Stallions & Ice by Stephani Hecht

Sometimes you have to climb a mountain to see the future.

While Brandon loves to go and watch his friend, Nichole, at the American Royal every year, there is no way that he is ever going to climb on a horse. His feet belong on the ground or the ice. As one the of the players of the local minor league team, the Wichita Thunder, all he dreams about is someday moving up to the major leagues. That is, until he meets Nichole’s brother, Ethan.

Ethan grew up in a family that has always been in the rodeo circuit. There was no question that he was ever going to be anything else… until he’s sidelined by seizures and can no longer ride. Then he meets Brandon and he begins to wonder whether maybe, just maybe, his life isn’t over.

Will decades of tradition tear the men apart? Or can they can overcome all their obstacles and be together?

Publisher's Note: This book has previously been released as part of the Unconventional in Kansas City anthology with Pride Publishing.

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Pride Publishing

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I don't often read short stories, but every so often I have a small window to fill and... well, this was the perfect read last night. I read a lot of sports romances, so the hockey references were plenty for me to know exactly where Brandon found himself, and enough cowboy romances that Ethan's position was also evident.

Inevitably in such a few pages, the romance has to move forward quickly, but it certainly worked for me, and we are left with expectation rather than a fully formed tale – I do hope that Ms. Hecht considers writing more about this pairing.

Stephani Hecht is a happily married mother of two. Born and raised in Michigan, she loves all things about the state, from the frigid winters to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. You can usually find her snuggled up to her laptop, creating her next book.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Stallions & Ice by Stephani Hecht to read and review.

Island of Exiles by Erica Cameron

In Khya’s world, every breath is a battle.

On the isolated desert island of Shiara, dying young is inevitable. The clan comes before self, and protecting her home means Khya is a warrior above all else.

But when following the clan and obeying their leaders could cost her brother his life, Khya's home becomes a deadly trap. The only person who can help is Tessen, her lifelong rival and the boy who challenges her at every turn. The council she hoped to join has betrayed her, and their secrets, hundreds of years deep, reach around a world she's never seen.

To save her brother’s life and her island home, her only choice is to trust Tessen, turn against her clan, and go on the run—a betrayal and a death sentence.

Book 1
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Entangled Publishing

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆
The blurb was a definite hook for me, especially with the Graceling being one of my all-time favorite young adult fantasy novels. But the language and terminology confused this 38-year-old writer/avid reader, so I wonder how much a young adult will comprehend while reading.

I've struggled over the course of two weeks to read this novel, reading about 10% in a sitting before switching to another book, then coming back for another tenth of the book, more than determined to finish it. At the start, I felt like I was forced to solve a complicated puzzle with all the terminology and how the reader is thrust into a world with no explanation, being left to figure it out on their own.

I'm not necessarily a simple reader, but this novel made me feel like one with how confused I was. I've read thousands of books in varying genres, especially this one, so I know what some of the terms used meant. I grasped the overall plot, but was still left to solve what was being said in the paragraphs.

In a nutshell, I felt as if I was reading a foreign language after being dropped into a foreign land, and through familiarity I had to learn how to speak the language (eventually I got it, but it harmed the entertainment factor). While beautiful, and lent an ethereal and realistic feel to the world created, it created a jarring flow as the reader tried to puzzle through understanding the words used to tell the story.

As the writer and creator, the author knows what she meant when writing, but that didn't necessarily translate to the reader understanding. Eventually, yes. But it shouldn't be so much work at the start. The beginning is when the reader must be hooked, and I fear the majority will toss in the towel long before they comprehend the beautiful world created. I personally experienced a disconnect between me and the characters due to the writing style, which I battled the entire duration of the long book.

AFTER I conquered the novel, there was a glossary of terms at the end of the book, which I wish I knew existed prior to starting. If you're reading my review prior to purchasing/reading the novel, click to the glossary first. It will make your reading enjoyment much more fulfilling. Though, at the same time, it feels a bit like you have to study and keep notes in order to read the book.

At the start, the reader is thrust into a harsh world, with Khya as our narrator. She's a strong, stubborn, responsible role model of a character, with utter devotion to her brother – Yorri. Yorri was one of my favorite characters. The strong connection the brother and sister shared was endearing.

