The Billionaires: The Stepbrothers Lover's Triangle #3 - Calista Fox

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The Billionaires: The Stepbrothers is #3 in the Lover's Triangle series by Calista Fox. I did not feel I was missing any pertinent information beginning with book three. This book would appeal to those who enjoy a modern romance with a ménage à trois focus.

Scarlet is investigating a cold case involving a missing art collection of great value. During her investigation, Scarlet must question the stepbrothers, Michael and Sam. Scarlet is immediately enamored with both men when they meet individually, and soon she learns they have an affinity for enjoying their women together. Scarlet must decide how to handle her growing attraction to the stepbrothers while staying impartial during her investigation.

The good: Michael and Sam are both appealing for different reasons. Michael is spontaneous and a little aggressive, Sam is sweet and a bit tender. The characters had intelligence, indicating they did not exist solely for sake of the cliché. The chemistry between the couples did not feel forced and was quite sexy. There was a decent plot with a twist I did not predict right away. I appreciate the attempt to tell a story amidst the romantic fantasy.

The bad: The story fell a bit flat for me. It mimicked what I get out of watching a crime of the week television show. I felt the emotions where appropriate, intrigue with the art heist, desire for the men, sympathy for the loss the characters experienced, tension when new clues come to light, but now that it's over the story will fade and be forgotten. Perhaps I needed more quality time with the characters as a unit to feel more connected to them. Leaving the story as is, that connection just isn't there.

Despite its faults, this story was not bad. It was engaging and entertaining. If one is looking for a quick and easy read with some sensuality, this book will deliver that. 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.

Dubious by Charmaine Pauls

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Dubious by Charmain Pauls is part 1 of the Loan Shark Duet.  This book ends on a cliffhanger. I would suggest part 2 be close at hand when reaching the end of part 1.

Valentina's brother found himself indebted to the infamous loan shark Gabriel the Breaker. Valentina has always felt responsible for her older brother Charlie. During Valentina's teenage years Charlie was in a severe accident that caused his brain damage and took their parents lives. When the money owed to Gabriel is more than Valentina can pay, she agrees to become Gabriel's live-in help.

Valentina and Gabriel eventually form a believable romantic bond. Their attraction to each other goes beyond the physical. It is clear Gabriel cares for Valentina, and despite her situation, she begins to care for him. Gabriel's past is not conducive to a proper relationship, but he does his best to keep Valentina content. Valentina's compassion and patience help her bond with Gabriel. Gabriel's mother, the leader of their illegal activities, is mentally abusive to Gabriel and has been his entire life. When Magda repeatedly threatens Valentina's life, Gabriel does everything he can to keep Valentina safe. Valentina has a horrible set of circumstances that surround her parent's death and her brother's need for care.  Their pasts create the desire to find comfort in each other, further drawing them into a relationship.

At its heart, this book is a very dark romance.  Valentina is essentially Gabriel's indentured servant with little choice in what happens to her in his care.  Valentina is unable to say no to Gabriel, and she is fully aware that his mother is not at all happy with her presence.  I had to suspend these thoughts at times to enjoy the book, but in the end, I accepted their connection.  I will most definitely be continuing their tale.  I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book through NetGalley.