Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Bad Boys After Dark: Mick by Melissa Foster is a steamy new romance that will leave you wanting more. Amanda Jenner is tired of men who gravitate towards her. They are all boring and there is nothing exciting about her life. She is so ready to shake things up. As a paralegal, she knows how to research. So this is what she does; she researches how you can be sexy, and she wants to test her knowledge at a masquerade bar. But she had no idea what she is doing when she meets a dark and handsome man who turns her life upside down.

Mick is an entertainment attorney with a strong ethos. His private life stays private and his business stays business. Oh, and he does not do relationships. A masquerade bar crawl is the best place for him to find “companionship.” It is anonymous and his chances of meeting that woman again are one in a million. He had no idea that the woman he chose was his employee. And things are not going to end after one night. They crave each other. But is it such a bad idea?

Oh boy, I got my hands on the best romance novel I have read this year so far. Mick is simply awesome. Amanda is the perfect fit for him. They are literally like yin and yang. The characterization was perfect and the storyline was very smooth. The transition from just sex to falling in love was beautiful. And the other brothers seem so very interesting. I can’t wait to read about them!! Very, very good, and the cover is hot without being too provocative.

Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite

Whew! Can you say steamy? I certainly can after finishing the recently released book by author E.B. Walters, Impulse, the first volume in the Infinitus Billionaire series. Follow the story of the incredibly sexy billionaire Lex Fitzgerald, playboy extraordinaire, but also solid head of his family. When he meets the spunky and gorgeous Jillian Finnegan, things may never be quite the same for him. Meeting his match, both in business and in life, Lex tries to get the lovely woman, who has both a potty mouth and quite an interesting family, to give him what he wants. But for a man who's always gotten what he wanted and easily, he just might find that Jillian is unattainable. And that might make him want her even more.

Hot, hot, hot! That's definitely the way I can describe Impulse. Author E.B. Walters has done a fantastic job in writing a fun, sexy, exciting, funny and very intriguing read that will absolutely keep you turning the pages from start to finish. In fact, the best piece of advice I can give to any reader who picks up this book is to make sure they have enough time to read the whole thing, because once they start it, they simply will not want to put it down. Any reader who enjoys romance with a definite amount of sexiness and steaminess will love Impulse. I am pleased to recommend this book and am very much looking forward to reading another book by E.B. Walters as soon as I can!

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Seaside Embrace: Hunter Lacroux by Melissa Foster is the story of Hunter Lacroux and Jana Garner. Hunter lives his art and the benefits it brings. He loves to make his metal sculptures. They are not easy and he craves the hard work because he knows that when he is done, he will be able to work even harder. It is a good life, but it is not enough, especially when it becomes predictable. When he spends a few nights with Jana, he discovers that it is not enough. He wants more of her and more of everything with her.

Jana Garner lives a hectic life. She likes a challenge as much as any guy and this is why she is a waitress, boxer, actress, and a dancer. This means that she has to manage her crazy schedule, but she is a pro at it. She likes men, but she is not a big fan of commitment. However, she is quickly becoming addicted to Hunter. If she is not careful, she may lose her heart and in return she will only get heartache. He is just getting too close. Hoping to throw him off, she offers him a challenge, expecting him to back right off. But she had no idea that when Hunter wants something, he gets it, no matter how hard he has to try.

Sigh! This novel was so mushy at some points and too hot to handle at other points. The perfect mix. I loved, loved, and loved Hunter. Where can I find a Hunter for me? He fought hard for Jana; he held on tight and did not let her go. And believe me she tried really hard. He is the perfect guy, and their chemistry was simply amazing. I really liked that. This is a definite 5 star novel!

Reviewed by Michelle K. Pickett for Readers' Favorite

Making Her His by Lucy Leroux centers on Alex and Elynn. Alex is a billionaire, heir to his father’s fortune. But when his father remarries, Alex is sure the woman, Mary, is a trophy wife out to steal the business and money his father worked so hard to build, and that Alex now oversees. Added to his vehement dislike of his step mother, there’s a little irritant in the form of her child, his step sister Elynn. Alex found her to be a frumpy, introverted child when they first met. But meeting her again at a breakfast at his father’s home, Alex is shocked by what he sees — a beautiful young woman. The keyword being: young. Much younger than Alex. The book follows Alex and Elynn’s friendship, and their feelings when they admit to themselves they want more. There is an interesting and suspenseful sub-plot centered on Elynn.

