A review by mom2three
Celebrity Roulette by Jennifer Bene, Renee Rose, Maren Smith, Measha Stone, Livia Grant, Sue Lyndon, Maggie Ryan, Lesley Clark, Dani René

5.0

In the name of full disclosure, I got ARCs for a few of the stories in this set, but after reading only the introduction I knew I had to buy it. It is FANTASTIC!!! I love that the stories all revolve around a set time and place. I love that each story is different than the others; with each author bringing their own twist on things. However, the things I love the most are being back in Black Light, the cameos of characters from previous books, and that most of the stories are only the beginning and I know they will be revisited. There wasn't one story in this set that I felt was lacking in any way. They each have different levels of play, the characters are all different and have different reasons for being where they are, and they each evoke different emotions.

I'm going to start with the Event Planning and Introduction because it sets the stage for what you are going to be getting. I love Madison! She is fun and brings a different flavor to the event. I love her valley-girl talk and spunky attitude. She is also hiding a few secrets. The introduction has enough info to whet your appetite without giving any of the story details away and has many humorous moments.

Guarded by Renee Rose - This one revolves around Lincoln and Scarlett. She is a famous pop star and he used to be her bodyguard. The history in this one adds a lot of emotional elements to the heat level. Lincoln just wanted a chance to act on the emotions he had to keep hidden when she was his boss. Scarlett doesn't think he can give her what she needs and is afraid of opening up and trusting him. The heat level is intense, the emotional connection, and chemistry, is strong between the characters, and it will have your emotions all over the place.

Switched by Livia Grant - OMG! This one ripped my heart out in so many places. Piper Kole and Nolan Boeing are the main characters in this story. She is a famous actress, he's a powerful movie executive, and they enjoyed an incredible night together years ago. Then something happened and Piper Kole made herself into Mistress Ice. OK...no spoilers...This one is intense in a very emotional way. I wanted to reach into the book and wrap my arms around Piper, and at the same time smack Nolan upside the head. The scenes are a blend of heat and heartache that have left me needing more.

Determined by Maren Smith - I knew this one was going to be extra hot, and I was right. Claire thrives on having control in every aspect of her life. She isn't one to back down from something she wants; and right now, she wants Adam Butler. He's a professional body builder, model, and "King of the Spanking Bench". I love that title! Claire is pretty new to the scene and isn't sure she can do this, but she is more than determined to liver her fantasy. I love Claire's innocence and the way she pushes Adam to the limit. This one is burning hot!

Hooked by Jennifer Bene - Wyatt, a fan that could almost be described as stalker-ish, and Vanessa, a prima ballerina who suffers from self-esteem issues. She worries about not being good enough, pretty enough, famous enough, all of those things, and the way Wyatt shows her how wrong she is melted my heart. I loved the honest, real personalities Ms. Bene created. It was easy to become invested in both of the characters, and I hope to see more of them.

Pressure by Measha Stone - This one starts with a twist. Michelle isn't at the club to play. She's very unsure of herself, worries about saying and doing the wrong thing, and trusting doesn't come easily. Egan is the lead guitarist in a rock band. This story has an opposites attract sort of vibe, with some surprises thrown in. It's sexy and sweet at the same time, and the heat level is off the charts. I am hoping to see a future book about Corrine, too. I would love to know what her consequences are for pulling the stunt she did.

Savor by Maggie Ryan - The giggles started on the second page of this story. The descriptions of Emma, the way they convince Ronan to join the auction, and even the first interactions between Ronan and Carnegie put a huge smile on my face. That smile was quickly replaced with a heatwave, but there were still silly little moments that kept the smile creeping onto my face. Ronan doesn't think he belongs in the auction since he is only a chef. Carnegie, an author of erotic novels, thinks he's the reason the sun shines, and can't wait to watch him scene. The sparks are instant and burn fiercely between these two. Their love story wasn't something I was expecting it to be. It was warm and patient. It was also freakin' HOT. Everyone needs a chef, and Dom, like this in their life.

Cherished by Sue Lyndon - Sunshine, who is fairly new to the scene, and Trenton, an action movie star and Daddy Dom. HOT HOT HOT! Those are the only words I can use to describe this one. It is another story where the couple have had some interaction in the past, but it was only a moment; there and gone in less than 10 minutes. The scenes between these two were both sweet and dirty. Ms. Lyndon really knows how to write sexy Daddy Doms.

Jazzed by Lesley Clark - This is a new author to me, but she has made quite the impression. Jazz, the lead singer in a band, and Michael, a psychiatrists who specialize in the alternative lifestyle. Michael is a man who cares about the mental well being of people, hence the job, and the way he worries about Jazz's inner self is beautiful. His character is constantly in that "Dr. mode" where he is looking out for Jazz's well being, as well as giving her the scenes she needs. Even the reason he chooses to bid on her is based more on a need to help and cherish her. I can't wait to look for more books by Ms. Clark.

Control by Dani Rene - What can I even say about Kaelin and Jed... He is the famous rock star. She's the daughter of his agent. She has had a crush on him for years, and he can't stand the sight of her. At least that's what she thinks. This story is going to warm you up quickly. It is intense in both their emotional connection and the play they enter into. All I can say is OMG!!! I found myself holding my breath right along with Kaelin and I never wanted this one to end.

That leads us to the Conclusion by Livia Grant and Jennifer Bene - UGH!!! That ending KILLED ME! OK, not really. I loved the glimpse into the clean up of the night, but that tease about Madison and Trevor is just plain mean.

Each of the stories in this one bring something unique to the set, so there is really something for everyone, and even the stories that I didn't think I would enjoy too much made me fall in love, and lust, to the point where I want more. I'm already anxiously waiting for my next visit to Black Light.