Switching Control by Ann Jacobs

Switching Control (from publisher):

Dr. Tom Latimer is into major kink. A respected member of San Antonio society, he needs a mate who can not only satisfy his Dominant sexual needs but also act as a life partner, submissive lover, companion and friend. He’s about to throw up his hands in defeat and admit no such woman exists for him when his eye is caught by Selina Harrison at Club Rio Brava.

Selina is a big, beautiful wannabe Domme with a pedigree as long as his own, a history of spousal abuse that killed her trust in men—and a secret taste for the sort of loving dominance Tom wants to give.

But as Tom discovers, things are not always what they seem. The sexy doctor’s pulling out all the stops to convince the Domme with the luscious curves and baby-soft skin that switching sides and submitting to him are worth risking her heart—and her trust.

Review: This is the second story from the Club Rio Brava series, although not a continuation of the first. The couple from the Loving Control are mentioned in the story as the couple from the next book are briefly mentioned. I am not a huge fan of Ann Jacobs, something about her stories and also because she chooses to not include any plus-size or "curvy" women in her stories. This story does include a plus-size woman. Her weight is a bone of contention in this story and would be annoying if it was there for no other reason than her feelings of inferiority. This is not the case. All women, especially plus-size women, maybe more so, have real reasons for body issues. Selina, though, has a very abusive ex-husband who took his Dom role to, in my opinion, spousal abuse heights and should have been charged as such. So, ten years of abuse on her not obese, but overweight body and mind have left her scared. Understandable. Tom lusts after her body and falls in love with her mind. What I like about this story, is that Selina is a sub but also open to her dominant needs and Tom lets her dominant him and is willing to let her express that need and desire. Something unusual, Tom acknowledges that Selina is "too heavy" and needs to lose weight, never to her, but is willing to let her be her as she is but would help her lose weight non-medically if she wanted too. Not my experiences with doctors! The romance is rushed in this story, but the epilogue makes up for the rush. It is hard for me to put a marker on this story, so it is a definite good read, I just don't think I would reread it. Must read for Rubenesque&bdsm storyline fans.

Del Fantasma: Silk Panties by Celia Kyle

Silk Panties (from publisher):

Lisa Bradenton is breaking out of her shell. What better way to take a walk on the wild-one-night- stand-side than a visit to the infamous Del Fantasma? At the urging of her friends, Lisa goes to the bar with the hopes of finding a lover to take her mind off her ex-boyfriend. Soon after walking through the doors she's overwhelmed by the sexy bartender who has a quick smile, sexy eyes and deep rumbling voice. He is definitely one-night stand material. Definitely.
Jonathan and his inner beast crave the sexy, sultry and curvy siren's touch. A smile and good conversation aren't enough for him. Even after he's gotten her in his bed, he still craves everything about the seductress. Her looks reeled him in, but her uncertainty and open nature snare him forever. But after one night of bliss, she disappears. What the hell is he supposed to do now? Lisa is his mate and without her, he's lost.

Review: Simple cover to a been done to death story, but I liked it. Simple minds, simple pleasures, right? Anyway. This is from Aspen Mountain Press's Del Fantasma series, but are independent stories around the club, Del Fantasma and it's owner cum matchmaker, Cody. In this instillation, plus size Lisa sets out to "fuck and duck" to prove that she is desirable with her curves on curves body and to wash the taint of her ex away. Of course the guy she meets is super hunky and of course there is a run in with the ex. Pig shifters, who knew! Not me, but beyond the very familiar plot line is a fun little story. I would recommend this for a one-time, quick read. As an added bonus the ingredients for the "Silk Panties" drink is included. Gotta try it, might be addition to my Amaretto Sours.

The Soldier's Woman by Megan Ziese

A new listing for my books to avoid at all cost section:
The Soldier's Woman:

Sera was moved by the plea of the woman who’d posted the ad for a surrogate to carry her dead son’s child. Beyond that, it sparked a need dormant within her. She still had her doubts as to whether she was actually cut out to be anyone’s mother, and whether or not she could juggle motherhood with her demanding business, but realized it was an opportunity she didn’t want to slip by her.She discovered a lot of things she hadn’t counted on—morning sickness, a sky rocketing libido—and the sudden arrival of the man she’d never expected to meet—her baby’s father.

