nice plot twists, concerning Jack’s partner and the resolution.

This reader struggled with the graphic details of Jack’s past and of his torture under the hands of the drug lord.  While necessary to the story, be warned.  This was a quick and ultimately, interesting read.

Jannine Gallant, A Deadly Love

Title:  A Deadly Love 

Author:  Jannine Gallant

Rating:  Five Siren Stones 

Genre:  Romantic Suspense

Keywords:  Crimson Rose, Spicy 

Page Count:  300             

ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61217-310-8

Price:  $5.99

ISBN For Print:  978-1-61217-309-2 

Price:  $14.99

Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press 

Buy-Link:  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=137&products_id=4940

Reviewer:  Marcie Oropeza (BookFairyMO)

Blurb/Summary:

In the heart of the redwoods, a madman waits...

Recovering from a broken engagement and determined to start over, Brooke Wakefield flees to her grandmother's home deep in the redwood forest. Discovering her teenage crush lives next door is a less than auspicious beginning. The last thing she needs is another man to break her heart, but every time Dillon glances her way, her heat level soars.

Dillon Tremayne isn't looking for a relationship. With a young son, an eccentric grandfather, and a logging company running him ragged, he can't afford any romantic entanglements. But Brooke's humor and strength are hard to resist.

When a woman from his past is brutally murdered and another disappears, Dillon is heartsick—and terrified the killer will target Brooke next. Can Brooke and Dillon find love in the heart of the forest? Or will a madman's twisted dream destroy their chance at happiness?

Review:

What an amazing book!  This one had it all: mystery, crazy serial murderer, love realized, a strong female protagonist, sexy former (widowed with adorable child) crush….who could ask for more?

This book had just the right combination of believable relationships between Brooke and Dillon as well as between Brooke and her Grandma.  The plot points led up to the climax beautifully; the suspense kept me wanting to turn the pages to find out who’d be next. While the outcome and resolution was inevitable, this reader was not disappointed at all!

Sharon Sobel, A Cottage Affaire

Title:  A Cottage Affair

Author:  Sharon Sobel

Rating:  Three Siren Stones

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Keywords:  Last Rose of Summer, Sensual, Thrifty Means Series

Page Count:  364          

ISBN E-Book:  d5611  

Price:  $5.99 

ISBN For Print:  978-1-61217-026-8

Price:  $14.99

Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link:  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=175_140&products_id=4800

Reviewer:  Marcie Oropeza (BookFairyMO)

Blurb/Summary:

[Thrifty Means Series]

Small New England towns may bury their dead, but never the past.

With an art scandal threatening her future as a curator, Arden Alexander seeks refuge in the small colonial cottage owned by the women of her family for generations. But her handsome neighbor won't let her hide for long.

For years, Alex Wingate has hoped to incorporate the cottage into his plans for an artists' retreat, and Arden's arrival is his golden opportunity. But when they discover some undocumented history about their families and are drawn into a partnership, Alex's interest in Arden soon extends to much more than her property.

Before long, someone else finds the contents of the cabin too tempting to resist, and Arden and Alex realize they are fighting for their future as well as their history. As they uncover the past, can they also find the truth about themselves and their growing love?

Review:

This is a lovely book; well-written and obviously well-researched.  It’s also about 150 pages too long.  There was more than enough time to develop the characters, however, this reader felt like she was always coming from behind in knowing them.  There was always the feeling that the characters knew more than they were revealing to the reader so the reader was often left thinking, “What’s going on here?”

The formatting was also a bit of an issue; the reader often had to refer back a bit to determine whose dialogue was actually being read.  Quite frustrating.  A good love story with a bit of a historical mystery, but at 364 pages, more frustrating than not and just not worth plodding through to solve it!

