Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In Empire of Ache & Ruin, book one in the Empire of Ruin series by Diana A. Hicks, Tristan “Archer” Sallows returns to New York after years of exile, bent on bringing down the man who destroyed his family. Maurice Davis, the powerful senator who killed Archer's father, has lived a life of lies, assuming a new identity and manipulating those around him. In his pursuit of vengeance, Archer's path crosses with Davis’s daughter, Paloma. Raised in seclusion and sheltered from her father's crimes, Paloma is unaware of the darkness surrounding her family. When she offers herself in an auction to save her father, Archer purchases her, intending to use her as part of his revenge. But as he grows closer to her, Archer begins to question his motives, torn between his need for retribution and his feelings for Paloma. “The white swan, Odette, is cursed. The black swan, Odíle, is controlled by her father, the evil sorcerer."

Empire of Ache & Ruin by Diana A. Hicks is a darkly seductive, emotional firebrand of a novel that grabs readers and never lets go. Hicks jumps straight into the deep end with writing that's razor-sharp, juxtaposed against raw vulnerability through polished prose. The sizzle is expertly done. It is intense, immersive, and never gratuitous, peeling back something deeper with each scene. I like that Paloma isn't deflowered from the word go, and the simmering of revenge and moral decay pulse beneath the surface. Hicks uses haunting metaphors and symbolism in the story that elevate it beyond genre expectations, especially the use of ballet as a metaphor for control and duality. Archer is, of course, the smoldering alpha we expect but Hicks doesn’t shy away from amplifying his difficult emotional terrain, and her portrayal of shifting power dynamics kept me questioning Archer’s true, and shifting, intent. This is romance with teeth: bold, elegant, and unafraid to ache before it heals. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti is a modern romance with a significant twist. Cousins Marcus and Barrington Laurier come from wealth and power. Storm Canales, their childhood best friend, is the daughter of immigrants. Although the trio had been inseparable buddies all their teenage years, as they grew into adulthood this friendship developed into something far deeper. Both Barrington and Marcus were deeply in love with Storm, which should have been a problem but not for them. They envisaged a future where they shared Storm, living together as a happy trio. A mean-spirited remark to Storm at a Laurier party, where cousin Roddy refers to Storm as just a commoner and a gold-digger is the catalyst that sends Storm running from the boys, ready to begin her chosen career as an agent for the DEA. After a bungled operation in the South American jungle where Storm is captured, raped, and tortured, she is finally rested and sent home to recuperate. When Marcus and Barrington learn Storm is back, they are determined to win her heart again and claim her as their very own.

Irresistible Bond is not my usual reading fare but I’m glad I took a chance on something a little different for a change. Author Victoria Saccenti has created an unusual and intriguing plot line that allows readers to delve into the world of BDSM, Dominants, and Submissives. This story is very definitely adults only and naturally explicit with much of the story revolving around the details of the trio’s love and physical relationship but the narrative is erotic and hot, as opposed to tacky and tawdry. The concept of a permanent three-way relationship is explored with sensitivity and understanding and this gives the story some real authority. What I truly appreciated was that although the relationship and its physical aspects are a major part of the plot, there is a solid, underlying story. I admit to being intrigued by many aspects of the dominant, submissive lifestyle and the author does a wonderful job of making it all seem like a normal and acceptable lifestyle choice in today’s world. This is fast-moving and intensely erotic, so if you are looking for a change of pace in your reading material, you couldn’t go far wrong with this book. I highly recommend this read.

Reviewed by Keana Sackett-Moomey for Readers' Favorite

Stripped Bounty by Dorothy F. Shaw depicts the enticing love tango between Rosie Santini and her alpha, Badger Baxter. After Rosie's ne'er-do-well husband steals money from a drug lord, he ends up getting killed in the process. When the same drug lord begins to search for Rosie and his missing cash, she leaves Connecticut, heads to Phoenix, and gets a job as a stripper in a club. Badger is a bouncer (and part-time bounty hunter) who works at the club where Rosie is stationed. Their attraction for each other is almost immediate. But Badger has a taste for submissive women, and aside from being a stripper, Rosie is far from submissive. Nonetheless, Badger senses there is something different about her, and he's intrigued. When Rosie's past eventually catches up to her in the club, Badger can't help but protect her. Can he save Rosie and earn her love in the end?

