The Red by Tiffany Reisz

Welcome to a TBT Throwback Thursday Review.  I am working on reviving this blog and catching up on some long overdue book reviews. The Red by Tiffany Reisz was released in July 2017. 

Mona Lisa St. James made a deathbed promise that she would do anything to save her mother's art gallery. Unfortunately, not only is The Red painted red, but it's in the red.
Just as she realizes she has no choice but to sell it, a mysterious man comes in after closing time and makes her an offer: He will save The Red if she agrees to submit to him for the period of one year.
The man is handsome, English, and terribly tempting...but surely her mother didn't mean for Mona to sell herself to a stranger. Then again, she did promise to do anything to save The Red...
- tiffanyreisz.com

If you're looking for a red hot scorching read, look no further than The Red by Tiffany Reisz.  This book is full-fledged erotica and not for the timid.  It's also quite kinky and strays very far from anything resembling shades of dismal hues.  Mona's passion extends way beyond her passion for art and her late mother's gallery.   What makes The Red really shine is the development of the relationship between Mona and "the stranger" who intends to save the galley.  Plus the descriptions of all the paintings will have you running to your nearest art museum and fantasizing over the paintings mentioned in the book and letting your imagination run wild over those that catch your eye.  5/5 Stars

While The Red is considered a stand-alone novel, Tiffany has recently released a companion novel, The Rose and you can find both at your favorite local bookseller or by visiting the author's website, tiffanyreisz.com for more information.

Toxic by Kim Karr

  
New York Times bestselling author Kim Karr turns up the heat in a smoking hot, emotionally compelling new novel that takes you into the world of Manhattan’s elite.

In Toxic, Jeremy McQueen, a sexy, intense, sometimes brooding entrepreneur goes after what he wants—the woman he left behind years ago. Phoebe St. Claire, a put together, in control socialite-turned-CEO has been drifting through life searching for something she thought she'd never find again—the right man to share her future.  goodreads.com

If you're looking for a fun beach read to make this summer even hotter, check out Toxic by Kim Karr.  In addition to the passion and romance between Phoebe and Jeremy, the characters also stand on their own.  In the beginning of the story, I thought Phoebe seemed like just a "poor little rich girl."  Fortunately, the story picked up and as I got to know Phoebe and Jeremy better, I really got into the story. I enjoyed reading about their business struggles just as much as I enjoyed reading about their relationship. I also loved the supporting characters, especially Phoebe's neighbor, Mrs. Bardot.  Everyone could use a neighbor like her with great advice and a fabulous closet.  This is a quick and steamy standalone novel  that I recommend for adults 18 and up.


   
For more information on Toxic or Kim Karr, please visit the author's website. 

If you've read Toxic, please share your non-spoilery thoughts below, I'd love to see what you thought of it.

Note: I received a free digital copy of Toxic by Kim Karr in exchange for an honest review.

The King by Tiffany Reisz

"Cunning. Sex. Pure nerve. Only this unholy threesome can raise him to his rightful place as a ruler of Manhattan's kink kingdom.

Bouncing from bed to bed on the Upper East Side, Kingsley Edge is brilliant, beautiful and utterly debauched. No carnal act or chemical compound can relieve his self-destructive heartache—only Søren, the one person he loves without limit or regret. A man he can never have, but in whose hands Kingsley is reborn to attain even greater heights of sin.

Kingsley's plan to open the ultimate BDSM club—a dungeon playground for New York's A-list—becomes his obsession. His expertise in domination can't subdue the one man who wants to stop him. The enigmatic Reverend Fuller won't rest until King's dream is destroyed, and so the battle lines are set; it's one man's sacred mission against another's…"

It's no secret that I love Tiffany Reisz's work especially her "Original Sinners" series.  In fact, Ms. Reisz has raised the bar in how I judge all my reads; nothing compares to her work.  However, she really outdid herself with this latest entry in the series. 

I read this entire novel with this bizarre blissful look on my face. I know this because my mom interrupted me at one point to ask "what the heck are you reading, you look like you're in a trance." :)  I almost felt like I was in a trance as Tiffany writes so well that you'll feel like your right there in the scene.  

