Favorite Books of 2014

It's been a great year for writing and for reading. I've enjoyed many books over the course of the last 12 months and I know there are more precious gems wanting to be gobbled up by me in 2015. All my favorite authors have something new coming out. Yippee!!

Since I read so many genres, I'm going to break this out by genre. First up is my original romance love.. historical.

There were so many to simply read, so many to devour, and so many to love. For 2015 my favorite is:

Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover by Sarah Maclean: Read my review here

Between The Devil and Ian Eversea by Julie Anne Long: Read my review here

Fool Me Twice by Meredith Duran: Read my review here

Vixen in Velvet by Loretta Chase: Read my review here

The Suffragette Scandal by Courtney Milan




Contemporary-- I love a good contemporary, but at times it's difficult to find one that breaks the mold

and explores tropes in different ways. There's so much of the same story out there, some done better than others. These are the few that really caught my eye and latched onto my memory.

Roulette by Megan Mulry: Read my review here

It Happened One Wedding by Julie James: Read my review here

The Bad Boy Billionaire's Girl Gone Wild by Maya Rodale: Read my review here

The Bad Boy Billionaire's Wicked Arrangement by Maya Rodale: Read my review here

Erotic - Technically most erotic I read is contemporary, but I believe all erotic falls into a separate category from other books I read. Because let's face it, erotic has more steam then a typical contemporary. I've had my boundaries pushed more in erotic books than any other genre... take note authors.

The Saint by Tiffany Reisz

Misbehaving by Tiffany Reisz: Read my review here

Bound to be a Groom by Megan Mulry






New Adult- I don't read a lot of this genre...yet. What I do read tends to be hit or miss, but I've found

several authors I don't mind diving into. Also both the books I've listed did something unique. In A Little Too Hot there was a surprise to end all surprises. The author caught me completely off guard and pulled a giant whammy that worked in all the right ways.
Beverley Kendall took the unplanned pregnancy trope to new and exciting heights. I wasn't throw off the heroines, like I am in so many pregnancy books and there's something to be said for an author tackling a difficult trope like this and making it fresh.

A Little Too Hot by Lisa Desrochers

Trapped by Beverley Kendall




Finally my favorite book. The book to make me scream from the rafters is duh duh duh....

The Kraken King by Meljean Brook

This was a serial novel that had me on tenterhooks, made me weep, hurrah, and pound my fists in fury as I anxiously waiting new pieces of it to come out. I devoured this book, spent far to many hours exulting it to fellow readers and begging everyone to buy the damn thing. Officially the hero, Ariq, is the my book boyfriend to end all book boyfriends. I've said this to the author as well, who I had the distinct pleasure of meeting at RT 2014 in New Orleans.
The book is steam punk and if you've never given the genre a chance I highly encourage it. You can't go wrong with Meljean Brook. She provides adventure, romance, and action in such wonderful doses. Also, you can buy the whole thing in one package now. :D




I can't for more wonderful books to read in 2015. In fact, I've already read a few and so far I'm impressed. There's going to be a lot of good books coming readers. So prep those bank accounts. Here's to hoping I can read as many books next year as I did this one.

January 2014 Reading List

I'd like to think I've opened 2014 with a bang. My slogan for the year is: The Year of the Writer. But with the amount of stories I'm consuming maybe I should call it 'The Year of the Reader/Writer'. Regardless, there's a lot of good books coming out from some of my favorite romance authors and some new ones. Though my goal is to read at least 1 nonfiction book and 2 non-romance books this year.

Here's what I've locked eyes with so far:

Misbehaving by Tiffany Reisz
Crazy, Stupid Sex by Maisey Yates
A Little Too Hot by Lisa Desrochers
Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
Rushing Amy by Julie Brannagh
Bad Boy Billonaire's Girl Gone Wild by Maya Rodale
Wulfe Untamed by Pamela Palmer
Vampire Most Wanted by Lyndsay Sands
Live by Mary Ann Rivers
Nocturnes by Kendall Grey
The Greatest Lover Ever by Christina Brooke
Sneaking Candy by Lisa Burstein

Twelve for the month doesn't seem a bad way to start. I didn't bother tracking my reading numbers in 2013, but I'm interested in keeping count again.