I appreciated how the focus was on the plot, unlike how many young adult fantasy novels focus on the romance. There was a romantic thread, but it wasn't insta-anything. There was a slow-build vibe between Khya and Tessen, which is a trope that always keeps my attention. Khya is blind to the attraction between her and Tessen, more focused on her brother. They had known each other for most of their lives, so there wasn't a scene (like in most YA books) where the new hottie totally makes our heroine lose her focus. No matter how much Khya wanted to be left alone, Tessen maneuvered his way in by being helpful.

The universe created was diverse, with three genders and no sexual orientation qualms. I give mad props to the universe the author created, all the time spent researching and maintaining the world-building from start to finish, the ability to write a highly complex novel.

I wasn't the intended audience for this novel. I like to be entertained, to fall into the story and not want to crawl back out until well after the final page. With the way Island of Exiles was written, with the complexity, I couldn't fall into the story without struggling to understand the story. It was like working instead of relaxing. While I can appreciate the hard work and beauty the author injected into the story, it wasn't a pleasure to read.

I do recommend this title, but only if the reader downloads a sample to get a feel of the writing style and world-building. While I can appreciate the story, I won't be reading the sequel.

After a lifelong obsession with books, Erica Cameron spent her college years studying psychology and creative writing, basically getting credit for reading and learning how to make stories of her own. Now, she’s the author of several series for young adults. She’s also a reader, asexuality advocate, dance fan, choreographer, singer, lover of musical theater, movie obsessed, sucker for romance, Florida resident, and quasi-recluse who loves the beach but hates the heat, has equal passion for the art of Salvador Dali and Venetian Carnival masks, has a penchant for unique jewelry and sun/moon décor pieces, and a desire to travel the entire world on a cruise ship. Or a private yacht. You know, whatever works. Her debut novel, Sing Sweet Nightingale, released March 2014 and it was the first volume of The Dream War Saga. In May 2015, Erica and her co-author Lani Woodland launched the Laguna Tides series with Taken by Chance. Riptide’s new YA imprint Triton Books will release both books in the Assassins series, Discord and Nemesis, in 2016. The Ryogan Chronicles, a fantasy trilogy set to launch through Entangled Teen, will launch in 2017 with Island of Exiles.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Island of Exiles (The Ryogan Chronicles #1) by Erica Cameron to read and review.

Best in Bed by Cheryl Dragon

If you must look back, only look at the best!

Marina is tired of whining friends wanting love, a career and great sex. It’s not easy, but she has a plan. Pick your best sex ever and let your friends check to see if he’s Mr. Right. But will her friends cooperate? Marina doesn’t care about her ex. She has her eye on a new man.

Jen has secrets but plays along until there’s nowhere to hide. Falling for your friend’s ex isn’t being much of a friend.

Lori is stuck. Turning thirty has her with a great career, but she missed Mr. Right, leaving him for her family’s approval and climbing the corporate ladder. Now, with the help of her friends, she has a chance to fix things with her sexy mechanic.

Will the three friends find true love?

Publisher's Note: This book has been previously released elsewhere. It has been revised and re-edited for re-release with Totally Bound Publishing.

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Totally Bound

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
This book had promise, but in being told from three points of view, it tended to get bogged down quite a bit.

Jen, Marina, and Lori are each single and about to turn 30. Lori is going nuts wondering when she's going to get her happily ever after, all the while wondering if she had already let it go. Marina decides to help Lori out by getting the girls to play a game. Who was your best sex ever? Mariana and Jen are only doing this to get Lori to admit that she still loves Nick.

Three separate stories, intertwined points of view, makes for a difficult read.

A lover of unusual things, Cheryl Dragon enjoys writing unique stories with steamy romance. Her two favorite settings are Las Vegas and New Orleans… where anything can happen! Cheryl lives in the Chicagoland area.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Best in Bed by Cheryl Dragon to read and review.