Aline Hunter, Make Me Shiver

Title:  Make Me Shiver

Author:  Aline Hunter

Rating:  Five Siren Stones

Genre:  BDSM Contemporary Romance

Keywords:  Spanking, Voyeurism, Exhibitionism    

Page Count:  198          

ISBN E-Book:  978-1419936814

Price:  $5.95 

ISBN For Print:  978-1419967061

Price:  $10.99

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Buy-Link:  http://www.ellorascave.com/make-me-shiver.html

Reviewer:  Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

When Lacey loses control of her vehicle and finds herself trapped by ice and snow, she knows there’s only one person to call for help. Unfortunately, Michael may cause more turmoil than relief. She’s lusted for the gorgeous Dom ever since she first laid eyes on him. Trouble is, he doesn’t do vanilla and she’s not a submissive…or is she?

Michael’s hungered for Lacey for months, so when he notices her fleeting glimpses and blush-stained cheeks as he rescues her from an altercation with a guardrail, he decides it’s time to push the sultry beauty’s boundaries…only to discover Lacey’s not as reserved as she thinks.

Physical attraction blossoms into something neither anticipates, taking Michael and Lacey beyond kink, dominance and submission. Their newfound connection is strong, until a flame from Michael’s past returns, shatters the fragile trust he and Lacey have only just developed and threatens to destroy something neither wants to surrender.

Review:

Make Me Shiver by Aline Hunter is a sweet BDSM contemporary romance.  The author does a great job of giving the reader all the erotic BDSM elements without the degradation of the submissive.  The ongoing theme is trust between the main characters.

Lacey and Michael are well developed, likable characters.  As the reader, you feel outraged on Lacey’s behalf and betrayed on Michael’s behalf, but through it all hope that they will realize how special they are together.  Their love scenes are hot and steamy and leave the reader wanting more.

The secondary characters add plot gems throughout and will hopefully lead to some future stories and a revisit to Lacey and Michael.

Make Me Shiver is a page turner that envelops and consumes you from page one.  I would recommend this book to anyone that likes erotic fiction with BDSM themes and elements. 

My only question to Aline Hunter is did Lacey make her book deadline?

Renee Charles, Changes in Autumn

Title:  Changes in Autumn

Author:  Renee Charles

Rating:  Four Siren Stones

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Keywords:  Black Rosette, Werewolf      

Page Count:  65          

ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61217-549-2

Price:  $1.99 

Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link:  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5018

Reviewer:  Marcie Oropeza (BookFairyMO)

Blurb/Summary:

Ex-animal control officer, Autumn Reynolds always had a soft spot for injured animals. So when one shows up on her porch with a gunshot wound, she has no choice but to help it. But she gets caught in the maelstrom when the injured wolf turns out to be a hot werewolf and the shooter comes back to finish the job. Now she's going to become a wolf, or die trying. Fortunately, she now has her own Alpha-male who owes her one. However, Autumn fears if she does survive, she might lose her heart in the process.

Conner Grayson owes the beautiful woman his life and feels obligated to help her through her first change. Though he recognizes her as his mate, as her Alpha, he won’t deny Autumn the right to choose once she becomes a wolf. That is, if he can resist the overwhelming need to claim her as his own.

Review:

This was a sweet short story that I would recommend without reserve. The editing was good, some typos that were a bit confusing at points but nothing severe or that impeded reading comprehension.

The author took the time to develop the characters of Conner and Autumn so that the reader feels a connection to them; one can’t help but want a good outcome for them.  The conflict in the story begins with Conner’s cousin, Bear, and continues with Kelley, his mate.  The resolution of the conflict with Kelley came a bit too quickly for this reviewer, however, that speaks to the whole point for Autumn’s response to Kelley and the situation she finds herself in.

The story’s resolution also came too quickly for this reviewer.  I would have liked an epilogue set perhaps a year to two in the future to “tie the bow” on the story’s outcome.  But that just indicates that I wanted to read more and didn’t want to let go of these characters yet!

Aline Hunter, Enemy Mine

 Title:  Enemy Mine

Author:  Aline Hunter

Rating:  Five Siren Stones

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Keywords:  Shape-Shifters, Vampires, Alpha and Omega Series    

Length:  Plus-Size Novel          

ISBN E-Book:  978-1419938535

Price:  $6.99 

ISBN For Print:  978-1419967085

Price:  $14.99

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Buy-Link:  http://www.ellorascave.com/enemy-mine.html

Reviewer:  Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

Book two in the Alpha and Omega series.

