Reviewed by Shannon Winings for Readers' Favorite

In Codename Romeo by Lucy Leroux, Ethan Thomas is a confirmed bachelor. His life revolves around his work, friends, and coming home to his own place with no distractions. After being suckered into buying an apartment complex with his friends, Mason and Donovan, his goal is to have it up and running before the mandatory retirement age at the FBI. Of course, there are a few issues with his plan. Mason left town without getting rid of the last renter - who Ethan considers a squatter. He wants her out so he can begin construction. However, when that squatter turns out to have an adorable child and is ill, he is forced to care for them both as a snowstorm overtakes Boston. Yet, his grudgingly caring behavior soon turns to affection for the girl and her mom. He is hesitant, though, as he is sure she has secrets. He needs to get to the bottom of them before he falls too hard for them.

After reading a previous book by Lucy Leroux, I was excited to have the chance to read another one of her works. Codename Romeo by Lucy Leroux turned out to be related, in a small way, to the other book I read. This addition was surprising but exciting as I could relate some of the characters back to those I already knew. This wasn't the only thing keeping me reading this book. Many of us are suckers for a law enforcement agent with a soft heart. I'm no different. The summary of this book pulled me in and the heart-warming feelings kept me going. The desire to love and trust someone who is keeping secrets is all too relatable as well.

Reviewed by Shannon Winings for Readers' Favorite

Five years old is too young to learn the darkness of the world. It is forced upon Alannah (Lanie) when she is sold like a possession to a man named Winston. Soon, that’s all she knows. Yet, when Winston sells her to Roman, she sees there may be more than just being a submissive. In fact, there may even be happiness. Alannah discovers that it just isn’t that easy, though, when Winston comes back for her. He simply can’t let her go. Of course, neither can Roman now that he has uncovered his feelings for Lanie. Will she be able to keep this new life she is learning to love or will she be forced back into the hidden darkness?

Last Chance Series by A.L. Long includes five books – Bought, Slaved, Taken, Broken, and Freed. Despite this, the set is just under six-hundred pages which made each book a relatively quick read. I enjoyed being able to see how everything unfolds instead of having to wait for another book to come out. There was more to like in the author’s writing. It was dark, fast-paced, and filled to the brim with drama. There were moments of steamy, passionate kisses and moments of painful tears. The reader goes through the gamut with the main character, Alannah. That said, it is a wonderful story showing the human body and soul’s ability to adapt and maintain a sense of self in dire situations. Those who aren’t afraid of some rather stimulating and dark scenarios in the romance genre are sure to enjoy this series.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Boss is a work of contemporary romance that forms the first novel of the Game Changer series, and it was penned by author Deborah Armstrong. In this passionate but also heartwarming romantic tale, the events center around our heroine Dr. Jules Montgomery and the titular Boss – a tough guy whom she meets on a night when she wants to pretend that she has a boyfriend just for one night. The pair reunite several years later when Jules has a lovely little girl in tow, but knowing each other in the real world is far from the fantasy they once shared. So begins a tale of real romantic bonding in a complicated world.

One of the things which impressed me most about author Deborah Armstrong was her attention to detail in the realistic motivation of her characters when they act. So many romance novels simply fit the mold and follow the plot with characters whose actions we might not buy into, but Boss and Jules both follow their own realistic agendas. That it makes it all the more complex as their feelings for one another grow and change with the circumstances of the plot. This results in a highly emotive but also relatable storyline which grounds the romance and makes the characters feel like real people whose dramas, highs and lows we can follow passionately. The dialogue smacks of reality, for not everything is happy in love, and overall this makes Boss one of the most satisfying romance reads for me, and a promising start to a new series.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Erica had always felt protected and cherished by Dante from when she was still a child, always making her feel as though she mattered. Her respect for Dante grew into longing for him until the moment he broke her heart. She ran away to Paris, but even then, she didn't forget the man who “was so devastatingly handsome, so powerful and dangerously sexual.” When Erica returns, Dante is not thrilled, even though he had secretly craved his best friend's sister. Now she wants to learn about BDSM and wants Dante for a teacher. It's complicated because Dante is co-owner of the club with her brother, Chris. But Erica seems to be the fire that will make Dante ache like hell, not in his arms, but in those of someone from his past, someone deadly.

