You are browsing the archive for bi-racial heroine.

Theodora Taylor

LAID BEAR by Eve Vaughn

September 12, 2012 in B Reviews, bi-racial heroine, Book Reviews, doctor, erotic, menage quartro, mmfm, paranormal, Samhain Publishing, shifter(s), suspense, wmwmbwwm

Description: After a near-fatal collision, Zora Calloway wakes up in the cabin of three sexy bear-shifter cousins determined to claim her as their mate. Goldilocks and the three bears, indeed!

The Good: This is a really sexy take on a beloved fairytale. Ms. Vaughn is a master of old-school erotic romance structure, and the sex really drives the story. But she also gives us a really interesting and well-executed mystery — it provides just the right amount of plot. I also loved that the level-headed, somewhat beta bear was in charge, and this word pairing: “awesomely serious.”

The Bad: The relationship-building gets a little lost in the fray of thick sexual tension during the first half of the book. And Heath and Logan often read as alike, as opposed to as two distinct characters.

The Naughty: Erotic. Menage.

Editing issues: Minor

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Length: 148 pages

Final Grade: B+

Click on the widget to buy at Amazon for $3.44.

 

Theodora Taylor writes and reviews in Pittsburgh, PA.

 

Share

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comments Off

Theodora Taylor

CLAIMING SHAYLA (True Mates) by Zena Wynn

August 8, 2012 in alpha male, B Reviews, bi-racial heroine, Book Reviews, erotic, Loose ID, paranormal, pregnant, shifter(s), suspense, werewolf

Description: When Shayla flees Refuge, North Carolina after an intense mating session with Rory McFelan, she thought she was done with the alpha of the Sparrowhawks. But as it turns out, she has to go back for her favorite cousin’s wedding. Also, she’s pregnant. And perhaps most importantly of all, Rory isn’t at all prepared to let her go.

The Good: As always, Ms. Wynn’s excels at introducing really hot sex into unique situations. There’s a lot going on in this book plot-wise: a rip-roaring romance, a meaty family mystery, and some seriously hardcore sex. Ms. Wynn really goes there — so sensitive readers, be warned. I was worried at points by how many balls she had going up in the air, but somehow she manages to juggle them and wrap it all up with a very satisfying conclusion. There’s also a character introduction that is so crazy-intriguing, you’ll be dying for him to get his own True Mates book. Hopefully it’s coming soon!

The Bad:Shayla as a character has serious “show vs. tell” problems. She’s supposed to be a genius, we never see her use her brain. At one point she proudly proclaims, “I won’t whine, mope, or sulk in some corner like a child” after spending several pages whining and moping around in a childish funk. She claims to be traumatized by growing up different, but we never see any evidence of this. In the end she feels like a collection of stated character traits that are never proven. To this point, many readers will figure out an important component of the mystery way before Shayla does, which brings us back to the genius issue.

Also, there are so many characters and POVs, it’s hard to keep them all straight. It’s a bit like watching TRUE BLOOD. In fact, even though she’s bi-racial (black and Asian), Shayla reminds me a bit of Rutina Wesley’s character, Tara — readers are either going to love her or hate her.

The Naughty: Erotic. Physical fighting between couple. Lots of exhibition. Sex while in werewolf form. Hardcore.

Editing issues: 4 typos found.

Publisher: Loose Id

Length: 274

Final Grade: B

Click on the widget to buy at Amazon for $6.39.

 

Theodora Taylor writes and reviews in Pittsburgh, PA.

 

Share

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comments Off

Theodora Taylor

SLIGHTLY SINFUL by Yvette Hines

June 14, 2012 in alpha male, B Reviews, bi-racial heroine, black woman hispanic man, Book Reviews, business man, bwlm, erotic, Hispanic, Hispanic hero, self-published

Description: While waiting to hear back about a lucrative contract, Delilah Reynolds, decides to accept her friend’s invitation to a risqué weekend in the Bahamas. She ends up have the mind-blowing sex experience of a lifetime with a mysterious stranger, but what will happen when they meet again in the real world?

