Oodles of reviews

There have been a lot of reviews coming in the past few weeks, but we'll share them in pieces in order not to make your eyes blur, lol.

First up, Ley over at Joyfully Reviewed read and reviewed three different Jamie Craig titles...

Ley from Joyfully Reviewed reviews Out of the Storm...

I really enjoyed this book. Out Of The Storm was sweet, hot, sexy, and plain ol’ cute! Poor Nick was so disappointed and heartbroken, Jay was exactly what he needed to perk things up again. These two didn’t get off on the right foot when they first met, but a little bit of wine did the trick to get them to start opening up. Jay couldn’t resist Nick’s charm and Nick was a slave to Jay’s beautiful sexiness. I just loved these guys.

Ley at Joyfully Reviewed reviewed Corazon

As the story progresses, the chemistry and passion between the two become stronger and more desperate. It also becomes clear that Miguel and Mason’s relationship is nothing more than the need of companionship. Corazón fittingly touched my heart mostly because of Anton. He’s the big, strong silent type who only wants acceptance and love and luckily he finds it with Mason.

Ley at Joyfully Reviewed reviews Fortune's Honor...

This story is so great! I loved, loved, loved Clay, he is a beautiful and honorable man inside and out and Paige was made for him. Paige and Clay took time getting to know each other and the love blossomed naturally, of course neither one was looking for it or expecting it but that’s when you know it’s real. Fortune’s Honor is such a sweet and enjoyable story and I know many readers will just love it.

And a couple other Jamie Craig titles...

Pam from My Book Cravings gives Mosaic Moon 4 flowers...

Mosaic Moon is the third book in The Master Chronicles and the first that I have read. I was afraid that in a book containing continuing characters that I would be lost, but the story contains just enough back-story to allow readers unfamiliar with the previous books to follow the complex plotline. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book can easily be read as a stand alone and still be thoroughly enjoyed. It also includes a well thought out and plotted suspense portion revolving around the stealing of magical powers from a mage friend of Jesse’s. So along with love, passion and sex, the reader gets a nice dose of deceit, magic, suspense and grave robbing.

The relationship between Gideon and Jesse is enduring, devoted and happy, with lots of blistering hot sex, and with the addition of lovely Emma it just gets hotter. Through it all the men stay totally committed to each other, and their love. Some readers might be uncomfortable with the stronger sexually explicit scenes that involve BDSM, but within the content of the story and the relationship of the characters it seemed well done, believable and very erotic. Once these three get past their misunderstandings and fear, watch out!

Carmen at The Romance Studio gives Double Down 4 1/2 hearts...

I thought the author did a great job handling a potentially explosive situation. To say that I felt badly for their respective partners is an understatement as I would hate to be in their shoes, but Cass and Patrick had wonderful chemistry. At first, the main goal appeared to be sex, but I saw a progression in their relationship as they truly seemed to care about each other. Even though they were aware of the dangers of getting caught, they couldn't seem to stay away from each other. This was a fast paced and easy read and I was anxious to see where Patrick and Cass were headed. Do they get their happily ever after or do they suffer the consequences of their actions? I highly recommend reading Double Down to find out.

And finally, FAR gave my Ellora's Cave release its highest rating!

Missy at Fallen Angel Reviews gives As It Should Be 5 Angels and a Recommended Read...

Ms. Dean touched my heart, my soul and my very being with this inspirational story. I must admit that I’ve never read an erotic inspirational love story before but this one fits that bill. To be in Nora’s shoes, knowing that her husband that she loved with everything in her is back and she can tell him good-bye one more time means the world to her. This is something that I think we would all do if given the chance and this author captures that storyline perfectly. The time that the characters spend together is erotic and the love shines through in their behavior. This story is one of the most unforgettable ones that I’ve ever read, and after you read the love story between Nora and Marshall I’m sure that you’ll agree with me that it deserves to be a Recommended Read.

News roundup

Top of the news this week is a contest! The authors involved in the Samhain print anthology, Heat Wave: A Midsummer's Night Steam, are blogging and running a contest all week over at Erotic Muses. Details are here, so head over and take a look!

Next up is the cover art for our July release, Querida!


LT Blue at JERR gives Fortune's Honor 4 1/2 stars!

What a beautiful love story! Ms. Craig created a beautiful world filled with the trials and tribulations of a big ranch family in Fortune’s Honor. Clay’s character is full of hope of family and a will to do what is right by the woman he finds himself in love with and his little brother. Paige is just as committed to stand by her word to Ty ignoring the growing affection she has for his older brother. The chemistry between Clay and Paige is constantly simmering to the breaking point but the restraint they have just makes it hotter. When they finally have sex, it is a sensual coming together that provides that climax that lingers for a day. AWESOME! While the sex isn’t as hot and orgasmic as I normally like, the sensuality is a perfect blend for this story. The secondary characters play an important role in the story and I hope to read more about them in a spin-off. I highly recommend Fortune’s Honor.

