"Spring into Summer" by Eden Baylee

Title: Spring into Summer
Author: Eden Baylee
Publisher: Self Published
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 172 pages
Heat Rating: Erotic
Rating: 4.5 Cups

Available at:
Amazon

Blurb:
In Spring into Summer, a collection of emotionally-charged erotic novellas, four women explore their sexual limits, marked by love, lust, and loss.

Life for Claire Pelletier is changed forever when she meets a professor who teaches her a most important lesson in "A Season for Everything."

Evelyn Sutton goes in search of a man in "Unlocking the Mystery" and discovers the key to her own heart.

With an open mind, Ava Connors attends a party but wonders if reality can ever live up to her hottest fantasies in "Summer Solstice."

In "The Lottery," Sierra Zhao sacrifices herself to numerous men to help a friend, fully aware of the consequences.

With locations in London, Dublin, Cape Cod, and Bangkok, these four women will seek pleasure to alter their lives and push their sexual boundaries.


Michelle's Review:

Spring into Summer by Eden Baylee is a wonderful collection of four stories that are emotional and beautiful as well as erotic. I thoroughly enjoyed all four stories and give this book a rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Ms. Baylee’s writing is exquisite. These are more than stories, they are experiences. I didn’t just read them, I felt them. Each story is unique but they all share themes of love and intense emotion. The erotic scenes are necessary parts of the story; they don’t feel contrived, but are subtle and smooth.

I found that I was able to relate in some way to each of the women in the four stories. I became instantly attached to the characters and was drawn in to their stories. Claire meets an older professor who changes her life in ways she never dreamed. Evelyn moves into a house where she discovers a mystery that sends her on an adventure that opens her heart. Ava was left at the altar and closed herself off to life, but when she attends her friends’ party she experiences a wild night of fantasy. While traveling in Bangkok, Sierra goes to great lengths to help a friend and gets more than she bargained for. All of these women had their hearts and minds opened in some way.

These are stories of love, loss, healing and self-discovery. Each time I finished a story I couldn’t wait to dive right into the next adventure. All of the stories are fast-paced and pulled me in right away. Although each story is unique and they are not connected, there is a nice flow to the collection and central themes tie everything together very nicely. This is a follow-up to her other book Fall into Winter, which I haven’t read yet, but it’s definitely on my wish list now.


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**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes (“CBLS”) Reviews free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review of this title. No money has been exchanged for this review. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any other CBLS reviewer or this blog’s owner, editor or administrator.

"The Seducer" by Jianne Carlo

Title: The Seducer
Author: Jianne Carlo
Publisher: Etopia Press
Sub-Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 87 pages
Heat Rating: Erotic
Rating: 5 Cups

Available at:
Amazon | B&N | ARe

Blurb:
How can she trust her heart to a man known as the Seducer?

Elaina’s step-uncle, Eógan, has murdered her father and usurped his crown. Desperate to save herself and her younger sisters, Elaina, the concubine’s daughter, takes the girls and vanishes from the world. But when she's discovered by the tall, brash Viking known as the Seducer, he’s determined to make the unwilling woman his own. Even if it involves blackmail: Elaina’s hand for his silence.

Angry at being discovered and desperate to protect her sisters, Elaina agrees to marry Jarvik after he threatens to reveal her identity. She bids him to make haste and slake his lust, but Jarvik will accept naught but Elaina’s full passion. Their joining is explosive and magical, but how can Elaina trust a man called the Seducer? And even if he proves as good as his word, will the political maneuvering of rival kings force Jarvik to relinquish his new wife to the very man who wants her dead?


Emma's Review:

Jarvik is the last brother to find his mate in Jianne Carlo's Viking Warriors series. Known as The Seducer, Jarvik is a strong and sensual man. Elaina is his match in every way. Her sexuality is well hidden but clearly there. I loved the plot for this story. It has all scorching sex that we have come to expect from this series as well as a creative and intriguing storyline. We are reunited with all the brothers and their families. The loyalty and love amongst them is so appealing. It's also wonderful to experience the smouldering chemistry that still exists between the men and their wives even after the passage of time.The story wouldn't be complete without intrigue, schemes and a near death experience. Humor and true affection tie this family together and I can't remember the last time so enjoyed the final book in a series. The kids are great fun and it is a very poignant moment when the women stand to together to make a powerful statement to Elaina. This is one passionate and exciting series and I highly recommend starting at the beginning and experiencing the entire saga. If you love those Vikings, don't miss these fantastic stories.


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**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes (“CBLS”) Reviews free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review of this title. No money has been exchanged for this review. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any other CBLS reviewer or this blog’s owner, editor or administrator.

