Red Wine & Books

Review: Break Me by Tracy Wolff

Print Length: 88 pages

Publisher: Carina Press (June 17, 2019)

From Goodreads.com: Destiny Bridges has always been driven by the images in her head. For most of her life, her art has been everything to her, with people and life and even sex coming in very distant seconds.

Until journalist Heath Lewis comes to town to interview her for one of the top art magazines in the world. Suddenly he’s asking all kinds of questions she doesn’t know how to answer…and pushing her in ways she never imagined possible.

Ways that have her craving him and the pleasure he so effortlessly gives her.

With Heath, Destiny lets her body take control for the first time in her life. For one week, she gives herself over to all the wicked, wonderful things Heath demands of her, and in doing so learns more about herself—and her art—than she ever dreamed possible.

But when the week is over and Heath is still pushing for more—pushing for everything—she must decide if the changes he’s brought to her life, and her art, are changes she can live with for the rest of her life.

This book is approximately 25,000 words

*******************

My Rating: 1 star out of 5

This book comes with its own disclaimer "The Dirty Bits from Carina Press give you what you want, when you want it. Designed to be read in an hour or two, these sex-filled micro romances are guaranteed to pack a punch and deliver a happily-ever-after."

Wow. Ok. Where to begin with this. Let me being by saying that this book absolutely can be read in a couple of hours. However, it does not end with a happily-ever-after. Instead it ends on a we're are happy right now. However considering the lives these two people live, and the opportunities presented, we don't get any real sense as to whether or not these two can actually make a relationship work.

Even with a decent writing style, this story was just too bizarre and disjointed to really be enjoyable for me. There was so much potential to get into the why of these two people, but the only side we see of them is when they are going at each other like teenagers. There is seemingly no reason for them to act the way that they do especially the first time they meet. Instead it is a bunch of randomly thrown together sex with very little anything else to really pull the reader in.

Honestly, I feel as though the author took a full length novel, and then for the purposes of being classified as a "dirty bits" novel, literally look out 95% of the story and just left the sex scenes. If you are one of those people who read books for the smut than you will absolutely love this one. However, if you are like me and want some actual story to go along with it, then you are likely to be disappointed.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

*******************

Break Me is available from Amazon.com

Review: Right Next Door by Delilah Peters

Print Length: 88 pages

Publisher: Carina Press (June 10, 2019)

From Goodreads.com: Everything she was waiting for moved in right next door…

A single mom by day and ER nurse by night, Emma kissed her wild past goodbye to focus on raising her two young daughters. Nobody with kids has the time to be chasing orgasms. Juggling work and laundry is tricky, but she’s keeping it together—mostly.

Single dad Will Taylor hauled his collection of concert T-shirts and carpentry tools to New Bedford expecting to build a new life with his young son. A fresh start with great schools, good friends…and the hottest mom he’s ever seen, living a scant ten yards from his front door.

From the very first time they touch, Emma and Will’s connection is electric. Soon stolen kisses and dirty texting aren’t enough—they need adults-only alone time. And lots of it.

This book is approximately 22,000 words.

*******************

My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

This book comes with its own disclaimer "The Dirty Bits from Carina Press give you what you want, when you want it. Designed to be read in an hour or two, these sex-filled micro romances are guaranteed to pack a punch and deliver a happily-ever-after."

Because of that disclaimer, I went into this story expecting a quick read (which I got), that still managed to have complex characters and an interesting story-line. And while I will one hundred percent say that these characters were likable, I don't feel that they were particularly interesting. We get the run down on what happened to Emma's marriage and can form our own opinons on why it ended, but we don't get the same story as to why Will's marriage ended. All we know is that he's friendly enough with his ex (to the point he kissed her on the mouth in front of Emma before they were involved). I mean if you're going to give us that, I would like to know why.

But regardless, just looking at the relationship between Will and Emma. I wasn't buying it. I understand that as a novella the time line is on hyper drive. I even like that. I like knowing that a week has passed since the last time they spoke. I liked that the author showed that progression of time so we knew just how long these two had known each other. However, even with that this seemed not only rushed, but to come out of the blue. We see Emma as this dedicated single mother (and I am in NO WAY saying single mom's can't be sexy and enjoy sex), however he brings pizza over, hangs out with your kids and you want to.... blow him in your yard? Ummm okay? With your kids inside?

I also didn't care for the way she gives her body to him, and yet the first time things become difficult she runs and avoids him. Not the kind of behavior I would expect from an adult, but whatever.

Overall, I do really like the concept of these stories - Quick romances the end in a happily-ever-after, and I do believe others will as well. I would read more from this author.

