Sue LyndonReviews
Author of Alien Protector
Reviews
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 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.
One of my favorite parts of this anthology is the detail put into setting up the story for the other novellas and authors. There is always so much detail that it gets me excited from the get-go.
Prelude by Renee Rose
This story started by the author introducing the main characters, Ravil and Lucy, who are Bratva and Lawyer. Already from just their job descriptions, it sets the stage for opposites attract. The scenes were on the softer side but still showed the importance of communication and trust. I LOVED how this ended and cannot wait for more from Ravil and Lucy.
Breathless By Eris Adderly
This story gave me the opportunity to read more about scenes that I am not as familiar with. Their scenes built on the exercises of trust which both of these characters needed. Violet was just what Anson needed. I was bummed that they only made it through two scenes because I really enjoyed their chemistry and interactions. I hope to see more of these two in the future.
Burn by Kay Elle Parker
This was my first time reading this author and it sure will not be my last because this was my favorite of the book. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this gets expanded into a full book. There is so much to be unpacked and expanded on here in regards to Ava and her backstory which is what makes me want so much more. I would love to see Finn help her heal. The scenes in their pairing were hotter than a Las Vegas sidewalk in August. HOT. HOT. HOT. One scene/kink, in particular, has not been done (that I can remember) and it definitely piqued my interest.
Inflamed by Golden Angel
I loved watching the back and forth between Elliot and Lisa. These two were both headstrong characters so it was nice to see the dynamics play out. They each gave as good as they got. I wanted more exploration of their history as to why there was such a pf Lisa trying to prove herself and Elliot learning he was wrong in certain aspects.
Wicked by Jennifer Bene
There is a reason that I fell in love with this series and that is because of this amazing author. She brought Pierce and Tori to life. I felt their emotions, especially Tory. I liked watching her come to terms with what she thought she wanted and what she ultimately, needed. Bravo.
Trained by Sue Lyndon
My favorite thing about this author is her ability to take "tame" sexual activities (if there really is such a thing in the BL world) and ramp them up. She always puts care and attention into creating characters such as Xavier and Rachel, that her audience can get invested in. I loved the chemistry between X and "Dolly". He gave her exactly what she needed and then some.
Unexpected by Measha Stone
I enjoyed the fact that the author didn't shy away from creating a character that was plus size. I also loved that the author pushed me from my comfort zone and made two kins that I am not as interested in compelling and enticing by creating a scene where I was involved (vicariously) in as Quinn and Jack.
Facade by Livia Grant
This story started with one of my favorite scenes of this anthology. It was different and Unique. It kept my interest the whole time. I liked that Sean was attentive to Stephanie's vulnerability and saw that there was a lot under her sass. I liked the juxtaposition of "experience" versus "newness" in Stephanie and that Sean was intuitive enough to see past what others assumed about Stephanie and helped her to see that as well.
And the Winner is... By Jennifer Bene and Livia Grant
I loved getting to have a scene with Jaxson, Chase, and Emma. Their connection is always so hot and strong. I love the dynamic of Dom, Switch, and Sub showing again another facet of this lifestyle and doing it well. I won't spoil the winner, as that is part of the fun of this anthology. I'm glad that I didn't have to pick because both sides had some amazing scenes. However, if I HAD to choose, I would have gone the opposite way.
All that aside. This is, in my opinion, the best roulette of them all. I look forward to this book every year. It is my Valentine's tradition now and gives me some happiness as I help work in a flower shop on this holiday and the weeks leading up to it suck the life out of me. This helps keep me regenerated. Kudos to the authors for another amazing year.
Genres; Adult, Erotic, Romance.
4 Solid Stars.
Positives & Negatives
Other than a single typo it is truly well written. In fact, what I thought was a second typo turned out to be a lesson for me.
'Offence' is the spelling more commonly used outside of the United States. Offense is the spelling more commonly used in the United States.
I thought this was a misspelling. I was wrong.
Filled with plenty of steam. One of the best shorties I have read in a long time.
No Cliffhanger! Just a very enjoyable and quick read.
The characters, Ivan and Amanda, were fun to read about and I would actually like to read more about them.
I will definitely be looking for more of Sue Lyndon's work.
One of my favorite parts of this anthology is the detail put into setting up the story for the other novellas and authors. There is always so much detail that it gets me excited from the get-go.
Prelude by Renee Rose
This story started by the author introducing the main characters, Ravil and Lucy, who are Bratva and Lawyer. Already from just their job descriptions, it sets the stage for opposites attract. The scenes were on the softer side but still showed the importance of communication and trust. I LOVED how this ended and cannot wait for more from Ravil and Lucy.
Breathless By Eris Adderly
This story gave me the opportunity to read more about scenes that I am not as familiar with. Their scenes built on the exercises of trust which both of these characters needed. Violet was just what Anson needed. I was bummed that they only made it through two scenes because I really enjoyed their chemistry and interactions. I hope to see more of these two in the future.
