Review: Tart

Reviewed by Allison
 

Juliet Lamprey is the owner of the hottest bakery in town, Tart. Since she's joined forces with her best friends to include a catering business and art gallery, she's busier than ever. But that doesn't mean she doesn't get lonely. She's been in love with her best friend Cal Whaley for what seems like a lifetime (he was her first kiss at 14,) but he refuses to act on what they have for fear of ruining their relationship. So, when sexy cowboy Gideon Carter moves back into town, she not only lets the sparks fly, she encourages them. They quickly fall into each other's lives and in love...much to Cal's dismay.

He realizes he missed the boat on any chance he might have had with Juliet, but decides to try to convince her anyway. He catches her one night out behind Tart after closing up...and kisses her. She tries to stop it, but it's the moment she's been waiting for her entire adult life - and it's as wonderfully amazing as she thought it would be! Except, she has a boyfriend.

Ever the honest girlfriend, she yells at Cal for his shitty timing and insists that she tell Gideon that night. Cal insists on coming along (since it's his fault and everything) and everyone is ready for the argument of the century when she confesses...until Gideon suggests something neither of them considered. He doesn't want to lose her, but he knows how long and how much Juliet has wanted Cal so he doesn't want her to be unhappy. He and Cal have both been with men (convenient, eh?) and have known each other practically all their lives, so why not simply share Juliet? An intriguing proposition indeed!

I know not everyone is a PM fan, but I love them. I love the intricacies of dealing with everyone's emotions, I feel like it would make you more emotionally aware. One one hand, it'd be twice the exasperation with the male persuasion, but wouldn't double the affection be worth it? I like that she had Gillian's sister-in-law, Erin, (I really need to read the Brown siblings series now!) to talk to about the societal views of their situations because everyone other one I've read, there was no support network. I loved that they were so accepted in their circle of friends, even if their family (hers was the WORST) didn't see it the same way.

I have to say, as far as attitudes about their arrangement went, Gideon's grandfather stole the show:

"I'm an old man, Calvin, I don't bother to beat around the bush. I don't much care for judging what people get up to in the bedroom, long as everyone there is on board. But I can see your heart. You wear it on your sleeve. You love my grandson and he loves you right back. And her too. So what difference does it make to me that there's three of you instead of two? Or that two of you have the same equipment? I'm going to die soon enough; I don't need to carry anyone else's choices. I just need to love my family. If you were bad for him, I'd show you just how well I can still throw a punch to the face. But you're all right. For a lawyer."

I really didn't enjoy the changing POV within the same paragraph as it annoys the crap out of me, but I was grateful to be given bird's eye view of each character as they dealt with their unique situation. The story was a solid one and I will definitely be continuing with this sizzling yet romantic series!

Rating: B+

Click to purchase: Amazon

Tart

by Lauren Dane

Release Date: November 6, 2012

Publisher: Berkley

Review: Cherished

Reviewed by Allison
 

I really wanted to read Lauren Dane's Tart that recently released, but you know me - I had to read the first one first! It's compulsive, I swear. The first Delicious tale is part of a BDSM "duology" by Maya Banks & Lauren Dane.

Exiled by Maya Banks

A true piece of fantasy, Ms. Banks takes us to a hidden island where we find Prince Alexander exiled and lying in wait to take back his country from the militant rebels who stole his kingdom. We discover that while he's been in exile, he's been helping a woman named Talia, whom he met when she served at the Palace. He's been keeping a rather proprietary eye on her, sending her money to pay for her mother's cancer treatments, her schooling, and her apartment. The only thing he asks in return is that she come without questions when he finally calls upon her.

The long awaited day has finally come, Talia gets her summons and though she feels ashamed for making such a bargain, Talia can't regret her choices since they guaranteed her mother a second chance at life. So, anxiously, she goes with the guard sent to bring her to her Prince. Full disclosure, she knows exactly what he expects, even more so after she arrives and he sits her down to spell it out. The terms: 6 months, full obedience, he --and only he-- will take her innocence, but she is to serve he and his four trusted guards. In exchange, she will live in Heaven on Earth - she will be pampered, cosseted, and cared for. Like I said...a true fantasy!

She has issues with complying to his demands at first, but after she learns to trust each man, a bond forms between the five of them. They make her first time meaningful, and anytime after that is just as tender, even with the underlying commands. What I love about the way Maya Banks does BDSM is that it isn't about the whips or chains or even commands, it's about what each person needs and the give and take you can find in any relationship. It's more about trust than anything else.

Xander does eventually get the chance to take back his throne, but in attempting to protect Talia from the rebels, goes about their separation the worst way. However, their time apart and misconceptions just makes the reunion that much sweeter and you can't help but fall in love with all four men.

I think that if Ms. Banks had set this story in any other setting it would have been ridiculous and unbelievable, but since it was a fairy tale from the start, for some reason it was easier to just go with it, no matter how fantastical it got. I loved the writing, it was HOTT as hell, and I highly recommend it!

Grade: A

Sway by Lauren Dane

This book was the reason I read the duology and honestly I was kind of disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it was hot. But I really liked Daisy and the story seemed kind of stilted. I feel like I should go back and read the Brown siblings books to know the other characters better since the Delicious series is a spinoff.

Daisy is a 20-something free spirited dance instructor and artiste while Levi is a 40-something lawyer with a reputation to protect. Even though he wants to stay away, he is drawn to Daisy like a moth to a flame and can't keep his hands off her. She is subservient without thinking about it and he can't stop thinking of her. The question he ends up asking himself, is she worth it?

Again, it was hot - but I didn't feel the connection. I read it, but I couldn't feel it, I wasn't convinced. I'm all for dirty words, but sometimes it felt over the top, crude even, and it didn't fit the scene right. I want to read Tart anyway because I like the characters, but I will definitely go in with lower expectations.

Grade: C

Click to purchase: Amazon

Cherished

by Maya Banks and Lauren Dane

Release Date: August 7, 2012

Publisher: Berkley