Review: Yes, I know this book is not about a plus-size woman. What this book is, though, is something so abysmally bad that I had to shout from the mountain tops so that others would not waste their time, money or computer space with this book. I have read plenty of stinkers, but this one is on the short list. There is absolutely zero believability to the characters. Sera is annoyingly silly. At 30 years old, she can't tell a butt plug from a dildo! She constantly complains that she doesn't want a man and wants to be independent, yet the reader is never told why this is. It is especially confusing when she is envious of her friends and wishes that Nigel would want her. She claims to not like drama, conflict and tense situations, but she is a surrogate mother. These are all things that come with having kids, so that makes little sense. Don't even get me started on the surrogacy issue. I would love to know why Grandma had her son's sperm, I mean did she keep it in the Frigidaire next to the casserole and the rocky road! Topping of these shenanigans, is Nigel who has returned from his mysterious military duties. Nigel is not freaked out that mom got someone knocked up by his ol' boys while he was gone, no, no, no. Instantly upon finding out he looks at her stomach and asks her to marry him. I could go on, but it would be a waste of my time. Do not buy this book, please.

BTW, I have no damn clue why I wanted to read it in the first place. Who knows!?

Dante's Salvation by Anna Leigh Keaton

Dante's Salvation (from publisher):

Dante Rainaldi never asked to be turned into a vampire, but it’s the life he’s stuck with—unless he can end it. Suicide seems the only way to end his torture, until he meets a woman who is the epitome of everything good and pure.
Wendy Schumacher has a good—though lonely—life. When she’s approached by a young, sinfully gorgeous gentleman in a coffee shop, she doubts her judgment because she’s made mistakes before. She lets him into her heart, though, but with him comes the terror of a dark world she never believed existed.

Review: I admit I usually only get my books from certain publishers. I recently broke out of my shell and have expanded my options. The main reason for my initial limited selection is that e-pubs don't feel the need to put a section for plus-size heroines, Cobblestone Press isn't one of them. So finding this story was a nice surprise. When I first started reading erotic romances, I voraciously read any vampire themed story I could find. I grew disappointed with what I read. Dante's Salvation is also my salvation in this theme/genre of books. Wendy is the "chunky", as described by the character themselves, woman who has reached her 37th birthday lonely and dejected. Her so called friend dumps her on what is supposed to be her birthday celebration. We later learn that this bitch has stolen three of Wendy's previous men. Why Wendy the Weak keeps her around is clueless to me only except that Ms. Keaton wanted to show how low Wendy's self-esteem/worth, etc actually is. Dante is over 300 years old but only looks to be in his mid to late twenties. He has not had a mate since his creator and is desperately drawn to Wendy. While I didn't get a heavy "fated mates" vibe there is definitely a strong, immediate connection that Dante feels for Wendy. In other words, he just knows, feels, she is the woman he has been looking for that would hopefully accept him as a man and as a vampire. Mix this with a who-done-it vampire slaying mystery and you've got a great read. Like the tag line says "A vampire hungering for salvation....A human yearning for eternal love...." and you've got a definite keeper and reread on you're hands.

Carrie's Answer by Violet Summers

Carrie's Answer: The Worthington Group (from publisher):

Carrie Anderson has loved her boss, Marcus Worthington, forever, but Marcus has never seen her as anything other than a trusted employee. Marcus, on the other hand, has given up on love after his malicious ex-wife dragged his name through the mud, exposing him to the public as a sexual Dom, nearly destroying his company and family in the process.When Marcus sees Carrie at a local BDSM-themed club, he suddenly sees her in a different light. Uncomfortable with his intense desire for her, he decides the best course of action is to remove her from his life by firing her, but Carrie won’t give him up without a fight. Since Marcus can’t fire her without cause according to her contract, Carrie makes a deal with him: he must spend the weekend with her, training her to be a sexual submissive. If, at the end of the weekend he still wants her to go, she will resign without argument. The two plunge into a passionate weekend affair that changes them both forever. Can Carrie walk away at the end of two days? Can Marcus learn to trust enough to make her stay?

