Book Reviews, Reverse Harem Anthologies

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Valentine Between the Sheets: A Reverse Harem Anthology


Valentine's Day. Flowers, candy, romance, and steamy sex. Twenty-three authors have come together to create a collection of stories that would make Cupid proud. Stories included are by L.A. Boruff, Laura Greenwood, R.M. Walker, Tabitha Barret, Keira Blackwood, Liza Street, T.L. Reeve, Michele Ryan, Skye MacKinnon, T.B. Mann, Grace White, Helen Scott, Serena Akeroyd, Lacey Carter Andersen, C.A. Storm, Erica Andrews, Maggie Lee, Vannah Summers, Rae Tina, Erin O'Kane, Katie Knight, C.R. Jane, and Skyler Andra. This is a review in progress.

Valentine Pride by LA Boruff & Laura Greenwood, 3 Star
While mountain hiking Leola finds herself suddenly surrounded by 3 men, Cas, Levon, and Kerry. Instead of being scared, she is unexplainably drawn to them, recognizes that they are like her, and soon finds herself in an intimate encounter. A week later unable to focus on anything other than the men and their shared afternoon, Leola again heads to the mountain, this time to shift into her deer form and hopefully find the three men again. She gets more than she hoped for.
I am a big fan of both of these authors and expected to love their collaboration. However, this story didn't work for me. The characters are fully developed and the sexy times are steamy. However, I didn't feel any emotional connection at all. The men let Leola leave after the first encounter without a word and didn't follow or reach out to her afterward. She had to seek them out. Knowing what they knew it made me question if this was a choice of love or demanded by their shifters. They never spoke of love or even showed affection towards her. There were no assurances of or if they would remain faithful. It only seemed about sex, marking, and mating. Not for me.

Stained Hearts by Helen Scott & Serena Akeroyd
The Harpy's Gift by Lacey Carter Anderson, 5 Star
Celaeno is mated to and pregnant by three overprotective gargoyles. So when she sneaks out to get their Valentine's presents and spend a few moments on her own, she knows she risks upsetting them. When she finds herself in unexpected danger, she knows that even though she handled the danger with her own powers that they will be angry. She's not wrong. After a heated argument, Celaeno is left in tears and her men are upset. Valentine's is ruined. Or is it? A few memories, gentle reminders, compromises, and a sexy pose or two and the romance of the day is saved. Now it's time for presents and a chance at winning the title of "best present ever"!
I loved this little story. I was unfamiliar with this series but it didn't matter. I immediately fell in love with all three overbearing, overprotective, over-sized gargoyles. Their sweetness towards Celaeno and their baby more than made up for any ridiculous behavior. This made me realize that I must grab the Monsters and Gargoyles series.

Artificial Integrations: Valentina's Day by CA Storm
A Valentine's Day Revenge by Erica Andrews, 5 Star
Valentine's Day. Roses. A romantic dinner with her fiancee. Well, let's just say the evening didn't go like Jessica expected. But what started out humiliating and heartbreaking turned into the most delicious night spent with three beautiful men in a sexy adventure.
This story drew me in faster than any other story in this anthology. I was immediately captivated. All three men were mysterious and delectable. Jessica was a role model for unappreciated women worldwide. The evening was passionate. The ending was priceless. My only complaint was the unfinished feel. Will there be more? There needs to be more!

Cherished by Grace White, 4 Star
Terra and her protectors saved the world. Now she's safe, going to school, living with her guys. She has the love she always wanted. She's happy. She doesn't need them to do anything for Valentine's Day. She doesn't need the flowers and candy, the dinner, and jewelry. She has their hearts, that's enough. But her guys want to show her just how loved she is.
It was great to catch back up with Terra and her protectors. Movie night with Endo and Cael, dream-walking with Ross, and Sol finally taking a moment to open up. My only complaint is that I didn't get to spend any time with them all together as a group. I love that dynamic. No complaints about the shared moment I did get. Hot! This story made me realize that these five have more adventures to share. I feel like they need another challenge...

Vero's Lace by Maggie Lee & Vannah Summers

Love's Challenge by Tabitha Barret

Oracle Adored by Keira Blackwood & Liza Street, 4 Star
Sparrow and her four guys are searching for her sister Wren. Following a lead, they visit Freak, a shifter dance/sex club. Sparrow hones in on their target and her guys tell her to seduce him so they can get their hands on him. Sparrow finds Trevor on the dance floor but they quickly head to a more private place. The plan is for her to seduce him as a distraction but Sparrow wonders who exactly is being seduced as she gets closer to Trevor. And why are her men not stopping this?
I really enjoyed this story. I think it would be even better had I read the first book so I was more familiar with the story and characters but I was able to follow along even without having read the series. The characters were interesting and their interactions were hot! The storyline was compelling enough that I have added Oracle Defiant to my tbr list.

