Category Archives: InterMix

Review: Downtown Devil by Cara McKenna

Title: Downtown Devil by Cara McKenna
Sins in the City Series Book Two
Publisher: InterMix
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Ménage, M/M/F, M/F, M/M, Romance
Length: 347 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the author of Crosstown Crush comes the second sexy novel in the trilogy that explores the illicit pleasures of ménage à trois.

At the edge of thirty, Clare is feeling restless. Even though she’s gainfully employed and pursuing her passion for photography, she can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing. Then she meets Mica. A perfect subject for her portrait exhibit, Mica is sexy, exciting, and everything Clare desires.

One night with the charismatic stranger is all it takes to leave her craving more. But the intensity Mica brings isn’t confined to the bedroom, and Clare wonders if this summer fling might turn more adventurous than she anticipated—especially as a curious energy starts to simmer between the two of them and Mica’s handsome roommate, Vaughn.

As the three-way tension mounts, Mica makes a sinful proposal. It’s an invitation Clare can’t pass up, and an erotic encounter she’ll never be able to forget. Caught up between two irresistible men, Clare is about to get all the excitement she’s been looking for—and then some….

Review:

Downtown Devil is the newest blistering hot addition to Cara McKenna’s steamy ménage à trois trilogy, Sins in the City.  This latest installment can easily be read as a standalone since the series is loosely linked by subject matter not characters (but I highly recommend Crosstown Crush as well).

On the cusp of her thirtieth birthday, Clare Geddes is a little disappointed by how few of her goals she has accomplished.  Despite having a college degree, she is working a dead end job in a call center and she has not really dated since she ended her last relationship.  Clare is an aspiring photographer and she is hopeful her latest project will be selected for a show in a local gallery.  During her lunch break at a coffee shop, she is immediately struck by one of the barista’s stunning good looks and she is elated when Mica agrees to model for her. Once their photo session is finished, they indulge in an insanely hot one night stand. Thrilled when Mica wants to see her again, Clare is taken off guard when their next hookup turns into a ménage à trois with his roommate and close friend, Vaughn Tucker.

Clare unapologetically embraces her sexuality and she is completely comfortable with the knowledge that Mica is not boyfriend material.  Although a little disappointed when she does not hear from Mica after their night together, Clare pushes thoughts of him aside as she continues working on her photo project.  When he calls her out of the blue about a week later, she is eager to hook up with him again. After Vaughn interrupts their evening together, Clare is a little uneasy with some of Mica’s suggestions, but he easily persuades her to step out of her sexual comfort zone and she revels in their raunchy encounters.

Mica is edgy, sexually adventuresome and completely lacking in social graces.  His dysfunctional childhood left an indelible mark on him and he runs from any type of commitment.  Mica knows what he wants and he is not afraid to go after it which makes him a little calculating at times.  He is emotionally distant and a little thoughtless but these traits are easy to overlook when Mica turns on the charm.

Vaughn is just as sexy as Mica but he is much more settled and considerate than his friend.  Although Mica’s behavior frustrates and irritates him, Vaughn fully understands the reasons behind his actions. The men’s longstanding friendship thrives despite their differences but Vaughn is somewhat troubled by how easily Mica can manipulate situations to suit his needs.

The sex scenes between Mica, Clare and Vaughn are scorching hot and sometimes, just a little illicit.  Although initially reluctant to act on their desires, Clare and Vaughn willingly let down their inhibitions and fully participate in Mica’s carefully orchestrated sexual adventures. There is no shortage of erotic encounters and nothing is off limits as they indulge in dirty talk, phone sex, blazing hot guy on guy action and sizzling hot threesomes that will set your eReader on fire.

Downtown Devil is an unabashedly erotic novel that is full of delectably carnal encounters but it is the surprising conclusion that will delight readers.  Despite the abundance of sex, there is room for romance and Cara McKenna exquisitely builds anticipation as Clare unexpectedly falls for one of her partners. This latest addition to the Sins in the City trilogy is incredibly steamy with a happily for now ending that is quite satisfying.