Review: This is a very emotional story. Although Marcus is rich, handsome and powerful, he is broken on the inside. He grew up in an emotionally abusive and distant home and then his wife tried to have an affair with his best friend then slammed him in the press when he ended their marriage. Carrie has always respected her boss, Marcus, and has grown to love him in the time she has worked for him. This story never tales the age of the characters, only that they have worked together ten years, five of which is post divorce. The elements of bdsm for the most part are not about pain and humiliation, but one scene gets overly intense in that I felt Marcus was abusing Carrie by taking out his frustrations for his ex-wife on her body. This is a highly emotional story with a strong female who I liked and Marcus eventually won me over, too. Even with his issues, he still is an arrogant and emotionally stunted man that is hard to like. The sex is hot and intense and Marcus's true feelings for Carrie are often shown to her while they are swept up in the physically and emotionally strong moments. I would recommend this book to readers. As this is a full length novel, this would be a great weekend one-time read, while keeping it handy for those hot scenes to reread again!

Wounded Hearts by Liz Andrews

Wounded Hearts (from publisher):

Erin Riley receives a "Dear Jane" letter just days before her fiancé is due home after two years away on active duty. Angry at first, she convinces herself it must be because she's overweight while he's become a honed military hunk. Determined to convince him he's just forgotten what he was missing on the home front, she screws up her courage and sets out to seduce him despite her own misgivings about her figure. But she's surprised to discover Patrick is a changed man. No longer her loving high school sweetheart, he's harder and she discovers he has a dark side. Although he succumbs to her lush charms, he remains adamant their engagement should remain broken. Fortunately, Erin isn't someone who gives up easily.
Patrick O'Rourke has seen a lot during his two years away. After a tragic incident, he's convinced he's no good for anyone, especially his innocent young fiancée. He's not the same man he was two years ago and he doesn't want to defile Erin with his needs and desires. But from the moment he walks through the door, she makes it perfectly clear she's not going anywhere and she's unwilling to surrender without a fight. He tries to scare her away, allowing the dark side of his personality to take over. Instead of running away, however, Erin embraces the new experiences he offers.
Good communication and some hot, unconventional sex - that's what it takes to heal two wounded hearts.

Review: I have enjoyed this story both times that I have read it. It is hard at times to understand why Erin continues to pursue Patrick's feelings while he goes out of his way to try and hurt her and push her away. When she retaliates, he loses control. There is angry sex with some bondage, wax play and spanking that is always consensual. As Erin has been with Patrick since high school, totaling up six years, she does not want to throw their past and future away. They do love each other, but the two year overseas stint has "wounded" Patrick. While over all the story is a good read, the sudden needs of bdsm that Patrick has is hard to reconcile. While they lost their virginity to each other and were a faithful couple, it seems Patrick developed or supposedly had latent dominating tendencies that being in the war brought out. It was just hard for me to understand how he expected to deal with this supposed other self in a long term way with Erin if he would never have introduced this aspect into their relationship without the catalyst of war. While the ending leaves these questions unanswered, there is an epilogue that explains what happened after the weekend of reunion sex. I am not sure how this couple would have fared if events in their lives had not been pushed the way they had, but trust and communication needed work. I like this story and highly recommended it as a great one time read, while still maintaining that is a good reread. So, if you like emotionally jaded men and women who lap up the misery get this one! (^.^)

Masters of the Shadowlands 1: Club Shadowlands by Cherise Sinclair

Club Shadowlands (from publisher):

Her car disabled during a tropical storm, Jessica Randall discovers the isolated house where she's sheltering is a private bondage club. At first shocked, she soon becomes aroused watching the interactions between the Doms and their subs. But she's a professional woman--an accountant--and surely isn't a submissive . . is she?
Master Z hasn't been so attracted to a woman in years. But the little sub who has wandered into his club intrigues him. She's intelligent. Reserved. Conservative. After he discovers her interest in BDSM, he can't resist tying her up and unleashing the passion she hides within.

Review: While not a huge fan of books with more hard core bdsm, this one spins a tale of light bondage and submission with only one paddling/spanking scene. This is a interesting tale because it outlines the tenets of the "scene" of safe, sane and consensual. Jessica is told to read and sign a liability waver along with the rules and guidelines of the club in order to seek shelter from the storm she got stranded in. She signs the waver without reading it and must follow the consequences when she does not follow the rules. She fights, she is uncomfortable with submission and with her sexual reaction to it. Zachary, or Master Z, is intrigued by her. He quickly develops feelings for Jessica. I feel that he possibly had not had feelings for, or been in a relationship with, a woman since his divorce. There is an age difference between the two, but it is never fully stated. There is a potential for a blooming relationship, but as the couple are together for only two days over a week period this seems acceptable. They agree to date and be in a relationship, so a HEA of sorts. There is a slight paranormal twist in that Master Z has the ability to read thoughts or emotions if close to someone and states that he can sometimes get images from Jessica. This isn't explained but is out of the ordinary, an interesting twist. Overall, an interesting tale. I would recommend this as a keeper and reread. With smoking hot sex scenes and a burgeoning romance, it will definitely be a good time!

