Eternal Ecstasy by Setta Jay

As the ruling God of Thule, Hroarr's priority is the survival of his world. Gifted with the ancient ability of sjá, he has seen the birth and destruction of hundreds of worlds. This incredible power comes at an enormous cost, yet its toll seems to ease in the presence of a hauntingly seductive healer from Earth.

Sirena’s life is comprised of duty. Duty to her Guardian family, to healing those of her world and, most of all, the overwhelming duty to right the wrongs of her secret and vile bloodline. With everything on her plate a ruthless warlord God from another world is the last thing she needs, no matter what fate and her heated body demands.

Will a dark Destroyer of Worlds bring upon the end of Earth and Thule or will two strong-minded beings fight and discover their own eternal ecstasy?

*This is the finale of the Guardians and the Realms series and is not meant to be read as a standalone title*

Warning: Take one possessive, dirty talking Warrior God and one smart, no nonsense Healer; combine and shake things up for explosive results and scorching content meant for mature audiences!

Book 10
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shelby – ☆☆☆☆☆
The final book in The Guardians of the Realms series was exciting, sexy, and satisfying! (These books should definitely be read in order to be able to appreciate the full effect.)

Sirena is one of my favorite characters. She's hard working, reliable, dependable, and so very lonely. Proving to be the backbone of the Guardians and the "healer" – she's so caught up in work, at all times, she rarely takes the time to relax. She's also convinced she'll never be lucky enough to find "the one" due to her genetics (i.e., NEEDING a man to prove to be stronger than her).
It just so happens that Hroarr, the God of Thule, is JUST the man for her!!
Yes, he's domineering and cold, he's calculating and emotionless, but he has his reasons.
When the fate of all falls on your shoulders, you just don't have time to worry about romance... unless it falls in your lap.
As can be expected, the development of Sirena and Hroarr's relationship is fantastic. Learning about these characters and watching them come together is rewarding, as is the sexy time.

The entire series has been building up to this very moment! Each of the guardians are featured in the epic battle for the world.
This was a great conclusion to a fantastic series, which has definite re-readability!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the tenth and final book in the series. I would absolutely recommend that you read these in order. In case you have forgotten any details (or really feel the need to read this as a standalone), Ms. Jay kindly gives a quick primer at the beginning of the book.

We had a hint at this pairing at the very end of the previous book, but the course of their relationship does not follow the same mating frenzy as earlier couples. But Hroarr is busy trying to save the world, and takes a while to recognise Sirena's value. Given how she has been invaluable as a healer through the whole series, it was only right that she gets her chance. And once they do work things out, oh, Ms. Jay turns the heat up in her own indomitable style... burning hot and extra steamy!

The underlying story through all the books is wonderfully complex and very engaging. It has grown to such a crescendo that it was difficult to believe that it could be resolved, but of course it is, and in a very exciting and satisfying way. Inevitably the whole team are needed, so we get to enjoy seeing them all again. I have loved reading this series that a very vivid and well-read imagination has created for us to enjoy. I know that should I have a window of opportunity, I will be reading them all one after the other to get the full force of the story in one go.

Thank you Ms. Jay for sharing this super sexy and very imaginative series.

Also Available in the Guardians of the Realms Series

Book 1
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For reviews & more info, check out our Ecstasy Unbound post.

Book 2
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For reviews & more info, check out our Ecstasy Claimed post.

Book 3
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For reviews & more info, check out our Denying Ecstasy post.

Book 4
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For reviews & more info, check out our Tempting Ecstasy post.

Book 5
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For reviews & more info, check out our Piercing Ecstasy post.

Book 6
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For reviews & more info, check out our Binding Ecstasy post.

Book 7
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For reviews & more info, check out our Searing Ecstasy post.

Book 8
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For reviews & more info, check out our Divine Ecstasy post.

Book 9
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For reviews & more info, check out our Storm of Ecstasy post.