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Filed under Cara McKenna, Contemporary, Downtown Devil, Erotic, InterMix, M/F, M/M, M/M/F, Menage, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sins in the City Series

Review: Softer Than Steel by Jessica Topper

softer than steelTitle: Softer Than Steel by Jessica Topper
Love & Steel Series Book Two
Publisher: InterMix
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 366 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the author of Deeper than Dreams and the Much “I Do” About Nothing novels, a story that proves that you have to find yourself before you can find love…

As rock star “Riff Rotten”, Rick Rottenberg has enjoyed all the perks that fame can offer, especially now that he’s reunited with his former band mate, Adrian “Digger” Graves. But despite his success, Rick is a mess. Still reeling from the death of his wife years ago and terrified his demons will end his career, he agrees to seek help for his anxiety.

Burned by a musician in the past, Sidra Sullivan has closed her heart to love. So when Rick walks into her yoga studio, she wants nothing to do with him–until the bad boy shows an unexpected soft side.

As Sidra and Rick work through their painful pasts, they realize just how strongly opposites can attract. But when a crisis threatens the delicate balance they’ve forged, they’ll discover if their love is strong enough to weather another storm or just too broken to survive…

Review:

Softer Than Steel is the second installment in Jessica Topper’s fabulous rocker series, Love & Steel. This leisurely paced romance between guitarist Rick “Riff Rotten” Rottenberg and yoga instructor Sidra Sullivan is quite captivating and delectably sensual. Although characters from the previous novel in the series make guest appearances, it can be read as a standalone but I HIGHLY recommend the other books in the series as well.

Rick is thrilled to be reunited with his former band mates but now their latest tour is over and they are back in the recording studio, he is having difficulty focusing on their next album. With a bad case of writer’s block, mounting anxiety and a raging case of insomnia, he is getting pretty desperate for some relief from his stress. After yet another panic attack, Rick takes a friend’s advice to give yoga a chance and he is delighted when he discovers his new instructor is the woman he unsuccessfully tried to charm when they met by chance a few days earlier. Sidra shares his attraction, but she does not mix business with pleasure and after having her heart crushed by her musician ex-boyfriend, she is really not in any hurry to become involved in another relationship.

Now in his mid forties, Rick’s life is full of changes. His three sons are now grown and on their own and he is having a little trouble coping with his empty nest. Although it has been fourteen years since her death, he is still deeply mourning the loss of this beloved wife, Simone. He is also still wracked with guilt and regrets from the mistakes he made in the years leading up to her death. Reuniting with his band mates is a dream come true, and while Rick is ecstatic to be back in the business, there is unexpected tension between the band members as they try to strike a balance between work and their personal lives.

Sidra is a warm, caring and compassionate woman who is very devoted to her family. She is slowly building her yoga business and she also helps out in her cousin’s second hand record shop. Her relationship with her ex-boyfriend ended when she found out he was cheating on her and she has no intention of dating another musician. Sidra does not trust easily and this becomes a major problem when she jumps to conclusions about Rick throughout the course of their romance.

The relationship between Rick and Sidra is fairly slow growing and Rick displays a surprising amount of patience as he tries to win Sidra over. They each carry significant baggage from their respective pasts and these unresolved issues lead to many of the problems between them. Both of them find it difficult to open up and communication is one of the couple’s biggest issues. Sidra’s mistrust leads her to jump to conclusions when she misconstrues Rick’s involvement in a situation concerning her family and she is not easily persuaded to give him a second chance.

Softer Than Steel is a wonderful addition to Jessica Topper’s Love & Steel series. The characters are vibrantly developed with realistic flaws and issues to overcome. The romance between Rick and Sidra builds at a unhurried pace and it is quite enjoyable watching Rick patiently work his way through Sidra’s somewhat formidable defenses. Although the conflict between them is rather easy to predict, their separation provides both characters with an unexpected opportunity to make some much needed changes in their lives. All in all, it is another highly entertaining novel that old and new fans are going to love.

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Filed under Contemporary, InterMix, Jessica Topper, Love & Steel Series, Rated B, Review, Romance, Softer Than Steel

Review: One Night by A.J. Pine

one nightTitle: One Night by A.J. Pine
Only You Series Book One
Publisher: InterMix
Genre: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Length: 248 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

When she lost it all, Jess decided to cope by living a lie.

But you can’t keep on pretending forever…

Twenty-one-year-old Jess used to have everything—a loyal best friend, a boyfriend she loved, and a future that was right on track. But in a single night, her whole world changed.