***I apologize for reviewing multiple books by one author so close together. My intentions are to review a variety of genres and authors of erotic romance. One the same token some authors tend to write more about plus size women, so obviously, they will be reviewed frequently. Just wanted to let you know.***

Masquerade by Flesa Black

Masquerade (from publisher):

Sophie has always been curious, especially when it comes to sex. She finds the perfect partner at the infamous Sexquerade Ball. After one night of exquisite pleasure, she thinks she can walk away. Then MacAllister Kincaid strolls into his uncle's private library and her world turns upside down. She doesn't know if she can keep donning her disguise and continuing their anonymous affair, especially when she's falling in love with Mac while he's panting after her alter ego.
Mac is in town to help his hospital bound uncle, and to take a break from running his family's hotel chain. He went to the Sexquerade Ball on a lark and ended up having the best sex of his life. He's convinced the mysterious Scarlet is the woman he has to have. So why is it that pretty librarian Sophie Pierson is making him crazy?
If Mac finds out about her game, Sophie's sure he'll toss her aside for someone more socially appropriate. But Mac's about to show her that sometimes fantasies can become realities, both in and out of bed.

Review: First off I am not usually a fan of hidden identity lover stories. I often feel the lies and deceptions that go along with it break the tenets of trust and the foundations of relationship building. After reading a TwoLips review, I decided to give it a try. Sophie wants the freedom of anonymous, one time sex and works to keep that with Mac. Mac desperately lusts after Scarlet, all the while falling in love with Sophie. It is fun to read about Mac's reactions to both identities. I felt for Sophie. It was completely understandable why she hid her identity like she did. She, and Mac, acted out their fantasies during their trysts that involved mild bondage, anal sex, paddling, restraints and lots of hot sex! Sophie describes herself as having too many curves to be graceful and sensual, while Mac and his friend A.J. drool after her, so much fun. I highly recommend this story. I will look for more books from this author. It is a definite keeper and reread, something I intend to do right away!

Sheriff in Her Stocking by Cher Gorman

Sheriff in Her Stocking (author's site):

When beautiful, plus-sized Delaney Moore is dumped by her latest boyfriend for a skinny woman a week and a half before Christmas, she decides to forget the holiday all together and spend it driving to New York City where a job awaits her as a window display designer for a major department store.
Delaney has never been lucky in love. On her way to New York from Seattle , a snow storm strands her in the small town of Avery, Montana and she is rescued by the local, sexy sheriff, Rick Mateo Cruz. After meeting Rick and spending the night in the only available room—a jail cell—Delaney believes her luck is about to change.

Review: This is the first Cher Gorman story I have ever read. It was a fun and sexy short story with just a hint of holiday theme. Delaney has been dumped on by men who only sleep with her until they find a skinnier model. Delaney decides to start over after catching her latest guy in bed with another, smaller woman. Rick has trust issues due to an incident with his childhood friend and police partner. The sex scenes, while not boiling, were steamy enough. The dom/sub and bondage aspect of the sex seemed a little forced to me. Trust is a major cornerstone of that type of relationship but incidents within the tale show how shallow the trust between Delaney and Rick actually is. Unfortunately Rick asks her to trust him, while he apparently didn't trust her fully and leads to a split. This reader had a hard time with the reconciliation, especially considering the heinous things that Rick accused Delaney of doing. Also, a point of contention is the lack of stated birth control. None is never mentioned by either party and none is used. This does not lead to safe sex for diseases or pregnancy. I personally would have felt better if something about this had been mentioned. Delaney also speaks of Rick being "Latino" and "Hispanic" and how they are passionate men and also that her family would not approve. This supposed racial tension is brought up and immediately dropped, it was annoying and Delaney was somewhat falling into stereotypes (thusly the author, too) by mentioning that. Although in Delaney's defense, he was hot and passionate, still it felt stilted. Rick, himself states clearly to the reader, that he does not like overweight, petite women preferring slender and taller. His claims of instant "the one" felt hollow with the fact he was actually dating the antithesis of Delaney when she was stranded in the town. Overall, you are not missing anything by not buying this book, in fact it is not available from Loose, Id. anymore. I believe it is available by other sellers. An okay, one time, quick read.