Setta Jay is the author of the popular Guardians of the Realms Series. She's garnered attention and rave reviews in the paranormal romance world for writing smart, slightly innocent heroines and intense alpha males. She loves writing stories that incorporate a strong plot with a heavy dose of heat. Her influences include Judith McNaught who she feels writes a smart heroine to perfection, Gena Showalter, Maya Banks and Lora Leigh.  You can often find her writing compared to JR Ward, but if you are a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood be warned that Setta Jay’s novels are more erotic in nature.

Born a California girl, she currently resides in Idaho with her husband of ten plus years who she describes as incredibly sexy and supportive, even when it’s Willy Wednesday on Twitter. ;) 

She loves to hear from readers so feel free to find her on social media or send her an email and she will happily reply.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Eternal Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #10) by Setta Jay to read and review.

Block and Strike by Kelly Jensen

Jacob Kendricks is three months out of prison, estranged from his daughter, and ready to get his life on track. Taking care of the bum curled up on his doorstep isn’t part of the plan. When he realizes the man has been assaulted, Jake takes him to the hospital, where he learns that Max is his downstairs neighbor… and that he could really use a friend. Keeping Max in the friend-zone would be easier if he wasn’t so damned cute.

Maxwell Wilson has been bullied for years, and the only person who ever cared lives too far away to come to his rescue. Now his upstairs neighbor is offering support. Max remains cautious, suspecting he is little more than a project for the handsome Jake. When he learns Jake has had boyfriends as well as girlfriends, Max has to reevaluate his priorities—and muster the courage to take a chance at love.

Just when a happy future is within their grasp, life knocks them back down. A devastating blow leaves Max lower than ever and Jake wrestling with regret. They both have to find the strength to stand on their own before they can stand together.

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Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆
3.5 stars

This is as dark and gritty as m/m romance gets. When a rehabilitating ex-con rescues his young neighbor after a brutal attack, the result is an unlikely friendship and an angst filled attraction between the two men.

I’m conflicted about this story. There were moments I loved: Jake’s family is very special. His relationship with Eric made for some very emotional scenes between the two friends. I loved Jake’s karate class and the interesting characters in the group – there are some great scenes as Max begins his training.

However, as Jake and Max’s histories are revealed, this story gets darker and darker. Domestic abuse, parental rejection, poverty, bullying, and debilitating injuries are just a few of the problems circling around these two men. The resulting story was just too heavy for me. There are moments of hope and redemption, but the gloom that shadows these two had me feeling so miserable that I had to read this in small chunks.

The poor communication between Jake and Max created additional conflict, but I struggled to invest in the relationship as Jake kept secrets for far too long and Max alternately chased and ran from Jake. For me, there was too much emotional angst and it didn’t ring true from two hardened blue collar men.

I also struggled with Jake’s character. I couldn’t reconcile the many parts of his character. The calm, disciplined karate student who is committed to his family and his building projects seemed alien to the character described as having a brutal temper and who went to prison for assault. There is something Jekyll and Hyde about Jake’s character that just didn’t ring true for me.

This is a story I might revisit when I’m in a better headspace myself. I struggled with the dark themes in this book, which isn’t necessarily criticism of the author or the writing – I just found the angst overwhelming.

KELLY JENSEN was born in Australia and raised everywhere else. Currently, she lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter, and herd of four cats. After disproving the theory that water only spins counterclockwise around drains north of the equator, she turned her attention to more productive pursuits such as reading, writing, writing about reading, and writing stories of her own. She also enjoys volunteering at her local library, playing video games, and holds a brown belt in Kiryoku, a martial art combining Shotokan, Aikido, and Tang Soo Do. Her family is not intimidated by her.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Block and Strike by Kelly Jensen to read and review.

The Keeper by Jillian Liota

Soccer goalie Rachel Jameson is in her final year at Glendale College on academic and athletic scholarships. It’s quite the achievement for a young woman who grew up in a home filled with drunken abuse, who barely made it out of high school alive.

But she’s smart, dedicated, and has her eyes set on that cap and gown next spring. Nothing’s going to get in the way of a hard-fought battle for the freedom and independence she’s so desperately craved.