Let me start by saying, I fell in love with Alex and Elynn. Their characters were rich and colorful, their relationship poignant. I liked following the progression of their relationship, especially Alex. I was prepared not to like him, in fact, I didn’t at first. But he was as beautiful as he was irritating. I think Leroux did an incredible job of making the characters in Making Her His real and relatable, which is difficult when you write a story centered on billionaires. After all, not many of us can relate to having that kind of money, or the problems that come with it. But Leroux was able to pull it off. Instead of focusing on the money, she was able to draw the reader’s attention to the characters’ relationships, weaving in just enough sexual angst and suspense to keep the reader hooked until the very end.

All in all, Making Her His was a much deeper read than I originally thought it would be. I was pulled in from the first page and immersed in Alex and Elynn’s world, a beautiful place to be, but not entirely without its dark side. While the book is mainly a romance, in my opinion there was enough meat in the suspenseful sub-plot to keep readers engaged. I read Leroux’s Making Her His in one day. I’ve thought about the characters long since I turned the last page. That is a sign of good writing — creating characters so real that a reader believes their lives continue long after they read the last words. Before reading her work, Lucy Leroux was not an author I was familiar with, but she has certainly found a place on my to-be-read list.

Reviewed by Katelyn Hensel for Readers' Favorite

If you're longing for some romancing, Sated by Charity Parkerson is just the thing to heat up these chilly winter nights. Arbor starts her night out in a goth club, looking to be completely sated, and denying anyone she doesn't think can do the job. Killian captivates her from the first moment, but there is something different about him and his band mates, something perhaps unnatural? Killian, along with his band mate Lyric, and eventually a cop named Trey, form a bond with Arbor, one that can take them to the highest of pleasures and to the breaking point of pleasure and pain.

Let's take a look at the three male leads for a minute. To me, Trey was your classic buff body-builder type who is used to getting what he wants. Killian is the sexy, dark and potentially dangerous rocker who is just as likely to kill you (using drugs and other vices) as he is to kiss you. Lyric, on the other hand, was almost more artsy, a bit more gentle, but not by much. All together, these guys are the embodiment of nearly anyone's fantasy (if they are into men) and it's hard to put the book down with such virile masculinity pouring off the pages.

The general feel of Sated is very surreal. It's as if you are in some dark, sexy, rock-god's dream and he won't let you go until he's made you scream - with pleasure or pain, you aren't sure. Charity Parkerson gives you a beautiful, sexy diversion...one that is sure to warm you from the tips of your fingers to the tips of your toes and have you running for a cool shower.

Reviewed by Sarah Lowry for Readers' Favorite

Hooked by Christine Manzari follows the developing romance between Cat and Huck. Cat is a skater girl and an amazing graphic designer; she loves to share a good time with a man, but love is a fairytale she doesn’t believe in. It would require her to allow herself to be vulnerable and to give up control. Huck is a pretty boy who loves photography, being in control, and is a workaholic. Cat is not his type nor is Huck her type, yet they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another despite their differences. Cat insists that they not share personal information and just have a good time. However, when tragedy strikes in Cat’s life, her inability to get close might just push away the one man she needs the most.

Hooked by Christine Manzari is a romance full of laughs and tears. Cat is an independent, snarky woman that I loved right away. I’m a sucker for a strong female character, and Cat did not disappoint me. Huck is a pretty boy with a good heart, which made him easy to fall in love with. The characters are well written and both grow throughout the story. I loved that the point of view was from both characters because I love to be able to identify with both of the main characters. Hooked had complex characters as well as a complex storyline; there were several layers of obstacles that the characters, particularly Cat, must overcome before they can have their happily ever after. This was a wonderful story, and I highly recommend giving it a read.

Reviewed by Michelle Mollohan for Readers' Favorite

Calen's Captive: A Singular Obsession Book 2 by Lucy Leroux is the second installment in this book series, but it is a complete, stand-alone romance novel. Calen's Captive tells the tale of Calen and Maia. Calen is the son of an Irish mobster who resisted the family business and has launched a successful and legal enterprise. Maia is an entomology student at Harvard, who finds herself in mortal danger when she is chasing an elusive butterfly through the woods and stumbles upon a body dump taking place. Maia is captured and death appears imminent. Calen has been put in the uncomfortable position of taking his father's place during a meeting with the Russians when he catches a glimpse of Maia. During the negotiations, he demands Maia be given to him and refuses to back down until the Russians concede. Maia is taken to Calen's home where she realizes he means her no harm. Maia is quickly immersed in a new lifestyle, with a luxurious wardrobe and gourmet foods, and 24/7 surveillance to ensure the Russians don't try to eliminate her as a witness. Calen is determined to keep her safe, no matter the cost. Maia finds herself drawn to this man who is deeply attracted to her.