*******************

Right Next Door is available from Amazon.com

Review: Luca's Lessons by Deana Birch & Amelia Foster

Print Length: 294 pages

Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (June 4, 2019)

From Goodreads.com: An Italian Dom guides a Swiss banker through the world of BDSM and she threatens his most important rule.

Sparked by curiosity and drawn by need, Swiss banker Claire asks Italian businessman Luca to introduce her to the D/s lifestyle. He agrees, as long as she abides by his number one rule of not falling in love. The two then embark on a slow, complete and realistic path of liberating Claire’s true submissive nature.

But as their lessons progress, blurred lines morph into a child’s scribbled drawing when feelings creep into their playtime. And with new emotions bubbling under the surface, Luca questions Claire’s hard no. She calls “red” and walks away, leaving the Dom sure he’s lost the one sub who finally saw his true desire to be cared for.

Now, certain she’s broken his only rule and torn by thoughts of betraying her dead husband, Claire must decide between exploring the love she’s found or locking away her heart with the ghosts of her past.

*******************

My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

The premise of this story had me intrigued. I was curious to see how the fact that Claire was a grieving widow would play into the relationship she had with Luca. In fact, there were a few glimpses into them as people before the story really kicks off, and I liked what I saw. I loved the fact that while Claire was an independent woman in her own right, she was still curious and drawn to what she saw in the club.

Luca originally comes off as a very alpha character. Which makes sense considering that he is a hardened Dominant with years training submissives (to what end is never explored, but he never stays with one beyond their training). They exchanged some witty banter and I couldn't wait to see that dynamic as they began playing together.

Unfortunately, it was when the sex came into play that this novel lost most of its appeal. The best I can use to describe them would be disappointing? I didn't really see where they would be considered BDSM. I never bought that Luca was a true Dominant, much less that he had had any success in training anyone. Also, for the type of relationship that relies so heavily on trust and honesty, these two sure could work on their communication skills outside of the bedroom.

All in all, I am sure there are people out there who will enjoy this novel. I may give this author another chance in the future.

*******************

Luca's Lessons is available from Amazon.com

Review: Kickin' It (Red Card #2) by Rachel Van Dyken

Print Length: 252 pages

Publisher: Skyscape (June 11, 2019)

From Goodreads.com: Successful, high-profile sports agent Matt Kingston thinks he can handle anything. Then soccer player Parker Speedman shows up at his door. She is young and gorgeous, has natural talent, and is looking for a team. She’s also a hothead with a punchy past who floored her last coach on live TV. Despite his misgivings, Matt agrees to be both her agent and her coach. Professional common sense says she’s off-limits. But what can he say about the raw attraction between them?

Parker plays soccer with her heart and soul. But after the events of the last year, she’s shaken. She’s already seen what a powerful man can do to a female athlete’s career. And her beloved dream is in the hands of a sexy, gorgeous man with the uncanny ability to slip past her defenses…and into her heart.

Now Matt and Parker are about to learn that when it comes to love, the only way to win is by breaking every rule they know. And by playing nice. Real nice.

*******************

My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

This was one of those novels that Rachel is known for. There were moments when you found yourself laughing out loud, there were moments when a scene just resonates with you, and there were moments when you just scratched your head and went "well that was easy".

I enjoyed seeing Matt again as he was one of my favorites from the first novel. Even Jagger seemed to come across as less of a jerk than he did before (although that could have something to do with the fact that he wasn't acting like a dog fighting for a bone in this one). I enjoyed "meeting" Willow and Parker. Willow was a spunky, see what she wants and takes it kind of person. She knew how to stand up to her brother, but she also had the smarts to back it up. Parker was .... an interesting contradiction. On one hand she has this reputation that proceeds her. She was caught in a scandal of her own making - but it wasn't without justification. However instead of meeting her demons head on and dealing with them, she uses that 'hot tempered' persona to hide.

Once the truth comes out (and honestly it was pretty easy to spot head on what that truth was), there was a huge potential for her to stand up and make a difference. And yet, before it came to that, there was a plot twist that eliminated the problem for her. To me, that was a bit of a let down as I would have liked to have seen her face off with her demons and have it resolved that way instead of the way it was. I also would have liked to have seen more of a conflict of interest story-line come into play once Matt and Parker began exploring what was between them.

Overall, those who enjoy this author will no doubt enjoy this story. I also believe it will appeal to those who enjoy sports related stories. I would read more from this author!

*******************

Kickin' It is available from Amazon.com

Review: Dexter in the Dark (Dexter #3) by Jeff Lindsay

Print Length: 320 pages

Publisher: Vintage Books (August 12, 2008)

From Goodreads.com: In his work as a Miami crime scene investigator, Dexter Morgan is accustomed to seeing evil deeds...particularly because, on occasion, he rather enjoys committing them himself. Guided by his dark Passenger - the voice inside him that helps stalk his prey - he lives his outwardly normal life adhering to one simple rule: he only kills very bad people.

