Twin Savage (Porn Star Boyfriend Book 2) by Sunniva Dee

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“I don’t think this is a good idea,” I whisper, “but it feels like I... love you... back.”

My chest is full of relief and misgivings. I just gave away a game I hadn’t planned. I’ve left myself fragile to him. Now he can treat my heart the way his brother did, crush it, make me suffer and fear for the night and for tomorrow. 

“Don’t be scared, baby. Nothing changes, okay? I’ve known for a while now. It’s why you’ve been so angry with me. Woman are odd creatures.”

Twin Savage is book two in the Porn Star Boyfriend series. No background information is necessary to read this installment. I will be honest. I began this series and expected nothing but a quick, salacious read. It was not at all what I expected. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. It deals with grief, guilt, friendship, and love. It is not at all a sexual exposition. Twin Savage surpasses the enjoyment I got from The Truth About Porn Star Boyfriends, the first book in the series. I highly recommend them both.

As Geneva's grief and guilt consume her over her fiance Julian's accidental death, insomnia develops. She attempts to quiet her pain by visiting her family, which does not help. When Geneva returns to the house she shares with seven roommates, the men begin to cater to every need she has, even her inability to sleep. Finding solace in the arms of her male friends helps Geneva get through the painful nights.

Geneva has always been less than pleasant to Luka, who is also Julian's twin, due to his job in the porn industry. Luka adheres to the pattern, one roommate a night making Luka number seven, and the barrier between the two of them begins to fall. During this time spent with Luka, Geneva learns important things about her relationship with each twin, and her emotions start on the long road to healing.

Geneva takes what some would say an unconventional approach to get through her grief. I found her arrangement with the roommates appropriate for the character and the situation. Geneva is clear the rules of their agreement, one man at a time, one man per day, and none of her roommates take advantage of her. I genuinely believe they care about Geneva and want to ease her pain. Geneva and Luka's struggle to be together is a painful, frustrating, sensual, and wonderful one. Luka is patient and perceptive to Geneva's needs as she comes to terms with her desire for him. Geneva's distaste for Luka's lifestyle does not fade so easily. In the end, what occurs broke my heart, but it had to go as it did for Geneva and Luka to become a couple.

It becomes clear early on where the story is going to go, but that does not take away from the journey there. The basic plot's predictability in no way hindered my enjoyment reading it. All my opinions are my own and may not match that of others. I urge all readers to come to their own conclusions.

The Vampire Fight Club by Larissa Ione

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Vampire Fight Club takes place in the Demonica world and works fine as a stand-alone. This story is good for anyone who enjoys paranormal romances. The series is one of my favorites and reading this short was like visiting old friends. All my opinions are my own and may not match that of others. I urge all readers to come to their own conclusions. I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book through NetGalley.

For decades Nate has managed club Thirst and finds himself apathetic to the horrors going on around him. He took the job decades ago in hopes of gaining revenge against the club's owner. As time passed, Nate found the opportunity for him to act on those intentions never seemed right. During Vladlena's shift at Underworld General, the staff brings in her victimized brother. Because of this event, Vladlena goes undercover at the club her brother lost his life. With help from her friends at UG, she hopes to bring down the fight club they suspect is running there.

Nate and Vladlena meet and strong feelings manifest immediately between them. These feelings are both a hindrance and the thing that saves them. As their relationship develops, the chemistry between them sizzles. Their attraction feels genuine, and the actions they take reinforces their connection.  I hoped for them to make things work.

In the Demonica world, not all demons are inherently evil. The characters are capable of as much good or bad as anyone is. It intrigues me when the bad guys are harder to find, and this demon trait lends to that. It helps creates tension wondering if everyone will do the right thing. I love this about the Demonica series.

One romance story trope I do not like is using a character's virginity as a plot point. Vladlena has a rare shifter ailment that is threatening her life.  Because of her ailment, she is a virgin. Nate, of course, has to save her from a terrible fate that threatens her solely because of her virginity. I will admit the scenario plays out as good as it can. However, it felt to me like a situation created just to elongate the book. It was already a short story so what is the point? It is highly possible someone who does not have my aversion won't find it bothersome.The only other bad thing I could say is that the story felt a tad rushed.  As previously stated it is a short story so ultimately I can forgive it.  However, I could have spent more time with the characters in a full length novel and been okay.

Temptation Trials Part 2 by B Truly

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The Temptation Trials Part 2 by B. Truly continues directly after the events of The Temptation Trials Part 1. Prior knowledge from Part 1 is necessary to feel the story's full impact. Fans of dystopian future, paranormal romance or urban fantasy genre novels could enjoy this series.

In the future, Cali and Stef live in a world devastated by World War III. The new world ruler, Eminence, and his Regime enforcers impose strict rules on the population, including arranged marriage. The age for arranged marriage for Cali and Stef was quickly approaching. They decide to take part in the Temptation Trials to prove the love they share with Cade and Tobias is real, and that Eminence should allow them to stay together. The Trials do not go well for Cali, Cade, Stef, and Tobias.

The couples in the Temptation Trials, as well as those sent by Eminence to tempt the participants, all travel home together. Cali and Stef are unable to share the secrets they learned during the Trials with Cade and Tobias while the Regime is on constant watch. Animosity builds for the characters with the ever-present reminder of unfaithfulness during their Trials. Cali and Stef begin to feel it will be impossible to save their relationships by the time they arrive home. Cali and Stef impart the information they discovered when the group arrives at the Opposition headquarters. The Opp who formed to fight the unfairness of the Regime make plans with Cali, Stef, Cade, and Tobias. Their goal is to make sure Eminence can not cause any more harm with the Temptation Trials.

