Binding Devotion by Kiki Archer

Twenty nine year old Andi Armstrong is the CEO of Proud Unity, the UK’s largest LGBT campaigning organization. Andi is an icon, she’s a hands on, tireless campaigner and public speaker and her employees adore her. Her seven year civil partnership is as solid as a rock. Or is it?

Andi has spent seven years fighting for equal marriage rights for same sex partners. The thought that her own civil partnership may be disintegrating is unthinkable. When Andi made her commitment to her wife, she made it for life, it is legally binding. She will do whatever it takes to honor that commitment.

But.....Will the pull of an unexpected attraction prove to be the undoing of all Andi’s beliefs and ideals? Will Andi do an about turn on everything she’s always believed in? Will she give up everything, including her wife, for her own excitement, happiness, desires and above all, love? Or will Andi carry on honoring her commitment and keep on wanting what she is denying herself and the woman who loves her right back?

This is Kiki Archer’s third book and I’ve loved them all. Binding Devotion is different to her first two books. However, it’s her best book yet. Unlike the first two books, this one has a more serious theme. That is not to say there isn’t the usual Kiki Archer humor throughout that I’ve come to expect and love in her books. It adds a nice touch of light heartedness to the story as a whole.

I was pulled right into the story from the very first page. The opening lines just grabbed me and I couldn’t stop reading. With the opening lines of- “Just shove it in, sweetie!” “I’m trying.” “No! Not like that! You have to shove it in and out quickly, or it won’t work.” Who would not be pulled in?

All the characters are multidimensional, interact well together and compliment each other. Rather than feeling like I was reading a book, it was like watching a film as the story evolved.

This book is far more than a fluffy chick-lit romance. It focuses on very real issues and there are quotes from very real people. There is an intricate plot woven throughout the regular story, with so many twists and turns and ups and downs, it evoked a rollercoaster of emotions for me. Never in a million years would I have guessed how this book was going to end.

I have no intentions of putting in any spoilers. I want you all to enjoy this book as much as I have. But I will add one thing, there is a poignant message in this book. One that has the entire story teetering on an axis. No matter what each of us thinks of the rights or wrongs of the characters actions in this book, the message in this story is real, true to life. The story itself may be fiction, but the message is not.

Kiki Archer has surpassed herself. Her writing here is honed to perfection. She has joined the ranks of a small group of excellent writers here in the UK and I’m pleased to notice that her books are also being well read in the USA too.

If you want an enjoyable read that you won’t be able to put down, look no further. I’m envious of all who haven’t read this yet. You’ve got a plethora of delights ahead of you. The only drawback now is........How long do I have to wait for the next Kiki Archer book?

No Ordinary Love by Harper Bliss

High Rise Novella Three

Continues on from Undisclosed Desires with Alex and Maddie

Fitness instructor Alex has settled down and is enjoying her life with her girlfriend Maddie. Although she was betrayed by her ex girlfriend Rita, Alex is still partly in love with her.

When Rita suddenly turns up out of the blue begging forgiveness, Alex is torn, although she knows deep down what she should do, will she listen to common sense or her heart? Alex is in love with Maddie, but what she had with Rita for six years was indescribable.

Maddie is totally in love with Alex. She knows however, that Alex still has feelings for Rita. When Maddie sees them together, her worst fears are confirmed. What will Maddie do?

I’m loving this series of quick reads with this great group of friends. Although the stories are short, there is a huge amount packed into them. The way the books are written and from the scenic descriptions, it’s so easy to just lose myself and float amongst the characters.

In this story there is happiness, heartache and highs and lows of emotions throughout. Also......there is some really nice red hot romantic scenes.

This story, like the other two is well written and a page turner. Although these stories could be read as standalones, I would advise reading them in sequence so you get to know the characters and their backgrounds.

Apparently there is only one more to complete this series. I’ll be very sorry to see it end. The setting in The Ivy has lots of room for new friends to be added.

Harper Bliss has created some great characters and I’d love to see much more of them.

Cowgirl up Or Sell The Horse by Ali Spooner

A Novella

Ex army ranger, Coal Bryan, returns to Texas after her lover Tessa and friend Mitch was killed in Afghanistan. She ends up working and living on a farm belonging to Melissa, the wife of Mitch, Coal had no idea who Melissa was, her arrival on the farm was pure fate.