"The Rookie" by Liz Crowe

Title: The Rookie
Author: Liz Crowe
Series: Brewing Passion series, #1
Publisher: Breathless Press
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 25 pages
Heat Rating: Erotic
Rating: 3.5 Cups

Available At:
This is just an example of what is to come from the very talented author, Liz Crowe!

Blurb:
Lisa loves her job in the male-dominated beer sales industry and has built a reputation as one of the best. But she dreads the "ride along" days when beer companies sends their least experienced representatives to see how she operates—until her one bad day turns into something more with The Rookie.

Undercover for his own brewery, Trent has heard of Lisa's prestigious sales prominence and sets out to see for himself—to show Lisa what he is capable of—in business and pleasure. Their attraction leads them to an amazing encounter in the most unlikely place, but will Lisa accept Trent's true identity once it's revealed? Or will she finally surrender and reach out for the unexpected?


Christine's Review:

Lisa is a hard working, take charge, no nonsense career woman. Trent is the rookie who surprises her with his looks and the instant chemistry you can literally see and feel between them. What you have is another Liz Crowe success story. This book is #1 in the Brewing Passions series. Right from the start, you can see the sexual tension between Lisa and Trent. She is understandably angry having Trent with her as his looks and strong work ethic are throwing off her game. Lisa eventually finds out who Trent really is but is willing to move forward to see if there is something else besides the physical chemistry.

This was a short story and quick read. I would have loved to see how these two characters developed. I hope that there is more of them in this series. Another great job Liz – the book and the characters were hot!


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**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes (“CBLS”) Reviews free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review of this title. No money has been exchanged for this review. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any other CBLS reviewer or this blog’s owner, editor or administrator.

"The Naughty List" by Jodi Redford

Title: The Naughty List
Author: Jodi Redford
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 143 pages
Heat Rating: Erotic
Rating: 3.5 Cups

Available at:
Amazon | B&N | Samhain Publishing | ARe

Blurb:
Makin’ a list, and rocking it…twice.

Perpetual good girl Lacey McGuire has two Christmas wish lists. One suitable for public consumption…and a private one that’s too hot to handle. Right at the top: wild, wicked fantasies about her best buddies and business partners Ryan Hollister and Bram Colton.

Besides the fact they’re both poster boys for Hunks ’R’ Us, they’ve been there for her through thick, thin and the heartbreak of a cheating fiancé. So what if her boys will never know they star in her sexiest daydreams? In her fantasy world, her heart will never get trampled again.

Ry and Bram are pretty sure Lacey never meant to email a list of some of her raunchiest wants. Particularly the one that tightens their shorts—she wants a threesome. With them. Although they’ve loved her for years, they made a pact to keep Lacey off limits in order to protect their friendship. Now all bets are off. And the quest to give her all she wants—and more—is on.

Warning: This book contains a wickedly hot M/F/M ménage that will heat up the holidays. Friends steaming things up in a hot tub. Bondage and blindfolds. Sexy shenanigans at a Christmas tree lot. And maybe even a glimpse of Santa…in a Speedo.


Denise's Review:

Bram, Ryan and Lacey, three friends who have been close since high school and now run a restaurant together. The author does a good job laying out how Bram and Ry both desire Lacey but agreed they will not act on their feelings. The men are protective of her and even confront her prior fiancée for betraying her. The author does a wonderful laying out Lacey's fantasies about both the men in her life and highlighting why she be unable to make a choice between the two. It was engaging to see how well each character understood each other, the years of friendship played out in their interactions with each other. After a confrontation with former lover of Bram's and some wine......Lacey questions herself and her life. I loved how the authored used an email error ( haven't we all sent the wrong email to someone) as a reason for the men to accidentally get a copy of Lacey's in a naughty list of sexual desires and fantasies When the men guys realize how she feels about them they set out to make her list reality. Ry and Bram work around to show her how they truly feel. The did not give this book 5 stars because I would have preferred a bit more at the end of the story This was a quick and entertaining with hot M/F/M sex.


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**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes (“CBLS”) Reviews free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review of this title. No money has been exchanged for this review. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any other CBLS reviewer or this blog’s owner, editor or administrator.

"Cupid Christmas" by Lex Valentine

Title: Cupid Christmas
Author: Lex Valentine
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Sub-Genre: Pink Petal Books
Length: 42 pages
Heat Rating: Erotic
Rating: 4.5 Cups

Available at:
Amazon | B&N | Pink Petal Books | ARe

Blurb:
It’s another Christmas at Forbes Ranch and this year the family is playing Cupid with Grayson and Jared’s best friend Steve Yarrow. Years before, Steve’s heart was broken by the love of his life Dalton Emory who left him to further his career by marrying a woman with a rich daddy. Now, divorced, outed and publicly humiliated, Dalton is trying to build a business and keep a low profile. He doesn’t believe he deserves a second chance with Steve after the way he hurt him. However, Dalton didn’t reckon with his former lover’s interfering friends, the depth of Steve’s love nor the forgiveness the spirit of Christmas can offer. Can one lonely, broken cowboy forgive himself and accept the love that has always belonged to him? And will the Forbes tradition of Christmas Eve Happily Ever Afters give Steve and Dalton the future they never thought they’d have?