Now, Jess lives for the impersonal connection of drunken hook-ups and to-go coffee cups in the morning. All she needs is one night to pretend everything is fine…until she meets Adam.

Thanks to a sports injury, gorgeous, charming basketball star Adam Carson is stuck in physical therapy at the hospital where Jess interns—giving her the perfect opportunity to see his sweet, considerate nature and making her realize that maybe she does want something more.

But while Adam might be the best thing that’s happened to Jess in a long time, letting him past her carefully constructed walls means letting him know what happened…and why he’d never want her for more than one night.

Includes a preview of the upcoming Only You novel, One Life.

Review:

The first installment in A.J. Pine’s Only You series, One Night is an engaging love story. Although the story shares many of the characteristics commonly found in new adult romances, the subject matter is unique enough that the novel stands out from others in the genre.

Jess Elliott’s suffered a tremendous life altering loss and while she is trying to move on, she really has not dealt with what happened. She is self absorbed and she keeps an emotional distance from pretty much everyone in her life. She has pushed away her friends and family and Jess uses drunken hook-ups to keep her loneliness at bay.  She is kind and compassionate, but her need to protect herself from future heartache makes it virtually impossible for her to connect with the people in her life.

Adam Carson is an open, honest and genuinely nice young man. He is struggling to come to terms with the impact a sports injury has on his future, but he does not let this stop him from moving on with his life. He is cheerful, laid-back and unflappable with a seemingly endless supply of patience. But even Adam has his limits and he eventually gently pushes Jess to be more forthcoming about her past.

While well-written, One Night is rather slow paced. The defining moment from Jess’s past is only hinted at for much of the story so it is easy to become frustrated with her since there is little context for her behavior and emotional disconnect. She runs away from her problems instead of dealing with them and she pushes Adam away time and again which becomes an annoying pattern for their relationship. Jess is very introspective, but since there is little progress with her issues, the story becomes bogged down in angst and drama.

The friendship between Jess and Adam is sweet and it becomes the catalyst for Jess to finally get to know her roommate, Zoe. Zoe is self-confident and outgoing and while she respects Jess’s boundaries, she also encourages Jess to be a little more forthcoming about herself. Zoe easily forgives Jess when she unwittingly hurts her, but she also uses these opportunities to try to get Jess to work through her issues.

One Night is an emotional novel with a realistic storyline. The plot has plenty of depth and A.J. Pine deftly handles difficult topics with a great deal of sensitivity. The characters are complex with believable flaws and imperfections. It is an overall enjoyable beginning to the Only You series that I recommend to fans of new adult romances.

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Filed under AJ Pine, Contemporary, InterMix, New Adult, One Night, Only You Series, Rated C+, Review, Romance

Review: Unwrapped by Maisey Yates

unwrappedTitle: Unwrapped by Maisey Yates
Silver Creek Series Book 3.5
Publisher: InterMix
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: Novella
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In USA Today bestselling author Maisey Yates’s latest Silver Creek Romance, a naughty Christmas wish turns into something so much more…

Kindergarten teacher Sarah Larsen has spent her whole life being the good girl. But now, she’s ready to do something bad. So wearing the shortest, tightest black dress she owns, she marches over to the nearest bar to fulfill her Christmas fantasy: a wild night with a total stranger.

Walker Callahan moved to Silver Creek to start fresh. He doesn’t want to bring his baggage into a relationship, so an evening of fun with the sexiest welcoming committee ever is just what he needs.

They were both in it for one night with no strings attached.. But when Sarah discovers that Walker is the father of her new student, things turn deliciously complicated. Can the cold winter nights thaw two frozen hearts?

The Review:

Unwrapped by Maisey Yates is a sweet and sexy holiday romance between two people whose fling unexpectedly turns into so much more. This fast-paced and engaging novella is a journey of self-discovery for Sarah Larsen whereas Walker Callahan must decide whether or not to risk his heart again on love. This lovely addition to the Silver Creek series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the other books in the series as well.

Sarah is a good girl who always does what is expected of her. Now thirty years old, she is finally ready to explore her sexuality but achieving that goal takes her way out of her comfort zone. Just as she is rethinking her decision, a handsome stranger walks through the door and she charms him into accepting her tantalizing offer of a one night stand. However, Sarah is dismayed to discover that Walker is not just passing through when their paths later cross in very surprising set of circumstances.

