Do forbidden desires and tantalizing temptations call to you?
Get ready to step into the world of lies, deceit and revenge.
Worlds where you can't look away. No is not an option.
Where strong men but even stronger women reside.
Test the boundaries between love and obsession with these 20+ romantic suspense novels that will leave you breathless, and your sheets soaked.
Delve between the pages and find out if happily ever afters can come from love that’s born in the dark.
For fans of Lisa Renee Jones, Meghan March, Willow Winters, and Aleatha Romig.
Authors in this set include: Lena Bourne, Lexy Timms, Charlotte Byrd, Lisa Lang Blakeney, Lux Miller, Drethi Anis, Linnea May, Ivy Fox, Sahara Roberts, Adelaide Forrest, Adora Crooks, Emily Bowie, Theresa Sederholt, LC Taylor & Allie Rose, Paige P. Horne, K.A Knight, Avery Sen, Margot Scott, Nikita Slater, Ashley Lane, Molly Sloan, Jas T. Ward, and Kristin Alexander.
Lena Bourne writes stories about independent and smart women who mean everything to the strong men they love. If you’re looking for deep emotions, hot bedroom scenes, and some suspense thrown in, look no further than her books.
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As I read more stories, I will keep adding a review.
Ward by Margot Scott
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Holy Spirit activate because I have so many impure thoughts on this story. Nothing like a forbidden, age-gap, mixed with BDSM. It's pure perfection.
After Grace loses both of her parents unexpectedly, she is off to go live with her father's stepbrother. Grace is just shy of eighteen, a senior in boarding school, and had no clue her father had a stepbrother. When she meets her Step Uncle Aidan, he is not what she expected. He is so much more.
Aidan with demons and secrets, DOM and CEO of his company. Aidan expects a spoiled little brat. When he does meet Grace, he sees a beautiful young lady with childhood trauma. Instantly smitten, but tries to keep his distance. Until one night, she accidentally walks into one of his Dungeon Parties. The steam and fun start from this point on when Grace asks Aidan to be her DOM.
Ward is one of my favorite books from this author. Great plot with character development and oh so much spice. There is outside interference that lurks in the dark. And does anything to keep them apart. I will add, and this is not a negative, Ward, seems more like a full-length book than a short story. I hope to see this book in the future as a full-length Paperback.
Organized Chaos By Drethi Anis
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I fell in love with Brandon in the Quarantine series. No worries if you didn’t read the series. This is technically standalone. Though I do recommend it.
The story starts in the past with Brandon and Mia. He is helping his best friend Milo in a pinch with his highly intelligent and gifted sister, Mia. Now fast-forward to the present in Paris and Brandon is intrigued by a woman he met named Maya. After spending a night just talking, Brandon invites Maya to accompany him to Italy to his villa for the weekend. Maya at times seemed familiar to Brandon and pushed those thoughts down and to be forgotten.
I always love the crazy world of the Sinclair’s. Mia is no exception. Now we have Brandon, and he has his side of demons and a moderate amount of crazy. There are a few major twists. And that ending!!!!! I can’t wait to see what happens next.
What a wonderful collection of stories! Tame Me by Adelaide Forrest was phenomenal! This story finds Harlowe and Aleksandr as nanny and employer but the situation becomes interesting and intense when Aleksandr is finally pushed into action! 🔥🔥🔥 7 Days by Nikita Slater took us on a interesting journey of a stalker with a breathtaking twist. Erik met Letty while working and became attracted to her and obsessed beyond your every day stalker. I need more about Casa de Flores!
So I knew going into this that there was going to be an attempt at a sharing scene from reviews, but I thought it would stop immediately. That's not the case. The hero did realize he loved the heroine and stopped it, but by that point his friends had been touching her all over and one was fingering her ass. A little too late buddy. Then came the heroine's pov and she states she enjoyed what the men were doing to her. And that's where I'm out. That killed the story for me and if I could give it -stars I would.
This is unlike any MS book I’ve read before. It’s not that BDSM couldn’t be in her wheelhouse but the almost slow burn totally surprised me. But I’ve loved every minute of it.
Wow! Aidan’s son and his mother have really done a number on him. Talk about a ray of sunshine. While I want to feel sorry for Liam’s mother because she’s a victim that doesn’t give her the right to victimize those closest to her.
While it’s nice he’s willing to give an inch as her Dom, his proposition makes no sense. None of this will feed the needs she thinks she wants. In essence giving her a reason to seek out a stranger, the very reason he’s doing this. It’s pointless.