Sorrow's Valentine by RM Walker, 4 Star
Sorrow is planning the kingdom's Valentine's Ball nearly overwhelmed by the politics of the occasion. She's also worried about her best friend Mystral. She has received a letter from her and although it says little, Sorrow can't help but feel something is wrong. Preparations for the ball, stolen times spent with her husbands, the ball itself, and Valentine's Day occupy the next week. Conversations, shared confidences, and confessions of love are interwoven throughout.
I confess I was a bit lost at the beginning of this story. I think it would be better to read A Tale of Sorrow first. I could have used some backstory and clarification with the unfamiliar characters. Their unusual names further complicated things. I spent the first chapter confused between Sorrow's husband and her dragon. I didn't understand who Mystral was or her relationship to the others. Once I sorted the characters, I did enjoy the story. The intrigue at the ball and my suspicions about Sorrow held my attention. I do plan to read the original story so that I am fully prepared when the next story is released.

Operation: Valentine's by Rae Tina

Lupercalia by TL Reeve & Michelle Ryan

Beloved Heart by Skye MacKinnon

One Night Only by KA Knight & Erin O'Kane, 4 Star
Gabriella is the stage manager for one of the hottest male stripper acts around. The Wild Boys are made up of six incredibly hot dancers; one is her best friend, the others are her boyfriends. They are putting on a special Valentine's Day performance. One night, one show, one special meet and greet. But it's the 'after-party' Gabriella is looking forward to the most.
I was torn about this story. It was hot. No denying that. There was an intense sexual attraction between Gabriella and her men. I'm not sure it was as successful showing the emotional connection. The guys briefly said the right words but I didn't feel it like I needed to. It didn't help that the guy's characters were not defined enough. Her best friend didn't amuse me. He didn't seem much like a best friend and I found the dynamic odd. My issues could be because I couldn't share my guy's bodies with other women like this. Insecurities would destroy me. Because of this, I needed to know that the guys' entire universe revolved around Gabriella, not just sexually. Lust is easy. Love is not. It bothered me that Gabriella was so upset and never discussed it with her guys. Her feelings were valid and important to their relationship but they were pushed aside for sex. I did see that this story will be expanded into a series. Both of these authors are so talented that I fully expect each issue I have to be addressed and resolved. I do know that I will be reading the series to find out.

The Music She Makes by CR Jane, 5-Star
Daria's mother never wanted her for anything beyond the claim and fortune her talent provided. Placed on display as a piano prodigy, she has been paraded in front of adoring crowds from the time she was a small child. But now if her audition for Julliard goes as expected she has a chance to live her life for herself, find her own happiness. That is unless she loses her focus because of her attraction to her tutor Professor Alexander Miller or one of the judges, famous singer Jack Ryder.
This was my favorite story in the book. Daria drew me in immediately; talented, beautiful, lonely, hopeful. She's an enchanting lady. The characters, the sexual tension, the storyline were immediately addictive. That ending! I definitely want more.

Stupid Cupid by Skylar Andra

Dump N' Chase by TB Mann, 5 Star
Kayla is looking forward to celebrating an early Valentine's with her three husbands and give them her special present but it doesn't appear as if they are as eager. They are late for dinner and then seem more interested in the hockey game than they are their wife. Have they lost interest?
This novella is part of the Red Line Series which I love. It was wonderful to spend a little time with these four again. Hormones raging, moods swinging, frustration and sexiness. This had some of everything. Not a fan of the guy's plan but they made it up to Kayla quite nicely. And I loved how Kayla delivered her 'present' as a final statement. Perfect!


What Goes Bump In The Night... What Goes Bump In The Night:           A Halloween Paranormal                       Romance Anthology

                  by , n, , , ,
, , , , , ,                                                       , , , ,  , r   *****REVIEW
Halloween done the Reverse Harem way; scary, funny, and so, so sexy! This Anthology contains 16 stories by some of the best RH writers on the market. It's full of characters you definitely want to investigate in the dark and absolutely wouldn't say no to biting you. Time to go trick or treating with angels, demons, witches, werewolves, elves, vampires, and maybe even a unicorn! Stories by C.R. Jane, Yumoyori Wilson, K.T. Strange, Harper Wylde, Mila Young, Mary Martel, Joely Sue Burkhart, Skye Mackinnon, Elle Cross, Montana Ash, C. Strange, K.B. Everly, Stacy Jones, Beth Hendrix, Bea Paige, May Dawson, and T.J. Spade. I will be reviewing this story by story, so please be patient. I will get to them all, promise!