The Good: This book was scorching hot with wonderfully naughty situations and sex. Not for the faint-of-heart reader. This isn’t your walks-on-the-beach sort of book. Whoo, boy!

The Bad: The resolution comes a bit too quickly, squandering much of the great conflict that’s been built up. Also, the last sex scene feels more like a one more scene, than a culmination or even a confirmation of love.

The Naughty: Erotic. Multiple partners. Orgy. Anal.

Editing issues: 6 typos found.

Publisher: Indie

Length: 79 pages

Final Grade: B

Click on the widget to buy at Amazon for $2.99.

 

Love IR romance as much as I do? Then pick up the first three Amazon bestselling books in my 50 Loving States series, THE OWNER OF HIS HEART , HER RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRE, and HER VIKING WOLF, as eBooks or in paperback!

 

 

Share

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
2 Comments »

Theodora Taylor

SHERRY’S WOLF by Maddy Barone

June 7, 2012 in bi-racial heroine, Book Reviews, bwnm, Novella, paranormal, scifi, self-published, sensual, shifter(s), werewolf

Description: Sherry Rowe is reeling from 1) surviving a plane crash that sling-shotted her fifty years into the future, where after a nuclear disaster, there are very few women and a ton of Native American werewolves looking to mate; 2) the death of her philandering, abusive husband who was also on the plane, and 3) a werewolf named Jumping Stag, who won’t take no for answer.

The Good: This is a great premise. I also love that Sherry is Catholic and really conflicted about her problematic marriage, even now that its over. Also, who doesn’t love a group of men who hold women in the highest regard. And I really like that Jumping Stag is a virgin — it made their sex scene hotter somehow.

The Bad: Sadly this a case of a great premise completely squandered by terrible execution. SHERRY’S WOLF is poorly structured, feels rushed, and doesn’t have much in the way of compelling conflict. We’re told that Sherry is shy and scared but she comes off as accusatory, wishy-washy, and selfish, despite her sympathetic backstory. Most readers will wonder why Jumping Stag’s “wolf” chose her. Most writers will wonder why neither hero nor heroine was given a true arc before getting shoved into a rather abrupt ending.

The Naughty: Sensual. Male Virgin.

Editing issues: 4 typos found. Weird dialogue formatting on the Kindle.

Publisher: Indie

Length: 86 pages

Final Grade: D+

Click on the widget to buy at Amazon for free.

 

Love IR romance as much as I do? Then pick up the first three Amazon bestselling books in my 50 Loving States series, THE OWNER OF HIS HEART , HER RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRE, and HER VIKING WOLF, as eBooks or in paperback!

 

 

Share

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comments Off

Theodora Taylor

ACTING WITCHY by Thayer King

May 9, 2012 in alpha male, B Reviews, bi-racial heroine, black woman white man, Book Reviews, bwwm romance, erotic, Evernight Publishing, paranormal, witch

Description: When actress Mystique Gray meets writer/director/producer/actor/super-possessive alpha male Sean Savage, their chemistry is undeniable, but Mystique has some serious reservations — mainly surrounding the fact that he’s a witch!

The Good: Well, as always with Ms. King, the sex is super-hot. Seriously, she should write a how-to manual on this, because she does it really well. Also, this is a surprisingly full story for it’s length. Well worth the $4.99, you’ll feel like you’ve “read a book.” There’s also a very nice set-up for the hero’s brother, who is super-intriguing and really needs to have a book of his own.

The Bad: While the plot is really tight, the heroine’s motivations aren’t made clear until rather late in the book — which gives us plenty of time to get roiling mad at her and wonder why she’s being so resistant. The character’s motivation needed to be revealed much, much earlier, so that we could all be on the same page with — as opposed to mad at — her. But if anyone is reading this who’s on the verge of putting the book down, let me assure you, she has what turns out to be sound and fascinating reasons for resisting this relationship at every turn.

The Naughty: Erotic. Huge build up and tension. Explicit language.

Editing issues: No typos found. Weird dialogue formatting on Kindle app.

