Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Trick’s Trap by Lucy Leroux is a mesmerizing contemporary romance with a twist; it is sizzling and engrossing. They first meet in an underground game, and Patrick Tyler knows instantly that Tahlia will be the game of a lifetime. But then she suddenly disappears and everyone thinks she’s dead. A memorial is even held for her by her friends. But Patrick eventually learns that she still lives and pursues her. When Tahlia accepts help from Patrick, she knows she will be taking him to a point of no return and into grave danger. Is she ready to let him into her past, to unveil her family secrets?

There is a lot for the reader in this book — deft handling of plot, skillful character development, and intelligent world building. The characters are so genuinely flawed they are real to readers. For instance, Tahlia is a very beautiful and intelligent woman, but she has a difficult past and it is catching up with her pretty fast. This is the vulnerable side of her that makes her a compelling character. Patrick is well developed and readers will love to find out what becomes of his desperation from the moment he learns that Tahlia is gone.

The writing is focused and fluid and the scenes are well-crafted, infused with a lot of emotional energy to keep readers completely absorbed. The handling of conflict is also impeccable — it is developed at multiple levels and Tahlia is at the center of the drama. Lucy Leroux has a unique gift for storytelling, but what I found very interesting is the author’s ability to lead readers into the different seasons of the hearts of the characters. Trick’s Trap is a great read for fans of contemporary romance.

Reviewed by Robin Goodfellow for Readers' Favorite

Unstable: Hooked Book 4 by Charity Parkerson is a gay erotic read about two men who, despite their demons, still love each other deeply. Seventeen-year-old Eli had recently been thrown out of his parents' home, so he constantly struggles to survive. When he tries to rummage through a dumpster behind a bar, he ends up meeting its owner, Jimmy, who later takes him in. Even so, Eli takes off, along with Jimmy's money and clothes. Three years later, Jimmy finds a handsome young man on his doorstep, who claims to be the teen he took in. In this enchanting, fast-paced romance, Parkerson shows that, even with their pasts, two people still manage to fall in love and find their happy ending.

I'll admit that when I picked this book up, I was curious. I've never read erotica before, but it had a sexy cover, and who isn't going to read a book with a sexy cover? And of course, by the time I was done, I was blushing. I enjoyed Eli and Jimmy's initial attraction, as well as their growing love and lust for one another. I also enjoyed their stubborn pride, what with Eli wanting to give back Jimmy's money, and Jimmy demanding that he stop. It was heartbreaking to read about Eli's story as well, and I became intrigued by the subtle hints relating back to Jimmy's past. I thought the two worked well together and, while there were times when their romance got a bit cheesy, it was sweet nonetheless. Parkerson illustrates the simple fact that you can find love anywhere, and that no matter what, they'll always support you. Because of this, I would recommend this book to those readers who love erotica in general, gay relationships, and sweet romances.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Scandalous in a Kilt: Hot Scots, Book 3 is a sizzling romance novel written by Anna Durand. Emery Granger had given herself a weekend jaunt to the Big Easy, partly to commiserate losing her job and sense of security in Colorado Springs, but mostly to celebrate the end of the 9-to-5 grind of cubicles and office politics. She had majored in computer programming in college because she loved creating programs and dreaming up new solutions to problems, but her real-life employment had seemed little more than correcting other people’s programs and similarly monotonous work. She had gone to the famous nightclub Pat O’Brien’s right after dropping her luggage at her hotel and was still dressed in her travel-worn, but favorite clothes. While she had brought sexy attire for the next evening’s outing, for tonight she preferred the anonymity of her Comic-Con T-shirt and faded jeans. She was enjoying people-watching and sipping a rum drink, when she heard a deep voice asking if the seat next to her was taken. She turned and saw a muscular, gorgeous man looking down at her with luscious amber eyes and she noticed he was wearing a kilt. She couldn’t help but gaze down at those muscular calves disappearing into brown leather boots. And while she wasn’t in the habit of indulging in one-night stands, somehow the thought of a night with this man seemed irresistible and full of promise.

Anna Durand’s sizzling romance novel, Scandalous in a Kilt: Hot Scots, Book 3, is a marvelous contemporary fiction story about two relatively dysfunctional people with very different lives who somehow find that the other makes them complete -- even if getting to that point is sometimes difficult and arduous indeed. Durand’s erotic scenes are beautifully written with a heavy emphasis on the actual romance and sensuality experienced by her two characters. While more explicit than those who like their romances squeaky clean will feel at ease with, I found those interludes to be respectful and lovingly portrayed. I particularly enjoyed seeing how Emery and Rory try to get past the baggage of their past lives and old romances, and work to find common ground. Scandalous in a Kilt works perfectly well as a standalone book; however, I would recommend reading the preceding two books in the series, Dangerous in a Kilt and Wicked in a Kilt to fully appreciate the MacTaggart family dynamics and the close relationships of the three MacTaggart brothers. I’ve found each of the books to have entertaining and original plots and marvelous characters. Scandalous in a Kilt: Hot Scots, Book 3 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

A successful and very rich businessman, Rade Matheson is out to find the man who embezzled millions from one of his companies. But he stumbles on Dylan Adams, a woman who has just lost her fiancé, Michael, and still can’t move on. The moment he sets eyes on her, he knows he can’t forget her. He wants her badly, but is he ready to break an already broken heart? While Dylan can lead him to his stolen money, he knows he wants her more than anything else. Can Dylan overcome her fear of betrayal and follow her heart? Can anyone be what Michael had been to her — her whole world and someone she could do everything with? Next to Never is a sizzling romance in the Shattered Innocence Trilogy by A.L. Long.