Since the weather's been awful, what better way to pass the days by then with a delicious read, something fancy to drink and a space heater.

Reading List: Oct. & Nov. 2012

It's been while... *breakout in song* I should be a karoke singer, but until I launch my chops on the stage I should probably give loyal fans my reading list. It's all in my head. Secretly I think thousands of people read these posts and then go out and buy the books I'm reading just cause.

October
1. Too Dangerous to Desire by Cara Elliott***
2. Wicked Nights with a Proper Lady by Tiffany Clare***
3. The Importance of Being Wicked by Miranda Neville***
4. Secrets of a Wedding Night by Valerie Bowman***
5. Exposed To You by Beth Kery***
6. Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione***
7. How to Deceive a Duke by Lecia Cornwall***
8. Waltz with a Stranger by Pamela Sherwood***
9. His Mistletoe Bride by Vanessa Kelly***

November
1. Anything He Wants by Sara Fawkes***
2. Flat Spin Spin by David Freed **
3. Teach Me by Amy Lynn Steele***
4. Obsession Wears Opals by Renee Bernard***
5. The Prince by Tiffany Reisz*
6. Touch of Steel by Kate Cross***
7. The Trouble with Being Wicked by Emma Locke***
8. Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas

*Review on my blog
**Review on IndieBooksRUs
***Review available or coming soon to TheSeason

Review: The Prince by Tiffany Reisz

Review: The Prince by Tiffany Reisz

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For more information on the author or back cover blurb visit the author's website here. 

The 3rd book in the Original Sinners series left welts, big nasty ones, along with a cliff hanger ending that's got my eyeballs rolling around in my head. We pick up in The Prince where The Angel ended, Nora has left Soren to be with Wesley. Of course she's got Soren's permission to do so of course. What Nora doesn't realize is that Soren's just getting her out of the way. He's on the hunt for the person seeking to harm her, and Kingsley won't stand by and let Soren search alone. Between Nora's antics and attempts to vanilla sex her lifestyle, and Kingsley desperate attempts to seduce Soren back to his bed for one more romp I couldn't put this story down! 

There's 3 sections to this story, and Reisz does a masterful job of weaving in and out them. First we have the North, which follows present day Soren and Kingsley as they attempt to find out who's after Nora. Kingsley could really care less, in his opinion Nora has abandoned them for Wesley. There's also the little bit of Kingsley being in love with Soren... leading up to the 2nd section of the book: Soren and Kingsley's past. How they met, how they came to know one another, and how Kingsley has always been Kingsley. He's flawed, selfish, and just an all around man whore. That is until Soren is able to put him in his place. 

The 3rd and final section is the South, which follows the misadventures of Dominant Queen of the Underground and the Prince of Kentucky. There's horses, races, a few awkward moments with some rich folk, and a couple encounters with the infamous red riding crop. Add in a ton of sexual tension, which of course will lead to some naughty romps and it's an emotional roller coaster. 

What I love: Description, dialogue, and ultimately voice. There's a presence to the writing that screams '"I'm naughty", and this dirty little bit keeps the pages turning. I think characters with flaws and imperfections jump out at me as well. I like knowing that none of the characters are perfect. They possess an innate confidence that I myself lack so I've got some Original Sinner envy too. 

Why this isn't a 5: I knew who the bad guy was. I saw it coming a mile away, and had no problem with the predictions. Also, my personal madness cliff hanger hell. Reisz ends the story with a situation that left my jaw hanging. When the next book will come along is another question. The sensuality and encounters between Soren and Kingsley could affect those faint at heart or those who have suffered from sexual abuse in the past. This is a hardcore story, and not a typical romance or erotica novel. If you're ready to feel emotions from one end of the spectrum to the other Reisz will make sure that happens in all of the Original Sinners books. 