Mystical Nymph at Literary Nymph Reviews gives Corazon 4.5 Nymphs...

Corazon is the May release in the ongoing Calendar Boys series by the duo writing under the pen name of Jamie Craig. It’s another well written and plotted story I thoroughly enjoyed. While the plot vehicle of both Mason and Anton cheating on their respective significant others generally would have turned me off immediately, the manner in which the author(s) expressed the unhappiness and uncertainty of both men allowed me to overcome my usual unforgiving reaction. So imagine my surprise when I found myself rooting for the success of their new and growing relationship. What can I say? I’m a sucker for two guys in love.

Ley from Joyfully Reviewed reviews Seduction in Black & White

I was hooked and drawn into Seduction in Black and White from the first page. I really liked Jess and Emma, but Gideon had to grow on me. My initial impression of him was not very likeable. My feelings were solely based on his actions toward Jesse during their sex scenes, but after a while I was able to see the Gideon that Jesse and Emma loved. I was not aware that this story was part of a series and not being familiar with the previous books I was floored by some of the graphic BDSM scenes and the villainess torture scenes. They were harsh, brutal, gory and so well written that I couldn’t stop reading them. I give props to the talent of Jamie Craig, writing such an intensely suspenseful and complicated story that holds a readers interest such as this one has held mine can’t be easy. And for the record, jumping into this series in their 4th installment is not something I would recommend, even though I was able to grasp the storyline, there were names, events and little nuisances of significance that escaped me. I most definitely would have gotten more satisfaction from the story if I read the prequels first. Be warned Seduction in Black and White doesn’t hold back on anything, this is a very graphic story, but also an enjoyable one.

News roundup

First of all, we're on Facebook! Head on over and friend us!

We're hoping to have a new cover to show you next week, but in the interim, we've got a whole slew of reviews to share. The Jamie Craig ones first...

Ley from Joyfully Reviewed reviews Chaos & Communion

Chaos & Communion is fascinating. The story opens with a sad, broken and confused Jesse. He’s nothing like the full of life man of the previous installments of this series. Marcus Brooker broke him and left a man who barely ate and was afraid to sleep for fear of reliving the hell he went through. I hurt for him, as well as Emma and even Gideon, who is not one of my favorite people but he loves Jesse and Emma and that is honestly the greatest reason of the short list as to why I care for him. Every time I read one of these books the talent of Jamie Craig amazes me. Chaos & Communion is a rather complicated story of alternate universes and altering lives to change the outcome of future events. Ms. Craig did a fantastic job with this complex story.

Christina from Romance Junkies gives A Hidden Beauty 5 blue ribbons

HIDDEN BEAUTY by Jamie Craig is a fascinating and incredibly moving novel. This is one of the most romantic stories I have ever read. This story is calm and soothing but it is also full of passion and intense emotion. The combination is very powerful. Micah and Jefferson’s relationship develops quietly and slowly so that the reader has ample time to get to know the characters and become invested in them. I read this story slowly savoring the beautiful prose. I can see myself reading this book again and again. I hope that there will be a sequel.

Frost's Fancy at Rainbow Reviews gives Corazon 4 stars

Author Jamie Craig (the writing duo of Pepper Espinoza and Vivien Dean) spin an excitingly romantic and sensual story of four individuals webbed together by tradition, expectations, romance, and lust. Battling their way through a situation that seems destined to hurt somebody no matter what action is taken, the characters evolve each in their own way. Eventually the protagonists come to understand that sometimes the deepest character change comes through the most difficult decisions.

Pepper got a number of reviews from Joyfully Reviewed...

Sabella reviewed My Only Home

...the romance between Noah and Lucas is sweet and the passion steamy when they finally come together. My Only Home is an entertaining read for a careless afternoon.

Nannette reviewed Fumble Recovery

I needed a minute to recover while reading Fumble Recovery, the story is sizzling hot! Derek and Melanie are explosive together. The romantic in me wanted more romance afterwards, but as far as sexy short stories go, Fumble Recovery is as hot as it gets!

And Barb reviewed Surrender's Edge

Surrender’s Edge was an interesting story. The characters were all looking out for each other and their futures. The feelings between everyone was of a natural and good feel.

And I got two new reviews this week...

Tanya from Joyfully Reviewed reviewed A Sentry's Touch

Iris and Avi are well-matched as a pair, though Iris doesn’t believe it at first, but the author does a wonderful job of showing not only their destiny but why they are meant for each other. A Sentry’s Touch takes place in an alternate universe, in the same timeframe as today. The author did a fantastic job in creating this realm and I hope the author will be continuing the stories in this realm. There is a wonderful plot line, as well as sensual loving scenes and fast-paced plot in A Sentry’s Touch that many will enjoy.