Dexter slides through life undetected, working as a blood splatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, helping his fiancee raise her two adorable (if somewhat...unique) children, and always planning his next jaunt as Dexter the Dark Avenger under the light of the full moon.

But everything changes when Dexter is called to a gruesome double homicide. Dex realizes he's dealing with someone a whole lot more sinister than he is and it sends the Dark Passenger into hiding. And when something scares your friendly neighborhood serial killer, you know it's serious...

More used to inspiring fear then experiencing it, Dex must investigate, while simultaneously coping with his demanding family. If he's to save himself, and those around him, Dexter must pose questions he's never dared ask - where does evil come from, and does it hide inside everyone...?

*******************

My Rating: 1 star out of 5

When a book series has as big a cult following as this one seems to, I had expected the books to get better as the series went on. And then there was this.... I'm not even sure what this was? Author's bad dream? Ghost Writing gone wrong?

One of the things that makes Dexter who he is, and one of the things that makes these books so wildly interesting is the presence of his dark passenger. The thing that guides him and makes him such a well functioning sociopath. A concept that worked well in the first two books. I will even admit to their being a certain kind of anticipation seeing the same dark shadow reflected in his future step-children.

And now suddenly the voice has gone quiet. And Dexter is for the first time, completely alone in his own mind. Subjected to emotions. Subjected to anxiety and fear. Unable to complete his rituals. And while this could have (and should have) made for a fascinating story on the complexity of the human psyche, the author instead turned this into some sort of case of demon possession? An old God? I don't even know.

All I know is that instead of being glued to the pages, gleefully watching Dexter stalk his prey (or hell even help his seemingly dimwitted sister solve crimes) this book managed to be .... well boring. So much so that I had no trouble setting it down for days on end and forgetting about it. Not exactly the way I want to feel when I am only three books into an eight book series (of which I have already gotten the entire series).

Three books down. And because I got them all at once, five more to go. Wish me luck! Although at this point, I can't honestly see how they could get any worse.

*******************

Dexter in the Dark is available from Amazon.com

Review: The Brooding Duke of Danforth by Christine Merrill

Print Length: 288 pages

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (June 1, 2019)

From Goodreads.com: Stranded at a house party

with the mysterious duke…

When a storm hits, outspoken Abigail Prescott is trapped at a house party with Benedict Moore, the Duke of Danforth—the very man she was once betrothed to! Wishing to know the man she was to marry, Abigail had called off their sudden engagement. But reunited once more, Benedict seems determined to win her back and make her his duchess. His method: irresistible seduction…

*******************

My Rating: 2 stars out of 5

This was sadly one of those stories where either the characters are being so thick headed that you wanted to shake them, or they are acting in a completely different way than they should considering what we know of them.

Abigail jilted Benedict months before because of two reasons. One - she didn't know anything about him. Apparently he arrange things with her father, proposed to her, she accepted without question and then he ..... never saw fit to call on her again. No getting to know her beyond what he thought he knew of her from seeing her in a crowded room. A moment in which they weren't even introduced. Reason number two - Lenore. Benedict's oldest friend. A beautiful widow that is presumed to be his mistress. Something he not only did not deny, but in fact seemed to flaunt. It would seem that poor Abby for all of her tough person bravado, in reality can't stand.... gossip? I mean I can understand not liking it and not wanting to have your name bandied about, but to the point that you are physically sick over the thought of what people might be saying about you when you aren't there? Or thinking about you if they do see you? Girl. You're going to be miserable the rest of your life with an attitude like that.

But anyway. Due to unforeseen circumstances, these two end up at a house party together. A house party during a biblical flood if the amount of times it rains, we are told the roads are impassable or someone sinks to their breeches in the mud is to be believed. And whilst at said house party, Benedict decides that maybe just maybe, he should get to know her. He gives her some compliments. He shows her that he is capable of conversation. He shows just a tiny bit of emotion and she allows him to take liberties with her person, whilst doing the same to his person. Seeing the depth of her passion, Benedict ups his efforts, even going so far as to *gasp* dance with her. So of course she sleeps with him. Because of course someone who is so keen to protect their reputation that they get physically ill at the thought of people speaking badly of them would sleep with someone she's not married to.

*sighs*

What makes this even worse is that she not only sleeps with him, and agrees to marry him for a second time, but she quickly (and I mean its so quick the sheets haven't even had time to cool off) calls this one off because *drum roll please* Benedict has no plan to give up his friendship with Lenore. It doesn't matter one whit to him what people will say or (heaven forbid) think if he's seen with her after he's married. He's explained to Abby that he and Lenore have never been (and will never be) anything more than friends, so that should be good enough for her, thank you very much.

