You are browsing the archive for suspense.

Theodora Taylor

My Latest Book Is Here and My Last Freebie Promotion

November 30, 2012 in alpha male, biracial hero, black woman asian man, bwam, Christmas, ebook talk, erotic, Her Perfect Gift, steamy

I feel like I say this every time I announce a new book, but sorry, once again, for the blog silence. As you might have guessed by now, if I’m not posting regularly that means I’m working hard to get the next book up.

Can you believe it’s been an almost a year since I posted my first book, THE OWNER OF HIS HEART? Insane, right! I’ve learned a lot in that year, mostly about work/writing balance and how the cure to just about anything from diminishing sales to disgruntled readers/commenters is writing another book. And unfortunately for people who love free reads, I’ve also learned a lot about writing discipline.

What does that mean? Well, long story short, though I appreciate the KDP Select program, especially the early boost it gave OWNER and the incentive it gave me to meet my writing deadlines, my latest book will not be in this program. Why? Four reasons, really:

1. I felt I was unfairly punishing fans who didn’t have Kindles by making them wait 90 days to get my latest book.

2. October and November were hands down my busiest months in the history of me having a day job, but I still managed to stick to my writing schedule — in fact, spending regular time with the unusual couple from my latest book, HER PERFECT GIFT, was a total sanity saver. So I’m thinking if I could write through that craziness, I can probably be trusted to meet my writing goals without KDP Select’s use-it-or-lose-it freebie promotion program hanging over my head.

3. I’ve reached a plateau. As I mentioned before, I love my day job and don’t want to quit it to write full-time. However, there are only 24 hours in the day. I’m very happy with and grateful for the money I’m making at both of my jobs. I love being so busy on both fronts and I don’t want to take time away from either endeavor to promote. Hence, this is my last free promotion. I hope new readers will continue to find the 50 Loving States series, but in order to keep writing it, I don’t have time to run free promotions every three months. Or, to put it more bluntly, I’d rather be using that time to write the next book.

4. Did I mention HER PERFECT GIFT is a holiday novel? Who wants to wait 90 days to read a holiday novel?

So here’s the breakdown. THE WILD ONE will be free on Amazon this whole weekend. After that, though, all my books will go wide on all sites at around the same time (I can never guarantee the same day, since different sites have different holding times) and will never be offered for free again.

So if you haven’t read THE WILD ONE, which is the follow-up to my first book, THE OWNER OF HIS HEART, yet, click on the book widget in the right side bar to download your free copy.

And as for HER PERFECT GIFT, my latest book. Well, this one is a doozy. Here’s the description:

The fifth smoking hot interracial romance in the 50 Loving States series!

Lacey Winters has sworn off love. She’s kept her heart locked away for her own protection, and she’s vowed never to fall under a dangerous man’s spell again.

But that was all before she met Suro Nakamura, a hit man who seems bound and determined to stomp all over her pesky vows. 

He’s dangerous in more ways than one, but can Lacey resist this holiday temptation?

A story sure to set your holidays on fire, this book features a woman with a past, a hit man determined to see her in his future, and red hot Christmas chemistry.

I loved this couple (especially the hot and quiet hero) to pieces and hope you will, too.I also, love the holidays, and I’m now looking forward to writing a Christmas novel every year. Click on the pic below or the book widget in the side bar to get your copy.

Happy Holidays!

Theodora

Share
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
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
Theodora Taylor

HAVEN by Nia K. Foxx

June 18, 2012 in alpha male, B Reviews, black woman white man, Book Reviews, bwwm, bwwm romance, cop, doctor, Loose ID, older woman younger man, paranormal, steamy, werewolf

Description: As a shifter, who can’t shift, Ashlei Preen has pretty much given up on love — that is, until the new sexy shifter sheriff catches her scent.

The Good: I really liked the premise of a shifter who couldn’t shift living in a town of shifters. The sex was very hot, and fans of shifter romances will appreciate the primal details. There were also some really funny comedic moments and the town’s residents are a hoot.

The Bad: As much as I loved the premise, the story was weighed down by a really resistant, really insecure heroine, who isn’t given believable motivation. Her stubborn refusal to believe that the hero was truly interested in her was baffling and made for a frustrating read. I also didn’t understand the class system among these werewolves. At one point, it seemed that some conflict might arise out of the fact that the hero and heroine were from two different breeds, but nothing ever came of it, leaving me to wonder why this story detail had been introduced in the first place. Also, there is a great mystery that’s introduced way too late in the story and isn’t resolved. Overall, the novel needed a tighter structure, and a clearer emotional through line, especially for the heroine.

The Naughty: Steamy. Rough, animalistic sex.

Editing issues: One typo found.

Publisher: Loose Id LLC

Length: 171 pages

Final Grade: B-

Click on the book widget to buy at Amazon for $5.94.

 

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

 

 

Share
Theodora Taylor

TEMPTING WITNESS by Savannah Stuart

April 11, 2012 in B Reviews, cop, erotic, self-published, suspense, wwlm

Description: When Madison DuBois witnesses a crime, she’s forced to turn to her brother’s best friend, Detective Rafe Jackson, for help and shelter. Sparks fly, but can their relationship survive the people who want to harm her and their own internal reservations?


The Good: Rafe is a sexy and extremely hot hero. The first time they have sex is somehow hot, funny, and really, really awkward at the same time. Great price point for the length.

The Bad: I liked that the majority of the suspense and crime stuff happened off page, but some readers might not. Other characters tell us who Madison is as opposed to her showing us who she is herself. This makes for a rather disjointed characterization overall. I could not for the life of me figure out the race of the heroine. I think maybe she is white and he is Latino. I couldn’t be sure. In general if authors tag a book as an interracial romance, they should let us know the race of both characters. Also, the resolution felt rushed and a bit unearned.

