Reviews by Dr. J

A continuation of this series about those who struggle with their shifter backgrounds, who worry about the outcome of their lives within that context, and those who want the romance of the moment but wonder about what a life-long commitment would mean for them if, indeed, they claimed their mates. As always, Ms Martine writes beautifully and her characters, for all the paranormal fantasy at the core of the story, smack of real life, with real responses to situations that could come out of any scenario in today's world--minus the shifter stuff, of course. I have enjoyed all her books and find that she keeps the flow of the story consistent throughout, and a reader's interest is captured from word one. That means a really good novel, in my book.

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Cooper McKenzie holds her earned position on my "really, really good romance writers" list with this story, and does so without any disappointment on my part. I am always complaining that her stories are waaaaaay too short, but she crams lots into them. I really liked this one--good characters, edgy action, some BDSM, and a story that flows well from page to page. What more can we want?

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An interesting short story--probably best described as a literary "snack" and one that is beautifully written. I enjoyed it, but was sorry it was so short. All the characters seemed to be well crafted, and I liked the genuine caring expressed toward this woman who was so torn between her family's "programming" and her love for her "wolf." A very nice way to spend some lunch time break or a short read for a tired evening. Haven't read anything from this author previously, but found the writing to be very good.

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This is a very interesting series, but none of the episodes can stand alone. The reader really has to begin at the beginning. Was fascinated by the idea of "longhorn shifters" but more interested, really, in the growing-up process Scarlett experiences as she comes to grips with the issues she faces: the love of these seven very different individuals, the realization that someone she trusted is still trying to kill her, and the need for her to get a grip on her adolescent view of life and really live as a grown up. Leo, as the oldest brother, is much older than Scarlett, has been waiting for his "mate" for many years, and has now realized that this very special woman requires some specific direction that he can and will provide along with the influences and loving care given her in succeeding episodes by his brothers. As always, my main complaint is the length of each of these novellas, and paying the price I would ordinarily pay for a full-length novel. But as I have started the series, I will see it through to the end. Good reading, no matter what.

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Ms Dwyer has "hit one out of the park" with this novel of caring, loving concern, serious desire to protect and heal, and passion between Anna, a quiet and shy woman whose self-image needs what these cowboys have to give, and one whose loyalty to family and friends sets her apart. Her character was formed in the crucible of pain and abuse, but the purity of her spirit has survived and the love of her cowboys seems almost too good to be true. True romance fans will absolutely love this novel!!

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A BDSM romance told by a writer who knows her "stuff." The heroine is like so many women who have been systematically abused psychologically, who know what they need emotionally and sexually and aren't getting it from a partner who calls them a pervert for wanting more. The heroes, two law enforcement officers, appear to be hard and unyielding, but they know that the challenge of Marissa's fears and the paralysis that threatens her because of her fears can make any future for these three impossible, unless they can help her regain her sense of worth and value as a person. They need her love as much as she needs theirs, but can she let go of her fears long enough to accept what they have to give her? A really beautiful, intense, very erotic love story. Those who don't like BDSM might be offended. I'm really glad I read it.

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As always, Ms Dalton crafts a story with characters that leap off the page and involve the reader in a story that is so very real. The anxiety of three siblings with parents who are controlling, overly religious and who seek to impose their extreme understanding of morality on their grown children is present throughout the book. The author has that incredible talent for taking multiple strands of the story involving several characters and weaving it all together to make a literary tapestry that is brilliant in its colors and textures. This story also seemed to take the conflict and draw it out just a bit more than has been done in some others, but it is done with a deft touch that is not too little or too much. These characters are dealing with a lot of old pain and finding a way through the maze of their own insecurities can be difficult and filled with a tension all its own. Just one terrific read and one that is already on my "to be read again" list.

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First, I want to comment that author Chloe Lang has demonstrated a remarkable talent for keeping a story like this series very consistent, with a good story line and excellent development of characters. It has been interesting to watch Jessie grow in her awareness of who she is and to find herself expanding her erotic horizons as she encounters each of the brothers with their individuality and unique personalities. Here she is presented with the challenge of responding to Denver's BDSM preferences and she finds herself becoming more and more aware of her ability to "fit" each of these men, individuals who she is becoming more and more emotionally involved. My "4" rating is more about the brevity of each episode than the quality of writing or the story. The entire series is very erotic and beautifully told. Best of all, the sex is the servant of the story rather than vice versa.

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Fifth episode in this saga of Jessie Green and her men. Now the oldest brother has agreed to spend a week with Jessie, testing her willingness to live in his strict 24/7 BDSM life. He is convinced that this is a waste of time, but Jessie's sweet submission intrigues him. Jessie hopes that by spending this time with Austin she can bring all the brothers together, something that has not been true for many years. If he cannot accept her as wife to them all then she will leave. It is a intense episode and those who are offended by the BDSM D/s relationship will not like this episode. My rating is more about the brevity of the episode. Otherwise it is a fine piece of writing and one that I am delighted to have read.