Omg Aiden, WTF are you doing? This is totally not cool … yet I’m honestly not sure how I wanted that scenario to play out. And once it did idk whether I’m relieved or disappointed.
You think you come to know what to expect from Ms. Scott but then she goes and I throws a wrench in the gears. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. In this case it worked wonderfully.
Luca and Aly were a fabulous read. A little dark, a little dirty, with a surprising twist near the end. If you have enjoyed the previous books in Emily's Dark Mafia Sins Series, you will DEVOUR this one. 4.5 stars --- Deep by Linnea May: This book gave us a bit more of a glimpse into Logan's world - you meet him in Billion Dollar Pact.
Grace's story was full of tension and suspense. Anthony was the perfect choice for her adrenaline junkie ways—calming, protective, and empowering—he complimented her perfectly.
Though unconventional, their attraction was intense; their chemistry undeniable.
Throw in a high action car chase, a vacation in Europe, bullets flying... it was a quick but entertaining read.
This review is just a small taste of the whole package...
Ward by Margot Scott If I didn't know it already, I wouldn't believe this full length story is part of an anthology because it's so intense, fleshed out and provocative.
When Grace looses her parents unexpectedly, she's still in a bit of a shock when her father's estranged step brother is appointed her guardian. But there's something about Aidan that drives her to trust him almost immediately. His quiet calm and strong confidence brings out her innate people pleasing tendencies. When she accidently crashes a play party at his house, Grace is exposed to dark and twisted desires she didn't even know she harbored. But under Aidan's guidance, she's ready to take that plunge into the unknown.
This age gap, D/s love story is twisted, taboo, wicked and intoxicatingly delicious!
It dived into the deep end of BDSM and human emotions and gave me two amazing characters that pretty much blew me away. I felt like I was right there, along side Grace while she discovered this whole new world of experiences, emotions and sensations. It was eye opening how gratifying it can be to open yourself up to someone you trust and let them lead, no holds barred. The emotional connection between these two MCs was breathtaking.
Then there was Aidan. Holy crap did he dominate the pages, each and every time. His struggles and inner demons almost put a clinch in things but his devotion to Grace always saved him in the end. I was a bit apprehensive when he tries to separate his kink from his emotions and I read that intense scene with my heart in my throat! Being a possessive girl who doesn't like to share, I was relieved he stopped things before they went to far.
Long story short, this didn't read like a short story, its was bursting with character, had an adrenalin fueled plot and two characters you will fall in love with! The story gives you a few twists and turns you wont see coming but it will keep you glued to the pages until the very end.
Highly recommend! I will definitely be looking for the full anthology once it releases on 11/9/2021.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * * I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read Tame Me, by Adelaide Forrest, in the Killing Me Softly anthology and it was fabulous!
Aleksandr is our alpha male MC, and Harlowe is our female MC, hired to be the nanny for Aleksandr's scene-stealing daughter, Tatyana. The chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts and something neither of them expect. Of course they both respond differently to the attraction which leads to the climactic ending of book one.
I can't wait to see where book two takes our couple and Tatyana. Will there be revenge? Will Aleksandr and Harlowe figure out they are better as a team? Stay tuned!
So out of this anthology I only read K.A. Knight and Ivys book Deadly Affair!! It was pretty semi dark and steamy.
Layla and her family were running away from a abuse moment thinking they were finally free.. but that day was pretty bloody losing her mom and little brother Layla almost lost her life but thanks to someone she was saved she'll never forget those blue eyes. 5 years later she's working her butt off trying to keep her younger sister zoey fed and make sure her meds are taken care of. She also has a mysterious man in her section at her waitressing job.. and that is Alaric the man who saved her and her stalker from afar lol. Poor Alaric he's been watching and making sure his girl is safe I was suprised it took him 5 years to make any moves and suprised he didn't help out more sooner.. if he knew all this stuff about her why did it take him 5 years to get her out of that tiny rat trap??
But now that he has he making her his wifey.. but he does have a secret and it gets harder to hide.. how to you tell your wife your a hitman? Very hard.. until she finds out.. and that drama is pretty short.. she does kick him out so good for her!! She made sure he groveled tiny bit for lying..
