Dina read and liked Melissab's review of Friends With Benefits (The Boulevard, #2):

"Friends With Benefits is the sequel to the very hot Maverick's Black Cat, where we first meet the smart talking Bailey and the serious Sebastian with the hidden kinky side. This book was a very well-written sexy read that really drew me into the char...more Friends With Benefits is the sequel to the very hot Maverick's Black Cat, where we first meet the smart talking Bailey and the serious Sebastian with the hidden kinky side. This book was a very well-written sexy read that really drew me into the characters and their story plus delivered some very hot sex scenes.

Bailey is an independent woman who knows what she wants in life - and what she wants right now is some hot sex but she isn't satisfied with the brawny self-centered men she normally dates. So she decides she should have sex with her friend Sebastian because he is totally different than her normal men - loyal, kind of quiet and a good guy. Sebastian was attracted to Bailey but only treated her as a friend because that seemed to be best for them. When she tells him her plan for them to be fuck buddies, he is less than pleased. He doesn't appreciate the casual way she wants to use him plus he doesn't think she can handle the way he is in the bedroom - a dominant man who likes to spank and occasionally tie up his lover. So he teases Bailey to the point where she is about to get off - then leaves her hanging. She is pissed but very intrigued by this new side of Bastian.

Bastian gets Cat to invite Bailey to a local club so she can see what he likes in the bedroom. In a private room, along with Cat and Mason, Sebastian sits with Bailey as they watch another couple do what he likes in the bedroom - a little spanking then some fun. Bailey is surprised by how much she enjoys watching it and is even more suprised to look over and see Mason and Cat having a little fun too. Things get hot and heavy between Bastian and Bailey, but the intensity of the love making scared Bailey so she doesn't talk to him for a few days since she has a tendency to run from emotions she can't handle.

Sebastian and Bailey start to work out a relationship of sorts that centers on their intense attraction for each other. Sebastian loves to control in the bedroom but he never takes it too far and he is always making sure Bailey is comfortable. Bailey is one hilarious strong woman so she can take whatever Bastian dishes out, usually with a funny quip back at him. She can accept his spanking and dominance in the bedroom but she has a big problem with him trying to have a deeper relationship with her. Bastian has intense feelings for Bailey but can she overcome a lifelong fear of relationships and dependence on a man in time to accept the love Bastian has for her?

This story was wonderful! I was laughing at times and needing a class of ice cubes at others. The relationship between Bastian and Bailey was very believable and well-written. Bailey's fear of relationships was a result of seeing her mother go through four marriages while using men to fund her lifestyle, so I can understand her reluctance to accept money from Bastian and her fear of admiting her feelings even to herself. Bastian was one of those quiet strong men who has a hidden kinky side that made him want to spank Bailey and screw the heck out of her. He was very skilled with his mouth and not at all selfish, so I can understand Bailey's intense pleasure at his hands. The spanking and dominance did not go too far, he mostly just uses his hand and a little bit of tying up. Bastian was very sweet with Bailey, he tried to be sensitive to her needs and feelings but he also knew he would have to push her a little bit so she didn't treat him as casually as she did her other boyfriends. He did one or two dumb things that pissed Bailey off but he honestly was just being a guy and they can't really help it, right? One thing about the story that is just not a big deal and I am glad - Bailey is African-American and Sebastian is white but it is never a big deal. Bastian justs sees her as an incredibly sexy woman.

Overall, I really ejoyed this story. It was emotional, sweet, funny and sexy as hell at times. This story includes some spanking, a little bit of bondage, two couples doing it in the same room (so voyarism but no touching by the other couple - do you think Mason or Bastian would share?), anal, a toy and one hilarious scene where Bailey accidently walks in on Bastian's lawyer co-worker getting a blow job and she notices that he has the biggest dick she ever saw (they don't call him Big Phil for nothing). Highly recommended but read Maverick's Black Cat by Lena Matthews and Maggie Casper first - both are hot, wonderful reads!(less) "

Dina read and liked Linds's review of When He Was Wicked (Bridgertons, #6):

"This is definitely the most intense of the Bridgerton series that I've read so far.

Francesca Bridgerton is Michael's ultimate "Jessie's Girl." He has been completely in love with her since the first time he met her. She is his ...more This is definitely the most intense of the Bridgerton series that I've read so far.

Francesca Bridgerton is Michael's ultimate "Jessie's Girl." He has been completely in love with her since the first time he met her. She is his cousin's (who is like a brother to him) wife. He never tries to win her, or even wish for her, but has resigned himself to bitter acceptance and self hatred for secretly wanting his cousin's wife. He tamps all his feelings down and is ashamed of himself.

Well, the cousin dies in the first chapter, and Michael inherits the title. He freaks out a bit about gaining incredible wealth and property only through his cousin's death (who he truly loved.) So he runs away to India for four years.

When he comes back he realizes that he still loves Francesca more than ever, only now she is available. He's taken his cousin's house and all his money, is he supposed to take his wife too? So there is lots and lots of angst and guilt and unrequited love.

Michael is a great hero and is really the draw of this book. Francesca is not a bad heroine but she really does put Michael through the wringer with her indecisiveness. It gets a bit irritating.

So far this is my favorite in the series. If you liked the other ones, you'll like this too.(less) "

Dina read and liked Tammy 's review of Playing With Fire (Tales of an Extraordinary Girl, #1):

"Belle Jamison has attitude and she knows how to use it! She is a total screw-up at her lame coffee shop job and being a smart ass is not helping her. The girl can never seem to get things right. She only manages to keep her job because of "titil...more Belle Jamison has attitude and she knows how to use it! She is a total screw-up at her lame coffee shop job and being a smart ass is not helping her. The girl can never seem to get things right. She only manages to keep her job because of "titillating" conversations with her pervy boss. (HaHa!)

Disaster strikes one day when a mad scientist comes running into the coffee shop and drops a secret potion in Belle's drink. Enter sub-government agencies and a super delicious hunk named Rome.

I loved this book! It was a non-stop thrill ride that made me laugh until I cried. Belle is given the gift of controlling the four elements after accidentally drinking the mysterious potion, but you never quite know if she going to master the gift or if the gift will master her.

The only downside to this book was the ex-wife factor. It really wasn't necessary and it almost took away from the storyline. Be forewarned that the kid factor also exists in this one.

Watch out Stephanie Plum cuz Belle is quite possibly my favorite female lead in a romance. I loved her character that much!

I look forward to the author's next offering in this new series.(less) "