Book Review: The Queen by Tiffany Reisz

The Queen 
(The Original Sinners: White Years #4)
by Tiffany Reisz

Blurb: 
Once upon a time, Nora and Søren made a fateful deal—if he gave her everything, she would give him forever. 

The time has finally come to keep their promises. 

Out of money and out of options after her year-long exile, Eleanor Schreiber agrees to join forces with Kingsley Edge, the king of kink. After her first taste of power as a Dominant, Eleanor buries her old submissive self and transforms into Mistress Nora, the Red Queen. With the help of a mysterious young man with a job even more illicit than her own, Nora squares off against a cunning rival in her quest to become the most respected, the most feared Dominatrix in the Underground.

While new lovers and the sweet taste of freedom intoxicate Nora, she is tempted time and time again by Søren, her only love and the one man who refuses to bow to her. But when Søren accepts a new church assignment in a dangerous country, she must make an agonizing choice—will the queen keep her throne and let her lover go, or trade in her crown for Søren's collar?

With a shattering final confession, the last link in the chain is forged in The Original Sinners saga. It's the closing chapter in a story of salvation, sacrifice and the multitude of scars we collect in the name of ecstasy—and love.

Available for purchase at 

            

Viviana's Review: 

It’s over, well, the Original Sinners: White Years series has come to an end.  Though I hope we’ll see glimpses of Soren, Kingsley & Nora later on.

The Queen tells us the story of how Nora becomes the infamous dominatrix as well as concludes the arc of her story with Soren.

Tiffany is truly a gifted writer.  She is able to make the characters come to life on the page and the readers wish they were real and their friends.  The characters each have their own unique and endearing qualities as well as those personality traits that make them the powerful individuals in the story.

The Queen is full of emotions both outwardly and beneath the surface.  Each character struggles to finally not only accept that they know what they want, but that in order to pursue it, they may lose someone they love in the process.  I love that Tiffany used one event where each character related their side of things and everything was revealed.  Brilliantly done.

Overall a great series and conclusion.  We’ll miss the characters and their stories as well as their interactions with each other.

Rating: 4 Stars - LOVED IT

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin (US & Canada)

via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book Review: Beg Me (Steele Brothers #4) by Jennifer Probst

Beg Me 
(Steele Brothers Series, #4)
by Jennifer Probst

Blurb: 
Remington Steele comes to Vegas to be with his brothers and try to get over the one woman he's never been able to forget. As childhood sweethearts, she hadn't been able to handle his Dominant tendencies, choosing to run away without a good-bye. But when he's suddenly face to face with Cara Winters, all grown up and finally ready to be his, Remington needs to make his own choice. To leave the past behind forever, or forgive and be with the woman he's always loved?

Cara wasn't ready to be the type of woman Remington needed in his life, so she disappeared and broke his heart. But she's changed, and is ready to embrace the woman she always craved to be. She begs him to take her for one night, and Remington finally agrees. Will they get a second chance at love, or are the scars from their past too deep to heal?

ADVISORY: THIS IS A SHORT EROTIC NOVELLA WITH BDSM ELEMENTS. THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR READERS UNDER 18 YEARS OLD. HAS BEEN REVISED TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL SCENES.

   

Viviana's Review: 
BEG ME is the fourth book in the “Steele Brothers Series” however; it’s the first book in the series I’ve read. Good news is that they can be read as a standalone. BEG ME is a second chance romance novella with BDSM elements. Well… hold on… while the blurb and some of the other reviews state ‘BDSM elements” the truth is this is a BDSM series. The brothers are all Doms, except one who is a sub. The relationships involve and include BDSM and the lifestyle. The good news is that Jennifer, the author, has done her research.

I’ll admit it… I was curious to see how the novella would turn out…. Will it be filled with steamy sex scene and be low on story/plot? Or will it feel rushed? Would things be glossed over? I’m happy to say I really enjoyed this novella! Jennifer did a fantastic job of sharing Rem’s and Cara’s past with the reader while they try to figure out if they have a future. In between, they had the hot, steamy scenes. Both Rem and Cara are great characters; Rem is a sexy Dom who knows what he wants but believes he lost it years ago and hopes he may find it once again and Cara is in self-acceptance mode and seeking her limitations with hopes that Rem will be there with her.