Sarah is a sweet and giving woman but moving past the messed up teachings of the grandmother who raised her is difficult. She is uneasy with the changes she is trying to make, but she does not let her discomfort stop her. As she becomes more sexually experienced, Sarah gains confidence both in and out of the bedroom. But most importantly, Sarah realizes that she deserves to be happy and she refuses to keep her growing feelings for Walker to herself.

Walker is not looking for a woman when he finds Sarah and he has serious qualms about getting involved with her beyond their one night together. Having had his heart shattered by his ex-wife, Walker is devoted to his daughter but once his libido comes back to life, he finds it difficult to ignore his desire for Sarah. Agreeing to keep their relationship casual, the couple eagerly explore their scorching hot passion but Walker brings their relationship to a screeching halt in the aftermath of Sarah’s confession.

Unwrapped is a delightful novella that is humorous, sensual and at times, a little poignant. Sarah and Walker are multi-faceted characters with believable flaws and realistic obstacles to overcome. It is a super steamy addition to Maisey Yates’ Silver Creek series that old and new fans are sure to love!

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Filed under Contemporary, InterMix, Maisey Yates, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Silver Creek Series, Unwrapped

Review: Loving Him Off the Field by Jeanette Murray

loving himTitle: Loving Him Off the Field by Jeanette Murray
Santa Fe Bobcats Series Book Two
Publisher: InterMix (Penguin Group)
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 255 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Sometimes the best defense is a good offense…

Aileen is a sports reporter trying to make a name for herself without relying on her looks, And what better way to do that than to break a scandal about one of the fastest rising stars on the Santa Fe Bobcats? Killian seems too good to be true, so she knows he must be hiding something…

It’s hard enough breaking into the NFL—even more so when you’re a single dad. Killian isn’t proud that he’s keeping his son a secret, but his ex has a reputation that could tarnish his squeaky clean image for good. So when Aileen starts sniffing around, Killian decides to distract her by any means necessary.

But Aileen is more than capable of giving as good as she gets…

The Review:

Loving Him Off the Field, the second installment in Jeanette Murray’s Santa Fe Bobcats series, is a very engaging love story between an up and coming journalist and a publicity shy pro football player. This wonderful novel features a slow-burning romance, a refreshing storyline and genuine, likable characters, and it is an positively delightful read.

Killian Reeves is quiet and unassuming, and he keeps his private and professional lives completely separate. Unlike the typical highly paid athlete, he does not have an over-inflated ego nor is he interested in groupies or the limelight. Instead, he leads a quiet, solitary life and although he likes his teammates, he keeps to himself. Much to Killian’s surprise, he is intrigued by reporter Aileen Rogers, but he is dismayed when she begins to dig into his background in pursuit of a story.

Aileen is an excellent reporter but she is frustrated that her boss won’t assign her to any stories except fluffy human interest pieces.  She is thrilled to finally get a serious assignment, but she soon discovers that getting Killian to consent to an interview is next to impossible.   Aileen’s tenacity quickly pays off and he agrees to co-operate with her, but their professional relationship is soon complicated by their unexpected attraction to one another.

Killian and Aileen are both wonderfully developed protagonists and neither of them are the stereotypical characters. Killian is not the typical jock with an over-inflated ego. Instead he is very humble and down to earth. Aileen has integrity and she does not use sleazy tactics to get ahead. She is upfront and honest and she is always respectful of everyone’s right to privacy.

The sparks fly between Killian and Aileen right from their very first meeting but neither of them is looking for a relationship. They try to ignore their attraction, but once Killian kisses Aileen senseless, it is difficult for them to maintain a professional distance. They give in to their passion, but he has a few skeletons in his closet that he does not want her to uncover. When Aileen does finally learn Killian’s secrets, will their relationship survive Killian’s lack of trust?

