Jane Henry (2)

This story pulled me in with its intense emotion, danger, and forbidden romance. Vadka, a Bratva enforcer and grieving single father, is raw and magnetic, while Ruthie, his sister-in-law, brings heart and strength. Their shared grief creates a profound, complex bond that evolves into undeniable chemistry. I was captivated by how the author explored loss, guilt, and love in such a dark, high-stakes world. The tension with the Irish mob added urgency, and the slow burn between Vadka and Ruthie show more felt authentic, even if their connection developed quickly. The emotional layers, steamy moments, and underlying suspense made it hard to put down. It’s a gripping story of healing, passion, and unexpected second chances. show less

Two words to describe this collection of novellas== HOLY. TITFIRE. I am pretty sure my iPad almost melted. For the review I am going to write it in the order of the anthology rather than the order of my favorites.

Introduction and conclusion written by Livia Grant and Jennifer Bene

4.5 stars
One of my favorite things about this anthology and its predecessor is the details it takes in setting up the stage so to speak. It offers a fluidity in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the characters show more from before that are all essential players in making this night happen. I especially love that they show what the hard limits were/are and what they get instead I loved that they tie up loose ends that have all been interwoven in the standalone stories. My only complaint in this case was I still need to know more about what is going on with Chase, Jaxson, and Emily. I would love another story of them!

Unrestrained by Jennifer Bene

4.6 stars.
This was one of my favorite stories. I need a Silas in my life. It is the story of Silas and Bianca. I loved that Silas, known for being sadistic, shows a side to him that is caring and protective (the OJ and aftercare scene and the checking to make sure that everything was okay when there was a major disturbance). Their second scene was hotter than Hades. Who am I kidding? They were all hot as hell. These two had amazing chemistry.

Brat by Livia Grant

4.5 stars
I loved the introduction to these characters before they became partners at the club. It helped give dimension to the story and let the reader know what was behind their animosity. I loved when Gabriella was trying to figure out the acronym meaning when she was walking to the costume room. This is something I myself didn't know so it was a new thing to read about. The author did a great job explaining things. I loved watching both Gabriella and Connor as they came to turns with how they really felt about each other, especially Connor. I would love to know more about the issues behind Gabriella and her father in a future story. There was so much more room for a full-length story.

Forced by Renee Rose

4.9 stars
My favorite of the anthology and considering that every story was amazing that says something. Victor and Mariana (Brooklyn) were so hot together. To the point that if they got anymore hotter they would have combusted. That second scene was EVERYTHING. I loved the after effects and emotions that created a war in Mariana’s mind as she vacillated with how she could like something that goes against every idea of what a woman wants, needs, and deserves. How do you balance between what your body likes and what society says is acceptable? I definitely know that I struggle with this, so it was refreshing to see the author expand on this idea. Victor does a good job on articulating his feelings on this and helps her understand that she is not wrong for liking what she likes.

Doctored by Sue Lindon

4.6 stars
This was a story that intrigued me because it was another area that fascinates me, but I do not know as much about. The author did a great job with showcasing why trust is such an essential part of BDSM especially in that first scene. For so many women that first scene is such an uncomfortable position to be in (even though necessary). Natalie and Knox had a lot of past feelings that needed to be addressed and it was nice to see them discover each other after a long five years. These two had an intimacy to their story and I immediately connected with them.

Shameless by Maren Smith

4.7 stars
This story, while it did not my favorite of all the roulette scenes, was my second favorite of the collection. Although, the shower scene after the time was up WAS one of my favorites (can I just swoon now at how nurturing and protective that Garreth was?). Hadlee. Sweet lord the things that this girl was trying to overcome with her previous master. I loved how the author worked in the dynamic of how Noah and Garreth worked in tandem in their scenes (the first scene was powerful as hell and if I closed my eyes I could see every connected hit and mark. I, also enjoyed the “pep” talk between Noah and Garreth in the end. I am beyond ecstatic that this book will be a full story this year because there was so much to be expanded on with the menagerie.

