★★★★ 4 stars

Here we go again! Sigh…

DIRTY PLEASURES immediately follows the final events of DIRTY BILLIONAIRE (read my review here!). Holly has just left her dirty-talking, billionaire husband, Creighton Karas. Normally I'd roll my eyes at dramatics over a single mistake, but in this instance I empathize with her. Creighton did not promise her love, but he did give his word that he will consider her career top priority, just as he does his own. Unfortunately, he forgot about Holly and that she had to make it to her scheduled tour—or else, her record label will drop her like a hot potato. Hurt and determined to succeed, she takes off on her own.

As the second book of this series, this was all about the growth of Creighton and Holly's relationship. They did things backwards if you recall in book 1: hookup first, a very public proposal driven by lust, and then a wedding very soon after. It's crazy. It's no wonder they are having trouble now.

There is one awesome thing here though: Creighton truly wants to make things work. I looooove it when the guys grovel. It's heart-melting, isn't it, when the heroes go out of their way to prove themselves to the heroine? Especially after a major screw-up? I was truly impressed with the lengths he had taken to make it up to Holly. He had to make major adjustments, from his lifestyle to the way he conducts business. However, since he is mostly on this mission throughout the book, his intensity was toned down by several notches. In book 1, he is an all-out tease king. He says such provocative things that had me blushing and looking over my shoulder. He's still like that in DIRTY PLEASURES, but... not so much anymore. Or I guess not the same intensity level. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something was just different.

I still like this second installment, but not as much as the first. Yes, I loved grovelling Creighton, but again I missed his intensity in book 1. The ending was another reason. SPOILER ALERT: Holly, yet again, leaves Creighton. If I was sympathetic the first time it happened, this time I'm just, "oh gosh, not again…" .

Tip? When you read this, make sure you also have the third book, DIRTY TOGETHER, because you'll want to just get on with what happens next. It is very obvious what the "next big fight" will be about, so I just wanted to know right away how the characters would handle it (crossing my fingers that no one will be running away yet again!).

★★★☆ 3.5 stars

★★★★☆ 4.5 steamy stars!

"My Christmas Eve one-night stand was supposed to be just that--one night. And now I'm married to him."

Meghan March promised us that this new series is going to be her steamiest yet, and guess what? She did deliver. =) I started reading DIRTY BILLIONAIRE at the gym. I almost fell over the treadmill and the elliptical a couple of times because I had to look over my shoulder and make sure there was no one standing behind me. Goodness, Creighton Karas has an incredibly filthy mouth! He lives up to the tone of the synopsis, really. Just a bit more... businessman-like, I should say. The synopsis made him sound like a reckless young man, almost like a manwhore rockstar.

So, we have Holly Wix, a country singer who aspires for a brighter spotlight. She's stuck in a PR stunt to revive the dying career of her record label's top male star. She's being driven to the wall with their latest demand: agree to a fake engagement with said top male star and endure the next several months as the joke of town. Sick and tired of her situation but knowing that she has no choice, she wanted to do one act of rebellion before the staged engagement. She decided to have a one night stand. It just so happens that the guy she picked is Creighton, a man who goes after what he wants and pulls out all the stops to get it. And after that one night together, Creighton decides he wants more of Holly. Exclusively. Yes, that means marriage. He's that intense!

I did not expect what followed next. Of course, there are a couple more sexy scenes (these two are married, after all), but the main conflict became Holly's career and how she ranks in Creighton's list of priorities. Creighton is a busy man, and that's a given because he's a billionaire. Meghan March proceeds to establish how much Holly values her career. This is her dream, and she's already very talented but she also works very hard for it. She may have married this man on a whim, and she may have done it for her career... but there's also a part of her that hopes the relationship will develop into something more meaningful. As they grow closer emotionally, and as they share more significant moments together, she began to hope that Creighton would value her life goals and dreams as much as he values his own businesses.

DIRTY BILLIONAIRE ends badly for these two, and I remember going, "Shucks, that's it?!" when I reached the last page. This is a shorter than Meghan March's Beneath Series, and I guess it's because she really meant to tell Holly and Creighton's story in three books. I was caught off guard by the ending though, and overall I felt wanting just a little bit more in terms of length and story. I wanted the next book asap because it felt like I need a little bit more...!

