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: Crystal Genie by Opal Carew

ISBN 978-1-60310-479-1
Genre: Erotic Romance
(c) June 2010, Red Sage Publishing
Opal Carew's website

Rating: 4 stars

Available in Red Sage Publishing (ebook)

"A lovely and original retelling of the story of the magic lamp!"

Celeste discovered a genie in the crystal quartz stone that she bought, but not just any genie, but a gorgeous hunk of a man. Zurvan, the genie, was trapped in the stone for 30 centuries by another djinn, a woman, who wanted Zurvan's love and when she couldn't get it, punished him by imprisoning him in the stone and forcing him to grant each master (the one who called him out of the stone) three wishes...

Sound familiar? Crystal Genie has its basis on Aladdin's story, but that's as far as it goes. Opal Carew wrote a highly original short story that would leave you hot and bothered and make you think about what love truly is.

And no, the extremely hot and wonderful sex wasn't part of the wishes. It was freely given by Zurvan who ached for Celeste, having gone without a woman for three thousand years. And in the process, they discovered something wonderful about each other, something that I couldn't say because it would be a spoiler. All I can say is that love makes everything worth it, whatever the outcome, and the end came with a twist that would make you smile, although it did raise up a question in my mind because it was a bit inconsistent with some of the other facts. (You can email me at silverwinters1(@)gmail(.)com if you want to know what it is or to discuss the story in detail, with spoilers. LOL)

Available in Red Sage Publishing (ebook)

REVIEW: My Lady's Pleasure by Alice Gaines

ISBN 978-1-60310-469-2

Series: Three Kinds of Wicked anthology

Genre: Erotic Romance, Historical Romance, Menage a Trois

(c) May 2010, Red Sage Publishing

Rating: 4 stars

Available in Red Sage Publishing (ebook).

"Hot, sweet and very romantic. Perfect love story to curl up with on a rainy day."

When Viking invaders overran Castle Randmead, Lady Josalyn had no choice but to surrender, not if she wanted to save what remained of her people. She didn't want to be attracted to the Viking leader Ulric, but he affected her in ways she thought only her ideal English prince would. To secure the holdings and the people's approval, Ulric sought to marry Josalyn, but he knew from the moment he set eyes on her, he's also attracted to her and wanted her in his bed.

But Josalyn was shy, a virgin and from her actions, showed that she wasn't particularly predisposed toward Ulric. Hence, when a traveling bard Trey offered his services with potions that would help Ulric win his bride in exchange for the pleasure of joining their marriage bed, Ulric couldn't refuse...

This story is part of the Three Kinds of Wicked anthology, where Trey, as part of his punishment, had to travel through time uniting lovers before he could be reunited with his own love, Sage. Though we see things from Trey's point of view only at the end, that part was written so well that I really feel for him, the hope that must sustain him in order to have the energy to go on making love matches for other people while his own love languished elsewhere. And though he gets to particpate in menages with the couples in all the stories in the anthology, I feel he is not happy and that he'd rather be with his love. (Yay! I just received the conclusion of this anthology, which is Trey's story in my inbox! Thanks to Red Sage for the review copy, and of course, to Carole who forwarded it to me.)

Josalyn is a true lady of the castle and we can see this in her relationship with her people and the way they looked up to her. No wonder Ulric sought to win her, but being a straightforward Viking, he didn't know how to woo her with romance. Yet, I feel she's a good match for Ulric, because when Trey tried to court her with romantic gestures, her reactions were very pragmatic, very like Ulric. Though she may think she wants romance, what she really wants is Ulric himself.

For all his brash ways, Ulric is rather sweet, especially when he displays his uncertainty with regards to his wife. He's also the perfect husband in that he sought to give his wife whatever she wants, to make her happy. So, when he thought she wants romance, he gave her Trey and his courtly ways. Now, who wouldn't want a hero like that? Two men to give you all the attention you need. Yum. The climactic scene toward the end was rather heartwrenching at the start for him, but it left him in no doubt who his wife really wants.

Alice Gaines writes a hot yet sweet historical romance about two people who fell in love and were right for each other, but needed to take a detour that would open their eyes to what they really want.