Low angst, No ow/om drama, no cheating, Drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes Cover-⭐⭐⭐ Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Prologue Age gap Violence Mentions abuse Murder Degradation Praise kink Semi public sex No condom Anal sex/play Masturbation Hea Epilogue
I read The Doctor by Paige P. Horne and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. The story about Gabriella and where she comes from and what she has to ordeal is just mind blowing!! “ All my life I’ve been told how things are going to go. How I should behave, how I should never show weakness. Always be strong, be smart” that’s such a power sentence! “ The men treat us like things instead of people. We are disposable” Emilio is EVIL!! He will never give Gabriella up. “ Your father gave you to me! You will learn to like me, or you will constantly be miserable!!! Foster who will save her anyway he can! That man goes through HELL and back for her. This story is just amazing!!!!
I feel a little conflicted about this one. I have really liked Emily Bowie's stories and I was really excited to learn that we were going to get Luca's story especially since we got just a taste in the other two books in the series. We knew he had abducted the daughter of a rival family and that he was keeping her prisoner in the house with his sisters, but no real insight into their stoic, adopted brother. I liked how the story had unfolded, how we learn he was stalking her for a long time, it was just when it came time for the chemistry between them, it fell a bit flat for me and the story felt a little rushed 🤷🏻♀️. It wasn't horrible, it just wasn't as good as I had built up in my head. It's definitely worth reading if you've read the other two and I'll definitely be reading whatever she puts out again in the future.
This anthology is chock full of talented writers, and I can't wait to dig into the rest of the stories. This review is for Adelaide Forrest's 'Taming Me' entry for this anthology and Nikita Slater's 7 Days
TAMING ME I love ruthless heroes. I love even more ruthless heroes who only have a soft spot only big enough for 1 or 2 people, and that means I adore Aleksandr. From his first chapter where he is *ahem* getting information out of someone who has betrayed him, his primary anger is not necessarily the missing drugs, but the fact that he is missing dinner with his young daughter, Tatyana.
Harlowe enters their life as Tatyana’s nanny and there is immediate chemistry between her and Aleks. She is running from a bad situation involving an overzealous and persistent ex. Burned by what happened at her last position, she is doing her best to keep the relationship on a professional level, going so far as to attempt online dating. Man, I love the opportunity for jealous, overbearing hero behavior in those situations.
Set in the same universe as Bellandi Crime Syndicate series, the story is short, but gives a tantalizing taste of the characters and how the story and their relationship can unfold. I can’t wait for the continuation.
7 DAYS Nikita Slater is like the queen of kick@$$ heroines and the heroes who burn to make those women their Queens. Erik and Letty move in a shady world that demands cunning, skill and nerves of steel. Letty is a safecracker and Erik is...well., mulit- talented. He meets Letty on an assignment and becomes immediately fascinated. He proceeds to stalk her, leading up to a a really interesting 'kidnapping' in which our psycho hero is determined to make her fall for him in 7 days. There is a lot of action, intrigue and I love love LOVED Letty and Erik together. I really hope that there is a spin off for Letty's 'sisters'.
The Doctor by Paige P. Horne is just one of the stories of this anthology that will have you on the edge of your seat. Secrets, danger, and lots of steam keeps your attention from page one. Caramela and Foster are a couple you can't help but like and want them to get their happily ever after, but there are a few people standing in their way. Can The Doctor keep her safe, or will he be her downfall?
I loved reading this anthology so much! It has so many great story’s and kept me flipping pages all night. Once I started one story I had to keep reading. Each and every story had a great story line and characters. One of my favorites was A Deadly affair by Ivy Fox and K.A. Knight! Alaric and Layla’s story is short but Intense, steamy and amazing to read about. Their chemistry was off the charts and it was awesome to see they get the HEA in the end. I’m not going to give away any of the plot because you need to experience it for yourself but I will tell you it’s one you don’t want to miss out on along with the rest of the ones in this anthology!
Two people chained by their family’s decisions meet after a tragic incident which leaves Gabriella’a throat slit. Luckily for her ‘the doctor’ finds her and rescues her. As feelings develop and their story comes out the twists keep coming. Can they both escape their demons and find happiness?
Loved this story of true love fighting evil! Thanks so much Paige for a fantastic story.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a pretty decent read, I’m addicted to Stalker Romances, they’re honestly one of my favorites. This is a really good Palate Cleanser read, especially if your coming off a series and need a change of pace.
I really loved the Doctor by Paige P Horne. I fell in love with Foster, the doctor immediately. Gabriella was an amazingly strong woman. The chemistry between her and Foster gripped me and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. There were twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I don’t want to give away any of their story so I’ll just say, grab the collection and read the Doctor. You won’t be disappointed.
