What a fast year! In three more days, we will be saying goo-bye to 2015.
As our minds wander and drift over the best and worst moments of our year and what we could’ve done better, some of us will make plans to make the upcoming year different, creating countless lists in our head, on paper or even on our phone or tablets of: how, when and what to keep us on track.
Well, I’m one of them.
I’ve recently done quite a bit of reflecting myself. 2015 has been a different, challenging year for me. Quite a lot has happened that was unpreventable but forced me to adapt; however, several other experiences I’ve cherished, such as: meeting new authors, reaching new readers in fun Author Takeover events and attempting new connections.
As a full time employee, part time writer, wife, and caretaker of my newly widowed dad, it is hard to find time to do much else but I do like to read a book or two when I get the chance. I have read several that, sadly, turned out to be less than I hoped: countless errors in grammar, spelling, typos, you name it- it had it. One self-published book in particular was the worst I ever came across. The concept was great but I couldn’t believe my eyes when I tried, and I mean really tried, to read the pages of the worst writing I ever encountered in my life. I was loathe to harm the author and write a review that would discredit her, when I personally understand how necessary favored reviews are needed (a challenge I still face to this very day) and coveted.
However, I have found several authors during the year who were new for me and great ones to keep on the lookout for future books. These authors all bring something different ‘to the table.’ Not all of them are Erotica authors; nevertheless, their books are worth checking out. So, to the new authors I’ve listed here today, thank you for your excellent work and your creative imaginations that took me away for a short while and entertained me. Here are some of my favorites for 2015, listed in the order I read them:
1- Heartstrings by Nova LaMason. Erotica, Gay Romance. The story revolves around three men, all with different musical talents at a prestigious school for musical prodigies. This was a well-written, wonderfully crafted love story which entertained me from the first page and I highly recommend it.
2-Panda Date by Lea Lacey. BBW, PNR Shifter Romance. Okay…I have to say the concept of a Panda shifter intrigued me and that’s why I bought the book. It was a neat, fun read until the very end where it came to a fast, hurried conclusion and ended too soon. However, because of the clever idea of a panda shifter and because I love Panda Bears, I have to include this unique book in my list.
3- Cazadora (Dakota del Toro Book One) by Julia DeBarrioz. PNR, Urban Fantasy. This book was a happy surprise. The author’s excellent writing, good use of humor and descriptive details pulled the reader into the story alongside the heroine, Dakota. The captivating interplay between Dakota and Diego just added to the intrigue of this book. Another highly recommended read!
4- Saved by the Dragon by Vivienne Savage. PNR Shifter Romance. What an amazing read! First of all, I chose this book because I love dragons and the idea of dragon shifters- whew- don’t get me started. However, I fell in love with the characters Chloe and Saul. Saul rescues Chloe when she is stuck out in the middle of nowhere, transports her back to his lair (his cave) and finds her different and intriguing, to the point that he marks her as his mate. But that doesn’t mean he’ll force his love on her- no- she must love him on her own. Sadly, the love story ended too fast for me but it wasn’t rushed or hurried and it followed a steady pace until the end. Swoon. I highly recommend this book for all dragon shifter lovers!
5- Her Stepbrother’s Secret Desires by Terry Towers. New Adult & College, Coming of Age, Erotic Romance. Okay this is a little beyond what I normally read; however, there was a cop in this story and that peaked my interest. This story started as a slight turn-off with Ryker (what a great name for a cop!) man-whore ways (that’s exactly how the author describes him). However, Chloe, his step-sister and secret admirer doesn’t have a chance with him until she moves to start college and Ryker offers his spare bedroom as room and board. That’s where things get really heated because they both find each other attractive but don’t want to acknowledge it because of the taboo nature of being step-siblings. Anyway, I won’t spoil the story anymore but it was a hot read and I definitely recommend it.
TK Lawyer 