Sources:
Diesel ebooks
Books on Board

Book Recommendations

I have read two books recently that I would highly recommend.

Laid Bare by Lauren Dane is such an emotionally charged and somewhat draining story with all the drama. It involves some bdsm, menage that is permanent and some m/m interaction. Considering m/m interaction is not something I read, this only made me very mildly uncomfortable and the bdsm is very mild and did push my comfort level either. While I recommend it overall, the story seemed to drag and I have to admit I was somewhat disappointed in the ending. This is more of an emotional journey type of story. Definitely not a quick read.

Grace Under Pressure by Melissa Schroeder is a whirlwind of comedy, sex, emotional baggage and suspense. It was a very enjoyable read. The sex is hot. There is a fair amount of comedy in the beginning, then the emotional baggage and trauma, then the who-done-it murder/mystery intrigue. I really liked this tale and would highly recommend it to any and all. It didn't hurt that it was a super, sexy story about historians! (^.~) Can't wait till I get my M.A. so I can teach history in a college, then its Ph.d time!

There will be a Plus size/Rubenesque story review later today or tomorrow. So read these books and check back soon!

Lone Star Lycan by Regina Carlysle

Lone Star Lycan (from publisher):
She came to dusty west Texas to bury the dead. But one look from Joe's smoldering eyes made Quinn Harlow grow wet and needy. The cowboy was too big, too sexy, too everything, and more man than she'd ever had before. Though she was just a visitor, her heart begged her to stay and find her destiny with him on these desolate plains.
Joe McKinnon, alpha of the Wolf Creek pack, takes one look at his destined mate and knows he'll have his hands full dealing with the sassy female. A single glance has his cock going hard. One touch has him willing to move mountains to claim her. He knows it won't be easy to tame the woman who holds his future in her hands.

Review: This is the first story I have ever read by this author and it was a surprise Rubenesque story, as the publisher did not list it as such. Quinn is a six-foot, or close to, tall woman who is apparently a little plump who immediately feels a connection with a cowboy, Joe. This reader felt uncomfortable with how quickly the couple began their sexual affair. The first instance, in which Joe masturbated Quinn, was when she arrived at her father's burial plot, up against a tree in the graveyard her father was just buried in. It just felt odd and rushed and more than a little tactless in the cemetery. The story felt like it was missing something that would have made this better. The true/destined mates has been done better, or at least for me in other stories I've read. The descriptions of everyone being extremely big, broad or tall that was a Lycan just felt odd. I admit that the overly big people that shift into a wolf, a member of the canine family, of which the domestic dog is a subspecies, to be just a little ridiculous. This story was not all bad. There were heated and steamy sex scenes and a menage that did not feature Quinn and Joe. I never felt pulled into this story, various small things put me off in the beginning that made it seem laborious to read it at times. To be honest, some of the faults I had with this story are actually faults I find I'm having with the shape shifter genre in general. This story, unfortunately, had several at the same time. I would not recommend this story, there are better shape shifter stories available. I may look at this story again in hopes to write a better review, but do not expect that anytime soon. A good only if you're bored and you have money to spend book, but otherwise pass.

Strip Series by Kate Davies

I finally wrapped up the Strip Series by Kate Davies. I had read the first in the series months ago, not realizing there were two more. These are cute, sweet, sexy stories that are light on the sexual content even though they revolve around the topic of stripping. These are non graphic, limited sex scenes-non erotic short stories. They are labeled as "Red Hots" by the publisher, but these would be described more as sensual than erotic. Check them out anyway!

Taking the Cake (1)

Strip Tease (2)

Challenging Carter (3)

What I've Been Reading...

While I immensly enjoy reviewing books featuring curvy/chubby/"lush"(whatever that means)/full-figured/BBW/Plus Size/Rubenesque/fat chicks, etc., I would have nothing to read if that is all I would read. So, here are a few books I've read that I enjoyed.