Overall, I liked this story. It wasn't my favorite, that special spot belongs to The Angel. I still love Kingsley, the seriously vain and flawed Frenchman. I've got a soft spot for Soren, but I'm a dominant at heart so I'd like to beat him. I'll keep an eye out for future Original Sinners works, and these grubby paws will definitely be all over them. If I said it once, I'll say it again: "Reisz is a auto buy every time." 

Review: The Angel by Tiffany Reisz

Review: The Angel by Tiffany Reisz

Rating: 5 Stars!

For more info on Tiffany Reisz, this book, and other works visit her website here.

This book left with my mouth gaping. Now to call upon the one person to fill that hole *gasp*. She what Ms. Reisz does to me with her words. Suddenly I'm a randy, insane female willing to publish naughty words on my blog. Her first book, The Siren, was merely a stretching exercise and lesson in proper breathing techniques. Every word penned before only sought to sink you further into oblivion. The Angel is the flogger, the testing phase to see how much you can take. Let me go on the record in saying: "I can handle more."

We've got several main players: Nora, Griffin, Michael, and Soren. There's some Kingsley and a bit of Wesley in there too. Couple that with enough sexual high jinks and kinks, and I was on fire! Could not put this down. We follow Nora to the New York countryside. She's hiding out to help Soren deflect a nosy reporter and some nasty rumors. In addition to hiding she's training a new sub and getting plenty of action from Griffin to keep her mind occupied. Only when is Nora ever satisfied with just 1 man? The would be a n-to-the-e-v-e-r!

My favorite part of the story-- well, all of it!

My favorite line: "Have you ever had sex in the back of a Rolls Royce?"

This is BDSM Erotica at it's finest. A mix of pleasure, pain, and characters that continual keep you guessing. Reisz does a marvelous job with dialogue. It bites, cuts, and just when you think someone will say something they shut their mouths. The sprinkle of back story throughout the pages, until your screaming for more, is another talent Reisz possesses. My praise could go on for hours. No sagging middle, no boredom, no skipping paragraphs due to over description. Eyes wide and glued to each syllable is a pre-requisite.

The bottom line (remember she left a ton of marks) this book is not for the faint of heart. If you enjoyed The Siren, The Angel will secure your ticket on the train to sinners paradise. For BDSM fans this is a book you should purchase immediately, and I mean a hardback copy. You'll want to show this off on the bookshelf. If this is your first foray into the world of BDSM Erotica I suggest you proceed with caution or start with Reisz's earlier works to break yourself in.

Review: Immersed in Pleasure by Tiffany Reisz

Review: Immersed in Pleasure by Tiffany Reisz

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Release Date: March 1st, 2012

For backcover blurb and more information on Tiffany Reisz visit her website here.

A erotica world that strips away your secrets and touches your innermost desires....

Welcome to Fathoms-- the exclusive club run by the infamous Kingsley and home to the mermaids, the most beautiful virgin women available for visual perusal only. Derek Prince is infatuated with mermaid, Xenia, from the moment he spots her. So infatuated he's willing to trade just about anything to be with her, except the choice isn't his... it's Xenia's.

For a Spice Brief this story is certainly hot! A continuance into the realm of Kingsley, The Priest and a slew of other unforgettable characters, whom lucky readers may have met in some of the Reisz other tales. If you haven't felt the need to submerge yourself in this erotic world I encourage you to commence the drowning. From the inner bowels of clubs that pride themselves on submission, domination, and any fetish in between to the realistic catalysts that drive the characters paths, Reisz is brutal and unrelenting.

Dialogue and plot are delicious drivers, along with a delicious way through intimate scenes which will leave a few marks. In Reisz's word the marks are a necessary sign of pleasure and successful navigation. Immersed in Pleasure is told from main character Derek's POV only, and surprisingly this made the story even better. Xenia through Derek's eyes is perfect visually and flawed internally, which doesn't stop his desire or growing need to be hero. This is Reisz's singular talent to make a knight in shining armor out of original lust.

