Review of "Jungle Fever" by Maria Cox

What's New to Review ~ Wednesday!

Hello again, Readers! Yes, I know, it's been two weeks since my last post and for the first time in months... I failed you. All I can say is "I'm sorry. Sometimes, life happens." Unfortunately, all five of my children, my husband, and myself came down with that lovely new stomach bug that's been going around. My only response to that is, "Thank God that it only lasted a little more than 24 hours for each of us."  It hits you quick, drains your energy, forces you to have buckets and bags on standby & don't even think about eating. Anyhow, we all survived and I'm getting back to things like I like them. Routine is important for everyone. My routine of reading one book a week is making me become a better reader and, I also believe, a better writer. So! Without further ado... this week's review!

The Book:

Jungle Fever is a short novella written by Maria Cox and was released by Secret Cravings Publishing on February 5th, 2014. Coming in at just under 9k, this story was released in Secret Cravings "Weekend Getaway" category and is a spicy heat level four. It took me less than an hour to read and would  be perfect for a lunch time snack. With rather unique characters, I was impressed with the break away from the traditional stereo types. Some would automatically look at the cover and assume that the male was the chauvinistic thug and the girl the innocent princess, but you would be wrong. (I know I was.)

The Plot:

It's Becca's birthday, and after being under house arrest for three weeks because of some dubious actions, her father releases her under her older brother's care for the night. Her brother is a business man and the last person she wants to be around, but she'll take what she can get.  It's a night of clubbing, dancing, and fun that awaits (even under the eyes of careful watchmen.) But its her carefully planned escape from these body guards and the sight of an old acquaintance that really turns this novella up.

Enter the hero:
Jaden is a hard working man. A regular nine to five job and an after hours gig in partnership with Becca's brother. He's focused and ready to move on past mistakes he's made in the past, including sleeping with Becca. But, spotting her in the club leaves his mind twisted as he recalls the incredible night of passion that they shared weeks ago. He knows that she could be the end of his career, but will his lust and love for the woman outweigh his sensibility?

The Verdict:

This little novella promises a quick getaway. And with a heat level of four in under 9k, you know that there will be sexual encounters and quick. I love that the author used a couple that had already gotten together once. Back flashes give you a sense of intimacy that's realistically possible and not just a "love at first sight" scenario. There were some assumptions that the reader would have to make on the HEA at the end, but the characters definitely received their Happy For Now. Though this really has nothing to do with the writing, I must point out that I'm a little disappointed with the cover. The title is Jungle Fever, so you expect a mixed couple and it is written that way. But the cover gives a version of our Italian-American princess a very different appearance. As I said though, nothing to do with the story itself. Overall, it was a fast read, a quick romp in the alley so to speak, and worthy of the price for the escape. So, where would I place it????

It's a "Four Cups of Love" read!

Check it out today for $2.99 at these locations!

Secret Cravings Publishing

Amazon

All Romance e-books

Until next week my friends, I hope you enjoy this little escape! 

Oh, next week I'll have something special. A review of another anthology that I've been published in and was just recently released. "For the Love of Murphy" by Roane Publishing. Get your copy today! Right here! In e-book and paperback!

Cheers!

Lisa