Coal is still hurting. Still shocked and she needs time to heal. She is a hard worker, she fits right in with the rest of the all male crew and soon earns the respect of the men. Coal, Melissa and the crew are as tight knit as family.

When Melissa’s sister, Mary Leah, a cancer survivor arrives on the farm to stay after a traumatic break up with her lover, sparks begin to ignite between her and Coal. Is it possible for Coal and Mary Leah to move on and find love again with each other?

A beautiful, poignant story about love, survival and second chances.

Both Coal and Mary Leah have been badly hurt and are desperately trying to heal. These two wonderful characters are so realistic and the scenery so well described, I felt like I was actually watching a film. I could almost smell the horses. Both Coal and Mary Leah have many sides to them and are backed up by a cast of excellent characters to take the story forward to it’s satisfactory conclusion.

Just one complaint, I wanted more. I feel these characters have a lot more to say and more stories to tell us.

I look forward to my next wonderful Ali Spooner reading experience soon.

Vivien and Rose by T.T Thomas

When Vivien and Rose first meet as teenagers, they are drawn to one another, eventually becoming sweethearts. But it’s 1875 and they live in rural England, so it’s not so easy for them to be together.

Vivien and Rose have to rely on letters. Their families have old grudges and there are of course, those who would not agree with, or condone the relationship between the two women.

Rose manages to arrange for them to meet at Tapahanset Lodge, where a case of mistaken identity results in a misunderstanding and a missed meeting. All is eventually resolved. Unfortunately, Vivien and Rose are not to be left to live their happy ever after love.

There is an abduction to Barbados. Which in turn results in a race against time across both land and sea. A love like that of Vivien and Rose will never be allowed to die or indeed let go, no matter what perils await.

I love T.T Thomas’s books. Historical lesbian fiction is a firm favorite of mine. The only gripe I have about this novella is......I wanted more, much more.

I love the multidimensional characters, Vivien and Rose. They are a match made in heaven. They are both strong women, each with their own talents. Both are easy to get to know and love. The rest of the characters are a great asset in moving the story forward and are essential. Although some of them I could have cheerfully slapped!

The scenic descriptions are written so that I could easily lose myself in the story and cruise along side with the characters.

This story ties in with The Blondness of Honey, also by T.T Thomas. It is in fact ‘written’ by one of the characters from The Blondness of Honey. Another absolutely page turning historical romance.

I eagerly await whatever T.T Thomas is going to publish next.

Also Known As Syzygy by Kelli Jae Baeli

Book Three in the AKA Investigations Series

Ponzi Bonnet has a perfect marriage, or so she thinks. Her husband, Garrison, is impotent, which suits Ponzi. She can’t have sex due to earlier problems and events in her life. Garrison is a psychologist, who better to understand Ponzi’s problems?

Ponzi becomes suspicious of Garrison and wonders if he’s told her the full truth about himself. She thinks he may be having an affair. Her suspicions are wrong. Garrison has a far worse agenda than a simple affair. He has to be stopped from carrying on his devious goings on at all costs.

Actress, Kenda Harper, is Ponzi’s best friend. Kenda is also smitten with her straight best friend, but she would never act on her feelings. Straight is straight and married is married after all. Kenda would do literally anything for Ponzi, even at the risk of her own life.

Struggling artist, Anna Dew, used to work for Garrison as his secretary and left suddenly. Ponzi has her suspicions that she may be the one Garrison is seeing. But Ponzi couldn’t be further from the truth.

Ponzi, Kenda and Anna eventually pit their wits together to outsmart Garrison and his sidekick. They have to prevent them from harming any more women, no matter what the consequences to themselves. They plot and plan and come up with a dangerous and intricate plan. But will it work? Will all three women survive?

This book is vastly different to the previous two in the series. But, it is every bit as exciting and as much a page turner from start to finish as it’s predecessors. I ended up staying up until well past my bedtime to finish this.

Syzygy is an alignment of three celestial objects according to Kelli Jae Baeli. Here we have three women aligned in the pursuit of justice. Hence the title of this book.

Syzygy features Ponzi, Kenda and Anna as it’s main characters. All are multidimensional and interact really well together. Some of the staff of AKA Investigations put in an appearance, along with Phoebe, Izzy and Ginger from the previous books. All characters are essential in moving the story along at a nice pace.

This book covers a lot of different topics. I don’t want to add in any spoilers, but be prepared for some major shocks along the way. The storyline is certainly not for the faint hearted. But having said that, the book is extremely well written and any storyline of an upsetting nature has been sympathetically penned.

