A Smile as Sweet as Poison by Helena Maeve

When fiery passion can turn on a dime, how far would you dare to gamble your heart?

When proof of a college indiscretion comes back to haunt her, Hazel’s whole world threatens to crumble under the threat of discovery.

Recently tangled in a three-way relationship with her best friend’s one-time lover and his prickly roommate should’ve turned Hazel’s hair prematurely gray. Sure, it’s not the sweeping fairy tale romance she might have imagined as a little girl, but it might just be the next best thing. Dylan and Ward are not only the right blend of domineering and considerate, they also seem eager to treat Hazel to a comfortable life. Whether it’s in the bedroom or the playroom, they are devoted to her pleasure and enthusiastic to help enact her deepest, darkest fantasies.

But while navigating the uncertain waters of such a complicated arrangement proves easier than expected, other areas of Hazel’s life aren’t so well anchored. As she struggles to keep a shameful secret that could irrevocably change the way Dylan and Ward see her, the tethers of the past call Hazel to home and hearth and the artful lure of an old flame.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of bondage, BDSM and impact play, as well as a scene of rape fantasy.

Book 2
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Totally Bound

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆
Twice Upon a Blue Moon left me with more questions than answers. A Smile as Sweet as Poison answers some of those bigger questions but opens the door to even more unanswered questions. You find out a little more about Hazel's past that explains why she is like she is. Hazel, Ward, and Dylan are involved in an m/f/m relationship. Hazel keeps the boys at a distance always expecting that they will be finished with her. When an error in judgement comes back to haunt her, causing family issues, Ward and Dylan let her know they have her back.

The suspense and steaminess are still on point in this one. There are some definitely hot scenes between the three characters. I am interested in seeing where the next book goes.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆
It is a little while since I read the first book in the series, which means it took me a little while to get back into what is a pretty convoluted story – so I would recommend that you read them together if you can.

I did enjoy parts of the book more than others, and much like the last one, I was left wondering where on earth it would go next. I have a feeling that when the series is complete, reading through it all in one go will make a more cohesive storyline. All that said, I like where the relationship is going, that the guys have her back and that they may just work out that communication is the key. The scenes were interesting as the submission is so grounded in just that time. Plenty to make me think, and a bit of a cliffhanger ending too!

Also Available in the Surface Tension series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Totally Bound

For reviews & more info, check out our Twice Upon a Blue Moon post.

Helena Maeve has always been globe trotter with a fondness for adventure, but only recently has she started putting to paper the many stories she's collected in her excursions. When she isn't writing erotic romance novels, she can usually be found in an airport or on a plane, furiously penning in her trusty little notebook.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of A Smile as Sweet as Poison (Surface Tension #2) by Helena Maeve to read and review.