Stephanie from Simply Romance Reviews gives As It Should Be an A and an Outstanding Read

As It Should Be ask the age old question if you could go back and change one thing in your past, would you? It also delivers a hot and sentimental read that leaves the reader satisfied and hopeful. Nora is conviction that she is dreaming yet she is still determined to change the events of the day leave the reader hoping that she is successful. If you’re looking for a feel good sexy romance As It Should Be is the book you’re looking for.

Happy Cinco De Mayo! New Release--Corazón

The fifth of May is the single date that could change the course of one man’s life.

Mason Ritter does not want to go to Puebla, Mexico, with his long-time boyfriend, Miguel. He claims he does not want to deal with the hassle of traveling from San Antonio to Puebla. He doesn’t like the way Miguel pretends Mason is just his good friend when they’re around Miguel’s father. He doesn’t want to take the time off work...

But in reality, Mason has only one reason to avoid the Cinco de Mayo fiesta in Puebla—Anton Rocha.

Anton Rocha is engaged to Miguel’s sister, Pedra. Anton Rocha is off-limits. Anton Rocha is also the most desirable, intoxicating man Mason has ever met. And before the end of the fiesta, Mason is in serious danger of losing his heart...

I know the issue of cheating and adulterous relationships is a sore point for some people. Our other books that have featured one or two cheating people have gotten mixed reviews, to say the least. So if you're wary of reading Corazón see what Elisa Rolle had to say.

Can I rename this book "How to pick up two unlikeable characters and make you like them"? Yes, cause in Corazon, we have not one but two cheating man, a thing I find almost unforgivable in a man, and one of the two is also unrepentant, cause he justifies the cheating since he doesn't love his current partner...

In the end I supported Mason and Anton. I still felt a little sad for Miguel (not so more for Petra), but between Mason and Miguel there wasn't the real love that there is with Anton.

And now, a never-before-seen-excerpt

“The other night. At the pool. I saw what you said.” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “Having you here lets me pretend.”

The part of Mason that hadn’t given itself over to this newfound masochism encouraged him to just let the subject drop. But he couldn’t.

“I thought we agreed to pretend the wish wasn’t there at all.”

“We did. Out there.” Anton tested his work before setting down the screwdriver and turning around to lean against the edge of the workbench. “It’s easier to pretend the other way when we’re in here. Every time I come in here, I think about kissing you.”

“I was pretending at the pool. That it was just the two of us.”

“I know.” Unsmiling, Anton lifted a careful hand to trace the line of Mason’s damp collar on his T-shirt, his rough fingertip just barely touching his bare skin. “So was I.”

“Tell me you’re tired of pretending, too.” Mason swayed forward slightly, trying to encourage more contact. “Or let’s pretend a different game right now.”

“A different game?” His warm breath came with warmer touches. “Like what?”

“We’ll start small. Maybe we can pretend it’s okay to finally kiss you like I’ve been dying to do since the moment I arrived in Puebla.”

“That wouldn’t be right.” Maybe not, but Anton slid his fingers around Mason’s neck anyway, the tender caresses enough to make his chest tighten. “We have others.”

“I know.” Emboldened by Anton’s light touch, he rested his hand on Anton’s hip. He could taste Anton already, the memory of their first kiss in the shed a physical presence between them. “Does…anybody usually bother you in here?”

“Only you. But then you bother my thoughts everywhere I am.”

If there had been a serious risk of somebody barging in on them, Mason might have released Anton and stepped back. But there wasn’t a serious risk, and his body ached. He knew without a doubt that the only thing to relieve this ache would be to finally give in and kiss Anton.

“You’ve consumed mine,” Mason murmured, tilting his head. “Completely.”

And then their lips were finally touching. Anton felt just like he had remembered. The first brush of contact was like a fist to his chest. He lost his breath, but instead of pulling away to gasp for more, he tried to steal Anton’s.

He had an inch on Anton in height, but the other man’s broader shoulders, his wider hands made Mason feel like he was being surrounded. The feeling was exacerbated when Anton slid his arm around the small of his back, circling him into an embrace that was as overwhelming as it was gentle. Anton never tried to hurry the caress. His lips remained soft and exploratory, barely parted as they learned each other’s shape again. But it was the way they quivered, the smallest of oscillations, that betrayed how deeply Anton’s desire ran.

“I can pretend there is only you when we’re in here,” Anton breathed in between kisses. “I don’t know why.”

“Just don’t stop pretending,” Mason pleaded, his tongue nudging Anton’s lips. “Not yet.”

He barely had a chance to finish speaking before the kiss deepened again. Mason didn’t have to pretend there was only Anton. As soon as they touched, everything outside the shed’s four walls fell away. He knew this would end, that these moments were fleeting and probably wouldn’t be captured again. He committed each second to memory—the taste of Anton’s mouth, the texture of his lips, the sound of his moans, and the way each moan rolled down Mason’s spine, making him shake.

Find out more information here.