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Length: 34K+ words

Final Grade: B+

Click on the book cover to buy at Amazon for $4.99.

 

Love IR romance as much as I do? Then pick up THE OWNER OF HIS HEART and HER RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRE, the first two books in my 50 Loving States series!

 

 

Share

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Comments Off

Theodora Taylor

STAKING HIS CLAIM by Lynda Chance

April 25, 2012 in alpha male, B Reviews, bi-racial heroine, Book Reviews, Hispanic, Hispanic hero, Novella, rancher, self-published, sensual, steamy, white woman latin man, wwlm

Description: When alpha male rancher, Raul Vega, meets innocent nursing student, Elaina Ruiz, he works hard to resist her, believing she’s too young for him. Elaina finds Raul too intense and doesn’t disabuse him of the notion, even though she’s old enough for what he has in mind. But how long can they deny their attraction?

The Good: Chance’s writing has a lot of energy, which is harder to achieve than one might think. You won’t get bored, and you’ll keep on turning the pages. Also, this novella is a bargain at $0.99.

The Bad:

The Hero (Hispanic): It’s a thin line between aggressive would-be lover and judgmental bully with Raul, and if you’re sensitive to that line in alpha males, you might have trouble fully enjoying this story.

The Heroine (white and Hispanic): When dealing with alpha males, the characterization of the heroine has to be even more on point, so that it doesn’t feel like she’s being completely overshadowed by a stronger personality. In this case, Elaina needs considerable character work, as her motivation is unclear and often shaky. She doesn’t know what she wants from life or love, which happens all the time in real life, but in book life it’s hard to give a character these traits without her coming across as wishy-washy and childish as opposed to truly conflicted.

Craft: Contradiction issues. Ex. Elaina was stunned at his agreement and didn’t even think to question his sincerity. He was sincere. She would bet on it. “Are you serious?” [she asked]. Basically, the character is saying she doesn’t question the hero’s sincerity before turning around and questioning his sincerity. There are a few contradictory turns like that.

The Naughty: Sensual>Steamy. Virgin.

Editing issues: Minor. 2 typos found.

Publisher: Indie

Length: 91 pages (Amazon estimate)

Final Grade: C+

Click on the book widget to buy at Amazon for $0.99.

 

 

 

Love IR romance as much as I do? Then pick up THE OWNER OF HIS HEART and HER RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRE, the first two books in my 50 Loving States series!

 

 

Share

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Comments Off

Theodora Taylor

LIASON (Soul Bond Book One) by Ambrielle Kirk

March 7, 2012 in bi-racial heroine, Book Reviews, Breathless Press, erotic, Novella, paranormal

Description: When a young witch coven queen accidentally summons a half-demon prince in order to get back a powerful spell book, unexpected passion erupts.

The Good: Ms. Kirk has a considerable facility for situation and world-building. Also, I really appreciate that this novella was “different” — not your run-of-the-mill paranormal. I think if she keeps attending to her craft, she could really become something special, and I will certainly give her future works a look.

The Bad: As much as I wanted to love this story, it suffers from poor execution. The set-ups — especially the ones concerning the magical book — aren’t clear. Battle promises aren’t paid off. Twists come out of the blue, and more attention is given to setting up the next book in the series than to fully resolving the current one. Also, I was never quite clear on the heroine’s race. From a few of the clues given, I decided that she was perhaps biracial, but I wasn’t sure, and this made it hard to form a clear picture of her.

The Naughty: Erotic. Non-human.

Editing issues: 3 typos found.

Publisher: Breathless Press

Length: 67 pages (Amazon estimated length)

Final Grade: C

Click on the book cover to buy at Amazon for $2.99.

*An e-copy of this book was provided by the author for review. 

 

Love IR romance as much as I do? Then pick up THE OWNER OF HIS HEART and HER RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRE, the first two books in my 50 Loving States series for $4.16 each at Amazon.

