REVIEW: The Initiation of Isabella by Jenna Ives

ISBN 978-1-60504-761-4

Series: Binding Ties anthology

Genre: Erotic Romance, BDSM

(c) September 2009, Samhain Publishing

Jenna Ives' website

Rating: 4 stars

Available in Samhain Publishing (ebook), Fictionwise (ebook).

"Delightful and sinfully erotic"

Jenna Ives weaves a delightful, sinfully erotic story of light bondage and sensuous punishment with enough romance to make you sigh in bliss and wishful thinking.

As part of her initiation into the Sigma Iomega Nu sorority, Isabella Tallin was to wait for someone to pick her up on the corner of Main and Elm streets at eight in the evening. As luck would have it, owner of Fantasies Fulfilled Logan Summers mistook her for his client, and though Isabella tried to clarify things, enough coincidences and misunderstandings abound that Isabella thought Logan was supposed to bring her to where her initiation rites was to be held while Logan thought she was his client. Needless to say, decadent activities ensued.

First off, I like Isabella. She's fun and adventurous and smart. Though she's attracted to Logan, she wasn't blinded by this and she tried to make sure (as far as she was able, even to dropping a name) that the man picking her up was part of her initiation. Only when she was sure did she drive off with him.

Although, I do have to stretch my suspension of disbelief a bit, because I have to say that in this day and age, one really cannot be too careful. What if Logan wasn't who he was? Well, he wasn't her initiation, that was for sure, but what if he was an evil man? I think, though initiation rites are shrouded in mystery and rely heavily on the "no questions" rule, the identity of the man or person who's going to bring you to the place should be made known. That said, his identity should be verified against his driver's license or something before she drives off with him. That is what I would do, paranoid person that I am. Of course, if Isabella did that, the story would've stopped right there, because the game would've been up. Logan would've known Isabella wasn't his client, and we wouldn't have this delicious story. (Or maybe we still would, if Logan looked her up later.)

The story mainly detailed the four fantasy scenarios that Logan's client had contracted his company for, and which he dished out to Isabella. For Isabella, who had a boring life, boring boyfriend and who didn't even know if she wanted to study law like her mother, she was at first horrified when she found out she'd blundered, then as Logan started to caress and arouse her (and she could do nothing to escape it because she was blindfolded and bound and gagged as per the client's request), she decided she wanted what he was giving her, aided by the fact that she was attracted to him. She wanted adventure and excitement, even if just for this night.

Logan is a true romantic. Though he owned the company, this is the first time he participated because he believed sex should be more than just two bodies coming together. Where else have you read of a hero who has that mindset? But because he was intrigued and wanted to know what kind of woman would request for four fantasies in one night, he decided to be the main man for this contract. (Apparently, the application was done online or whatever, because he didn't get to see the woman who contracted his services.) And as he performed each scenario, somehow, he was also bonding with her, not just physically, but emotionally.

The BDSM part is light and so, this story is suited to beginning readers in this genre. There is a bit of a menage at the end, but this story is mainly about Logan and Isabella. 

Available in Samhain Publishing (ebook), Fictionwise (ebook).

REVIEW: Breaking Free by Cherise Sinclair

ISBN 978-1-59632-965-2

Series: Masters of the Shadowlands, Book 3

Genre: Erotic Romance, BDSM

(c) June 2009, Loose Id

Cherise Sinclair's website 

Rating: 4.5 stars







Buy Links (ebook): Loose Id, Fictionwise

"Great characters, wonderful story. Whether you're into BDSM or not, this is the book to read! Hard to put down!"

Cherise Sinclair knew how to twist your emotions into a giant, tangled knot where you hurt along with the heroine (and root for her all the way) or melt at the gentleness and understanding exhibited by the big and strong hero who knew what she needed.

Nolan King is an irresistible hero, especially when seen through the heroine's eyes. Irresistible not because of his looks or gorgeous figure, but for his qualities--the care he took for his subs, his patience and his genuine desire to give them what they need. He exudes power and authority, and more importantly, competence. I'm not into BDSM and I don't know squat about it, but if all the Doms were like Nolan, I wouldn't mind trying it out.

