TCO Reviewer: Deanna

Three New Wishes by Sean Michael: Quick Review

April 29, 2017 by Denise

James, Guard and Damien continue to grant the sexual fantasies of their clients, but so far have been unable to make Rainbow Island work for their own relationship. Damien misses being home more often with his lovers, though, and Guard has been working on breaking down James’ defences. As the men move from one week to three week stays for their guests, can they finally make their own fantasies come true, too?

As always, three different fantasies are granted through Rainbow Island.

Tim is rich and bored now that he’s sold all his companies. A sometimes sub for the occasional evening, he’s searching for something more. He’s seen ‘lifestyle’ subs who indulge 24/7 and he’s curious to see if it really works. Full time Dom Rainier is brought in to give Tim the experience he’s been looking for. But Rainier has a secret – he’s been watching Tim in the club for years, just waiting for Tim to get serious before making his move. Can these two men find what they need in each other?

Mike has been hired to be a submissive for three weeks. He doesn’t know that much about the lifestyle, but has been assured that he won’t be damaged and that he can stop the proceedings at any time. He figures he can handle it, besides, the payday is too good to give up and will keep him off the street and fed for a long time. Dom Brendan is handsome and confident and the things he shows Mike have Mike more than a little turned on; in fact, they speak to something deep inside him. Could he have found something more than just another job in Brendan?

Angus and Robbie are a committed Dom/sub pair who want to spice things up a little and see if Puppy Play is for them. They’re excited and nervous to learn this new aspect from Sam, the puppy master that Rainbow Island has brought in to show them the ropes. They discover there’s more to puppy play than they’d imagined and not all of it is for them. Can they separate what they need from what they want and come out stronger than ever in the end?

Don’t miss out on these three new fantasies come true.

Amazon

Kobo Books

I have really enjoyed this series. Each book offers three new stories as well as a little more into the story of the owners of the resort. While this one provides the conclusion of Guard, James and Damien’s story.

In the first fantasy Tim is a bored executive. He has recently sold his multi-billion dollar company and doesn’t know what to do with his time. He has dabbled in the dom/sub scene but lately that isn’t providing the relief it once did. He’s hoping three weeks immersed in being a 24/7 submissive will scratch the itch.

Rain is the dominant the Island staff hire to bring Tim’s fantasy to life, but Rain has a secret. He has been watching Tim for years as he moved from one dom to another. Biding his time until he could make his move. He knows Tim was made for him, he just has to get Tim to see that they can make this work long after the fantasy is over.

In the second fantasy Brendan wants a submissive, someone knew to the scene. He wants to be able to show someone how wonderful the dom/sub lifestyle can be without the rehearsed lines and the posturing.

Mike is hired by the Island staff to be Brendan’s sub for three weeks. Mike has no idea what to expect but the money was too good to pass up. Mike is a free spirit who travels wherever the next job takes him with nothing and no one to tie him down to one place. The minute the fantasy begins Mike knows hes way out of his league. He starts feeling things he shouldn’t be feeling, things that can’t possibly be felt this early in the game. Brendan will need to show him that the feelings are reciprocated and see if he can be the anchor Mike has been searching for to tie him down.

In the third fantasy Angus and Robbie have been in a committed dom/sub relationship for quite some time. They are looking to try new things, one being puppy play. The island brings in a puppy play expert to help Angus and Robbie navigate this new lifestyle so they can figure out which aspects of the lifestyle they want to incorporate in their own while leaving the rest behind. It’s an adventure of discovery for the pair as they work together to bring their fantasy to life.

James is nearly at his breaking point; he can’t eat, he can’t sleep, he can’t concentrate without seeing Damien and Guard in every thought and action. Guard and Damien strike while the iron is hot, reminding James of all that he lost and all that he can have again.

This story is hot!!! It has something for everyone. There is puppy play, fisting, nipple piercing, some bondage and a ton of hot sex.

I really enjoyed reading this whole series and waiting for the conclusion of Guard, James, and Damien’s story was so worth the wait. It was great to see their progress from the first story to the last.

These wishes were just as hot as the wishes in the other books. I’m not sure how Sean Michael keeps it fresh and interesting, but definitely a job well done.

I know I’m greedy, but I would totally love a followup novella. Maybe a huge party on the island for past guests so we can see where everyone has gotten to.

