ARC Review: Hard to Serve

As always, I feel so lucky to be one of the early readers of Laura Kaye's new releases. Check out her newest below!

Title: Hard to Serve
Series: Hard Ink, 5.5
Author: Laura Kaye
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc.
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Pages: 140
Buy Links: Amazon

Blurb:

To protect and serve is all Detective Kyler Vance ever wanted to do, so when Internal Affairs investigates him as part of the new police commissioner’s bid to oust corruption, everything is on the line. Which makes meeting a smart, gorgeous submissive at an exclusive play club the perfect distraction… 

The director of the city’s hottest art gallery, Mia Breslin’s career is golden. Now if only she could find a man to dominate her nights and set her body—and her heart—on fire. When a scorching scene with a hard-bodied, brooding Dom at Blasphemy promises just that, Mia is lured to serve Kyler again and again.

Then, as their relationship burns hotter, Kyler learns that he’s been dominating the daughter of the hard-ass boss who has it in for him. Now Kyler must choose between life-long duty and forbidden desire before Mia finds another who’s not so hard to serve.

HOT, HOT, HOT!

I honestly don't know how Laura does it, but she manages to surpass the greatness of every book she's released in the past. This new novella was so hot and such a great little teaser to her new series Blasphemy.

The chemistry between Kyler and Mia was so explosive from the very start. I loved the way Laura wrote the book in such a way that even I could feel Kyler's dominant aura. It was, quite possibly, one of the hottest things I've ever read.

This book was exactly the kind of story that got me into reading BDSM stories. I enjoyed reading about the dominance, but more than that, I enjoyed the trust between the two characters. I also loved the way that they were meant to serve each other equally, though not obvious at first. There's nothing better than a Dom taking great care of his sub after an intense scene.

Mia: "Oh, my God. Are those chocolate chip?"

Kyler: "Is there any other kind of cookie? I mean, really."

Mia: "I agree completely, Sir."

Kyler: "Good. That's always the best course of action."

Kyler and Mia also genuinely cared for each other. It was so sweet when Kyler asked about Mia's gallery, and when Mia asked if Kyler was okay when he looked so angry. 

Kyler: "You really do look beautiful."
Mia: "Thank you."

Kyler: "How did your big gallery opening go?"

Mia: "How did you remember that?"

Kyler: "Because it was important to you."

Another thing I loved, of course, was the humor in the book. I could always count on Laura to have some of the other characters grill the main character in some way. It was honestly one of the most enjoyable things to read.

Griffin: "Kyler? What am I missing here? Why was she unhappy?"

Kyler: "She can't afford the membership."

Griffin: "Can't afford...? But aren't you..."

Quinton: "Yeah, I kinda thought so, too."

Kyler: "I don't do relationships. You know this. So you thought wrong."

Quinton: "That's some bullshit right there, Kyler. But tell yourself whatever you need to sleep at night, I guess."

Speaking of Quinton, I was absolutely in love with his character! (But don't tell Kyler) He was such a beacon of light and joy when Mia was down. I honestly cannot wait for his book!

Over text messages:

Mia: "Hi Master Quinton. It's Mia Breslin. We met at Blasphemy last month. Just wanted to thank you again for your kindness that night."

Quinton: "You've been thinking about my superpowers, haven't you? Admit it. Q"

Mia: "How could I not? Who can resist a great mystery?"

Quinton: "When are you coming back in?"

Mia: "I don't have a membership. I was actually hoping you might be able to recommend another club in Baltimore. I love Blasphemy but it's outside my range."

Quinton calls Mia:

Quinton: "Mia, I'm not your Dom, but I'm about to give you an order. You ready?"

Mia: "Um. Maybe?"

Quinton: "Get you ass over here right now."

Mia: "What? I'm in pajamas."

Quinton: "This is Blasphemy. Clothing is entirely optional. Problem solved. What else you got?"

Mia: "Master Quinton, maybe you didn't get my last text. I can't come back to Blasphemy-"

Quinton: "I got it. You can come back. You have a membership."

Mia: "I returned it."

Quinton: "Uh huh. Which is why your card is waiting for you at registration. Memberships are nonrefundable, Mia. You have one. Please use it. This is the only place where I can guarantee your safety, especially given some of your interests."

Can you tell yet how much I enjoyed this book? There were so many good parts that tugged at the heartstring one way or another. If you like BDSM stories, this one is definitely a must-read!