Beth comes across as wild and feral and fragile, all due to a deep-seated fear (with good cause), and I was happy to see her bloom under Nolan's care. Her past and her vulnerability really tug at my heart. No woman should suffer so, yet we know there are not a few women who were in such abusive situations. Cherise Sinclair captured Beth's emotional conflict and journey perfectly, and in the end, Beth discovers that the human spirit is more resilient than she thinks.

As a person who isn't in the Lifestyle, I'm glad I read this book because I believe I have gained an understanding about BDSM that I hadn't before. I have read a few stories dealing in BDSM before this, but for beginning readers on this topic, I would have to recommend this book as it gives one a rudimentary (and I hope, correct) knowledge about the subject matter without being heavy-handed about it. I do know that I'm going to read books 1 and 2 of this series as well.

I just have a slight problem with how the villain was made a non-threat, due to the hero's deliberate intent. Then again, possibly the author was showing us another side to Nolan--how he must have faced similar situations in his stint as a CIA and had thus acquired a certain ruthlessness that made him able to do what must, in his book, be done.

That said, I enjoyed the story and in fact, I have books 1 and 2 in my laptop and I'm looking forward to reading them while I wait for book 4, Lean on Me, Cullen's story (coming March 30).

Buy Links (ebook): Loose Id, Fictionwise

REVIEW: Holiday Bound by Beth Kery

ISBN 978-1-60504-838-3

(c) 2009, Samhain Publishing

Beth Kery's website 

Buy Links (ebook): Samhain Publishing, Fictionwise, Barnes and Noble Ebook 

"Hot and sizzling to scorch the pages. Need ice cubes to cool down." 

Beth Kery writes hot, sizzling romances that scorched the pages (or your laptop or e-reader) in your hands, not to mention your need for ice cubes to cool down.

Alex Carradine comes across as primal, powerful and so blatantly male, the total opposite of his sophisticated and elegant father Mitchell. No wonder Angeline Kastakis was confused, yet she couldn't help but be attracted to Alex, despite the guilt she may feel at lusting after the son of her boyfriend. Not that there was anything serious between her and Mitchell, nor was their relationship an exclusive one. Because Alex brought out things in her that she wasn't even aware of, things that give the word "pleasure" a deeper and more intense meaning.

Alex came on so strong for me that Angeline was a bit overshadowed. Yet, I like that she has progressed over the course of the book, from not liking Alex and being suspicious of him to a sort of "reliance" on him, on his being so sure of his feelings about the two of them being together. And it was this steadfast certitude of his that made her stand firm in the storm of doubts that rose up in her mind. Oh yes, in addition to his extreme hotness and raw maleness, Alex is also very sweet.

For those who like their intimate scenes flaming hot with the fires still roaring, then this is the book for you. All because of Alex, a dominant male who likes to tie up his women and paddle their backsides. All in the name of pleasure, of course. Yet by far, the hottest scene for me is the one in Alex's workout room told from his point of view.

Note to readers: This book contains scenes of light bondage, domination and spanking. I'm not into BDSM myself, but I really enjoyed reading this, so I have no doubt you will as well. *wink*

Rating: 5 stars

Buy Links (ebook): Samhain Publishing, Fictionwise, Barnes and Noble Ebook

REVIEW: In Training by India Masters

ISBN 978-1-60088-388-0

(c) 2009, Cobblestone Press

India Masters' website

Buy Links (ebook): Cobblestone Press, Fictionwise

"Short, fast-paced read with lots of hot, sizzling scenes"

Athena Rochan enjoyed a certain freedom that wives of Elecian society does not, but only when her father was away. When he came back, he immediately ordered for her to be trained by Barik Lugaran on how to be a proper Elecian wife and mother. She balked at the orders, but when her father threatened her with never seeing her mother again, she had no choice but to obey.