"The King," is the second novel in "The Original Sinners: The White Years," a prequel quartet to "The Original Sinners: The Red Years."  This never felt like a prequel though.  It was a wonderful, fresh story that takes the reader into the heart and mind of Kingsley Edge as he grows to become King of the "8th Circle" that we meet in the first "Original Sinner" novel, "The Siren."  
 
Kingsley was always my favorite character so I loved that this installment was dedicated to him.  Kingsley is a paradoxal character.  He's dark and strong but also hysterically funny and sensitive.  "The King" does a great job at showing his many layers.

 "The King" also introduces us to new characters, my favorite being Sam; Kingsley assistant and the one woman who is immune to his many charms.  This being an erotic novel though, Kingsley doesn't lack for paramours.  This book is super hot and definitely for adults only.

If you've never read, Tiffany's work, I suggest you start with "The Siren."  "The King" can be read as a stand-alone but I feel it's best enjoyed as part of the series.

For more on Tiffany Reisz, visit her website and look for her novels in bookstores everywhere.

Have you read "The King"?  I'd love to hear your non-spoilery comments below!

Owning Violet by Monica Murphy

"Owning Violet," by Monica Murphy is the first book in Murphy's new "Fowler Sisters" sisters.  In "Owning Violet," we meet the titular sister, who at the novel's onset is a niave doormat who remains true to her cheating boyfriend despite her intellect and savy business sense in running campaigns for her family's company, Fleur Cosmetics.  Unbeknownst to Violet, she's about to become a pawn in her fellow co-worker Ryder's masterplan.  Ryder is a cocky self assured man who is determined to leave his sordid past behind and make a name for himself in the Fleur Cosmetic empire. On a dare from Pilar, his devious friend with benefits, he agrees to seduce Violet in devastate her and use it as leverage to advance himself in the company.  However, unbeknownst to Ryder, he's about to fall head over heels for Violet...
 


Should you own "Owning Violet," by Monica Murphy?  If you love steamy erotic novels then definitely. What I enjoyed about this novel was that it was told from both Ryder and Violet's alternating points of view.  This gives the reader a dimensional view of the characters as to how they view themselves contrasted with how they view each other.  I love how Ryder and Violet grew together as a couple and separately.  You're also introduced to Violet's sisters Lily and Rose who will each get stories of their own in the subsequent books in the series.  I can't wait to read Lily's story. She may only appear briefly in "Owning Violet," but I can tell her story will be really interesting.

One thing I disliked about "Owning Violet," was Ryder's excessive need to drop the "f-bomb."  Yes this is a novel for adults with graphic descriptions of intimate scenes where such language would be necessary.  However, even in his mundane and non-sexual thoughts in the book, Ryder dropped the "f-bomb," to what I found to be an excessive and distracting degree. I swear he used the "f-bomb," more times than used in "The Wolf of Wall Street." LOL  However, it's worth overlooking in exchange for this entertaining story.

For more on "Owning Violet," and Monica Murphy's books, please visit her website. You can find "Owning Violet," at your local bookstore or online ebook retailer.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the author's publicist for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Tangled Up/Cosmo Red Hot Reads Blog Tour

Today, we're proud to be one of the tour stops on the "Cosmo Red Hot Reads" tour as sponsored by AToMR Tours.  Every month Cosmopolitan Magazine and Harlequin team up to publish two erotic novellas.  This month's selections are "Crossing the Line" by Megan Hart and "Burned" by Sarah Morgan.  They're available separately for your e-reader or bound together in print as "Tangled Up."

I read both of these on my lunch break and they gave new meaning to a "hot lunch."

Burned by Sarah Morgan

Every girl needs some self-defense. But at Fit and Physical, you'll learn martial arts and get fit at the same time. Look great, feel better and kick a little butt! Check out one-on-one personal training with our favourite karate black belt, Rosie Miller. She loves her job, the world of martial arts, and her life is just…well, brilliant.