Until she meets Mack.

He stumbles into her world with a flirty smile and warm eyes – a man that pushes Rachel out of her comfort zone and into his arms. Their chemistry is swift and undeniable, and soon after meeting the two recognize the depth of their connection.

But an unfortunate circumstance forces the two to abandon their romance before it has truly begun. Rachel’s carefully planned life begins to shake like an unstable house of cards, and when she risks losing Mack completely, she has to decide what’s more important.

Her future.

Or theirs.

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~ Available on KindleUnlimited ~

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
I fought with myself about how I felt about this story; I mean I loved it, but it was RJ that had me. She was so undecided to the point she was mean at times. And after learning just what happened to her in the past, it became clear why she was the way she was.

Mack was, oh what was Mack? He was the sexy guy she met at her brother's party and he asked her out. So where was this going to go? And yes, Mack has a past too. One that will break your heart even more than RJ's past will.

So you meet a guy at a party that literally throws himself at you to get away from another girl, what do you do? Yes, you go out with him. And things between RJ and Mack are so easy, they talk, laugh, and get along so well. Until Monday morning soccer practice rolls around and Mack is the new soccer coach.

Can RJ forget about Mack so she doesn't lose her scholarships at school? Will Mack give up his coaching job to be with RJ?

This is a first for me from this author and I really enjoyed this story and I hope there will be more from this group of friends.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is an enjoyable soccer-based sports romance. RJ is a goalkeeper and she is managing to get through college on academic and sports scholarships. She, therefore, has a lot of pressure to work hard both on and off the field. Given her very difficult teenage years, due to an abusive father, she keeps herself on track in fear of having to return home. She also has a very successful brother who plays for the LA Galaxy team and it is at one of his parties that we first meet her... and Mack.

Mack's background story unfolds through the book, and we learn that he has not had it easy either, but for a completely different reason. He and Rachel (RJ) feel an immediate connection at the party, but then obstacles arise to make them acting on the chemistry complicated. We get to go along for the ride as they do their best to work out a way forward.

The writing is really good and it was easy to just keep turning the pages. That said, I did sometimes wonder at some of the twists, which were not always entirely logical to me, but overall, the story kept me fully entertained. I will look out for more books by this author.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆
Though I really liked the storyline, I’m giving it three stars because this is one of those books that kind of made me want to pull my hair out. They’re together, then not, then together, then not… it felt like an endless tennis match. Then you add in a heroine who has a terrible father, a best friend who, quite frankly, sucks, and a brother who is clueless… I just didn’t love this one.

The story starts off with a bang, Rachel Jameson, aka RJ, and Mack meet at a party and the attraction between the two is immediate, prompting Mack to ask RJ on a date. The two have serious feelings toward one another after just one date, definitely love at first sight. Then RJ shows up for soccer practice to discover that her new coach is… Mack. Then begins the back and forth. RJ can’t afford to get involved with her coach because of her scholarships and Mack can’t afford to be involved with a player because this job is a last chance for him after a rocky past. Cue a ton of angst.

Now, one other thing that really bothered me was RJ’s “best friend.” I didn’t like her at all, she’s mean and not supportive of her friend. It really bothered me that she was always telling RJ how “mean” she was being to Mack. I hate when a best friend is written like this, especially in a book about a girl who feels abandoned on more than one occasion, especially during childhood.

The writing is fantastic and the story flowed well, plus it’s definitely a page turner, I just wasn’t a fan of some of the aspects of the story.

Jillian Liota is a brand new author writing contemporary romance and new adult fiction. She has recently relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii with her amazing husband, 2 cats, and 3-legged pup. She is the author of the upcoming contemporary romance novel The Keeper, which focuses on a female college soccer goalie.

Jillian LOVES to read novels full of angst (probably too much). She’s also a big fan of taking walks with her husband and dog Maia, watching Reality TV shows, and is excited about exploring her new home on a small island.

Connect with Jillian

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Keeper by Jillian Liota to read and review.