Loving Him Off the Field is a steamy, sweet and humorous romance between two delightfully charming characters and I absolutely loved watching them fall in love. The plot is well-executed and the characters are easy to like. It is a fun, flirty and sexy addition to Jeanette Murray’s Santa Fe Bobcats series that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Contemporary, InterMix, Jeanette Murray, Loving Him Off the Field, Rated B, Review, Romance, Santa Fe Bobcats Series

Review: My Heartache Cowboy by Z.A. Maxfield

heartacheTitle: My Heartache Cowboy by Z.A. Maxfield
The Cowboys Book Two
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: InterMix
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, M/M, Romance, Ménage, M/M/M
Length: 294 pdf pages
Book Rating: A

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Can love conquer all?

Jimmy Rafferty and Eddie Molina go way back at the J-Bar ranch. They’ve worked together, bunked together, camped out, and drank together. So how has Jimmy failed to notice that Eddie is gay? Eddie has not failed to notice that his friend has a serious drinking problem, and he’s determined to help Jimmy kick the booze cold turkey.

Taking him up to a snowbound cabin to detox, Eddie is confronted with Jimmy’s fierce denial. But the pains of withdrawal are nothing for Jimmy compared with the heartache of denying his true feelings and his deep longing…for the one man who cares for him more than anyone else on earth.

The Review:

The second installment in Z.A. Maxfield’s The Cowboys series, My Heartache Cowboy is full of strong emotions that don’t just tug on the heartstrings. Nope, it’s a full-fledged yank that pulls the reader headlong into the story from the very first word. This deeply moving novel pretty much breaks your heart as Eddie Molina tries to help his longtime Jimmy Rafferty overcome his addiction to alcohol.

Jimmy and Eddie have been best friends and working partners for nearly 15 years. They have shared a lot of life’s ups and downs, but after Malloy and Crispin (from My Cowboy Heart) unexpectedly find love, they discover how little they know about one another. Eddie finally admits that he is gay and well, Jimmy, about the only thing that becomes obvious is he has a serious drinking problem. Facing an uncertain future, Eddie and Malloy know that it is time to take drastic steps to help Jimmy but Jimmy is in deep denial and he fights Eddie every step of the way. When Eddie finally admits Jimmy needs more help than he can provide, he turns to his close friend and sometime lover Don. Jimmy’s jealousy of Don quickly turns to desire and soon the three men are indulging in a very hot threesome while Don guides Jimmy through the intricacies of Alcoholics Anonymous. When Jimmy and Eddie return to the J-Bar, their newfound bond will be tested as Jimmy tries to maintain his sobriety and they try to figure out what is next for their fragile new relationship.

Jimmy and Eddie both personify the “strong, silent type”, but Jimmy is definitely the less open of the two. Since My Heartache Cowboy is written in first person from his perspective, readers experience firsthand Jimmy’s inability to express his fears, needs and desires. What he thinks and what he says are often two different things and while his inner monologue is humorous, it is also heartbreaking. Jimmy’s childhood was extremely dysfunctional and he is still dealing with guilt from long ago events. He stubbornly maintains he is not an alcoholic, but he wants to make Eddie happy, so he does work diligently at staying sober but doubts and uncertainty still plague Jimmy once they return to the J-Bar.

Eddie is rock solid, patient and steady as a rock during Jimmy’s recovery. He talks freely about his past with Don but once the three of them become involved, he is a little more reticent with Jimmy. This awkwardness becomes more apparent with their return to the ranch and their relationship is soon on shaky ground. Despite his openness about his past, Eddie still harbors a few secrets that will play a crucial role in the future of their relationship.

Eddie and Don are close friends and occasional lovers and their open affection for another catches Jimmy by surprise. Eddie, Don and Jimmy are soon burning up the sheets with some very sexy threesomes and while Jimmy and Don grow closer, an emotional distance begins to grow between Eddie and Jimmy. Their return to the J-Bar adds to Jimmy’s confusion when his and Eddie’s relationship reverts back to friendship.

My Heartache Cowboy is a poignant and emotional romance that will make you laugh and cry as Eddie and Jimmy finally recognize the truth about themselves and their relationship. It is a journey of self-discovery and recovery for Jimmy as he faces the demons of his past. It is an absolutely breathtaking story of love that Z.A. Maxfield’s fans are going to love.

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Filed under Contemporary, Erotic, InterMix, M/M, M/M/M, My Heartache Cowboy, Penguin Group, Rated A, Review, Romance, The Cowboys, ZA Maxfield