Frightful Beginnings by C.R Jane, 5-star rating. 
Eva has never had a Halloween. The only time she tried to celebrate like the other children it didn't turn out well. This year will be different. Lexi and her men, Beckham, Mason, and Damon plan to make it her new favorite holiday. A movie premiere, the after-party, and a haunted house surrounded by three gorgeous, adoring men and a bestie should do the trick. 
Without a doubt the sexiest Halloween imaginable even with Eric's stalking. Bet he wishes he stayed home by the end (or maybe not). I love Eva and love that she gets spoiled by her loves and Lexi after everything she's been through. The pampering, dancing, the singing, and the kissing. Swoon-worthy. And Lexy at the premiere and club was hysterical. She's a great addition to the group. This is the perfect treat for everyone who loves this series. 

Celestia's Trick or Treat Mayhem by Yumoyori Wilson, 5-star rating.
DOO DOO DOO. It's a night for tricks and plenty of treats as Celestia and her men enjoy themselves at Aslan's Halloween Festival. When they go into the dark forest they become part of a game of five trials where only the fulfillment of their pleasurable desires can set them free. 
This is a lighthearted holiday romp full of silly and sexy times. It leaves you wanting a set of twins (or two sets) of your own!

Hyde With Me by K.B. Everly and Stacy Jones, 5-star rating.
Jaquelyn (Lyn) Hyde, chemical pathologist student has already lost one mother. She can't lose the second one. So she is determined to do anything to find a cure for the disease slowly killing her aunt. When she is convinced she's found the correct formula, she uses the only test subject available to her, herself. Jacky is created. More interested in fighting and two blue-eyed twins, Jacky has no time for dull little Lyn's life, her classes or her sweet Southern crush. Somehow these two are going to have to learn about the other and learn to share!
I am a huge fan of KB Everly. Her writing is original, sometimes dark, always sexy, and always entertaining. For this story, she is paired with Stacy Jones, another fresh voice. This twist on Jekyll and Hyde is a prequel providing the backstory on what is sure to a most unusual and captivating RH. Brilliant start!

Four Lilac Spells by Bea Paige, 4-star rating.
This Sisters of Hex series novella is set during a period of time in Fern's Flight. You really need to have read Lissa has loved Nostra for what seems forever. He feels the same but in frustrating Nostra fashion, he refuses to Entwine with her for her safety. Even though without his magic, he is dying and this is his best chance. So Lissa is trying to save him, his way with her magic and specially crafted spells. 
This is an intense read covering a few vital hours in Lissa and Nostra's relationship. It highlights Lissa's strength, her love for Nostra, and her willingness to do whatever it takes to save him. Nostra is well-meaning but frustrating and foolish. He's the one who originally declared that the Sisters would beat the evil Queen because they had the one thing she could never have, love. Now he's refusing love and hurting himself and Lissa. In the end, however, he's no match for Lissa and her power. She will keep him alive; he's too important to the war and to her. Reading this also clears up the mystery of Lissa's state of undress during the battle!


Falling For Them Volume 4: ... Falling For Them Volume 4:                   A Reverse Harem Collection

by  , ,  , n,        *****REVIEW


Falling for Them Volume 3: ... Falling for Them Volume 3: Reverse Harem Collection by 

Falling For Them, Volume 3 continues the excellence that we have come to expect with these Reverse Harem Anthologies. Known authors Amy Sumida and Montana Ash are joined by JL Akins, HK Khan, Desi Lin, TB Mann, and ZL Morris. A big welcome to these wonderful new authors into this genre!

Benji’s Decision by ZL Morris
Benji and his best friends, Shayne and Morgan, rescue Arlia, a new waitress at their local bar, from a couple of handsy patrons. They are each immediately taken with her and an easy friendship springs up. With a little prodding from one of their father's, they consider pursuing a relationship with Arlia. Their decision and her's threaten their friendship and future happiness. I was not a fan of Benji, so it was difficult for me to completely love this story. It's full of plenty of angst. Benji's attitude and his over-drinking dampened my enjoyment. I think this is a testament to exactly how well-written it is. 
Her Reasons by J.L. Akins 
Since Joey's mother died, her father has been dangerously abusive. She spends her days trying to hide her bruises and her nights trying to survive. The arrival of a new teacher and his sons changes everything. Matt, Bishop, Jaidon, Alex, and Stetson all came to be adopted by unfortunate circumstances. They immediately recognize Joey as one of their own, their missing piece. They save her life in more than one way. I love this story. I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to read it as it was being written, loved it then, love it even more now. The characters are all so sweet, and I adore the Dad's. There are so many lines I keep with me from this book. I look forward to reading more about Joey, her guys, the Dad's and another special student in the future. Savor Life by TB Mann