Available in Red Sage Publishing (ebook).

Note: This review copy is provided courtesy of the publisher.

REVIEW: Another Dream, Another Reality by Mechele Armstrong

ISBN 978-1-60737-533-3

Series: sequel to Another Night, Another Dream

Genre: Erotic Romance, Menage a Trois

(c) February 2010, Loose Id

Mechele Armstrong's website

Rating: 4 stars

Buy Links (ebook): Loose Id, Fictionwise

"A must-read sequel!"

Some months have passed since the events in the stairwell. Cassie, Aiden and Leopold have set up house together. Well, at least Aiden and Leopold have, because Cassie has so far resisted moving into Aiden's home. Moreover, she's not fully into the relationship as the men are, and she's afraid that her officemates and landlady would know of her unique situation and judge her. There's also the matter of her job at the law firm. Aiden, meanwhile, is having problems of his own concentrating on his schoolwork, as he tries to divide time between homework and his lovers.

This sequel to Another Night, Another Dream looks into the problems the characters face as they try to make their menage a trois work. I think too few of the menages out there touch on this realistic situation, such as how would a person deal with being in a menage while living in a predominantly couple-oriented society? Especially a person like Cassie, whose work rely on her having a traditional image. I guess, the real question here is: Would the love she feels for Aiden and Leopold be able to enable her to overcome her reservations and make her ready and willing to take the plunge? How would love and being in a menage a trois affect and change each one of them?

I really enjoyed Mechele Armstrong's take on this situation, and I feel the resolution of the questions is realistic and achievable. Though it only merited a one-line mention, I especially like the way they help Aiden with his homework. This would have been a very delicious scene, I think. I originally thought that since Cassie worked in a law firm and Aiden is taking up law, the eventual solution would be for them to open a company together, but no, Ms. Armstrong surprised me in this. It's great to see the characters changing and evolving and growing in this story, but this in no way detracted from the hot chemistry among them. If anything, it's gotten even hotter and their passion simply sizzles off the pages, especially with that light bondage scene.

Buy Link (ebook): Loose Id, Fictionwise

REVIEW: The Nymph by Kate Austin

ISBN 978-1-60088-453-5

Series: The Pleasure Club

(c) 2009, Cobblestone Press

Kate Austin's website

Rating: 3 stars

Buy Links (ebook): Cobblestone Press, Fictionwise

"Short, hot read. Perfect dessert after lunch."

Professor Geoffrey Jones contracted the services of The Pleasure Club to make his fantasy a reality. When he finally met with his assigned Pleasure Guardian, Calliope, he felt sure he knew this woman from somewhere...

The Nymph is truly a very short read, something you could finish in under thirty minutes. The intimate scene of their assignation comprised the entirety of the story, with the POV shifting between Geoffrey and Calliope and their thoughts about the other. If you're looking for a short escape from the tedium of life, you might want to read this and share in Geoffrey's adventure of having an assignation with the perfect nymph of his fantasy. If you want a more satisfactory read with more romance and story, you have to look elsewhere.

REVIEW: Long, Lean and Lethal by Lorie O'Clare

ISBN 978-0312943431

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Erotic Romance

(c) September 2009, St. Martin's Paperbacks

Lorie O'Clare's website

Rating: 4 stars

Buy Links (paper): Book Depository

"Intrigue and romance and sizzling attraction. What more do you need?"

FBI agent Noah Kayne was called in to help local police detective Rain Huxtable solve a series of murder crimes that have the same MO as crimes in other cities, leading them to believe this could be the work of a serial killer. However, they weren't ecstatic to be paired up as partners, especially when they have to go undercover as a married couple to infiltrate the group of swingers to which the victims belong. But their sizzling attraction to each other couldn't be denied, and it wasn't long before they were starting to fall for each other.

Lorie O'Clare provides the right combination of romance and mystery, intrigue and scorching hot scenes. The mystery of who the killer was and his/her motive kept me turning the pages to satisfy my curiosity. And of course, it was also curiosity that prompted me to pick up this book to know more about that world of which I know nothing about: the swingers world and the whys and wherefores of their activities.