Pieces of Candy: 4

Rough Edges by Cardeno C : Audiobook Review

April 27, 2017 by Denise

Kyle has an unwelcome crush on his nemesis Brent. Brent has a welcome crush on his friend Kyle. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn’t have to be a line at all.

Born on the wrong side of the tracks to the wrong family, Kyle Potter has spent his life clawing his way toward a better future. When he gets the perfect job at the perfect firm in perfect Los Angeles, Kyle is sure there are only blue skies ahead. And then he meets perfect Brent Haralson.

Born with a silver spoon to a well-established family, Brent Haralson has never been interested in leveraging his connections. Friends, success, and dates come easily to Brent and rejection isn’t something he has to deal with in life. And then he meets perfect Kyle Potter.

Kyle despises his unwelcome crush on his lazy, arrogant nemesis. Brent welcomes his feelings for his stubborn, brilliant friend. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn’t have to be a line at all.

Amazon

Audible

Kyle has had to fight tooth and nail for everything he has in life. Nothing has come easy for him and because of that he carries a pretty big chip on his shoulder. He can’t stand people born to money that don’t have to earn it and meeting his buddies friend Brent proves his point.

Brent was born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. He was born to money, raised to enjoy the finer things in life, and spends his days lazing about. At least these are the things Kyle thinks he knows about Brent, and takes an instant dislike to him.

When Kyle’s hard work and dedication at work finally turn into a promotion that allows him to put a down payment on a condo he finally feels like he’s made it. He’s accomplished his goal, then in one second it’s all taken away. When the chips are down Kyle has no one to turn to until Brent offers a helping hand.

Kyle borrows Brent’s spare bedroom until he can find a new job and get back on his feet. Over the first few weeks he’s there Kyle starts to realize that there is more to Brent than he first thought. He might not be the spoil rich kid he thought he was. When Kyle realizes what Brent is doing with his free time each day he finds out that old prejudices can blind you from seeing some great right in front of you.

I love a great enemies to lovers story, even if they were only enemies in Kyle’s head. This is a great story about a man finding that through his narrow and intolerant views of people he could be missing out on something great. The characters were well developed and interesting. The story, as always was perfection.

The narrator was good. This was my first time listening to Kevin Chandler. He infused just enough snark in his voice to bring Kyle to life for me. It was great.

Overall an enjoyable listening experience.

Pieces of Candy: 4

An Officer’s Submission by Christa Tomlinson: Blog Tour, Author Interview, Reviews and Giveaway

April 13, 2017 by Denise

Title: An Officer’s Submission

Series: Cuffs, Collars, and Love #4

Author: Christa Tomlinson

Publisher: Self- Torlina Publishing

Release Date: March 15

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 67,000

Genre: Romance, erotic romance, contemporary, D/S, established couples

Add to Goodreads

“You don’t ever have to keep anything you feel locked up, Clay. I’m your Dom, and whatever you need from me, I’ll gladly give to you.”
– Sergeant Logan Pierce

Police Officer Clay Foster is finally at peace and happy with his life. He enjoys his career as a member of Houston’s SWAT team, and he loves submitting to his Dom in the bedroom. His life is perfect, until one cruel act destroys Clay’s bubble of happiness. Shattered trust forces Clay to reevaluate his career, his relationship, and himself.

Sergeant Logan Pierce is the leader of Houston’s elite SWAT team. On the force, he’s the best at what he does. In private, the most important thing in his life is taking care of his submissive, Clay. Clay is his whole world, and Logan will do whatever is necessary to keep him safe. Even if that means going up against Clay’s stubbornness in order to help him heal.

Can Logan and Clay work together to rebuild their happiness? Can they find their way back to the shared passion of Dominance and submission? Or will their love and relationship end before it’s truly begun?

An Officer’s Submission is Book Four in the Cuffs, Collars, and Love series. If you love romance that is epic, emotional and erotic, you’ll want to give this series a read!

tco-author interview

Christa Tomlinson Author Interview

Hello, I’m Christa! I’m originally from St. Louis, Missouri and I currently live in Houston, Texas. I have two dogs, I’m a former teacher and I’m a retired roller derby player. I’ve been reading romance novels since I was eleven! My big sister let me read hers as long as I promised to skip the “grown up” parts. I always said I would skip them but read them anyway. I was a rebel. My current book is An Officer’s Submission. It’s an erotic BDSM romance, featuring characters from my fictional version of the Houston Police Department SWAT team. This story is about Officer Clay Foster, who loves being a submissive, but still struggles with that part of himself. And his Dom, Sergeant Logan Pierce, who will do anything for his submissive.