Knotty Girl by Maggie Casper: Not bad, but not great. Quick read. bdsm

Riding West by Emma Wildes: I enjoyed this one. historical western

Missing in Action by Amanda Young: Not bad, not great. Missed that it had m/m. Couldn't help but think of the King Missile song "Detachable Penis" you'll know! Cont/Paranormal

Always by Lauren Dane: Oh, heart wrenching w/sexy Irishmen. One of my fetishes. Cont.

Werewolves of Malta by Lorie O'Clare: O.K., next time I say I'm gonna read something by Lorie O'Clare remind me of this series and After Dark then threaten to take away my laptop and my espresso while eating all my chocolate in front of me if I try to read anything again by this author, ever. Para

Anticipation by Patrice Michelle: Pretty good with a sexy, cowboy sheriff. Cont.

Taming the Beast by Evangeline Anderson: hit or miss author for me, liked this one. Para/Sci-fi.

Demon Seed by Desiree Acuna: Wow, reason it gets the 'carnal' rating. I liked it. Hist/Fant.

I'm sure I've read plenty more, some rereads, in the last month, but this is random list. Check 'em out if you got extra cash and some free time.

Slow Thaw by Kathleen Carswell

Slow Thaw (from publisher):

Nick came to Second Chances to ask his girlfriend Christine to marry him. Cassandra wanted her husband Jim to look at her again in the snows of the mountains. Christine wouldn't, and neither would Jim. And Cassandra had never felt as beautiful and sensual as she did under the gaze of Nick's camera. Nick's blood stirred within him at the vision in his lens, a warmth in the icy cold that drew him like a roaring fire.
Second Chances exposed the true fires within the frigid surroundings, not only in the snow, but in the hearts of its visitors. In the cold reaches of the mountains, old flames burned out and new ones flared--but for how long?
They were looking for love. They found it where least expected.

Review: "They were looking for love. They found it where least expected." Do not let that last line fool you. This story does not have the traditional HEA (happily ever after), it barely has the HFN (happy for now), mostly is is HFLN (happy for last night)! Cassandra and Nick have both had disappointments in moving their respective relationships along. Nick just got turned down and Cassandra is losing her husband. Cassandra seems confused why her relationship is not loving and warm but husband's way of proposing may have been the reason: “It would have been,” she said quietly. “He asked me after I told him I was pregnant. He said, ‘I guess we’d better get married then. Unless you want an abortion.’” That should have been her first clue that he didn't love her, respect her or even want a child. If she knew it was a horrible proposal, then why did she marry him? It seems obvious to her and others that he had no attachment to her. Cassandra does not lend respect at that point or very much sympathy. Nick, is with a size two model, one he slept with while on a job, yet claims to like full-figured women. This reader found it hard to believe that if he didn't want an "angular" (his words) woman, then why was he in a year long sexual relationship with her and proposing to her?! Nick and Cassandra end up together in a photo shoot and things get heated both having great, but not graphically described sex. The other major problem with this story is that you get a disturbing sex scene with the former significant others together before Nick and Cassandra that just left this reader feeling disturbed and disgusted. I would have felt better had it not been described, the 'icky' feeling just wouldn't leave, thus overshadowing their love scenes. The ending is disappointing with the only firm resolve being the status of Cassandra and her soon-to-be ex-husband. Overall, I would not recommend this story. It left this reader wanting to much. If you prefer stories with little to no emotional/relationship development, then this might be for you. If you prefer more than just brief sexual encounters and the tiny buds of possible relationships, then stay away. This could have been better.

Carnally Ever After by Jackie Barbosa

Carnally Ever After (from publisher):

Jilted bride Lady Louisa Bennett seeks a quiet chapel and instead finds the subject of her secret fantasies: best man Alistair de Roche, Earl of Holyfield. Knowing the wedding will be rescheduled, Alistair tries to ignore his lust for the voluptuous beauty. But temptation proves impossible to resist, and the two indulge in a single afternoon of carnal bliss. But once is not enough and soon, Alistair and Louisa are caught in a love affair that threatens their families’ plans and their own hearts.