So, DIRTY BILLIONAIRE comes highly recommended if you are in the mood for smut *wink2* because this book is really smoking! It was a nice jolt for me because I was starting to descend to a slump, reading books of the same wavelength... it was like accidentally biting onto a tiny green jalopeno, haha! Oh, and you might want to read with your back to a wall, just saying! Unless you're in the company of fellow romance readers, it could be a tad embarrassing if someone reads one of Creighton's lines. =)

★★★★★ 5 stars!

When I first read the synopsis for CORRUPT, it sent chills down my spine. The words are the stuff of thriller films, the kind that would make me cover my eyes. It also confused me: so there are four guys, and only one girl..? Will there be a love triangle, a love square?

Well, there certainly wasn't a square, there wasn't even a romantic triangle. There is, though, one widely-talked about scene involving three. Hint: this is an erotic romance, remember that! *wink2!*

Speaking of erotic romance, this is Penelope Douglas' first foray into the genre. Although her sexy scenes definitely lived up to expectations, there are only a few of those in this book. This isn't a sexfest (which most people would assume whenever they see the word "erotica"). There is a very thrilling and exciting story here. The hint of danger and threat definitely added to the intensity and sex appeal of the book.

...Rika alone at college. In my city. Unprotected. The opportunity is too good to be true as well as the timing. Because you see, three years ago she put a few of my high school friends in prison, and now they're out. We've waited. We've been patient. And now every last one of her nightmares will come true. 

As always, Miss D does a great job at giving us small pieces of the story, one at a time, throughout the book. We know the score: Erika Fane did or said something that sent Michael Crist and his friends, Damon, Will and Kai, to prison. Three years later they finish serving their sentence. Now that they are out, they only have one goal: make her pay.

The narration shifts from the events of that fateful night three years ago to the present. The point of view also alternates between Rika and Michael. The downside of all these alternating timelines and pov's is that my mind was all over the place, so it was a bit slow for me at the beginning. On a positive note, this style became very useful as the story gets more exciting. Readers are given the opportunity to get into the minds of the guys, which was a very good thing because otherwise, readers will only ever see them as monsters out for revenge. We find out that Michael isn't really as vengeful as he thinks he is; that Will is struggling emotionally even though he appears to be more cheerful than any of the guys; that Damon has become more dangerous than we think; and that Kai has become stone cold inside. Each of them just begs for his own book! I am rooting for Kai's first!

I enjoyed Ms. D's character development. I witnessed Rika's transformation from a sheltered society princess to young woman who can own up to what (and who) she wants. By the end of the book, she's fighting her fears. She will no longer allow people with malicious intentions to make decisions for her future. She is not a victim because she won't allow herself to be. Michael was the one who helped her realize this.

Michael didn't get any less intense, but he certainly became more human to me by the end of the story. At the beginning, he and his friends seem to be on a different dimension. They're just so intense and passionate even as they are described as having a poker face, or something. With their blatant disregard for rules and decorum, plus everyone's deference to them including adults in authority? I think I put them on a pedestal. I couldn't even imagine them pooping, know what I mean?

The only other transformation we've seen is in Kai (won't say more about it though, keeping my mouth zipped!), but surely that was just the tip of the iceberg. Like I said, I am so ready to find out more about this guy! As for Will and Damon, we've only so far only seen how they have changed after being in prison. I am holding out hope that Damon will be reformed, and that Will may find the peace of heart and mind that he tries to fill by sleeping with numerous women.

What you can expect about CORRUPT is that it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Michael and his friends, collectively called "The Horsemen", are very seductive as they threaten Rika. It truly is a lengthy foreplay of words and goosebumps-inducing touches! What makes the words effective is that Ms. D made it obvious Rika also likes it. Sure, she's scared by it, but it is also her kink. Remember that, ok? I'd hate for people to jump to conclusions and say that this book promotes toxic and abusive relationships. Whatever, this book is not that at all.

CORRUPT is definitely not just for erotica readers. If you enjoy intensity and stories that ooze sex appeal even without the sex scenes, this one is for you. The thrill of being chased, the seductiveness of danger, Ms. D was able to convey them on page effectively. Just pick this up and you'll enjoy delicious tingles down to the tips of your toes!

And now for the TOP 5 list! I was given the opportunity to ask the author a list of Top 5's, and here it is!

Top 5 Most Difficult Scenes to Write in CORRUPT

Giveaway!

She dresses for autumn year round, loves anything lemon flavored, and believes there is too much blood in her Coca Cola stream. Or too much Coca Cola in her blood stream. Or...