Holiday House Swap by Sarah Madison

Reclusive writer Noah Kinley is facing a dilemma: how to confess to the world he’s really the author of a best-selling romance series. For years, his friend Julie has been the face of his brand, but she wants her life back now. Fast running out of ideas for his popular series, Noah wants to break out into other genres. Not that he’s writing much of anything at the moment anyway, thanks to paralyzing writer’s block. With his publisher breathing down his neck for the next installment, he hopes a change of scene will get his writer’s juices flowing again. Desperate enough to try anything, during the holidays Noah swaps his isolated cabin in the woods for a gentrified horse farm.

USAF Major Connor Harrison has chosen forced retirement over facing charges for an unauthorized mission to rescue a buddy from behind enemy lines. No one expects him home for the holidays, and he certainly didn’t anticipate finding a stranger in his house, much less Noah Kinley with his acid tongue and a wry sense of humor that pierces all of Connor’s defenses.

Both men need to figure out what the next chapter in their lives will be—and whether it will include each other.

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Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆
3.5 stars

This is a fun holiday romance. With nods to the film The Holiday, a novelist trades his rural cottage for a glamorous horse farm for the holidays. In a wonderful first scene, he is quickly surprised by the homeowner’s unscheduled return from Afghanistan.

The problems surrounding both of these men are enough for a full series of books and there is probably a little bit too much going on in a relatively short novel. Noah is a bestselling novelist who publishes his books in his female best friend’s name. He is recovering from a difficult break up and struggling with writer’s block. Similarly, Connor has been discharged from the Air Force in difficult circumstances. He is struggling to manage his inheritance and in need of a clear direction for his future. With so many issues to work through, this story was a bit too convoluted for me.

The romantic connection between Connor and Noah develops in bursts and jolts. From an initial uneasy truce between housemates to a sudden sex scene to almost instant couple status, I didn’t feel that Connor and Noah’s romance progressed naturally. The result is a lack of the sexual tension that usually pulls a romance together and gets me invested as a reader.

This is told from Noah’s perspective. I enjoyed Noah’s voice, but I wanted to know more about Connor, who is probably the more interesting of the two characters. As it is, Connor remains elusive for much of the story. Overall, I enjoyed this story but I never completely connected with the characters or their romance.

SARAH MADISON is a writer with a little dog, a large dog, an even bigger horse, too many cats, and a very patient boyfriend. An amateur photographer and a former competitor in the horse sport known as eventing, when she’s not out hiking with the dogs or down at the stables, she’s at the laptop working on her next story. When she’s in the middle of a chapter, she relies on the smoke detector to tell her dinner is ready. She writes because it’s cheaper than therapy.

Sarah enjoys placing hot men in hot water to see how strong they are—like teabags, only sexier. This motto allows her to play in a wide variety of genres, from FBI guys to shifters, with some WW2 fighter pilots and space adventurers tossed in for good measure.

Sarah Madison was a finalist in the 2013 and 2015 Rainbow Awards. The Boys of Summer won Best M/M Romance in the 2013 PRG Reviewer’s Choice Awards. The Sixth Sense series was voted 2nd place in the 2014 PRG Reviewer’s Choice Awards for Best M/M Mystery series, and 3rd place in the 2105 PGR Reviewer’s Choice Awards for Best M/M Paranormal/Urban Fantasy series.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Holiday House Swap by Sarah Madison to read and review.

Infatuation by Anise Storm

Fate gives Hannah Brinkley a second chance with her one-time infatuation until the secret she harbors threatens to tear it all apart.

Fleeing the arms of one dynamic corporate tycoon, Hannah Brinkley crosses the Atlantic into the arms of another, one who is equally as dangerous to her heart as Thaddeus Remington. Unlike the man she left behind in Atlanta, Hannah shares history with Finley Wetherall and those old feelings for him return once again.

Successful, powerful and hung up on the girl that got away, this time Finley is determined to fight for Hannah's heart and to do whatever is necessary to keep her. Years before, he was hesitant to make his move for fear that she couldn't handle his dark desires, but when she turns up on his doorstep, it has to be Fate. He will allow nothing or no one to stand between Hannah and their destiny.

He soon finds out that he isn't the only one harboring secrets. Will Finley be able to break down the walls Hannah has built around herself? Or will she instead allow the ghosts of her past to destroy what they’re currently building?