It was tense anticipating how the group would react to each other, especially with the knowledge the girls had about being drugged on the island. I was hoping they could find a way to communicate their secrets with Cade and Tobias quicker to relieve hostilities. It made sense why they had to guard their information, but it played out too much like a soap opera for me. However, excused or not betrayal is hard to overlook for anyone. Emotions would run high when surrounded by the reminders of another's infidelity. The antagonist created the perfect storm. Frustration distracts the characters so much it prevents them from resolving their problem. It works well. Even as the observer, I felt the impact of it.

The consuming lust during the Trials that is also surfacing with the public is part of a vast problem. I did not expect the spiritual impact this would have on their world, and I enjoyed the shock of it. When things take on a religious undercurrent, I often find it annoying. I typically have no desire to ponder the scripture helping save one's soul. The way religion manifested and blended with the plot here felt natural in an inoffensive way.

I sensed how Stef would end up with one man over the other. The event leading to Stef's resolution lacked necessary emotional impact for me, which it should have caused. I unfortunately just felt it as a plot device, and I resented having that moment taken from me. It could be I just over think the conclusion before it's time. Figuring things out can frustrate me, but I have nothing to blame it on but my analytical mind. This plot point may not affect others as it did me.

Overall Temptation Trials Part 2 wasn't a bad book. I rooted for the characters to find their way back to each other, or at the very least forgive each other. The bad experiences they had fueled their determination to help others and I wanted that for them. The surprises I saw coming balanced with the ones I didn't. I would be willing to give future books set in this world a chance.

Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Reread

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Acheron is part of a book series but works as a stand-alone. Newcomers to the Dark-Hunter world will have no issues with missing information. Acheron keeps his origins a highly guarded secret. This book finally explains what that secret is.

Warning: this book is not for the faint of heart.  The story, especially the first half, has profound suffering and torment of the main character. Those with trigger issues should be cautious. Do things get better for him? Yes, but not for a long time. Is the journey worth it? Yes. Acheron deserves a happily ever after and he finally gets one.

Those not involved in the Dark-Hunter series should still read Styxx after Acheron. Styxx's journey is as heartbreaking - personally, I find it more so - but it expands on some plot points in Acheron. To paraphrase the author: there are three sides to every story. Yours, theirs and the truth that lies somewhere between.

Acheron's story begins 11000 years in the past. At Acheron's birth, a wise woman makes claims that result in his father's eternal hatred and abuse. Through journal entries Ash's older sister Ryssa expresses her love and remorse for the injustice he suffers. Ryssa struggles with her family to keep him from harm, but his mishandling continues.

Acheron and his twin Styxx grow into their late teens. The twins get confirmation of their life force connection mentioned when they were born. Ash is then a forced prisoner in his family's home. Acheron discovers life more bearable when he meets Artemis. He is eventually betrayed, which transforms his existence forever.

Part two of Acheron takes place in present day. Tori believes she has proof that Atlantis is not a myth. Acheron is desperate to keep his Atlantean past a secret and a piece of Tory's discovery puts this in jeopardy. At Tory's presentation of her findings, Acheron sees no choice but to destroy her credibility.

Without the support of her fellow historians, Tory does not give up her quest. She seeks to translate an object found in her dig. When told of a rare historian able to read the ancient text, she again clashes with Acheron. The historian, Acheron, refuses to help her until they have cause to strike a bargain. Tory's life is in danger due to her association with the Atlantis dig. If Acheron helps her translate she agrees to let him stay by her side for protection. Acheron finds himself profoundly drawn to Tory. The more time they spend together, the more he craves love and trust be a part of their relationship.

Acheron's past fits with his personality traits very well. This being is considerate, sacrificing, secretive, insecure and sometimes a bit scary. All things hold true to the preconceived notions. Honestly, the only enjoyment I got from the first part of this book was through understanding. The emotional torment was hard for me at times.

Acheron and Tory interacted well together.  Tory is a bit brazen at times, but I can see how that will be good for Acheron. He is the same way and needs the challenge. They also made me laugh which is important.

The tension was well placed. I thought there was no way they would wind up alive and together by the end of the book. Most the Dark Hunters get their happily ever after. Here, I worried about them.

Tory was a virgin which is a romance trope I am not a fan of. I didn't give it much thought until their big moment together. It started mildly silly, but by the end, it worked. Out of the series, their scene is one that sticks with me. I was affected by Acheron, and frankly, he's not my favorite twin. So the author did something right. There were moments of overkill with the mushiness. Some of it is understandable, but it still gave me pause at times. Acheron needed someone to love him, so I forgive it.

What appeals most to me about the Dark Hunter world is the substantial subplots that carry through the entire series. Sherrilyn Kenyon's stories are intricate and subtle clues span multiple books. As a Dark-Hunter fan, here are some quick snippets of the series arch I enjoyed.

We get insight into Apollymi's struggle and imprisonment. I wonder if she isn't the evil being everyone claims. Powerful and vengeful yes, but I don't blame her for going Destroyer in this case.

I love every scene with Savitar. I always hope for the little things that might uncover more backstory. He's one mystery I have gone over in my head hundreds of times. I even have notes on him. Really.

I relish any time spent with Nick. I do wish he could get over his angst as it is killing me. Finding a friend in the heifer goddess is not an idea I like, at all. Maybe they will make each other better, but now I just don't see it. He has better friends out there I wish he could remember. Or others he could forgive. And maybe forgive himself.

In short, this book is well worth a read. All my opinions are my own and may not match that of others. I encourage all readers to come to their own conclusions.