Unconventional by Lucy Felthouse

Penny’s being punished for doing something stupid. But will her punishment turn out to be the best-ever reward?

Penny was caught out in the wrong place, at the wrong time. As a recently graduated law student, the brush with the law could put an end to her career before it’s even begun. But thanks to her lawyer daddy’s contacts, she’s been given a second chance. A chance to redeem herself and make her stupid behavior go away.

Which is how she ends up working in a soup kitchen, preparing and serving meals to those who are having a rough time of it. She’s not keen on the idea, and when she meets Maddox, the guy in charge, she’s even less keen. A tall, skinny, mad-haired, tattooed guy, Maddox is the sort of person Penny would normally cross the road to avoid. But once she gets to know him, she starts to see things differently. He’s had a checkered past himself, and has now put it behind him and enjoys a glittering, prosperous career as a top chef.

Maddox may have unconventional looks, but Penny quickly grows to like him, and, much to her surprise, finds herself attracted to him. He’s a lot older than her, and their lives are at completely different stages, but in spite of this, there’s an undeniable connection between them.

When Maddox makes Penny an unconventional offer, will she have the courage to take him up on it? And if she does, where will it lead?

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of sensation play and figging.

Publisher's Note: This book has previously been released as part of the His Domain anthology with Totally Bound Publishing.

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Totally Bound

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆
This is a very short story. It takes part over a day and just gives us a glimpse of two people acting on their chemistry. I am not sure that we get a good picture of the two protagonists, but for a coffee time read it has some interesting ideas to consider.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F BDSM

Hmmm... Normally I love Felthouse books, but this one just didn't work for me.

Penny is either incredibly naive and innocent or kind of a slut. I can't really tell. She is performing her community service because she was naive enough to let her ex-boyfriend get her in trouble. But what does she really know about Maddox?

Maddox is a strange character – he's hard to get a read on. But when he starts talking about his dominant side and Penny seems to be interested, their conversation turns towards the “Do you want to come home with me?”

Things go forward from there, but it just didn't really flow that well. It was a too fast, underdeveloped story for me.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
This book was not an easy read for me. I normally enjoy BDSM books, but this one didn't flow very well for me. It was stilted and disjointed.

Both characters are hard to follow and to get a good read on.

Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novel Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café’s Best Ménage Book 2015 award, and an Amazon bestseller). Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 140 publications to her name. She owns Erotica For All, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes.

Connect with Lucy

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Unconventional by Lucy Felthouse to read and review.

Rough & Tumble by Rhenna Morgan

Live hard, f*ck harder and follow only their own rules. Those are the cornerstones the six men of the Haven Brotherhood live and bleed by, refusing to conform to society's expectations, taking what they want and always watching each other's backs.

A self-made man with his fingers in a variety of successful businesses, Jace Kennedy lives for the challenge and he always gets what he wants. From the start, he sees Vivienne Moore's hidden wild side and knows she's his perfect match, if only he can break it free. He will have her. One way or another.

Vivienne's determined to ditch the rough lifestyle she grew up in, even if that means hiding her true self behind a bland socialite veneer. Dragging her party-hound sister out of a club was not how she wanted to ring in the New Year, but Viv knows the drill. Get in, get her sister and get back to the safe, stable life she's built for herself as fast as humanly possible. But Viv's plans are derailed when she finds herself crashing into the club's clearly badass and dangerously sexy owner.

Jace is everything Vivienne swore she never wanted, but the more time she spends with him, the more she starts to see that he loves just as fiercely as he fights. He can walk society's walk and talk society's talk, but when he wants something, he finds a way to get it. He's proud of who he is and where he came from, and he'll be damned if he lets Vivienne go before showing her the safest place of all is in the arms of a dangerous man.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you're looking for with an HEA/HFN. It's a promise! Find out more at CarinaPress.com/RomancePromise

Book 1
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Carina Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Viv and Jace are a strange couple. This is an insta-love story and despite my not liking insta-love stories, this one wasn't too bad. I liked the "other" aspects of the book.