Obedience was exactly what Barik needed to teach Athena, but soon he realizes that what her father viewed as improper behavior is but the reaction of a strong, independent woman. Soon, he found himself stepping beyond the bounds of what is acceptable behavior for a trainer toward his trainee.

India Masters pens a short, fast-paced read with lots of hot, sizzling scenes, and the heat level increased when Barik's friends joined them. From the erotic romance angle, Ms. Masters surely delivers on this one.

I like it too that though both Barik and Athena showed a liking and definite preference for one another, there were no declarations of love that would have been unrealistic in such a scenario. Still, for a change, I like that Barik didn't exhibit the usual hero denial signs, but was very sure in what he wanted. Very sexy to be the recipient of such sure regard.

Rating: 4 stars

REVIEW: Savage Lessons by Moira Rogers

ISBN 978-1-60521-355-2

Series: Temple of Luna, Book 3

(c) January 2010, Changeling Press

Moira Rogers' website

Buy Links (ebook): Changeling Press

"Incredibly hot, with more than a touch of romance!"

Growing up poor, Lexa wanted to attain the position of high priestess as a way to gain financial security. Her rise through the ranks of priestesses was meteoric and even Celine, the current high priestess, was impressed and meant for her to be the successor. As a final test for Lexa's qualification, she has to be trained by Dejan, a half-feral wolf feared by many.

Something magical happened between them and Lexa was able to shatter his control, thus passing his test. However, their need for each other didn't abate, and though it was forbidden for a trainer and a priestess to continue to have dealings with each other, they were unable to keep away, until their secret trysts threatened to hurt the warriors they were supposed to protect. Not only that, but Lexa's ambition may also come between them.

The Temple of Luna series just keeps getting better and better! I like how each book thus far presents a heroine with a different station or function in the temple, such that taken as a whole, we are able to gain an overall perspective on the workings of the temple. For example, Avani in Savage Possession is a novice, Zahra in Savage Need is more healer than priestess, and Lexa is a novice with enough ambition to jump straight to priestess and here, in this book, we are also introduced to the concept of trainers giving lessons to the novices and teaching them the proper way to handle warriors.

I would have to say that this book is the hottest thus far of the three, because Lexa's and Dejan's need for each other just jumps right off the page, especially in their first intimate scene. After Lexa became a priestess, you can feel their angst and desperation as they engaged in their trysts, especially Dejan, wanting to claim Lexa yet knowing he couldn't. Despite the hotness, this story is also very romantic and toward the end, a slight poignant quality lends it a hint of vulnerability to touch the heart.

I'm sad though that there's only one last book in the series! Still, it's coming in March 2010, which I think features Celine.

Rating: 5 stars

Buy Links (ebook): Changeling Press


* Note: The review copy is supplied by the author.

REVIEW: Candelabra by Afton Locke

ISBN 9781419926525

(c) December 2009, Ellora's Cave

Afton Locke's website

Buy Link (ebook): Ellora's Cave

"Ingenious and delicious hot, short read"

Tandy Davis travels to Loch Enya Castle in Scotland to experience BDSM as a sub in order to deal with being a control freak. As she got lost in the castle, she stumbled into a room which contained the most attractive man she'd met during the entire trip and the possibilities that yawned before her was endless...

Afton Locke pens an unique and delicious way to deal with control issues interspersed with magic and fantasy. Mainly, Tandy likes to take control because she doesn't trust in anyone but herself, yet this is exactly what Bryne needs to resolve his own issues. Yet with each information he reveals about himself as an elemental fire fairy, Tandy struggles more and more with herself. And we can see her conflict and confusion when her mind thinks one thing, but she does another.

Readers should take note that this book mainly contains light BDSM play. I am not into BDSM, hence I wouldn't know if the scenes described here or words used are technically correct or not, but they're hot with sizzling passion between the characters and an ingenious use of candle wax.

Rating: 4 stars

Buy Link (ebook): Ellora's Cave