~Review for Hot Spanish Nights by Bianca Swan~

Title: Hot Spanish Nights

Author: Bianca Swan

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication date: October 29, 2010

ISBN: None

ASIN: B004AM5EK0

Length: 109 pgs

Book Series and number: N/A

Rating: 4

Heat Rating: Spicy

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4, Spicy

Southern vixen Erica DeLongpre journeys to Spain to find the horse of her dreams, never expecting to find a man capable of stirring her sexual awareness.

Damián Xérès, a renowned bullfighter is deliciously skilled on a horse—and in bed. But a woman from Damian's past rattles Erica's confidence and threatens the very essence of her trip.

With Lucia waiting for the slightest chink in her armor, Erica can't help wonder what lies ahead in those Hot Spanish Nights.

Erica DeLongpre travels to Spain to purchase a horse she's always dreamed about.

She meets Damian Xeres, renowned bullfighter and expert horseman. Erica doesn't expect her body's reaction to Damian's. She is after all engaged to be married, although she doesn't love Trey. Damian is pure male and Erica can't stop thinking about riding him. When Erica sees Damian with a woman not long after she and Damian made love, she's hurt and upset. Damian insists it's over with his ex. But Lucia has other plans, she wants Damian and her actions threaten Damian's horses and Erica's safety.

My Review:

I really enjoyed reading Hot Spanish Nights by Bianca Swan. The story was well written and the hero and heroine were very real and likeable. Damian's character is sexy and confident and he's known as a playboy. I thought Damian was all alpha male but he was also vulnerable and sweet. He's just looking for the right woman to spend the rest of his life with. Erica seemed not to know her own effect on men. She's just a nice southern girl who wants a horse perfect for her. The book had a lot of steamy, hot sex between Damian and Eric. I liked how Ms. Swan injected the horsemanship terms into the story and that some had double meanings that gave some humor and fun to the read. I wasn't expecting the book to end where it did and I turned the page back and reread it to make sure I hadn't missed anything. I said "Nooooooo, you can't end it here." Hot Spanish Nights was a great book, but I do wish there had been an epilog. Maybe we can revisit Erica and Damian in a future book, Ms. Swan??

Buy Link:

Amazon:  Hot Spanish Nights

~~Review for Immortal Confessions by Tara Fox Hall~~

Title: Immortal Confessions

Author: Tara Fox Hall

Publisher: Melange Books LLC

Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/ Romantic Suspense

Publication date: September 2, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-61235-691-4

ASIN: B00EXCQR6W

Length: 256 pages

Book Series and number: Promise Me Book 5

Rating: 4 1/2

Heat Rating: Scorching

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4 1/2, Scorching

At the turn of the 19th century, former aristocrat turned lowly vampire Devlin Dalcon gets by on his supernatural charms until he meets bride-to-be Annabelle. Smitten by Anna’s forthrightness, intellect, and bravery, Devlin risks his life to spirit her away to Fontainebleau, France. There Devlin begins his ascent to power in a desperate bid for wealth and social standing for himself and Anna.

Forging alliances with other supernatural leaders, he usurps the vampire Lord of Fontainebleau, amassing many enemies during his brief reign. Within a few years, he and Anna are again forced to flee for their lives to America. Living in hiding, Devlin is determined to amend his ways. But when tragedy strikes, Devlin’s dark side, never fully extinguished, emerges rampant, securing him the bloody throne of America even as his malevolence and loneliness consumes him.

My Review:

This is Devlin's story, told from his POV. There were times while I was reading, that maybe Devlin felt remorseful for how he had acted in certain situations. I felt Devlin wanted to show his emotional side but didn't really know how, so he didn't. It was great to learn that he could actually have friends.

Devlin could also be a charmer and very loving when he wanted to. On the flip side, he could be merciless and unforgiving as well. I grew to like Devlin somewhat and understand how his past had molded him into the man he became. But he still scares the beegeesus out of me at times.

Ms. Fox tells Devlin's story with a lot of emotions and character surprises. The book is fast-paced, full of adventure, danger, unexpected twists and turns, and has a lot of sexual tension. I loved the secondary characters, they were well written and were full of depth and dimension.