Trainer and martial artist Rosie Miller's zen is seriously compromised when Hunter Black—her former coach and lover—becomes her new boss. With all the sexual energy still crackling between them, her poor little zen doesn't stand a chance. So this time, Rosie is determined to do more than put up self-defense. She and Hunter are going to play by her rules…. 
(synopsis provided by publisher)

"Burned" was my favorite of the two.  I loved Rosie's fierce personality.  She's smart and confident but not domineering.  I also loved that this book is set in London.  The thought of all those sexy accents really added to the punches both in the martial arts and in the banter between Rosie and Hunter.  This is a quick, frisky, fun read. Definitely check it out.

Crossing the Line by Megan Hart—Caitlyn Fox has one chance to prove to her outrageously hot—and ridiculously controlling—boss that she's got the chops to succeed. But Jamison Wolfe isn't quite what he seems. And once they cross the line between business and pleasure, Caitlyn discovers the one place where she's in control....
(synopsis provided by publisher)

Rosie may not be domineering but Caitlyn is and in all the right ways.  I loved that Caitlyn is literally the dominant one in her relationship.  It was a nice change from the traditional billionaire dominant male stories that seem to be everywhere.  Heat wise, I found this tale to milder than "Burned" but it was still a fun, sexy, and worth reading.

Download "Crossing the Line," by Megan Hart and "Burned," by Sarah Morgan from your favorite e-bookseller or head to your local bookstore for "Tangled Up."  For more information, please visit the rest of the stops on the blog tour.

You can also try your luck at winning a copy of "Tangled Up," by heading down to the Rafflecopter.  Harlequin has 5 copies up for grabs!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to AtoMR Tours and Cosmo Red Hot Reads From Harlequin for providing me a review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Sail Away With Me by Kate Deveaux

Today we are pleased to be one of the stops on the "Sail Away With Me," by Kate Deveaux blog tour as sponsored by TLC Book Tours.

"Sizzling shipboard romance — Jody throws caution to the wind as she lets go of her inhibitions and indulges in one magnificent week of pleasure. Passions surge, lovers tangle and two lives will never be the same again.

Jody knew she was in trouble the minute she stepped on board the gleaming cruise ship and into the arms of the sexy celebrity guest, Taggart Keith. For just one week, Jody gives into the seductive flames of desire and succumbs to Taggart’s charms. But when she returns to land, can Jody resist the temptation of even more pleasure." - goodreads.com

Just in time for Valentine's Day, "Sail Away With Me," by Kate Deveaux provides a fantastical romantic escape from the winter blahs.  The on-board romance develops quickly with a lot of heat and explicit sex scenes which will draw readers in.  However, once Taggert and Jody left the ship and decided to pursue their relationship, things got really interesting.  You'll have to read this book yourself to find out if Jody and Taggert's relationship is strong enough to survive long distance, meddling exes, kids and more. 

In addition to Jody and Taggert, I also loved Jody's interestingly named friends Cricket and Petunia.  Especially Petunia - she was hilarious.  I hope Ms. Deveaux has plans for more stories featuring Jody's friends in the future. 

If you love Erotica/Romance, check out "Sail Away With Me," by Kate Deveaux.  For details on where to purchase the novel, please visit the author's website.  For more reviews, please visit the rest of the tour stops. 

Please note that I received no financial compensation for this review.  I was provided with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. 

The Mistress by Tiffany Reisz (and Giveaway!!)

"Nora Sutherlin is being held, bound and naked. Under different circumstances, she would enjoy the situation immensely, but her captor isn't interested in play. Or pity. 

As the reality of her impending peril unfolds, Nora becomes Scheherazade, buying each hour of her life with stories-sensual tales of Søren, Kingsley and Wesley, each of whom has tempted and tested and tortured her in his own way. This, Nora realizes, is her life: nothing so simple, so vanilla, as a mere love triangle for her. It's a knot in a silken cord, a tangled mass of longings of the body and the heart and the mind. And it may unravel at any moment. 
But in Nora's world, no one is ever truly powerless-a cadre of her friends, protectors and lovers stands ready to do anything to save her, even when the only certainty seems to be sacrifice and heartbreak...."  - tiffanyreisz.com

The Mistress is the fourth book in Tiffany Reisz's best-selling "Original Sinners" series.  The book is so amazing that I had to hold off on compiling this review because it was just so incredible that no adjectives seemed adequate enough to describe it properly.  The Mistress picks up right where "The Prince" left off and successfully brings together characters from the previous installments and ties up all the loose ends in a masterful fashion. This series gives you so much more than just the wild sex seen in other erotica novels.  Although there are plenty of hot, intense, and sexy scenes, Reisz writes with such detail and passion that her characters come to life.  You become invested in what they do both in and out of the bedroom. 

