Pleasure Dome by L.F. Hampton

Pleasure Dome by L.F. Hampton

Sci-fi erotica.

Soledad Scott has just been forced into retirement, aged out at 38. So, she decided to go to Pleasure Dome to get knocked up and start motherhood as a career. Sadly, a side effect of space travel, wormhole dyslexia, puts her in the wrong room and into the bed of Gabriel Merriweather, a half breed empath Commander for the Diplomatic Corps (who also was responsible for the idea to do early retirements for captains).

A bit of cat and mouse, do I like him, does he like me ensues as well as a subplot involving a prison planet. (This part does get a little brutal, rapey).

For the most part, this is very heavy on the foreplay but not much actual bump and grind (like seriously 2 chapters when they meet). It was a bit difficult to get through and times and was often repetitive.

*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

The Devil in Disguise (Bad Things, Book 1) by Cynthia Eden

The Devil in Disguise (Bad Things, Book 1) by Cynthia Eden

Mina is a monster, but she doesn’t want to be. She’s a walking wet dream. And, when she speaks, men are putty in her hands.

Of course, one particular man wants her as her own, and to use that voice as a weapon.

She seeks out Luke, Lord of the Dark, to try to make a bargain.

The Lord of the Dark didn’t think anything could surprise him, or affect him. Then Mina walked in. He fell under her spell (with the help of some fine Whiskey). But, after the alcohol is gone, why is he still bewitched?

One of the great things I tend to love about Cynthia Eden is that she gives good plot (along with the steamy interludes). This is kinda her typical evil government henchmen hunt the paranormals plot, but it grabs you and doesn’t let go. So, while a bit of the same old stuff, it still keeps us coming back.

*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Compelled (Vampires In America, Book 10.5) by D.B. Reynolds

Compelled (Vampires in America, Book 10.5)

So, we don’t get much forward progression in the overall Vamps in America story arc with this one. There are a few nods to Christian taking power in the South and Sophia’s troubles in Canada, but not much more than 1 line regarding each (so don’t feel bad if you haven’t read Christian).

This is more of a follow up to Deception and the problems Raphael & Cyn faced in Hawaii when he was captured by Mathilde.

Nick Katsaros, Cyn’s previous on & off lover, is back and calling in the favor to help retrieve the manacles that enslaved Raphael. Of course, he tries to be charming and simply a pain in Raphael’s ass most of the time. As a big bad sorcerer, he really shouldn’t need their help, but they had promised.

There’s a few sexcapades between Raphael & Cyn, mostly Raphael reasserting his possessiveness after being provoked by Nick, so mostly hard & fast with very little extra.

We do get a bit of a set up regarding Nick’s past that *could* spin off into either another series, or at least series of novellas. Should be interesting to see where that story arc goes.

*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Christian (Vampires in America, Book 10) by D.B. Reynolds

Christian (Vampires In America, Book 10)

I absolutely adore the Vampires in America series! I’m so glad I read more than just the vignettes (which are probably the weakest part of the series). This continues the overall story arc and shows us why we never really heard much about who took over the south after Jabril. Anthony (previous master of New Orleans) has been holding the territory mostly only through Raphael’s strength. Sadly, while he’s not as depraved as Jabril, he’s a delusional douchebag. The territory is now up for grabs and Christian, one of the kinda decent European imports, is in the running. Of course, he ends up falling for Natalie, an accountant working on figuring out all of Jabril’s past financial transgressions, who also happens to be the focus of Anthony’s delusions. Carnage ensues with a few random sexcapades. Vincent and Raphael are drawn into the mess a bit through Anthony’s schemes. I *love* how there’s always a little hint of things to come, but not necessarily a cliffhanger OMG how could you do that moment.

 

Bite the Dust (Blood and Moonlight, Volume 1) by Cynthia Eden

Bite The Dust (Blood and Moonlight Book 1)

From reading some other reviews, it looks like people either love or hate this one.

Being a long time fan of Cynthia Eden, I did love this. Yes, her writings are pretty damn similar. You always know you’re getting a mix of paranormal story line and naughty bits. If you’re looking for something Pulitzer worthy or earth shattering, move along. If you want to lose yourself for a day or two in a solid story that will leave you with some nice dream material, then it’s a keeper.

Jane is a newly promoted Homicide detective hellbent on getting justice for the broken girl that is her first case. Unfortunately, this case will also stir up much of her past that still haunts her nightmares.