Gabrielle's Review:

Dalton and Steve have a rocky past. Young and inexperienced they both come together for some fun and when Dalton throws it all away for money he soon finds that his relationship with Steve was so much more than just fun. Little does he realize that Steve has been harboring feelings all these years for him as well. This Christmas their good friends decide that they want the two men to find the love and trust that they lost so many years ago.

Cupid Christmas brings us a wonderful story full of emotions. I was immersed in Dalton and Steve’s story right from the start. The love that the men share is strong. Steve fights for it but Dalton must get past his mistakes and self-loathing or he just might loose the love that he longs for. I enjoyed watching the two men reconnect and fight for their love. Seeing Dalton come back from the brink with the help of Steve made for a nice read. Lex Valentine does a wonderful job of bringing the characters and their world to life. I loved this visit to the Forbes Ranch and hope that I get to come back again.


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**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes (“CBLS”) Reviews free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review of this title. No money has been exchanged for this review. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any other CBLS reviewer or this blog’s owner, editor or administrator.

"On Dublin Street" by Samantha Young

Title: On Dublin Street
Author: Samantha Young
Publisher: self published
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 414 pages
Heat Rating: Erotic
Rating: 5 Cups

Available at:
Amazon | Smashwords

Blurb:
Four years ago, Jocelyn Butler left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Edinburgh. Burying the grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without any real attachments has worked well for her so far but when Joss moves into a fantastic apartment on Dublin Street, her carefully guarded world is shaken to its core by her new roommate’s sexy older brother.

Braden Carmichael is a man who always gets what he wants. And what he wants is Jocelyn in his bed. Knowing how skittish Joss is concerning any kind of relationship, Braden proposes a sexual arrangement that should satisfy the intense attraction between them without it developing into anything ‘more’. An intrigued Jocelyn agrees, completely unprepared for the Scotsman and his single-minded determination to strip the stubborn young woman bare…to the very soul.

Cole is determined to strip away all of her defenses but refuses to lower his ever-present walls, so when Christy realizes she wants more, she's left with only two options; walk away or crack his shield and risk her heart in the process.


Denise's Review:

I loved this book, On Dublin Street tells the tale of Jocelyn Butler a woman who lost her family when she was young.

Joss as she prefers to be called is a very believable character. In response to tragedy she has been to built up walls around herself to keep people at a distance, by doing so she thinks she can avoid being hurt again.

Joss has been able to pull this off for almost 8 years, well that is until she finds a new roommate (flatmate since the book is set in Scotland) Ellie and meets Ellie's brother, Braden Carmichael.

Braden is sexy, charming, and is so intuitive when it comes to what Jocelyn is feeling. He often knows what Joss needs without her saying anything, even if it to not ask questions and give her space, Braden gets her.

Braden is a successful professional who until he meets Jocelyn appears to be the eternal bachelor. Truth is the only reason Joss agrees to Braden's first arrangement (I do not want to give away the story) is because she thinks he is unable to committ.

Again, this builds with Ms Young believable story line. Braden has his own past to deal with and his opening up to Jocelyn is the start of their relationship moving to the next level.

Braden understands why Jocelyn is guarded, he does not try to fix her, he accepts her and wants to help her overcome her past (his helping her when she is having a panic attack will melt your heart).

The chemistry between the two of them is off the charts, you can really feel the connection between them, again excellent job by the author.

Joss pushes Braden back and hard at times; but since the author does such a good job with her story you understand why. Ms Young also uses some dialogue with Jocelyn therapist to try to outline her struggle, she also uses the therapist to push Joss, saying many of the things to her I think readers would want to say at some points during the story.

I enjoyed the small ways that Ms Young pointed out the things Braden were doing that were different than things he has done for other women in his past. She uses his words along with stories and words of other characters to highlight how Jocelyn has effected him in a way no other has. I truly loved seeing this; it really drove the point home that this was Braden's soulmate and made it clear why he was willing to fight so hard for her.

I should also add the chemistry between these two made for some hot scenes; fun and hot, sexy and hot and emotional and hot. Ms Young used their desire for each other to push many buttons for the readers, so well done.