Yearn For You by Sayara St. Clair is a sizzling romance that shouldn't be read in public places, and this is a fair warning, for right from the prologue the reader is treated to a tantalizing moment of a sexual encounter, wild and utterly arousing. But that isn't the point of this novel. Sayara St. Clair puts a fire in the hearts of her readers as they watch the drama that unfolds in this narrative. There are moments so intimate, so sensual that they make readers forget their surroundings, and the author shares interesting details in the descriptions. Yearn For You is a novel for mature readers, sensually intense and featuring very sophisticated characters. Written in beautiful prose and rich in plot points and conflict, it is one of those books that keep readers awake through the night.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

In the romantic suspense novel, Beneath Deception: An Unbreakable Series by A.L. Long, the worlds of two opposite, deeply complex characters collide and the explosion leaves the reader delighted. Xavier London knows he is a man not to be trusted. He has betrayed the one person who saved his life. He harbors a dark secret. However, he just wants to live his life, keeping his secrets to himself, but then he meets a woman and his life changes. Tessa Sands knows nothing but what one man has taught her. She has been made to believe that she is someone she isn't. That is until Xavier comes into her life. Can these two people who are irresistibly drawn towards each other overcome their personal demons and allow love to lead the way?

Beneath Deception: An Unbreakable Series by A.L. Long is a spellbinding romance with characters that readers will want to follow. The author creates two characters, each flawed in the way they see themselves, then puts a challenge before them. The romance grows steadily and, without inventing unnecessary twists in the story, the author capitalizes on the strength of the characters and explores the internal conflict intensely, which makes the story even more gripping. Here is a novel with characters who will move readers. The story is tightly-plotted, fast-paced, and intense in the emotions it evokes in readers. The prose is elegant and the writing is filled with suspense. You're going to stay up the whole night wanting to know what happens to these characters.

Reviewed by Maureen Dangarembizi for Readers' Favorite

A Torch In His Heart (The Wanderer Book 1) by Anna Belfrage is a story filled with romance and magic. From the moment Helle Madsen walks into Woolf and Partners and meets its intense owner, Sam Woolf, she decides he’s an unsettling man. There is something dark and dangerous about him that Helle can’t quite put her finger on. All she knows is that her heart beats faster and she has a strong desire to flee. When her fears prove correct, she finds a savior in Jason Morris. Though she’s never met Jason before, except in her dreams, everything about him seems familiar. Helle discovers that she knew both Jason and Sam in a previous life. Bound together through countless lives, Helle must choose the right man and end the cycle of heartbreak and pain that began three thousand years ago.

A Torch In His Heart is aptly named as it describes an undying love that transcends time. From the moment I started reading this book the plot pulled me in and wouldn’t let go. In a story filled with paranormal phenomena, the characters are magical and larger than life. Anna Belfrage writes amazing characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. I liked the unpredictability of story events while tackling reincarnation. The backstory was told in a way that enriched the story and brought depth to the characters. Paranormal romance readers who like meatier stories will not regret buying this book. A Torch In His Heart ends on a cliff-hanger. To continue reading Helle’s story, readers will have to grab Smoke In Her Eyes.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

I first discovered the concept of submissive and dominant in Fifty Shades of Grey, but Master Me by Sayara St. Clair takes the concept to a new level, introducing a conflict of wills that defines the complexity and the sophistication in character development. A sizzling romance that is the third book in Dante's Purgatory, echoing BDSM themes, it follows a story where roles are reversed. In the club, Xavier isn't just the dominant one, but one who equally intimidates and his physique keeps women at bay. But one tiny woman, Trixie, is about to change all that. She doesn't find it exciting playing the submissive type and what she plans to accomplish, she plans to accomplish on Xavier. Can she break down his walls and bring him to his knees and get him to submit any way she wants?