Next to Never is a delightful read and I completely enjoyed the characters. It opens with Dylan in a conversation with her best friend since grade school and she can’t make up her mind whether to go to the opening of a night club or not. Her life seems to have no color since the death of Michael. Her humanity comes out beautifully and the reader quickly understands her vulnerability, the void she feels within her, the pain of her loss and her anxiety. The romance is built around a strong story line, making it real and intriguing. No, it’s not just about the attraction, but also about characters that look and feel a lot like real people we encounter every day. A.L. Long is a great story teller and I loved the way this author takes readers into the hearts of the characters and the inner workings of their worlds. It is a delightful and hugely entertaining read.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

A book intended for mature audiences, Looking for Love by Cindee Bartholomew is a sizzling romance and the first book in Siri’s Saga, a scorching hot romance that is as beautifully written as are the thrills within. Meet Maximus Aurelius Moore, “aka” Aurei, and Seary “aka” Siri. Maximus is an accomplished army aviator, a millionaire venture capitalist, an alpha male who is as hot as he is determined about what he needs in a relationship. He is not one for settling down, not yet, but the moment he sets eyes on Seary and observes her beautiful poise, her grace and the sensuality she exudes, he begins to think that this headline entertainer, this gifted dancer, and this “perfection in motion” could be the one. This woman’s beauty tests his confidence and everything he thought he knew about the human heart. Now he will have to “lose his shit” over this woman to find out what it entails.

This is a passionate love story, filled with steamy moments. At times it feels dark, but it is intoxicating, the kind of novel that will put you on the edge of your seat, rattling your hormones and creating a heat you won’t know exactly how to deal with. I enjoyed the way the author integrates the themes of modeling and romance, of love and friendship into the narrative. Readers are presented with characters that are well-developed, rock-solid, and on a life-changing adventure. The narrative is emotionally charged and the beauty of the prose is unmistakable, an element that arrested my attention right off the bat. Looking for Love is intense and captivating, structured to keep the reader following the first person narrative from page to page.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Too Tempting by Bethany Lopez is the first book in The Lewis Cousins series, an incredible sizzling romance delivered in an exceptional narrative voice. Meet Gabriel “Gabe” Lewis, an ex-NFL player who continues to relive his passion by organizing football camps for teens. This is his only way of living one of his strongest passions. Zoey Zahn loves to keep to herself; she is nerdy and eccentric. When she accepts to accompany her nephew to Camp Gabriel Lewis that summer, she has other plans in mind — she believes it would give her a lot of time to herself to write and enjoy quiet moments alone. But things change when she sets eyes on Gabe. The attraction between them is just so natural, but as it gets stronger, it’s soon time to go home. Read on to find out the twists in the story and how a trying moment will awaken a part of Gabe he hasn’t discovered yet in his life.

Bethany Lopez has imagined a story that will pique the interest of fans of romance. The circumstances around which the attraction between Gabe and Zoey develops does not seem forced and readers will enjoy the awesome setting, which is brilliantly developed alongside intense moments of emotion and powerful scenes. Too Tempting is a story with a plot that is designed to tease readers every moment. It is told in an absorbing first person narrative voice, alternating between the main characters, and this creates a great sense of suspense that kept me going. This is a well-crafted romance with an excellent plot — fast-paced and beguiling — and just about everything readers want in a sizzling romance.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Dangerous in a Kilt: Hot Scots, Book 1 is a sizzling romantic novel written by Anna Durand. Anyone who knew Erica Teague would never have expected to see her perched on a bar stool in Chicago’s Dance Ardor. The nightspot was an underground club that catered to an uninhibited clientele and boasted of the private booths that were available to those seeking a bit of adventure. Erica was there to meet a man named Cliff, whom she had met online. While she had given him her picture, he had never reciprocated. As their 8:30 meeting time neared and then receded into the past, Erica figured she had been stood up -- by a blind date, no less. She wondered if he were actually in the club and had decided to give her a pass. Erica wondered how she couldn’t even succeed at an anonymous sexual encounter with a stranger, but then her world was changed forever when a pair of strong hands magically appeared just as she was poised to fall flat on her face. Her rescuer was a big man whose muscular torso was quite visible through his tight black t-shirt, and she couldn’t help but marvel at the way his thighs met where his kilt began. When he greeted her by name, Erica figured that Cliff had come after all, but she was soon to discover that her gorgeous hunk from Scotland was someone else entirely.