Noah Kayne possessed a forceful personality and this showed in the way he showed Rain who was "boss" right from the beginning. He rubs me a little wrong here, coz I feel like he was manhandling the heroine a little. But perhaps Rain needed to be shown this, else she would've walked all over Noah later on. Also, Rain seemed to need a man who can handle her, who can go toe-to-toe with her when she's in a fighting mood, especially when Noah's dominance turns her on. You know how for some couples disagreements serve as the foreplay? Well, for Noah and Rain, they needed to get physical. A little too physical for me, but hey, whatever pushes your button.

However, Noah could be tender and patient with Rain when she needed it, like the time when certain words triggered her memories of her dad and the way she still grieved for him. On the other hand, Rain also satisfied Noah's needs and expectations, as he'd been burned before by a woman who wanted a little extra on the side.

What I like about this book is that there's a real intrigue and crime that our hero and heroine has to solve, and I like how they never lose sight of their mission, despite their attraction to each other. (I've read a book where the "mission" is but an excuse for the main characters to be put into close contact with one another.) Even in their mission, Noah and Rain complemented each other, each bringing something to the table that the other lacked. Clues are peppered throughout the book to prod the reader into making an educated guess as to who the villain could be (I love this part of romantic suspense, like playing Cluedo), and the suspense and action keeps me turning the pages.

Buy Links (paper): Book Depository

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: Love, Unexpectedly by Susan Fox

ISBN 978-0-7582-3826-9

Series: Wild Ride to Love series, Book 2

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
(c) April 2010, Kensington Brava
Susan Fox's website 

Rating: 4.5 stars




Buy Links (paper): Amazon, Book Depository, Barnes and Noble 
Buy Link (ebook): Barnes and Noble Ebook 

"Wonderful characterization, magnificent story. A great read!"

Susan Fox did it again! In Love, Unexpectedly, she takes us on an exhilarating ride on the train of love. Her compelling love stories will tug at your heartstrings and make you root for an HEA for the characters. In case nobody knows, Susan Fox is also Susan Lyons, who wrote Sex Drive, book 1 of this series.

Kat Fallon is the second child in the family, insecure and overshadowed by her brainy sister. To find a niche for herself, she became Ms. Sociability, cultivating lots of friendships, only to find out later on that her friendships were all shallow and she never let anyone gets too close to her. In her relationships with men, she ran at the first sight of trouble, not staying long enough to work things out with the guy. The longest relationship she has is her friendship with Nav Bharani, her neighbor, and consequently, she treasured their friendship very much and wouldn't do anything to jeopardize it.

Nav, on the other hand, had slowly been falling in love with Kat over the two-year period of their friendship, yet each time he mentioned them dating, Kat brushed him off. When Kat asked him to stand in as her boyfriend at her sister's wedding, Nav was hit by an idea so crazy that if he could pull it off, he just might get his heart's desire.

Ms. Fox excels in characterization and character development. As I read, I could see that Kat is so different from Theresa (the heroine in Sex Drive), and I like how we learn to know about Kat at the same time that she discovers things about herself and her family. Kat and her sisters are close as siblings could be, with the usual squabbles, and it was fun to see this family dynamic in their interactions and even better to see them move past their misconceptions about each other and develop a more mature relationship.

(It reminds me of me and my own siblings, and coincidentally [perhaps not?] the middle sibling is also Mr. Sociability, the one with the most number of friends among the three of us.)

As for Nav, I love the hope that burns bright in his heart and the persistence with which he pursued Kat, never giving up despite the numerous brush-offs she'd given him. I like that in a man, one who knows what he wants and goes after it, but of course, he shouldn't bulldoze her into accepting him. Which Nav doesn't. He just opens her eyes and mind to possibilities and waits for her to come to her own conclusions. Sexy traits in a man, and even sexier is his confidence, especially when there was no encouragement or whatever from Kat. Nav, end of Chapter 1: 

"Token good guy? Screw that.
He was going to be the sexy guy on the train." 

