SHIRA by Tressie Lockwood

Description: Shira narrowly escapes an abusive relationship, only to find herself in the lair of much more dangerous, not to mention grumpy, predator — a leopard shifter named Max. But could this strange relationship eventually turn into love? The Good: I respected Shira’s desire to get out of her abusive relationship, and cheered for her to do so. Also, I liked that she had an even better relationship with Max’s leopard than the hero himself. The Bad: Great obstacles are set up, only to be somewhat clumsily surmounted. Max’s initial resistance to a relationship with Shira is overcome with an unexplained change of heart, and the final showdown with the main villain is a little too neat. The Naughty: Erotic.  Editing issues: Minor...

LAID BEAR by Eve Vaughn

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...

CLAIMING SHAYLA (True Mates) by Zena Wynn

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...

SEDUCED BY THE WOLF by Zena Wynn

Description: Von Washington has a secret: she has never stopped being pen pals with Master Sergeant Sean Jacobson, the former army buddy of her controlling fiancé. But when Sean comes to town several secrets will be revealed, including that he’s a werewolf! The Good: This is great read with exceptional storytelling, gasp-out-loud twists and turns, and hot, hot, HOT sex. I loved how the author dealt with Sean’s ongoing struggles to control his wolf. And Von’s cousin is awesome. She made me want to call up my favorite cousin for a long overdue chat. The Bad: The epilogue feels tacked on and rushed. The Naughty: Erotic. Women struggling with sexuality. Sexual situations depicted with two different men. Editing issues: 7 typos found....

SHERRY’S WOLF by Maddy Barone

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...