While "The Mistress" concludes the "Original Sinners: The Red Years" series, there is much more to come.  I was lucky enough to attend Tiffany's reading in New York City last week where she read from her forthcoming "The Saint," the first in the "Original Sinners: The White Years" quartet.  This quartet will take us back in time to when Eleanor first met Soren up to the events in "The SIren."  Plus, Tiffany announced she has even more tricks up her sleeve.  She is penning the scripts for a series of graphic novels.  I can't wait to see how my visions of Nora, Soren, Kingsley and the rest of the sinners match up with the illustrations.  "The Devil and Danielle Webster," the first of the graphic novels will be released in the Fall of 2014.

In addition to having Tiffany sign my copy of "The Prince," in which she wrote something hilarious and unrepeatable on a family friendly blog, I had her sign a book for you lovely blog readers.  Because you can't jump into this series in the middle, I'm giving away a copy of "12 Shades of Surrender," a short story collection which features "Seven Day Loan," by Tiffany Reisz the first story about Nora Sutherlin. So head on down to the rafflecopter for your chance to win.  Then get out to local bookstore to pick up the rest of the series today!

For more about Tiffany Reisz and her books, visit her website.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My blogging bestie Jen (l), me (center) and Tiffany (r)

Please note that I received no financial compensation for this review.  Special thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin Mira for providing me with a digital copy of The Mistress in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Being Me by Lisa Renee Jones

"Being Me," by Lisa Renee Jones, the second installment in the "Inside Out" trilogy picks up right where "If I Were You," left off.  Budding art buyer Sara McMillan got way more than she bargained for when she set out to figure out what happened to Rebecca, the star of the journals she uncovered.  Sara's hunt led her right back into the storage locker where she discovered the journals only to be trapped inside with an ominous intruder lurking around outside.  Fortunately for Sara, she is promptly rescued by her own knight - or artist - in shinning armor, her boyfriend Chris.  Chris and Sara soon become closer than ever when he asks her to move in with him and a secret Sarah shares with him strengthens their bond.  Unfortunately, a tragedy soon rocks Chris' world and their blossoming romance takes another hit when Sarah's nagging doubts about whether Chris' past is truly in the past, coupled with her determination to find Rebecca at any cost, put her in more danger than she ever imagined.

"Being Me," is a very entertaining read.  The sex is extremely hot and the mystery surrounding Rebecca's disappearance will keep you guessing.  The secrets of Sara and Chris' respective pasts that are revealed and add dimension to these already intriguing characters.  The ups and downs of their relationship are a bit melodramatic but isn't that the fun of any romance novel?  "Being Me," by Lisa Renee Jones is a fast, fun, and frisky read that is perfect for the beach or a lazy Sunday.  Look for it in bookstores and e-bookstores June 11th.

Please note, I received no financial compensation for this review.  Special thanks for NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for a fair review.

Wicked Wednesday

I had to work my day job on Monday, a federal holiday.  It was a bit of a bummer not being able to sleep in but then I got a piece of news that lifted my spirits.  The fourth book in Tiffany Reisz' "Original Sinners," series received a release date and the cover was revealed. 

For those unfamiliar with the "Original Sinners," let me introduce you to the best series that I've read in some time.  In "The Siren," the first novel in the series, we first meet Nora Sutherlin an erotic author and part-time professional dominant.  She is determined to make her latest novel her most successful to date in both sales and style so she is pleased to be working with accomplished editor, Zach.  Meanwhile Zach isn't as pleased by the situation as he feels he should be working on more scholarly and sophisticated work plus he's dealing with his crumbling marriage.  Then there is Nora's virginal roommate Wesley who is madly in love with her despite their age difference and lifestyle differences.  Unfortunately for him, Nora's heart still burns for her ex, Soren despite trying to put their passionate and sometimes tormented relationship behind her.