I feel like I know Devlin a little better now and understand some of his motives and actions. After all I believe he only wants to make things better for the Vampires around him.

Immortal Confessions helped to fill in a lot of the hows, whats and whys of Devlin and a little bit for Danial. This is an important part of the story arc and should not be missed. I really enjoyed this book.

Buy Link:
Amazon: Immortal Confessions (Promise Me Book 5)

~~Review for Reluctant Prince by Kate Hofman~~

Title: Reluctant Prince

Author: Kate Hofman

Publisher: DCL Publications

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication date: August 3, 2011

ISBN: 978-0-9838078-0-3

ASIN: N/A

Length: 202 pages

Book Series and number: N/A

Rating: 4

Heat Rating: Warm

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4, Warm

Armando is not eager to relinquish his freedom in return for a throne. He likes his life as it is. However, when the ruler of the principality of Paradiso dies, this decision is taken out of Armando's hands. It gets even more complicated because he had met an interior designer and promptly fell in love with her. As Pamela is swept up in Armando's passion, she is unaware that she represents an obstacle to Armando's ascension to the throne. Their relationship is further threatened by one of Armando's bodyguards, who resents Pamela as a 'commoner' and tries to get her out of his Prince's life. Armando must choose between love and country, but the choice might be taken out of his hands.

My Review:

Celebrating the opening of another new hotel in the Bijou Hotel chain, Armando comes to the rescue of Pamela Stanhove, who is being harassed by another guest.

Armando finds out that Pamela is an interior designer and hires her on the spot to decorate another one of his hotels. Pamela takes the job and the two quickly become more than employer and employee.

Unknown to Pamela, Armando is a Prince. However, Armando has no intention of taking the throne. Unfortunately, the ruler of Paradiso, a small principality, dies, that leaves Armando next in line to rule.

Pamela doesn't want to be the reason Armando turns down his chance to rule. Armando's valet and bodyguard believes Pamela isn't good enough for his Prince and tries to come between them. Pamela makes the decision to quit her job and let Armando be Prince.

Can Armando find Pamela and convince her that he loves her and wants her to stay with him?

I've read a lot of Ms. Hofman's books and Reluctant Prince starts out with a bang just like her other books. All the characters are very well written, and have great qualities that make this story so real. Armando is so likable, he's handsome, charming, polite, caring and sexy. And he's such a gentleman, opening doors, pulling out chairs, if only more men were like Armando. He also knows what he wants in life and isn't afraid to go after it.

Pamela is very passionate about her decorating and she's very good at it. However, she is a little naive and maybe a little too trusting. I did think that Armando and Pamela were great together, each bringing out the best in the other.

I enjoyed reading this story and wondered what the valet was going to try next to get Armando and Pamela apart. There is a lot of excitement, emotion, a nice twist no one sees coming in Reluctant Prince. Ms. Hofman is great at creating worlds for her characters to live in. Reluctant Prince is a sweet romance that everyone should read.

Buy Link:

Amazon: Reluctant Prince

~~Review for The Mayor's Daughter III: Miller's End by Will Versuch~~

Title: The Mayor's Daughter III: Miller's End

Author: Will Versuch

Publisher: Pink Flamingo Publications, LLC

Genre: BDSM/Contemporary

Publication date: July 20, 2012

ISBN: 9781937831493

ASIN: B008L4AEJ4

Length: 149 pages

Book Series and number: The Mayor's Daughter III: Miller's End Book 3

Rating: 3 ½

Heat Rating: Scorching

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authorin exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

3 1/2, Scorching

Will Versuch, author of The Mayor’s Daughter: Draft Pony and The Mayor’s Daughter 2: Stablemate has brought us the end of this thrilling storyline. In the third and final installation of the Mayor's Daughter trilogy, Jessica and Allison's struggle inside the Mill continues. Both girls have known what it means to be a Draft Pony, locked in leather and forced to toil under the control of their owner. Life as a Draft Pony means little rest, strict bondage, and cruel punishment for every infraction of the strict rules.

Jessica has tasted life as a Show Pony and the improvements that it offers. Allison, while serving as a Draft Pony herself, has seen how much better the life of a Show Pony can be, and yearns to reach that level. But there can be only one Show Pony, and the two girls must compete to see who will earn it.