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This is another fine example of Cooper McKenzie's writing expertise. Telling the story of a woman whose live has been reclaimed through the loving care of a foster parent, Daria must now find a way to make a life for herself. Her foster mom's home has burned and this important woman in her life is now dead. Yet as quickly as she finds herself homeless and without anything besides her laptop, her car, and the clothes on her back, Daria is claimed by two firefighters who have loved her from afar and who have desired her as their "third." Their BDSM D/s relationship is well-established and Daria may not agree to live this with them. The future of all three is on the line. This is a very intense story that will keep the reader riveted from beginning to end. Even as strict as the Master/slave relationship in their household, Daria's firefighters shower her with protection and loving that is hot and fulfilling. A wonderful love story and one that emphasizes the deep healing genuine love brings, the healing acceptance and protection can bring, and the security of knowing boundaries and the depth of love of which authentic caring can engender.

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The next episode in the saga of a human animal research scientist and the wolf-shifters who believe her to be their mate. She is still under the impression that these men are just having an affair with her until she leaves when her grant has expired. Shane is cousin to the Alpha and perhaps the neediest of the lot. His life has not been easy and he has turned to Eve to find the acceptance he never received in the past. This episode is far more emotional, having more of the emotional ups and downs than previous episodes. It also reveals more about the enemy of the pack, about the dark insanity that is driving the attacks on the wolves of the area, and the growing danger to Eve and her future with her men. A very good segment in this series and one that moves the story along nicely. As always, I renew my objection to the brevity of each episode vs the cost--not a good value, in my opinion, but now that I have begun the series I will see it through to the end.

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The final segment in this saga of Wilde, NV and Jessie Green, investigator of the mine accidents in that community. Now she has come up against all the resistance of the oldest of the brothers and his determination NOT to enter into the polyamorous marriage with his brothers has put Jessie in the position of leaving the men she has come to love deeply. She WILL NOT come between these brothers, no matter how much she might love them. It is much more of an emotional roller coaster ride than previous segments in the story and keeps the reader on edge right up until the end. While Jessie's life and her safety have been threatened almost from her arrival in this remote Western community, she is really in danger now. This is a worthy ending to the love story between Jessie and her men. I'm glad I stayed with the series and experienced all the tension, loving, and push/pull of relationships which involve multiple partners.

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Jenny Penn is a great writer of erotic fiction with a hefty helping of conflict that keeps the story edgy and the sex explosive. A wonderful love story that Jenny's fans will enjoy and those who love a great erotic romance owe themselves to read. This is not a story you will want to miss.

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You owe, you pay. So it goes when a stock brokerage employee makes a financial move that either will cost her her freedom, her job, or as an alternative, she will live in a submissive relationship with her boss. In the process these two people make some critical discoveries about themselves, the kind that are life-changing on so many levels. Very intentionally BDSM, yet in the context of safe, sane, and consensual. It is beautifully written and readers who not only love a good romance but who also enjoy a story that reflects excellent writing skills will find this a very satisfying read.

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He's a powerful, deeply responsible alpha of a pack of Alaskan wolf-shifters and she's a petite investigative scientist who has come to Alaska to study the activities of the area's wolves. Noah, his brother and his cousins meet Eve and they know she is their mate, but she's human and shy. Their plan to seduce her brings her into their circle of friendship and yet, Noah, as much as he "wants" her physically, struggles with the whole concept of loving someone. This is a very engaging first novella in a new series from Kiera West and Melissa Schroeder, and none of the segments are stand alone. Yet they are worth reading and will keep the interest of the reader from page one. Each subsequent book will highlight one of the principle shifters who seek to make Eve their mate.

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The third Tymber Dalton book built on the lives and experiences of Ty and Thomas and their "third," a woman who has become more important than life itself. Each main character in this story finds that life will put them personally to the test as well as the tensile strength of their relationship. It is a story about the sustaining power of family and genuine friendship, the power of love to endure even the most hurtful of betrayals, and the beauty of one woman's heart as she constantly seeks ways of bringing joy and fulfillment to those she loves best. I have read this book several times and still love it as much as I did the first time through. It is one of the best I have ever read. Don't miss this one!!

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A marvelous Western historical romance set in the time of the Civil War. Once again it is a woman of strength and determination who makes stuff happen, who won't allow "fate" or chance to rob her and those she loves of the opportunity to find a future full of love and purpose. Her open heart embraces people others reject, and in the process she insures that she is surrounded by the very people she desires. A wonderful love story full of steamy love and a context that provides lovers of historical romance a colorful and rich context for a delightful story. This one is on my eReader and my favorites list! This is one that will get read repeatedly.