What makes this novel different from other erotica that I've read is the depth of all the characters.  Each personality is clear, distinct, full of life, heart and passion.  The premise of a book within a book and flashbacks to different points in time develop the novel into the first entry of what is quickly becoming an epic serial.  Soren also has one heck of a secret, it's not what you'd expect.  It's wild and gives his character and the story a whole other level intrigue and complications.

The subsequent books in the series, "The Angel," and "The Prince," continue to build on all the characters relationships with each other. Plus new characters and secrets are introduced. To say much more would spoil the whole thing.  I will warn you that "The Prince" ends on a dramatic cliffhanger that will leave you begging for July 30th to be here tomorrow.

My best friend gave me this series as a Christmas gift and I read the first three books in a week.  Everyone that I've personally recommended the series to has done the same.  Seriously, go get these books, you won't be sorry.  This series is like nothing you've ever read.  Ms. Reisz will probably spoil you from other erotica as nothing can compare.  So, go get them and then come back here and let's chat about them.  I'd love to meet more "original sinners."

Release Me by J. Kenner

After a troubled upbringing, college graduate Nikki Fairchild is thrilled to be starting her adult life in California trying to make her computer tech business dreams come true.  She wasn't looking for love, especially with the scars of a broken heart and more still on her mind.  However, when she crosses paths with billionaire businessman Damien Stark at an industry event, she is instantly smitten.  He is just as smitten, if not more so with her. The two soon embark on a tumultuous, hot, and very steamy relationship that quickly turns from lust to much more.  However, both Nikki and Damien are full of secrets and personal struggles. In order for their relationship to survive, they'll need to work through them together but can the dark and distant businessman and the heartbroken feisty, fledging business woman let down their guards and make it work?  You'll have to pick up the book to find out.

I promise, if you pick up this book you won't be sorry.  At first glance it may be easy to compare it to "Fifty Shades," but don't because this book is so much more than that.  Yes, this book has lots of hot sex and wonderfully written sexy scenes that are best read alone in the comfort of your bedroom than in your doctor's waiting room.  However, Nikki is no virginal wallflower.  She challenges Damien head-on as he does her.  The character development is terrific. Both Nikki and Damien's emotional problems are explored with sincerity.  I can't wait to read more about them and their relationship in subsequent installments.  "Release Me," is the first novel in J. Kenner's "Stark Trilogy."  "Claim Me," will be released in July and "Complete Me," will close out the series in December.  July and December can't come soon enough for me.  Check it out and I'm sure you'll agree.  Once you've read it, I'd love to see your comments below.  Let's discuss! 

For more on "Release Me," or J. Kenner, please visit the author's website.

"Release Me," is an adult erotic romance recommended for adults only.   As always, I received no financial compensation for this review.  I was provided a review copy from NetGalley in cooperation with the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

If I Were You by Lisa Renee Jones

"If I Were You" by Lisa Renee Jones is described on the author's website as "Fifty Shades of Grey meets Basic Instinct." I was immediately intrigued by this tagline and had to see how this novel compared to one of my favorite movies and the hottest book in the country.

Unlike "Basic Instinct," there is no beautiful blonde with a penchant for murdering people with icepicks nor is their a detective risking his career for the love of the beautiful blonde suspect.  However, it does present an intriguing and erotic story set in San Fransisco that is definitely for adults only.  Sara McMillan is a high school teacher living a pretty mundane life.  Her mundane life soon becomes anything but when she inherits the journals of a young woman named Rebecca who had some sexually explicit and borderline dangerous adventures.  Sara becomes determined to find out what happened to Rebecca and soon meshes her life into Rebecca's by taking Rebecca's old job and tries to determine who the mystery man Rebecca mentions in the journals.  Soon Sara suspects everyone and can't help but fall for one of them.