If you're a die-hard romance fan, Stripped Bounty will keep you mesmerized from start to finish. It is action-packed, sizzling, and emotionally charged in all the right ways and all the right places. This novel has everything that a romance lover could ever ask for—a sexy alpha, a resilient female protagonist, and several tantalizing sex scenes between them. The overall storyline and romantic buildup are well-written and perfectly developed. The plot is fast-paced but maintains its momentum throughout the novel. It had me flipping through the pages like there was no tomorrow. The chemistry between Rosie and Badger is intense on every page. Since the moment they lock eyes, you know they are meant for each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this spicy adventure—and so will you! This is the first book I have read by Dorothy F. Shaw, but it certainly won't be my last.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Bound by Her by MZ Rylan is a dark, sizzling, and powerfully subversive romance that flips the script on dominance, desire, and control. Adria Fedorov, who is the heiress to a violent secret society, is a woman who doesn’t kneel, but only commands. But when three dangerous men are dropped into her orbit as part of a deadly legacy deal, she must train them or break them, or maybe both. With acute tension, steamy psychological play, and a heroine who refuses to surrender anything she hasn’t taken by force, Bound by Her is a bold and unforgettable read.

Author MZ Rylan knows how to grip readers by the throat from the very first page and ensure that they’ll be glued to the story throughout this dark, daring, and utterly addictive read. Adria is certainly the focal point of this character-driven tale, and the story more than lives up to its title with a powerhouse heroine in a world where dominance is everything, doing all she can to assert her total control over the situation. Her journey is fair from easy despite her obvious power, however, and the intimate narrative portrayals offer readers a complex, compelling read that’s as steamy as it is smart, penned by an author who knows a lot about the dynamics of this community in the real world. Overall, Bound by Her is a well-paced slow burn with sharp edges, and I’d certainly recommend it to readers seeking a romance with real bite.

Reviewed by Keana Sackett-Moomey for Readers' Favorite

In Healing Hearts by C. R. Alam, Gene Rowland is a doctor suffering from burnout. He returns to his small hometown in Gainesville, Georgia, hoping for a fresh start. Unexpectedly, while heading home, Gene witnesses a car accident. The driver of the car is Amanda Garner, the beautiful local baker. She swerved off the road to avoid hitting a young girl. When the girl is nowhere to be found, the paramedics, police, and Gene are a little dubious of Amanda's story. Nonetheless, Gene decides to watch over Amanda that night since she refuses medical assistance. Gradually, Gene finds himself drawn to her compassion for others. He becomes determined to assist her in any way, including helping her locate the mysterious girl from the accident. Gene and Amanda's shared chemistry is undeniable and intense. Will they find the young girl and eventually give their love a chance?

Healing Hearts is the fifth romantic novella in the enthralling Echo Series. C.R. Alam takes readers on Gene and Amanda's captivating journey as they navigate the vicissitudes of rediscovering each other and opening their hearts to love again. Their deep romantic connection is entwined with cathartic events and sizzling moments, vividly illustrating the heartfelt burgeoning of their relationship. The author skillfully weaves themes of charity, deep inner healing, the importance of demonstrating empathy, and the power of human connection through the well-developed and emotive storyline. Each chapter embodies warmth, cheerfulness, and positive energy, leaving a lingering imprint on readers long after they have finished reading. With its positive messages, irresistible characters, and compelling narrative, Healing Hearts is a certified must-read! I recommend it to romance lovers everywhere.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

In All the Rest by Christina Berry, Sheryl has a huge personality, which makes it difficult to have a boyfriend. She has been perpetually single, and she is already thirty-five years old without kids. All her friends have kids, and she is starting to feel jealous. One day at the dinner table, she gets a weird idea and decides to implement it against the advice of her friend, Ari. The quest to find someone to just impregnate her begins immediately, but it is not without ups and downs. One time she gets involved with some bikers, which puts her in a difficult spot with Manic. She has known Manic from the bar for many years and considers him her friend. Manic had flatly refused to impregnate her when she had initially asked. How will things turn out between them as they continue to spend more time together?

Despite All the Rest by Christina Berry being the fourth book in the Lost in Austin series, it can easily be read as a standalone. With highly engaging dialogue, there was never a dull moment, and I was hooked from the first chapter to the last. The vivid descriptions helped me to create mental pictures and also left me yearning for more. Christina also ensured the plot flowed seamlessly, which meant no room for confusion for the reader. The reader will also appreciate other things covered, such as mental health issues, which got me thinking about the diagnosis and management of such issues. The characters were well-developed, and the excellent narration added to the overall beauty of this work. This was an amazing read, and I look forward to reading something else by Christina.

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

In Victoria Saccenti’s Twisted Proposal, being asked to step into his father’s shoes could not have come at a more opportune moment for Ethan Ashford. Although he preferred dominating in a completely different environment, this gala offered him a chance at something he had craved for years, something he thought he would never get. Revenge. Innocent and wide-eyed designer wanna-be Siena Maynard has no idea what she’s let herself in for. She wants more than anything to break into the world of fashion, but what she doesn’t know is that her backer, the one who helped fund her dream, is also the one responsible for it becoming a nightmare. Ethan will give her the dream she seeks but she must offer something in return; herself.