I have the fourth book in this series, which I can’t wait to start. But I’m going to save it until next month. It will probably be a while before another AKA book is published. Well, I’m hoping there will be another in the series. Please!

Disbelief by Kate Genet

A Trisha and Michaela Novella

Michaela is arranging a romantic weekend for herself and Trisha at a deserted cabin on a beautiful beach. Just sun, sea, sand and long lazy days. Michaela is going to pop the question. She’s madly and deeply in love with her soul mate Trisha and it’s time to ask her to marry her.

Unfortunately, Trisha gets wind of Michaela’s intentions. Trisha is devastated. She loves Michaela with all her heart. But she’s scared silly. She doesn’t think she is good enough for Michaela. Her sister Caro, has told her that often enough after all.

Trisha reluctantly agrees to the weekend away. But like a lot of well made plans, things go amiss.

Trisha and Michaela end up getting lost in the forest. Michaela has been badly injured. Trisha has to find a way to save them both. But her own disbelief could well be the very death of them both.

I love Kate Genet’s stories. She’s a master storyteller. In particular, I love the Michaela and Trisha books, although this one is slightly different to the previous books. There isn’t any supernatural goings on. But, that is not to say the story is not as good. It’s an excellent, fast paced thrilling adventure. I was on the edge of my seat a lot of the time throughout this book.

The two main characters, Michaela and Trisha are so obviously soul mates, that I had to carry on and finish the book to see if they both survived. So, to say this book is a page turner, would really be an understatement.

Both main characters have depths to them that are unfathomable. They go beyond most multidimensional characters. The few minor characters in this book are simply extras to progress the story forward. This book is more about Michaela and Trisha.

The one thing I would say is, I would have like the book to be longer. I never get enough of these characters. Plus I would have like to see the baddies get their just desserts.

There are a few typos and minor errors, but they didn’t pull me out of the story at all. I’m looking forward to further adventures from these lovely characters.

Broken Star by Joann Lee

Pop star Lynn Feoras has everything a woman could possibly ask for. Everything that is, except for someone to love. For all her platinum cd’s, fast cars and showroom style homes, Lynn is not happy.

Police officer Alexis Donatella works with the special victims unit and just barely ekes out a living for herself and her young daughter, Calista. She has no time for spoilt, super rich divas. In fact, she has neither the time or the inclination to enter into any relationship or friendship. Alexis has been badly hurt by a past lover and has to guard her heart at all costs.

When Alexis and Lynn meet on one of Florida’s lovely beaches, Lynn is immediately attracted to her. Alexis is not attracted to Lynn. She can’t see past the rich bitch image she has of Lynn.

The two women meet again however and begin to get to know one another. Calista seems to be the cement holding together their fragile friendship. Lynn thinks she’s adorable. But, like real life, friendships get stretched to breaking point with the traumas of everyday life.

Lynn is hiding a deep dark secret from her past. One event on top of another occurs making even friendship for Lynn and Alexis difficult. Add this to Alexis’s past, will the two women ever find the love they both so desperately want and deserve?

This is Joann Lee’s debut book. The story reads every bit as well as a story from one of the big names in lesbian fiction. It is a fast paced page turner from start to finish. The story is anything but smooth sailing. There are lots of twists and turns along the way. So be prepared for a bumpy ride.

The two main characters, Lynn and Alexis are as different as chalk and cheese. It’s not just the rich, poor divide between them either. Lynn is a player, Alexis is reserved, she believes in being monogamous. The fact that she’s been badly hurt makes the beginnings of a relationship difficult. Either Lynn has to change her womanizing ways or Alexis has to change her conservative outlook. It’s the incredible journey they take that kept me turning the pages feverishly.

Although Lynn and Alexis are the main characters, they are almost equally joined by Calista, Alexis’s worldly young daughter. Calista has an old head on young shoulders, but not so much so that she doesn’t show her little girl self in her true image at times. All characters are multidimensional and play their parts in progressing the story forward to a satisfactory conclusion.

This book goes beyond a regular romance. There is a good storyline throughout. I have to admit to rushing through to find out how the story ended. Which of course, didn’t do the book justice. But I will be re-reading this one again very soon. Hopefully there may be a sequel. I feel these characters have a lot more to say to us.

Joann Lee is an exciting new author and in my opinion, if this book is anything to go by, has the ability to join some of the top names in the lesbian fiction world.