This quick story ended right on time, another talent of the author's, and is perfect precursor to the recently released The Siren. If you want nab a look at the other realm's within Reisz mind then Immersed in Pleasure is a way to start.

Funday Monday- Jan. 15th, 2012

Update Below!

It's another Monday. Woot! And a national holiday in the United States. For those lucky enough to get the day off kudos to you! I'm not in that group and so away I go to the office for my daily grind.

But if you are off today then maybe it's time to think about submissions! That's the topic for today's Funday Monday, places to submit your writing. There's lots of contests, and other things happening. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what I have. Here's 5 for you.

1. Felt Tips Anthology- Erotic Fans break out the staplers, highlighters, rulers, and phone cords. This is the first ever office supply-related erotica anthology. Edited by the lovely, pain-inducing Tiffany Reisz. Deadline is Feb. 14th to submit your story. For more details click the link. All proceeds from sales will benefit a charity organization that helps needy kids acquire school supplies.

2. Wild at Heart Anthology- Another anthology that is purchase proceeds to a good cause, the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue. This one is edited by the romance author Delilah Devlin. Deadline for submission is April 1st, 2012. Stories can span any genre, and submissions will be accepted from all authors. For examples of what the editor is looking for and for more details click the link.

3. The Crime Factory- For crime writers of fiction, non-fiction, memoirs this may be the spot for you. This particular group is also looking for reviewers and photography/comics/art. No particulars on deadlines, but for more info check out the link.

4. Etopia Press- This one is a new one for me. But the plus I've seen so far is that they pay. Etopia is specifically on the look out for Erotica, YA, Urban Fantasy, and Historical romance. There may be a few other areas I missed, so check out their site.

5. Entangled Publishing- There's a ton of romance submission opportunities over at Entangled. When you go to the link be sure to check out their blog too! Special open calls are posted on there and I've seen at least 3-4 go up in the last couple of months. Particular categories are what they focus on, but if you're up for some direction then picking one of their request areas may be a good idea.

*As with all open call and open submission posts I recommend that authors do their own research on the groups, editors, etc. to determine if they want to participate. My research may be limited to nothing more than a quick look for the basic information. The nitty gritty details may not be privy to me.*

Happy Monday!

Additional anthology submission: Pugalicious press is accepting submissions for a YA Historical Romance anthology called Timeless! Stories can be between 3000 to 7500 words. Deadline for submission is March 30th, 2012. For more info clikc the link!

Reading List for June 2011

Well, hello readers!
Where have I been, you ask??
On a getaway to some romantic island, with beaches, silk sheeted beds, and crystalline pools.... I wish!
Now that I am done in fantasy land, I've been reading. Yes, reading to my heart's content and dealing with a few stray projects. This post is severely delayed, but I figured I should get it out before next week's July reading list is presented.
1. One Night Scandal by Christie Kelley*
2. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
3. Cold Touch by Leslie Parrish*
4. Spirit of Seduction by Olivia Quincy*
5. Embraced by Blood by Laurie London**
6. Dangerous Desire by Diana Escalara
7. Duke of Scandal by Adele Ashworth
8. Seven Day Loan by Tiffany Reisz
9. Miss Verey's Proposal by Nicolal Cornick
10. Hidden Affections by Delia Parr
11. The Darkest Sin by Caroline Richards*
12. All's Fair in Love and Seduction by Beverley Kendall- Note review for this coming this week and special sale at The Season

(*)Review is posted on The Season E-Zine
(**) Review posted on The Examiner

Honestly, I am ashamed to say that my reading list was small for the month of June. But you will be proud to know that I read 3 books today. That's right... 3! An amazing feat even for me, and I was in absolute heaven. Goal for month of July is to read at least 15 books (which I believe I already broke), hopefully a few more then that but let's not push ourselves.
Question: What are you reading lately? WIP, non fiction or a good hearty dose of make believe?