Without spoiling it… I must say I LOVED Cara’s reason for leaving. Or rather that she knew she needed to do it vs. just ‘letting things be’ or ‘accepting’. I loved that she told Rem what she needed to do. Granted, sucks that hearts were broken, but this reason is one of the best ones I’ve read in a while vs. gossip of cheating or misinterpretation that could have been fixed if the couple just spoke to each other.

Overall, a great quick read with a full story and great characters.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - I Really Liked It

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Jennifer Probst in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book Review: The King (The Original Sinners #6) by Tiffany Reisz

The King 
(The Original Sinners #6) 
By Tiffany Reisz

Blurb: 
Cunning. Sex. Pure nerve. Only this unholy threesome can raise him to his rightful place as a rule of Manhattan's king kingdom.

Bouncing from bed to bed on the Upper East Side, Kingsley Edge is brilliant, beautiful and utterly debauched. No carnal act of chemical compound can relieve his self-destructive heartache—only Søren, the one person he loves without limit or regret. A man he can never have, but in whose hands Kingsley is reborn to attain even greater heights of sin.

Kingsley's plan to open the ultimate BDSM club—a dungeon playground for New York's A-list—becomes his obsession. His expertise in domination can't subdue the one man who wants to stop him. The enigmatic Reverend Fuller won't rest until King's dream is destroyed, and so the battle lines are set; it's one man's sacred mission against another's…

Available for purchase at

                  

Viviana's Review:

O.M.G. I fell for Kingsley in "The Saint" and it was deepened in "The King"! This is the 6th book in the Original Sinners but the 2nd in The White Years. I haven't read the previous books in the Original Sinners series (Gasp - I know, I'm fixing that!) and while everyone, including the author, recommends you read the series in order, I was okay with how I read it, but that's me.

Wow, Kingsley is one intriguing, interesting and scarred man! He is damaged and has issues. Mainly, a broken heart! Tiffany does a fabulous job of both telling you and showing you who Kingsley is and what he's gone through. Tiffany has mad skills in storytelling and the events, characters, dialogue, the world, it all unfolds before you and you enjoy the ride!

Sam was a character that I knew I was going to like! It was great to see how a person can impact others and how she was a positive influence for Kingsley! She is part of the reason why Kingsley is Kingsley. :) With Sam's and Kingsley's relationship, Tiffany provides us with a reality check and that moment that you take a step back and sigh. Not everything is meant to be and sometimes, people will come into your life for a short time frame but their impact is immense! People come into our lives and then they go away. We need to be okay with that and accept it as well.

Over all, Tiffany has easily moved to my top 5 favorite authors with "The King". LOVED it and can't wait to read the next book in the series and catch up as well!

Rating: 5 Stars - PERFECTION

Disclaimer: "The King" by Tiffany Reisz provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchanged for an honest review. 

Release Day: Seductive Shadows by Marni Mann

Seductive Shadows

by 

Marni Mann

Blurb: 

Charlie is a passionate, sensually-inspired art student, desperately seeking an escape from the abusive past that haunts her and a tragic accident that emptied her heart. Scarred and unable to love, her yearning for physical pleasure leads her into a tantalizing, dangerous world of power and seduction. The anonymity of the deal offers security; the money brings financial freedom and the madam is the mother figure she longs for.

Guest Post: Driven by K. Bromberg

Rylee Thomas is used to being in control. But she’s about to meet the one man that just might make her enjoy losing it…

I am the exception to the rule.

In a world full of willing women, I’m a challenge to the roguish and achingly handsome Colton Donavan. A man used to getting exactly what he wants in all aspects of life. He’s the reckless bad boy constantly skating that razor thin edge toward out of control, on and off of the track.

Colton crashes into my life like a tornado: sapping my control, testing my vulnerabilities beyond their limits, and unintentionally penetrating the protective wall around my healing heart. Tearing apart the world I rebuilt so carefully with structure, predictability, and discipline.

I can’t give him what he wants and he can’t give me what I need. But after a glimpse beneath his refined exterior into the dark secrets of his damaged soul, can I bring myself to walk away?

Our sexual chemistry is undeniable. Our individual need for complete control is irrefutable. But when our worlds collide, is the chemistry enough to bring us together or will our untold secrets and battle of wills force us apart?