Review: This a very short, but fulfilling story. Set in 1816 England, it follows Louisa and Alistair who unknowingly lust after each other. Louisa and Alistair engage in oral and anal sex but go no further because they are each to wed others. Alistair, unlike Louisa enters his engagement willingly, if not wholeheartedly. Louisa is, like many women of this period, in an arranged marriage to someone she does not like, love or respect. Grenville is debauchery incarnate and has a penchant for anything boyish, which Louisa's full figured curves can never be mistaken for. The sexual content is more steamy/spicy than erotic. Ending with a HEA, I would recommend this as a one time, quick read. ***Warning/Caution: This tale does include unspeakable abuse of a cucumber. You have been warned!***

Master of the Mountain by Cherise Sinclair

Master of the Mountain (from publisher):
When Rebecca's boyfriend talks her into vacationing at a mountain lodge with his swing club, she quickly learns she's not cut out for playing musical beds. Now she has nowhere to sleep. Logan, the lodge owner, finds her freezing on the porch. After hauling her inside, he warms her in his own bed, and there the experienced Dom discovers that Rebecca might not be a swinger…but she is definitely a submissive. Rebecca knows that no one can love her plump, scarred body. To her shock, lodge owner Logan not only disagrees, but ties her up and shows her just how much he enjoys her curves. Under his skilled hands, Rebecca not only loses her inhibitions, but also her heart. Damaged from the war, Logan considers himself too dangerous to be around the enticing little sub. He sends her away for her own safety, not realizing she believes she has once again been rejected because of her size. As Logan's mountains echo with her voice long after she's gone, he realizes she's taken his heart with her. But when he arrives in the city to reclaim her, Rebecca's phone has been disconnected and her apartment is empty…

Review: While I am not a devotee of BDSM stories, Master of the Mountain is a wonderful novel. Rebecca has issues with her weight due to her parents and lackluster relationships. Especially the one with here current boyfriend, Matt. You do not like Matt. He is good with Rebecca in the 'friends' way and not the 'lover' way. The swingers gathering really allows for his insensitivity to shine. Logan is a strong, caring and intuitive man. He immediately falls into lust with Rebecca and she soon follows. The BDSM in this story is not hard core and does not feature a lot of pain or humiliation that can be found in some BDSM stories. In fact, there is no anal sex in this story, only some play. There is one exhibitionism scene. Rebecca and Logan are both likable characters and Jake, Logan's brother, was nice. He has also faced tragedy and would make for an intriguing hero. There are some points left out. I had a hard time picturing either character and we are never told how old they are. In that sense, I wish there would have been more descriptions. We are told about Rebecca's hair and eye color, but not her shape specifically other than she is curvy. I can't even recall Logan's description and I just finished the story. I had a hard time picturing them in my minds eye with the vague descriptions that aren't very rememberable. There are numerous sex scenes that get quite heated, especially the finally. This definitely a keeper and one that I would reread again.

California Cowboy, Maggie Casper

California Cowboy (from publisher):

Will Clay’s lack of loving words bring back painful memories of Bobbie’s childhood or can she put her fears aside and finally find love with her California Cowboy?

Clay Bodine has lived on the Lazy B Ranch since birth. He works the land with loving hands while ruling it with an iron fist. When his younger brother mentions hiring a new kid, Clay doesn’t think much about it… until they meet.

Sparks fly when sassy and independent Bobbie Carlington meets her new boss for the first time. Used to answering only to herself, Bobbie quickly learns that things don’t quite work out that way on the Lazy B.

When Clay takes Bobbie’s virginity his old-fashioned ways demand he marry her. Will his lack of loving words bring back painful memories of her childhood or can Bobbie put her fears aside and finally find love with her California Cowboy?

Review: This is not technically labeled as a full-figured/Rubenesque story like Loose Id and Ellora's Cave might. Samhain does not do that, and the lead heroine is not plus sized at a size 12 anyway but she is described as "pudgy". This was a difficult story for this reader to like. Bobbie was not a likable character. At 21, she had been on her own since her parents died when she was 17. Yet, she is unable to do the most mundane of kitchen duties? I find it hard to fathom that she would not have been forced to grow up and mature some since she had to depend on herself. She was immature and way too naive for me to believe. Clay is older, but the reader is not told by how much. He himself is a little naive* in his overbearing ways to her. *Maybe that should read has headstrong, bull headed, etc. Clay is more likable than Bobbie, but his brother Chance seems nicer and more level headed(he has his own story). Overall, you are not missing much by passing over this story. If you like silly heroines, Alpha males that are to domineering to a fault, all wrapped up in a contemporary western story, then get it. Otherwise pass on this one. There are several sex scenes but due to the circumstances just did not feel right.