Jace is trying to help Viv jump start her career – she is running her own party planning business. What she doesn't know is that Jace has several businesses and connections and once he's seen her, he will do anything he can to break her tough exterior and get her to come and play with him.

Viv has had a difficult life. She has created this illusion and doesn't let people see past her facade. Then you have her sister – who I despised right from the beginning. She is this simpering, helpless, drug addicted slob. Viv is constantly picking up after her sister's messes and when Jace sees that, he fixes the problem.

This book has plenty of mystery because you don't ever really know who's after them. There is a somewhat satisfactory ending, but I do hope that the other players in this book receive their own story too.


Kris – ☆☆☆☆
First book in a new-to-me series called Haven Brotherhood. I really enjoyed this story, the Haven boys are interesting and complicated alpha males. This story is about Jace Kennedy, one of the founding and first members of the Haven Brotherhood. It doesn't seem as if the guys are an MC, although Jace does own a motorcycle. These guys in the brotherhood just have each other’s backs like a family. And family is something Vivienne doesn't know much about. Only having her flaky, drunken sister who needs Vivienne more every day to bail her out of tight spots, Viv doesn't have anyone but herself to rely on. She's stuffed her wild child way down deep and is trying to be the responsible person for her sister, Callie. Another midnight call from Callie to pick her up from a bar and Viv runs into Jace, the owner of the crazy nightclub, Crossroads. Jace is a bad boy to the n'th degree, a nightclub owner who has scars earned from a life lived hard. Not what Viv needs in her little world of responsible. But the chemistry can’t be denied. The two really do spark on the page and Jace is a perfect, dirty talking, sexy alpha man. Overpowering, overbearing, overprotective, and hot as hades, I enjoyed his character a little too much. Jace pulls Vivienne out of her protective shell and the two really light it up. I really liked the rest of the Haven crew and will definitely be wanting to hear their stories. Happy to find a new series of hot men to melt the cold winter blues away.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
The Haven Brotherhood, at first glance, is made up of less than desirable members of society. They are infamous rather than famous, and yet are slowly making inroads into legitimate society.

Neither Jace or Viv has had an easy life, both growing up fast and hard in different ways. Jace has taken what he learned in the school of hard knocks and has parlayed that into a business empire, with his Brothers, that if were widely known, would cement their legitimacy in Dallas society. Viv, on the other hand, has decided that the only way to succeed in this life is to tamp down any wayward or wild thoughts and live a staid life. The only crinkle in Viv's life is her drugged addled sister, Callie.

There were lots of things I loved about this book and some that I didn't. I would have loved to have learned more about Viv's backstory, how Callie wound up in Dallas with Viv, and why she decided to hide her true colors behind a wall of beige.

The insta-lust that Jace has for Viv seems natural, but the exceeding patience he has with her does not. Jace seems like a man who goes after what he wants and Viv was portrayed as being very needy and dependent with sudden bursts of vitality.

The Haven Brotherhood is off to a good start and I'm hoping that a little more backstory will be explained in book two.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the first book of a new series, and I am really pleased to think that there will be at least five more to come! Inevitably there has to be a degree of world building in a new series, but this does it in a very fluent and natural way.

The beauty of this book is that the leads are both string-willed, intelligent, and interesting people. Jace is a man who has made his family and values that above all standard laws. He and his brothers live by their ethics, and are incredibly successful in their endeavours. Privacy is highly valued, and their loyalty is to each other before all else.

So, when Jace first sees Vivienne collecting her drunk sister from one of the Haven clubs, he cannot believe the affect that she has on him. Never one to even consider chasing a woman before, he cannot let her walk away. When he discovers her 'secret' room, he has no chance of ever forgetting her.

Vivienne has reinvented herself and achieved much more than one would have ever expected, but she is in need of more event contracts. When a very generous offer comes, with the big alpha string attached that she first saw at a club, she has to decide how much she wants her dream. Experiencing Jace taking her apart, she isn't really sure she made the right choice.

These two have so much delicious chemistry that smoulders along waiting for the fuse to light. The mix of verbal sparring, stubbornness, and the realisation of being able to trust someone are revealed as the story develops. I loved it all.