Aria is on a girl's trip after getting a second chance at life. A random encounter and a medical emergency introduces Aria to Chad, Doug, and Jason, 3 lifelong friends also on vacation. The 3 men are drawn to Aria much to the dismay of her best friend They spend ten days of fun on the beach, at the pool falling for each other. The guys are clear that they want Aria. They have each come through a dark period in their own lives and Aria brings the light back to them. She has survived a terrible loss; will she be brave enough to live out her greatest fantasy? Will her friends turn away from her if she does? I loved this story. Life after tragedy and near death spoke to me. The sexual chemistry was off the charts. I hated Shona and never quite got over it. How Aria's best friends went from supportive to judgemental made me want Aria to run towards the guys and never look back. 
Ivory’s Familiars by Montana Ash
Ivory has a stalker that has recently upped his game enough to cause her to hire a bodyguard, actually the bodyguard came as part of a set of three hot men. Ivory has an intense, immediate attraction to all three, but they are in a loving, committed relationship with each other. Seth, Ronan, and Vaughn are black jaguar shifters, familiars without a witch, so they take security jobs while hoping to find a missing witch from their coven. Ivory just could be what they are looking for. Their missing witch, their missing piece. The female to complete them all. I loved the relationship between the men. Vaugn's grumpiness, Seth's cheekiness, and Ronan's ability to bring them all together. The way they would fight as foreplay was hot. Ivory was almost an afterthought, but she did complete them and gave them a sense of purpose. 

Sanguine by HK Khan

The Debut (when vampires came out) took place nearly a century ago, they have convinced the world that they are following 'The Charter' and are law-abiding citizens. There are official donors banks; humans are safe. But that's not always the case, so the Council of Hunters exists. They hunt rogue vampires and search for the blood slave's black market. Out on patrol a young lady literally falls into their arms. She has lived the life of a blood slave. She has never even had a name; Sanguine (happy blood) was the label she was given by the Vampires. She has no memory of any life other than being an abused food source, but there's more to this young lady than meets the eye. This was an excellent story, multi-layered, complex, and fast-paced. Declan, Genji, Phoenix, Ashton and Hawk were all developed, likable characters (even Hawk). I look forward to reading more adventures of this group and following up on the mystery that is the Huntress; Guine, Sugar Plum, Kitten, Sunshine, Violet or whatever name she decides on. Now that she has her family, she can discover her history. 

Claiming Flame by Desi Lin
Seraphina is an Ignis, the fire elemental. Her life has not been easy; she's the only orphan on record being raised by the Councilum. She's had to change schools every year. She has built walls to protect her heart, but it's a lonely life. She has a reputation as a troublemaker. Now at her most recent school, the dorm matron is physically abusive. The only bright spot in her life are the three boys, Souta, Brooks, and JJ, who refuse to leave her alone, despite her attempts to push them away. They believe she is the 4th element of their group, the one to complete their Genus (water, fire, earth, air elementals). Will she be able to let her guard down and let the boys into her life? Will she even get the chance to? This is a truly wonderful story. The characters are great. JJ is adorable, Brooks and his quiet perfection are perfect for Sera, and Souta's energy and enthusiasm are contagious. I wasn't sure about the relationship between Souta and Brooks. I am not opposed, but the depth of their love for one another didn't seem like it would be as open to including Sera completely. I'm afraid that it will be 2+2 sometimes equals 4 but sometimes stays 2+2. Still, I was drawn into this wonderful world with these wonderful characters and can't wait for more. The birthday section was perfection! 
Codename: Goldilocks by Amy Sumida
SCCIT agent Tempest Alexander, Codename: Goldilocks is on assignment to bust a slave trafficking ring run by the local werewolf pack. She must find and rescue 14 missing women. Unfortunately, she finds herself in a cell with the missing women, tortured daily, and about to be sold. However, Tempest is a remarkable woman and finds a way to escape with one of the other women. She leads the werewolves up the mountain where they were being held to allow the other woman to get to the town. As she's about to be caught by the wolves, she gets unexpected help from some bears! Tempest stumbles on a house where she enters, helps herself to some food, and falls asleep. She awakens to the Medvedev brothers, Kael, Zaire, and Blaise. They tend to her injuries and treat her like their queen. Soon enough they ask her to stay, to try being their girlfriend. She's falling for them quickly, but they have a secret that may ruin their chances with her. This agent has a deep-seated prejudice against all shifters. There may be no HEA. Amy Sumida has the most creative mind in this genre. Her fairy tales all have such an imaginative spin and this one is no exception. This one also throws in a topical message. Well done.

Once again I am impressed with the excellence of this Anthology. Three Volumes, three distinct books, all worthy of a 5 Star Rating. I can only hope that there are many Volumes in our future!




Falling For Them Volume 2: ... Falling For Them Volume 2: Reverse Harem Collection  by 


Falling For Them Volume 1: ...  Falling For Them

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