Calen's Captive: A Singular Obsession Book 2 by Lucy Leroux is an enjoyable distraction. There is just the right mix of drama, danger and sex to keep the reader riveted until the end. Maia is a refreshing character in that she enjoys most of the changes that occur in her life rather than being petulant and ungrateful. Calen is the typical obsessive Alpha male, with just enough quirks to make him likeable. The other characters in the book give the promise of further tales of romance with just as much intrigue.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Touched by a Phoenix by Sophia Byron is a compelling story that sizzles with passion and romance. Brad Scott, though a playboy, keeps his mind and heart dedicated to his job revolving around military technology. Things change when he meets Alexandria Saunders, daughter of one of the wealthiest men in military technology. She becomes an obsession for him. Alexis, on the other hand, does not trust anyone due to her past experience, and has channeled her thoughts and energy into her profession. In this story of action, romance and passion, readers see themselves going through a gamut of emotions along with Brad and Alexis and the dangers that follow them. Will Brad be able to save the world from the terrorists and the terrors they are going to unleash?

The plot has many layers to it. On one side we see the romantic angle to the story with Brad and Alexis, another side showcases the terrorists who want to harm Brad and Alexis, and yet another side speaks about the military, military surveillance and secrecy. The author does a great job weaving in all the sub-plots to the main plot without losing the fluidity and pace of the story. The characters of Brad and Alexis are electrifying in their passion, personality and success. The story takes readers through many twists and turns, keeping them engrossed in the book until the very end. The romantic angle that runs through the plot tones down the harshness of the terror angle, giving it a softness and gentleness. A romantic story that will hold the attention of readers with its many layers.

Reviewed by Cheryl Schopen for Readers' Favorite

As a follow-up book to Neighbors, A Chance for More by Zanne Sweeney is about the blossoming relationship between Shelby and Clay. New Jersey girl, Shelby, visits her mom at her new home in Wyoming for Christmas. That is where she meets Clay, the son of her mom’s neighbor. They are instantly attracted to each other, but Shelby is guarded and cautious because she is aware of Clay’s reputation as being quite the ladies’ man. Clay is not one to take relationships seriously, so his feelings for Shelby surprise him. They may have differences and come from opposite sides of the country, but their intense chemistry is undeniable. Certain circumstances and people seem to get in the way, but will they be able to overcome them and make their relationship work?

Zanne Sweeney has done it again. I had the pleasure of reading Neighbors a few months ago, so I jumped at the chance to read A Chance for More as soon as I saw it. While Neighbors is about Shelby’s mom and Clay’s dad’s budding romance, A Chance for More focuses on their children. Even though the first part of the book occurred during Neighbors, it was not repetitive at all. It told a completely different story as it offered many more details from the perspectives of Shelby and Clay. In fact, this could definitely read as a stand-alone book. I am a sucker for a good romance, and this one did not disappoint. I absolutely loved it, and I could not put it down. Their instant chemistry, attempts to stay away from each other, hot and steamy encounters, and unquestionable growing love for each other made for an entertaining, intense, and heartwarming story. This is certainly a must-read. I hope Sweeney continues to provide the world with her amazing stories. I’ll be the first in line to read them.

Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite

Destined For Love tells us the story of Rex Braden and Jade Johnson who grew up practically next door to one another. Unfortunately, the elder Mr. Braden and Mr. Johnson have been feuding for decades, making Rex and Jade’s newly rediscovered attraction very inconvenient for all involved. Rex is the Braden who did the so-called right thing by staying at home to help his dad run the ranch. The ranch was his life, leaving little time for anything personal other than scratching the occasional itch. Jade has recently returned to town after an ex couldn’t take ‘break up’ for an answer. Melissa Foster has a knack for creating characters with depth. There are many layers to not just Rex and Jade, but Hal, Earl, Jane and even Adriana. The slightly supernatural element to this story was truly touching and kind of heartfelt.

I will say that for most of the story I wanted to strangle Rex and Jade. I mean, really, a family feud keeping you apart! It just felt like both Jade and Rex were a little too willing to play the role of martyr over some silly decades-old fight between two ornery old men. I totally get why Hal was upset with his former friend, but there has to be a limit. Just as his mom and dad, Rex and Jade were Destined For Love despite what their parents think of it. Adriana would be so proud of Max and Hal for finally making things right. I have really come to love Melissa Foster as a writer. The family support, character development and the steamy but loving sex scenes all come together beautifully for truly engaging stories. I got to catch up with my favorite couple so far, Max and Treat, without taking the spotlight off the couple du jour.