What misconceptions do people have about your genre?

That it’s all sex. My books may be heavy on the erotic side, but there are many authors who have books that aren’t. Also, there’s so much more to them than sex. Emotion, friendship and action play a part as well.

How do you choose names for your characters?

I normally start with The Writer’s Digest Character Naming Sourcebook. That way I can search by region or ethnicity, etc. But I always end up picking a name that matches the character. For example, I wouldn’t name a soft, kittenish character Ace Steel, unless I was trying to flip a book trope.

What else do you use to immerse yourself in the story (music, visuals, etc.)?

Definitely music. I choose songs based on the mood of the scene I’m writing. And I play that song on repeat until I’m finished with the scene. It helps get my head in the right space, but also serves as white noise to block out any distractions.

What’s your favorite movie?

Gladiator. Russell Crowe is amazing in that movie. Totally believable as the general Maximus. Plus he’s gorgeous and full of muscles. Joaquin Phoenix did an excellent job as Commodus – so evil! And the action and fighting scenes were very well done.

What do you hope people say about you after you’re gone?

I loved her books!

What are you working on now and what are your plans for the future?

I’m currently writing the next and probably last book in the Cuffs, Collars, and Love series. Officer Hector Castillo, the sniper from the team, is getting his own story next! I’ve already finished the rough draft and I’m planning for a June or July release. After that, I’ll be making a sub-genre shift. I’ve wanted to write historical fantasy for a long time now, and I’m in the planning stages for my first project. I’m very excited about it!

Thank you for having me on your blog today! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my work and look forward to chatting with your readers. Readers, feel free to drop any questions you have for me in the comments. Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Christa

deanna review

Love this series and always love catching up with the guys. This book was no exception.

Logan and Clay have settled into a happy life. They work together, they almost live together and they spend all their time off together. Then Captain Hayden has the brilliant idea to split up Logan’s team sending Logan to Narcotics, Tiffany to the bomb squad, and Carlos to lead another team. This brings new team members Harmon and Nelson and new leader Dunlap.
When Clay is blindsided on a training exercise, realizing he can’t count on his new team he retreats within himself to figure out how to move on. He shuts everyone out, including Logan. Logan will need to figure out what happened fast if he has any hope of helping Clay move past what happened.

Captain Hayden has never been my favorite character, I really didn’t like him after he split the team up. However, I do feel like he was firmly in Clay’s corner after everything went down. I thought it was impossible, but he may have redeemed himself. I’m cautiously optimistic.

Harmon, ugh even his name sounds douchey (is that a word? I’m rolling with it.). He was a great villain, but that is the only nice thing I can say about him. I was praying he would get stuck somewhere with Tiffany and one of her bombs.

I loved reading about the old characters that I love and meeting new characters. As always, the character development is impeccable, they are rich in detail, interesting and fit into the story perfectly.

The story…. frustrating at times because Clay was being stubborn but so worth the read. It was a roller coaster of emotion that I would gladly ride again and again. I was furious for Clay, I was mad at Logan for giving him space, I was so grateful when they both pulled their heads out. There were times I had to put the Kindle down for fear I would throw it in my frustration, but Clay got it together in the end.

5 pieces of eye candy

5-pieces-eye-candy1

erin

Book 4 in the series brings us back to the original couple of Clay and Logan. Full disclosure- I read book 1, but did not read books 2 and 3. But they are definitely on my to be read list. I don’t know how I missed them really.

Back to the book. Clay and Logan are both still in the honeymoon stage of a relationship and the happily ever after. They don’t live together yet, but that is a technicality. Everything is going great- until the boss decides to break up the SWAT team. After learning to work together, now they need to learn to work apart.

When Clay is attacked, he retreats. Instead of leaning on his Dom, he holds it all in and distances himself. Logan has no idea what has happened and no idea what went wrong. Now they have to work their way back to where they were.