Cannot wait for the next one to come along – I do hope Ms. Morgan is busy writing it!


Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
I have to say I fell in love with Jace and Viv, they are both strong and strong willed, but will protect family until the end. This story will pull you in and keep you there until the end and leave you wanting more. Good thing there is more to come from the other brothers of the Haven.

Vivienne Moore has tried to be more than her past and live her life in the here and now and the proper way. And yet again she has to rescue her drunken sister, Callie, from another bar or party. This time it’s at a club where she sees a man, no a god without his shirt on, he is what fantasies are made of. She just wants to get her sister, no trouble and be gone. But that would be too easy.

Jace Kennedy looks the part of the bad boy and he is. He fights for what is his, what he wants, and he protects his family. When he sees the beauty across the hall rescuing the drunk girl, she is all he thinks about. And it is more than just for a hookup. He has to learn more about her.

Viv and Jace will go through a lot to be together, her insecurities just might be the biggest problem. Can he show her his real self without scaring her off? Will she accept the Haven as part of her own? Will the Haven accept her as part of the family?

This is a first for me from Rhenna Morgan and I have to say that I have found a new favorite author with this series. And Zeke's story will be out in April, I can't wait.


Sarah – ☆☆☆
3.5 stars

This is an exciting story about two people who have chosen to leave their pasts behind while building better futures for themselves. Event planner Vivienne is determined to make her business work, but her sister’s drug problems make her life very difficult. Jace has made a better life for his chosen family, but his history with a corrupt politician has put them all in danger.

The connection between Jace and Vivienne is slow and full of angst. The attraction is instant but she doesn’t trust easily and he only trusts his Haven family. Vivienne learns to trust Jace when he comes to her rescue (and even to her sister’s rescue). In turn, Jace supports Vivienne and her career.

I liked the brotherhood element of this story and the slightly greyish morals held by the brothers. The action and suspense is exciting and I enjoyed unravelling the layers of secrecy that surround Jace’s life and the motivations for his actions. At times this is a sexy read but the focus of the story is more on the drama, romance, and action than on the sex.

My concern with this book is the sexual politics. It’s a simple romance and I probably shouldn’t look at it too carefully but I’m getting really tired of female romance writers who normalise misogyny. Initially, Jace’s attentions feel more than a little stalkerish (breaks into her home, checks her computer history, sits outside her home watching her…). Jace is good looking and wealthy, but he’s also that scary sort of alpha male – fun to read about in fiction but I’d hope any woman would call the police if he pulled any of his surveillance/kidnapping/stalking behaviour in real life. I find it easier to appreciate this type of leading man in shifter and vampire stories but the secret brotherhood with the secret compound where the women are kept out of sight (usually in the kitchen) is more than a little bit creepy – especially without any sort of supernatural explanation. Women in this story are quickly divided into the usual two groups – good girls and whores. The men can play with the whores without damaging their own reputations but the whores will never be good enough for them to date. Or marry. Or meet their mothers. Urgh. Please.

If you ignore the sexual politics, this is an exciting story with some great action scenes and a sweet romance. It is well written and the characters are well crafted. I just couldn’t quite overlook the antiquated gender roles or the underlying misogyny in this story.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
The men within the Haven Brotherhood don't always follow the rules. They do what needs to be done in order to get results. They all put their brothers and family above all else. Jace has never been a man to chase a woman, but after seeing the way Viv came to rescue her drunken sister, he can't get her off his mind.

Viv has never let anyone see who she really was. She's kept that part hidden until she meets Jace. He wants to see all her scars, but she doesn't know if she's ready to open up.

The chemistry is combustible between Jace and Viv. They are sexy and sweet and just a touch of dirty.

Ms. Morgan is a new-to-me author and I absolutely can't wait for more from her. I fell in love with the world she created. I'm dying to see where she takes these characters within this series.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆
This is an enjoyable read!