The arrival of Officer Kate Morgan adds a new wrinkle to the workings of the Mill. But is she there to free the girls and end their torment? Or is she just another player in the Mill Owner's game?

The Miller's End will bring Jessica Miller's story to a close. Will she end up as a trained pony slave, sold to the highest bidder as the Mill Owner promised her? Will she find freedom from the Mill? What will her fellow ponygirl Allison’s fate be? And what about the Mayor’s involvement? Will he face justice for his part in his daughter’s torment or will he move on with his political career?

My Review:

Jessica is pitted against Allison for the position of show pony. Jessica is determined to keep her position as show pony, it's still hard work but at least she gets to sleep in a bed. Allison is just as determined to beat Jessica and make her the draft pony again. Allison hates being a draft pony, with little sleep, sexual torment, and continuous labor. Both women are set to tasks they have little chance of completing correctly which means they will be punished cruelly.

Jessica believes their kidnapper favors the new girl, Allison believes he's protecting his favorite, Jessica. So instead of being able to work together and figure out a way of escaping, they are too busy disliking each other and doing what they have to to each other to survive.

When police officer Kate Morgan arrives at the mill, the women are shocked and relieved. The kidnapper turns the tables and distracts Kate and she too becomes a prisoner at the mill. Their tormentor is still playing head games with them and tells both Jessica and Allison different stories about why or how Kate is at the mill. All through their captivity, the kidnapper has filmed the girls during all their training and humiliation. He is also continuing to take viewer requests for new ways to torture his captives. Will Jessica, Allison, and Kate be able to escape or will they have to endure more sexual torment at their captor's hands?

The Mayor's Daughter III: Miller's End by Will Versuch is the last book in The Mayor's Daughter trilogy. Both books II and III start where the previous books ended so it's easy to follow the story. I really liked that aspect of this trilogy. One of the other things I liked is Mr. Versuch's ability to write such descriptive scenes that I could almost hear the rattle and clank of the chains, or the cries of pain from Jessica and Allison.

I applaud Jessica's ability to decide on a career if she ever escapes. Plus, she's able to find ways to cope with each situation that I would never have thought of.

Allison was a trooper and endured far more than I would have been able to. She was somewhat naive and was easily swayed by whatever the kidnapper told her. But I probably would have done the same thing because of not really knowing what to believe.

Kate was a very strong character, and I really liked her, she was tough, confident, unafraid and a take charge kind of girl. Even while being tortured, she tried to reassure Jessica and Allison.

The kidnapper is just as evil and diabolical in this third book as the other two. He's methodical in his actions and very thorough in making sure his victims aren't able to escape. He doesn't make mistakes. I kept waiting for a mistake or miscalculation and was always hopeful he would get what was coming to him.

Mr. Versuch writes a fantastic story full of twists and turns and emotions. And just when you think the ride is over, it blasts off again for another round of surprises. As in book II, there were many typos that distracted from the storyline.

I think everyone has a secret fantasy or two, and a kidnap fantasy might be one of them, but probably not in the scope that The Mayor's Daughter trilogy is written.

Buy Link:

Amazon: The Mayor's Daughter III: Miller's End

~~Review for The Mayor's Daughter II: Stablemate by Will Versuch~~

Title: The Mayor's Daughter-Stablemate

Author: Will Versuch

Publisher: Pink Flamingo Publications, LLC

Genre: BDSM/Contemporary

Publication date: March 16, 2012

ISBN: 9781937831318

ASIN: B007MSWKEC

Length: 140 pages

Book Series and number: Mayor's Daughter Book 2

Rating: 3 1/2

Heat Rating: Scorching

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

3 1/2, Scorching

Jessica has finally passed her challenge, elevated from draft pony to show pony. She still struggles to come to terms with this new life, a life where her waking and sleeping life are filled with bondage, confinement, and punishment when she breaks the rules. She knows, though, that it will be a better life now that her days as a draft pony are behind her.

But this all changes when a new girl is brought into the Officer's mill. For now, the new girl is the draft pony, filling the role that Jessica left behind. But for how long? Jessica can quickly see that the new girl is stronger than her, faster than her. In a fair competition, Jessica knows that she would lose. What will Jessica do to ensure her place as the show pony? How far will she go to protect her newly won status?

