Tag Archive | 5 Stars

The Thing I Didn’t Know I Didn’t Know (Russel Middlebrook: The Futon Years #1) By Brent Hartinger (5 Stars)

Jul23

I’m hooked on this author’s writing. I’m so glad he decided to move into “adult” books, or I never would have had the pleasure of enjoying his storytelling capabilities.

Russel Middlebrook is an extremely engaging character, and I positively adored him. Although his life seems to be going nowhere, his outlook and humor kept me smiling. Russel thinks he should have already figured out his life’s goals. At a minimum, he should have at least decided between Passionate Aimlessness or having an Unstoppable Career Drive. He’s working two jobs that he doesn’t really like. He lives with two of his best friends, Min and Gunnar, and they were definitely an entertaining group. Gunnar’s quest for Big Foot held a deeper meaning and led to an interesting excursion for the two of them. I also enjoyed the details we learned about Seattle. For as little as Russel seems to think is going on in his life, he certainly kept me captivated with his story.

I wouldn’t really classify this as a romance. Although we do see Russel have sex with multiple partners, he spends most of his time pining for Kevin. Kevin was the first and only love of his life from high school. There is a happy ending, but it’s really just a set up for the next story in the series. Needless to say, I can’t wait until that one comes out!

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Originally reviewed for Swept Away By Romance. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Book Blurb

Strong Enough (Family #2) by Cardeno C. (5 Stars)

Jul15

Sweet and sexy love story where the relationship is based on two people wanting the same things out of life.

Spencer Derdinger, a university professor, has been checking out the construction workers outside his office for days. One of the workers, Emilio Sanchez, has had his eye on Spencer. After the first date, it’s become apparent that these two have a special connection. Spencer just needs to work through his insecurities in order to take Emilio up on the relationship that is being offered.

Spencer is a 38-year old math professor at the university, and he truly believes he isn’t much of a catch. This concept was reinforced repeatedly by his last cheating boyfriend and a family that has very little to do with him. Emilio Sanchez is a very sexy, mature, and hard working 22-year old electrician. I got a kick out of Emilio’s arrogance. He knew he was hot, but he never used it in a negative way and instead he hoped it would help him win Spencer. He knows the age difference bothers Spencer, but these two have so much in common and want the same things out of life that Emilio considers their age a non-issue.

Spencer and Emilio absolutely adored each other, and this could have almost been too sweet of a story. Fortunately, there was just enough angst, with Emilio’s jealousy and the appearance of Spencer’s ex-boyfriend, that it kept the story interesting. Even though Spencer wasn’t sure why Emilio would possibly want him, he was smart enough not to push him away. I also adored the interactions with Emilio’s family, including when they teased each other, but especially how they protected each other.

The story moved at a great pace, and I read it in one sitting. I loved the instant attraction these two had, but I also enjoyed the amount of time we spent with them together doing the simple things in life, like making breakfast, to reinforce that they were actually destined to be together.

Spencer believes he suffers from erectile dysfunction. I liked how Emilio tried to help him with it both emotionally and physically. Needless to say, there were a lot of very hot and steamy sex scenes and moments.

I thoroughly enjoyed this sexy and romantic story where love flowed easily between two good men while they found their place in each other’s lives. Another fantastic treat from Cardeno C., who has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

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Originally reviewed for The Romance Reviews. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Book Blurb

Dirty Laundry by Heidi Cullinan (5 Stars)

Jun24

I absolutely loved this exceptionally well-written, dialogue intensive, character driven romance with some extremely steamy and kinky love scenes. Adam and Denver both have some issues that they need help with and find that they are the perfect people to help each other out. Adam suffers from severe OCD, and Denver is the first person to completely accept him and provide him with a sense of security he’s never had before. Denver has some learning issues that have forced him to limit his options in life. Adam is more than willing and capable to help him with this challenge.

The story takes place over several months which really allows us to see the characters go through some life-altering changes, truly fall in love with each other, and provide for a realistic relationship with typical ups and downs. Denver also has a penchant for dirty-talk, and he is positively wonderful at it! I really liked how the author alternated between the exact words Denver used and Adam’s summary of what Denver was saying. I think that helped it to avoid sounding cheesy at all. There is quite a bit of sex, but not enough to overwhelm the plot at all. Their play included bondage, spanking, anal, oral, and gags.

I’m hoping that Louisa, the one other true friendship that Adam developed during the story, will get her own story.

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Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Book Blurb

Something in the Way He Needs (Family #1) by Cardeno C. (5 Stars)

Jun15

If you’ve never needed anybody before, if you’ve never really been needed before, will you know how to handle it when you finally do?

Asher is a tough cop who doesn’t do relationships but enjoys being a Dom for a night. Daniel appears to be a flighty young man without any desire to really accomplish anything. Asher lusts after Daniel the minute he first sees him while at a bachelor party in Las Vegas. Daniel refuses to do a casual hookup with Asher. For the first time in his life, Asher decides he can accept that if it means he gets more time with Daniel. Their relationship continues with Daniel moving in with Asher, but certainly not without its challenges. The biggest issue is Asher’s incredible and surprising possessiveness of Daniel.

We are slowly introduced to all of Daniel’s amazing capabilities which make for several surprising treats. These two people truly cared deeply for each other, and it showed in their actions. The story takes place over several months allowing for the realistic growth of the characters in their feelings. Although Asher is portrayed as a major Dom who enjoys whipping and caning subs, the only thing that takes place in this story is one spanking. There are a significant number of very hot and descriptive love scenes.

Extremely well-developed characters, minor characters who helped contribute to the story, great dialogue, and solid relationship development made this a fantastic story! I’m thrilled to have found an author that I’ve never read before, but will certainly be reading again!

Originally reviewed for The Romance Reviews. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Book Blurb