The use of Ellie's family is a wonderful example of how the author builds a well rounded story with secondary character developing that pulls you into her literacy masterpiece. Ellie and her brother's best friend, Adam get a bit of their own story that will keep you wanting more as well.

Grieve and loss can affect people in so many ways; Jocelyn's journey is a heart wrenching and emotional read that at times will make you laugh, at times might make you cry, will definatly have you sweating for Braden and in the end will leave you loving this story.

It was delightful sharing their journey as they discovered each other, and surprisingly finding themselves individually along the way.

I do not want to give away the end but I feel like should say it was really well done. Their physical connection was their but the emotional connection took the relationship to a new level and it was amazing!

The author created two less than perfect characters who had real reasons for their flaws, this translated for me into a strong leading lady and an alpha male who made sense to me.

This almost 400 page book flew by, you will be compelled to keep reading. Ms Young will have you laughing, crying and wanting to know how the story unfolds.

My Mom would tell you I was a child who did not enjoy reading; well I am a woman who read this book in less than two days and if I could have sat and read it from cover to cover in one day I would have.

I truly hope this book is made into a movie one day; it is that good.

Thank you Ms Young for a wonderful read, for beyond believable characters and for a cast I want to read more about!

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**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes (“CBLS”) Reviews free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review of this title. No money has been exchanged for this review. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any other CBLS reviewer or this blog’s owner, editor or administrator.

"Heavy Issues" by Elle Aycart

Title: Heavy Issues
Author: Elle Aycart
Series: Bowen Brothers,#2
Publisher: Loose ID
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 251 pages
Heat Rating: Erotic
Rating: 4 Cups

Available at:
Amazon | B&N | Loose ID | ARe

Blurb:
Steering clear of relationships has never been difficult for demolitions expert Cole Bowen, but now, with his brother's engagement sending the female population into full-blown hysterics and the town of Alden's month-long festivities helping along, he finds himself in hell. When he discovers Alden's new resident and the object of all his wet dreams, Christine Sheridan, has sworn off relationships and is going to hire a gigolo to get professionally laid, he decides to kill two birds with one stone.

Christy is so not drinking again. Thanks to José Cuervo she has her friends signing her up for stud conventions and Cole frigging Bowen offering sex in exchange for fake dates, which is so out of the question it isn't even funny. She knows the domineering man will push her boundaries, and after battling all her life with self-esteem issues, she isn't ready for that. Too bad he won't take no for an answer.

Cole is determined to strip away all of her defenses but refuses to lower his ever-present walls, so when Christy realizes she wants more, she's left with only two options; walk away or crack his shield and risk her heart in the process.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse.



Denise's Review:

This is the second book in Ms. Aycart's Bowen brothers series, the 1st More Than Meets the Ink is about the middle brother James and this book is about the oldest brother, Cole.

Warning this is tough to write without spoilers so there may be some....

Heavy Issues was hot, with character development and layered backstories that truly provided insight into the characters actions and emotions.

In Heavy Issues we meet Christy Sheridan who has past weight issues and has grown to understand her emotional relationship food...though we soon learn she has yet to accept her own body.

Cole Bowen, oldest Bowen brother is confirmed bachelor. When he finally gets the courage to approach Christy who is new to their small, the sparks fly.

As the story unfolded we learn this confirmed bachelor has reasons for keeping emotional distance from women, that date back to his mom walking out when his a young boy.

The chemistry between these two is something neither one has experienced before; they open up to each other in ways neither has experienced before. Christy talks openly about her food issues and learns how powerful and amazing sex can be, while Cole opens up about his Mom and is taken aback by how emotional sex can be.

The angst in this story makes sense given each characters story and the developing relationship these two is just wonderful, and the sex is very hot!

Cole is very take charge especially in the bedroom and he works to how Christy hoe beautiful she is.

I love how Cole slowly accepts his feelings on this own, Christy does not push, she pushes with space and Cole is forced to admit his feeling on his own.

The ending was heartfelt and believable...( I don't want to give too much away)

The interaction between Cole and his brother James is fun and believable, just as in the first book Elle weaves their father in, in all the right places.

I do have to say it left me wanting more....so much so that it is the reason for 4 stars. The books builds to James and Tate's wedding, the characters from book one but ends 1 week before, for me that was just too much to leave it.

I am looking forward to book 3 and I hope it picks up where this one left off. I really do not care with which character as long as we get to see the relationship between James and Tate and Cole and Christy continue to develop and grow.

For me the best stories don't end with a ring, they continue to show you happy as life moves forward.

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**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Coffee Beans & Love Scenes (“CBLS”) Reviews free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review of this title. No money has been exchanged for this review. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any other CBLS reviewer or this blog’s owner, editor or administrator.