Watching Clay and Logan rebuild the trust and relationship they once had was like getting two of your favorite characters in a whole new book. Seeing Logan willing to give up a huge part of himself in order to get Clay back. He struggles, but ultimately his love for Clay beats anything he needs or wants for himself.

Ultimately, I think it made them stronger. Not only as a couple, but as individuals. Coming to terms with what has happened to Clay, to them as a couple, and to them in their careers is difficult. Seeing these two, big, tough, strong men being lost and trying to find their way back to each other makes for a great story.

My biggest complaint is how easy Clay’s attackers seem to have gotten off. I wanted blood.

4 pieces of eye candy

4-pieces-of-eye-candy

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Apple iBooks | Kobo

Christa Tomlinson is an exciting up and coming author in erotic romance. Her first self-published novel, The Sergeant, was an Amazon Best Seller for Gay and Lesbian Erotica for seven weeks straight.

Christa graduated from The University of Missouri-St. Louis with a degree in History. She loves to create stories that are emotional and lovely with sex that is integral to the characters’ romantic arc. Her books include straight couples, curvy couples, gay, and multicultural couples. Love is love and everyone should have their story told.

Christa lives in Houston, Texas with her two dogs, and is a retired roller derby player.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | eMail | Amazon

Sign up for Christa’s Newsletter!

Tour Schedule

April 13^th – Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

April 14^th – Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

April 15^th – MM Good Book Reviews

April 16^th – Boy Meets Boy Reviews

April 17^th – My Fiction Nook

April 18^th – Love Bytes Reviews

April 19^th – Erotica For All

April 20^th – Nerdy Dirty & Flirty

April 21st – Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

April 22nd – Booklover Sue

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Save

One Bullet by Casey Wolfe: Release Day Review

March 27, 2017 by Denise

34382246 synopsis When Ethan Brant was shot, he found himself dealing with severe PTSD and unable to do his job as a police officer any longer. With the aid of Detective Shawn Greyson, the man who saved his life, Ethan not only finds himself again but discovers love as well.

Shawn’s life growing up was less than ideal, however, he overcame that to become who he is today. That doesn’t mean he isn’t missing something in his life. What Shawn hadn’t realized, upon first meeting, was that Ethan could give him all that and more.

Can one bullet really change two lives? I was intrigued by the synopsis and wanted to see when the author would take it and overall I was impressed.

buy now

Amazon

deanna review

Ethan, a police officer was shot while off duty and rescued by police detective Shawn. Shawn saved his life, keeping pressure on the wound until help arrived, visiting the hospital while Ethan recovered. The two struck up an easy friendship even after Ethan had to leave his job on the force due to PTSD. Shawn has been helping Ethan work through his PTSD by going to his weekly therapy appointments with him and suggesting new treatment options he’s read about. At some point the line between friendship and relationship was blurred and the two need to figure out if heading forward together is where they want to be.

I really enjoyed the slow buildup of their relationship. I love the way Shawn was so supportive of Ethan’s recovery.

The one point of confusion I had was with the opening scene. Ethan is trying to avoid the police looking for him and at one point he’s flat out running from them. To the point that the police use the taser on him. Shawn runs to rescue him and the storyline drops. If the police wanted to question him to the point of pursuit and taser use the storyline can’t fall flat. There needs to be some sort of conclusion. If the author was using this idea to introduce Shawn as the hero it would totally work, but the conclusion needs a little beefing up.

That said, I really did enjoy the book. The story was well told, the slow build up was great and the character development was on point. It was entertaining and an enjoyable read. I can’t wait to see where this author takes us next.

3 pieces of eye candy

When the Dust Settles by Mary Calmes: Audiobook Review with Giveaway

March 23, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Glenn Holloway’s predictable life ended the day he confessed his homosexuality to his family. As if that wasn’t enough, he then poured salt in the wound by walking away from the ranch he’d grown up on, to open the restaurant he’d always dreamed of. Without support from his father and brother, and too proud to accept assistance from anyone else, he had to start from scratch. Over time things worked out. Glenn successfully built a strong business, created a new home, and forged a life he could be proud of.
Despite his success, his estrangement from the Holloways is still a sore spot he can’t quite heal, and a called-in favor becomes Glenn’s worst nightmare. Caught in a promise, Glenn returns to his roots to deal with Rand Holloway and comes face-to-face with Mac Gentry, a man far too appealing for Glenn’s own good. It could all lead to disaster – disaster for his tenuous reconnection with his family and for the desire he didn’t know he held in his heart.

buy now

Amazon

Audible

deanna review

This is by far my favorite series by Mary Calmes. There is just something about cowboys. All of your favorite characters from Timing and After the Sunset make an appearance in this one as well. I love when you get to followup with old favorites, and boy is Rand a favorite but I digress.