Available for purchase at 

Fast Five for Rylee and Colton of Driven:

Book Review: Bewitch by Felicity Heaton

Bewitch
(Vampire Erotic Theatre #5)
By Felicity Heaton

Synopsis: 

A vampire with a past stained with blood and a soul tainted with darkness, he is perfect in his self-control, never surrendering to his darkest desires. Now a beautiful witch in the shadowy fae underworld threatens to reawaken long denied hungers and tempts him with carnal pleasure.

Payne despises the incubus side of his mixed genes and refuses to give it free rein, but when the wickedly sexy Elissa offers him a possible way to help a friend, he finds it difficult to resist paying the price, even if it will be his undoing—one night of passion at her command.

Elissa is a witch down on her luck until Payne comes crashing into her life. The dangerously handsome male is the key to fulfilling a promise she made, but he is also forbidden, and surrendering to the wildfire passion he stirs within her means risking ruin and death.

When one incredible night of fulfilling their deepest fantasies leads to more than just a pathway to keeping a promise and saving a friend, will they be able to overcome the barriers that stand between them and forever?

Available for purchase at 

Viviana's Review: 

I've read the entire Vampire Erotic Theatre series and have loved them all! Payne was a character that intrigued me from when he first appeared in the series and I was extremely happy when I found out he would have his own story told!

Book Review: Venetian Love Knots by Normandie Alleman

Venetian Love Knots
By Normandie Alleman

Synopsis: 

In Venice, Allison Fox will find love in the arms of two men. Her past collides with her future in a battle for her heart. Which one will win?

Travelling to Venice to be the maid of honour in her best friend’s wedding sounds like a great vacation, and a romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day. But when Allison Fox discovers who the best man is, she is torn between duty and self-preservation.

It has taken Allison four years to put her tumultuous relationship with the rodeo cowboy behind her. A violent incident ripped them apart. Now Allison must find a way to face her past and find closure with her old flame. But will she be able to put the past behind her?

Cole is the Texas cowboy has never got over his love for Allison. But when he declares his love for her after all this time, is she strong enough to walk away from the intense passion they share?

For years Nico, a handsome Italian, was committed to nothing but his work. Nico never expected he would meet an American beauty who would awaken in him a desire to love again. Once he finds her, Nico vows to never let Allison go.

It will be a Valentine’s Day to remember, but who will win Allison’s heart?

Available for purchase at

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and ARe 

Viviana's Review: 

The author provides this warning: Reader Advisory: This novella contains bondage, spanking, M/F/M menage, and light humiliation play. 

I was okay with it all, though wondered about the "light humiliation play". Did the warning stand true? I'm glad when authors provide such advisory since I believe its important to let readers know what they are purchasing. Was there bondage? Yes, Allison was tied up. Was there spanking? Yes, Allison was spanked. There were two men so the M/F/M menage is true. And as far as the light humiliation play... oh yeah. More than slight actually. The worst part - Allison does it to herself! Are there women like that in real life? Meek, weak, with self doubt, naive, etc.? Yes! Do I want to read them or rather about them? No! 

Allison's thoughts, emotions and behavior were too erratic. She hates Cole, She loves Cole. She hates Cole, Oh Hi Nico. She Loves Cole, Sorry Nico, Cole's an asshole, oh yeah I want to have sex with you Cole... well you all get the idea. If she would have put up a slight fight against Cole's "charm" I would have enjoyed this novella more. 

I kept waiting for Cole to "redeem" himself. He was an asshole from the beginning of the story (so obviously, that you truly had to wonder why the hell Allison thought he was worthy of her emotions for him) and he was an asshole throughout the entire story. I'm not going to say "love" because it was more about LUST then love. Don't get me wrong - I have no problem with reading about lust but not when its masked as love. 

Nico was sweet and extremely naive. Or perhaps he is the knight in shining armor! I hope so for Allison's sake! 

The sex -  it was steamy! 

I wish the author would have had her heroine be stronger and have had some self worth. The story would have been significantly better if Allison would have resisted Cole's advances and stood up for herself. The M/F/M wasn't necessary for the story. In fact, if it would have been more of a "love triangle" where the heroine had to choose between her past (Cole), what she knows and may believe it to be "true love" and a future with someone who would treat her with tenderness, affection and have a mutual respect with a love that could blossom, then this would have been a much better read. 