Their encounters as Nav flowed from one alter-ego to the other are exciting and stimulating. Nav is certainly unpredictable and one never knows what one would get when with him. I'm sure that was now Kat came to see him--exciting, stimulating yet safe. I don't believe for one moment that Kat failed to remember that he was Nav, in whatever guise he put on. And we can see this in the way she sometimes lapsed into thinking of him as Nav and the desperate way she convinced herself that he was Pritam or Dhiraj. I think she recognized subconsciously that he was giving her a reason to indulge in their attraction and she seized upon it, because she wanted it as well.

The set up disturbed me a bit, because Kat comes across as someone who wants to have her cake and eat it and not have to own up to the responsiblity. A bit cowardly and not as likeable as Theresa (Sex Drive).

However, I like the way we get to see what happens after the end of events in Sex Drive and how Kat's family interacted with Nav. Love, Unexpectedly is a great read in itself and as part of the series. I anxiously await the third in the series, flaky sister Jenna's story. I know I've labeled her as flaky, and may I say I "borrowed" the term from the books, but we all know that things aren't always what they seem. Plus, as I've said, Susan Fox aka Susan Lyons, is great at character development and characterization. Thus, it would be interesting to see Jenna as seen from Jenna's eyes.

As with Sex Drive, this book is written in alternate points of view per chapter, with Nav in third person POV and Kat in first person POV. Like I said, it didn't bother me, however, I find myself being more interested to read Nav's chapters than Kat. What can I say? I'm a girl. Of course, I'm more fascinated by the sexy hunk.

Buy Links (paper): Amazon, Book Depository, Barnes and Noble 

Buy Link (ebook): Barnes and Noble Ebook

*Note: The review copy was provided by the author.

REVIEW: Laid Bare by Cerise Deland

ISBN 9781419927171

Genre: Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense

(c) January 2010, Ellora's Cave

Cerise Deland's website

Rating: 3.5 stars

Buy Link (ebook): Jasmine Jade, Barnes and Noble Ebook

"Gripping, suspenseful story with a huge dose of hot, sizzling attraction"

Tate Ryder has been in lust with Anna Stephens since the woman came to work for him two years ago. However, he was crushed when she didn't seem to return his regard, even though he had this strict rule about not getting involved with his staff. All that was forgotten when he saw Anna being attacked outside his condo.

Anna hid a deep, dark secret, the reason for which she's kept Tate at a distance all this time despite being attracted to him. And in Tate's attempt to keep her safe, he would be drawn into her world of danger.

Cerise Deland writes a gripping, suspenseful story and topped it with hot, sizzling attraction between the characters. The clues were all there in the story, if you knew to look for them. The action really heated up from the time Tate and Anna arrived in Mexico and didn't let up until the villains were caught. The suspense gripped me so much I had to finish the book or else.

I think Anna is a great heroine--smart and gutsy and unwilling to put the ones she loved in danger. What she had to go through alone, the terror and having no one to lean upon, made her strength believable. Still, I did wonder why she decided to trust a certain person when her experiences told her that no person is to be trusted. Look how she put Tate at arms' length for two years. But perhaps, in a moment of weakness and loneliness, she decided she needed a friend.

With regard to the romance between Tate and Anna, I would liked more development of their feelings with more interaction (instead of just sex) between them. Seems though that the two-year attraction and working relationship were made to serve in this capacity. Yet how much do they really know about the other? I also feel that there were times when Anna just needed to be held and comforted, but Tate decided that sex was the answer.

Despite that, I really enjoyed the story and looked forward to more from this author.

Buy Link (ebook): Jasmine Jade, Barnes and Noble Ebook

REVIEW: Firsts by Rosalie Stanton

ISBN 978-1-60737-468-8
Genre: Erotic Romance

(c) November 2009, Loose Id

Buy Links (ebook): Loose Id, Fictionwise

"A beautiful love story!"

Samantha and Thorn have been friends since they were kids, when Thorn and his dad moved in to Samantha's neighborhood. While Thorn has been in love with her since they were three, Sam had no such feelings, treating Thorn like the best friend that he was, until the day she proposed for him to take her virginity. Then, she started to see him in a whole, new different light.