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Review: Blank Canvas

Finally, after years of procrastinating, I'd finally read my first ever Mari Carr book! Check out my thoughts below :)

Title: Blank Canvas
Series: Big Easy, #1
Author: Mari Carr
Publisher: Carried Away Publishing
Release Date: February 16, 2014
Pages: 106
Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon UK | ARe | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Smashwords

Blurb:

Disillusioned by divorce, Jennifer's about to discover her wild side, starting with a tattoo from Caliph. And continuing with submission, spankings, wax play...all under the skilled hands of her wickedly sexy tattoo master.

What a great intro to the world of Mari Carr! This book was sexy and hot, but it also had heart. I loved it!

When I was reading this book, I had a man's face in my head, except that he wasn't a tattoo artist, but a barber. Anyway, this had never happened so I thought I'd mention it. On to the actual review ;)

I love the inquisitiveness of Caliph. Somehow, he was able to read Jennifer's face as if they'd known each other for years. I think that was amazing, and I would have been mad if Jennifer let a gem like him go. 

I loved Jennifer's innocence. It was a great contrast to Caliph's wild side. The little bits of BDSM in this story was so refreshing as well. Because Jennifer was new to everything, there was considerable communication and education, but at the same time, Caliph pushed her and she didn't disappoint.

I also appreciated that they were both very direct and didn't beat around a bush. They liked each other? They went on a date ASAP. They were hot for each other? They scheduled a little date for that, too. There was no playing hard to get and I liked that. 

"Bondage. Domination. Spanking. Wax play. Anal." He rattled off his grocery list of sex acts with such ease Jennifer struggled to catch her breath. "Oh. Is that all?"

Not only was Caliph super hot and talented, he was also very understanding. Knowing about Jennifer's divorce, he was sensitive when it came to certain things like her insecurities, but he also knew that she had more potential than she realized. Reading that discovery was so satisfying.

Caliph held out his hand. "Give me your phone." "Why?" Even as she asked the question, she handed it over. "Who's your best friend? "Beth." He turned it on and clicked on her list of contacts before handing it back to her. "Send a text to Beth. Tell her where you're going and give her my address."

One thing that did put me off in this book was the use of mineral oil. I don't like mineral oil, among other things, so sue me ;)

Caliph: "How much do you know about wax play?"

Jennifer: "Next to nothing."

Caliph: "You want a brief lesson? Wanna know about the wax, temperatures, stuff like that?"

Jennifer: "Nope. Don't give a shit. For the first time in my life, I think I'd prefer experience over education."

Caliph: "Yeah. That sealed it. Your one-night stand just became a weekend. You up for it?"

Jennifer: "Guess it all depends on how you stick the landing."

I think it's safe to say that I'd be reading more Mari Carr books in the future.

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Review: Conquered Match

Time for another Coded for Love review! :)

Title: Conquered Match
Series: Coded for Love, #3
Author: Lynne Silver
Publisher: Beyond the Page
Release Date: April 17, 2016
Pages: 46
Buy Links: Amazon | ARe | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo | BN
*grab it while it's only $0.99!*

Blurb:

When soldier Ryan Lopez learns his beloved wife, Thea, has betrayed his team by going to the media and spilling Program secrets, he takes matters into his own hands and punishes her the only way he knows how—by seducing her until she’s begging for release.

The more Ryan takes control of her body, the more he realizes he’s never fully understood Thea’s dark desires. And now that he’s had a taste, he doesn’t want to stop. Testing both their limits in a night of unbound passion, it will take every bit of Ryan’s strength to prove to the woman he loves that she is also his conquered match.

It was a long, drawn out sex scene with a sprinkle of emotion and heart.

There was a big misunderstanding between Ryan and Thea, and it took a drastic action to bring them together. I enjoyed Ryan's choice of punishment for Thea. Even though he was hurt that she betrayed him and the people he worked for, she was still his wife and the most important person in his life.

It was sad what they went through, but it was also quite refreshing to read about a man breaking down into tears. Sometimes it's okay not to be so strong all the time, but what I appreciated more was the way Thea lent him strength just by being there.

"I've seen you and the guys train, Ryan. You can take down an enemy in seconds and have him restrained with nothing more than the lint in your pocket. I would have thought you'd be more creative when it came to restraining your helpless little wife."

To be honest, I did want to read about the deadly side of Ryan as well. Hopefully, there would be a moment for him in future books. Anyway, as per usual with Lynne's books, I love that's there's at least one comedic break. Who doesn't love a good giggle?

"I'm still in charge here, hon. I'll take you when I'm damn good and ready." She didn't respond. Simply swiveled her hips, ensuring that her damp pussy rubbed every inch of his shaft. He groaned. "Good and ready may be right now."

If you want a quick, transitional read before moving on to the next book on your TBR pile, I would recommend this book. It's hot, sexy, and steamy :)

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