You know what? It doesn't matter. She loves Coke. Now you know.

She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and daughter.

★★★★ 4 stars

In my previous post, I mentioned how much I loved the first pages of this book. Let me say it again: this is how a prologue or first chapter should be! It grabbed my attention, and let me know that this was going to be an emotional book. After reading the foreword and Harper Sloan's posts on Facebook, I also knew this is a very personal story. Naturally, my expectations went through the roof.

I love the premise of Perfectly Imperfect. A young woman with body image issues is swept off her feet by a man who could have had any beautiful woman he wants. Cinderella and Prince Charming, indeed. Loved it from the get-go!

However, this is not a feel-good fairy tale all through out. In fact, the book starts on a very sad note.

"Self-loathing is a disease."

Willow has been through a lot--emotionally, physically and mentally. Her self-image issues were the result of emotional neglect and verbal abuse from the people who should have been her pillar of support at the time she needed them most. She had let people talk her into believing she deserved the crap she got in life, and as a result, she lost her self-confidence and the will to better herself. When Willow talks about being disgusted with herself, and her worries that Kane would be disgusted with her because of what she had let her family do to her, it was just so sad.. but also incredibly honest.

I also loved how Harper Sloan also showed us what Willow's friends are thinking about. Those short descriptions about how they'd give her a look whenever she's picking at her food; blurting out offhand remarks which actually have a ton of meaning; and saying "I'm fine," when she obviously is not. I love, love them. They are so protective but also supportive of what makes their friend happy. For every Willow out there in the world, I pray they also have a Kirby and Eddie who will support, cheer, and love him/her unconditionally.

Now for the man of the hour: Kane Masters. The synopsis mentioned nothing about what he does for a living, so you'll be pleasantly surprised about this one! Hint: this bit of the story takes our Cinderella plot to a higher level.

Kane pursued Willow with such intensity and determination, it's envious! I also couldn't help but feel so happy for Willow. She's one of those characters for whom you'll think, "Hey, this girl deserves a happy ever after!" She doesn't have to settle for the "short, bald, pot bellied ones," and Kane helps her realize all this.

It's easy to assume that sequels may follow this book. Kane is not the only Masters male (yay!). He has a brother, Kole. A happy-go-lucky celebrity who's openly stated his aversion to marriage and children will make a fabulous book boyfriend, just saying..!

Perfectly Imperfect ends with redemption, success, and all other kinds of victory. Not everyone is unscathed, but let's just say that some people got their comeuppance. As someone who loves a good revenge story, I read the epilogue with such relish.

I'm giving this 4 stars because I wanted just a little bit more...something. Kane and Willow's love story is set in Hollywood, so I was hoping for more oomph from that area.

The best thing about this book is how it speaks to people who have the same issues as Willow. That they should work hard on being strong mentally, emotionally and physically; that even if someone pushes them down the very next day, they can still choose to rise above it and work even harder on being strong; that there are people who will cheer them on and won't leave them alone; that they are stronger than they think; and that one day, there will be a special someone who will accept and love them no matter what they are going through.

I love that Harper Sloan was able to bring to light the difficulties that people with self-image issues face, letting us know what they are most likely thinking and feeling about everything and everyone... But I love best that in spite of this serious story line, she was also able to make it light-hearted, romantic, and at times even funny. That is what life is about, after all. :) Even with all the problems that come our way, there will still be opportunities to love, laugh and have fun--if only we allow ourselves to experience them all.

★★★☆ 3.5 ~ 4 stars!

"I freeze. I'm so pucked. There'd better be a support group for hockey hookers. I'm going to need it after tonight."

I did not finish this book in one sitting. In fact I read it simultaneously with two other ARCs. It became my go-to read when I wanted a break from the one I was currently reading full-time. However, even though I did not read it continuously, I still really enjoyed PUCKED.

This book was surprisingly very funny! I have read the Clipped Wings series and those had a more serious and emotional tone. So coming from those books, it was refreshing to have a funny, light read from Helena Hunting.

PUCKED is a light romance set in the world of hockey. Alex is the captain and star-player of the Blackhawks. Violet is the step-sister of the Hawk's newest trade-in, and her step-father is also a hockey agent. It was very natural then when they met at the team's victory party was very natural. What was uncommon for the both of them was the instant attraction. So yes, this is one of those insta-lust stories but with a comedic bend.