Divided by blood. Destined by fate.

Emory is a shifter living on the edge. For years he’s struggled with his Alpha nature. Then he meets the one woman capable of soothing the savage beast—Mary incites a carnal hunger that leaves him eager and burning. Sweet, kind and impossibly beautiful, Mary is everything he and his wolven half have been craving. Unfortunately, she’s also something else, something dangerous—a Shepherd, bred of the line of hunters determined to destroy his kind.

Emory discovers earning Mary’s trust is the least of his concerns. Her relatives want Mary back. If Emory won’t hand her over, they’ll do everything in their power to take her from the pack. As danger closes in, the passionate connection between them flares into a lascivious bond that refuses to be broken.

If Emory wants to keep his mate, he’ll have to protect her—at any cost.

Publisher’s Note: While Enemy Mine is a standalone story, readers who start with book one, Omega Mine, may find added pleasure in the adventure.

Review:

It doesn’t matter that Enemy Mine is book two in the Alpha and Omega series; the prologue sets the story up and includes background information to bring the reader up to speed.  You’ll want to read the previous book, not because of feeling lost, but because the characters are simply intriguing.

Aline Hunter’s writing style is wonderful.  While we have the main characters, Emory and Mary, we are introduced to a menagerie of secondary characters.  The reader gets Emory and Mary’s personal story while several other story lines are happening at the same time.  The plot and suspense keep the pages turning as fast as you can read.

Emory is the perfect alpha male, all protective and bossy, but still uncertain of himself when it comes to Mary.  All the while, Mary blossoms before our eyes, step by step, into a confident young woman.  She overcomes adversity and horror and Emory is there to help her rebuild her life into something wonderful.

Their journey together was a joy to read.  The story as a whole is an emotional rollercoaster.  Aline Hunter had me laughing and crying because her characters were likable and relatable.

I will be seeking out the first book in this series, the next book in this series, and other works by Aline Hunter.  I highly recommend Enemy Mine.

Sidney Bristol, Personal Adventures

Title:  Personal Adventures

Author:  Sidney Bristol

Rating:  Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Keywords:  Best Friends, Secrets 

Length:  Novella          

ISBN E-Book:  9781419939952

Price:  $4.45 

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Buy-Link:  http://www.ellorascave.com/personal-adventures.html#

Reviewer:  Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

Carey’s had the hots for his best friend and outdoor adventures coworker Elise for two years, but the timing has never been right. Now they’re both single, and Carey wants to entice her into an adventure for just the two of them. In the bedroom, in the hot tub, under the beautiful Colorado sky…

Elise doesn’t buy into the idea of love, but lust she understands. Carey’s friendship is important, but a relationship doesn’t fit into Elise’s five-year plan. She isn’t looking to repeat her parents’ mistakes.

With secrets coming out from under every rock and desire unchecked, this adventure might make more than the water on their rafting trips rush.

Review:

Personal Adventures by Sidney Bristol is a great contemporary romance story.  Carey and Elise’s story had me laughing out loud one moment and in the next it was tugging at my heartstrings.  The secondary characters add depth and realism.

I loved the setting that the author chose and the beautiful cover helps set the mood.  I could see and smell the trees, mountains, and air, respectively.  The descriptions put me in the moment with the characters. 

Carey and Elise knew each other in their business setting and from doing things together.  However, they didn’t know each other’s separate worlds and backgrounds and how hard it would be to try and merge them without understanding how they grew up.  We get to see this come to light as the story progresses.

There is a special bond that comes with being a best friend and with that the ability to talk about anything with each other.  Carey and Elise share this bond and it comes across in the story by making their love scenes even more special.  Their love scenes, of course, are hot and steamy, but then there is the added extra bonus of banter between the two.

Personal Adventures is a fun read and held my focus from beginning to end.  The characters are sweet and lasting and it had just the right amount of secrets and intrigue.  I would recommend this story to anyone that enjoys contemporary romance.