Vivienne spends her days working her butt off to get her event planning business off the ground and her night dragging her sister out of one bar after the other. Enter Jace Kennedy and his Haven brothers. Jace is an alpha male billionaire who will do anything to protect his family. Jace has an enemy in Paul Reener, a local politician who uses the bulk of his airtime to trash talk Jace and his many businesses. When Jace realizes that he wants Viv in his life, he hires her to help him clean up his public image… and the two are undeniably perfect for one another.

This book is filled with angst and sexual frustration, it makes for a very fast-paced read. I love all the “Haven Brothers” and I look forward to seeing where Rhenna Morgan takes this series next! I was marginally disappointed at the beginning to discover this isn’t really an MC romance, but it’s an awesome read nonetheless!

Rhenna Morgan is a happily-ever-after addict—hot men, smart women and scorching chemistry required. A triple-A personality with a thing for lists and an almost frightening iPhone cover collection, Rhenna’s a mom to two beautiful little girls and married to an extremely patient husband who’s mastered the art of hiding the exasperated eye roll.

When she’s not neck deep in writing, she’s probably driving with the windows down and the music up loud, plotting her next hero and heroine’s adventure. (Though trolling online for man-candy inspiration on Pinterest comes in a close second.)

She’d love to share her antics and bizarre since of humor with you and get to know you a little better in the process. You can sign up for her newsletter and gain access to exclusive snippets, upcoming releases, fun giveaways and social media outlets on her website.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Rough & Tumble (Haven Brotherhood #1) by Rhenna Morgan to read and review.

The Impossible Boy by Anna Martin

This is not your average love story.

Ben Easton is not your average romantic hero. He’s a tattooed, badass, wannabe rock star, working in a perfectly horrible dive bar in Camden Town. His life is good, and he’s totally unprepared for how one man will turn it upside down.

Stan isn’t your average heroine. As a gender-fluid man, he proudly wears his blond hair long, his heels sky-high, and his makeup perfectly executed. A fashion industry prodigy, Stan is in London after stints working in Italy and New York City, and he quickly falls for Ben’s devil-may-care attitude and the warm, soft heart Ben hides behind it.

Beneath the perfect, elegant exterior, Stan has plenty of scars from teenage battles with anorexia. And it only takes the slightest slip for his demons to rush back in while Ben is away touring with his band. With the band on the brink of a breakthrough, Ben is forced to find a way to balance the opportunity of a lifetime with caring for his beautiful boyfriend.

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I fell madly in love with Stan from the first page of his story. His fragile confidence, his unrestrained glamour, and his unique sense of self make for one of the most captivating characters I’ve read in some time. Completely unassuming, he almost blends into the background in social situations with Ben and his band – yet the man is a famous fashionista who worked for Italian Vogue before he was twenty-five.

In contrast, the only thing remarkable about Ben is his ability to see and to love all of Stan. Ignoring gender norms, Ben is attracted to the many sides of Stan. Otherwise, Ben is a Camden bartender/tutor/struggling musician – a perfectly ordinary and familiar Millennial. Together, Ben and Stan are very special. I love the romance and their friendship – they make each other better.

At first, I felt like this book could have been two separate novellas. The first half is a sweet London romance. Stan and Ben’s romance is slow, gentle, and wonderful. Stan’s gender fluid identity makes him a special character, but it is a non-thing between Stan and Ben. The usual barriers of awkward schedules, work, and social demands pose conflict here. I loved the romance and I loved their world.

The second half of the story was a bit of a shock for me and revealing too much might ruin this for future readers. The book takes a much darker turn. Things we knew about characters and relationships are upended and there is much more drama and angst in this second half. It took me a while to realise that the book works like this. The second half had to be a surprise and the darker second half is why the story is memorable.

Overall, I really loved this book. Unique characters and a surprising storyline captured my interest and a little bit of my heart. Highly recommended.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book. Stories with gender-fluid characters don’t always work so well, but this one was really good. There was also sensitive subject matter in the book which I thought was handled well. I enjoyed the main characters, their bond, and the secondary characters were good as well. At times, I wanted the book to hurry up and get over, and other times I never wanted it to end. I enjoyed Stan and Ben and how Ben just went with the flow. Tone was a riot and I would love to read a book with him. Sweet love story with a few tears along the way.