★★★ 3 stars!

"He's going above and beyond the call of duty."

This is my first time to read something by Katee Robert, and it was just as I expected: quick, fun, sexy, and a happily ever after.

I have a weakness for stories about best friends falling in love with each other. There's already history between the characters. There's no need to introduce them to each other, so we can jump right into the meat of the story. Now for FALLING FOR HIS BEST FRIEND, we have Avery and Drew, best friends for twenty years and partners in crime since childhood. The story begins with Avery already aware that because of genetics she has a very high risk of having cancer. Her mother died because of it and her sister was also diagnosed. Thankfully she was cured, but only after undergoing hysterectomy.

Now here's the thing: Avery wants to have a baby now that she still can. At the moment it is her heart's dearest wish. It doesn't matter that she doesn't have a husband or even a boyfriend. She's already nearing thirty, plus there's that threat of cancer hanging over her head. When she breaks the news to Drew, it practically ignites the intense, latent feelings for Avery which he forcibly buried throughout the years. The idea of his best friend carrying another man's child is just unacceptable. His solution? Become Avery's baby daddy--and not by in-vitro!

"Avery, shut up and listen to me. If we're going to do this--and we are--we're going to do this right."

"...falling for your 'friends with benefits' would be a dumb move, and I'm no dummy."

This is one fun book! I was hesitant at first because I don't really enjoy books with infidelity or love triangles. Upon closer inspection of the synopsis though, it is clear that (a) there is nothing official between the hero and the baby-mommy; (b) the couple who will end up together is pretty obvious; and (c) with Emma Chase on the helm, this is bound to be a fun and light read!

I was not disappointed on all three points, which I'm really happy about!  Stanton and Sofia are two very smart and witty lawyers with a great sense of humor. From the first page to the end, their chemistry is evident and their sexy times are smoking!

These days I tend to avoid reading a series wherein the books aren't standalones. I'm so glad though that I finally got started with the Royal Saga by Geneva Lee! I'm hooked in Alexander and Clara's love story, and I can't wait to find out how their romance will be wrapped up in the third book.

Remember that adorable little boy who ran around with a cape, cried and prayed hard for God to save his baby sisters and mother when she gave birth? Well, "C-man" Cohen is now grown up! This is his love story with Dani, Axel's daughter!

I have a new favorite author!!! I can sum up everything that will follow in this series review in that one, short sentence!

Last week I've had the absolute pleasure of reading Meghan March's BENEATH THIS MASK and the recently released BENEATH THIS INK. Here is my series review! But if you want the simple and short version: I absolutely love these books!

Publication Date: September 29, 2014
Book 1 of the Beneath Series

Synopsis:

He loves me, and he doesn't even know my real name.

The limelight that follows him could expose everything I'm hiding. But even knowing the risks, I can't force myself to stay away.

I'm going to break his heart, but mine will shatter right along with it.

Will we lose it all when I reveal what's beneath this mask?

The last time I went this gaga over a story and its author, I ended up following her career, looking forward to each upcoming book, and reveled in the successes and awards she and her books attained. That was Penelope Douglas, and before her, J.A. Redmerski. Now I've found a new, all-time favorite author: Meghan March!

Publication Date: February 9, 2015
Book 2 of The Sin Trilogy

Synopsis:

An epic tale of revenge and love in a new romantic trilogy from the New York Times best-selling author of The Beauty Series.

Bleu MacAllister is in hiding less than three months when Sinclair Breckenridge discovers her whereabouts. Her former lover, the future leader of a criminal organization known as The Fellowship, resists the tug of his heart heartstrings in her direction. Instead, he opts to watch over his beloved from afar. And she has no idea. But Sin's sacrifice is short-lived. His bonny lass is a hunted traitor. He fears Abram's assassins are closing in, leaving him with one solution for saving Bleu--make her his wife. Marriage seems an easy fix for their dilemma but wedded bliss is brief when the couple finds trouble lying in wait beyond the realm of the brotherhood. Will the original revenge seeker find herself the object of collateral damage?

My Review: ★★★★☆ 4.5 stars

If you thought the first one was nasty because of the cliffhanger, then you better prepare yourselves for the ending of THE SECOND SIN. It was so good, which of course automatically made the thought of waiting for the third and final book frustrating. Luckily for the series' fans, that's not too far off. Book 3 releases on March. Yippee!