The Naughty: Erotic. Explicit language. Anal play. Virgin.

Editing issues: Three typos found.

Publisher: Indie Author

Length: Novella

Final Grade: B-

Click on the book cover 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
Theodora Taylor

WOLF IN WAITING by Shyla Colt

March 28, 2012 in alpha male, black woman white man, Book Reviews, Breathless Press, bwwm, bwwm romance, C Reviews, erotic, Novella, paranormal, shifter(s), suspense, werewolf

Description: Years ago Kalyx and Luz were best friends in love, bonded over their mutual inability to shape shift. But when Luz shifts, Kalyx runs away, feeling their love can’t transcend their pack caste. Now she’s back for her sister’s wedding. Can Luz, who never stopped loving her, convince her that they belong together?

The Good: This is a hot and compelling story. I love tortured alphas, and Luz is that.

The Bad: There’s too much story stuffed into too small of a word count. And though, Ms. Colt has excellent plot points, she doesn’t take the time to really explore any of them, not even the H/H’s intriguing back story. This was a good story diminished by lack of good craft. Everything feels rushed and nothing is truly fleshed out.

The Naughty: Erotic. Masturbation.

Editing issues: One typo found. Clumsy grammar and word choice in places.

Publisher: Breathless Press

Length: Novella (12, 127 words)

Final Grade: C+

Click on the book cover to buy at Amazon for $1.99.

 

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
Theodora Taylor

WYNTER’S PROTECTION by Tressie Lockwood

March 9, 2012 in B Reviews, Book Reviews, bwwm, bwwm romance, erotic, Novella, Sugar and Spice Press, suspense

Description: When Assistant DA, Wynter King, finds herself being hunted down by a mob boss, she turns to her ex-fiance, Crowe Hanson. But can she take shelter with him without losing her heart to him all over again?

The Good: This novella is well-plotted, and I love that the heroine is a strong woman with career ambitions. It was a very satisfying and complete read. I didn’t even remember that it was technically a novella until I sat down to write this review.

The Bad: Though the narrative was tight, other craft points weren’t quite there yet. The story as a whole suffered from stilted dialogue and clumsily-written action, which at times made it hard to understand what was happening during the higher-octane scenes.

The Naughty: Erotic. 

Editing issues: 2 typos found.

Publisher: Sugar and Spice Press

Length: Novella

Final Grade: B-

Click on the book cover to buy at Amazon for $3.99.

 

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 for $4.16 each at Amazon.

 

 

Share
Theodora Taylor

THREE BULLETS by Tasha D-Drake

January 25, 2012 in asian male white male, Book Reviews, gay male romance, menage trois, Novella, self-published

Description: Bae, a young half-Korean Englishman, needs to make a little money to escape his small town, so he takes a job person sitting Steve, the temporarily blind brother of Jim Jones. Neither brother is quite what he seems, and Bae’s boring job takes a turn for the steamy.

The Good: I really liked Bae, and Steve was a hoot. The sex was very hot. It’s a very compelling and quick read.

The Bad: Though I found this novel through a search for interracial gay romance, it’s not quite that. Also, the cover is kind of horrible.

The Naughty: Erotic, explicit language, menage.

Editing issues: Minor. Two typos.

Publisher: Wittengen Press

Length: Short Story

Final Grade: C+

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

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
Theodora Taylor

SAFE by Shara Azod and Raelynn Blue

November 14, 2011 in alpha male, B Reviews, Book Reviews, bwwm, self-published

Description: When Briony’s no-good husband is murdered, her now former brother-in-law, Quentin steps in to both claim and protect her.

The Good: Quentin is a balls-to-the-wall kind of hero, very intense, very alpha, and all in from the start. Briony’s a very sweet girl, and it’s easy to see their attraction for each other, even if we’re not there for its genesis. Also, the sex is H.O.T.

The Bad: The story feels a bit rushed in places with emotional arcs like Briony’s relationship with her parents mentioned but left completely undeveloped. There’s also a subplot with Quentin’s partner which distracts from the bigger story and fails to titillate.

The Naughty: Erotic, sex in public places, explicit language, unprotected sex.

Editing issues: Lots of typos, weird formatting.

Publisher: Azod & Blue Present

Length: 164 pages

Final Grade: B

Click on the book cover to buy at Amazon for $3.99.

Share
Theodora Taylor

GET YOUR SEXY ON by Kimberly Kaye Terry

October 31, 2011 in alpha male, B Reviews, Book Reviews, bwwm, Kensington Aphrodisia

Description: After one night of all-consuming passion, Sin, ends up running away from private investigator, Mac, and her life as a stripper. A year later, he stumbles upon her in her new life as a teacher and their passion for each other explodes again, but will their relationship be able to overcome all the drama from Sin’s past?

The Good: Mind-blowing sex, a complicated back story, and well-plotted suspense makes this novel a serious page turner. Also, one of Mac’s old military associates is not only super-sexy, but also set up well for a book of his own.

The Bad: The character of Sin’s brother is a catalyst but never fully developed. Some readers might find Mac’s extreme alpha male behavior offensive (I didn’t, but I’m just putting it out there). Also, Kensington has not priced the e-book well: despite being over three years old, it’s $8.32.

The Naughty: Agressive sex, rough talk, and anal.

Editing issues: None

Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia

Length: 304 pages

Final Grade: B

Click on the book cover to buy at Amazon for $8.32.

Share