This book is the first in a planned trilogy and so far that is the only parallel between this and "Fifty Shades of Grey" that I see.  Yes, both novels are erotica however, this novel features characters that are a lot more realistic and better developed.  Sara is not naive like Ana in "Fifty Shades" and thankfully never summons an inner goddess.  The erotic scenes were really hot and made for a fast and steamy read. Sara's potential paramours Mark and Chris are also both extremely interesting and while they are both are ridiculously wealthy and harbor dark secrets like Christian Grey, they're wealth and business dealings seemed a lot more realistic.  I won't spoil the novel by telling you who she chooses or what secret they're hiding.  However, the secret is somewhat predictable if you've read "Fifty Shades of Grey," but there is a twist plus a cliffhanger ending will leaving you begging for the sequel instantly.  If you enjoyed "Fifty Shades of Grey," I highly recommend "If I Were You," I bet you like it even more!

"If I Were You," will be released on August 24, 2012.  Head on over to the author's site as linked above for additional information.

Special thanks to NetGalley for providing a digital review copy of this book.  As always, I received no financial compensation for this review.

Fifty Shades of Grey

"Fifty Shades of Grey" has been getting a lot of buzz lately. What initially started out as a "Twilight" fan fiction by EL James has become somewhat of a literary phenomenon.  The fan fiction morphed into a totally new, adult's only, concept and James self-published her full length novel as an e-book.  The book went on to top e-book bestseller lists.  On April 3, 2012 the book was released in print by Vintage Publishing and currently tops The New York Times Bestsellers List, The Barnes and Noble Bestsellers List, among many others.  The book landed a cover story on a recent issue of "Entertainment Weekly."  The rights to the novel have even been purchased by Universal Studios Focus Films Division.  All this buzz made me wonder if this novel was truly worth its hype.  I was also a little confused by all the record sales and hype as "Fifty Shades of Grey," is an erotic novel and the genre is nothing new and rarely generates the kind of sales "Fifty Shades of Grey" is getting.  I had to see what all the fuss was about.

 

I flew through the book in two days.  The plot was definitely intriguing, "Fifty Shades of Grey," details the romance and explicit sexual relationship of the sweet, innocent 21-year-old Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey a billionaire business man in his late 20's.  Anastasia is finishing her senior year of college when she meets Mr. Grey while interviewing him for her college newspaper.  Their relationship grows slowly and Mr. Grey soon invites Anastasia into his private world of BDSM.  As there relationship grows, they both find themselves doing things they never thought they'd do.  Anastasia grows more uninhibited while Christian grows more sensitive.  

The writing is pretty good but not excellent.  The descriptions of their sexual activities definitely get your heart racing and you'll probably insert the paramour of your choice into your visualization of the scenes. My lips are sealed as to who I pictured as my own Mr. Grey.  However, some phrases were overused to the point of being annoying.  Every time Ana wants to assert herself she "summons" her "inner goddess."  She also continually refers to her vagina as her "sex."  Mr. Grey also repeatedly asks Ana "what are you doing to me?" when he lets his guard down around her.  I was also perplexed why Ana felt uncomfortable letting the wealthy Mr. Grey lavish her with gifts but didn't see any problem living rent free in her wealthy roommate's condo or wearing her roommates designer clothes.

While this was a very entertaining read and I am hooked enough to read the subsequent sequels, I really don't understand the fuss.  I am also very curious how a the future filmmakers plan on transforming this novel to a feature film that won't be starring someone like Jenna Jameson or Sasha Grey. (On second thought, Sasha Grey may be perfect for "Fifty Shades of Grey," lol)

This novel isn't straight up erotica, it's a romance with heavy erotic scenes which is precisely what Ellora's Cave Publishing has been doing for years.  Ellora's Cave describes themselves as "The world's first & foremost publisher of erotic romance for women." They specialize in, what they call, Romantica, a blend of romance and erotica (for specifics, read their definition here.)  They offer short stories, novellas and novels in both print and e-book form by various authors.  I have read many of them.  The website allows you to select your fetish of choice and you can even choose tales from wild to mild depending on how hot you like your romance.  If you enjoyed "Fifty Shades of Grey," please check out Ellora's Cave, they've been doing erotic romance a lot longer and in my opinion a lot better.


Please share your opinion.  Did you read "Fifty Shades of Grey"?  If so, what did you think of it?  What do you think or erotic novels/erotic romance in general?