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A compelling and engaging novella from an author who writes so incredibly well. Just wish these stories would turn magically into full-length 80,000 word novels. They are over way too soon. Highlights the experience of a woman who is giving and caring but whose self-image is shot to hell by those who think only reed-thin women are attractive. Full-figured and curvy, our heroine loves her firefighter, but his willingness to commit is deplorable and in the process, manages to convey, by his actions, that he doesn't want this woman in his life. She is just weary to the bone of being "on call." This story is very emotional--a real roller coaster ride for the reader and one that will pull at the heart strings as you feel the disappointment and distress the heroine feels. How much disappointment can one woman tolerate? Just a terrific read. Cooper McKenzie fans won't want to miss this one nor will anyone who loves well-written erotic romance.

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This is a really different--in feel--than many Western historical romances. Set in the context of the Bride Train initially, it introduces a strong and determined woman of great intellect and one whose heart is overflowing with concern, especially when she is approached to take two nearly motherless children with her to protect them. The ultimate outcome of Florence's quest for a husband and home is tenuous throughout the story--Ben wants her but one of his brothers is turned off by Florence's evident ability to think and act with strength. This is a very edgy book and one that will cause the reader to not only be entertained but to think along with the characters. There is sexual tension throughout the story and some very steamy sex. But the core of the story is the progress of the relationships that will not only insure Florence's future but that of the two children she loves as her own. Just a terrific read!!

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A first novel in this series about a community where menage is the preferred way of life and where this pair of friends decide to launch their B & B that specializes in helping couples/triads renew their sense of romance. It is fun to watch these two girls come to grips with the true nature of the community and how they fit in, and especially as the girls discover the men who will be in their lives long term. Very entertaining read from a team of writers that never fails to please.

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This writing team have certainly found the formula for writing compelling and fun erotic romance. Certainly the triad in this story are unique people who have accepted that menage is their chosen way of living longterm. Edie has a lot to learn about herself as well and find a way to combine her life with that of these two men with their very clearly defined understanding of how men and women relate to each other. A really good read and worthy sequel to the first novel in this series.

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Another episode in the story of Scarlett and her seven, longhorn-shifting mates. I thought this was a bit more light-hearted as Levi seemed to be a more fun-loving of the mates, yet there was a serious stream of thought as Levi was seeking to find his own stride in this unusual relationship. A bit more has come out about the danger to Scarlett's life and the efforts of all the brothers to protect her. In each of these segments it is good to see Scarlett moving forward in her own journey of discovery about herself, her mates, what it means to really be a grown-up in a complicated relationship, and in her understanding of what it means to really love another.

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It seems almost unnecessary to state that I have loved this series right from the start. I was delighted to read this latest in the Desire, OK stories and experience once again the very unique characteristics of that community. It was no surprise when Erin gravitated toward Allison as her response to Desire was so similar at the outset. I was not as aware of Dillon and Ryder in previous stories and will have to go back and read those again. That being said, they were an interesting pair of friends--seemingly so different and yet so alike in their need to find the person who would make their life complete and their future secure. I liked the tentative nature of the future that hung over them--Allison's difficulties with her ex and the faith that Dillon and Ryder were willing to put on the line in efforts to help her. As always, Ms Brooke brought her extensive writing expertise to bear in making the characters come alive and connecting this story with the previous stories in this series through the interaction of the characters. Just an awesome novel and one that Brooke fans, erotic romance fans, and those who love an entertaining read will be delighted to experience.

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Probably the most disappointing episode in this series of stories. I was really hoping that Byron's story would show him opening up to Scarlett, allowing her love to invade his hurt and dry soul and give him a renewed vitality outside his ranch duties. I don't think that happened, plus I was puzzled by all the dialogue between two characters I really didn't perceive to be all that important to the story of Scarlett and her mates. Hopefully the next story in the series will dispel the mystery of why all that dialogue was a part of this story. I plan to re-read this episode and see if I can make more sense out of the connection. Hopefully Ms Newmar will bring Byron more fully into the family interaction as a brother fully committed to his mate and willing to demonstrate his love for her in the coming stories.

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The next episode in the continuing saga of Scarlett and her seven husbands who happen to be longhorn shifters. Devlin is the dark lover, a man who makes no secret of his Dom orientation and while he loves Scarlett, he also realizes that she needs to find her own maturity, her own sense of self that is not tied to her father, and to find a way to "turn the tables" on the woman who is trying to take over her father and his fortune. More overtly BDSM in content, it is still a story of this brother's love for his mate and his desire to not only love her but to protect her as the danger to her life becomes more critical. Not a stand alone story, and in my humble opinion, not nearly long enough. Ms Newmar has shown herself to be a good writer, but at times I don't think these episodes in this series showcase her best efforts.

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