Rosalie Stanton writes a beautiful story of first love. Packed with much emotion and sexual tension of the good kind, the story swept me away with the burgeoning of romantic love between best friends, fraught with all the uncertainties and hopes of a new romance. The sex scenes are sizzling hot and I love the circumstances in which Thorn finally declared his feelings. I agree that it's certainly much better than if he'd declared while they were in bed where the sincerity of his love could've been misunderstood. This way, there was no doubt in Sam's mind that he truly loved her and that he's not just speaking because of the sex. I love this book and the author's voice so much I'm looking forward to her future offerings.

Rating: 5 stars









Buy Links (ebook): Loose Id, Fictionwise

REVIEW: Playing For Real by Madison Blake

ISBN 9781419918544
Genre: Erotic Romance, GLBT, Menage a trois

(c) November 2008, Elllora's Cave

Madison Blake's website

Buy Link (ebook): Jasmine Jade

"Scorching hot, unbelievable sexual tension!"

Shelli Madison enjoyed her deep and close friendships with Adrian Greene and Ethan Hunter, and she couldn't be happier when the two men fell in love with each other. However, one night at her company's dinner opened her eyes and heart to new feelings about her best friends. But Shelli was torn by her lust for them, as she didn't want to lose their friendships. Until the night the men forced her hand and engaged her in a delicious game that Shelli couldn't, and had no wish to, resist.

Ms Madison keeps me in tenterhooks all throughout the book! She creates these believable characters and places them in angst-and-sexual-tension filled situations that has me with my eyes glued to my laptop as I scrolled down to read as fast as I could (after I ran to the freezer for some ice cubes, of course). Adrian and Ethan are amazingly hot and hunky, and the way they try to seduce Shelli... Whew! I wish I were in her shoes. Ms Madison also imaginatively creates an erotic version of the game Chutes and Ladders (or Snakes and Ladders) and I know I'll never look at that game the same way ever again.

If there's a sequel, I'm getting it. In fact, I'm looking forward to reading Ms. Madison's other books.

Rating: 4.5 stars

 

Buy Link (ebook): Jasmine Jade

REVIEW: The Man by Mechele Armstrong

ISBN 978-1-60737-486-2

Series: Settler's Mine, Book 5

(c) December 2009, Loose Id

Mechele Armstrong's website

Buy Links (ebook): Loose Id

"Sexy and sizzling hot, full of emotions and angst"

Years ago, Colton left Michipi on Settler's Mine for reasons of his own, despite the fact that she was his mate. Now, with another mate (Larkin) in tow, he's come back to claim her. Having her heart broken when he left, Michipi didn't dare believe Colton's promises again and it seemed her worst fears came true when, in giving her and Larkin time to bond, they couldn't find Colton anywhere afterwards...

Mechele Armstrong writes sizzling hot intimate scenes with the emotional development to back it up. Though Michipi felt betrayed by Colton's leaving years ago, deep within her, she still loved him and longed for her mate. Thus, his re-appearance rendered her with conflicting emotions, especially when she realized he'd found another mate on his travels. I like that though she was eventually convinced with his good intentions when he left her before (I won't reveal why so you can enjoy the story), she was understandably hurt and doubtful when he disappeared once again. Michipi, as a heroine, is strong yet flawed, and her deficiency is one which we can all empathize with as love brings with it the heights of ecstasy and the lows of uncertainty and doubt.

Overall, the story is enjoyable, with its mix of romance and action. I haven't read books 1 to 4 of this series and this in no way detracted from my enjoyment. That said, I would've loved to know more about Larkin. He is refreshingly simple about love and how a mate should behave and I think, naive, because some things cannot be so easily forgiven and forgotten.

Rating: 4 stars

Buy Links (ebook): Loose Id

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

SNEAK PEEK: The Man by Mechele Armstrong

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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

SNEAK PEEK: Sex On The Beach by Susan Lyons

ISBN 978-0425232163

(c) January 2010, Berkley Trade

Susan Lyons' website 

Sex On The Beach is Susan's newest release! It's an erotic contemporary romance featuring three couples who were brought together by a wedding in Belize. I haven't read it yet, but from the excerpts I've read, it's sure to be hot!