Burn by Kay Elle Parker
This was my first time reading this author and it sure will not be my last because this was my favorite of the book. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this gets expanded into a full book. There is so much to be unpacked and expanded on here in regards to Ava and her backstory which is what makes me want so much more. I would love to see Finn help her heal. The scenes in their pairing were hotter than a Las Vegas sidewalk in August. HOT. HOT. HOT. One scene/kink, in particular, has not been done (that I can remember) and it definitely piqued my interest.
Inflamed by Golden Angel
I loved watching the back and forth between Elliot and Lisa. These two were both headstrong characters so it was nice to see the dynamics play out. They each gave as good as they got. I wanted more exploration of their history as to why there was such a pf Lisa trying to prove herself and Elliot learning he was wrong in certain aspects.
Wicked by Jennifer Bene
There is a reason that I fell in love with this series and that is because of this amazing author. She brought Pierce and Tori to life. I felt their emotions, especially Tory. I liked watching her come to terms with what she thought she wanted and what she ultimately, needed. Bravo.
Trained by Sue Lyndon
My favorite thing about this author is her ability to take "tame" sexual activities (if there really is such a thing in the BL world) and ramp them up. She always puts care and attention into creating characters such as Xavier and Rachel, that her audience can get invested in. I loved the chemistry between X and "Dolly". He gave her exactly what she needed and then some.
Unexpected by Measha Stone
I enjoyed the fact that the author didn't shy away from creating a character that was plus size. I also loved that the author pushed me from my comfort zone and made two kins that I am not as interested in compelling and enticing by creating a scene where I was involved (vicariously) in as Quinn and Jack.
Facade by Livia Grant
This story started with one of my favorite scenes of this anthology. It was different and Unique. It kept my interest the whole time. I liked that Sean was attentive to Stephanie's vulnerability and saw that there was a lot under her sass. I liked the juxtaposition of "experience" versus "newness" in Stephanie and that Sean was intuitive enough to see past what others assumed about Stephanie and helped her to see that as well.
And the Winner is... By Jennifer Bene and Livia Grant
I loved getting to have a scene with Jaxson, Chase, and Emma. Their connection is always so hot and strong. I love the dynamic of Dom, Switch, and Sub showing again another facet of this lifestyle and doing it well. I won't spoil the winner, as that is part of the fun of this anthology. I'm glad that I didn't have to pick because both sides had some amazing scenes. However, if I HAD to choose, I would have gone the opposite way.
All that aside. This is, in my opinion, the best roulette of them all. I look forward to this book every year. It is my Valentine's tradition now and gives me some happiness as I help work in a flower shop on this holiday and the weeks leading up to it suck the life out of me. This helps keep me regenerated. Kudos to the authors for another amazing year.
Laina is a human princess living in the Banded world. Banded men always come in pairs, one diurnal and one nocturnal. And they always share a mate. A banded man whose twin has died doesn't take a mate, unless he has older or younger brothers, and then they will all share a mate. That's what happens with Laina and her mates. Can she handle 3 stern and loving mates?
Such a sweet little romance. It's all about love, family, and learning how to love again. The only problem I have is that I want more!
Elizabeth and Jacob have been lucky enough to find each other online. They spend time talking together about anything and everything. Finally, it's time for them to meet. Will they like each other?
This is a sweet and lovely little story. Nice HEA, satisfying end. The only problem I had with it was that it was too short.
I got an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
In this story, our heroine is Ava, a human woman who was raised in a small human village. Her father was executed before she was born and her mother was sold into slavery. That meant that Ava was a slave and any children she will have will also be slaves. Ava is determined to not let that happen and each day she looks over the field of daisies and thinks about escaping, and yet her fear is still holding her back. One day, after searching her room, her master accuses her of knowing about other escaped slaves and decides to sell her at auction.
Jaxon, a Banded Men light twin, generally avoids human villages when he's out doing his missions and patrols. However, this day, he has the urge to go into this village. When he gets there, he sees Ava on the auction block and knows that he must have her. He triples the asking price and pays with a bag full of gold and jewels.
He takes Ava to his camp, and she promises not to try to escape. When she does escape, he tracks her down, brings her back, and spanks her. That's when he figures out that there is no way that he isn't going to claim her. The question is, will Wolfe, his dark twin, want to claim her too?
I love the Banded Men story. The twins want to make sure that their mate is safe and cherished, even if that means that she needs to be spanked when she misbehaves. But, they also make sure that they lavish a lot of love on her too. Jaxon and Wolfe listen to Ava and her concerns and do everything they can to make sure that she feels safe and like they will never leave her. Great story, fantastic HEA, and sweet romance.
I got an ARC for this book, you got my honest and voluntary review. :)
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I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.