Well, this was a delicious little treat! A quick, fun read for the novella lovers and fans of Adelaide Forrest!
From the start, I wanted to know more about Harlowe. She's young and a bit naive but also learning who she is as a woman and to stand up for what she deserves. She's nurturing and patient as a nanny and I loved her interactions with Tatyana.
I love the dark, mysterious feel of Aleksandr but also the gentle loving side we see when he interacts with his daughter and Harlowe. In true Adelaide Forrest style, Aleksandr is both a strong alpha and protective of those he considers his. His calm control, dominance, and assertive nature are only slight indications of the fire burning inside him. I can't wait to discover more about him! I have so many questions!
The chemistry was instantaneous between these two! I loved every second, sitting with bated breath waiting for the next page! I almost threw my kindle though when it was over because I didn't want it to end! Adelaide Forrest definitely knows how to leave a reader wanting more!
I’ve read ALL of Margot Scott’s books and can say with complete confidence that Ward is her best one yet!!! The slow burn between Aidan and Grace was delicious, and you can really feel their building love from the moment they met and the steam was on fire (pun intended)!
I love reading Adelaide Forest's book in this anthology (Tame Me), Harlowe gets hired to be Aleksandr's Daughter's Nanny. Upon meeting her, Aleksandr becomes fascinated by her and quickly decides he wants her as her own. Harlowe isn't interested in, as she has just escaped another one. This was a hot, tempting prologue that left me beginning for more, teasing me with the plot. If you like Dark Mafia Romance (which I freaking LOVE) this is for you.
Ive been a fan of Ms. Adelaide Forrests bolks for a long time now and she never disappoints! Loved both the characters and little Tatyana was fun to read because how are you going to deny a little girl when she wants you to wear a pep to bismol colored dress? 😂🤔
I want to know if the om will come back and get his buttocks kicked 😂
Urghhh so many diamonds in this book. I’m not gonna lie only really bought it to read Drethi Anis book Organized Chaos. I wasn’t a big fan of Brandon in the Quarantined Series so I was kind of expecting to be underwhelmed but I’m so glad I was wrong!! That scene when you get to it is HOT! Drethi writes my kind of sexy scenes that are just, more. More chemistry, more connection, more intimacy. I don’t know but she writes them with real feeling. Brandon has definitely turned into a mini Milo and I’m loving it. Mia is turning out to be more than expected too. I can’t wait for the next book with this couple.
3.5 stars--DRESSING MR. DALTON is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic,romance story line focusing on Hollywood actor Finn Dalton, and wardrobe stylist/waitress Chloe Nichols.
NOTE: DRESSING MR. DALTON is the most recent title and edition of a previously published work also known by Wealth / and The Date. DRESSING MR. DALTON can be found in the multi-authored KILLING ME SOFTLY anthology.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Chloe and Finn) DRESSING MR. DALTON follows the building romance and relationship between Hollywood actor Finn Dalton, and wardrobe stylist/waitress Chloe Nichols. Chloe Nichols is desperate for a job and applies to work as a wardrobe stylist on an independent Hollywood film but Chloe never expected to come face to face with actor/action star Finn Dalton, the man with whom Chloe will fall in love. From the outset Chloe Nichols is a mess, little accidents and falls that scream Finn Dalton is out of her league but when a Hollywood matchmaker runs into Chloe’s car, Chloe finds herself at an exclusive award ceremony where our hero is about to take the stage. When neither Chloe nor Finn’s date show up for the evening, Chloe is suddenly our hero’s plus one, but the night doesn’t end as well as was planned. For the next several days and weeks, Chloe battles between head and heart believing she is unworthy of our hero’s attention, and tries to push Finn out of her life. One night together reveals the truth about the night of the party, a truth that sends Chloe spiralling with thoughts of betrayal and heart break.
The relationship between Finn and Chloe is one of mutual attraction but a relationship predicated upon a lie. Chloe doesn’t feel worthy of the rich and famous lifestyle but Finn wants Chloe for his own happily ever after. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.
DRESSING MR. DALTON is a quick read; a fast paced, opposites attract romance with a little bit of drama and heart break. The premise is inviting; the romance is steamy and spirited; the characters are inspiring and emotional.
This an outstanding collection of stories by some very talented authors. Each is unique, thrilling, entertaining and damn sexy! The stories will keep you captivated, enthralled and salivating over some very sexy characters.