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of BDSM, including caning, wax play, ice play and anal play.

Publisher's Note: This book is best read in sequence, as part of a series.

Book 2
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Totally Bound

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Rachael – ☆☆☆
I will say that when I initially finished this book, I would've given it more stars, but the more I thought about it, the less I thought it deserved. I'll start with the bad so I can end with the good.

There were simply things that were a mess within the writing style and it needed some serious editing. Like a character putting down a glass, then the same character dropping a glass on the next page when she never had picked another one up. Or hands being placed on cheeks, never moved only to be once again placed on those same cheeks a few lines later. Not to mention terms that are used incorrectly like Border Patrol at the airport.

However, that being said, I will say it was interesting to see our character fall back in love (maybe lust) with her old crush. However, there is very little in this book that really fit as BDSM to me. Sure, a scene or two, but it really didn't fit that category to me.

I did like seeing how Hannah handled her heartbreak and how she was determined to get back on her feet without leaning too heavily on her friend and lover even though he had no issues doing so for her.

There were some really fun and surprising twists in the story that I have to say were, once again, the saving grace of the book, just as in book one. We are once again left wondering where things will go at the end of book two, so of course I just had to snatch up book three for the conclusion of the story and hope that the little things in the story that bother me get better since it isn't so much the story, but little, easily fixed errors that bring the book down so much to me.

Also Available in the Nirvana Trilogy

Book 1
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Totally Bound

For reviews & more info, check out our Obsession post.

Anise Storm is a new author of erotica, including BDSM and ménage. Possessing a life-long love of writing since childhood, she started by dabbling in poetry and other short stories.

A Southern transplant, Anise is married with children. She has a love of football, shoes, and tall, dark heroes. When not spending time with family or traveling, she can be found either curled up with a good book or writing.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Infatuation (Nirvana Trilogy #2) by Anise Storm to read and review.

Brighter Than the Sun by Maya Banks

Searing action and passion ignite the latest KGI novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Darkest Before Dawn.

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering.
Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t...

As the last unattached member of the Kelly clan, Joe is more than ready to risk life and limb on any mission he’s assigned to, but when it comes to love, he’ll keep his distance. He’s content to watch his brothers become thoroughly domesticated.

Zoe’s had nothing but heartbreak in her life, and she’s determined to start over with a completely new identity, thanks to her college friend, Rusty Kelly. But it’s the gorgeous smile and tender words of Joe Kelly that begin to weaken her resolve to never risk her heart again. And Joe will have to put everything on the line to save Zoe, when secrets of her past resurface—and threaten to tear them apart…

Book 11
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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.

So, I have two things before you read this review:
1. You should read the previous book in this series so that the characters make sense, and,
2. I am biased. I absolutely love Banks, so I went in to this book expecting to like it. She didn't disappoint either.

I love all of these characters. They are developed, complex, loving, but not without flaws and it's those flaws that make them so awesome to read.

Joe is Nathan's twin. He has kind of been the odd man out because he loves his single status. While he doesn't hate that his brothers have found their forever women, Joe still maintains that he's happy and doesn't need to be with anyone.

Rusty is an amazing sister. Not only is she brilliant, but she's an amazing hacker as well! She has been living in the shadow of her brothers and their wives for so long that she decides that she needs to strike out on her own. But when her friend reaches out to her, she does the only thing she can think of – she saves her friend's life.

Zoe is sweet, innocent, and naive. She is running from people who seem to think that she has value – to her father. But Zoe knows that despite who her father is, she has never been a person of value. Rusty and her have devised a way for Zoe to hide, regroup, and, hopefully, never have to see the people in her life that she's running from again.

Joe is immediately intrigued by Zoe – not necessarily in a positive manner. But when he begins to see who she is, what she's about, and how much she has been hurt, his protective instincts kick in and he does all he can to make Zoe smile.

The entire Kelly clan has their hands in this book. Not only are they protecting their own families, but the entire family overall. When things go sideways, everyone pulls together to figure out how to move forward. Joe will stop at nothing to prove to Zoe that she's worth loving and Zoe will wish so hard for a happy ending.

I read this story in one sitting, because I just couldn't put the book down.

