Kay Elle Parker

⭐2⭐

mrrrrph. it's hard to go into a new bdsm-club-thing right after [b:Mercy|59420470|Mercy (Salacious Players Club, #4)|Sara Cate|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1658970456l/59420470._SY75_.jpg|93593824], which was just such a treat and so enjoyable. [a:Cherise Sinclair|2882485|Cherise Sinclair|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1432767804p2/2882485.jpg] has it pretty much perfect in her books too - good characters, good group dynamics, personable and interesting mc's, etc.

this book had it close, and maybe the rest of the series gets a little better. but the group dynamic between all of the club members fell flat and seemed off to me. a big huge part of that is because she barely shared anything about any character except for bodie, the fmc. even braun(mmc) didn't have a backstory or any super defining personality traits a part from him being a ~Dominant~. which, according to this author, must make him superhuman

the names were also ridiculous and hard to ignore, like why is there a man named loki in this book.… (more)

Roulette War Intro by Jennifer Bene and Livia Grant

One of my favorite parts of this anthology is the detail put into setting up the story for the other novellas and authors. There is always so much detail that it gets me excited from the get-go.

Prelude by Renee Rose
This story started by the author introducing the main characters, Ravil and Lucy, who are Bratva and Lawyer. Already from just their job descriptions, it sets the stage for opposites attract. The scenes were on the softer side but still showed the importance of communication and trust. I LOVED how this ended and cannot wait for more from Ravil and Lucy.

Breathless By Eris Adderly
This story gave me the opportunity to read more about scenes that I am not as familiar with. Their scenes built on the exercises of trust which both of these characters needed. Violet was just what Anson needed. I was bummed that they only made it through two scenes because I really enjoyed their chemistry and interactions. I hope to see more of these two in the future.

Burn by Kay Elle Parker
This was my first time reading this author and it sure will not be my last because this was my favorite of the book. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this gets expanded into a full book. There is so much to be unpacked and expanded on here in regards to Ava and her backstory which is what makes me want so much more. I would love to see Finn help her heal. The scenes in their pairing were hotter than a Las Vegas sidewalk in August. HOT. HOT. HOT. One scene/kink, in particular, has not been done (that I can remember) and it definitely piqued my interest.

Inflamed by Golden Angel
I loved watching the back and forth between Elliot and Lisa. These two were both headstrong characters so it was nice to see the dynamics play out. They each gave as good as they got. I wanted more exploration of their history as to why there was such a pf Lisa trying to prove herself and Elliot learning he was wrong in certain aspects.

Wicked by Jennifer Bene
There is a reason that I fell in love with this series and that is because of this amazing author. She brought Pierce and Tori to life. I felt their emotions, especially Tory. I liked watching her come to terms with what she thought she wanted and what she ultimately, needed. Bravo.

Trained by Sue Lyndon
My favorite thing about this author is her ability to take "tame" sexual activities (if there really is such a thing in the BL world) and ramp them up. She always puts care and attention into creating characters such as Xavier and Rachel, that her audience can get invested in. I loved the chemistry between X and "Dolly". He gave her exactly what she needed and then some.

Unexpected by Measha Stone
I enjoyed the fact that the author didn't shy away from creating a character that was plus size. I also loved that the author pushed me from my comfort zone and made two kins that I am not as interested in compelling and enticing by creating a scene where I was involved (vicariously) in as Quinn and Jack.

Facade by Livia Grant
This story started with one of my favorite scenes of this anthology. It was different and Unique. It kept my interest the whole time. I liked that Sean was attentive to Stephanie's vulnerability and saw that there was a lot under her sass. I liked the juxtaposition of "experience" versus "newness" in Stephanie and that Sean was intuitive enough to see past what others assumed about Stephanie and helped her to see that as well.

And the Winner is... By Jennifer Bene and Livia Grant
I loved getting to have a scene with Jaxson, Chase, and Emma. Their connection is always so hot and strong. I love the dynamic of Dom, Switch, and Sub showing again another facet of this lifestyle and doing it well. I won't spoil the winner, as that is part of the fun of this anthology. I'm glad that I didn't have to pick because both sides had some amazing scenes. However, if I HAD to choose, I would have gone the opposite way.

All that aside. This is, in my opinion, the best roulette of them all. I look forward to this book every year. It is my Valentine's tradition now and gives me some happiness as I help work in a flower shop on this holiday and the weeks leading up to it suck the life out of me. This helps keep me regenerated. Kudos to the authors for another amazing year.… (more)

4.5 stars

What a pleasant surprise. I wasn't expecting the details and depth in this. I figured it would just be a quick and frivolous, albeit enjoyable, experience. It was that, however, it was so much more. There was humor, great secondary characters, and a foundation for a great story.

The story started out a little out there but there was just something about the story that kept me going. And then, it got better and better. I'm looking forward to the next story.… (more)

4.5 stars

This series is amazing and should be read by anyone that loves PNR. Hell, even by those that don't really like it. It felt like something that could happen in real life. Strong characters, amazing story, and suspense. Add in hot steam, like HOT, and it was perfect.

I'm glad to see Cassie is back but also a little bummed knowing that her story was supposed to be released a year ago and it isn't here yet. I'm going to need her to start telling her story to the author soon because I need to know how this story ends.… (more)