THE STORY

 
An exotic wedding turns into an erotic escapade for three unlikely couples who find lust—and maybe even love—on the white sands of Belize. Get ready to get wet!

"War of the Sexes" 
When wedding planner Sarah McCann learns that the groom's best friend, Free Lafontaine, intends to save his pal from the mistake of marriage, it's an all-out war between the sexes. Turns out, the prize could be much more than either of them expected, and this war just may have two winners.

"Sex With the Proper Stranger"
Model Tamiko Sato comes to the wedding as arm-candy for the groom's deep-in-the-closet uncle. What's she to do when resort manager Ric Nuñez proves far too tempting? Ric just might be the man who can help her heal the wounds left by past abuse, and open her heart to love.

"Sexy Exes"
Giovanna Moncrieff and her ex, James, mix as well as Italian olive oil and English tonic water. How embarrassing—and exciting!—to find that their passion for each other still burns hot and heavy. Is it possible to find true love the second time around?

Excerpt:

This is from the second story, "Sex With The Proper Stranger." Tamiko, a gorgeous New York model, has a history of abuse and is very surprised to find herself attracted to Ric, the owner of the resort in Belize. 

She sank down on the towel on the moonlit beach, sitting with her legs curled to one side.

Ric sprawled beside her, a man at ease with his body. He held up the bottle he'd brought. "I'd have brought a picnic basket, proper glasses, but if anyone had seen me, it would have looked suspicious."

"What's in the bottle?"

White teeth flashed. "Sex on the beach."

"Seriously?"

"Is it too cliché?" He unscrewed the lid and handed her the bottle.

Not cliché, but it didn't help her nerves. Of course he was expecting sex, even though he'd said he would go slow.

She took a sip, hoping the alcohol would loosen her up.

When she handed him the bottle, he drank, too. She liked the intimacy of his lips covering the place where hers had been, liked the way he threw his head back, and his throat rippled as he swallowed. He was so physical compared to the men she knew in Manhattan, so outdoorsy and natural, yet just as intelligent and successful.

"I like your style, Ricardo," she said shyly.

"I like yours." He touched the flower she'd tucked behind her ear. "You're wearing a hibiscus again. It suits you." His fingers plucked it from her hair and brushed its petals across her cheek.

She'd worn it because it made her think of him. And in hopes it would make her feel new and fresh, sensual and free.

He drifted the blossom across her lips then down her neck, and she arched, shivering with pleasure at the gentle, sensuous touch. The hibiscus traced the neckline of her sundress, lingered in the cleft between her small breasts. He tucked it there, like a decoration, and the tight top of her dress held it in place.

His touch made her body hum, her nipples tighten, but she tensed. Would he reach under her dress, fondle her breasts? Did she want him to?

Instead, he used both hands to smooth her long hair behind her ears, running his fingers through it again and again. "Like silk," he said. "A waterfall of black silk."

She'd wanted to touch his hair since she'd first seen him, and now she did. It might be the same color as hers, but the texture was the opposite. It was so thick and almost wiry, she couldn't weave her fingers through it. She chuckled. "How do you comb it?"

"Fro pick," he said. "My dad was African American. When I was in my teens, I had dreads."

"I like it like this." The conventional choice for a businessman would have been to cut it short, but she was glad he hadn't. "It's sexy." Wasn't there supposed to be a tie between a man's hair and his virility?

"You're sexy." He leaned toward her and touched his lips to hers, light as a butterfly wing or hibiscus petal.

Nice. Not the least bit threatening, just tantalizing.

"More," she whispered against his mouth.

He began to kiss her the way he had in his office, teasing her flesh until she opened her lips and begged him to come inside.

The times she'd had sex, nothing had felt natural to her, not even the kissing and foreplay. She'd felt pressured and anxious. Inhibited, scared.

But with Ric, kissing was wonderful. He took things so slowly, she could savor, enjoy the heady pulse of growing arousal.

And she did the same things back to him, not because she had to but because she wanted to.

He clasped her shoulders and tipped her backward until she was lying on the towel with him leaning over her, and for a moment she felt the familiar, instinctive panic. But he didn't quicken the pace, just nibbled her lips and explored her mouth with his tongue, and soon her tongue was slow dancing with his again.