Anna Durand’s sizzling romantic novel, Dangerous in a Kilt: Hot Scots, Book 1, is an enthralling and entertaining read about two damaged people who meet under the strangest of circumstances and share no intention at all of entering into serious relationships. Durand’s erotic writing is lovely, respectful, and entirely relevant to the growing emotional ties that Erica and Lachlan forge in spite of their mutual determination to enjoy their month together free of emotional entanglement. Seeing each of them learning to trust and to allow themselves to be vulnerable again is a major highlight of this compelling book about love, betrayal, and second chances. I had a marvelous time reading this hot and spicy-sweet romance. Dangerous in a Kilt: Hot Scots, Book 1 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite

Unsurpassed is the story of Aubree Holiday and her desire for her two friends, Max and Ryan. They met at a kickboxing class and, despite her fantasy of a three way with the sculpted pair, she settles for their friendship. At least until an unforgettable weekend that makes her every fantasy come true. That’s your basic start to Charity Parkerson’s erotic novella that is so much more than erotica. Make no mistake, it is burning hot, but there’s a great story in between for those who like their erotica with a healthy dose of romance too. Her night with the friends is unforgettable and brings forth a few revelations that cause Aubree to reconsider exactly what she thought she wanted.

After a hot night with walking, talking fantasies Max and Ryan, Aubree has to deal with another uncomfortable feeling in the form of tall, well muscled MMA fighter Drew Alexander. From the moment they meet sparks fly, but not just sexy sparks. Life sparks. Love sparks. They are connected through people they’ve loved and lost and, despite her lust for her friends, the feelings Drew inspired were different. More profound. Their story blossomed into a beautiful one full of love and lust, heat and laughter. Charity Parkerson did a fantastic job creating a world of three bad ass dudes and the tiny woman who brought them all to their knees.

It would be easy to chalk this story up to basic erotica, and it is supremely hot, but it is so much more. The sex, the lovemaking — all of it —was on a deeper level than expected and improved my enjoyment of Unsurpassed. Now if I can just see that tattoo!

Reviewed by Michelle Mollohan for Readers' Favorite

Clinch (Low Blow Book 1) by Charity Parkerson tells the tale of Gunnar, a professional boxer, and his upstairs neighbor, Liam. Gunnar doesn't recognize Liam from his past, and Liam isn't keen on cluing him in. A run of bad (or good) luck one rainy night changes everything. Both have been burned in the past, and are desperately trying to deny their attraction for one another for fear of being hurt again. Despite their inner voices telling them to stay away, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other.

Clinch (Low Blow Book 1) by Charity Parkerson was a surprisingly unexpected read. I had a preconceived idea of what a homosexual romance novel would be like. I was pleased to discover that I was mistaken. Gunnar's and Liam's characters are well crafted, each with his own demons and flaws, as well as endearing qualities. As a reader, you find yourself rooting for them to figure everything out and reach their happy ending.

Clinch touches on the complications that often occur in same sex relationships. There are complex issues with exes, hiding sexuality, and feelings of self doubt. There is plenty of angst and lust throughout. The sexual encounters are realistically written and not overdone throughout the story. The real-life scenarios really round out the tale. Liam's family members are an added bonus to the story, as is Gunnar's cat, Loki. I finished this book in one evening and am looking forward to the next installment.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Intrigue: Infinitus Billionaire Book 3 by E.B. Walters is proof that romance novels can be just as good as any other mystery novel you might come across. It was delicious, decadent, and very, very impressive. I took my time reading this novel, and writing this review, because I wanted to do it justice. Before I jump into the review, let me just tell you that this is one novel that you will not be able to resist.

The story follows two very powerful characters, Terri Randal and billionaire Roderick "Rod" Thorne. Terri has had enough of running away and living under the thumb of a deranged man, her brother. She cannot do anything and cannot even make money the usual way. She can’t even use her real name or else her mad and controlling brother will find her and she will lose the one thing she has worked hard for: her freedom. So she takes on the name Chameleon and dons the appearance of the masked organizer that handles the high-stakes poker games for billionaires. That is where she meets billionaire Roderick "Rod" Thorne and, after a weekend that brings them together, Terri has no idea that Rod has some ulterior motives that she may or may not like. What are these motives? What will she do when she finds out the truth?

All of the answers will be revealed to you after reading Intrigue. This novel is brilliant on so many levels. You cannot find a single fault in it. The story is great, it is enticing, it is thrilling. I loved Terri, I liked her no BS attitude and I loved the fact that she was ready to fight for herself. I loved Rod as well; he knew what he wanted and knew what he must do. I loved the fact that he respected Terri and did not think of her as his property, but as his partner. He is an alpha guy, but he is not a creep. You will enjoy reading this novel just as much as I did! You will be in for a great surprise.