Characters: Well written
Sex: Yes
Religious: No
Would I recommend to others: Yes
More than one book in the series: Not sure
Genre: M/M Romance
Would I read more by this author: Yes

ANNA MARTIN is from a picturesque seaside village in the southwest of England and now lives in the slightly arty, slightly quirky city of Bristol. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.

Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, Anna is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theater (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), going to visit friends in other countries, baking weird and wonderful sweets, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.

Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, prereading, and creative ass kicking provided by her best friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept responsibility for anything Anna has written.

Second place winner of the 2012 Goodreads M/M Romance Member’s Choice Award “Best Musician/Rockstars” for Tattoos & Teacups.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Impossible Boy by Anna Martin to read and review.

Waiting for an Earl Like You by Alexandra Hawkins

LOVE ISN’T ALWAYS WHAT IT SEEMS.

Get lost in Waiting for an Earl Like You, the next lush, sensual Regency romance in the Masters of Seduction series by USA Today bestselling author Alexandra Hawkins.

Justin Reeve Netherwood, Earl of Kempthorn—a.k.a. Thorn—has never cared much for his neighbor’s daughter. But his twin brother, Gideon, befriended the wild, reckless, and wholly inappropriate Miss Olivia Lydall in youth, and two have been close ever since. So when Olivia finds herself in a state of romantic conflict and seeks out Gideon for advice, he’s only too pleased to oblige. Only problem: The man Olivia is speaking to is Thorn. And now it’s too late for him to tell Olivia the truth…

Thorn always believed that Olivia was too smitten with Gideon for her own good. So what’s the harm in steering her away from him? But Thorn’s charade turns out to be anything but harmless once he begins to see Olivia for who she really is: A woman full of spirit and passion… and someone he can’t live without. But how can Thorn claim Olivia’s heart when their deepening connection—and burning desire—is built on lies and deceit?

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK (Paperback)  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆
With an intriguing premise, I was eager to read Waiting for an Earl Like You. Sadly, I had difficulty getting into the novel, putting it down several times, and having it take weeks to complete. This is simply a book and a reader not being a good fit situation.

Thorn and Gideon are identical twins. As a neighbor, Olivia is several years younger than they are, but was the twins' shadow when they were growing up, with her liking Gideon's charismatic personality best while feeling harassed by Thorn.

This novel features a popular premise of being 'compromised' leading to the alter, combined with the angst and intrigue with the twist of twin-switching. Thorn plays both himself and his brother, and this is where I had great difficulty with the novel due to the execution of this portion. It muddied the narration, as if the narrator was picking up traits from one twin to the next, not keeping to a solid characterization. Plus, the issue with both twins in the same location but not dressed the same, making me fear for both Olivia's and everyone else's intelligence if they can't take note of the clothing choices to determine who is whom.

As for the romance, Thorn wasn't truly himself, so I couldn't buy into Olivia's and his great love affair as she wasn't falling for the 'man' he was. It's hard to develop a connection to a character when he's a bald-faced liar, with the heroine not falling for who he truly is. This also played into the muddied characterization of Thorn, because his traits weren't consistent due to the impersonation – as a reader, I felt I didn't know him either.

With the suspension of belief and those happier with a slower paced storyline, I feel readers could fall in love with the story. Sadly, it wasn't my cup of tea.

Alexandra Hawkins is an unrepentant Anglophile who discovered romance novels as a teenager and knew that one day she would be writing her own. The USA Today bestselling author has combined her love of English history, mythology, and romance to create sensual character-driven stories that, she hopes, will touch readers’ hearts. Her novels include All Night with a Rogue, Till Dawn with the Devil and After Dark with a Scoundrel. Alexandra lives in Georgia with her husband and three children.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Waiting for an Earl Like You (Masters of Seduction #3) by Alexandra Hawkins to read and review.