Mac Gentry is the foreman of the Red Diamond, Rand’s ranch. He comes across as gruff and down right mean, Most people steer clear of the man. He is the ranch and has no need for anyone who doesn’t live the ranch life.

Glen Holloway gave up the ranch life to open a restaurant, The Bronc. Since he doesn’t fit in with his own family he’s created a makeshift family of his own with the strays at The Bronc. He avoids the ranch at every opportunity to stay away from awkward family interactions with his brother and Rand, but mostly to avoid Mac. Mac makes Glen speechless and angry in equal parts.

When Stef calls in a favor, Glen has to go on a four day cattle drive with Rand and Mac. A long day in the saddle and a lonely night on the prairie has Glen and Mac re-evaluating their relationship. If they lay it all on the table will the foundation they build be strong enough to withstand real life or will it crumble to dust out on the prairie?

Love, love, love the book. The characters are familiar, the story is entertaining. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Mary will write another one. I’m not ready to let them go just yet.

Can we talk about Sean Crisden’s voice. Holy Hannah, that is the sexiest cowboy voice I have ever heard. It deep, rich, and just gruff enough to bring the characters to life with panty dropping perfection.

5 pieces of eye candy

5-pieces-eye-candy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tied Up In Knots by Mary Calmes: Audiobook Review with Giveaway

March 22, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Miro Jones is living the life; he’s got his exciting, fulfilling job as a US deputy marshal, his gorgeous Greystone in suburban Chicago, his beloved adopted family, and most importantly, the man who captured his heart, Ian Doyle. Problem is, Ian isn’t just his partner at work – Ian’s a soldier through and through. That commitment takes him away from Miro, unexpectedly and often, and it’s casting a shadow over what could be everything Miro could ever dream of.
Work isn’t the same without Ian. Home isn’t the same, either, and Miro’s having to face his fears alone…how to keep it together at the office, how to survive looming threats from the past, and worst of all, how to keep living without Ian’s rock-solid presence at his side. His life is tied up in knots, but what if unknotting them requires something more permanent? What would that mean for him and Ian? Miro’s stuck between two bad choices, and sometimes the only way to get out of the knot is to hold tight to your lifeline and pull.

buy now

Amazon

Audible

deanna review

I love the Marshalls series. There is just something about Ian and Miro. Their story is a fairytale,.. Kinda… Maybe… If Quentin Tarantino were writing it.

This installment picks up with Ian being away on a four month op and Miro being loaned out to the DEA on the west coast. Of course Miro finds all sorts of trouble to get into out there. As he’s headed home he gets the call that Ian is heading home too. For the first time, Ian asks Miro to pick him up from the airport with his team.

Miro starts hoping for some normalcy when Bam, the military life rears it’s ugly head again. Several people from Ian’s old unit have died and the government brass think that someone is trying to kill the whole team. Ian heads to Washington to try to figure out what’s going on, meanwhile Craig Hartley has escaped from prison again.

Ian and Miro have some tough choices to make. Can Miro stand by Ian when’s he gone for as much time as he’s home? Can Miro live with the anxiety everyday of not knowing whether Ian is going to come home safe? Is Hartley coming after Miro again?

This story wraps up in stunning fashion, as I’ve come to expect from this series. I can’t wait to see where the next story takes us, hopefully their is a wedding involved.

These characters are some of my favorites, the story was entertaining and fast paced. I’m kinda over the Hartley story line, I know the storyline was left open so he could possibly return in a later book, but please Jesus let Miro be. I can’t handle the stress of him being kidnapped and tortured again.

I think Tristan James is perfect for this series. The Chicago accent is great, it’s gritty and tough and perfect for Ian and Miro. I will admit Kage sounds damn good too.

5 pieces of eye candy

a Rafflecopter giveaway