Over all, an easy read. 

Note: Author provided novella in exchange for an honest review. 

Rating: 2 Stars - It was okay

Book Promo: Rebecca's Lost Journals, Volume 2: The Contract by Lisa Renée Jones

Rebecca's Lost Journals
Volume 2: The Contract
By Lisa Renée Jones

Synopsis:
An Inside Out novella...

In the second sultry e-short of excerpts from Rebecca’s Lost Journals, Rebecca is faced with a contract to be a submissive that she doesn’t want to sign—and her would-be Master has unusual methods of convincing her…

The secret life of Rebecca and the men who have seduced her. 
These are the journals Sara never sees, but you the reader, will!

More Details:
The journals read like stories and begin the first time Rebecca visits the gallery in the INSIDE OUT TRILOGY. You will meet Mark, Chris, Ava, Amanda, Ricco, and all the series characters as she does AND there are tons of clues to what happens in BEING ME in the first 4 serials. They are woven within the story ready for your discovery, as is Rebecca's dark, erotic journey.

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Excerpt:

Sunday, March 7th, 2012

Dangerous.

For months I've had dreams and nightmares about how perfectly he personifies the word. Sleep-laden, alternate realities where I can vividly smell his musky male scent, feel his hard body against mine. Taste the sweet and sensuous flavor of him-–like milk chocolate with its silky demand that I indulge in one more bite. And another. So good I’d forgotten there’s a price for overindulgence. And there is a price. There is always a price. I was reminded of this life lesson on Saturday night. And I know now, no matter what he says, no matter what he does, I cannot--will not--see him again.

Blog Tour & Book Review: Vanilla On Top by C.J. Ellisson

Vanilla on Top
By C.J. Ellisson

Synopsis:
Discover your inner bad girl, and set her free…

Heather Pierce is done being a wallflower, both personally and professionally. Desperate to live a different life for one night, she attends a speed dating event. Maybe here, anonymous unless she chooses otherwise, she can become someone new. When a man way out of her league sits across from her, Heather gathers her courage and takes charge of what she wants, secretly fearing he won’t desire the real person she’s desperate to hide.

Top acquisitions officer and international playboy Tony Carmine is about to close the biggest deal of his career. But then he meets Heather at a speed dating event…and discovers losing control may be exactly what he needs. Her blossoming sensuality occupies his every thought, consuming him with the need to possess the most intriguing lover he’s ever encountered—until he walks into the boardroom and sees Heather on the other side of the negotiating table.

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review:
I really enjoyed and like "Vanilla On Top". Its an interesting story of a woman coming into her own and finally knowing her self worth and taking charge of her own life!

Book Review: Creed by Kristen Ashley

Creed
(Unfinished Heroes, Bk #2)
By Kristen Ashley

Synopsis: 
Way too young, eleven year old Tucker Creed and his six year old neighbor, Sylvie Bissenette, find they have something awful in common. Creed then decides he’s going to do everything in his limited power to shield his Sylvie from her ordeal. So he does and Creed and Sylvie form a bond that grows and blossoms with their ages.

They plot to leave their lives behind, the town they live in that will hold them down and the histories they share that, unless they break free, will bury them. Sylvie goes to their special place, Creed never shows and she doesn't see him again until it’s too late.

With Creed gone, Sylvie is forced to endure a nightmare and do the unspeakable to end it. To deal, she develops a hard shell with sharp edges that very few can break through. So when Creed again finds his Sylvie, he discovers the girl he loved is locked away and he has to find his way back into her heart without getting shredded in the process.

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review: 

Wow! Definitely different!  Kristen said it herself several times; this one was going to be different! The truth is the series itself is different. The series is called “Unfinished Heroes” for a reason. If you haven’t read the first book “Knight”, I highly recommend it (review here)! You can find the review for it here. “Creed” was different even within the series. Based on the name and with the focus being on the hero, you would think that in “Creed”, the hero would be in the forefront, but he isn't the main focus. She is! The heroine, Sylvie. Again, Kristen (the Author) mentioned this and hoped that fans would like it.