I have been a part of the lifestyle for more years than I care to admit, so I always enjoy getting my hands on a book that delves into a world I am intimately familiar with. The first thing that really stands out about Twisted Proposal is that despite all the goings-on, the coercion and manipulation, the games and scheming, there is always an emphasis put on safety and aftercare, be it from the experienced Dom supervising the training of a newer, less experienced person, or in Ethan’s own affairs. Victoria Saccenti does an admirable job of creating a perfect balance of education and enjoyment while delivering a captivating plot that serves to explore the symbiosis between Dom and Sub and how the relationship has deeper and sometimes unexpected results and connections. Twisted Proposal is beautifully paced with a gripping and intricate plot that is guaranteed to elicit the whole spectrum of emotions.

Reviewed by Ammaarah Seboa for Readers' Favorite

Having undergone vocal surgery to save his voice, country singer Joe Bob Blade decides he should recuperate in the mystically beautiful Hoh Rain Forest, where he meets his very own babe in the woods in the form of Ali. Mary Alice, or Ali, finds herself soaked to the bone on Joe’s doorstep after a sudden downpour. With nothing but a notepad to communicate with, the two build this undeniable connection with one another. Back in civilization their time spent together seems like a dream neither wants to forget. The Silent Woodsman: The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1 by Cat Treadgold is such a beautiful and heartbreaking story that embodies the meaning of right-person-wrong-time.

Cat Treadgold created a beautiful and intricately woven story with just the right amount of reality. Having gone through a similar situation to Joe, Treadgold has shared a very personal and vulnerable part of herself with this story. Although written in the third person, I loved that the story was told from both Joe’s and Ali’s perspectives. The Silent Woodsman is a slow-burn romance set in the late ’90s. The moderate pace at which it evolved gave me time to focus on the character development of both Joe and Ali. Treadgold didn’t just attach them at the hip after that first encounter; instead, she shows us that life goes on and if it’s meant to be it will happen. I know that this is a work of fiction, but the sense of reality and the obstacles they had to overcome are what made me love their story.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

The Fixer is the first book in the Damaged Devils series by Charity Parkerson. Since he was eighteen, Chad Haynes had been under the control of a powerful man who paid for his college education in exchange for Chad's commitment to him in every way possible. Now twenty-seven, Chad has nothing but contempt for Kenneth Yearly, who also happens to be a senator and his stepfather. Two years ago, Chad moved to Cage Beach, Florida, and became a successful porn mogul who never misses an opportunity to embarrass his stepfather. When Journey Blue enters Chad's life, both discover an irresistible mutual attraction neither can deny. However, Journey works for a secret organization that seeks to manipulate Ken through Chad. Meanwhile, Ken will do everything to keep Chad under his thumb. What's next in store for Chad and Journey?

If you're a fan of sizzling hot LGBTQ thriller novels, The Fixer is the perfect book for you. Full of romance, suspense, and intrigue, this is a story about love against all odds. Charity Parkerson delivers a gripping first installment in what promises to be an absorbing series with a novel that has your attention from beginning to end. The plot maintains a brisk pace, with a few twists and turns up its sleeve to keep readers on their toes. The characters have definable traits that distinguish them from each other. The relationship between Chad and Journey feels genuine, and you want to see them end up together. Apart from Chad and Journey, I was also invested in the story arcs of Hale, Hardy, and Seven. For readers of erotic romance thrillers, you shouldn't miss out on this one!

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Dangerous Rhythm is a work of fiction in the romance, interpersonal drama, action, and suspense subgenres, and is the fourth novel of The Echo Series. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author C. R. Alam, this thrilling tale merges the pulsating world of rock music with espionage, blending rousing action, sizzling chemistry, and deep emotional struggles. Curtis Bisset, a rock legend, witnesses a crime that thrusts him into the shadows, where he unexpectedly finds the very thing that has been missing in his life. Lina Cheung, an ex-military intelligence officer turned security detail for rock stars, is pulled back into Curtis's world to protect him from a vengeful mob boss. The narrative weaves a perilous dance between duty and desire as Curtis and Lina navigate danger, emotions, and a deadly pursuit.

Author C. R. Alam has crafted a rollercoaster of excitement, emotion, and suspense, building tension in the action-packed plot events, but also in the sizzling romantic chemistry between Curtis and Lina. The characters are well-developed with great attention to detail in their backstories, attitudes, and passions. Their struggles feel authentic as they react to the chaos building around them and showcase a great set of skills for the challenges ahead, but also powerful moments of vulnerability. This gives the characters great opportunities to lean on one another for complementary conflicts in their personalities, deepening the dynamic all the more. Alam strikes a perfect balance between rock and roll glamour and the gritty world of espionage, and the result is a captivating story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Overall, Dangerous Rhythm is an absolute must-read for those who crave an accomplished blend of romance, danger, and rockstar allure.