This book, the second installment of The Mayor's Daughter Trilogy, features strict bondage and pony play as Jessica and the new girl struggle within the confines of the Officer's mill. It picks up right where the last book ends off, exploring Jessica's new life as a show pony. Fans of the first book will find the same level of detailed, intricate bondage in the sequel, but with the added psychological element of the interplay between Jessica and the new ponygirl.

My Review:

Jessica thought that when she passed her test to be show pony that things might get a little better for her. Unfortunately, she was wrong, being show pony brings a whole new set of trials and torture.

College student Allison is celebrating with her fellow soccer team mates after winning an important game. Knowing she has a long drive in the morning, Allison leaves the bar early and heads to her apartment. She's almost there when she sees flashing red lights in her rear view mirror. The officer seems nice enough, but there's something eerie about him. Allison doesn't pass the breathalyzer and because she's under 21, the officer tells her she has to go into the police station. Everything after she's taken to his police car, is a blur and Allison can't believe some of the things the officer is saying over the radio. Instead of taking his new acquisition to the station like she thought, the kidnapper takes her to his family's mill. After being shoved inside the door and half-drug along behind the officer, Allison is stunned to see a women tied and dressed strangely in some leather contraption.

After hearing approaching footsteps, Jessica sees another woman in chains has been brought to the mill. Thinking that now there are two of them and one of him, they might stand a chance at escape, but her idea is quickly squashed when the man pits the two women against each other, without them realizing it. Both women are subjected to unthinkable tortures and mind games. An unexpected interruption occurs when a police woman enters the mill with gun drawn. Is she there to help Jessica and Allison? Or is she there to join in on their torment?

Mayor's Daughter II: Stablemate by Will Versuch takes up where book 1 ends.

The kidnapper is very meticulous in his hunt for his victims. Mr. Versuch shows the man plans, watches and picks his victims carefully. Jessica's character shows acceptance in her situation, but she is ever watchful for a chance at escape. She did things to survive that I know I could have never done. Jessica does seem to grow up some toward the end of the book. Allison is very easy to like and to sympathize with her predicament. She's very emotional, so it's hard for her to hid her emotions from her kidnapper. Her character adds to the depth and dimension of the story, with a different twist added to the mix. And of course there's the kidnapper. He's very diabolical, scheming, perverted and sadistic. I disliked him more and more as the story progressed and wanted nothing more than for him to get caught and be made to endure some of the same things he's done to Jessica and Allison. Mr. Versuch describes in great detail everything that is being done to the girls, it's very graphic. So much so, you feel like you are there in the mill watching instead of reading. I did enjoy reading The Mayor's Daughter II: Stablemate for the writing style of the author. The only thing I disliked was all the typos in the book, there were so many, it took me out of the story at times.

Buy Link:

Amazon: The Mayor's Daughter II: Stablemate

~~Review for The Understudy by Lisabet Sarai~~

Title: The Understudy

Author: Lisabet Sarai

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing

Genre: BDSM/Contemporary

Publication date: April 18, 2011

ISBN: 978-0-85715-523-8

ASIN: B005CQP77I

Length: 59 pages

Book Series and number: N/A

Rating: 4

Heat Rating: Scorching

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4, Scorching

Is there a future in playing stand-in to a slave?

Sarah Gladstone was thrilled to be offered her first real acting job at the Berks Summer Playhouse. She never expected to be working with theatre legend Geoffrey Hart. The charismatic actor quickly brings her under his spell, not to mention his control, as he initiates her into the dark delights of BDSM. He offers her far more than physical pleasure; they share a level of intimacy and trust beyond anything Sarah could have imagined.

According to the rumours, though, Geoff's heart is taken. Renowned actress Anne Merrill, his long time partner and submissive lover, has severed their relationship and Hart has escaped to the Berkshires to lick his emotional wounds. With her youth, inexperience, and girl-next-door persona, Sarah knows that she can't compete with the glamorous theatre veteran. She fears that she's just a substitute for the real object of Geoff's affections. As he draws her deeper into his intoxicating games of dominance and submission, Sarah wonders if she's willing to settle for the role of understudy in this perverse passion play.