Her arms circled his back, and his soft T-shirt brushed her chest. Last night his torso had been bare, and she wanted that again. She wanted to see him, to feel his firm, warm brownness. She tugged on the shirt, pulling it upward.

He broke the kiss, peeled the shirt over his head, tossed it aside, then waited for her to decide what to do next.

What she did was stare. Ric could have been a model. Put him in an ad for expensive cars, watches, or cologne, and buyers would flock to the stores.

But that would never be his world. Taking him to New York and sticking him in front of cameras and lights would be like caging one of those soaring black frigate birds.
 
She stroked his skin wonderingly. Her fingers weren't used to touching people in anything but the most superficial way, and now they lingered.

His skin quivered under her touch, but other than that, he didn't move, as if he sensed she needed to be in control.

Muscles, strength. And yet he didn't scare her. Power and gentleness were a potent combination, one that made a hungry pulse beat between her legs, a throb of arousal that was so rare, so welcome.

His skin was smooth, rich chocolate. She raised her head and licked his shoulder, almost surprised to find the taste of salt on her tongue rather than chocolate. "You taste good," she whispered. "You feel good."

Leaning on one arm, he lifted the hair that fell over her shoulder and kissed the skin he'd revealed: the cap of her shoulder, her neck, the vulnerable hollow at the base of her throat where her pulse fluttered.

He reached behind her and touched the top of the zipper that ran down the back of her sundress. "Yes?"

She wanted those kisses to move lower, wanted his tongue to lave her aching nipples. "Yes."

He drew the zipper down slowly, fingers brushing the knobs of her spine with soft deliberation.

As the dress loosened, the blossom it had held in place tumbled free, drifting down between her breasts.

When he'd lowered the zipper fully, he circled the base of her spine with his thumb, brushing the upper curves of her buttocks, the cleft between.

As he slowly drew her dress straps over her shoulders and began to ease the top of her dress over her breasts, she had a nervous impulse to cross her arms over her chest and stop him.

Yes, she wanted his touch, but she had a fashion model's body: skinny, with barely there hips, butt, and breasts. The camera loved her, but was she woman enough to please a vital man like Ric?

Time to find out.

As he stared at the body he was revealing inch by inch, she watched his face. She saw the glitter of his eyes, the flare of his nostrils, the way his lips parted.
 
The dress cleared her breasts, the cotton whispered across her ribs, her flat stomach. The hibiscus flower tumbled to the towel beside her.

She lifted up so he could keep going. Now her lower body, clad only in a tiny flesh-colored thong, was exposed, and then he was pulling her dress off.

"You lying there in the moonlight . . ." His voice was husky. "Someone should paint that picture. You're so lovely. A moon goddess."

"Not a goddess. Just a woman." A woman who had never, before coming to Belize, felt the breath of a tropical night on her naked skin or yearned for a man's touch the way she craved Ric's.


Interested to read more?

Buy Links (paper): Amazon, Book Depository, Barnes and Noble 
Buy Link (ebook): Barnes and Noble Ebook

Enter for the chance to win an autographed copy of Sex On The Beach!

How to Enter:  You can do any or all of the following:
1. Comment on any of the posts on January 13 and 14.
2. Ask questions. Susan will be dropping by the blog from time to time and will answer any questions you might have.
3. Answer any one or both questions below: ("stolen" from Susan's book discussion questions in Sex On The Beach. More on her website.)

From "War of the Sexes": Sarah believes that pheromones are a product of evolution, of centuries of Darwinian fine-tuning, honing the mating instinct. What do you think?

From "Sexy Eyes": What is the opposite of love: hatred or indifference?

Who Can Enter: Anybody on this planet.

Contest Deadline:  11:59pm EST on January 14, 2010

Winner Announcement:  The name of the winner will be posted on the blog on January 15, 2010. Instructions will be given then on how to claim the prize.

* Check out our review of Sex Drive and Interview with Susan Lyons!