Warning: sex opens the book and it is intense. The content is strictly written for mature readers and there are a lot of sexual scenes that are described with forensic precision. While it features mature themes and a lot of sizzling romance, the narrative focuses on character and explores the struggle between two strong wills. There is a beautiful twist in the story and it is so skillfully crafted that readers will love to discover it as they wonder if Xavier's dominant character reflects who he truly is or is just a mask that shields his vulnerability and dark secrets. Master Me isn't a book to read in public and it features interesting characters and the very edge of sexual pleasure. Sayara St. Clair writes boldly and makes readers want to try things they have never thought about.

Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite

Notorious in a Kilt (Hot Scots Book 5) by Anna Durand is a sizzling romance tale of Rae Everhart and Iain MacTaggart. However, this romance is not as simple as it sounds. Iain was Rae's college professor when they fell for each other. Their feelings grew stronger each day until they slept together, then all hell broke loose. After this fateful night, Iain was nowhere to be found and soon after that, Rae found out that she was pregnant. Iain's abandonment created some serious trust issues in Rae; nevertheless, her selfless love towards her daughter, Malina, helped her move on. Now, after thirteen years, Rae has no interest in romance. Being a single mother, she has different priorities which do not leave time for any other distractions anyway. So, when Iain makes a sudden comeback into her life, once again apologizing and claiming to be in love with her, she is unable to trust if there is any sincerity in his confession.

Although Notorious in a Kilt by Anna Durand is filled with vivid sexual encounters, the plot of the book has a certain depth to it. These scenes are spontaneous and are in no way flimsy. There is a constant psychological conflict that Rae goes through the moment Iain re-enters her life. Rae is a woman who wants nothing more than to protect her daughter, and this makes her want to push Iain away. Nevertheless, since she never stopped loving Iain, a bigger part of her heart wants to spend her life with him. Even if, for a nanosecond, she lets her emotions win over her need to protect her daughter, how can she trust the man who abandoned her thirteen years ago? All these conflicts, emotions, and questions are woven beautifully around an erotic genre.

Iain's Scottish charm increases manifold with his usage of German, French, and Gaelic words here and there. Only an experienced and talented author can bring so much variety to a genre that is all about the physical aspect of romance. Anna Durand's Notorious in a Kilt (Hot Scots Book 5) would appeal greatly to readers of erotic romance. There is some secret to be revealed at the very end, and this keeps a reader on the edge of their seat. The narration is very much in sync with the genre, and sizzle-seekers would be more than satisfied with this well-written book.

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 K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Desire is a quick read romantic suspense novel by romance author Cybill Cain, and the sixth book in the Chimera Club Stories series. In the traditional vein of suspenseful romance, two attractive players in the game of love find their sport spoiled when the power of true love compels them to change, but this book comes with a twist. Tony McIntire is intent on bedding the beautiful Mila Samuels, using all his wiles and physicality to drive her wild and have her doting on him, but he never planned on becoming so powerfully loyal to her. Mila, for her part, has childhood secrets that make it challenging for any man to truly get close to her, but meeting Tony makes her want to unlock those secrets at last.

By far the most interesting part of the tale is the fact that Mila is blind. In a world where appearance means everything, Tony certainly lives by that fact, but he can’t seduce Mila in any of the usual ways because the exterior he’s worked so hard on isn’t visible. Because Tony needs important information from Mila, he perseveres but finds it difficult to connect when revealing his true self and the insecurities therein. Cybill Cain does an excellent job of portraying Mila as a character with the very real struggles of disability, but also someone who is much more than that and not defined by it. If you’re looking for a brand new twist on romantic suspense that also has plenty of erotic moments, Desire: Chimera Club Stories is the read for you.