My reviews so far:
Ward by Margot Scott: WOW! This is one hell of a sexy, forbidden, age-gap story that had me so enthralled I forgot to adult for a while. It’s dark, emotional, titillating and so freaking hot you may need to take a cold shower when finished. There are twists and turn throughout that will keep you turning the pages quickly and gripping your kindle tightly. It was wickedly delicious in every way! Loved it.
7 Days by Nikita Slater: What an outstanding and utterly twisted tale this amazing author has given us. It’s dark, gritty, captivating and deliciously depraved. This story will keep you gripping your kindle tightly with anticipation of what the hell was going to happen next. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through, biting my nails and keeping my heart from exploding out of my chest. It was titillating, delicious and utterly fantastic. I loved every second of it and never wanted it to end.
I love anthologies. The stories are different and I get to either discover new authors or enjoy some of my favorites. Some of the stories were great in this and made me anxious for more (I'm talking to you Adelaide Forest) and others were solid.
The reasons that this didn't rank higher, was due to the fact that there were several issues in the book. One story had the quotation marks upside down on every quote. One story went into the story as a flashback in italics but never left the italics go for the rest of the story. Some stories had a lot of grammar or spelling errors. These things combined just made me frustrated with the collection of stories.
Again, not all the stories were bad, several of them were actually fantastic. Yet, the problems with the books that had issues diminished the quality of the collection overall.
This is a book in The Killing Me Softly A Romantic Suspense Anthology and this is Knox and Gigi's story and it is definitely a must read. Knox and Gigi have been in each other's lives for years as the father's are best friend's but they haven't seen each other for several years so when a threat on the whole family is revealed it is Knox that goes to stay with Gigi to keep her safe but she isn't pleased with the situation and just wants to get on with her life so she puts up a fight but Knox is determined to protect her even though they argue about everything. When feelings start to get involved it just complicates matters but will they give in to his they feel or just ignore it. The chemistry between Knox and Gigi is so strong and intense and I couldn't put this book down as it was a real page turner and so addictive and I can't wait to read more books in this series. Lisa Lang Blakeney is an amazing author and writer and her books are definitely worth reading.
This review is for KNOX (Masterson Next Generation) by Lisa Lang Blakeney
I loved this story. Knox is definitely his father's son. He has all of the characteristics that make Masterson men irresistible alpha, hot, tall, muscular and tattooed. Knox and Gigi grew up together and while both of their families have always been close, their relationship is somewhat complicated. For an unconventional reason, they are brought together after not seeing each other for several years. The reunion isn’t smooth. There’s some back and forth between them, some funny banter and a few tense situations. But part of Knox’s appeal is his passion and devotion and he does not disappoint in how he reacts. From the start, Knox stole my heart. However, it took me awhile to warm up to Gigi. She seemed immature and somewhat naïve in the beginning. This book was everything I expected and more. I hope there are future Masterson Next Generation stories planned for all of the offspring.
Knox 5 stars - Posting a review here for Knox by Lisa Lang Blakeney. It is definitely steamy! It is a short story but it does have a good conclusion. Knox and Gigi grew up together. Their parents are not related but they were raised as families which made their adult feelings complicated. Knox is tasked with protecting Gigi but while Knox is realistic about their family business, Gigi is trying to escape it. This puts them always at odds with each other but it doesn’t really mean they don’t belong together. Story has the right length for bedtime reading.
I am reviewing Tame Me by Adelaide Forrest as featured in the Killing Me Softly anthology.
I didn't know much about this novella going in, but I was eager to find out. It gets off to a really good start with some mystery and intrigue, as well as a chance for romance.
Harlowe leaves behind a precarious position as a nanny to start a new one she hopes will be better. When she meets Aleksandr, she's afraid of falling into another trap. Aleksandr didn't plan to fall for any woman, let alone his daughter's new nanny, but he quickly realizes Harlowe will be his. The two live in the same house together and fight their feelings as much as they can.
Things progress sensually and after a bit of a cliffhanger, I'm curious about how things will develop.
I liked all the characters and I'm definitely interested in seeing what comes next!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
I have not yet read the rest of the stories in the anthology, but I hope I will and I will add my reviews here as I do.
Review for The Doctor by Paige P. Horne: This was a great read. When Gabriella's throat is slit, she is saved by a Doctor who takes her home and helps her heal. Gabriella and Foster definitely had a connection and chemistry. They didn't share much about their lives but when it all came to light, twists and secrets were revealed. I really loved Gabriella and Foster alot!