Edge by Alta Hensley

4.5 stars
The characters, Dean and Melinda, knew each other before. They had a past that needed to be addressed. I loved that author addressed those feelings. I floved that Dean took control rather than, “testing the fates and seeing where [it] land[ed]” by allowing them to do things at their pace and to establish that trust again. This was important considering what their first spin was. Without doing this I am not sure the story would have worked as well as it did. Dean did a great job of building up Melinda’s self esteem after losing her identity in her previous relationship.

Confessions by Measha Stone

4.5 stars
I loved the backstory to this story. It gave it a different dimension to hidden desires and loving someone that you thought was unattainable for a plethora of reasons. I loved the moments when Grayson and Dani struggled with their feelings for each other, feelings that had been there for years but never addressed for fear of the domino effect that it could possibly have in their lives. The first scene had me fanning myself. It was pretty intense. I wish there would have been more of an explanation of Scott and why he had to drop out to care for his sub. I would love to see more of these characters. All of them.

Surrender by Maggie Ryan

4.6 stars
This novella takes the student teacher role play to a whole new level. HOT. AND that combines second/third scene, sweet lawd above. If that scene didn’t make you hot and bothered than I am convinced you must be a robot. I loved that Owen finally got to show his true feelings for Marty. Especially as these feelings had been building for along time. I like that Marty finally got to see herself as beautiful after so long of being an anomaly as a woman who was the height of a man. Society is so cruel when it comes to what it thinks beauty is.

Taken by Jane Henry

4.5 stars
These two. Talk about unresolved feelings. They take Hate F@&%Ng to a whole new level. I loved that the author took the time to build on this and slowly progress to the reasons why it was the way it was before they found their HEA again. This was important and led to a story with fluidity. I really wanted to know more about these two because they intrigued me. I love it when exes get together and especially loved Brayden and Della.

I would HIGHLY recommend this anthology. I would also read this entire series or at the very least the Black Light Valentine Roulette Anthology. Huge congrats to all the authors on this exceptional collection of stories. show less

I love all of Jane Henry's characters and books, so whenever a new one comes out, I have to hop right to it and read it. I always fall in love with all her characters, but Zoe, in this one? I think that Zoe is my favorite character. She's feisty, she's mouthy, she's uber-independent, she's so not submissive, and she's just wonderful. There really isn't anything about Zoe I don't love.

At the wedding reception of her friend and partner Zack and his wife Bea, Zoe gets a wee bit tipsy and show more starts dancing with Brax. Ignoring Bea's warning to stay away from him, she decides that she's going to leave with him. Instead of taking her home, Brax takes her to Verge, the BDSM club where he's the dungeon monitor, and they have their wicked way with each other.

Zoe figures that it's nothing but a one night stand, but it turns out that there is so much more going on.

There is a lot of spanking and domination going on in here, but there's so much more. Zoe isn't a sub and trying to figure out what's going on is really hard for her because she just doesn't have the same point of reference. Brax is a good man, if a little bit of a butthead on occasion. It's obvious that he cares a lot about what he does, no matter what he's doing. He takes a lot of pride in doing the job right and caring for the people in need of it. I really love his character, and I think he works well with Zoe. I don't think that any of the other guys we've seen so far in this series would've worked half as well. show less

This is an addictive Bratva romance that hooked me from the first page. Anissa, a master of disguise, runs from an arranged marriage, but Matvei, loyal, obsessive, and unrelenting, hunts her down to make her pay for betraying his Bratva family. What starts as vengeance turns into a dangerously passionate obsession. Their connection is raw, twisted, and deeply emotional as both characters battle their inner demons. I loved the mix of suspense, intensity, and steamy tension. The dynamic show more between predator and prey constantly shifts, keeping me on edge. It’s dark, gritty, and not for the faint of heart, but it’s exactly what I look for in a mafia romance. A must-read if you enjoy dark, emotional stories. show less