Share

Tags: , , ,
Comments Off

Theodora Taylor

MACY’S AWAKENING by Pepper Anthony

January 10, 2012 in B Reviews, Beachwalk Press, bi-racial heroine, Book Reviews, bwwm, bwwm romance, erotic, May December romance

Description: When  the nineteen-year-old bi-racial daughter of an old college buddy gets in trouble with the law (through no fault of her own), Jerrod Preston, a divorced forty-three-year-old attorney, steps in to help. He agrees to not only represent her but also give her a place to live for seven weeks until her court date (she lives in another city, but was in town for a wedding). What he doesn’t count on is Macy breathing fresh air into his otherwise stale life. But can they overcome the many obstacles getting in the way of their budding love and passion?

The Good: This was a definite page turner. The author sent me this novel for review, and I opened it up just to see if I’d consider reading it in full. But somehow I didn’t end up putting it down until the very last page. Ms. Anthony excels at sexual tension. And I loved the way she used awkwardness between her H/H to highlight it. Both characters felt very realistic, especially Macy, who unlike many other romance novel virgins, worries about things a real nineteen-year-old virgin would worry about, like smelling okay and being sexy enough to attract a man like Jerrod. This book feels like a very realistic portrayal of what would happen if a forty-three-year-old attorney fell in love with his nineteen-year-old client.

The Bad: I commend Ms. Anthony for her realistic portrayals and solid writing skills, and I will certainly seek out future works. However, I think many readers my age will find the 24 year age difference off-putting.  Jerrod isn’t predatory, but Macy’s naiveté and innocence made me squeamish toward the beginning of their sexual relationship as opposed to completely on-board. This couple eventually proved themselves to be well-matched, but because of the age and life experience difference, it was hard to cheer for their HEA.

The Naughty: Erotic. Explicit language. Toys.

Editing issues: One typo found.

Publisher: Beachwalk Press

Length: 93 pages (estimated)

Final Grade: B

Click on the book cover to buy at Amazon for $2.99.

If you love IR Book Reviews, consider picking up my book, THE OWNER OF HIS HEART. It’s a great and enjoyable way to support the site.

Share

Tags: , , , , ,
1 Comment »

Theodora Taylor

TRUE MATES by Zena Wynn

December 13, 2011 in B Reviews, bi-racial heroine, Book Reviews, bwwm, Loose ID, paranormal, werewolf

Description: A bi-racial woman who works too hard and plays too little is unexpectedly transported to a meadow, where she is literally left hanging for her true mate werewolf. He finds her — oh, does he find her. But will her need for control kill their newfound relationship?

The Good: Well, the sex comes fast and hot. But at the same time I completely believed that these two passionate people would hook up from the jump off. Ms. Wynn does a great job setting up the story in that regard. And it’s a great situation, in that they have sex first things first, then spend the rest of the story getting to know each other. The heroine is big-boned, and I really liked the gentle-but-alpha hero.

The Bad: The story falls into the same trap that many “fated” love stories fall into. It’s hard to believe that their relationship is ever really under threat, and so the story as a whole lacks conflict. It’s kind of like watching a newly domestic couple, who you know will definitely be getting married, setting up house and having lots of fantastic sex, and talking their way through any emotional landmines that come up. It’s not boring, but it’s not a page turner either. The set-up of the next book in the series (NIKOLAI’S WOLF), which involves a forbidden vampire-werewolf pairing is also problematic. On one hand it’s very intriguing, in that the next story will certainly have plenty of conflict, a big bad, and both emotional and tangible obstacles for the couple to surmount. On the other it takes up a considerable chunk of this story, which is supposed to be about another couple all together. More focus on the main couple, with a smaller set up for the next book would have been preferable. Also, for whatever reason this isn’t available as an ebook on Amazon, just iBooks and other sites.

The Naughty: Erotic. Lots of sex. Dubious consent.

Editing issues: Minor typos

Publisher: Loose Id

Length: 138 pages

Final Grade: B-

Click on the book cover to buy at AllRomance eBooks for $4.99.

Wanna see my softer fictional side? Pick up my book, THE OWNER OF HIS HEART, at Amazon for $4.16.

Share

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Comments Off