Aidan is the alpha werewolf of NoLa who is trying to keep his wolves and the humans of the city safe from an invading vampire.

The master vamp baddie is a bit of an afterthought and not much time is given to him, but this is really Jane & Aidan’s story, and he’s really just there to stir shit up, and of course, to try to take Jane from Aidan.

*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Furever Mated by Meredith Clark

Furever Mated (BBW Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance)

This was my first taste of Meredith Clarke’s writings and it definitely left me hungry for more.

Kurt is the alpha of his clan of bear shifters, genetically altered ex-soldiers. After the big whoops by the government, they’re basically paid off and left alone. A few years later, shifters are out in the open and it seems women can’t wait to try these bad boys.

Kurt’s been out of the game ever since his college sweetheart was tragically killed. However, the rest of the guys are more than willing to help these women out. They can only go to the exclusive Bear Ridge Resort though if the alpha comes also.

Scarlet has finally gotten fed up with Adam being indifferent to her. Her girlfriends convince her to go on a girl’s weekend getaway with the surprise of hunky bear shifters waiting for her on a secluded island resort.

This was a great quick novella. Clarke does a fabulous job of letting us get into both Kurt & Scarlet’s minds. It was nice to see both people a bit broken and have them find each other versus the typical woman scorned meets playboy. There’s a few steamy romps of course along the ride.

*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley & the publisher.

 

Caribou’s Gift (Kodiak Point, Book 3.5) by Eve Langlais

Caribou’s Gift: A Hero With Antlers and Attitude (Kodiak Point Book 0)

Merry Christmas!

This was a great, quick holiday read. Not quite as skankalicious as some of Eve’s other titles, but well, a single mother has to be stealthy about her sexy times.

Crystal is that single mother. She and her adorable daughter, Gigi, moved to Kodiak Point to avoid stalker ex-asshole Malcolm. While getting the Christmas parade whipped into shape, she meets & clashes with Kyle, the local Caribou who absolutely refuses to degrade himself by portraying Rudolph in the parade. Well, until he get’s a peek at Crystal’s rack and her adorable little munchkin.

A Demon and Her Scot (Welcome to Hell, Book 3) by Eve Langlais

A Demon And Her Scot (Welcome To Hell Book 3)

Absolutely loved this third installment of the Welcome to Hell series.

Satan is still playing matchmaker, this time pairing up Aella, one of his hunter demons, and a mopey Scot, Niall. Both were previously wronged by those they thought they loved. While Niall lost himself in a bottle, Aella took out her aggressions in carnage.

There’s not much plot to this one other than the two of them verbally jousting then furiously scromping. Oh, and Satan sucks at golf.

If you’re just looking for a hot & heavy read, this won’t disappoint.

 

Growl by Eve Langlais, Kate Douglas & AC Arthur

Growl: Werewolf/Shifter Romance

A hot and heavy trilogy of shifter romances. I absolutely LOVE Eve Langlais, but it was great to also try out two new to me authors.

Legal Wolf’s Mate by Eve Langlais: This is pretty much the only story that seems to have a plot other than the main characters ending up in bed together. Cocky, super lawyer Gavin is blindsided by his mate who may or may not be a murderer.

Feral Passions by Kate Douglas: Need to get away from it all and be pampered by gorgeous men (who just happen to have a little more hair sometimes)? Feral Passions is for you. The female lead, Cherry is a bit broken so some of her character development is a bit hard to read and kicks you in the feels, but her romps with Cain and Brad make it worth the read.

The Alpha’s Woman by AC Arthur: This was probably my least favorite of the three. It was a bit hard to follow and the male lead, Blaez isn’t terribly likeable. There was some neat backstory/mythology regarding shifters, but it was a bit confusing.

*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

 

The Poet and the Prophecy (Magic University, Book 4) by Cecilia Tan

The Poet and the Prophecy: Magic University Book Four

The Magic University was a super fun romp and I highly recommend the entire series. However, it is definitely not for the timid or close minded especially as this last installment tends to blur the gender lines & norms.

This final installment brings the magical world closer to the burning days. Many of the students and faculty lose their sight/magical ability as Kyle & Frost try to figure out how to save the world.

Sadly, I am not a fan of Frost’s manipulation and lying and Kyle is still a bit naive, but we do get a happily ever after.

*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.