There is a side story that I can't wait to see more of – Sean and Rusty. Their story has been building and it made me laugh, cry, and feel so much sadness. I am so looking forward to seeing what comes next!

Maya Banks is a #1 USA Today and New York Times bestselling author whose chart toppers have included erotic romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, Scottish historical romances. She is the author of the Breathless Trilogy, the KGI novels, the Sweet series, and the Colters Legacy novels.

She lives in the South with her husband and three children and other assorted babies, such as her two Bengal kitties and a Calico who’s been with her as long as her youngest child. She’s an avid reader of romance and loves to dish books with her fans and anyone else who’ll listen! She very much enjoys interacting with her readers on Facebook and Twitter as well as in her Yahoo! Group.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Brighter Than the Sun (KGI #11) by Maya Banks to read and review.

Sentinel's Kiss by Jamie K. Schmidt

A fiercely protective bad boy. An innocent reporter in serious trouble. They shouldn’t work, but after he throws her onto his bike, there’s no going back.

If Josh Lehman learned one thing as a Green Beret, it’s patience. Josh founded the Sentinels of Babylon because he was sick and tired of watching scumbags cheat the system—scumbags like the man who murdered his sister. Of course, if Josh’s sniper rifle was linked to the death of his ex-brother-in-law, that might be a problem. The bigger problem is the nosy reporter who’s this close to exposing the club. Josh has to find a way to keep her hot mouth from talking... but he’ll be damned if he lets someone take her from him. Not on his watch.

Ashley Carver thought she’d do anything for a scoop. That was before her latest story leads to multiple attempts on her life. Ashley’s been investigating a homicide that has gone unsolved for five years when she uncovers evidence tying the vigilantes of the Sentinels of Babylon to a revenge killing. Now she’s in their crosshairs. But after Josh defies all notions of club loyalty to come to Ashley’s aid, soon they’re burning up the sheets—and taking on the world.

Book 2
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

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

This has a long, twisted story line. It was somewhat convoluted and predictable, which I found to be somewhat disappointing.

Josh has a kind soul, but has done some very unkind things. He has some vengeful thoughts regarding his sister's murder. He has wanted to find out how to bring the killer to justice and he will stop at nothing to find a way to do just that.

Then you have Ashley. She is a pit bull when it comes to a story. Not only will she protect a source, but she'll put herself in harm’s way to get the answers. When she stumbles on a story that involves a special hunting club, she finds herself in the path of Josh and his vigilante group.

Despite the significant plot development, I think that this story was too predictable. You knew that in the end, they would be together less than half way through the book.

Even with the twists and turns, which weren't very dynamic, you could see the ending. Overall, this was a fairly successful love story, but not a very successful revenge story.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Ashley Carver is a journalist. Tragedy struck in her teens, causing her to be an adrenaline junkie. The adrenaline takes over the depression she feels most of the time. Twelve years later she's still chasing that high. Having some of the hottest sex of her life in the back of the jeep of a sexy biker who just buried his sister.

Josh Lehmen (Sentinel) is a member of the Sons of Babylon. A vigilante club working on the orders of the "judge." The people they go after are guilty of horrible crimes that for one reason or another justice was never served. It's been two years since Josh's sister was killed. He knows her husband Stan had something to do with it. Just when he was about to make his move, he sees the face of a woman he hasn't seen in two years. Why was Ashley talking to Stan? Did it have something to do with Sarah's murder?

Ashley has information Josh wants. Josh still carries that danger that Ashley needs. Can two people completely dangerous for each other make it work?

I enjoyed Sentinel and Ashley's story. I like the suspense aspect trying to figure out who the killer was. Josh and Ashley were insta-love with explosive chemistry. I'm interested to see where the next story goes.

Also Available in the Sentinels of Babylon Series

Book 1
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For reviews & more info, check out our Necessary Evil post.

USA Today bestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt has published more than thirty short stories in small-press journals and e-zines. She’s an active member in the Romance Writers of America. When not writing, she relaxes with a mug of hot tea and knits or makes beaded jewelry.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Sentinel's Kiss (Sentinels of Babylon #2) by Jamie K. Schmidt to read and review.