A few more unfortunate events. A couple of huge scandals and an almost second jilt at the author an this unlikely duo seem to find their happily ever after. I guess. Although I'm wondering realistically how happy their union would turn out to be.

Regardless, I am sure there are numerous others to whom this story will still appeal. I would give this author a second chance.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

*******************

The Brooding Duke of Danforth is available from Amazon.com

Review: One Night of Scandal (Wicked Dukes Club #4) by Darcy Burke

Print Length: 188 pages

Publisher: Darcy Burke (May 28, 2019)

From Goodreads.com: Jack Barrett is an ambitious member of parliament with no time or desire for a wife. When he catches the Duke of Eastleigh’s sister sneaking inside one of London’s private gentlemen’s clubs, he’s shocked—and dangerously charmed—and assumes the role of protector, only to discover she has the means to destroy him.

Social pariah Lady Viola Fairfax masquerades as a man to pen a column in a popular women’s magazine. When she stumbles upon a brewing scandal that implicates a prominent MP, she seizes the chance to establish herself as a real journalist. However, the infuriating and intoxicating man may not be the radical he’s purported to be, and the more time they spend together, the more she risks the one thing she’s sworn never to do: fall in love

*******************

My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

This is the fourth stand alone book set within the Wicked Dukes Club series. And while some of the characters from the prior books do make an appearance in this one, it is not over powering enough to confuse the reader or put them off in any way.

One of the interesting things about this series is that it is actually being written by two different authors. Darcy Burke is writing all the even numbered books in this series while all of the odd number books are being written by Erica Ridley. What makes this interesting (to me at least) is the way that when reading this, the stories flow so well that you often forget there are two different authors behind these.

Speaking only to this one, I feel that it was a fast read with cute characters, but that was the extent of it. The "bad guy" portion of this story did not feel particularly suspenseful, and the whole concept of a woman dressing up like a man and/or writing under an alias has been done so often that it has become boring. The author does do a fantastic job of weaving in some true historical facts within this novel that not only make it feel more authentic, but also gives the reader a view good idea of the difficult (and yes more than a bit scary) times that were happening around them.

All things considering, I would still recommend this novel not only to established fans of this series, but those looking to pick up a quick beach read that will keep them entertained.

*******************

One Night of Scandal is available from Amazon.com

Review: One Night of Passion (Wicked Dukes Club #3) by Erica Ridley

Print Length: 200 pages

Publisher: WebMotion (May 14, 2019)

From Goodreads.com: Lifelong romantic Thaddeus Middleton is on the hunt for a wife. He hopes to find a woman more attracted to him than to money. Instead, he finds himself drawn to a spitfire who isn’t interested in him at all! At least, that’s what she says when she’s not kissing him beneath the stars...

Miss Priscilla Weatherby will inherit a fortune… provided she remains unwed and scandal-free. Easy enough, until she meets a man more dangerous than haughty lords and heartless rakes. Thad is a sweet, sexy delight, whose passionate embrace will ruin everything—including her! She’ll sacrifice anything for independence. Even love…

*******************

My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

This was a quick, and cute stand alone read with interesting (if not particularly complex) characters. I enjoyed watching these two unconventional people navigate their feelings for one another, first as friends, and then as more. I always enjoy a good friends to lovers type of story and that is just what we got here. Although I will say that I was not surprised at the revelation at the end - and honestly I couldn't understand how it had taken Priscilla so long to come to the same conclusion. All of the signs were there throughout her life.

One of the characters that easily stole the show was Priscilla's parrot Koffi. You were pretty much guaranteed a laugh whenever he was involved.

Overall, I would recommend this novel to those who enjoy sweet romances with unconventional characters. I would read more from this author.

*******************

One Night of Passion is available from Amazon.com

Red Wine & Books currently consists of a three person review team. Our reviewers hail from New Jersey, Louisiana and Nevada and between them read nearly every genre imaginable (except for children's books as we feel we are too old for that).

Krystal is the main reviewer and founder of RW&B. She reviews a little bit of every genre, if the synopsis speaks to her, she will likely give it a shot.

Amanda is a guest reviewer who mainly reads Dystopian, fantasy, supernatural and RH.

Trin is also a guest reviewer who reads erotica, contemporary romances (especially those with bad boys), and second chance love stories.

remplaza_fecha('Monday, June 17, 2019');

remplaza_fecha('Saturday, June 15, 2019');

remplaza_fecha('Thursday, June 13, 2019');

remplaza_fecha('Tuesday, June 11, 2019');

remplaza_fecha('Sunday, June 9, 2019');

remplaza_fecha('Friday, June 7, 2019');

remplaza_fecha('Wednesday, June 5, 2019');

remplaza_fecha('Monday, June 3, 2019');