I do like some of Maggie Casper's works, but this one didn't set well.

Rude Awakening by Veronica Chadwick

Rude Awakening (from publisher):
His training didn’t cover how to win back a woman’s trust…

Jaimee Turner spent most of her life trying to be an unassuming pillar of virtue and submissive wife to a man who demanded nothing of her—especially physically. A year after his unexpected death, she’s finally finding her own footing, only to find herself thrown completely off balance by Lucas, a man who awakens desires she never knew she had.

FBI agent Lucas Grayson is relentless in his quest to bring down those who prey on the innocent. The Turner case is unlike anything he’s dealt with before, and so is the widow Turner. One thing’s for sure: Brent Turner was blind to think he could outsmart the Collective. And blind to the fact Jaimee was a gift he threw away.

The Collective has dirty fingers in all sorts of bad pies, and the FBI suspects Brent’s “accident” was anything but. Jaimee knows more than she thinks she does. Lucas would sell his soul to extract that information and keep her safe. But he can’t save her from the devastating betrayal she’ll have to face.

Review: This was an interesting romantic suspense story of the too innocent, plus- size woman and the jaded, thought-he-couldn't-love man. The mystery is intriguing with a few surprises, but not overly zinging. This reader had a hard time with the various references to the different characters religious beliefs. Especially concerning sexuality. The last thing I want to read about is purity, sexuality and Christian beliefs on such in an erotic romance. (O.o) This made me feel uncomfortable and the "with God" references felt out of place. Christian erotica it is not, an oxymoron if there ever was one. Jaimee is too wrapped up in right and wrong and even jokes that God has turned on her for her sexual desires which included spankings and anal play. There are many tender moments as well as hilarious. The salon visit fiasco with her friend Maxine and "boo fooing" which is slang for anal sex are both examples. This was set in Nashville, TN. As this hit entirely too close to home and I was way too familiar with Old Hickory and Opry Mills and just Nash-Vegas rush hour traffic it felt too intimate, like someone looking in my underwear drawer. I prefer stories to be in mythical towns, or way far from me. Lucas is sexy and wonderfully enamored with Jamie and you feel his pain over the deception wrapped with the love he feels for her. This is a plus novel in length. I would recommend this as a great rainy weekend, one-time read. The Christian morality that was laced throughout the story turned me off, otherwise this would have been a keeper. I would suggest you reread the sex scenes before you delete this one, though!

Dare to Believe (The Gray Court Book 1) by Dana Marie Bell

Dare to Believe (from publisher):
Leo Dunne has been searching his entire life for the one person born just for him. He finds her working in his own company, but the shy little Ruby Halloway constantly hides from him. He hatches a devilish plot with her best friend to bring her out of her shell, and the result proves her desire is more than a match for his own.

Ruby has had the hots for her boss for some time now, but she knows business and pleasure shouldn’t mix. While that can’t stop a girl from dreaming, she sticks by her guns and does her best never to be alone with the handsome CEO. Until the company masquerade party, where she discovers a passion with him that leaves a mark on her soul.

A family emergency calls Leo away, and rather than spend one night out of Ruby’s arms, he convinces her to go with him. With his brother’s life on the line, it’s vital she learn how to deal with who, and what, her new lover really is…before it’s too late.

Review: I have read one other story by this author, I believe her first published story, and am mightily impressed with her improvement. It was not bad, but good have used improvement and this story has reaped the benefits. While I do not usually go for romantica with elves, leprechauns and other Fae folk, this one does not take that part seriously. Bell has maintained her sense of humor, which I love and Ruby uses it delightfully. To clarify this, Ms. Bell does a wonderful job of not making the book and its paranormal/fantasy aspects drip and ooze with soap opera melodramatics that I've seen in other books with Fae peoples in them. This was an immensely enjoyable story about a curvy, not completely plus-sized woman, Ruby. Ruby had been more overweight and had worked down some and was trying to be comfortable with her size. Leo was wonderful as Ruby's lover. The side characters are fun and I am extremely hopeful that Jaden will have a story. The epilogue is sad and heart breaking so have hankies prepared. This is a definite keeper and reread!

I will review another plus size gal story from Dana Marie Bell soon.