REVIEW: Sex Drive by Susan Lyons

ISBN 9780758238252

Series: Wild Ride to Love, Book 1

(c) December 2009, Aphrodisia, Kensington

Susan Lyons' website

Buy Links (paper): Amazon, Book Depository, Barnes and Noble
Buy Link (ebook): Barnes and Noble Ebook

"Characters that wrap around your heart, sizzling passion, a true romance. What's not to love?"

Sex Drive truly is one Wild Ride to Love! The title alone tells me this book is gonna be one yummy read.

As I understand it, the four books in the series will feature a particular type of transportation wherein the characters will meet and mayhem--delicious ones, that is--ensues. In Sex Drive, the characters are seatmates on the long flight to Honolulu and our sexy hero initiates the heroine into the mile-high club.

Damien Black makes a sexy hero because he doesn't have any angst. Although angsty heroes make for tortured, conflicted, compelling characters, it's very refreshing to read a hero who doesn't have much baggage. He's easy-going and fun and I love his banter with Theresa, how he makes her feel at ease and how he appreciates her. Truthfully, Damien is a very easy man to fall in love with, not to mention that he possessed the requisite gorgeous hero looks. He said and did all the right things to make a girl's heart melt, and the best is that he's sincere about it. To top that, he's voted one of the top 10 sexiest bachelors in Australia (reminds me of Hugh Jackman). Theresa is one lucky woman indeed!

On the other hand, Dr. Theresa Fallon is a genius who got her PhD when she was twenty-two! (gulp) All work and no play, she's a control freak, likes to do things by herself as other people's work standards aren't up to hers, and Damien is just what she needs to loosen up. It's fun seeing her have fun and gaining confidence in herself with everything Damien does and says. And did I mention that Damien is such a sexy guy?

Though the intimate scenes were hot and plenty, the author takes us through the characters' progressing feelings about himself/herself and with each other in every scene such that the intimate acts don't come across as gratuitous. For me, the first few pages started out as slow with Theresa (in the first POV) in a monologue explaining how she came to be at the airport looking through bridal magazines, but once she's on the plane and found out that Damien's her seatmate, the book takes off.

And it's one wild ride, for both the characters and the reader. I like the way the Damien and Theresa gradually developed feelings for one another, fraught with all the highs and joys, doubts and uncertainties of a new romance. Like how Damien found himself floundering, wanting to say the right words at the right time, because it mattered now in the way it didn't before. I also like the way they helped each other to grow and expand beyond what they already are into better persons.

Susan Lyons is an amazing storyteller, creating characters that wrap around your heart. She really set Theresa up for the "big fall" (you have to read it and see), but I'm glad to see the issue resolved without employing the "big misunderstanding" trope and move on to the next. It made for an action-packed, tension-filled read. A true fairy tale for the romantic at heart. The next book in the series is Love, Unexpectedly and I can't wait to get it in April!

A note for readers: The book is written partly from the first person point of view (Theresa's) and third person point of view (Damien's) in alternating chapters, except for the grand finale/conclusion, which is all Theresa's. Though I was disconcerted at first by this format, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.

Rating: 5 stars

Buy Links (paper): Amazon, Book Depository, Barnes and Noble
Buy Link (ebook): Barnes and Noble Ebook

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

More fun stuff here, including a copy of Damien's Aussie barbecue recipe!

Want to win an autographed copy of Sex On The Beach?

How to Enter in the Drawing:  You can do any or all of the following:
1. Comment on any of the posts on January 13 and 14.
2. Ask questions. Susan will be dropping by the blog from time to time and will answer any questions you might have.

3. Answer this question: ("stolen" from Susan's book discussion questions)

Damien and Theresa met while on a flight to Honolulu. It’s a different world on an airplane, particularly on a very long flight. What’s been your experience on airplanes? Do you keep to yourself or chat to the person beside you, or even flirt? Is your behavior different on a plane than anywhere else? Why? 

Who Can Enter: Anybody on this planet.

Contest Deadline:  11:59pm EST on January 14, 2010

Winner Announcement:  The name of the winner will be posted on the blog on January 15, 2010. Instructions will be given then on how to claim the prize.

* Update: Check out the Sneak Peek of Sex On The Beach and an Interview with Susan Lyons!