My Review:

Sarah Gladstone is very happy to have been offered a summer job as understudy at Berks Summer Playhouse. What she didn't expect was to be working with theater legend Geoffrey Hart. The actor immediately notices Sarah and quickly has her doing things she never imagined. She's fascinated with Geoffrey's ability to master her and she does everything he asks. But she doesn't know why.

Sarah's friend Adele, tells her there are rumors about Mr. Hart and a well known actress, Anne Merrill have been in a relationship together, that's she's his slave.

When Sarah learns Anne has ended her relationship with Geoffrey, she feels his heart is still with Anne. Sarah fears she is only a stand in while he's at their small town theater, in his heart. Can an inexperienced, young woman make herself more than just a substitute?

First, I'd like to mention that The Understudy appeared in an anthology called Master Me.

I really liked The Understudy by Lisabet Sarai. Once again she created an engaging world for her characters to live. Geoffrey and Sarah have a lot of sexual tension between them that is so thick you can cut it like butter. Geoffrey is self assured, handsome, kind, talented and hurting. I think he is truly fond of Sarah. Sarah is full of energy, confident, and a little mystified that she follows Geoffrey's orders. I like how Ms. Sarai gave Sarah the inquisitiveness to want to know more about BDSM and do a few things she might be uncomfortable with. Great character depth is created in a short amount of time in The Understudy. The storyline has lots of emotion, some action, a few surprises, and a few secondary characters that help the progress of the plot. I would love to read more about Geoffrey and Sarah in another book. This is a great length for a book when you want something steamy to read but don't have a lot of time.

Buy Link:

Amazon: The Understudy

~~Review for Mastering Maya by Lisabet Sarai~~

Title: Mastering Maya

Author: Lisabet Sarai

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing

Genre: BDSM/Contemporary

Publication date: November 19, 2012

ISBN: 978-1-78184-128-0

ASIN: B00A9XEU4U

Length: 43 pages

Book Series and number: N/A

Rating: 4

Heat Rating: Hot

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4, Hot

Behind the mask of control hides a spirit aching to surrender.

Mistress Maya bears the nickname 'The Ice Queen'. Her precision in administering discipline, her skill in evoking a submissive's devotion, and her unshakable self-control are legendary in the small but active Boston kink community. From the moment newcomer Master Shark sees Maya flogging a sub at Club Inferno, he's obsessed with her beauty and power. He'd determined to break through her defenses and bring her the same release she grants to the lucky slaves she tops. When Maya dismisses Shark as young and inexperienced, he offers her a challenge-a night together, during which he'll show her what it means to be mastered. If he fails to bring her to new heights of sensation, he agrees to become her slave. What begins as a test of wills evolves into something deeper and more intense. As the younger man uses his insight and skill to coax Maya into submission, he comes to understand the wounded spirit hiding behind her mask of control. Can he make Maya trust him enough to surrender? Or will the flawless, untouchable dominatrix take possession of his body as well as his heart?

Mr Review:

Newcomer, Stephen or Master Shark as he's known in the kink world, is fascinated by the beautiful woman flogging her sub at Club Inferno. He's determined to get to know her better.

Mistress Maya had a bad experience when she was younger and has pledged that no man will command her again, ever!

Stephen meets Mistress Maya, or The Ice Queen that's her nickname at the club, and she sees a young and inexperienced and dismisses him. Stephen however is not that easily put off. He challenges Maya, a night together in which he'll show her what true submission is. If he fails, he agrees to be her slave.

What a great read from a new to me author, Lisabet Sarai. Mastering Maya is a short story filled with emotions, character depth. Stephen and Maya are good for each other, he's kind, gentle and understanding. I liked his energy and determination and Ms. Sarai was able to show his confidence without making him seem like a know-it-all. Stephen is a very likable character who I wouldn't mind meeting somewhere.

Maya has built a wall around herself, and doesn't take any pleasure for herself during a scene with a sub. She is always under control. I did like Maya, she just has a tough outer-shell to keep herself protected. Ms. Sarai creates a lot of sexual tension between the two in a short time that makes the pages sizzle. Even though this is a short story, it's very enjoyable and the characters are well written.

Buy Link:

Amazon: Mastering Maya